Tour Code: 28POR
Tour Manager: Dan Brubaker
Tour Leader: Mariana Bartolo
Group Size: 8 - 14
Activity level: Moderate

This 12-night tour showcases the best of Portugal’s history, culture, landscapes, and coastline. The journey begins with four nights in Lisbon, exploring historic neighborhoods, St. George’s Castle, Alfama, and the iconic monuments of Belém, along with a day trip to the fairytale town of Sintra and the cliffs of Cabo da Roca. Traveling north, the group stops in the medieval village of Óbidos and the pilgrimage site of Fátima before continuing to Porto for four nights. Highlights include a Porto city tour, wine tasting, a scenic Douro River cruise, and a visit to Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal. The tour then heads south through Aveiro, Coimbra, and the mountain villages of Serra da Estrela, followed by a visit to the historic city of Évora. The journey ends with two relaxing nights in Faro in the Algarve, featuring island boat trips, beach time, and a farewell dinner.

Sunday, September 24
Arrival at Lisbon International Airport and stay in the Lisbon city centre for 4 nights.

Monday, September 25
Lisbon City Centre Grand Tour! We visit and learn all about the heart of Lisbon: Rossio Square, Mouraria, St. George’s Castle, Alfama, Arco da Rua Augusta and Terreiro do Paço. Have welcome dinner.

Tuesday, September 26
We do a Sintra Village Day Tour, visiting Pena Palace, Sintra National Palace and Cabo da Roca, which is the westernmost point of mainland Europe. Dinner at Azenhas do Mar.

Wednesday, September 27
Today, we tour Belém and visit Jerónimos Monastery, Pastéis de Belém, Monument to the Discoveries, and Belém Tower. Optional: 25 de Abril Bridge.

Thursday, September 28
Depart for Porto. Lunch stop with a brief visit to Óbidos medieval village. Next, do a brief stop in Fátima in the afternoon (religious city). Arrival in Porto in the afternoon (rest / free time). In the evening, have wine tasting at WOW – World of Wine. Stay in Porto for 4 nights.

Friday, September 29
Porto City Grand Tour! We visit Mercado do Bolhão, Rua de Santa Catarina, Livraria Lello, which was a source of inspiration for JK Rowling in writing Harry Potter, Clérigos Tower, Ribeira district, Porto Cathedral (Sé), Dom Luís I Bridge with excellent viewpoints over the Douro River, and Avenida dos Aliados.

Saturday, September 30
Enjoy a Douro River Cruise from Porto – Peso da Régua for the day! We return by train.

Sunday, October 1
Day trip to Guimarães, the city where Portugal was born.

Monday, October 2
We now head down to the southern part of Portugal, with a morning visit to Aveiro (the “Portuguese Venice”) and an afternoon visit to Coimbra (university city). Continue to Piódão / Serra da Estrela (traditional mountain villages). Stay overnight in the mountains.

Tuesday, October 3
We continue our journey heading south through the Alentejo region. Visit Monsaraz traditional village before arriving in Évora. Overnight in Évora.

Wednesday, October 4
Visit Évora city in the morning. Continue south to the Algarve (southern coast of Portugal), arriving into Faro. Stay in Faro for 2 nights.

Thursday, October 5
Visit Faro city, and then take a boat trip to either Deserta Island or Farol Island. Beach time at the end of the day. Have farewell dinner.

Friday, October 6
Departure from Faro (suggested continuation to Seville, Spain to join the next HOT tour, Spain 2028, starting on October 9) or return to Lisbon on your own.

Updated as of 03/13/2026

Dan , a true globetrotter where he has visited 91 countries including Bolivia, Cuba, Morocco, Myanmar, North Korea and Oman. He has also presented at Deaf Youth Leadership Camp in Germany and Thailand as well as team-coordinating an exchange program between two deaf schools in Kentucky, USA and Kamensk, Russia.

• 11 nights in 3/4-star accommodations.

• 13 meals: Breakfast (11), Dinner (2)

• Services of a deaf Tour Leader on call 24 hours a day.

• Services of local deaf guides.

• All transportation expenses.

• All city and/or tourist taxes. 

• Airport transfers at beginning and end of tour.

• All admission fees for attractions and museums mentioned in the itinerary.

• Informative travel preparation packet.

• $100 Repeat Customer Discount per person on your next regular tour.

• Domestic and/or international airfares.

• All other meals not mentioned in the itinerary and personal expenses.

• Travel Insurance.

• All types of transit and tourist visas (if applicable) - e.g. ETIAS.

• Tips for your Tour Leader, Tour Assistant(s) and/or Local Guides

• Tour begins in Lisbon, Portugal and ends in Faro, Portugal.

• Tour will be confirmed when we meet the minimum number of participants.

• When the tour is confirmed, additional deposits/payments may be required.

• Significant walking expected during the tour.  Moderate physical fitness is required. All participants will be expected to be able to carry their own luggage.

• Hands On Travel recommends that you purchase a travel insurance plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected.

We're here to help you plan the perfect adventure! For any inquiries or assistance, feel free to reach out:

Email: dan@handson.travel

With this tour confirmation, your $500 deposit is now non-refundable in any event you need to back out. However, it may be transferable to a future tour.