Central Portugal - Luxury family adventures with Portugal by TravelTailors
Fall in love with Lisbon
Your family clients will fall in love with Lisbon. It’s a safe and friendly city, relatively small but with so much to offer. It’s an ideal place to spend a few days at the start of your itinerary. It’s a beautiful, heady mix of old and new and with blue skies almost all year round and a mild winter, it’s a perfect year-round destination.
Whether it be by foot, by tram, on a Segway, on a motorbike with a sidecar, in a tuk-tuk, or seen from the river on a boat trip, Lisbon and its glorious light will be unforgettable.
Experience a ‘Foodie's Walking Tour’ in Lisbon with a local Foodie Tour Guide.
Explore traditional cafes, bars and boutique shops with your specialist guide while tasting some delicious local specialities. Through gastronomy, guests can journey through history, soak up the culture, eat, drink and immerse in the Lisbon city culture like a local. Visit the iconic quarters of the city, such as Baixa, Chiado and Bairro Alto.
Traditional Portuguese Desserts Workshop.
This is a hands-on and fun workshop where guests are taught three of the most traditional recipes and techniques whilst learning about the history behind these Portuguese treats.
Private visit to Ajuda National Palace, guided by an actress playing "Queen D. Maria Pia Savoy”
History lessons with a twist! A truly fun experience for families, this is an interactive visit to the Ajuda National Palace led by a professional actress playing the character of a Portuguese Queen.
A fun and unique experience, children are invited to discover all the delights of the Royal Palace and can pry into the secret world of Kings and Queens of the past. Where did the Kings used to sleep? Where did they celebrate Christmas, their birthdays and Carnival? What did the little princes used to play with? Where is the bear that protects the Queen? All will be revealed!
Where to Stay?
We love the Palace Ludovice Hotel. History truly does meet luxury in this period residence situated in the quiet but central Bairro Alto district. Wine connoisseurs will be in heaven!
Equally as luxurious is The One Palacio Da Anunciada Hotel , where families can enjoy spacious accommodations, gardens to explore and an outdoor pool. This is a beautiful blend of contemporary design within a traditional setting.
The stunning Atlantic Coast, Sintra and Cascais
Families love nothing more than a coastal day trip. A full day is needed to explore the stunning scenic Atlantic Coast from Estoril via Sintra to Cascais, finishing at the Natural Park of Sintra and its lovely UNESCO World Heritage Site. Drive from Lisbon to Cascais past white sandy beaches, 17th-century fortresses and Estoril with its famous casino.
On the way, visit the Historical centre of Sintra, with its traditional narrow streets full of flowers and eclectic local craft shops. Stop to visit the Pena Royal Palace with endless gardens and grottoes to explore together and then journey on to Cascais.
Family Fishing Trip
Traditionally a fishing village, Cascais has many treats to offer visiting families. One way to truly appreciate the coastal landscape is on a fishing trip!
On this private fishing trip you’ll learn how to fish for the catch of the day. Fishing in Cascais allows you to catch a huge variety of species, such as Sardines, Mackerels, Octopus, Seabass, and Bream.
Arrabida Nature Park - where the sea meets the mountains
Unplug, breathe and allow yourself to truly connect with nature. Only a short drive from Lisbon, the Arrabida National Parque is known for its stunning steep green hills, rolling down to turquoise waters. Explore the bays of the park with a Private Kayak Experience at Portinho da Arrabida Beach, taking in the beautiful cliffs, caves and hidden beaches. Gently kayak around the impressive coastline of Arriba, taking stops at beautiful beaches for resting and snorkelling.
Beach horse riding along the Alentejo coast
Escape the crowds and venture to the vast, empty beaches of the Alentejo coastline. With the backdrop of cliffs, meadows and dunes, learn the basics of riding and set out on a guided riding adventure along the coast. Whether a novice or an experienced rider, this is an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Your guests can truly soak up the great outdoors, feel the wind in their hair and connect with one another in the natural, unspoiled stretch of coastline.
Stand Up Paddle in the Nature Reserve of the Lagoons of Santo André and Sancha.
After the horse riding tour continue with a fully-instructed stand-up paddleboard experience on the calm waters of Santo André Lagoon, the largest lagoon on the Alentejo coast.
Where to stay?
Travel Tailors Portugal loves Octant Santiago Hotel for families looking for a hotel away from the hustle and bustle, but close to major attractions. Situated on a hilltop, overlooking the castle of Santiago do Cacem, this family-friendly hotel is the perfect base to discover the Alentejo.
Travel back in time to the Monasteries of Tomar & Fátima
Deep in Portugals’ centre, families will feel like they have travelled back in time when they visit Tomar. Originally founded by the Knights Templar in the 12th century on land granted by Portugal’s first King, this charming city is now a world heritage site - well loved by families, all keen to explore the epic gothic and renaissance architecture. Separated from modern Tomar, far above the town and the Nabão River, guests can ramble through the Mata Nacional Dos Sete Montes park, with its incredible fountains and terraces, up to the Templar castle which protects the Convent of Christ.
Fátima, a fascinating pilgrimage centre.
Fatima tells a fascinating and mystical story that families will love! One hundred years ago, the sleepy agricultural town of Fátima in Portugal’s Centro region became globally renowned when three children reported seeing an apparition of Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. In this exact location, you can now find the Sanctuary of Fátima, an incredible religious complex that attracts religious followers and curious travellers alike.
Visit the shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, the Chapel of Apparitions, the Basilica of the Holy Trinity and the three little shepherds houses, the original cottages where Lúcia and her cousins Jacinta and Francisco lived at the time they witnessed the apparitions.
Where to Stay?
Stay in Luz Houses, a serene boutique hotel with a traditional and rustic feel, designed with such attention to detail and perfect for families. Designed to replicate a small village tucked away amongst the hills and forests, your guests will find this unique hotel supremely instagrammable!
Porto - definitely not just for adults!
Your guests may think that Porto is very much a grown-up destination with its cobbled streets, wine cellars and historic buildings, but this charming town has so much more to offer families too. Situated on the slopes of the Douro River, Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal and has a fascinating blend of historical and contemporary buildings. Famous for street art and brightly painted buildings, family guests will enjoy our child-friendly guided tours, exploring the city centre and its mix of attractions.
World of Discoveries, Interactive Museum and Theme Park
Perfect for families, this interactive museum and theme park is a perfect ending to a family holiday. Your guests can enjoy a truly multi-sensorial experience and recreate the fantastic odyssey of the Portuguese navigators, crossing oceans to discover an unknown world. With 20 themed digital exhibitions, this is a must-see museum experience and perfect for a rainy day.
Finally, something for the parents! - Private visit to Taylors Port Wine Lodge
A visit to Porto would not be complete without a quick pit-stop at Taylor’s Port wine cellars in the heart of the historic area of Vila Nova de Gaia. Your guest can enjoy a private tour, guided by our expert, sampling signature wines and exploring the cellars and extensive reserves of wood-aged Port. The cellar tours are a perfect opportunity to dip out of the hot Porto summer sun and gain insight into the ageing process of Tawny port and wines.
Where to stay?
Perfectly positioned in the heart of the centuries-old port wine cellars, The Lodge Hotel overlooks the Duoro river, right next to Portos’ centre. Families will love the range of spacious signature suites, heated outdoor pool and spa facilities.
Alternatively, the palatial Vila Foz hotel and spa, with its breathtaking Atlantic see views, is stunning. Your guests can find welcoming spaces, luxurious suites for peaceful nights and Michelin star dining.
If you would like to discover more about adventure family travel in Portugal, or any other unique experiences from Portugal by TravelTailors experiences, please get in touch - we’d love to connect you to the passionate, experienced team at Portugal Travel Tailors!