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Portugal

Winter in Portugal: Rich History & Culture from Cascais to Lisbon

Program No. 22583RJ
From the beautiful coastal Cascais to the modern city of Lisbon, trace the history of Portugal as you explore castles, walk along farmland and sample local cuisine.

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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
Activity Level: On Your Feet (9)
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Filling Fast!
Jan 27 - Feb 3, 2024
Starting at
2,149
Special Offer

Enroll in this date followed by the corresponding Feb. 02, 2024 departure of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) and receive free air from one program to the next!

Filling Fast!
Feb 3 - Feb 10, 2024
Starting at
2,149
Special Offer

Enroll in this date followed by the corresponding Feb. 09, 2024 departure of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) and receive free air from one program to the next!

Feb 10 - Feb 17, 2024
Starting at
2,149
Special Offer

Enroll in this date followed by the corresponding Feb. 16, 2024 departure of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) and receive free air from one program to the next!

Filling Fast!
Feb 17 - Feb 24, 2024
Starting at
2,149
Special Offer

Enroll in this date followed by the corresponding Feb. 23, 2024 departure of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) and receive free air from one program to the next!

Mar 2 - Mar 9, 2024
Starting at
2,149
Special Offer

Enroll in this date followed by the corresponding March 08, 2024 departure of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) and receive free air from one program to the next!

Mar 9 - Mar 16, 2024
Starting at
2,149
Special Offer

Enroll in this date followed by the corresponding March 15, 2024 departure of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) and receive free air from one program to the next!

Mar 16 - Mar 23, 2024
Starting at
2,149
Special Offer

Enroll in this date followed by the corresponding March 22, 2024 departure of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) and receive free air from one program to the next!

Filling Fast!
Nov 2 - Nov 9, 2024
Starting at
2,149
Special Offer

Enroll in this date followed by the corresponding Nov. 08, 2024 departure of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) and receive free air from one program to the next!

Nov 9 - Nov 16, 2024
Starting at
2,149
Special Offer

Enroll in this date followed by the corresponding Nov. 15, 2024 departure of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) and receive free air from one program to the next!

Activity Level: On Your Feet (9)
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Jan 27 - Feb 3, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Special Offer

Enroll in this date followed by the corresponding Feb. 02, 2024 departure of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) and receive free air from one program to the next!

Filling Fast!
Feb 3 - Feb 10, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Special Offer

Enroll in this date followed by the corresponding Feb. 09, 2024 departure of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) and receive free air from one program to the next!

Feb 10 - Feb 17, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Special Offer

Enroll in this date followed by the corresponding Feb. 16, 2024 departure of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) and receive free air from one program to the next!

Filling Fast!
Feb 17 - Feb 24, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Special Offer

Enroll in this date followed by the corresponding Feb. 23, 2024 departure of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) and receive free air from one program to the next!

Mar 2 - Mar 9, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Special Offer

Enroll in this date followed by the corresponding March 08, 2024 departure of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) and receive free air from one program to the next!

Mar 9 - Mar 16, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Special Offer

Enroll in this date followed by the corresponding March 15, 2024 departure of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) and receive free air from one program to the next!

Mar 16 - Mar 23, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Special Offer

Enroll in this date followed by the corresponding March 22, 2024 departure of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) and receive free air from one program to the next!

Nov 2 - Nov 9, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Special Offer

Enroll in this date followed by the corresponding Nov. 08, 2024 departure of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) and receive free air from one program to the next!

Nov 9 - Nov 16, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Special Offer

Enroll in this date followed by the corresponding Nov. 15, 2024 departure of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) and receive free air from one program to the next!

Activity Level: Keep the Pace (11)
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Jan 18 - Jan 25, 2025
Starting at
2,249
Special Offer

Enroll in this date followed by the corresponding Jan. 24, 2025 departure of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) and receive free air from one program to the next!

Jan 25 - Feb 1, 2025
Starting at
2,249
Special Offer

Enroll in this date followed by the corresponding Jan. 31, 2025 departure of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) and receive free air from one program to the next!

Feb 1 - Feb 8, 2025
Starting at
2,249
Special Offer

Enroll in this date followed by the corresponding Feb. 07, 2025 departure of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) and receive free air from one program to the next!

Feb 8 - Feb 15, 2025
Starting at
2,249
Special Offer

Enroll in this date followed by the corresponding Feb. 14, 2025 departure of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) and receive free air from one program to the next!

Feb 15 - Feb 22, 2025
Starting at
2,249
Special Offer

Enroll in this date followed by the corresponding Feb. 21, 2025 departure of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) and receive free air from one program to the next!

Mar 1 - Mar 8, 2025
Starting at
2,249
Special Offer

Enroll in this date followed by the corresponding March 07, 2025 departure of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) and receive free air from one program to the next!

Mar 8 - Mar 15, 2025
Starting at
2,249
Special Offer

Enroll in this date followed by the corresponding March 14, 2025 departure of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) and receive free air from one program to the next!

Mar 15 - Mar 22, 2025
Starting at
2,249
Special Offer

Enroll in this date followed by the corresponding March 21, 2025 departure of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) and receive free air from one program to the next!

Nov 1 - Nov 8, 2025
Starting at
2,249
Special Offer

Enroll in this date followed by the corresponding Nov. 07, 2025 departure of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) and receive free air from one program to the next!

Nov 8 - Nov 15, 2025
Starting at
2,249
Special Offer

Enroll in this date followed by the corresponding Nov. 14, 2025 departure of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) and receive free air from one program to the next!

Nov 15 - Nov 22, 2025
Starting at
2,249
Activity Level: Keep the Pace (11)
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Jan 18 - Jan 25, 2025
Starting at
2,499
Special Offer

Enroll in this date followed by the corresponding Jan. 24, 2025 departure of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) and receive free air from one program to the next!

Jan 25 - Feb 1, 2025
Starting at
2,499
Special Offer

Enroll in this date followed by the corresponding Jan. 31, 2025 departure of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) and receive free air from one program to the next!

Feb 1 - Feb 8, 2025
Starting at
2,499
Special Offer

Enroll in this date followed by the corresponding Feb. 07, 2025 departure of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) and receive free air from one program to the next!

Feb 8 - Feb 15, 2025
Starting at
2,499
Special Offer

Enroll in this date followed by the corresponding Feb. 14, 2025 departure of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) and receive free air from one program to the next!

Feb 15 - Feb 22, 2025
Starting at
2,499
Special Offer

Enroll in this date followed by the corresponding Feb. 21, 2025 departure of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) and receive free air from one program to the next!

Mar 1 - Mar 8, 2025
Starting at
2,499
Special Offer

Enroll in this date followed by the corresponding March 07, 2025 departure of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) and receive free air from one program to the next!

Mar 8 - Mar 15, 2025
Starting at
2,499
Special Offer

Enroll in this date followed by the corresponding March 14, 2025 departure of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) and receive free air from one program to the next!

Mar 15 - Mar 22, 2025
Starting at
2,499
Special Offer

Enroll in this date followed by the corresponding March 21, 2025 departure of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) and receive free air from one program to the next!

Nov 1 - Nov 8, 2025
Starting at
2,499
Special Offer

Enroll in this date followed by the corresponding Nov. 07, 2025 departure of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) and receive free air from one program to the next!

Nov 8 - Nov 15, 2025
Starting at
2,499
Special Offer

Enroll in this date followed by the corresponding Nov. 14, 2025 departure of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) and receive free air from one program to the next!

Nov 15 - Nov 22, 2025
Starting at
2,499

At a Glance

Nestled along the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal is home to historic colorful cities. Discover the coastal area of Lisbon during the quieter winter months, where the weather is mild. Trace the history of Portugal as you explore city of Lisbon, and learn how the former fishing village of Cascais transformed into a royal residence and popular port. Local experts will introduce you to the very best of traditional cuisine, artworks, historic palaces and much more!
Activity Level
Varies by date
Walking up to two miles a day. Some standing; cobblestones.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Explore Lisbon's Gulbenkian Foundation – one of the most exclusive private art collections in Europe. .
  • Discover the chic coastal resort of Cascais, favorite destination of European royalty.
  • Learn the history of the Mafra Royal Palace and Monastery, built by King John V in the 18th century and now a National Monument.

General Notes

Give us a call to combine this learning adventure with select dates of "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492) for even more learning in Southern Europe! We’ll even transfer you for free between locations. This program can only be combined in the following order "Winter in Portugal: Rich History & Culture from Cascais to Lisbon" followed by "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira" (#23492).
Featured Expert
All Experts
Profile Image
Isabel Neves
Isabel Neves is a certified travel professional and group leader with over 30 years of experience in the educational travel industry. She received her degree in tourism management in 1980 and has since then worked for both national and international companies in the creation and management of land and cruise programs. She has an academic background in medieval art and history, as well as an avid interest in the influence of Judaism in European culture. Isabel is fluent in Portuguese, English, French and Spanish.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Isabel Neves
Isabel Neves View biography
Isabel Neves is a certified travel professional and group leader with over 30 years of experience in the educational travel industry. She received her degree in tourism management in 1980 and has since then worked for both national and international companies in the creation and management of land and cruise programs. She has an academic background in medieval art and history, as well as an avid interest in the influence of Judaism in European culture. Isabel is fluent in Portuguese, English, French and Spanish.
Profile Image of Isabel Silva
Isabel Silva View biography
Isabel Carvalho Correa Da Silva is a post-doctoral researcher, prize-winning author and lecturer, based at Lisbon’s prestigious Institute of Social Sciences at the city’s University. Isabel’s Ph.D. in Portuguese history was cited with distinction, and her publications have covered a wide range of historical topics. Her book on Lisbon’s Belem Palace won the Europa Nostra Heritage Award, and she was awarded the Mario Soares Foundation prize for her doctoral thesis in 2012. In addition to her native Portuguese, Isabel speaks English, French, Spanish, and Italian.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
DK Eyewitness Top Ten Lisbon
by Tomas Tranaeus
A compact illustrated guide in the popular series, featuring favorite attractions.
Small Memories
by Jose Saramago
In this contemplative memoir, the Portuguese Nobel laureate recalls a childhood both dark and magical, split between the growing city of Lisbon and the tiny village of Azinhaga.
Lonely Planet Portuguese Phrasebook
by Clara De MacEdo Vitorino
A handy pocket phrasebook for Portuguese basics, covering pronunciation, basic grammar and essential vocabulary for the traveler.
A Traveller's History of Portugal
by Ian Robertson
A lively, admirably concise survey from prehistory to the present, great for travelers to Portugal who would like an overview of the country's history and culture.
Conquerors: How Portugal Forged the First Global Empirer
by Roger Crowley
This epic narrative history by bestselling author Roger Crowley (City of Fortune, MED185) chronicles the rise of Portugal as the small nation forged a dominant share in the global spice trade. His cast of characters (the ambitious King Manuel I, marauding governors and intrepid seamen) built a trade monopoly with the ferocity of a holy crusade, forever shifting Europe's center of power from the Mediterranean to Western Europe.
Lisbon: War in the Shadows of the City of Light, 1939-1945
by Neill Lochery
Despite Portugal's neutrality during WWII, the city of Lisbon endured untold amounts of pressure, propaganda and espionage from both the Allies and the Axis powers. Lochery's well-researched chronicle is sheathed in a cloak-and-dagger atmosphere as he uncovers sordid and fascinating accounts of the backstage role the Portuguese capital played in the conflict that raged on all sides.
Eyewitness Guide Portugal
by Eyewitness Guides
A compact, visual travel guide to the country featuring hundreds of photographs and drawings, an excellent overview of the culture and history of Portugal and good information about where to go and what to do. With many excellent regional, local and neighborhood maps.
The Book of Disquiet
by Fernando Pessoa
When the Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa died in 1935, he left behind a trunk full of unpublished writings. Culled from those unclassifiable papers, this book is a unique collection of short, aphoristic paragraphs comprising the "autobiography" of Bernardo Soares, one of Pessoa's many alternate selves (he called them "heteronyms"). Part intimate diary, part prose poetry, part descriptive narrative, this melancholic masterpiece is captivatingly translated by Richard Zenith.
Baltasar and Blimunda
by Jose Saramago
This tale of two unlikely lovers in Inquisition-era Portugal is arguably Saramago's masterwork: a philosophically charged, intellectually rigorous historical drama which is also a captivating read.
Portugal Map
by Michelin
At a scale of 1:400,000, this fully indexed map also includes insets of Madeira and city maps.
The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis
by Jose Saramago
This nuanced novel, written in Saramago's smooth style, follows Ricardo Reis, one of the Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa's invented characters, around the rainy streets of Lisbon. Pessoa has just died, and Saramago builds his plot around the premise that characters live on nine months after their author's demise
Journey to Portugal, In Pursuit of Portugal's History and Culture
by Jose Saramago
Jose Saramago's richly detailed account of his journey across Portugal in 1979. He combines his vivid impressions of the Portuguese landscape and people with a dose of history, fiction and meditations.





Important registration tip:
If you want to attend the live lecture, please do not wait until the last minute to enroll.
If you enroll after a lecture is complete, we’ll send you a recording of the event.