Exploring Portugal’s Stunning Coastlines: Active Senior Vacation

We recently returned from two fabulous weeks in Portugal. This was the first time we had used an agency to help plan, book, and manage a trip. We could not be more pleased and I highly doubt we will ever go back to handling all of that ourselves.

Zicasso’s travel specialist and his team (most notably our guide) were incredible. The travel specialist listened to our hopes for this trip (as well as what we like to do when traveling) and put together an awesome itinerary. Our main stops were Lisbon, the Algarve, Porto, and the Douro Valley.

Major highlights included four-hour walking and food tours in Lisbon and Porto (the first of which was the day we arrived from the United States. I didn’t think we could do it, but it was the best way to start our trip), the tile museum and tile workshop, a boat ride through the cave formations in the Algarve, a wonderful farm-to-table lunch and wine pairing under a 2,000-year-old olive tree in the Algarve, and an 18-mile e-bike ride in the mountains of the Douro (I definitely didn’t think we could do it).

The sites, the food, the hotels! We did so many things and had so many unforgettable experiences, but in the end, it was the kindness and generosity of all the people we met that will stay with us.

The travel agent from Zicasso's tour company planned for my family of four the most spectacular and luxurious two-week trip around Portugal. We traveled to and enjoyed the highlights of Lisbon, the romantic architecture in Sintra, the incredible history of Évora, the beautiful coastline of the Algarve, the laid-back atmosphere and gorgeous scenery of Madeira, the beautiful, historical, bustling city of Porto, and the stunning scenery of the Douro Valley. 

The travel agent's suggestions and bookings were all perfectly aligned with what we envisioned and the accommodations booked were all beautifully appointed and family-oriented – five-star hotels that catered to the entire family, with indoor pools and kids greeted with backpacks and toys at the door, and nightly treats on pillows.

The tour guides booked were all very knowledgeable and kind. They were patient with my two- and four-year-olds, and taught us all so many new, amazing things.

Every day was a highlight, but I would say my girls really enjoyed the tile painting as well as the pastel de nata-making workshops.

My husband and I really enjoyed Évora and Sintra, and truly seeing the beauty and history of it all.

We absolutely fell in love with Portugal, the culture, and the food. My only regret is not having more time so we could’ve seen the Azores as well and stayed even longer. 

We so look forward to this travel agent planning us another perfect vacation in the near future!

My trip to Portugal was absolutely amazing. Zicasso’s travel company went above and beyond my expectations. The itinerary was amazing and all the guides were incredible. Everything was on time, the accommodations they booked were five-star and in great locations, and enough time was built in for me to be able to explore on my own. I feel the cost was well worth the value. Should I ever go back to Portugal, I would certainly use this travel company again, and I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to have a great experience on a Portugal vacation.

Thank you, Zicasso, for connecting us to our travel company. I wasn't sure how this process would work out, but it was amazing. You made it easy to connect with a local travel agent and create the perfect vacation. Our agent provided a customized trip that exceeded all our expectations!

We wanted to experience a mix of city, seaside, and countryside, and she delivered perfectly. Our itinerary included time in Lisbon, a few days in the charming seaside village of Ericeira, a stay in the stunning Douro Valley, wrapped up with an exciting visit to Porto. Each location was beautifully chosen and the hotels she selected were top-notch.

A special shout out to our tour guides, who ensured our trip was extra fun and engaging. Their knowledge and friendly demeanors made each day enjoyable.

Overall, I highly recommend our agent and her company to anyone looking to explore Portugal!

This was a perfect Portuguese getaway, thanks to Zicasso's travel designer and the travel company!

I can’t say enough good things about our experience with her and the travel company. From the moment we reached out with just the idea of visiting Portugal, it was clear we were in excellent hands. She and her team went above and beyond to provide personal attention that made all the difference.

What stood out most was how genuinely she listened to what we wanted. Every suggestion felt handpicked for us—from charming hotels in Lisbon and Porto to incredible jeep tours in the Azores to a one-of-a-kind personal wine tasting in the Douro Valley that we never would have discovered on our own. Her knowledge of Portugal is unmatched and you can tell she is passionate about sharing the real Portugal with their clients.

Despite the high level of service, everything was surprisingly affordable. We got tremendous value without ever feeling like corners were being cut. It’s rare to find a company that balances quality and cost so well, but Zicasso's travel designer has struck that perfect balance.

This wasn’t just a trip—it was an experience we’ll remember forever. If you're considering a trip to Portugal, don't waste time trying to figure it out on your own. Let her and her team take care of it—you’ll be so glad you did!

I have used Zicasso for a few of my trips and I appreciate that they assist in connecting you with a local travel company, without trying to find someone on my own. Having booked a few trips, I have a pretty good idea of what to expect with the arrangements being made with the local company. What I have learned is that this travel company doesn't deliver some of the concierge services like other companies.

Upon arrival, the travel company was there to greet me and check me into my hotel, which was great after a long day of travel. However, I never heard from them again until the fourth day into the trip. Yes, I could have messaged them if I really needed something. However, I have been accustomed to some of the other agencies that check in each day to see how things are going and remind me of what is on the schedule next. In addition, if there were tour days that needed to start prior to breakfast being served at the hotel, they arranged for a breakfast box at the front desk. This was an arrangement I did myself on this trip. With other agencies, they took on this task. It is by no means a deal breaker, but just a different level of service provided.

The lodging booked in Lisbon was extremely tight in space and I would not recommend staying at that site, which I told the travel company. It was so tight that I could not even open the closet door when pushing the bed as far as I could. Thankfully, I was traveling solo, or it would have been absolutely miserable trying to fit two people, with luggage.

My trip included going to Lagos. In that area, the travel company did a good job arranging a local driver and an excursion with a local guide; it was nice to get out of some of the touristy type of excursions in Lisbon (Sintra and Fatima).

Overall, the trip was pretty seamless and enjoyable.