Experience Portugal Through its Historical Pousadas
With
Sabine Lippert

October 9-23, 2026

Lisbon to Porto -- and Places In Between!

 

This is an incredible opportunity to experience Portugal from a very different perspective. We will be staying at Pousadas throughout Central Portugal. These are national historic monuments that have been refurbished by modern architects and turned into small luxury hotels. The concept of this trip is to discover Portugal through these buildings, the people we will meet there, and what they lead us to.

The Pousadas are about preserving an original monument and retaining the character of the building. Every stone of the original ruin was retained as much as possible; the furniture and decoration also were incorporated. Within this framework, a fully contemporary new building was designed, often with its own startling design motif. The hotels are luxurious and delightful spaces and have their own fascinating rich history.

This tour will be relaxing. The Pousadas are often not at the busiest tourist venues, so we will see some of the further and quie ter parts of Portugal. Pousadas are small, high-end, boutique hotels, not big resorts; the atmosphere is elegant, and the service dignified.

We will spend a minimum of two nights at each location. The Pousadas usually have spas, swimming pools, bars, and restaurants. We’ll have day excursions by which we will travel from our Pousada in our private minibus. During our adventure, Sabine will teach a project inspired by the trip’s itinerary.

Group size is very limited—only 10 spots!

 

Itinerary

Important note: The following is a good idea of what to expect during our 15 days in Portugal. Because we will have private transportation and guide, we will be flexible enough to take advantage of the unexpected and other opportunities we uncover (i.e. tile painting or a rug embroidery workshop). Be assured any changes will enhance your experience!

Days 1 & 2. October 9 & 10. Depart Lisbon for Pousada Castelo de Palm.
You will have flown into the Humberto Delgado Airport (aka Lisbon Airport; airport code LIS) in time to be picked-up at 10 a.m. from the Star Inn, located at the Lisbon airport. If you arrive prior to October 9, we will be glad to help with suggestions for a hotel stay or tour ideas for the time you are on-your-own.

We’ll set out in our private van with our guide to the Pousada Castelo de Palmela in the historic center of the city of Palmela, 42 km from Lisbon. Sitting 230 meters above sea level, and dominating the scenery, it has fantastic views of the Serra da Arrábida, over the Atlantic Ocean, and over the lowlands and vineyards of the region. The Pousada includes cloisters from the old convent constructed in the castle.

Over the two days our activities will include a wine tour of the Bacaloa winery in Arrabida; a visit Cabo Espichel on the coast; and a seafood lunch in Portinho.
Meals included: Breakfast both days; October 9 dinner

Days 3-6. October 11-14. Pousada de Alcácer do Sal.
This Pousada is a convent, beside its own church, all located inside a Medieval Castle above the town of Alcácer do Sal. It sits comfortably upon a hill, with views of the tranquil waters of the Rio Sado. It’s on a major navigable estuary on the West coast of Portugal, historically significant for salt and rice production. While it was being refurbished as a Pousada the uncovered the complete remains of Roman and Moorish cities that preceded the mediaeval era. These have been preserved in catacombs below the hotel and can be vi sited.

During our visit we the opportunities to enjoy the town and Pousada include a visit to Comporta, Cais Palafitico, and the coast; a ferry ride to Setubal, the famous estuary in which dolphins often play around the ferry; the famous Livramento market; the Giacometti Museum; and a seafood lunch. We’ll also have our first full-day workshop with Sabine.
Meals included: Breakfast each day, dinner on October 11 and 14

Days 7-9. October 15-17. Pousada Convento de Arraiolos.
The Pousada Convento de Arraiolos is a modernized old convent, with a church famous for its Azulejo tiles, located just outside the historic village of Arraiolos. The village is world- renowned for its carpets, which are considered cultural heritage and unique in the world. Over the three days there is lots we can chose from--a visit to Evora, the UNESCO world heritage site; Roman temple of Diana; Prata aqueduct; Palace of the Dukes of Cadaval; Evora Cathedral; Museu de Evora; and the Bone Chapel. There also is the tapestry museum and village center in Arraiolos; the Saturday market at Estremoz; the cork factory at Azaruja; having lunch in Vila Vicosa; and a visit to the Ducal Palace. We’ll also have another half-day workshop on Sabine’s project.
Meals included: Breakfast each day; dinner on October 15 and 17

Days 10 & 11. October 18 & 19. Pousada de Viseu.
The Pous ada de Viseu is in the city of Viseu, located in central Portugal. It is a renovation of the old Hospital de São Teotónio, one of the oldest hospitals of Europe, that opened in 1842 and features views of the historic part of the city. This old hospital was completely reconstructed and adapted by architect Gonçalo Bryrne in 2009. This is a quiet stop on our way to northern Portugal.

On the drive we will visit either Fatima, a religious pilgrimage site, or Conimbriga Roman ruins. On the 19th, we’ll have a half-day workshop; the other half of the day can include a visit to the Viseu Center and its museums, cafes, and hand-made chocolate shop.
Meals included: Breakfast each day; dinner on October 18

Days 12-14. October 20-22. Pousada Mosteiro de Amares.
Pousada Mosteiro de Amares is in Amares, between the city of Braga and the Serra do Gerês. The Pousada is a wonderful restoration of a Cistercian Monastery from the 12th century, a work of the distinguished architect, Eduardo Souto de Moura, winner of the 2011 Pritzker Prize, the most important worldwide architecture prize. It is a fantastic building, sitting in tightly folded hills, which will give us a majestic and imposing setting for our stay. It has the original monastic grounds, an outdoor pool, and the most wonderful dining room of all the Posadas.

On our drive to Amares, we will visit Bom Jesus, a religious site of several churches and shrines, with hundre ds of steps to the church with the stations of the cross on a hillside overlooking the old capital of Braga (you can ride the funicular to the top or choose to walk the steps).

During our stay, we’ll have another full day workshop with Sabine. We'll also visit the walled city (and UNESCO World Heritage Site) of Guimaraes, the medieval Capital of Portugal. This city, in Minho province, was the early medieval capital of Portugal and has an outstandingly preserved medieval city center. During our visit, we also can visit Oliviera Plaza, Santiago Plaza, Duke of Braganza’s Palace, and museums.
Meals included: All breakfasts; dinner on October 20 and 22

Day 15. October 23. Departure from Porto Airport.
Today our Beadventure comes to an end with the 90-minute drive to the Porto airport (code OPO). Please arrange your flight so you don’t depart any earlier than 12 o’clock noon. If you’re extending your stay in Porto, we’ll be glad to offer suggestions.

About our project . . .
Sabine is designing a project inspired by our destination and says it will be a box/bowl/vase with a lid. She has developed a new combination of techniques that create a super, sturdy structure that can be heavily embellished. Oh boy--stay tuned for details!!!!

About our teacher . . . Sabine Lippert
In the late 80s Sabine went to medical school and worked as a physician until 2015. Her passion for needlework and crafting then took over. Ever since she spends her time designing all kinds of beadwork and most recently, yarn-related projects. When she is not beading, she is knitting or doing crochet (and some say she does it in her sleep--but there is no proof (so far) of that theory). She incorporates all kinds of beading techniques into her work. Most recently, variations of Right-Angle Weave combined with related stitches, have been at the core of her work. Her passion is to create three- dimensional structures that might look very complex, but doable for less advanced beaders. See more about her work at trytobead.com

 

About our guide . . .  Wendy Smith-Wood
Wendy was born in the United Kingdom and graduated with a degree in English and a post-grad in business studies. After a spell in Human Relations in the car industry in the UK, she attended Sandhurst Royal Military Academy and served four years in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces in Germany and England, during which time she played badminton internationally and led caving expeditions to Peru, Sardinia, and  Crete. She them moved to management training in the outdoors with Outward Bound in England and Wales and then in Borneo, during which she became a team trainer and adventure specialist.

Following her dreams, she went to Alaska and spent 12 winters as a professional musher training dogs for the Iditarod Sled dog race. In 1997 she crossed the American continent, coast to coast, on a sled dog team to raise money for cancer charities, completing a 4,600 mile world record journey. The rest of her time was spent as a mountaineer in Central Asia and Africa leading treks, expeditions, and guiding adventures.

In 2001 she met her husband and married in Alaska, settling on a remote homestead, working as a glacier specialist and developing a career as a textile artist specializing in Japanese shibori. In 2006 she established a tour company leading tours for artists all over the world. Now she resides in Central Florida and Alaska. She took up Karate at the age of 60, at Florida Budokan, and is teaching traditional Japanese silk dyeing.

Wendy leads bespoke tours all over the world, but specializes in small group tours to Morocco, Portugal, France, Britain, and India. These are all countries where she has lived and worked and knows well.

Trip Cost

Approximately 5940 Euros (click here to convert currency). Single supplement (based on availability) 1740 Euros. Cost will be finalized in early 2026.
Maximum group size is 10.
Non-beader discount: $165.00

Cost Includes:

• 14 nights shared accommodations
• 3 days of bead workshop with Sabine Lippert
• All ground transportation with private driver/guide
• Meals: All breakfasts, 60% of dinners
• Bacalhoa wine tour
• Troia ferry ride
• Giacometti museum entrance fee
• Evora Museum entrance fee
• Cadaval Palace entrance fee
• Vila Vicosa Ducal Palace entrance fee
• Tapestry Museum entrance fee
• Conimbriga tour fee
• Bom Jesus Funicular ticket
• Guimaraes museums and palace entrance fees

Does Not Include:

• Airfare
• Travel insurance (highly recommend)
• Lunches and 40% of dinners
• Personal items, snacks, laundry, medical expenses
• Kit for Sabine’s workshop

To Sign Up

To guarantee your spot on this trip, send in a $1,000 deposit and completed registration form after reviewing Beadventures' Conditions & Responsibilities information. Final payment will be due 120 days prior to the start of the trip.

Trip Notes . . .

Travel Insurance

You are making a big investment in your upcoming travel. In spite of all your planning, travel can be unpredictable--from cancelled flights to last minute illness. To help protect the investment you are making in your upcoming trip, you are strongly encouraged to purchase trip insurance. Research coverage options by clicking here.

Passport

Check your passport expiration date to make certain it is valid for at least three months beyond the dates of this trip. No visa is required for US citizens for a stay of less than 90 days.

Europe will be implementing the European Travel Information and Authorization System (or ETIAS) over 2025. It will be a straight-forward on-line application with a small fee. Beadventures will keep you updated on next steps once the system goes live.

Fitness Level

It always is a good idea to be comfortable to walk around for several hours.

Money Exchange and Currency

Portugal uses Euros. US credit cards are widely accepted, with Visa and Mastercard are the most common. American Express is less common; Discover cards are only accepted in a few places.

Bead Workshop Gear

Remember to bring your customary bead supplies (beading mat, needles, thread, scissors, magnification, and task light). A task light is important (because lighting in the classroom isn’t that great). It’s best if your light is battery-powered because we will   not have electric extension cords in the classroom.  Your best option is to have a rechargeable power source for your light (so you don’t have to pack lots and lots and lots of extra batteries!).