US citizens can enter Portugal for up to 90 days for tourism without a visa.

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The best times to visit Portugal are in the spring (April and May) and fall (September and October). These shoulder seasons have fewer crowds while the weather is still comfortable.

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The official language of Portugal is Portuguese. It is spoken throughout the country and used in government, education, and daily life.

While English is widely spoken, especially in major cities and tourist areas, learning a few basic Portuguese phrases is always appreciated by locals and can enhance your travel experience.

The lighter, the better! If you only have a rolling suitcase, that will work, but having a more mobile bag, such as a large backpack, would be easier to handle. We take private and public transportation, and locations change every 2-3 days. Loading your suitcase on and off different modes of transport can be challenging.  

You'll also need a daypack for your gear, food, and drinks for the day.

Yes, the tap water in Portugal is safe to drink.

When you ask for water in a restaurant, they usually serve bottled water, but it’s fine to ask for tap water instead.

Portugal has glorious, much-underrated cuisine. Meals come hearty and well-priced often paired with good beer and excellent wine, followed by some of Europe's tastiest desserts. Many restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options. 

Sample Breakfast Menu: 

• Continental buffet breakfast, including hot and cold dishes: eggs, toast, pastries, fruit, yogurt, coffee, tea, and orange juice. 

Sample Dinner Menu: 

Please note the exact dishes will depend on the restaurants that your Trip Leader chooses, but you can expect the following options: 

• Grilled Sardines 
• Cocido a la Portuguesa: This Portuguese stew is a type of cozido, a traditional dish made by boiling ingredients. It has many Numerous regional variations and is considered part of the Portuguese heritage, as well as one of the national dishes of Portugal. 
• Bacalhau à brás: A Portuguese dish made from shreds of salted cod, onions, and thinly chopped fried potatoes, all bound with scrambled eggs. It is usually garnished with black olives and sprinkled with fresh parsley. 
• Bolinho de bacalhau: Typically made from a mixture of potatoes, bacalhau (codfish), eggs, parsley, onion, and sometimes a hint of nutmeg. Also called "salt cod fritters" or "salt cod croquettes." 
• Caldeirada de peixe: A Portuguese and Galician fish stew that combines different types of fish, potatoes, and other ingredients. 
• Polvo à lagareiro: Portuguese dish based on octopus, olive oil, potatoes, grelos, and garlic. 
• Cataplana: a fish stew from Algarve, prepared with shellfish and smoky linguiça. It is traditionally cooked and served in a copper cataplana pan.

Sample Vegetarian Menu: 

• Most Portuguese cuisine is meat or fish-based, so there are many options for pescatarians. Portugal offers local vegetarian dishes, including açorda, vegetarian caldo verde, vegetarian migas, and vegetarian francesinha. 
• The Trip Leader can suggest additional vegetarian-friendly  options from the restaurant’s menus.

This should be fine when traveling through Portugal. Portuguese cuisine offers a diverse range of dishes, including bread, various meats, fish, and seafood. However, nuts, especially almonds and chestnuts, are used in many baked goods.

If you have a nut allergy, avoid baked goods unless you can confirm the ingredients.

If you are a traveler with a dietary restriction, for extra safety, print an allergen card that describes your allergy in the local language. 

Moderate. This trip combines activity with relaxation and includes moderate physical activities. You can expect to be active for 3-4 hours most days. An active lifestyle helps, though not required, to enjoy the trip. 

There is a hike that some travelers may find above a moderate activity level if they do not normally stay active.

Portugal uses standardized type F sockets and plugs.  

You can order a European travel adaptor here. 

Portugal's nightlife is exciting and diverse. Whether you’re looking for a quiet meal, beach walks, or dancing to the morning you will surely find it all.

Yes. Most banks will charge a fee for international withdrawals. Don’t forget to inform your bank before traveling abroad. While credit card payments are becoming more common, cash is still preferred, especially outside major cities.

Of course! This trip is yours to enjoy, and you can skip any activities you don’t want to join. Please note that opting out of included activities will not affect the trip's price.

Tips are not expected but are always appreciated. Leaving 5-10 percent of the final bill would be a nice gesture.

Portugal does not have a strong “tipping culture,” and there are no standards or rules regarding tipping. The tipping practice varies throughout the country, depending on the region where you are traveling. 

If you decide to leave a tip, please do so in euros.

Tipping is not required but is very much appreciated.

We hire the best local Trip Leaders to give you the best cultural experience possible, and they receive fair pay. Your gratuity additionally supports them, their families, and their communities.

Tipping is a practice in the travel and tourism industry in all the countries we visit. The amount you tip is up to you, but a general guideline is 5-10 USD per person daily for excellent service.

Tipping is a practice in the travel and tourism industry in all the countries we visit. The amount you tip is up to you, but a general guideline is 5-10 USD per person daily for excellent service.

Internet access in Portugal is generally good, with widespread Wi-Fi in cities and smaller towns.

Yes, mobile coverage is good. The most economical way to use your phone in Portugal is by purchasing a local prepaid SIM.

The leading domestic carriers are Vodafone, TMN, and Optimus. However, ensure your phone is unlocked before purchasing a prepaid SIM. 

You can also consider an international roaming plan with your carrier at home, or purchasing an eSIM. If you use your own SIM, activate global roaming before departing your home country, and always check with your carrier about any additional charges.

If you’re traveling in the summertime, loose clothing that protects from the sun is best during the day, but cover your shoulders when visiting churches or other religious sites. The winters can get quite cool, as can the evenings in spring and autumn, so pack a light jacket and a raincoat too.

Portugal is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations in the world. Recent laws show stronger support for LGBTQ+ people, with progressive changes in policies for transgender and intersex people, as well as stronger punishments for hate crimes.

Yes! When travelers take advantage of our “Switch Your Trip” program, last-minute slots open up on sold-out trips. Visit our Trips On Sale page for the latest last-minute deals. Sign up for the list to be notified.

Feel free to reach out to our all-star customer service team at bookings@under30experiences.com or by messaging on WhatsApp +1 (888) 959-4436.