How to Prepare For Your Trip?

Up to date travel information
Please refer to the US Department of State Travel information-Portugal for specifics on safety and security while traveling in Portugal.

Please refer to the US Department of State Travel Information-Spain for specifics on safety and security while traveling in Spain.

Flights To Lisbon, Porto and Ponta Delgada (Azores), Portugal
Many airline are offering flights to Portugal now. Please consult a flight search engine (such as Kayak.com or Expedia) or airline websites directly first to see what flights are currently available and their current cancellation / rebooking policies.

Arrivals / Departures
Important: plan on arriving in Lisbon or Porto, Portugal at least 24 hours prior to the 9 am meeting on Day 1 (usually Sunday but consult your trip details). We say this for several reasons: to get over jet lag, to explore the city before your tour begins, to avoid having to catch up with the group if your flight or luggage is delayed. On the last day of the trip, we provide a group transfer to either Lisbon or Porto. See below for more details on timing for the final day of each trip.

From North America
There are many carriers that now have direct flights to Lisbon, Porto and Ponta Delgada (Azores) from the US. Here are some:

Air France

KLM

Delta Airlines

Virgin Airlines

TAP – national airline of Portugal
SATA Air Açores – regional airline of Azores Islands, Portugal – since many islanders immigrated to the U.S. and Canada they have flights between Portugal and North America

Most major airlines land at their European hub and require taking another short-haul flight to Portugal. Here are the airlines with frequent flights to Portugal:

Airline / Hub Code / Country
Air France – CDG, France
British Airways – LHR, UK
Delta Airlines – US airline that codeshares with Air France and British Airways
Iberia – MAD, Spain
KLM – AMS, Amsterdam

Many low cost carriers fly to Portugal from other European countries. Careful when booking transfers from your long haul flight from North America to one of these flights since they may depart from smaller peripheral airports in Europe. Also many low cost carriers fly to Faro, in the Algarve, which is a 3 hour drive to Lisbon and 6 hour drive to Porto:

Airline / Country
EasyJet – UK
Eurowings – Germany
RyanAir – Ireland
Transavia – France
Tui Fly – Germany
Vueling – Barcelona, Spain

Independent transport to meeting point at hotel on Day 1 (usually Sunday but consult your trip details)

Lisboa Plaza Hotel (part of the Heritage group)
Travessa do Salitre, 5 (Av. Liberdade)
Lisbon, Portugal
Tel:(011-351) 213 218 218

For a 10% discount on rates at this hotel (or any other belonging to the Lisbon Heritage Hotels group) use code “TERRACOTTA” when reserving on their website .  If you prefer, you can also send your booking request to reservations@heritage.pt and mention “Terracotta”.

Transfer independently from the Lisbon airport (LIS) or a downtown hotel to the Hotel Lisboa Plaza on Day 1. The airport is located 4.5 miles from the city center. Taxi fare is approximately 18€. Uber fare is 12-17€ (NEW: pick up is now in the P2 parking lot on the arrivals level near taxi stand). Travel time is 15-30 minutes, depending on traffic.

OR:

Vincci Porto Hotel* in Porto, Portugal
Alameda Basílio Teles, 29
4150-127, Porto
Tel: (011-351) 220 439 620

Transfer independently from the Porto airport (OPO) or a downtown hotel to the Vincci Hotel on Day 1. The airport is located 10 miles from the city center. Taxi fare is approximately 15€ (voucher purchased inside the airport and taken to the driver). Uber fare is 10-15€. Travel time is 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.

How to travel between the cities of Lisbon and Porto – you can fly or take a bus but we think going by train is best.

There are many regular trains between Lisbon and Porto. For trains, you can buy tickets online at the Comboios de Portugal “CP” website . The site has English if you click EN on the top right corner. The Alfa Pendular “AP” trains are the more expensive fast trains between the two major cities in Portugal. The “regional” trains are cheaper and have more stops. At the end of our Camino tours the guides can leave you at Campanhã station in Porto on Friday afternoon around 4pm. In Lisbon, you can choose either to get off at Oriente Station, by the airport in Lisbon, or at the Santa Apolonia station closer to downtown.

Day Tours in Porto

If you’re interested in a walking tour with or w/o wine tasting or perhaps a cooking class in the city of Porto, we recommend contacting our local partners David and Cátia at CD Porto Local Tours. For a 10% discount on their tours use code “TERRACOTTA” when reserving on their website.

Transport at end of tour
Most of our trips conclude after a farewell lunch on Day 6 (Friday). Discover the Heart of Portugal concludes after breakfast on Day 7 (Saturday).

For the Azores Easy Walking trip, a private transfer (included in the trip price) on Day 6 (Friday) will drop off at the original our hotel Vila Galé Collection S. Miguel in Ponta Delgada or João Paulo II Airport (PDL) at approximately 4pm. Flights can be booked as of 6pm. To book stays at the Vila Galé hotel either prior or post trip, you can try booking yourself, or contact us for details.

For the Best of Camino de Santiago trips, a private transfer (included in the trip price) on Day 6 (Friday) will drop off at the Porto Airport (OPO) or at the Hotel Vincci Porto in downtown Porto on Day 6 (Friday) at approximately 4 pm. Flights out of Porto can be booked after 7 pm. Occasionally, you can drive back to Lisbon with your guides if we do not have another Camino departure directly after yours. Please ask us. If transfer is available, we would drop off at the Lisbon Airport and the Lisbon Airport (LIS) or Hotel Lisboa Plaza at approximately 7 pm. Flights from Lisbon can be booked after 9 pm.

For the Discover the Heart of Portugal trips, a private transfer (included in the trip price) will drop off on Day 7 (Saturday) at Porto Airport (OPO) or at São Bento train station in downtown Porto at approximately 10:30-11 am. Flights out of Porto can be booked after 1:00pm. Or you can drive back to Lisbon with your guides. We will drop off at the Lisbon Airport (LIS) and the Hotel Lisboa Plaza at approximately 12:00- 12:30pm. Flights from Lisbon can be booked after 2:30pm.

For the Douro Valley Easy Walking trip, a private transfer (included in the trip price) on Day 6 (Friday) will drop off at the Porto Airport (OPO) or at the Hotel Vincci Porto in downtown Porto on Day 6 (Friday) at approximately 4pm. Flights out of Porto can be booked after 7 pm. Occasionally, you can drive back to Lisbon with your guides if we do not have another departure directly after wards. Please ask us. If transfer is available, we would drop off at the Lisbon Airport and the Lisbon Airport (LIS) or Hotel Lisboa Plaza at approximately 7 pm. Flights from Lisbon can be booked after 9 pm.

For the Portugal Coastal Hiking trip, a private transfer (included in the trip price) on Day 6 (Friday) will drop off at the Hotel Lisboa Plaza or Lisbon Airport (LIS) at approximately 6:30 – 7:00pm. Flights from Lisbon can be booked after 9pm .

For the Portugal Highlands Easy Walking trip, a private transfer (included in the trip price) on Day 6 (Friday) will drop off at the Hotel Lisboa Plaza or Lisbon Airport (LIS) at approximately 6 pm. Flights from Lisbon can be booked after 8 pm.

For the Taste of the Alentejo Cycling trip, a private transfer (included in the trip price) on Day 6 (Friday) will drop off at the Hotel Lisboa Plaza or Lisbon Airport (LIS) at approximately 4 pm. Flights from Lisbon can be booked after 6 pm.

For other trips please consult your itinerary. If you have any other questions, just ask us.

3 Important Tips!

1. Keep things as light as possible. Less is always more; try to choose items that will do double duty whenever possible. This will help you and the trip leaders who transport your luggage.
2. Keep your most important documents with you at all times (and keep copies where you can retrieve the information if originals are lost or stolen).
3. Keep essentials, especially the final bulletin, important medication, phone with chargers and change of clothes in your carry-on while traveling so you can still function if your main luggage gets lost.

Suggestions of what to pack for a hiking tour – check your trip details for weather info or visit an online weather site to see the daily or monthly forecasts for Portugal or Spain and adapt this list to your own personal needs.

• Bandana / Buff
• Base Layer Tops and Bottoms (Lightweight)
• Casual Clothing for Travel and Town Wear (Lightweight, Easily Washable)
• Casual Shoes for Travel and Free Time – comfortable on cobblestone and uneven surfaces
• Day Pack (21L-35L) or large fanny pack – to carry clothes for changing weather etc.
• Day Pack Rain Cover – often included in pouch in your day pack
  Face Masks
• Fleece/Wool Jacket or Sweater
• Gaiters (mini ones should be adequate)
• Hand Sanitizer
• Hiking Pants (Convertible, Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
• Hiking Shorts (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
• Hiking Socks (Synthetic or Wool)
• Insect Repellent
• Liner Socks (Synthetic)
• Long Sleeve Shirts (Synthetic, Lightweight)
• Luggage tags and lock for all bags – very important so trip leaders can identify your bags and put in correct hotel rooms
• Passport/Money Belt or Pouch – important for touring in cities
• Personal Bathroom Kit: Toilet Paper, Ziplock Bags, Personal Wipes, Hand Cleaner
• Personal First Aid Kit (Lightweight)
• Prescription Medications
• Rain Jacket (Hooded, Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
• Suitcase – medium sized duffel or soft or hard case
• Sun Hat
• Sunblock and Lip Balm
• Sunglasses and Accessories
• Tee Shirts
• Toiletries
• Trekking Poles – or indicate you want to borrow a pair on the personal information form
• Water Bottles (Two 1-Quart) or Hydration System (guides will provide water for refilling throughout day’s activities)
• Waterproof Hiking Boots OR hiking shoes (consult your trip details)
• Wind-Resistant Jacket/Shirt

You might also consider

• AirTag or equivalent for your checked luggage
• Camera and Accessories
• Camp Towel
• Dry bag for wet clothes
• Ear Plugs
• Fleece/Wool Hat
• Fleece/Wool Liner Gloves
• Rain Pants (Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
• Reading and Writing Materials
• Small Binoculars
• Swimwear
• Travel Alarm Clock

Don’t forget!

• Travel documents
• Airline Tickets
• Final Bulletin (Emailed Prior to Departure Date – print a copy)
• Phone / charger
• Electrical Adapter Plug and Converter
• Passport with at least 6 months validity (plus copies kept separately, in case it gets lost or stolen)

Suggestions of what to pack for a cycling tour – check your trip details for weather info or visit an online weather site to see the daily or monthly forecasts for Portugal or Spain and adapt this list to your own personal needs.

Provided by Terracotta Journeys

• GPS unit
• Flat Pedals
• Handlebar Bag
• Tire Pump
• Bike lock

Packed by you

• Bicycle Rear View Mirror
• Bike Shorts
• Camp Towel
• Casual Clothing for Travel and Town Wear (Lightweight, Easily Washable)
• Casual Shoes for Travel and Free Time – comfortable on cobblestone and uneven surfaces
• Cycling Gloves
• Cycling Helmet
• Cycling Jacket (Waterproof)
• Cycling Jerseys
• Cycling Pants
• Cycling Shoes or Shoes for Biking
• Cycling Water Bottle
• Day Pack (Lightweight, Compressible)
• Dry bag for wet clothes
• Face Masks
• Hand Sanitizer
• Hiking Pants (Convertible, Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
• Hiking Shorts (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
• Insulated Jacket and/or Vest
• Luggage tags and lock for all pieces of luggage – very important so trip leaders can identify your bags and put in correct hotel rooms
• Passport/Money Belt or Pouch – important for touring in cities
• Personal First Aid Kit (Lightweight)
• Prescription Medications
• Socks
• Suitcase – medium sized duffel or soft or hard case
• Sun Hat
• Sunblock and Lip Balm
• Sunglasses and Accessories
• Swimwear

You might also consider

• AirTag or equivalent for your checked luggage
• Arm and Leg Warmers
• Bicycle Saddle (No Post) – if you’re bringing your own, let us know on the personal information form
• Camera and Accessories
• Cycling Vest
• Energy Snacks and Drink Mixes
• Heart Rate Monitor
• Personal First Aid Kit/Medications (Lightweight)
• Reading and Writing Materials
• Toe clips for pedals – if you’re bringing these, let us know on the personal information form

Don’t forget!

• Travel documents
• Airline Tickets
• Final Bulletin (Emailed Prior to Departure Date – print a copy)
• Phone / charger
• Electrical Adapter Plug and Converter
• Passport with at least 6 months validity (plus copies kept separately, in case it gets lost or stolen)

Portugal & Spain’s currency is the EURO (€).

• Exchanging currency: you can exchange currency at the airport, most train stations and banks in larger cities
• ATMs: it is easier to withdraw money using a U.S. bank card (you may pay a fee) at an ATM since banks here have limited business hours that may not coincide with your free time on the tour.
• Credit cards: we have found that the best form of payment in Spain & Portugal (and Europe in general) are Visa, Mastercard and ATM cards. American Express and Diners Club are not as widely accepted nor are travellers checks. Call your bank or credit card company to alert them you will be traveling. Failure to do this may cause the bank to put a hold on your account when transactions occur. Be sure to ask what fees you may incur when using your card overseas for direct transactions and/or ATM withdrawals. Finally, don’t forget to request PIN numbers for your credit cards and ATM cards if you don’t already have one to withdraw money from ATMs (widely available).
• Cash: many small restaurants may not accept credit cards so please carry enough cash to pay for meals and drinks that are not included in the trip cost. We suggest a budget of 400€ per person for meals that are not included, airport transfers and optional guide gratuities.
• SAFETY: It is important to use a money belt when walking around large cities and tourist centers and to have several copies of your passport, credit cards and other documents with you on the trip (or with someone at home who can access this easily). Leave passports and any extra cash or valuables in a hotel safe and only walk around with the minimum necessary. Portugal & Spain are very safe countries but pick pocketing and purse snatching can happen in the very touristy areas of larger cities.
• Cellphones – while wi-fi is available in many places on our trips, including in some restaurants, shops, etc., if you don’t want to pay for roaming charges from your cell provider at home, you might want to purchase an eSim card which is emailed to you prior to your trip. For example, Vodafone sells eSim cards that last 30 days with 20GB and 500 min of phone calls within Portugal, EU and UK, for approximately 20€. Just check your phone is compatible with eSim technology (see here for more info from Apple support). If you prefer a physical SIM card, you can purchase at a cellphone store in Portugal upon arrival. Many shopping centers have cellphone stores, such as Vodafone, NOS and MEO.

Your trip will have 1-3 guides (see your Final Bulletin for details). If you feel your guides did a spectacular job and would like to reward them for their efforts, a suggested gratuity is 18€ per person, per day, per guide. Trip members are welcome to pool gratuities into envelopes (one per guide), or present tips individually during the final dinner of the trip. Tipping is voluntary and completely at the discretion of individual trip participants.