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. However, 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. 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. 

CAN I ADD MORE TOURS OR TRAVELLERS, AFTER I HAVE BOOKED MY TRIP?

Yes, you can add more tours, experiences and travellers after you have booked your trip depending on availability, up until 60 days prior to arrival. After this date it will no longer be possible to add to the itinerary. However, we highly recommend booking all trip elements for your trip as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

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.

WHEN SHOULD I PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE?

We strongly recommend taking out a comprehensive health insurance as soon as you make a financial commitment to the trip.

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.

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. 

WHATS IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN PORTUGAL?

With over 300 days of sunshine every year, Portugal is the perfect destination for all year round travel. Winter is mild, with sun and intermittent rain. Spring is a pleasant time for sightseeing and touring. High season begins in May, which is when the temperatures start to heat up. In June and July the weather is fantastic and perfect for beach days and boat tours. August can be very hot and not ideal for sightseeing. September through to December stays mild and sunny.

IS PORTUGAL A SAFE COUNTRY?

Portugal is currently the 7th safest country in the world on the Global Peace Index. However, there are still pickpockets in the major cities so please be aware and careful with your items. 

WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR MY TRIP TO PORTUGAL?

Please use 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. If you wish, please bring a small travel iron as not all hotels have an iron in the room. Some hotel rooms have a steamer, or there is a laundry service. Good footwear is recommended, as the cobble-stone streets can be a hazard. Always have a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen with you, even in winter months. 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.

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.

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. 

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 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. 

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.

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 during the day, you can call Hayley. And if anything unexpected happens outside working hours, you can reach Hayley via the Trip App messaging feature. During your tour, there will always be a travel designer on call to handle any unforeseen situations, such as unusual weather or events.

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.

SHOULD WE BRING CASH ON OUR TRIP?

We suggest bringing a small amount of cash with you, then withdrawing more from Multibanco ATM´s in Portugal. Please do not use Euronet as they charge high fees.

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.