This unique itinerary packs the best of Portugal into a short window to perfectly complement the 2024 Group Trip to Barcelona and Madrid, Spain.
Portugal has received many awards for being a top tourist destination, and it is one that I have enjoyed sharing with Wheelchair Travel readers from around the world for several years in a row.
Together, we have enjoyed experiencing Portuguese history, culture, and cuisine while prioritizing access for everyone. This itinerary, though shorter than past tours to Portugal, will take you to the country’s most visited attractions, many of them UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making for a truly memorable experience.
Trip Itinerary
Here’s a look at the tour itinerary:
Day 1 (September 27, 2024): Arrival in Batalha, Portugal
Travelers joining this tour from the Wheelchair Travel Group Trip to Barcelona and Madrid, Spain will arrive in Batalha, Portugal by bus from Madrid.
If spaces remain, we will also welcome travelers on this tour who are not participating in our tour of Spain. In that case, our driver will be waiting for you at the international airport in Lisbon, and you will be transported to the hotel for check-in.
Day 2 (September 28, 2024): Fatima and Nazaré
We will travel the short distance to Fátima, a town that is home to the Sanctuary of Fátima, a Catholic pilgrimage site. The Capelinha das Aparições marks the spot where the Virgin Mary allegedly appeared in 1917.
After our short visit, we will drive to Nazaré, a traditional Portuguese fishing village with a beach that is home to the some of the world’s largest waves.
We will enjoy lunch (included) with a view of the beach.
We’ll have an opportunity to visit local shops and street vendors, while also taking in a view of the coastline from above.
After we’ve had our fill of the sun-soaked coastline, we will drive to Sintra and check-in to our hotel, where we will have dinner.
Day 3 (September 29, 2024): Beautiful Sintra
Today we will travel to the historic center of Sintra, a village of magic and mystery, which is the perfect symbiosis between nature and built heritage.
We will visit the Nacional Palace of Sintra inhabited for almost eight centuries by Portuguese monarchs — travelers can tour the palace or take time to explore and shop in this historic town.
There will be time to buy or taste some traditional specialties like “Travesseiros of Sintra” and “Queijadas of Sintra.”
Lunch (included).
Enjoy the mountain views as we ride to the Monserrate Palace, a palatial villa with a lake, several springs, fountains and grottoes, all surrounded by lush greenery with rare species of plants.
During our drive back to the hotel, we’ll appreciate the beautiful coastal landscapes of Estoril/Cascais.
Return to the hotel for dinner.
Day 4 (September 30, 2024): Traditional Lisbon & Fado Show
Today we will visit the Palácio Nacional da Ajuda, the former residence of the King and Queen of Portugal. The luxurious palace has been well-maintained and we will learn a great deal about the country’s history.
Lunch (included).
In the afternoon, we will visit the Museu Nacional do Azulejo, where we will learn about the traditional tilework of Portugal. We will each have the opportunity to become artists during a special workshop where we will paint our own tiles — a wonderful keepsake to remember your visit to Portugal!
To end the day, we will enjoy a uniquely Portuguese experience by attending a live Fado show in the historic city center of Lisbon. Dinner will be served prior to the performance in one of Lisbon’s most intimate Fado houses.
Day 5 (October 1, 2024): The Age of Discoveries
We will start our day visiting the Belém Tower, a 16th-century fortification located on the waterfront. It was from here that the Portuguese explorers set sail on their voyages of discovery. The Monument to the Portuguese Discoveries offers a great photo-op.
Next, we will visit the 15th century Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which houses the tomb of legendary explorer Vasco da Gama.
We’ll have the opportunity to taste the famous pastry, “Pasteis de Belém,” baked and served at the “Antiga Confeitaria” of Belém, since 1837.
Lunch (included).
After lunch, we will visit the Coaches Museum, which holds the world’s largest collection of horse-drawn carriages and ceremonial vehicles from the 19th century.
In the afternoon, we will pass through “Cristo Rei,” a sanctuary and religious monument resembling the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro. We’ll have some time to relax with a stunning view over Lisbon, the Tagus River and the 25 de Abril Bridge in the “Pousada Juventude Almada.”
We will return to the hotel for dinner.
Day 6 (October 2, 2024): Departure
Transfer from the hotel to the Lisbon Airport in a wheelchair accessible vehicle to meet your departing flight.
Trip Dates
This tour, which is sold separately from the tour of Spain, is available on the following dates:
- 2024 Group Trip — Friday, September 27, 2024 to Wednesday, October 2, 2024 BOOKINGS OPEN
Trip Costs and Inclusions
The costs of the 2024 Wheelchair Travel Group Tour to Portugal are as follows:
- $3,350 USD per person based on double occupancy
- $4,550 USD per person for single occupancy
The preferred method of payment is via bank transfer (domestic wire, Zelle, etc.), however credit card transactions are accepted with a 4.5% processing fee.
Here’s a rundown of what is included in the trip costs:
- Accommodation in wheelchair accessible 4-star hotels (1 night in Batalha, 4 nights in Sintra)
- Transportation in a wheelchair accessible vehicle with four-point securement straps and a seatbelt
- Including transfers between Lisbon Airport and the hotel (arrival and departure)
- Tours according to our trip itinerary
- 3 days with a professional tour guide, plus guided tours of selected museums and attractions
- Admission to museums, monuments and attractions listed in the program
- 25 meals (5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners)
- All breakfasts are provided at the hotel, buffet style with a wide selection.
- Includes 1 dinner with a traditional Fado show
- Driver expenses
- Local tourism taxes
The trip cost does not include the following:
- Airfare
- Other meals not mentioned in the program
- Tours not mentioned in the program
- Personal expenses
- Personal care assistants
- Personal travel insurance (We recommend Allianz Travel Insurance)
- Tips/gratuities
- Other services not mentioned
How to reserve your spot in our group
Sales of thIS 2024 Wheelchair Travel Add-on Group Trip to Portugal are open! A non-refundable deposit of 50% is required to secure your spot, with the remaining balance due 60 days prior to the tour’s start date. Please note that a spot cannot be secured until the deposit has been received.
To begin the process of registering for this group trip, please complete the form below. I’ll reach out to you within 24 hours of receipt of your submission. If you have any questions, feel free to send an e-mail to grouptrips@wheelchairtravel.org.
Name*Email*Phone*Mailing Address, City, State, ZIP/Postal CodeWhat is the total number of travelers in your group (including yourself, if applicable)?*Select one1 — I am traveling alone.23456 or morePlease provide the names of all travelers in your group (including yourself, if applicable).How many travelers in your group use a wheelchair? Are the wheelchair(s) manual or powered? Please let me know if you are using a mobility scooter rather than a wheelchair.Wheelchair Travel Group Trips are designed to be wheelchair-friendly, but please let me know if there are any specific accommodations you will need to participate in this tour.What is your preferred method of payment? (An invoice will be sent later)*Select oneBank transferCredit/Debit CardSubmitPlease enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form