Family Adventure in Portugal

Sitting right at the foot of the country, the Algarve is one of Portugal's most popular coastal destinations and home to some of its loveliest beaches. West of Faro you'll find golden sands and hidden coves, with the coastline getting wilder the further west you head. This is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy life by the sea.

You'll get to enjoy a privately guided expedition to discover Algarve's marine wildlife. It's the perfect opportunity to observe cetaceans in their natural habitat. There's a good chance of encounters with common and bottlenose dolphins, especially the latter as they often approach the seashore. Other cetaceans like the Risso's dolphin and the striped dolphin are also seen now and then, as well as the occasional orca and minke whale. You'll also have the chance to spot a variety of seabirds, hammer sharks and turtles.

Portugal is blessed with a rugged coastline along the wild Atlantic, making it one of the most sought after surf destinations in the world. Depending on where you paddle out, you will find different breaks and swells as the Portuguese coast provides ideal conditions for everyone from first-time surfers to the most seasoned veterans.

Enjoy a private class with one of the oldest and more experienced surf schools in the Algarve. Go over your goals for the morning on the sand before venturing out into the surf to learn the tricks of the trade. Whether you are just learning to get up on the board, or you glide through barrels with ease, the jaw-dropping views and knowledgeable company promise a truly extraordinary experience on the water.

Europe’s second oldest capital, Lisbon is an effortlessly elegant city, full of old-world charm. Winding your way through the city, you’ll pass rows of houses in warm shades of orange, yellow and rust red. Washing is strung from wrought iron balconies and window boxes overflow with flowers. Weaving their way through this pretty patchwork are the city’s trams, the favoured mode of transport of Lisbonites and a great way to hop between the different districts.

Lisbon has plenty to offer, with a plethora of museums and galleries as well as beautiful buildings covered in iconic azelujo tiles. The city is built on seven hills, each one offering spectacular views over the city and the River Tajo. It is also known for its lively restaurant scene and there are plenty of places to stop, sip a coffee and savour a Portuguese custard tart while watching the world go by

This tour allows you to discover Portugal's capital, colonised by many civilizations through the centuries including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Moors and finally the Portuguese after 1147. You will visit the Castle of Saint Jorge and the surrounding area of Alfama, Lisbon's oldest quarter.

This city is linked with the heroic deeds of the Portuguese maritime exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries. This was the Age of Discoveries and the Golden Era of Portugal, transforming Lisbon into the opulent center of a vast empire. Part of the wealth from these expeditions was used to build magnificent monuments in the extravagant Manueline style. Some of these monuments can still be seen, especially in the area of Belem. You will visit also the traditional commerce zones of the city, with their 18th-century buildings as well as the Baixa and Chiado neighborhoods.

Today you'll visit the small family-run winery of Quinta de Sant'Ana where a local artist will be on hand to teach you all the skills you need to paint your own tiles. After you've let your creativity run riot, go on a guided visit to the vineyards and tuck into a picnic. Quinta de Sant’Ana boasts national grape varieties as well as some international grapes. The moderate climate makes for deliciously concentrated and complex reds.

This tour will take you on a journey to explore Portugal's traditional towns. Discover Sintra where hundreds of years of history and culture await. Walking through the city center you will find yourself surrounded by old houses now converted into quaint handicraft shops and traditional pastry shops. Driving around the mountain you will pass amazing chalets and aristocratic residences, until you reach the 19th-century Pena Palace, an incredible combination of architectural styles, colors and shapes.

The Palacio da Pena, located in the Sintra hills, is the greatest expression of 19th-century romanticism in Portugal. The palace was built in such a way as to be visible from any point in the park, which consists of a forest and luxuriant gardens with over 500 different species of trees originating from the four corners of the earth.

Cascais is a coastal town, once a small fishing village, that became popular with artists and writers thanks to its idyllic scenery. You will also have time to explore the town of Estoril.

Make your own way to the LX Factory where you will learn the secrets to preparing the ultimate traditional Portuguese meal with your hosts at Kiss the Cook. They will make sure your wine glass is always full as they walk you through creating a starter and main dish, explaining the importance of each ingredient. And, of course, you'll get to enjoy what you cook, along with a seemingly endless supply of bread, olive oil and cheese. The kitchen is located in an old textile warehouse that has been transformed into a bustling hub for local artisans, chefs and designers to share their work.

Portugal's second city is one of Europe's most charming. Built on a steep riverbank, a jumble of colourful medieval houses hug the calm waters of the Douro River where wooden boats bob on the surface and people spill out of its cafes and bars, more often than not with a glass of the wine that gave the city its name.

This tour is a great introduction to Porto, its history and its cultural treasures. Discover a colorful city with medieval relics, soaring bell towers, extravagant baroque churches and stately beaux-arts buildings piled on top of one another.

Visit landmarks such as the Stock Exchange Palace, the Church of Saint Francis, the Cathedral and Lello Bookstore in the historic Ribera district - one of the most ornate bookstores in the world with carved wooden ceilings and stained glassed roof.

Indulge your sweet tooth with a decadent chocolate tasting experience. Make your way to Arcádia Chocolate Store in the heart of Porto. Owned by the Bastos family since 1933, Arcádia is especially well-known for its “cat’s tongue chocolates”. Witness the unmolding process of the chocolate and enjoying a tasting served with a delicious glass of port.

Meet your bike escort in the lobby of your hotel and head out into the city to discover a different side of Porto. You will learn about the urban history and discover gardens and other green areas of the seaside city. Explore urban palaces of the 19th and 20th centuries, opulent cottages, city parks, museums and an outstanding sea landscape. This is a fun and active tour highlighting the city's diversity. Some of the sites you will visit include the Teófilo Garden, City Park, Garden of the Passeio Alegre, Carlos Alberto’s Garden, Casa da Musica (Music House) and Crystal Palace.

Discover Porto's old town, bridges and historic landscapes from the river. Make your way to the Douro Marina Port where you will meet the crew, board a boat and set out onto the river. From the water you'll see medieval relics, soaring bell towers, baroque churches and beaux-arts buildings clustered beneath the sun. Enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch and selected refreshments on board.