You’re invited to join me and other Wheelchair Travel readers on an accessible group trip to one of the world’s most popular destinations!
Portugal has long been recognized as a top tourist destination. For three consecutive years, the country has claimed the top prize for Leading Destination at the World Travel Awards. The capital city of Lisbon was also recognized — as 2019’s Leading City Break Destination.
Last year, I hosted a group of Wheelchair Travel readers in Portugal for the first time and we had an amazing experience. As we enjoyed the country’s beauty, history, culture and cuisine together, new friendships were formed!
I look forward to welcoming my readers of all abilities to Portugal, and I’m confident that our group will have a truly memorable experience exploring the world together!
Trip Itinerary
I have tirelessly crafted the perfect accessible trip itinerary with my local partner, Tourism For All Portugal. They are the local experts in accessible tourism and have the knowledge, equipment and staff to ensure that our needs are met. Based on feedback from the 2022 tour, adjustments were made to the itinerary that will make this trip even more enjoyable!
In speaking about the accessibility solutions we’ve embedded in Wheelchair Travel Group Trips, one traveler shared this about last year’s Portugal tour:
I really enjoyed the tour and would definitely do it again! It was all designed around wheelchair accessibility and the bus had a lift which made my life very simple, the destinations we saw were specifically designed for wheelchairs and made this trip easy and fantastic!
Kate Grant-Foley from Australia
The benefit of this accessible group tour to Portugal is that it opens the country up in a way that would be very difficult to accomplish on a solo trip — Portugal is not regarded as a very accessible destination, but through this group tour we are able to account for everyone’s needs by preparing the way for wheelchair users and travelers with disabilities. There is truly no better way to explore Portugal with a wheelchair!
Day 1 (August 22): Arrival in Lisbon
Our driver will be waiting for you at the international airport in Lisbon, and you will be transported to the hotel for check-in.
I will be available at the hotel in the evening to meet and answer any questions you may have (or to enjoy a drink in the lobby bar!). Our full group will meet over breakfast the following morning to begin our tour of Lisbon.
Day 2 (August 23): 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 3 (August 24): From Lisbon to Sintra
Today we will travel to 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.
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.
We will continue to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe with a breathtaking view, passing by the stunning beaches of Guincho.
During our drive, we’ll appreciate the beautiful coastal landscapes of Estoril/Cascais.
Return to the hotel for dinner.
Day 4 (August 25): Traditional Lisbon
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 (August 26): Free Day to Explore Lisbon
Our driver will provide transportation from the hotel to downtown Lisbon in the morning. The city is yours to explore for the day, or you can tag along with me.
Here are some downtown attractions within walking/rolling distance of our drop-off point that I recommend exploring (at your own cost):
- Praça do Comércio, the city’s grandest public square and the Rua Augusta Triumphal Arch.
- Santa Justa Lift, a historic elevator leading up to a beautiful overlook of the Lisbon skyline.
- Lisboa Story Centre, a 60-minute multimedia tour of the city’s history (highly recommended).
- The National Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Carmo Archaeological Museum, located in the former Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
- Shopping, drinking & dining.
Lunch is on your own, but we will enjoy a group dinner at Lx Factory, a unique space in an 1850s textile factory that is now home to artsy shops and locally-inspired restaurants.
Day 6 (August 27): Lisbon, Tomar and Batalha
We will pack up our things to begin our journey from Lisbon to Batalha, a trip of about 2 hours in our accessible vehicle — however, we will make some important stops along the way!
Our first stop will be at the iconic Queluz Palace, where we will tour its vibrant gardens, which are perfectly manicured and earn it the title of the “Portuguese Versailles.”
As we continue our drive towards Batalha, we will arrive in the Medieval city of Tomar to explore its Historical Centre.
Lunch (included).
We will visit the Convent of the Knights of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and fortress, as well as the Templar Castle.
We will continue our journey to Batalha, check-in to our second hotel, rest and enjoy dinner.
Day 7 (August 28): Nazaré and Fatima
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’ll have an opportunity to visit local shops and street vendors, while also taking in a view of the coastline from above.
Lunch (included).
Travelers will have an option to remain and enjoy the beach for the afternoon, or to continue on 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.
Return to the hotel for dinner.
Day 8 (August 29): The Battle in 14th Century Batalha
Just a few blocks from our hotel, we will visit the Centro de Interpretação Batalha de Aljubarrota, a museum dedicated to the Portuguese Army’s victory over the Castilian Army on August 14, 1385 in the Battle of Aljubarrota.
Lunch (included).
After lunch, we will visit Mosteiro da Batalha, which translates to “Monastery of the Battle.” Construction on the Dominican convent began in 1386 and continued for nearly 150 years. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
Weather permitting, we will drive to see the site of the battle. Alternatively, you can explore the city’s downtown independently or return to the hotel.
We will have dinner at the award-winning restaurant, Mosteiro do Leitão (my favorite in all of Portugal).
Day 9 (August 30): Alcobaça and Lisbon
We will pack up our belongings, check out of the hotel, and begin our journey back to Lisbon with a few stops along the way.
Stopping in Alcobaça, we will visit Mosteiro de Alcobaça, a historic 12th century monument to Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lunch (included).
Following lunch, we will visit the Alcobaça Wine Museum, located inside a 19th century wine cellar, where we will enjoy a short tour followed by a wine tasting.
We will continue to Lisbon, checking-in to the hotel and enjoying a final group meal there.
Day 10 (August 31): Departure
Transfer from the hotel to the airport to meet your departing flight.
Trip Dates
To make sure this experience is special and enjoyable for everyone, I’ve decided to lead a smaller group of 10-12 people on this Portugal itinerary. Unlike in previous years, only one group is available for booking:
- 2023 Group Trip — Tuesday, August 22, 2023 to Thursday, August 31, 2023 BOOKINGS CLOSED
Trip Costs and Inclusions
Portugal is one of the most affordable countries in the European Union, and I have worked hard with my local partners to offer this nearly all-inclusive itinerary at the lowest price possible.
- € 3,715 per person (~$4,190 USD) based on double occupancy
- € 4,215 per person (~$4,755 USD) for single occupancy
Please note that the price is quoted in Euros, with the U.S. Dollar equivalent subject to fluctuations in the foreign currency exchange rate. The preferred method of payment is via bank transfer, 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 (6 nights in Lisbon, 3 nights in Batalha)
- Transportation in a wheelchair accessible vehicle
- 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 (9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 9 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 the 2023 Wheelchair Travel Group Trip to Portugal are open! A non-refundable deposit of 50% is required to secure your spot, with the remaining balance due 30 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 portugal2023@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.Personal care attendants can be organized for an additional charge. Is this a service you would like to learn more about?YesNoWhat 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