Portugal 2026 — The Arnesen Family Adventure

Lisbon

3 Nights — June 14 to 17

Confirmed Booking

Almaria da Corte Apartments | Chiado

Rua do Ferragial n.11, Lisbon 1200-182

Check-inJune 14, 3:00 PM

Check-outJune 17, 12:00 PM

RoomSuperior Two-Bedroom Apartment (968 ft²)

Total Cost€1,387 (~$1,525)

ConfirmationR9PFJ4165722

Booked viaMichelin Guide

CancellationNon-refundable

Phone+351 912 848 555

Breakfast included (stocked daily) Kitchenette & espresso machine Queen + 2 single beds Michelin Plus: room upgrade Complimentary wine Welcome treat €20/day gift shop credit

Arrival & Chiado

Sunday, June 14

10:45 AM

Arrive Lisbon

Land at Humberto Delgado Airport on Delta 124 from Boston. Grab a taxi or Uber to Chiado (~20 min). Drop bags at Almaria (check-in at 3 PM, but they may hold luggage). Grab brunch nearby and start exploring the neighborhood.

3:00 PM

Explore Chiado & Baixa Districts

Walk through historic Chiado with its bookstores, galleries, and street art. Ride the Elevador de Santa Justa for panoramic views of the Tagus River and São Jorge Castle.

7:00 PM

Dinner — Time Out Market

Food hall featuring Lisbon's best chefs under one roof. Perfect for families with diverse tastes.

timeout.com · €15–25 per person

⚽ World Cup on TV Tonight

Germany vs Curaçao6:00 PM

Netherlands vs Japan9:00 PM

Ivory Coast vs Ecuador12:00 AM

Times in Portugal (WEST). Grab a table at Time Out Market — most screens will have the games on.

Sintra Day Trip

Monday, June 15

8:30 AM

Train to Sintra

Depart Rossio Station. 30-minute scenic ride through lush Portuguese countryside.

10:00 AM

Quinta da Regaleira

Mystical estate with hidden grottos, tunnels, and initiation wells. Kids love exploring the mysterious underground passages.

regaleira.pt · €20 adult, €15 youth (6–17)

✅ Tickets purchased · MEO Blueticket Order #37121714 · 2 Adults + 2 Youth (6–17)

1:00 PM

Lunch in Sintra Town

Café with views toward Pena Palace on the hilltop.

2:30 PM

Pena Palace

Technicolor Romanticist palace perched on a hilltop among misty forests. Magical interior rooms and sweeping views to the Atlantic.

parquesdesintra.pt

✅ Tickets purchased · Parques de Sintra Purchase #7182053 · Invoice FS 26001/73205

5:30 PM

Return Train to Lisbon

Evening departure from Sintra.

7:30 PM

Fado Dinner — O Faia

Traditional fado restaurant in Alfama since 1947. 5-course meal with live fado. Deeply moving Portuguese experience.

ofaia.com · €100 per person (5 courses + wine + fado)

✅ Reservation confirmed · Mon Jun 15, 19:30 · 4 guests · Conf# 5WWDUY737DJM · +351 21 342 6742

⚽ World Cup on TV Tonight

Spain vs Cape Verde6:00 PM

Belgium vs Egypt11:00 PM

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay11:00 PM

Spain vs Cape Verde kicks off while you're on the train back from Sintra — catch it at O Faia during fado dinner, or at a Bairro Alto bar afterwards.

Belém & Oceanário

Tuesday, June 16

9:00 AM

Pastéis de Belém

Warm custard tarts at this iconic bakery since 1837. Worth every minute in line.

pasteisdebelem.pt

10:30 AM

Jerónimos Monastery & Belém Tower

UNESCO World Heritage Manueline architecture. Climb the tower for sweeping river views. Allow 2 hours.

patrimoniocultural.pt

🎟️ Monastery: advance tickets recommended — long queues without them Book Tickets →

⚠️ Belém Tower under renovation until mid-2026 — check reopening status before visit

12:30 PM

MAAT — Museum of Art, Architecture & Technology

10-min walk west along the river from Belém Tower. Amanda Levete's striking "high-tech seashell" building plus a renovated 1908 power station packed with vintage boilers and turbo-alternators, paired with a contemporary Pop Art collection. Visual hit for the kids; allow ~1 hour for the highlights.

maat.pt · €15 entry

1:45 PM

Lunch Break

Local café near Belém with river views before the taxi/Uber east to the Oceanário (~25 min ride).

3:00 PM

Oceanário de Lisboa

One of Europe's largest aquariums. The giant sunfish and jellyfish tanks are mesmerizing. Budget 2–3 hours.

oceanario.pt · €25 adult, €15 kids

🎟️ Timed entry — book online to skip queues Book Tickets →

7:30 PM

Dinner — Cervejaria Ramiro

Legendary seafood since 1930. The grilled octopus and tiger prawns are world-class. Family-friendly buzz.

cervejariaramiro.com · €30–50 per person

✅ Reservation confirmed · Tue Jun 16, 19:00–21:00 · 4 people · Prepaid €100 · Conf# 1723671054

⚽ World Cup on TV Tonight

France vs Senegal8:00 PM

Iraq vs Norway11:00 PM

Argentina vs Algeria2:00 AM

Ask Cervejaria Ramiro to put France vs Senegal on while you eat — great atmosphere in any Lisbon restaurant during the World Cup.

Alfama & Transfer to Algarve

Wednesday, June 17

9:00 AM

São Jorge Castle

Ancient fortress with 360° views of Lisbon, the river, and the surrounding hills. Interactive museum and cannon platforms kids love.

castelodesaojorge.pt · €17 adult, free under 12

🎟️ Advance tickets recommended — skip long queues Book Tickets →

11:00 AM

Tram 28 Historic Route

Ride the iconic yellow tram through narrow Alfama streets. Keep bags close and enjoy the rattling views.

12:30 PM

Alfama Walking Tour

Winding cobblestone alleys, laundry-hung windows, hidden viewpoints. Stop at a local café for espresso and pastéis de nata.

1:25 PM

Arrive Santa Apolónia Station

20 min walk downhill from Alfama, or quick taxi/Uber from Chiado. Arrive 20 minutes early. Bring printed tickets and ID.

1:45 PM

Train to Algarve — Confirmed

Regional R 4419 to Oriente (7 min), 10-min platform transfer, then Intercidades IC 572 to Tunes. 1st Class / Comfort, Carriage 11 — Seats 23, 24, 25, 26. Arrive Tunes 5:05 PM.

BookingCP-I5TNU24UOYKA

Booked viaOmio

Passengers4 (2 Adult + 2 Youth)

Total$133

✅ Booking confirmed · Print tickets required · Fully refundable up to 15 min before departure

5:05 PM

Arrive Tunes Station

Arrange Vila Vita Parc pickup or taxi (~20 min drive to resort). Call hotel in advance to confirm transfer.

5:30 PM

Check into Vila Vita Parc

Settle into your two-bedroom townhouse apartment. Explore the resort grounds, hit the pool, breathe in the ocean air. Portugal vs DR Congo kicks off at 6 PM!

7:00 PM

Casual Dinner at Resort

Easy first evening — explore one of Vila Vita Parc's 10+ restaurants after the journey south.

🇵🇹 Portugal Plays Today!

Portugal vs DR Congo6:00 PM

England vs Croatia9:00 PM

Ghana vs Panama12:00 AM

🎉 The whole country will be watching. Every bar, restaurant, and town square will have screens up. Vila Vita Parc's bar is a great spot, or head to a café in Porches or Lagoa for the authentic vibe. Kick-off at 6pm — you'll arrive just in time!

The Algarve

4 Nights — June 17 to 21

Confirmed Booking

Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa

R. Anneliese Pohl, Alporchinhos 8400-450

Check-inJune 17, 3:00 PM

Check-outJune 21, 12:00 PM

RoomTwo-Bedroom Townhouse Apartment (914 ft²)

Total Cost€4,312 (~$4,743)

ConfirmationRXC294165719

Booked viaMichelin Guide

CancellationFree until June 3, 2026

Phone+351 282 310 100

Private rooftop terrace with ocean views 2-floor townhouse 10+ resort restaurants Multiple pools & spa Private beach access Kids club (free under 12) Free WiFi & parking 2 Michelin-star Ocean Restaurant on-site

Kayaks & Lagos Old Town

Thursday, June 18

9:00 AM

Arrive Marina de Lagos

Check-in 15 min before departure at the Days of Adventure office, Unit 1 at the corner of the Marina de Lagos building, next to Amuras Bar. Address: Passeio dos Descobrimentos 1B. Bring printed tickets (or have the GYG app open) and ID.

9:15 AM

Ponta da Piedade Caves Kayak Tour — Confirmed

2-hour guided tour from a support catamaran out to the Ponta da Piedade headland, then paddle through golden-rock formations, sea arches, and hidden grottoes. All kayaks are doubles — you'll be in 2 pairs. Bring: swimwear, towel, sunscreen, comfortable clothes. Operator: Days of Adventure.

BookingGYG32L562WRH

PIN3XWqH3Vr

Passengers2 Adults + 2 Children

Total$157.72

Days of Adventure: +351 282 030 539 · Tickets in the GetYourGuide app

✅ Booking confirmed · Fri Jun 18, 9:15 AM — 11:15 AM · Free cancellation until 9:15 AM Jun 17

2:30 PM

Lagos Old Town Exploration

Medieval fortified town with golden buildings and cobblestone streets. Walk the ramparts for sweeping coastal views.

4:00 PM

Praia de Dona Ana

Dramatic rock formations frame turquoise water on this stunning hidden cove beach. Perfect for sunset photos and a final swim.

7:30 PM

Dinner — Beachside Seafood

Grilled fish, shrimp, and local wine at a Lagos beachside restaurant. Family-friendly and relaxed.

⚽ World Cup on TV Tonight

Switzerland vs Bosnia8:00 PM

Canada vs Qatar11:00 PM

Catch the evening match at a Lagos sports bar before heading back to the resort.

Coasteering & Algarve Afternoon

Friday, June 19

9:45 AM

Family Coasteering Adventure

Scramble along the dramatic Sagres coastline — jump into crystalline coves, explore sea caves, climb natural rock routes. Ages 8+ welcome. Professional guides provide all equipment. Meet at Coastline Algarve garage in Raposeira (EM1257 6, ~50 min drive from resort) 10 minutes before start. Tide-dependent — they'll contact you if the time shifts. Bring water, sunscreen, towel, swimsuit under wetsuit, dry change.

coastlinealgarve.com · ~€45/person + fees

✅ Booking confirmed · Fri Jun 19, 09:45–12:45 · 4 participants · Conf# 347834671

1:00 PM

Lunch En Route

Quick bite as you drive back east from Raposeira toward the resort. Plenty of options in Lagos along the way.

Afternoon

Decide on the day — Benagil cave or resort rest

After 3 hours of coasteering, the kids may be wiped. Choose based on energy levels:

Option A — Benagil Sea Cave boat tour (~3 PM). Cathedral-like cave with the iconic dome skylight, accessible only by boat. Short (~1 hour) and mostly passive after the morning's exertion. Search Armação de Pêra departures on GetYourGuide — free cancellation available, so you can hold a spot and decide same-day.

Option B — Resort recovery. Pool, beach, kids club, long lunch. You've already done the headline water activity for the day; Benagil can be a "next-time" if you'd rather decompress before the Michelin dinner tomorrow.

🤔 Hold a refundable Benagil booking; decide morning of June 19 based on how the kids are doing

6:30 PM

Sunset by the Pool

Return to Vila Vita Parc. Freshen up and watch the sunset from the rooftop terrace with drinks.

7:30 PM

Casual Dinner On-Property — USA vs Australia Watch

Arrive ~7:30 PM, order food, get settled before the 8:00 PM kickoff. Confirm with Vila Vita concierge which on-site venue will be showing the match — The Whale Beach Lounge is the most likely candidate (poolside, casual, family-friendly). Tomorrow night is Bon Bon (Michelin), so tonight is for grilled fish, kids' meals, and cheering loudly.

Confirm match venue: Vila Vita concierge reservas@vilavitaparc.com / +351 282 310 100

📞 Email concierge a few days ahead to confirm which bar/restaurant will show USA vs Australia

⚽ World Cup on TV Tonight

USA vs Australia8:00 PM

Scotland vs Morocco11:00 PM

Brazil vs Haiti2:00 AM

🇺🇸 USA vs Australia is the headliner — that's why dinner moved off Ocean to a venue with screens. If Vila Vita can't accommodate, a quick Uber to a sports bar in Lagos or Carvoeiro will work as backup.

Resort Recovery & Dolphins

Saturday, June 20

9:00 AM

Slow Resort Morning

A deliberate pause after two consecutive water-activity days. Long breakfast, pool time, kids club, paddleboards on the resort beach — whatever speed feels right. Pack for the dolphin tour after lunch.

12:30 PM

Lunch at the Resort

Light lunch poolside before heading to Lagos for the afternoon dolphin tour.

2:30 PM

Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

Afternoon excursion with a marine biologist guide. High chance of spotting bottlenose and common dolphins. Educational and magical for all ages. 3 hours.

getyourguide.com · ~€40–50/person

🎟️ Popular in summer — free cancellation available Book Tour →

6:00 PM

Golden Hour at the Resort

Return to Vila Vita Parc. Refresh and enjoy sunset views from the rooftop terrace or beach bar.

8:00 PM

Farewell Dinner — Bon Bon

1 Michelin-star innovative Portuguese cuisine in Lagoa (~25 min drive). Exquisite tasting menu. The perfect finale. Reserve well in advance.

bonbon.pt · €110–140/person tasting menu

✅ Reservation confirmed · Sat Jun 20, 20:00 · 4 people · TheFork Conf# 1723632967

⚽ World Cup on TV Tonight

Netherlands vs Sweden6:00 PM

Germany vs Ivory Coast9:00 PM

Ecuador vs Curaçao1:00 AM

Two big European matchups tonight. Catch Netherlands vs Sweden at the resort bar before heading to Bon Bon, then Germany vs Ivory Coast when you're back.

Departure

Sunday, June 21

7:30 AM

Breakfast & Checkout

Pack the night before. Light breakfast at the resort, settle the bill, and be ready by the entrance for the 8:25 AM pickup.

8:25 AM

Fatia Private Transfer — Confirmed

Pickup at Vila Vita Parc entrance. Private car, ~2h20 scenic drive north along the coast and inland to Humberto Delgado Airport. Estimated arrival ~10:45 AM — about 2 hours before the 12:45 PM Delta flight.

BookingFATIAF-TR-10391

VehiclePrivate Car

Passengers2 Adults + 2 Children

Total€386.25 (paid)

✅ Booking confirmed · Driver/WhatsApp +351 911 911 977 if any issues

12:45 PM

Delta 125 — Lisbon to Boston

Business class. Arrive BOS 3:14pm local time. Delta Sky Club lounge access before departure.

4:55 PM

Delta 1655 — Boston to San Francisco

Tight 1h 41m connection — move quickly through customs, bags, and terminal change (E → A). First class home. Arrive SFO 8:43pm. Welcome home with saudade in your hearts.

⚽ World Cup on TV Today

Spain vs Saudi Arabia12:00 PM ET

Belgium vs Iran3:00 PM ET

Uruguay vs Cape Verde6:00 PM ET

Tight BOS connection means no lounge time today. Catch Spain vs Saudi Arabia on the Lisbon airport screens before your 12:45 PM departure (kickoff 5 PM Portugal time — you'll miss it). Stream Uruguay vs Cape Verde on the plane home!

Getting Around

Distances, drive times, and where Uber works (and where it doesn't)

Apps to install

Have both Uber and Bolt installed before you land. Bolt is often a touch cheaper in the Algarve and pulls from a different driver pool, so wait times differ. Both run on card — cash isn't typically accepted.

Lisbon (June 14–16)

LIS Airport → Chiado · ~10 km, ~20 min
Pickup is at the P2 short-stay car park north of arrivals — long walk and queue at peak times.

€8–15

✅ Uber/Bolt

Lisbon ↔ Sintra (June 15) · ~30 min by train
Train from Rossio Station as planned. Within Sintra, walk between Quinta da Regaleira and town; grab a tuk-tuk or Uber up to Pena Palace (steep hill).

~€5/pax RT

🚆 Train

Belém & Oceanário (June 16)
Easy Uber/Bolt around the city. Tram 15E to Belém is the local-flavor option.

€8–12/ride

✅ Uber/Bolt

Long-distance transfers

Lisbon → Vila Vita Parc (June 17) · CP train Santa Apolónia → Tunes ~3h20, then ~20 min taxi to resort
Regional R 4419 to Oriente → Intercidádes IC 572 to Tunes. 1st Class / Comfort, Car 11, Seats 23–26. $133 for 4 via Omio (Booking CP-I5TNU24UOYKA). Arrange Tunes pickup with Vila Vita concierge in advance, or grab a local taxi/Uber for ~€30–40.

Vila Vita concierge reservas@vilavitaparc.com / +351 282 310 100

$133 train
+ ~€35 taxi

✅ Train booked

Vila Vita Parc → LIS Airport (June 21) · 271 km, ~2h20+ · 8:25 AM pickup
Fatia private car booked — driver meets you at the Vila Vita entrance. €386.25 prepaid (Booking FATIAF-TR-10391). Estimated airport arrival ~10:45 AM, ~2 hours before the 12:45 PM Delta flight.

Driver/WhatsApp: +351 911 911 977 · book@fatiatransfers.com

€386.25

✅ Transfer booked

Algarve day trips (from Vila Vita Parc)

June 18 — Lagos / Ponta da Piedade · 30 km, ~30–40 min
Two ~30 min hops. Lagos has good Uber supply.

~€60 RT

✅ Uber/Bolt

June 19 — Coasteering at Raposeira + Benagil · 75 km / ~60 min to Raposeira
Hardest day for Uber. Long ride, expensive, and rural Sagres area has thin driver supply for the return. Coastline Algarve already offered van pickup in the booking email — reply to ask. Otherwise have Vila Vita concierge arrange a private driver, or rent a car just for June 19.

Contact: Coastline Algarve mail@coastlinealgarve.com · Vila Vita concierge +351 282 310 100 · Car rental in Lagos

~€150 in rides
or €150–250 driver
or €40–60 1-day rental

⚠️ Plan ahead

June 20 — Lagos (dolphins) + Carvoeiro (Bon Bon) · 3 short hops
Easy Uber day. Lagos ~30 min, Carvoeiro ~10 min from resort.

~€60–80

✅ Uber/Bolt

💡 Recommended: 1-day rental for June 19

The cleanest way to handle the Sagres/Benagil day without committing to a full-trip rental. Pick up in Lagos in the morning, drop off in Lagos that evening — everything else stays as Uber/Bolt.

~€50–80 for the day (automatic + insurance + toll device). Specify automatic transmission at booking and take the rental's electronic-toll device for the A22 highway. Vila Vita concierge can usually arrange delivery/pickup at the resort — ask.
Book: RentalCars (Lagos) · Vila Vita concierge +351 282 310 100

Rough transport budget

~€900–1,100 for the trip — mostly the two long Lisbon↔Algarve transfers (~€700 combined), plus ~€200 in city/Algarve rides. Bolt-first will trim the city rides slightly.

Portugal

Delta via Boston — Confirmed

Lisbon

Almaria da Corte Apartments | Chiado

Arrival & Chiado

Sintra Day Trip

Belém & Oceanário

Alfama & Transfer to Algarve

The Algarve

Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa

Kayaks & Lagos Old Town

Coasteering & Algarve Afternoon

Resort Recovery & Dolphins

Departure

Getting Around

Apps to install

Lisbon (June 14–16)

Long-distance transfers

Algarve day trips (from Vila Vita Parc)

💡 Recommended: 1-day rental for June 19

Rough transport budget

Trip Budget

Confirmed Costs

Confirmed Activities & Reservations

Estimated Variable Costs