Portugal in a week
Follow CAA Travel Advisor Shayna Barrett as she discovers Portugal on an Air Canada Vacations adventure from Lisbon to the Algarve! Expect smooth travels, sun-soaked coastlines, lively city streets, hidden gems, and what just might be the best sangria on the planet.
From the lively streets of Lisbon to the calm, golden shores of the Algarve, Portugal offers a richness that’s hard to resist. Recently, Fredericton-based Travel Advisor Shayna Barrett joined an Air Canada Vacations “Urban Vibes to Ocean Tides: Lisbon & Algarve Escape” familiarization trip, experiencing it all firsthand. Her journey shows how easily these packages can turn “someday” trips into simple, stress-free holidays for CAA Members.
Day 1: Lisbon Touchdown
We arrived in Lisbon late in the morning, and from the moment we exited the airport, the process felt smooth and organized. An Air Canada Vacations representative was waiting for us with a name board, and our private driver brought us directly to our hotel, making the transfer into the city completely stress-free.
We stayed our first night at the Turim Iberia Hotel. It was slightly outside the main tourist areas, but it worked well for a one-night stay after a long travel day. Comfortable and quiet, it’s tucked near a charming park, with helpful staff answering all questions. The on-site restaurant offered affordable meals for weary travellers.
Pro tip: The hotel had no USB plugs in rooms, so an adapter is a must!
Air Canada Vacations provided us with a Lisboa 24-Hour Card, which includes unlimited public transportation and with free or discounted access to several attractions. I’ll admit there was a small learning curve: after visiting a few metro stations and machines, we learned the card activates simply by scanning it when entering transit. Once that clicked, it was incredibly convenient.
With the metro figured out, we headed to the Lisbon Oceanarium, one of the city’s most popular attractions. The highlight was the massive central tank featuring manta rays and sharks, surrounded by smaller exhibits displaying marine life from around the world.
In the end, there was a souvenir shop and a small restaurant, with seating outside on the waterfront. We enjoyed a quick cerveja, and some very sour lemonade, with chicken tacos and chips. It was a great snack for the right price.
With the aquarium experience, you can also add on a cable car ride over the waterfront. The ride offers a great overview of the city and is a quick, fun way to take in the views, plus it saved us from having to walk the entire distance back to the main waterfront.
Late afternoon brought us to Praça do Comércio for the Lisbon sign photo. The poor S was in rough shape, so everyone had to hold it up as they snapped their picture!
From there, we strolled down Rua Augusta, passing shops, cafés, and lively street performers before heading back to the hotel for a well-earned rest after two full days of travel.
Day 2: Travel from Lisbon to Algarve
The next morning, our journey continued south to the Algarve. A private transfer brought us to the train station well ahead of schedule, which removed any concern about timing.
We travelled first class on the train, and while the journey was comfortable and on time, the onboard station screen wasn’t functioning on this route. Thankfully, our ACV vouchers clearly listed arrival times, so we knew exactly when to expect our stop. At Tunes Station, the ACV representative was waiting to transfer us to our resort, Pestana Blue Alvor Beach.
Days 3-7: Algarve
Hotel
Pestana Blue Alvor Beach lived up to its reputation as a family haven with a laid-back vibe everyone can enjoy. The atmosphere was calm and welcoming, the rooms felt spacious, and thoughtful touches like daily restocked water, kid-friendly juice boxes, and unlimited pool towels from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. really stood out. It’s a peaceful spot to unwind, though trips into nearby Alvor or Portimão do require a short drive or taxi.
Dining
The resort featured two specialty restaurants, Fuego (Surf & Turf) and Luigi (Italian), alongside the main Acqua Buffet. Our package included one specialty dinner, and we chose Fuego; the chicken was tasty but left me wondering if Luigi might have been the stronger choice.
The main buffet, open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. with late-night snacks at the Coral Bar, offered ample variety, but dishes weren’t always piping hot since it wasn’t a live-cook setup. While the menu changed daily, it began to feel repetitive by day five.
The nearby snack bar served easy grab-and-go favourites like burgers and hot dogs, perfect for a quick bite by the pool. Evenings centered around Bubbles Bar, where guests enjoyed live music or a DJ after lively shows downstairs at the Coral Bar.
Overall, we never went hungry, but the food wasn’t the highlight of our stay.
Activities
The resort has a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere that’s a big draw for guests of all ages. Though I initially felt out of place among so many families, the entertainment crew made everyone feel welcome with daily activities like aqua dance, water polo, archery, pétanque, paddle, and beach volleyball. Evenings were lively with shows and events; my favourite was a “Disney” performance featuring songs from Frozen and The Little Mermaid. Another highlight was karaoke night, where everyone joined in on the fun, including us singing Shania Twain’s ”Man! I Feel Like a Woman!”
The entertainment overall was a hit for me and certainly made the trip even more memorable.
Off-Site
The resort’s location was fairly quiet, with little to do within walking distance. The beach was about a 5-minute walk away, and while the setting was beautiful, amenities like loungers, food, and drinks weren’t included since it’s off the resort property. One heads-up: watch out for sand fleas!
One evening, we wandered off the property toward Alvor, a nearby town about 30 minutes away. Along the way, we passed a few restaurants, shops, a market, and even a bowling alley, most closed by the time we walked by but worth checking out during the day.
Our favourite off-site adventure was the Benagil Cave Tour, booked right at the resort’s front desk. It included pickup, drop-off, and a two-hour boat ride along the coast with two fantastic guides. We explored several caves and admired the scenic coastal towns and beaches along the way. The standout for me was Carvoeiro, with dazzling cliffside views and inviting hiking trails. I’d love to return and explore more of that area someday!
Day 8: Back to Lisbon
We arrived back in Lisbon around 5 p.m. and grabbed an Uber from the Oriente train station to our hotel, Turim Marquês. At only 7 Euros for the 30‑minute ride, it was well worth skipping the metro.
This hotel offered a noticeable upgrade from the first one we stayed in: spacious, luxurious rooms, a 5-minute walk to the metro, and it was surrounded by restaurants, bars, shops, parks, and markets. A basic breakfast was included in our rate and was an easy way to start the day.
Once checked in, we asked the receptionist for a local restaurant recommendation and ended up at 39 Degraus, a rooftop restaurant atop an old theatre just 5 minutes away. The place buzzed with locals enjoying evening drinks under string lights and soft music. I ordered a quinoa salad, which was fresh and delicious.
After dinner, we headed back to the hotel to rest and get ready for the next day’s adventure.
Day 9: Day trip to Cascais
Our day trip to Cascais was absolutely worth it! The train leaves from Cais do Sodré about every 20 minutes in peak season (and roughly hourly during the off-season), with a scenic 45-minute ride along the coast.
Along the way, you could stop at smaller villages. Most noteworthy was probably Belem, where the iconic Belem Tower is located. Though it was under construction at the time, we could still catch a glimpse of it from the train.
Once there, the town was effortlessly walkable, with a beautiful harbor, charming streets, and plenty of local shops. Pedestrian streets brimmed with affordable Portuguese souvenirs; I snagged blue-tile glasses cases and a clever wine topper.
For lunch, we stopped at Terraza, a rooftop spot overlooking the harbour. The food was decent, but the sangria stole the show - crisp, fresh, and perfectly chilled on one of the hottest days of our trip. I can confidently say it was the best I’ve ever had!
We ended our Cascais adventure on a sweet note with gelato from Santini. A long line earlier in the day tipped us off to its popularity, so when we found a second location with hardly any wait, we couldn’t resist. It easily earned the title of the best gelato of the trip!
Returning to Lisbon in the early afternoon, we took advantage of our stop at Cais do Sodré, right in the city downtown along the waterfront. The area was buzzing with cafés, music, and great food options - a perfect spot to unwind before dinner.
Before heading back to the hotel, we went searching for the famous Pink Street and found it after a short walk. Even around 6 p.m., it was lively, hinting at how vibrant it must get later at night.
For our final dinner, we visited Madame, a packed local favourite known for its pizza and cozy atmosphere. The BBQ Chicken pizza we shared was hands‑down the best meal of our trip, possibly the best pizza I’ve ever had! I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting Lisbon.
After dinner, we headed back to pack for our early morning flight home, feeling full and happy after an unforgettable trip.
Final Thoughts
For travellers looking for a well-planned, stress-free way to experience Portugal, this itinerary blends convenience and adventure perfectly. With Air Canada Vacations managing the flights, transfers, and hotels, the entire trip felt effortless, allowing us to truly enjoy each moment. From wandering Lisbon’s historic streets to coastal train rides, resort relaxation, and memorable local dining, every experience unfolded at an easy, enjoyable pace.
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