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Portugal

Winter in Portugal: Rich History & Culture from Cascais to Lisbon

Program No. 22583RJ
From the beautiful coastal Cascais to the modern city of Lisbon, trace the history of Portugal as you explore castles, walk along farmland and sample local cuisine.

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At a Glance

Nestled along the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal is home to historic colorful cities. Discover the coastal area of Lisbon during the quieter winter months, where the weather is mild. Trace the history of Portugal as you explore the city of Lisbon, and learn how the former fishing village of Cascais transformed into a royal residence and popular port. Local experts will introduce you to the very best of traditional cuisine, artworks, historic palaces and much more!
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Up to 3 miles of walking. You will be walking on cobbled streets and uneven city streets.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Explore Lisbon's Gulbenkian Foundation, one of the most exclusive private art collections in Europe. .
  • Discover the chic coastal resort of Cascais, a favorite destination of European royalty.
  • Learn the history of the Mafra Royal Palace and Monastery, built by King John V in the 18th century and now a national monument.

General Notes

Give us a call to combine this learning adventure with select dates of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) for even more learning in Portugal! This program can only be combined in the following order "Winter in Portugal: Rich History & Culture from Cascais to Lisbon" followed by "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492).
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Isabel Neves
Isabel Neves is a certified travel professional and group leader with over 30 years of experience in the educational travel industry. She received her degree in tourism management in 1980 and has since then worked for both national and international companies in the creation and management of land and cruise programs. She has an academic background in medieval art and history, as well as an avid interest in the influence of Judaism in European culture. Isabel is fluent in Portuguese, English, French and Spanish.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Isabel Burnay
Isabel Burnay View biography
Isabel Burnay is an experienced group leader with more than 25 years in educational travel. In addition to her specialized knowledge leading groups in Portugal and beyond, she is constantly taking culture, history, and other courses to update her knowledge and stay in touch with the latest trends in the educational travel world. Isabel has worked for local as well as international travel companies leading groups from the five continents. She is fluent in Portuguese, English, Spanish, French, and Italian.
Profile Image of Paula Bizarro Moreira
Paula Bizarro Moreira View biography
Paula Moreira was born in Portugal and currently lives in Lisbon. She enjoys art, learning about different cultures and cinema. She has taken a variety of different courses ranging from art and image to Judaism and Jewish heritage in Portugal. Paula also speaks four languages. Since 1980, she has been leading groups throughout Europe and has worked as a consultant in tourism product planning, designing and development. Paula studied psychology, tourism and cinema at University in Lisbon, receiving a master’s degree in psychology.
Profile Image of Luisa Gomes
Luisa Maria Gonçalves Gomes View biography
Luisa Gomes graduated with a degree in Tourism from the Superior School of Tourism of Lisbon and has been working as a National leader since 1992. Her interests range from art history and languages to geography and religious studies. She continues to take many courses at various universities and cultural centers in Lisbon to further her knowledge. Luisa is fluent in French, English, and loves to travel throughout her home country, bringing her course work and expansive knowledge to every program she leads.
Profile Image of Isabel Neves
Isabel Neves View biography
Isabel Neves is a certified travel professional and group leader with over 30 years of experience in the educational travel industry. She received her degree in tourism management in 1980 and has since then worked for both national and international companies in the creation and management of land and cruise programs. She has an academic background in medieval art and history, as well as an avid interest in the influence of Judaism in European culture. Isabel is fluent in Portuguese, English, French and Spanish.
Profile Image of Isabel Silva
Isabel Silva View biography
Isabel Carvalho Correa Da Silva is a post-doctoral researcher, prize-winning author and lecturer, based at Lisbon’s prestigious Institute of Social Sciences at the city’s University. Isabel’s Ph.D. in Portuguese history was cited with distinction, and her publications have covered a wide range of historical topics. Her book on Lisbon’s Belem Palace won the Europa Nostra Heritage Award, and she was awarded the Mario Soares Foundation prize for her doctoral thesis in 2012. In addition to her native Portuguese, Isabel speaks English, French, Spanish, and Italian.
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