1. More Info About Your Portugal Trip

1.1 Fast Facts

1.2 Where We Visit

1.3 Weather

1.4 Itinerary Overview

1.5 Included / Excluded

1.6 Hotels

1.7 Room Sharing

1.8 Physical Requirements

2. Getting Prepared

2.1 Trip Countdown Timeline

2.2 Cancellations / Trip Moves

2.3 Visa Requirements

2.4 Vaccinations

2.5 Travel Insurance

2.6 Luggage

2.7 Local Currency

2.8 Phone, Internet & WhatsApp

2.9 Arrival Info & Entry Requirements

2.10 Departure Info

2.11 Airport Transfers

2.12 Packing Guidelines / Checklist

3. During Your Tour

3.1 Trip Execution & Tour Leader

3.2 Free Time

3.3 Schedule Changes

3.4 Behaviour On Tour

3.5 Safety Advice

3.6 Spending Money

3.7 Tipping

3.8 Laundry

3.9 Post Trip

4. Readiness Checklist

Checklist

1.1 FAST FACTS

Population

• 10.41 million
• Capital city is Lisbon with approximately 3 million in its metropolitan area.

Geography

• Portugal is located in southwestern Europe, occupying most of the westernmost edge of the continent.
• It includes the mainland and two autonomous archipelagos: the Azores and Madeira.
• Portugal has a long Atlantic coastline and shares its eastern border with Spain.

Language

• Portuguese (English being the foreign language most spoken)

Currency

• Euro (EUR)
• 1 USD = 0.93 EUR (roughly)
• 1 GBP = 1.14 EUR (roughly)

Religion

• Christianity (predominantly Roman Catholic, over 80% of the population)

1.2 WHERE WE VISIT

Porto (2 nights)

The soul of northern Portugal, weaves tradition and charm along the banks of the Douro River. Terracotta rooftops cascade down hillsides, leading to medieval alleys, lively wine cellars, and iconic blue-tiled façades. The scent of fresh pastries drifts from local cafés, while the melodies of fado echo through hidden courtyards. With its blend of coastal breeze, Baroque architecture, and deep-rooted heritage, Porto offers a poetic glimpse into the heart of Portuguese identity. A city of warmth and authenticity, Porto enchants with every corner turned.

Lisbon (3 nights)

Lisbon, the sun-kissed capital of Portugal, unfolds across seven hills with a view to the Atlantic. Trams glide past tiled mansions and Gothic ruins, weaving through neighborhoods where history meets innovation. From the melancholic notes of fado in Alfama to the modern buzz of cafés and galleries in Barrio Alto, Lisbon pulses with a rhythm all its own. Ocean breezes carry scents of grilled sardines and sweet custard tarts, while panoramic viewpoints reveal a city bathed in golden light. Timeless yet ever-evolving, Lisbon invites you to lose yourself in its layered stories and luminous soul.

Lagos (2 nights)

A coastal gem in Portugal’s Algarve, blends sunlit serenity with echoes of maritime adventure. Golden cliffs rise above turquoise coves, where hidden beaches and sea-carved grottos wait to be explored. Within its old town walls, whitewashed houses line winding streets filled with the scent of grilled seafood and ocean breeze. Once a gateway for explorers, Lagos now moves to a slower rhythm—surfboards resting by doorways, markets alive with local color, and sunsets casting fire over Ponta da Piedade. It’s a place where time softens, and every moment feels just a little more golden.

1.3 WEATHER

We choose our trip dates based on when we believe are the best times to visit Portugal. You can see the expected temperatures below.

Weather Celsius

Weather Fahrenheit

  1.4 ITINERARY OVERVIEW

A summary version of the itinerary. You can find the more detailed version here.

A detailed hour-by-hour schedule will be provided 10 days before the trip.

1.5 INCLUDED/EXCLUDED

Included:-

• 8-days / 7-nights: 2 Porto, 3 Lisbon, 2 Lagos
• Accommodation in hand-picked 4-star hotels (based on sharing twin room)
• Meals – All breakfasts, 3 lunches & 3 dinners
• Airport pickups & drop-offs
• All transportation & activities within itinerary (excluding optional activities)
• A trip host (“Tour Leader”) plus various local experts

Excluded:-

• International flights to get you to and from Portugal
• Alcoholic drinks (except those specifically provided as part of itinerary)
• Water & soft drinks (outside of those provided with meals)
• Additional meals (outside of those explicitly stated as included)
• Optional activities during free time
• Tips (for Tour Leaders, local guides, bus drivers etc…)
• Travel insurance

1.6 HOTELS

As standard, we use the hotels listed at the bottom of our itinerary page.

From time to time we may need to change a specific hotel if for example it’s not available on those given dates. But in such situations, we will always replace with another hotel at the same quality.

Some special notes regarding hotels:-

• Hotel check-in is not until 3pm. Sometimes earlier check-in is possible, however, it won’t be possible to know in advance because it will depend on hotel availability that day (and what time other hotel guests check-out). The only way to guarantee an early check-in is if you’re willing to pay for the hotel from the night before.

• You will be sharing a twin room with a fellow traveler of the same gender, unless you specifically paid extra for a private room (these are dependent on availability, see prices in FAQ section of itinerary page).

• If you are planning to tag on extra days on either side of the trip, we can help book you into our hotels. We can only guarantee this if you let us know more than 70 days before the trip and we can only do this for a maximum of 2 nights on either side. Any longer and we recommend you book directly with the hotels. Note – contact us for rates for pre and post-trip accommodation.

1.7 ROOM SHARING 

As standard, the default on all of our trips is that you will share a room with another traveler. These will be twin rooms, with 2 separate beds, and shared by a max of 2 people.

You will always share with another traveler of the same gender, and we will typically pair you with someone around the same age. You will share with this person for the duration of the itinerary.

Note that we operate this way because – by splitting the room cost between two people – it allows us to keep the overall OWR trip price down.

It is however possible for you to pay extra for a private room if you prefer. Prices for this are shown in the FAQ section of the itinerary page. We hold a limited number of private rooms and these will be allocated on a first come, first served basis (therefore please check in with us for availability).

In our experience, most people are happy sharing a twin room and it typically works out well.

Some Important Things to Consider:-

SNORING

If you snore, then we highly recommend that you book a private room. While we understand that this will cost you more, it is important to think of the negative impact/experience the snoring could have on any potential roommate.

LIGHT SLEEPERS

Likewise, if you consider yourself to be a light sleeper and are easily woken by the sounds or movements or others, then we also recommend you also consider booking a private room in order to get the most out of the experience.

In addition…

If you would like to book a private room then it is much better to do this in advance of the trip! If you originally signed up for a shared room and then request to move to a private room during the trip, it will be much more challenging because:-

• We cannot guarantee that there will still be rooms available (since we will have released our OWR allocation by then).

• Our quoted OWR rates will no longer apply (it will be whatever last-minute rates the hotels provide).

Therefore, it is much better for you if you can make this decision ahead of time!

1.8 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

In general this is a very relaxed itinerary and doesn’t require significant exertion, although you should be prepared to do some walking as this is our preferred way to get around the places we visit.

2.1 TRIP COUNTDOWN TIMELINE

This is what you should expect in the lead up to your trip.

• Book trip (secure your spot with a deposit)

• Book international flights (these can be booked at any point after we’ve confirmed your spot – don’t leave too late as price will go up closer to trip)

• Purchase travel insurance (this will cover for issues leading up to trip as well as during)

> 70 Days Before Trip (cancellation penalties kick-in beyond this point)

• Full balance must be paid
• OWR sends survey: requests flight information, dietary requirements, health conditions, emergency contacts etc…(must be returned within 7 days)

> 10 Days Before Trip

• OWR sends day-by-day schedule, optional activity recommendations & some final info to prepare you for trip

> 3 Days Before Trip

• WhatsApp group created with all trip attendees + Tour Leader

> Trip Start Date

• Welcome meeting is typically scheduled for 6pm on first day. This is where you will meet your Tour Leader and other guests (note – we may change this time depending on overall group arrival times. If it changes we will notify you).

2.2 CANCELLATIONS / TRIP MOVES

The £200/$250 deposit is non-refundable. However, if you need to cancel at any point, you can put this towards any future trip you book with us (in any location).

The rest of the balance is refundable up until 70 days before the trip. From that point the following cancellation terms will apply:-

> 30-70 days before trip – 50% refund

> 0–30 days before trip – 0% refund

Important Note – it is not possible for us to make exceptions to these terms since from the 70 days mark we will commit payments to our local suppliers in Portugal and will be bound by their strict cancellation terms. This is why it’s very important for you take take out a travel insurance policy which includes trip cancellation (from the point of booking the trip).

This applies also to requests to change to an alternative future OWR trip, when such requests are made within 70 days of your scheduled trip departure. 

2.3 VISA REQUIREMENTS

Citizens from US, Canada, UK and Australia/NZ can enter Portugal for 90 days without a visa.

(if you are from a different country, please check requirements specific to your country)

2.4 VACCINATIONS

There are no mandatory vaccinations for entering Portugal, only recommendations. 

Standard travel vaccinations – information online tends to vary, we recommend checking with a reputable source such as those below (or the equivalent from your own country) 

US: 

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/portugal

UK: 

https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/europe-russia/portugal

Please read through these and compare with your current vaccination status (it is your responsibility to ensure you are adequately vaccinated).

2.5 TRAVEL INSURANCE

It is mandatory that all guests have travel insurance in place prior to joining our trips.

Some important info relating to this:-

• You must have travel insurance in place to join the trip. No exceptions.
• We will ask you to provide your policy number and 24hr emergency contact number (this will be part of the OWR survey 70 days pre trip).
• At a minimum it must cover the mandatory elements mentioned in our booking terms (personal accident, death, medical expenses and emergency repatriation).
• However, we strongly recommend you also include the “trip cancellation” coverage. This will cover you for things that can happen between booking the trip and the trip actually starting. Examples are: changes to your personal circumstances, destinations becoming unsafe to travel, flight issues stopping you from joining the tour etc…
• We recommend that you start your coverage from the point of booking the tour.
• It is your responsibility to ensure your policy covers all of the activities specified on the trip itinerary, in addition to any optional activities you plan to do.

There are numerous policies on the market and you should choose whichever is most appropriate for you. Here’s a small selection to consider:-

World Nomads

Allianz Travel Insurance

BattleFace

Tru Traveller

2.6 LUGGAGE

• You can travel with a suitcase or backpack, the choice is completely yours.
• You will need to ensure that your luggage is within the max limits for traveling on train in Portugal which is 85x55x35 cm and no more than 20kg / 44lbs.
• As a general rule, we recommend to pack light.
• It’s worth considering whether you could do the trip with cabin luggage only – this would mitigate any risk of lost luggage by the airlines on your international flights (which is not frequent but does happen from time-to-time).

2.7 LOCAL CURRENCY

The local currency is Euro.

2.8 PHONE, INTERNET & WHATSAPP

In most locations there is good phone signal and internet access and WIFI is available in hotels & restaurants.

Check out the plan of your phone provider to understand if data roaming is included as part of your package. If not, it is very easy to buy an e-sim for Portugal, If not, it is very easy to buy an e-sim for Portugal, in which case we recommend Holafly or Airalo services.

You can also buy a local Portuguese sim. Ask your Tour Leader for instructions.

We will use WhatsApp as a means of communicating with the group while on tour and recommend you download this to your phone if you don’t already have it.

2.9 ARRIVAL INFO & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

This tour starts in Porto and ends in Lagos (we will get you between the two cities over the 8 days). 

To join the trip you will arrive into Porto Airport – Francisco Sá Carneiro (airport code OPO)

Ideally you should arrive at the hotel by 6pm on the first day. This is when we have our welcome meeting and afterwards go for dinner (although if you arrive later it’s fine to catch up).

There will be someone there to meet you upon arrival as you walk through the gates (they will have a sign with your name on it). 

Hotel check-in is not until 3pm but if arriving earlier you can drop off your bags and go explore the surrounding area. 

Please ensure that you have read all of the Portugal entry requirements (it is your responsibility to ensure you comply):-

US Citizen Entry Requirements

UK Citizen Entry Requirements

CA Citizen Entry Requirements

(if from a different country, please check those requirements specific to your home country)

When going through passport control in Portugal you may be asked to show the following:- 

• Passport (have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive and have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area)
• One blank page
• Evidence of return flight leaving Portugal
• Porto hotel address: Eurostars Porto Centro, Sampaio Bruno 77 Porto, 4000-124 Portugal

Please have this information on hand.

2.10 DEPARTURE INFO

You should arrange your flight home from Faro International Airport – Gago Coutinho (airport code FAO). We will arrange your airport transfer according to your flight time.

You can leave at any time on the last day. There are no activities scheduled for that day.

2.11 AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Airport transfers are included at both the start and end of the trip.

The following conditions apply:-

• We only do transfers between airports and our selected hotels. No other locations (other hotels, Airbnbs etc…)
• For those tagging on extra days, we will endeavour to include transfers up to 2 days outside of official tour dates. Beyond this we will not include transfers.

2.12 PACKING GUIDELINES / CHECKLIST 

This trip takes place in the summer in Portugal when temperatures are expected to be warm.

Therefore it is a good idea to have mostly light summer clothing and some beachwear for when we get to the Algarve.

We don’t recommend specific clothing items – because everyone has their own personal style – but below are some things to think about.

Documents

• Flight info (especially important to be able to show you have a flight leaving Portugal)
• Travel Insurance info (especially your policy number & 24hr emergency number)
• Passport (with 3 months validity and not older than 10 years from the date of issue)
• Supporting documentation for medications – see advice here

Things To Think About

• Beachware/swimsuits
• Beach towel
• Sunglasses
• Hat for sun protection
• Comfortable shoes/trainers for walking around cities
• Day backpack/bag
• Power supplies/batteries – for phones, laptops, cameras etc…
• Power adapters (to convert to local supply) – see type required for Portugal
• Sunscreen
• Camera
• Mosquito/bug spray
• Ear Plugs (if sensitive sleeper)
• Personal entertainment (books, podcasts etc… for travel time)
• Toiletries
• Personal Medication
• Travel sickness pills (if necessary)
• Light rain jacket
• Sweater/light jacket for for evenings
• Refillable Water bottle

Other

• Download WhatsApp on phone (to be used for group comms while on tour)
• Set up data roaming

3.1 TRIP EXECUTION & TOUR LEADER 

You Tour Leader is responsible for leading the group throughout the trip, they will be there from the welcome meeting at the start until the last morning when the trip ends. We will connect you with your Tour Leader – via WhatsApp – in the days leading up to the trip.

They will be your first point of contact for any issues during the trip but you can also contact us at [email protected]

3.2 FREE TIME

At various points during the trip the trip schedule will show ‘Downtime’ and ‘Free Time’ 

Downtime is where there are a couple of hours or so free between activities. There is probably enough time to go for a coffee, relax or go for a wander but not quite enough time to go do another activity. 

Free Time is where there is a sizeable chunk of time available – half day or full day – where you could feasibly go off and do another activity (outside of the OWR itinerary). It is there to give you flexibility to go do your own thing and explore your own interests. 

We will provide recommendations of possible activities for you to do during Free Time (we will send this 10 days before the trip).

We don’t recommend booking anything prior to arriving in Portugal as typically most things can be arranged at short notice and often our guests decide to do things with other people in the group. 

3.3 SCHEDULE CHANGES

While we endeavour to operate all trips as described in the published itineraries we always reserve the right to change the trip itinerary. 

Changes may be necessary as a result of unforeseen circumstances, operational concerns, concerns for your health, safety, enjoyment or comfort. 

Any changes are at the discretion of OWR. 

This includes the right to replace Tour Leaders, alter accommodations, change transport, modify the order in which places are to visited, and make any other changes to the itinerary. 

We will inform you of any such changes as soon as reasonably possible.

3.4 BEHAVIOUR ON TOUR

We request that all guests take responsibility for their personal behaviour on the tour, specifically to:- 

• Respect the decisions of the Tour Leader (and raise concerns respectfully)
• Show respect and consideration for the other members of the group
• Drink alcohol responsibly
• In addition we have an absolutely zero tolerance no drugs policy.
• Be on time to start activities as per the schedule (be respectful of the time of other members of the group)

We also ask that you read about our OWR Trip Style prior to joining the trip.

3.5 SAFETY ADVICE

In general Portugal is a safe country to travel. 

Millions of foreigners visit every year and the vast majority of those are trouble free. 

However, we do recommend taking some extra precautions and being more vigilant than you typically would in your home country. 

• Leave jewellery / expensive handbags etc… at home
• Don’t go wandering outside the tourist areas without a local
• Keep only small amounts of cash on you when out and about
• Drink alcohol moderately, avoid making yourself vulnerable (and don’t leave drinks unattended)
• Avoid walking alone at night
• Don’t go off to party with people you’ve just met! 

We also strongly recommend reading the travel advice provided by your government / consulate / foreign office.

3.6 SPENDING MONEY

We include include just about everything on the tour. 

The itinerary was designed so that while you’re in Portugal all you need to do is focus on enjoying yourself. 

With that said you will likely need a little spending money which we estimate as follows: 

• $350 – $600 (US)

• £300 – £500 (UK)

(for other currencies please convert)

These estimates factor in lunches and dinners not included within the itinerary; snacks and water; a couple of alcoholic drinks each day; and optional activities during free time. 

You may need more depending on your tastes and for additional items such as souvenirs. 

We also recommend you have access to additional funds in case of emergency.

3.7 TIPPING

Tips for guides are not included and are therefore completely at your discretion.

You will encounter various local guides and drivers during the trip and if you are planning to tip it is useful to carry some cash for this purpose.

At the end of the trip you my also want to tip your Tour Leader who would have been with you for the full duration of the trip. A recommended amount is $5-$10 (£4-£8) per day (per person), but this is completely up to you and you should only tip what you feel comfortable with.

3.8 LAUNDRY

Some travellers prefer to pack light and do laundry while on tour. There will be various points throughout the trip to do laundry (your Tour Leader will inform you during the trip).

3.9 POST TRIP

We will send you a survey asking for feedback on your experience.

If you enjoyed the tour we would love it if you could recommend us on Google and/or Facebook.

We also have some special offers to those on our trips:

• If you book a new trip within 2 weeks of your current trip ending, you get a £200 / $250 discount.

• If you book a new trip after this point, we still offer a £100 / $125 discount.

We know this is a lot of information to digest, therefore, here’s a quick checklist to ensure you’re ready for your upcoming trip.

Have you:-

• Purchased your international flights to/from Portugal?
• Purchased travel insurance?
• Paid your full balance with OWR?
• Checked your passport validity? (more than 3 months from exiting Portugal and older than 10 years from the point you enter the country).
• Checked that you have the recommended vaccines?
• Obtained visas if necessary?
• Completed the OWR survey (will be sent 70 days before the trip)
• Checked our packing guidelines?
• Set up your data roaming + downloaded WhatsApp?
• Changed money or made plans to withdraw cash in Portugal for tips etc…
• Read our OWR Trip Style document to ensure you are comfortable with what to expect?

If so – you are good to go!