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Culinary Journey
Portugal: Pack Your Bags: MBTC Birthday Edition
Admire the vibrant architecture and immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of Port wine's historic home. Explore Lisbon's enchanting charm, where Portugal's seaside capital reveals sun-washed facades waiting to share their tales with you.
Overview
Portugal: Forget the cake. Pack the suitcase for the MBTC Birthday Celebration!
Embark on an extraordinary Portuguese journey with Michael Baisden through Porto and Lisbon! Discover Porto's captivating energy, Portugal's magnificent riverside metropolis, where centuries-old architecture cascades down dramatic slopes overlooking the Douro Valley. Admire the vivid facades and immerse yourself in the authentic home of Portugal's celebrated fortified wine. Then venture to Lisbon, the nation's sun-drenched coastal heart, where soft-hued structures invite you to uncover their rich narratives. Forget the cake. Pack the suitcase. Celebrate Michael Baisden's Birthday in Portugal!
Presented by the concierge services of Advantage International.
Dates
June 20 - 29, 2027
Days
9
Price
$6899 - $7699 per person
Highlights
Journey at a Glance
Celebrate Michael Baisden's Birthday
We'll celebrate Michael Baisden's Birthday in Lisbon with good food, music, libations and the wonderful people of the MBTC!
Douro Valley
The Douro Valley could as easily be called the enchanted valley, such is the beauty and magic that its landscapes offer. Departing from Porto, where the river flows into the sea and where the Douro wines are produced on its hillsides, also end up,
Sunset Catamaran
A sunset catamaran tour along the Tagus River is arguably the single best way to experience Lisbon's golden hour. As the sun dips down, the city's unique light bounces beautifully off iconic riverfront landmarks.
TukTuk & Tram exploration
Explore Portugal’s charming streets by TukTuk and historic tram, gliding through iconic neighborhoods, scenic viewpoints, and hidden corners while discovering the city’s past and daily life.
Wine Cellar dining experience
Dine beneath stone arches in a historic wine cellar, enjoying Portuguese cuisine paired with local vintages, where atmosphere, flavor, and heritage create an unforgettable evening for all guests.
Gallery
Immerse Yourself in What Awaits
Let these stunning visuals transport you to your next adventure before you even pack your bags.
Itinerary
Every Moment, Perfectly Orchestrated
The itinerary, dates, accommodations, and transfers are subject to change. B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner.
- TAP Air Portugal Flight Information: Subject to Change
- TP 212 6/20/27 Newark (EWR) to Porto Departure 11:10 pm Arrival 10:55 am (+1)
- Motorcoach 6/25/27 Porto to Lisbon (roadtrip)
- TP 203 6/29/27 Lisbon to Newark (EWR) Departure 5:45 pm Arrival 9:00 pm
Day 1: Olá Porto (L)
After our morning arrival in Porto, we’ll meet with our ground team and head to the Foz Quarter for an early lunch. After lunch, will transfer to hour hotel to check in
This evening we’ll meet at our hotel for a welcome reception with light bites and wine.
Day 2; Porto (BLD)
After breakfast, we’ll depart by Tuk Tuk from the hotel to the historical city center for a tour with a stop for tasting of “Natinha” (custard cake). Afterwards, we’ll have lunch in the downtown area with a little extra time for shopping.
This evening, we’ll have a private cellar tour, wine tasting and a curated dinner in Grahams Wine Cellars with wine pairings for each course.
Day 3: Porto/Port Wine (BL)
This day we’re heading to Douro Valley. Upon arrival we’ll visit Quinta do Seixo by Sandeman with Port wine tasting. After our Port wine tasting, we’ll head to Quinta da Pacheca for a visit, lunch and wine tasting.
Day 4: Porto Your Way (BL)
You get to enjoy Porto your way. there are many things to see and do in this beautiful town.
Day 5: Porto to Lisbon (BL)
Time to explore another part of Portugal, Lisbon, the capital city known for its hills. Along the way on our roadtrip, we’ll stop for a visit of Óbidos, one of Portugal’s most enchanting small towns. It’s famous for its medieval walls, colorful streets. and boutique shopping. After our visit of Óbidos we’ll head to lunch nearby before continuing to Lisbon.
This evening we’ll arrive in Lisbon or Lisboa as its called in Portuguese.
Day 6: Lisbon (BD)
After breakfast, we’ll depart from the Hotel for a tour of Lisbon. This includes, a Panoramic visit of BELÉM to The Discoveries Quarter, a Tram ride from Belém to Estrela Quarter.
This evening it’s time to celebrate! It’s Michael Baisden’s birthday! We’ll start the evening with a fabulous dinner with spectacular views.
Day 7: Lisbon (BD)
Relax, Relate, Release this morning. Have a late breakfast, git the gym or explore Lisbon.
This afternoon, we’re exploring Lisbon’s waterways with a sunset catamaran sail along the Tagus River. Cocktails and buffet dinner will served onboard.
Day 8: Lisbon (BD)
You have a free morning and day to explore, do some last minute shopping or sign up for a cooking class (Optional).
This evening, our last evening in Portugal, we’ll come together one last time for a farewell dinner with excellent Portuguese cuisines and lovely views.
Day 9: So Long Portugal (B)
We’ll gather our things and ready ourselves for our departure.
ITINERARY SUBJECT TO CHANGE
What’s Included
More Than a Package—It's an Experience
- Roundtrip air (economy) from Newark to Porto with return from Lisbon – taxes included but subject to change
- Hotel accommodations – taxes included but subject to change
- 4 nights in Porto (Hilton Porto Gaia)
- 4 nights in Lisbon (Epic Sana Marques Hotel Lisbon)
- Tours detailed in the itinerary
- Group Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
- Breakfast Daily
- 5 lunches w/wine
- Welcome reception
- Wine Cellar Dinner
- Michael Baisden's Birthday Celebration
- Catamaran Sunset Sail with Dinner
- Farewell Dinner
What's Not Included in Your Package
- Travelers Insurance (highly recommended): Go to Travel Insurance | Advantage International (advantage-intl.com) for information
- If you are planning to travel to Portugal on a tourist or business trip for a period not to exceed 90 days, you do not need to apply for 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. Go to Travelling or Moving to Portugal – U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Portugal
- Meals that are not listed on the itinerary
- Connecting flights to and from our US departure gateway
- Items of a personal natural
- Beverages during meals – unless specified
- Items of a personal nature and any personal expenses
- Gratuities (recommended amounts)
- Tour Guides ($5 – $10 per person per day)
- Drivers ($2 – $5 per person per day)
- Housekeeper ($5 per day)
- Passport processing
Begin Your Journey
Pricing and Booking
Dates & Availability
Searching Availability…
Payment Information
Payment Schedule: Not adhering to the payment schedule can result in late payment fees, cancellation without notice, and/or rate increases.
- A non-refundable deposit of 1000 per-person is due at the time of booking
- 25% of the per person rate is due by January 10, 2026
- 25% of the per person rate is due by March 22, 2026
- Full and final payment is due by May 6, 2027
All prices are in US Dollars. Due to exchange rate changes, taxes, and other factors, we do not guarantee the amount of the final Tour Fee until the Full and Final Payment Date; before said date, we may increase the Tour price. Except as expressly stated in the Itinerary, you are solely responsible for any Tour-related costs incurred.
Change/Cancellation: Notice of change/cancellation must be made in writing to Advantage International, LLC, and your cancellation date will be the date we receive your notice.
A name change can be requested but cannot be guaranteed, and additional fees will apply. All changes are subject to availability and rate differences and are not guaranteed.
Cancellation:
- The initial deposit of $1000 per person is non-refundable upon deposit/booking
- 50% of the package price is non-refundable if canceled January 10 – March 21, 2027
- 75% of the package price is non-refundable if canceled March 22 – May 5, 2027
- 100% of the package price is non-refundable if canceled on or after May 6, 2027
- We must receive your cancellation notice in writing by email, fax, or overnight courier, and your cancellation date will be the date we receive your notice.
- Your decision not to participate on the Tour due to State Department warnings, fear of travel, or the like will be deemed a cancellation. If a flight or another delay for any reason prevents you from joining the Tour on the Tour start date, you will be considered a no-show, and we cannot provide a full or partial refund or credit toward a future Tour, but you may join the Tour late if you wish.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included?
Package inclusions vary by trip and are spelled out on your invoice and/or itinerary. Most packages include air transportation, transfers, accommodations, tours, selected meals, and events.
What is not included?
Anything that is not mentioned on the invoice or itinerary is not included in the package. Standard items that are not included are as follows:
- Travelers insurance
- Passport fee processing
- Visa fee and processing, if required
- Items of a personal nature
- Gratuities, unless noted in inclusions
- Baggage handling above the set limits
- Airline baggage fees
- Individual ground transportation
- Meals and beverages not listed on the itinerary
Do I need any Vaccinations or Medications?
The requirement for any vaccinations or medications are based on the destination. See the What's Not Included in Your Package, section of the website for your trip for details. Always seek, and follow the advice of your individual medical professional for any medications and vaccinations.
How much money should I take?
While this is a personal choice and based on the destination, we recommend $50 to $100 per person, per day.
Are included tours mandatory? Or Is it mandatory to participate in all of the scheduled/included tours?
No, you do not have to tour with the group. The group package and itinerary are scheduled; however, if you do not want to participate in any land tour on any day, you may opt out. Any tours that you do not join are non-refundable and cannot be used as payment for or credit toward individual tours.
Can I extend my trip?
Yes, you can extend your trip. We will make a request on your behalf, and provide you a quote for the additional services will provided. All additional expenses are your responsibility.
If I do not have a roommate, will you provide one?
We have a “single willing to share” program for registered trip participants. Once you have registered as a single traveler with a deposit, we then put you in contact with other registered “single willing to share” trip participants so that you can explore the possibility of rooming together on the trip.
It’s up to you. If you choose to share a room with another registered trip participant, both of you must let us know.
Are gratuities included?
Gratuities for local tour guides and bus drivers are not included, unless specified on the itinerary. You may tip at your discretion.
Gratuities: Recommendations
Tour Guide: $5-10 per person per day
Bus Driver: $2-5 per person per day
Housekeeping: $3-5 per person per day
Do you offer individual travel services?
Yes. If you would like for us to plan a trip for you, complete the “Plan A Trip” form.
What is the cancellation policy?
General Terms and Conditions are available here. Each group trip has its own payment schedule and cancellation policy. Please review the policy on the trips page. Please note funds cannot be applied to other trips and while name changes may be permitted, funds are non-transferable.
How much luggage can I take?
On our group tours, each person is allowed one carry-on bag and one checked bag. The baggage size and weight restrictions are set by the airline.
Once we arrive at a destination, we travel by motorcoach and your baggage must fit in the bus. In addition, we sometimes travel by domestic flights or train within a country and those carriers might have restrictions on baggage size or weight.
Do I need a passport?
All international trips require a passport. The validity of the passport will vary by destination. However, many destinations require a passport validity is 6 months beyond the date of departure from the country you are visiting.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Start your adventure today and explore the wonders that await you!
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