The Essence of Portugal
A Once in a Life Time Experience
Embark on an all ladies adventure to Lisbon + the Alentejo region of Portugal with Ellie's Travel Bug.
Join us for an unforgettable, women-only adventure through the vibrant cities and charming countryside of Portugal! This exclusive group of 14 travelers takes you to the heart of Lisbon’s lively culture and the historic, rustic beauty of Évora. Experience the rich history, stunning architecture, and local flavors while connecting with like-minded travelers. Whether you’re exploring hidden gems, indulging in local cuisine, or unwinding with a glass of wine, this trip is designed to create lasting memories and meaningful friendships. Discover the beauty of Portugal in a supportive and fun all-female travel community!
Meet your Host: Ellie
After spending one month in Lisbon in 2023, I fell in love with the charm of Portugal. Between the gorgeous tile and Pastel de Nata's, I was enamored with the thought of brining a group of travelers here to share this wonderful destination with. I am so excited to join you for a tour through Lisbon and the Alentejo country side!
Itinerary
October 12 -18, 2025
October 12
Day 1 | Arrive in Lisbon
Welcome to Lisbon! After your transfer from the airport to our hotel, enjoy some free time before meeting for our welcome dinner.
October 13
Day 2 | Panoramic Tour of Lisbon
Start your day off with breakfast at our hotel before starting our private panoramic tour around Lisbon via TukTuk. You will have the opportunity to visit Lisbon’s great historic monuments without ever getting tired from the steep inclines of her seven great hills. You will get to know our city’s most cosmopolitan side and also its most typical. Afterwards, we will indulge in the fruits of or labor at a Pastel de Nata pastry class. The crunchy puff pastry, which we think is one of the secrets of Pastel de Nata, is what you'll discover how to make. You'll use objects you already have at home, including kitchen utensils, so you can recreate the pastry at home.
October 14
Day 3 | Day trip to Sintra + Cascais
After breakfast, we will have a full-day private tour from Lisbon to the enchanting town of Sintra, where we will explore the fairytale Pena Palace and the mystical Quinta da Regaleira estate. The tour concludes with a scenic drive along the coast through Cascais.
October 15
Day 4 | Off to Evora!
Morning breakfast and then we disembark to Evora where we will stop at a world renowned winery for an immersive experience.
The visit begins in the Museum Room with a brief explanation of the company's history. After a guided walk through the garden, we will indulge in the wine tastings of three wines, paired with a selection of regional treats, including cheese, sausages, olive oil, olives, and local bread.
October 16
Day 5 | E-Bike Tour & Picnic Lunch
Morning breakfast and then we disembark to Evora where we will stop at a world renowned winery for an immersive experience.
The visit begins in the Museum Room with a brief explanation of the company's history. After a guided walk through the garden, we will indulge in the wine tastings of three wines, paired with a selection of regional treats, including cheese, sausages, olive oil, olives, and local bread.
October 17
Day 6 | Exploring the Alentejo Wine Region
Discover the enchanting Alentejo region on this full-day tour explore the charming villages of Monsaraz, Estremoz, and Arraiolos, each offering a unique glimpse into Alentejo's rich history and beauty. We will start in Arraiolos, famous for its handcrafted carpets, followed by exploring the historic cities of Estremoz and Monsaraz. It concludes with a visit to Herdade do Esporão Winery for a guided tour and tasting of their finest wines.
October 18
Day 7 | Safe Travels Home!
We bid you farewell and safe travels home with a transfer to the airport before your flight!
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verve
/vərv/
verve
/vərv/
1. vigor and spirit or enthusiasm:
"Travel with verve"
1. vigor and spirit or enthusiasm:
"Travel with verve"
Who is this trip for?
This thoughtfully curated itinerary is perfect for friends, sisters, aunts and nieces, or mother-daughter pairs seeking a unique and immersive travel experience
This all-female trip is designed to foster connections and create lasting memories as you explore Portugal’s diverse landscapes and cultural treasures together.
Why you'll love this trip
• Immerse Yourself in Portugal’s Timeless Charm: Explore the vibrant streets of Lisbon, the fairytale palaces of Sintra, and the medieval beauty of Évora, all while enjoying the company of a supportive, all-female group.
• Authentic Experiences and Hidden Gems: Savor the rich flavors of Portuguese cuisine, wander through historic towns like Monsaraz, and enjoy exclusive wine tastings at Herdade do Esporão Winery.
• Perfect Balance of Adventure and Relaxation: This trip offers a mix of cultural exploration, scenic beauty, and leisurely moments, making it ideal for friends and family pairs to bond and create lifelong memories.
Where we're Staying:
The One Palácio da Anunciada
A new five-star hotel in Lisbon, is located in the most exclusive area of the city, a few metres from Avenida da Liberdade and Praça dos Restauradores. The establishment is housed in a 16th-century palace that maintains its essence and majesty with an interior design that emphasizes the building’s original beauty and provides comfort and exclusivity.
Room Category: Cosy Secret Twin Rooms
We can find our Cosy secret rooms in the most unveiled spaces of the Palace with secluded views to our inner courtyards. Quiet rooms with an average size of 25 m² (269 ft²), that offer all the comfort and elegance in a functional space, being the ideal option for customers looking for practicality and relax, without giving up the small details of excellence in our service.
Octant Hotels Évora
The plains call. Octant Évora is the perfect escape from the city, right in the heart of the Alentejo. The natural habitat of tranquility, where you will have plenty of space or time to merge with the 11-hectare natural landscape that surrounds Herdade do Perdiganito. This is the place where freedom persists. The place to let simplicity guide your days.
Room Category: Family Country Twin Room w/ Terrace
Rooms facing east, with an excellent balcony, where you can enjoy true moments of escape, taking in the surrounding nature, or with a large terrace, where you can have a light meal or simply let time pass slowly (after all, we are in Alentejo). The decor is minimalist and in light tones, where natural materials such as wood predominate, always in communion with the surrounding nature. A place where we make sure you feel at home.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Accommodation
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3 nights at The One Palácio da Anunciada in Lisbon
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3 nights at Octant Evora in Evora
Transportation
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Arrival and Departure Transfers
Experiences:
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Half-day Panoramic Tour of Lisbon by Tuk-Tuk
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Pastel de Nata Pastry Class
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Full-day Sintra Tour with Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira
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Winery Visit in Evora
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Half-day E-Bike Tour of Évora with Picnic Lunch
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Full-day Alentejo Tour with Winery Visit and Workshop
Meals:
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Breakfast in Lisbon and Evora
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Welcome Dinner
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Lunch on E-Bike Tour of Évora with Picnic Lunch
Exclusions:
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Meals and Drinks not mentioned
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International airfare
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Trip insurance
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Gratuities for guides
Cost + Payment Policies:
Per Person Cost, based on double occupancy: $3,585.00
If you would prefer to have your own room, there is a single supplement fee of + $1,055.
DEPOSIT: To secure your spot on our tour, a deposit of $1,000 per person is required. This deposit is nonrefundable and nontransferable.
FINAL PAYMENT: The final payment is due 60 days prior to departure (August 13, 2025).
Cancellation Policy:
The deposit is nonrefundable and nontransferable. After August 13 (60 days prior to departure), the refund policy will be issued on an individual component basis and will be discussed at the time of cancellation request.
FAQ
Airfare:
Airfare is not included in the package. Unless you are extending your trip, we recommend to fly round trip to Lisbon's airport: Humberto Delgado Airport.
Packing:
Prior to departure, this page will be updated with a detailed packing list on what we recommend bringing!
Tipping:
Tips and gratuities are not included in our group. We will have a note in the itinerary on how much we recommend tipping at the end of each service.
Meals budget:
While there are a few meals and breakfast at each hotel included, other lunches and dinners will be on an al le carte basis. Our recommendation is to budget approximately $50-100 a day based on your personal preferences and how many glasses of wine you want ;)
Travel Insurance:
Travel Insurance is not included in your package, however, we highly recommend everyone to purchase prior to departure. Once your deposit has been paid, we will send you a personalized quote.
Extending your trip/arriving beforehand:
We are offering complimentary pre and post group trip planning services! Do you have the availability to extend your trip? We highly recommend a visit to Porto, the Algarve, or one of Portugal's stunning islands. Let us know if you are interested and we will customize a plan for you!
