FAQ´s

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM MY BESPOKE TRIP TO PORTUGAL?
Our a bespoke trip with Classic Portugal, we create and book your entire trip, customised to your preferences. This includes hotels, transfers, tours and experiences. On your bespoke trip only your group will travel. The majority of our day tours and experiences are private. As your trip is bespoke, we can set it to the pace you desire, meaning you can enjoy free time to explore alone, or take a fully guided trip with a tour guide accompanying you the entire time. We only work with a small number of handpicked guide partners, meaning your experience will be of a high standard, with local and knowledgable guides. There may be full day and half days tours which are shared group, meaning between 8 - 12 travellers will be on that tour or experience. We will always stipulate these types of tours.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS FROM BOOKING WITH CLASSIC PORTUGAL?
All itineraries and trip planning expertise is custom designed by the bespoke travel designers, Hayley & Ricardo. Your itinerary is visible in our Trip App and include a messaging feature to contact Hayley and the Classic Portugal team. We also offer concierge services, including restaurant reservations and tickets to seasonal events. Uniquely, we offer many invite-only experiences, based on  our personal relationships with partners across Portugal. During your trip you will receive personal support from Hayley, Ricardo and the Classic Portugal team. We are all native English speakers and our Portuguese partners are fluent in English, Spanish, Italian and French.

IS PORTUGAL A SAFE COUNTRY?
Portugal is the 7th safest country in the world and 5th within Europe, on the Global Peace Index. However, there are still pickpockets in the major cities so please be aware and careful with your items. 

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I BOOK MY BESPOKE TRIP TO PORTUGAL?
It’s best to book as soon as you can, to secure your preferred travel dates and your bespoke itinerary. We accept trips up to one year in advance.

WHEN SHOULD I BOOK FLIGHTS?
Your bespoke trip package is subject to availability. We recommend that you wait to book your flights until after we have confirmed your reservation. Please note, Classic Portugal does not book international flights.

WHEN SHOULD I PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE?
We strongly recommend taking out a comprehensive travel insurance as soon as you make a financial commitment to the trip.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT PORTUGAL?
With over 300 days of sunshine every year, Portugal is the perfect destination for all year round travel. However each season has its pros and cons:

• Winter: is mild with sunny days, but also the rainiest season. Hotels can be undergoing some renovations and repairs during this time, so not all facilities may be available. But monuments and places of interest are much calmer, with less people. 
• Spring: is a very good time to explore Portugal. Sunshine and warmer temperatures, still not quite high season so less travellers. Perfect time for visiting monuments and sightseeing. Some rain showers at times.
• Summer: is the most perfect for enjoying beach time, river cruises and all outdoor activities. Hot weather! But there will be more travellers.
• Autumn: is another very good time to explore Portugal. The dry weather continues well into December. Perfect for visiting monuments and sightseeing. Also great for some beach activities, river cruises and outdoor activities.

Please note: May and September are known as `Special Season´ and very popular with travellers in these months.

DO I NEED A VISA TO TRAVEL TO PORTUGAL?
U.S. citizens may enter Portugal for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa. You are required to be in possession of a U.S. passport valid for a minimum of three months, beyond the length of your stay. You are also required to register on the new EES (Entry-Exit System) on arrival.

HOW WILL MY PORTUGAL TRIP BE BILLED?
To confirm your trip we require a 30% non-refundable deposit. The trip balance is due 60 days prior to your arrival. 

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER CONFIRMING MY BESPOKE TRIP WITH CLASSIC PORTUGAL?
We aim to complete all reservations within a few weeks. During this time we take care of booking your accommodation, activities and transport, confirming all parts of your journey. Once this is done, your travel designer will confirm all has been scheduled with you.

CAN I MAKE CHANGES / ADDITIONS, AFTER I HAVE BOOKED MY TRIP?
Your bespoke trip is sold as a package. Once the trip deposit has been paid, it will not be possible to make changes or additions to the trip. 

WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY FINAL ITINERARY?
You will have continuous access to your trip proposal once it becomes your itinerary, via our Trip App. The final itinerary will be completed 30 days prior to your arrival. We will let you know when it is completed. You will have access to a digital version on the Trip App, which includes live updates. There is also the option to print it as a pdf.

WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR MY TRIP TO PORTUGAL?

• Footwear: Good footwear is recommended, as the cobble-stone streets can be a hazard. 
• Clothing: Please bring layers to wear in Portugal, as temperatures fluctuate throughout the day. A light sweater for the evening in summer is recommended and a waterproof jacket in winter. For Azores, take a waterproof jacket even in summer.
• Sun Protection: Always have a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen with you, even in winter months.
• Electrical items: Please bring with you an electrical adaptor with a voltage converter. Portugal uses 220 V/50Hz (much higher than in the US), with a Type F electrical plug with two round pins - the same as in many countries in Continental Europe. Also, if you wish, bring a small travel iron, as not all hotel rooms have an iron. Some hotel rooms have a steamer, but there is always laundry service.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE IN PORTUGAL?
When you arrive in Portugal, your private driver will be waiting for you at the airport, holding a sign with the lead travellers name. They will take directly to your hotel, where you will check in or leave your luggage. Check in times in Portugal are usually 3pm. You are welcome to request an early check-in for an additional fee. 

CAN WE GET EARLY CHECK IN AT THE HOTEL?
Early check in is only guaranteed if you pay for the previous night. However, should your room be ready on arrival, our hotel partners will allow you to check in early.

CAN WE DO LAUNDRY AT THE HOTEL?
Most of our hotel partners offer laundry service and dry-cleaning. Please note, they do not offer self-service laundry facilities.

HOW WILL I TRAVEL TO ACTIVITY MEETING POINTS?
If your tour guide or driver is not scheduled to pick you up at the hotel, you will need to make your own way to the tour or activity. We will provide you will a link to the Google Maps location and details on how to get there. Most activities are within walking distance from your hotel. Some may require a short Uber ride.

HOW MUCH SHOULD WE TIP IN PORTUGAL?
We do not have a tipping culture in Portugal, so do not feel obliged. However, in your final itinerary we will share with you a list of tipping recommendations to assist you.

HOW SHOULD WE DRESS FOR RELIGIOUS MONUMENTS?
Pants, skirts and shorts should all be knee length - Shoulders should be covered. (If you are wearing a sleeveless top you can bring a shawl or jacket) - Remove hats - No beach shoes or attire 

WHAT SERVICE CAN I EXPECT FROM CLASSIC PORTUGAL, WHILST WE ARE ON THE TRIP?
By booking with Classic Portugal you will have peace of mind knowing that there’s always someone there for you throughout your trip. For support and advice please call Hayley/Ricardo or message directly through the Trip App. During your tour, there will always be a travel designer on call.  

DO CLASSIC PORTUGAL HELP WITH RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS?
Yes, you will be provided with our restaurant recommendations in the final itinerary, from which you can make your choice. You can easily book your table online or we can reserve for you. We always recommend making restaurant reservations.

SHOULD WE BRING CASH ON OUR TRIP?
We suggest bringing a small amount of cash with you, around 500€ for a couple, on a one week trip is an example. You can withdraw more from Multibanco ATM´s in Portugal. Please do not use Euronet as they charge high fees.

WHAT SHOULD WE DO IN AN EMERGENCY?
Please contact your travel designer immediately. The hotel will also assist you. Should you need to call the emergency services, the number is 112. We have a list of doctors who will visit you at the hotel if you are unwell.

HOW DO I CLAIM BACK THE SALES TAX ON OUR PURCHASES?
Please read through the details on this link to find out how to claim a tax refund.