Family Trip to Portugal & Spain
The Iberian Peninsula is the type of place you visit once and then never leave, enchanted by the late sunsets, flowing wine, long lunches, and the laidback lifestyle.
The Iberian Peninsula is a dream destination for all kinds of reasons. The Mediterranean beaches glow cerulean, bottles of wine never stop flowing, and afternoon siestas drift off into balmy summer nights.
July 22–25: Lisbon (3 nights)
July 25–28: Lagos (3 nights)
July 28–30: Oporto (2 nights)
July 30 – Aug 2: Barcelona (3 nights)
Aug 2–4: Costa Brava (2 nights)
Aug 4–5: Barcelona (1 night)
Aug 5: Departure
Spain and Portugal are both hot in July and August, with average high temperatures ranging from 85 degrees F to 93 degrees F. Nights in all four cities are pleasantly warm, where you can easily walk around in short sleeves and light clothing.
U.S. passport holders don't need any special visa when visiting Spain or Portugal for tourism.
Restaurants, Bars & Cafés: In Portugal and Spain, tipping is voluntary and you should only tip if you feel that the service was good. At a bar or cafe, you may round up your final bill to the next euro. At restaurants, a couple of euros is fine for a casual eatery, while at nicer restaurants the standard amount to tip is 5-10% of the total bill, depending on the level of service you received.
Guides & Drivers: For a half-day tour, a good guideline is to tip around €10-€20 per person, and for a full-day tour, €20-€30 per person. For drivers, you can tip around €10-€20 per day. Tipping is a way of showing appreciation for good service, and it's always up to your discretion.
In Portugal and Spain, the standard plug type is Type F, which has two round pins and an additional grounding pin in the middle. Type C plugs, which have two round pins without the grounding pin, are also commonly used. An adapter will be needed to plug devices into the outlets.
Get introduced to the soothing and heartbreaking sound of Fado Portuguese music with this playlist, featuring famous singers.
Compare that to the sounds of flamenco in this playlist, which is just as emotional as fado but typically more upbeat.
Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world, although it was practically rebuilt from scratch after a 1755 earthquake. The only neighborhood to survive was the Alfama district, where cobbled streets and the sounds of fado music recall a nostalgic past. Throughout the rest of Lisbon, new restaurants and bars continue to reinvent the seaside city, often by serving modern takes on traditional tasca cuisine like fresh seafood, seasonal produce, and local wine.
Upon arrival at Lisbon Airport, you'll be greeted by your driver who will take you to your hotel in the city center.
Driver: will be provided
Contact: will be provided
Booked by scenset
Here are some of our favorite places to eat in Lisbon. If you'd like a reservation, just let us know.
- Insolito: Enjoy a delicious local menu with a view that's to die for, overlooking the photogenic city of Lisbon.
- Bisanas do Afonso: Bifanas are traditional Portuguese meat sandwiches, and these are some of the best. It's a small hole in the wall with no seating or reservations; simply order at the window and enjoy your bifana sitting in the nearby plaza.
- Taberna Albricoque: The eclectic menu at Taberna Albricoque is exciting, with seasonal and unusual dishes and a homey ambiance with exposed brick and domed ceilings.
Enjoy dinner at BAHR, located on the 5th floor of the Bairro Alto Hotel with beautiful views over the Tejo River and the Lisbon rooftops.
Reservation Time: Evening
Confirmed outdoor terrace seating.
BAHR is an 8-minute taxi ride or a 20-minute walk from your hotel.
Why we love it for you: Everything about this hotel is a celebration of Lisbon – its architecture, its culture, its beauty. As a guest you will enjoy a scenset, authentic and quintessential experience of this incredible city. Every element of the hotel has been created in collaboration with local artists, makers, and businesses. Clean, curved, modernist lines, and thoughtfully curated elements of Portuguese design appear throughout the entire hotel.
The Vintage Hotel & Spa
Vintage Castle Suite with extra bed
Included: Breakfast
Booked By scenset
Pick-Up Time: Morning
Pick-Up Location: Hotel Lobby
Guide: will be provided
Contact: will be provided
Get to know your first stop with a tour of the city, visiting some of the most historic and iconic spots in Lisbon, such as the Tower of Belem, Jeronimos Monastery, and the Castelo de São Jorge.
Booked by scenset
Named for the toy store that once stood in Restauradores Square, has been serving the freshest fish and shellfish, from clams to lobster and cod, for over 30 years.
Reservation Time: Lunchtime
Reservations only possible for indoor seating, but you can request an outdoor table upon arrival.
Your tour guide will bring you to Pinoquio as a lunch break during your city tour.
While a ‘cervejaria’ is traditionally a place to drink beer, Cervejaria Ramiro – which has been around since the 1950s – also serves up what is arguably the best seafood in Lisbon.
Reservation Time: Evening
Outdoor seating requested.
Cervejaria Ramiro requires a deposit to hold the reservation. To confirm the reservation, a payment link will be provided. The deposit amount will be deducted from your bill.
Cervejaria Ramiro is a short taxi ride from your hotel, or a 25-minute walk.
The Vintage Hotel & Spa
Vintage Castle Suite
Included: Breakfast
Booked By scenset
Pick-Up Time: Morning
Pick-Up Location: Hotel Lobby
Guide: will be provided
Contact: will be provided
Sintra is perhaps best known for its colorful palace, the Palacio Nacional da Pena. But that's not the only castle in this charming town. You'll also see the Quinta da Regaleira, a gorgeous property that can't be summed up in words.
Booked by scenset
While Spain is known for flamenco, in Portugal it's all about fado. Head to a bar to hear the melodic singing and wistful saudade of fado music, especially in the Alfama neighborhood.
Reservation: Evening
Location: O Faia, which is a short taxi ride or a 20-minute walk from your hotel
For no-shows or cancelations within 72 hours of your reservation, there is a charge.
Reservation confirmed by scenset. The cost of dinner is not included in the itinerary.
The Vintage Hotel & Spa
Vintage Castle Suite
Included: Breakfast
Booked By scenset
The Algarve has been a popular beach destination for European travelers for a long time, and its continued popularity is a testament to what it offers. High-quality restaurants serve spectacular meals, and music plays from beach clubs during the day and into the evening. However, even these are surpassed by the Algarve’s golden beaches and stunning caves formed by the Atlantic waves.
You'll be picked up from your hotel and enjoy a scenic drive through the Portuguese countryside to your hotel in the Algarve.
Duration: about 3 hours
Pick-Up: Morning
Driver: will be provided
Contact: will be provided
Booked by scenset
Why we love it for you: This former estate on Portugal's most sunny coast lets you unwind in style. From the minimalistic main building to your own boho chic cabana, complete with bathtub, right through to the classic suites in the old estate building. Pick your perfect room to set the scenset for an idyllic vacation.
Casa Mãe
Padaria Cabana with extra bed
Included: Breakfast
Booked By scenset
Enjoy some relaxing days hanging by the beach, visiting sea caves, kayaking in the water, or even taking a surfing lesson!
The Atlantic beaches of Portugal are famous for being some of the best surfing spots in the world. Hit the water with your board and your instructor and by the end of your lesson, you'll (hopefully!) be catching waves all on your own.
Recommended by scenset—nothing has been booked.
The sandy beaches of Algarve are famous for their warm water and dramatic caves. Hang out at the beach near your hotel or add on additional trips to nearby beaches!
Recommended by scenset—nothing has been booked.
Casa Mãe
Padaria Cabana with extra bed
Included: Breakfast
Booked By scenset
The best way to enjoy the beaches of Algarve is to do it directly from the water. Enjoy a special excursion today as a gift from scenset!
Boat Departure: Morning
Boat Return: Early Afternoon
Depature Location: Lagos Marina (about a 15-minute walk from your hotel)
Algarve still has some secret spots, places that few know of or can be hard to access by land. Sandy coves and magnificent cliffs await you on this 3-hour cruise on a Capelli Tempest 850. Discover the hidden beauties of the Costa Vicentina, the labyrinth of Ponta da Piedade grottos, enjoy a dive at the Barge of Burgau, and sunbathe on a deserted white sand cove.
This is a special perk for using scenset for your travel plans. Enjoy!
Casa Mãe
Padaria Cabana with extra bed
Included: Breakfast
Booked By scenset
The second-biggest Portuguese city is in the midst of a travel renaissance, with an uptick of tourists also bringing new restaurants, bars, cafes, and cultural events. But in a rare instance of having your pastel de nata and eating it too, Porto hasn’t lost its soul that made it so attractive in the first place. The brightly colored buildings, lazy lunches, and riverside wine bars are an ingrained way of life in Porto and simply too good to give up.
You'll be picked up from your hotel in Lagos for the ride to Faro Airport.
Pick-Up Time: Late morning
Booked by scenset
Find your boarding passes for your flight to Porto by clicking here.
You'll be picked up at Porto Airport in a private transfer to your hotel in the hip Gaia district.
Driver: will be provided
Contact: will be provided
Booked by scenset
Here's a list of some great places to eat in Porto. Let us know if you'd like any reservations.
- Dona Maria: Can a restaurant be both convenient and great? The answer is yes. Located inside your hotel, Dona Maria shows off the best of Portuguese flavors.
- Brasão Aliados: You can't leave Porto without trying the francesinha sandwich. You'll find them all over the city, but this is one of the best. It's a heavy meal so be sure to go hungry.
- Blind: A meal at Blind is a sensual experience: literally. Let your senses take hold in this unique experience where you'll rely on all of your senses to enjoy this memorable meal (tasting menu option).
- Tia Tia: There’s no shortage of restaurants offering Portuguese food in Porto, but Tia Tia does things a little differently. Despite a heavily vegetarian-skewed menu, the restaurant isn’t strictly vegetarian, but instead relies on finding the freshest local and seasonal ingredients
You can't leave Porto without trying the francesinha sandwich. You'll find them all over the city, but this is one of the best. It's a heavy meal so be sure to go hungry.
Reservation Time: Evening
Why we love it for you: Located in the historic heart of Vila Nova de Gaia, next to the famous Port wine cellars, The Lodge Hotel is a luxury hotel that combines traditional architecture with a contemporary design and excellent service.
The Lodge
Junior Suite with extra bed
Included: Breakfast
Booked By scenset
Pick-Up Time: Morning
Pick-Up Location: In front of hotel
Guide: A guide will be provided
Contact: A contact number will be provided
Start your private excursion by driving out to the small fishing village of Angeiras, where your guide will show you how local fisherman use ancient Roman techniques to salt their fish. Then, head to the fish market where, based on your selection, you'll create a menu and learn to turn your ingredients into a delicious cuisine—with some Portuguese wine to accompany.
Duration: About 5 hours
Includes: Lunch
Booked by scenset
The Lodge
Junior Suite with extra bed
Included: Breakfast
Booked By scenset
It’s clear from the moment you step foot in Barcelona that it’s unlike any other Spanish city. The boulevards are wider, the architecture is quirkier, and, if you have an ear for languages, you may hear that the locals are speaking Catalan, not Spanish. Gaudi’s masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, is just one of his architectural gems scattered about the city. With something to offer art enthusiasts, adventurous foodies, and beach loungers, it’s no wonder that Barcelona is one of Europe’s top destinations.
You'll be picked up from your hotel in Porto for a private transfer to the airport.
Pick-Up Time: In the afternoon
Driver: will be provided
Contact: will be provided
Booked by scenset
Check in for your flight to Barcelona by clicking here.
Booking Code: will be provided
Upon arrival in Barcelona, your driver will be waiting for you for your private transfer to the city center.
Driver: will be provided
Contact: will be provided
Booked by scenset
There's no shortage of great food in Barcelona, and some of the best meals are at the bar you stumble into by surprise. Here's a list of some top places to eat. Please let us know if you'd like reservations.
- Cocina Hemanos Torres: The well-known Torres brothers present their innovative gastronomic proposal located in the neighborhood of Les Corts. We can enjoy a nice evening while the chef cooks for us in one of the 3 islands.
- Atempo: Atempo offers a new gastronomic format merging the waiter’s trade with the passion and creativity of the chefs. An offer based on products with soul, in an intimate and cozy environment.
- Hoffman: Hoffman is the restaurant run by the individual responsible for the prestigious cookery school with the same name. With a Michelin star, their menu presents modern creations that have Mediterranean-Catalan and French haute cuisine as a starting point. Desserts are simply spectacular. It is essential to book in advance.
- Can Ramonet: Paella is perhaps the quintessential Spanish dish, and the best place to eat it is near the coast. Head to Barceloneta neighborhood near the water and try one of their famous paellas (remember in Spain, paella is traditionally lunch food, not dinner!).
- Solomillo: Indulge all your darkest carnivorous desires at this meat-lovers’ paradise, where the name of the restaurant is the same as your order (solomillo means “sirloin steak”). This is the best steak in Barcelona and the menu is customizable to your liking.
- Berbena: Few tourists have heard of Berbena. Inside, there are daily batches of home-baked bread that smell like your grandma’s kitchen, comfort food like hearty beef with wine stew and gooey slices of Spanish omelet, platters of locally sourced cheese and charcuteries.
- Bocanariz: Visit this unassuming wine bar which has a selection of hundreds of bottles, from Cataluña, around Spain, and the world. Paired with some small bites to snack on, it's the perfect Spanish bar experience.
- La Pepita: A more casual eatery with a fun vibe and delicious menu to accompany it. It's always filled with locals, a good sign for any place to eat.
Enjoy dinner at this casual eatery with a fun vibe and delicious menu to accompany it. It's always filled with locals, a good sign for any place to eat.
Reservation Time: In the evening.
La Pepita is a 10-minute walk from your hotel.
Why we love it for you: In a city as cool as Barcelona, the Almanac Hotel injects that avant-garde vibe into every detail of the property. The art deco design harmonizes with Barcelona architecture, tapas are served on a painter’s palette in homage to Dalí, and the rooftop pool with views of the Sagrada Familia is the indisputable crown jewel. Centrally located, most of Barcelona’s landmarks are just a casual stroll away.
Almanac Barcelona
Family Studio Room with extra bed
Included: Breakfast
Booked By scenset
Dip your feet into the waters of Antoni Gaudí, getting a full look into the imprint he left on his home city. You'll see Park Güell, and, of course, the Sagrada Familia Church, considered his masterpiece. Enjoy skip-the-queue access to enter the church.
You'll also make a special visit to the Hospital de Sant Pau, a hospital that was designed by Gaudí.
Pick-Up Time: Morning
Pick-Up Location: Hotel lobby
Guide: will be provided
Contact: will be provided
Booked by scenset
Almanac Barcelona
Family Studio Room with extra bed
Included: Breakfast
Booked By scenset
You can't visit Spain without trying tapas, small plates of food that range from the traditional, like croquetas or olives, to more contemporary takes, such as a truffle Spanish tortilla. This tour will take you on a tour of different bars known for their tapas, accompanied along the way by good wine, beer, and vermouth.
Pick-Up Time: Around midday
Pick-Up Location: Hotel lobby
Light tapas lunch included.
Booked by scenset
Almanac Barcelona
Family Studio Room with extra bed
Included: Breakfast
Booked By scenset
The Costa Brava is one of the most enviable stretches of coastline in the entire Mediterranean. End your family trip swimming in crystal clear waters at your luxurious resort.
Get picked up from your hotel for a private transfer to the Costa Brava.
Pick-Up Time: Late morning
Driver: will be provided
Contact: will be provided
Upon arrival at your Costa Brava hotel, enjoy a seaside lunch at their excellent restaurant Els Brancs.
Reservation: Wednesday, Aug. 2
Reservation Time: Lunchtime
Included: Three-course meal for each family member and wine will be provided.
Spend your final days in Spain relaxing on the beach and enjoying the Mediterranean sunshine. If you want to organize some additional activities, here are some options below.
The best way to enjoy the Mediterranean Sea is on the water! Rent a private boat for your family for half-day or full-day with your own private skipper, letting you get to parts hidden coves that are otherwise inaccessible.
Recommended by scenset—nothing has been booked.
Cadaqués, which is just a short drive from your hotel, is frequently listed as one of the most enchanting pueblos in all of Spain. Take a visit in the evening to wander along the cobblestone streets and whitewashed houses that contrast with the cerulean blue of the sea. It's also home to a Salvador Dalí museum, as the artist spent much of his time living in this inspiring town.
Recommended by scenset—nothing has been booked.
Why we love it for you: If there’s one hotel on the Bay of Roses that’s a byword for luxury and A-list glamour it’s the Vistabella, with spectacular, uninterrupted sea views. End your trip by staying in the luxurious Penthouse Suite for an extra special conclusion to your trip.
Hotel Vistabella
Seaview Penthouse Suite (2 nights)
Included: Breakfast
Booked By scenset
Spend the day at leisure.
Pick-up Time: Afternoon
Driver: David
Contact: will be provided
Your driver will pick you up in the afternoon to take you to your hotel in Barcelona. Approx. transfer time is 2 hours.
Booked by scenset
Almanac Barcelona
Acessible Room with extra bed
Included: Breakfast
Booked By scenset
Your trip is coming to an end, but the memories will last a lifetime. Thank you so much for trusting Scenset with this momentous journey.
Your driver will pick you up in the early morning to take you to the airport.
Pick-up Time: Early morning
Driver: A driver will be provided
Contact: A contact number will be provided
Booked by scenset
