This is Portugal
Wild Atlantic coastline, historic port houses and one of the oldest wine-growing regions in the world; Portugal deserves more than a whirlwind city break. Enter Flash Pack.
What's included
- Accommodation in twin rooms
- Exclusively for people in their 30s & 40s
- All activities mentioned on the itinerary
About your trip
Medieval streets and iconic yellow trams, port houses, golden beaches perfect for surfing, one of the oldest wine-growing regions in the world (who knew?); Portugal is so much more than a whirlwind city break or a slow week in the Algarve.
On this local-led immersion there’ll be port tastings and dinner at one of Porto’s oldest port houses. A backstreet walking tour through narrow alleyways full of history and architecture. A private pastel de nata cooking class. There’ll be wine tasting in the Douro Valley, surfing on the Atlantic coast and a 4×4 adventure across Sintra Natural Park – a world of forested hills hiding whimsical castle palaces. Lisbon will be your final stop, where an exclusive sunset boat trip awaits, signaling the end to an all-encompassing adventure that’s seen you experience something different with people just like you.
- Take a private airport transfer to central Porto, a picturesque city with medieval architecture and red-roofed buildings cascading down to the Douro River
- Get a feel for Porto’s charm as you wander past live musicians and buzzing bars before hopping on a water taxi to reach the city’s famous port houses
- Enjoy a privately guided tour of Taylors, one of Porto’s most renowned and historic port houses, followed by a port-paired welcome dinner
- Journey through Porto’s historic center, seeking out spots often missed by regular tourists
- Take a chef-led culinary workshop, discovering the secrets of Portuguese cuisine as you prepare some classic pestiscos (savory tapas-style dishes) for lunch
- Learn how to make pastel de nata, a delicately spiced custard tart traditional throughout Portugal
- Explore the Douro Valley, one of the world’s oldest (and best) wine-growing regions, and visit a modern quinta to learn about wine production techniques
- Enjoy a hearty Douro lunch before boarding a traditional ‘rabelo’ boat for a cruise along the river, fringed by the endless greenery of vineyards and fields
- Relax at your characterful Douro Valley hotel with dinner against a backdrop of rolling hills
- Journey to Óbidos, a gorgeous medieval city of whitewashed houses and pretty baroque churches, set within a classic crenelated wall
- Explore the labyrinthine cobblestoned streets, walk the ramparts to the hilltop castle and sample the local cinnamon cherry liqueur, ginja, served in a chocolate cup
- Transfer to your eco-chic hotel just outside the city for a relaxed evening by the pool
- Embrace beach life with a private surf lesson for your group, led by an expert instructor; cheer each other on as you learn to paddle out and pop up
- Spend the rest of the day at leisure with your new Flash Pack friends; your Pack Leader will have all the tips for making the most of your time here
- Tackle the rugged terrain and silent forests of Sintra National Park on a 4×4 excursion, stopping off to explore the rich Moorish architecture of Palácio de Monserrate
- Stop for lunch at a traditional Portuguese tasca, a family-run eatery serving a classic repertoire of dishes
- Continue your journey towards the golden streets of Lisbon, travelling along the dramatic Cascais coastline past soaring cliffs and roaring surf
- Get to know the capital on a walking tour of Libson, taking in the narrow alleys of pastel-hued Alfama and dazzling views from hilltop Castelo de Sao Jorge
- Embark on a private yacht cruise along the Tagus River as the city sits ablaze with the colors of sunset behind you
- Enjoy a farewell dinner at a revered local restaurant, raising a toast with your group to the amazing adventure you’ve shared
- Bid farewell to your Flash Pack friends, and the charming streets of Lisbon, as you make your own way to the airport for your onwards journey
- Arrive home with a newfound appreciation for this wonderland of cuisine and natural beauty. Feeling sated (it’s time to find your nearest wine and pastel de nata supplier) and relaxed; there’s no better feeling than truly getting to know a new destination, is there?
Our favorite hotels
Here's a taste of the hotels we sometimes use on this adventure. The hotels you'll stay in for your departure will be shared with you one month before you go.
Pestana Pousada Flores, Porto
Located on one of Porto’s most beautiful streets; Pestana Pousada is housed in a beautifully restored building. It boasts elegant rooms, an indoor pool and lots of cozy corners surrounded by rock walls to relax with a drink.
Quinta de Casaldronho, Douro Valley
Set at the heart of the Douro region and boasting views over the river, Quinta de Casaldronho is a contemporary, minimalist wine hotel. Think floor to ceiling windows, an outdoor pool surrounded by vineyards and, of course, a selection of local wines.
Rio do Prado, Óbidos
Earthy tones meet contemporary design at this award-winning eco-chic hotel. The energy-efficient suites feature large picture windows looking out over the landscaped grounds, dotted with natural ponds, 2 outdoor pools and a Portuguese tapas restaurant.
Important notes
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Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code
Fly into Porto Airport, also known as Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO). Fly out of Lisbon Airport (LIS).
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What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?
Ideally before 1 pm. The welcome meeting and dinner will be from 4 pm onwards starting at the hotel, which is located approximately 20 minutes away from the airport.
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What time should my flight depart on the last day?
There are no activities planned for the last day, so you can leave any time you wish. The airport is approximately 15 minutes away from the hotel.
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Are airport transfers included?
If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.
Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.
We don’t offer a departure transfer as Flashpackers leave at different times of the day and many stay for extra nights. However, your Pack Leader will offer you support with finding a local taxi, which should cost around 15 EUR.
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Are tips included?
Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:
- Pack Leader: 10 USD per day
- Drivers: 5 USD per day
- Local tips: your Pack Leader will be able to advise on how much to tip local guides, restaurants, etc. Some Pack Leaders will collect a tipping kitty at the welcome meeting to take care of local tips.
However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.
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Do I need a visa?
Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.
You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:
- UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
- Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
- Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.
Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.
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What vaccinations and medication will I need?
While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalized medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.
1. Consult with a healthcare professional
We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.
2. Up-to-date medical advice
- UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
- US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialized health information.
- Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.
3. Government travel advice
- UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
- Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
4. Medication tips
If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.
We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.
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How much should I budget per day for extras?
We recommend budgeting around 45 USD per day.
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What fitness levels do I need for this trip?
We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness. Overall, the trip is relatively relaxed so no real level of fitness is needed. However, there is a good amount of walking (at your own pace).
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Will the itinerary change?
Please be aware that the itinerary, activities, and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.
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Do I have to share a hotel room?
Please be aware that room arrangements for this trip are organized based on same-sex sharing in twin rooms, unless you have purchased the single supplement.
If you prefer a single room, please note that it incurs an extra cost and must be booked in advance, subject to availability. You can add a single supplement during the booking process or by getting in touch with our Customer Experience team.
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