You’re invited to hitch me and different Wheelchair Journey readers on an accessible group journey to one of many world’s hottest locations!

Portugal has lengthy been acknowledged as a prime vacationer vacation spot. For 3 consecutive years, the nation has claimed the highest prize for Main Vacation spot on the World Journey Awards. The capital metropolis of Lisbon was additionally acknowledged — as 2019’s Main Metropolis Break Vacation spot.

Final 12 months, I hosted a bunch of Wheelchair Journey readers in Portugal for the primary time and we had a tremendous expertise. As we loved the nation’s magnificence, historical past, tradition and delicacies collectively, new friendships had been fashioned!

I stay up for welcoming my readers of all talents to Portugal, and I’m assured that our group can have a very memorable expertise exploring the world collectively!

Journey Itinerary

I’ve tirelessly crafted the proper accessible journey itinerary with my native companion, Tourism For All Portugal. They’re the native consultants in accessible tourism and have the information, gear and workers to make sure that our wants are met. Based mostly on suggestions from the 2022 tour, changes had been made to the itinerary that can make this journey much more pleasing!

In talking in regards to the accessibility options we’ve embedded in Wheelchair Journey Group Journeys, one traveler shared this about final 12 months’s Portugal tour:

I actually loved the tour and would positively do it once more! It was all designed round wheelchair accessibility and the bus had a raise which made my life quite simple, the locations we noticed had been particularly designed for wheelchairs and made this journey straightforward and incredible!

Kate Grant-Foley from Australia

The good thing about this accessible group tour to Portugal is that it opens the nation up in a means that might be very tough to perform on a solo journey — Portugal is just not considered a really accessible vacation spot, however by way of this group tour we’re capable of account for everybody’s wants by making ready the best way for wheelchair customers and vacationers with disabilities. There’s really no higher technique to discover Portugal with a wheelchair!

Day 1 (August 22): Arrival in Lisbon

Our driver will likely be ready for you on the worldwide airport in Lisbon, and you can be transported to the lodge for check-in.

I will likely be obtainable on the lodge within the night to fulfill and reply any questions you’ll have (or to take pleasure in a drink within the foyer bar!). Our full group will meet over breakfast the next morning to start our tour of Lisbon.

Day 2 (August 23): The Age of Discoveries

We are going to begin our day visiting the Belém Tower, a Sixteenth-century fortification positioned on the waterfront. It was from right here that the Portuguese explorers set sail on their voyages of discovery. The Monument to the Portuguese Discoveries presents a terrific photo-op.

Subsequent, we’ll go to the fifteenth century Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site which homes the tomb of legendary explorer Vasco da Gama.

We’ll have the chance to style the well-known pastry, “Pasteis de Belém,” baked and served on the “Antiga Confeitaria” of Belém, since 1837.

Lunch (included).

After lunch, we’ll go to the Coaches Museum, which holds the world’s largest assortment of horse-drawn carriages and ceremonial automobiles from the nineteenth century.

Within the afternoon, we’ll cross by way of “Cristo Rei,” a sanctuary and non secular monument resembling the enduring Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro. We’ll have a while to calm down with a shocking view over Lisbon, the Tagus River and the 25 de Abril Bridge within the “Pousada Juventude Almada.”

We are going to return to the lodge for dinner.

Day 3 (August 24): From Lisbon to Sintra

Immediately we’ll journey to Sintra, a village of magic and thriller, which is the proper symbiosis between nature and constructed heritage.

We are going to go to the Nacional Palace of Sintra inhabited for nearly eight centuries by Portuguese monarchs.

There will likely be time to purchase or style some conventional specialties like “Travesseiros of Sintra” and “Queijadas of Sintra.”

Lunch (included).

Benefit from the mountain views as we experience to the Monserrate Palace, a palatial villa with a lake, a number of springs, fountains and grottoes, all surrounded by lush greenery with uncommon species of crops.

We are going to proceed to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost level of continental Europe with a wide ranging view, passing by the beautiful seashores of Guincho.

Throughout our drive, we’ll recognize the gorgeous coastal landscapes of Estoril/Cascais.

Return to the lodge for dinner.

Day 4 (August 25): Conventional Lisbon

Immediately we’ll go to the Palácio Nacional da Ajuda, the previous residence of the King and Queen of Portugal. The luxurious palace has been well-maintained and we’ll be taught a terrific deal in regards to the nation’s historical past.

Lunch (included).

Within the afternoon, we’ll go to the Museu Nacional do Azulejo, the place we’ll be taught in regards to the conventional tilework of Portugal. We are going to every have the chance to turn out to be artists throughout a particular workshop the place we’ll paint our personal tiles — an exquisite memento to recollect your go to to Portugal!

To finish the day, we’ll take pleasure in a uniquely Portuguese expertise by attending a stay Fado present within the historic metropolis middle of Lisbon. Dinner will likely be served previous to the efficiency in one among Lisbon’s most intimate Fado homes.

Day 5 (August 26): Free Day to Discover Lisbon

Our driver will present transportation from the lodge to downtown Lisbon within the morning. The town is yours to probe for the day, or you may tag together with me.

Listed below are some downtown points of interest inside strolling/rolling distance of our drop-off level that I like to recommend exploring (at your personal value):

• Praça do Comércio, the town’s grandest public sq. and the Rua Augusta Triumphal Arch.
• Santa Justa Raise, a historic elevator main as much as a good looking overlook of the Lisbon skyline.
• Lisboa Story Centre, a 60-minute multimedia tour of the town’s historical past (extremely beneficial).
• The Nationwide Museum of Modern Artwork.
• Carmo Archaeological Museum, positioned within the former Convent of Our Woman of Mount Carmel.
• Procuring, consuming & eating.

Lunch is by yourself, however we’ll take pleasure in a bunch dinner at Lx Manufacturing facility, a singular area in an 1850s textile manufacturing facility that’s now residence to artsy retailers and locally-inspired eating places.

Day 6 (August 27): Lisbon, Tomar and Batalha

We are going to pack up our issues to start our journey from Lisbon to Batalha, a visit of about 2 hours in our accessible car — nonetheless, we’ll make some essential stops alongside the best way!

Our first cease will likely be on the iconic Queluz Palace, the place we’ll tour its vibrant gardens, that are completely manicured and earn it the title of the “Portuguese Versailles.”

As we proceed our drive in direction of Batalha, we’ll arrive within the Medieval metropolis of Tomar to discover its Historic Centre.

Lunch (included).

We are going to go to the Convent of the Knights of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and fortress, in addition to the Templar Fort.

We are going to proceed our journey to Batalha, check-in to our second lodge, relaxation and luxuriate in dinner.

Day 7 (August 28): Nazaré and Fatima

We are going to drive to Nazaré, a conventional Portuguese fishing village, with a seashore that’s residence to the a few of the world’s largest waves.

We’ll have a chance to go to native retailers and road distributors, whereas additionally taking in a view of the shoreline from above.

Lunch (included).

Vacationers can have an choice to stay and benefit from the seashore for the afternoon, or to proceed on to Fátima, a city that’s residence to the Sanctuary of Fátima, a Catholic pilgrimage website. The Capelinha das Aparições marks the spot the place the Virgin Mary allegedly appeared in 1917.

Return to the lodge for dinner.

Day 8 (August 29): The Battle in 14th Century Batalha

Only a few blocks from our lodge, we’ll go to the Centro de Interpretação Batalha de Aljubarrota, a museum devoted to the Portuguese Military’s victory over the Castilian Military on August 14, 1385 within the Battle of Aljubarrota.

Lunch (included).

After lunch, we’ll go to Mosteiro da Batalha, which interprets to “Monastery of the Battle.” Building on the Dominican convent started in 1386 and continued for almost 150 years. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Web site in 1983.

Climate allowing, we’ll drive to see the location of the battle. Alternatively, you may discover the town’s downtown independently or return to the lodge.

We can have dinner on the award-winning restaurant, Mosteiro do Leitão (my favourite in all of Portugal).

Day 9 (August 30): Alcobaça and Lisbon

We are going to pack up our belongings, take a look at of the lodge, and start our journey again to Lisbon with a number of stops alongside the best way.

Stopping in Alcobaça, we’ll go to Mosteiro de Alcobaça, a historic twelfth century monument to Gothic structure and a UNESCO World Heritage Web site.

Lunch (included).

Following lunch, we’ll go to the Alcobaça Wine Museum, positioned inside a nineteenth century wine cellar, the place we’ll take pleasure in a brief tour adopted by a wine tasting.

We are going to proceed to Lisbon, checking-in to the lodge and having fun with a closing group meal there.

Day 10 (August 31): Departure

Switch from the lodge to the airport to fulfill your departing flight.

Journey Dates

To verify this expertise is particular and pleasing for everybody, I’ve determined to guide a smaller group of 10-12 folks on this Portugal itinerary. Not like in earlier years, just one group is out there for reserving:

• 2023 Group Journey — Tuesday, August 22, 2023 to Thursday, August 31, 2023 BOOKINGS CLOSED

Journey Prices and Inclusions

Portugal is likely one of the most inexpensive international locations within the European Union, and I’ve labored laborious with my native companions to supply this almost all-inclusive itinerary on the lowest value potential.

• € 3,715 per individual (~$4,190 USD) primarily based on double occupancy
• € 4,215 per individual (~$4,755 USD) for single occupancy

Please be aware that the value is quoted in Euros, with the U.S. Greenback equal topic to fluctuations within the international forex change charge. The popular methodology of cost is by way of financial institution switch, nonetheless bank card transactions are accepted with a 4.5% processing charge.

Right here’s a rundown of what’s included within the journey prices:

• Lodging in wheelchair accessible 4-star accommodations (6 nights in Lisbon, 3 nights in Batalha)
• Transportation in a wheelchair accessible car
  • Together with transfers between Lisbon Airport and the lodge (arrival and departure)
• Excursions based on our journey itinerary
• 3 days with knowledgeable tour information, plus guided excursions of chosen museums and points of interest
• Admission to museums, monuments and points of interest listed in this system
• 25 meals (9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 9 dinners)
  • All breakfasts are offered on the lodge, buffet model with a big selection.
  • Contains 1 dinner with a conventional Fado present
• Driver bills
• Native tourism taxes

The journey value doesn’t embrace the next:

• Airfare
• Different meals not talked about in this system
• Excursions not talked about in this system
• Private bills
• Private care assistants
• Private journey insurance coverage (We advocate Allianz Journey Insurance coverage)
• Suggestions/gratuities
• Different providers not talked about

Tips on how to reserve your spot in our group

Gross sales of the 2023 Wheelchair Journey Group Journey to Portugal are open! A non-refundable deposit of fifty% is required to safe your spot, with the remaining steadiness due 30 days previous to the tour’s begin date. Please be aware {that a} spot can’t be secured till the deposit has been acquired.

To start the method of registering for this group journey, please full the shape under. I’ll attain out to you inside 24 hours of receipt of your submission. You probably have any questions, be at liberty to ship an e-mail to [email protected].

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