An Unforgettable Portugal Trip Experienced by My CEO & Family

-By: Joyce Viegas

When you indulge too much in your job or business, it becomes really difficult to take some time out for family and friends. More than friends, it’s your family who suffers and craves to spend some quality time with you. His travel story is very close to my heart; it’s for all the hardworking people who need to spend more time with their families. Folks, while living in this modern era, have become difficult to maintain bonds. People these days are not prioritizing their relationships. We are running behind a materialistic life which is going to impact us badly in the future.

Believe me, it is not difficult to balance your personal and professional life. So, here I am sharing the most inspiring story of my CEO. I found him truly dedicated to his work. Since, few months we all are working on a new project, and My CEO, Mr. Amin Abdelzahir Mohamed is the busiest person. This time it was my responsibility to make all the arrangements for him.

After discussing with his family, he told me that they want to go to Portugal. His kids and wife were really excited for this trip. Well, who doesn’t? The beautiful vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, delectable cuisine and mesmerizing coastline attract tourists from all around the world. I must say Portugal was a great choice to spend a vacation with family. Now, when the destination gets finalized, it is time to book a Portugal tour package. I wanted this trip to be memorable for him and his family. So, I was looking for a reliable and premium travel partner, and my search ended with Myholidays. The sincere team of this travel agency made exceptional travel arrangements for my CEO.

From the initial planning stages to the completion of the trip, everything was handled with great care and professionalism. The itinerary was thoughtfully designed, the logistics were seamless, and every detail was clearly well-considered. My CEO and his family were thoroughly impressed and have shared very enthusiastic feedback about their experience.

Here, I am sharing enticing insights from his Portugal trip. Read on, to plan a trip in future.

Day 1: The Portugal Trip Started with Arrival in Lisbon

After a 10 hours long flight from Kuwait My CEO Mr. Amin Abdelzahir Mohamed arrived at the Lisbon airport with family. The travel manager from Myholidays was waiting to welcome them. After a warm welcome at the airport, My CEO with family transferred to their hotel via private cab. The entire family were excited to explore the captivating Portugal. However, the start of the trip was a bit slow as they were really tired after a long journey. The hotel was arranged in the middle of the city, so they reached the hotel within 20 minutes. After reaching the hotel, they proceeded with check-in and shifted to their luxurious hotel room. The hotel Turim Ibéria was as per their desire and requirements. Equipped with all the premium amenities, the hotel offered premium services to my CEO.

After settling, Mr. Amin and his wife ordered lunch in the hotel room only. They were too tired to go anywhere. After lunch they took a nap while the kids were watching their favorite show on TV. Their first day in Lisbon was followed by shopping at the nearby street market. They enjoyed their shopping session at Feira da Ladra, a famous flea market. Now it was time to enjoy the authentic cuisine of this vibrant country. I must tell you Mr. Amin Abdelzahir Mohamed (The CEO), is a big-time foodie. His love for food is unbeatable. Before going on this trip, he asked me to give him a proper list of the best eateries in Lisbon.

Their love for seafood took them to Cervejaria Ramiro, a classic seafood restaurant. Lobster Mac n Cheese, crab cakes and pan roasted haddock were the top-notch dishes. It was so good that the kids literally asked for a takeaway. I am glad that they really liked the restaurant and the food, my research didn’t go in vain. After a heartful meal, they returned to the hotel and headed to their rooms to relax and sleep. The next day was going to be more fun and adventurous.

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Day 2: Exploring the City & Lisbon Oceanarium

The second day in Lisbon started with a delightful breakfast served by the hotel. On vacations, getting your breakfast in bed is bliss. We all love this gesture, My CEO and his family also loved it. However, by the time the hotel staff served breakfast, the kids were sleeping. They were woken up by their parents and Mr. Amin had to order breakfast again as the previous one got cold. Now the time was to get ready to visit the nearby attractions in Lisbon. I booked them a 4-hour Tuk-Tuk sightseeing tour. Their pickup was scheduled at 9 am, so they quickly got ready to board this ride. Tuk-Tuk sightseeing is the best way to explore the prominent attractions of Lisbon. You can customize the itinerary according to your preferences. The first stop of this Tuk-Tuk ride was Bairro Alto. It's a lively neighborhood in Lisbon, known for its rich history, tradition, and culture. This place is a center of attraction for locals and tourists both.

The family was truly in awe, as soon as they started the exploration. They were amazed to witness the culture and tradition of Portugal. They stopped at an iconic electic shop, they bought a variety of unique and antique items. These shops are famous in Lisbon for buying craft items and souvenirs along with other items. After spending almost an hour at this place, they moved towards the Jeronimos Monastery. It is basically a monastery which is a masterpiece of the famous architecture Manueline. My CEO and his wife are very particular about introducing certain things or places to their children. Since it is a UNESCO World Heritage site, they wanted their children to visit this site. However, the kids are really smart and respectful towards their parents. They hired a guide to learn about the history and significance of this monastery. As the time was ticking so they had to leave the place a bit quickly.

Moving ahead, they stopped at the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. This high vantage point in Lisbon is great to enjoy the beautiful view of the city and Tagus River and the surrounding mountains. Since it was the last stop of their ride, they had two hours to explore the entire area. The weather at this place was pleasant and romantic. The family fully enjoyed the view and the weather of this place. They clicked on a plethora of pictures, and the couple enjoyed the premium port wine. The romantic ambiance of this place attracts young couples and also holds historic significance. This sight is also linked to the chapel of Nossa Senhora do Monte, which is associated with the legend Afonso Henriques.

Well, after spending an hour in the beauty of this place, they were ready to onboard the Tagus River Sailboat city cruise. Sailing on the tranquil water of Tagus River was the best experience for them. It was indeed a magical way to admire the beauty and landmarks of the city from a distance. They were mesmerized to see the beauty of Lisbon's main monuments.

Finally, they enjoyed the fantastic sunset over the Atlantic Ocean, a moment they definitely wanted to click on the photographs. They enjoyed this cruise ride, from food to ambiance, everything was impeccable. This one-hour ride was not enough for them to enjoy the scenic beauty and hospitality on this cruise. Children were not ready even ready to leave the place, but they had to. For your knowledge, the cruise tickets were also included in the package, and they were fully satisfied with the service. After this four-hour long exploration, they dropped by their hotel. They ordered lunch right after reaching their hotel room. They ordered Bifana, Clado Verde and the kids' favorite crispy chicken tenders. After having a hearty lunch, the kids took a nap, and the couple was exploring the internet to attend any cultural event.

Their search ended by booking four tickets for Fado. It is a traditional Portugal's folk dance which is organized for tourists. After spending almost 2 hours in the hotel room, they headed to the city center to enjoy the electrifying dance show. Both of Mr. Amin’s kids took part in cultural programs, so it was an exciting moment for them as well. The family truly enjoyed the show and had a great time. During the evening, Lisbon becomes alive, and the entire city boasts a great vibe. Evenings are best to experience the local culture and lifestyle of locals. So, while exploring the streets of Lisbon, they enjoyed street shopping and local street food. Kids bought new cartoon characters and toys. The couple got themselves a pair of new earphones and gadgets. It was a well spent evening in Lisbon. Since they already had street food, they skipped their dinner, had their favorite ice cream, and headed back to the hotel.

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Day 3: A Private Full Day Tour to Sintra, Pena Palace, Mouros Castle & Roca

It was indeed a Good Morning for the family as they were excited to explore the hidden gems and attractive places. They woke up around 7 am, took a walk inside the hotel garden, and accomplished their morning routine. Surprisingly, the kids also woke up early and enjoyed a few rides in the hotel’s garden. My CEO was overwhelmed by spending such beautiful days with his wife and kids. It was totally different from his regular life. Well, moving forward, the third and last day of this enticing trip started by having breakfast at a renowned nearby cafe. They ordered blueberry and oats pancake, Sunnyside eggs, bacons, Irish coffee and brownie shakes. Since it was a private day trip, they called the tour guide to pick them up from the cafe only.

The day trip started by visiting the magical town of Sintra, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. This town felt like entering a city of fairytales. Eye-catching architecture and the lush green surroundings leave them mesmerized. They felt the echos of the past as they entered to explore the town. The guide they hired introduced them to fascinating history and the hidden secrets of the place.

The next destination they explored was Pena Palace. It is known as one of the most popular landmarks of Portugal. This palace in Sintra is renowned for its romantic architectural style and historic importance. Situated on a high hill, the palace offers a panoramic view of the city. While the kids were busy playing hide n seek, the couple enjoyed some quality time. They were soaked in love and mesmerized by the picturesque landscape. They had also explored the huge palace garden. The garden was filled with unique plants accompanied by a tranquil lake.

The family felt a real-life fairytale scenario. Since they had to cover a lot of places, they wrapped up their visit and moved towards enchanting Cabo da Roca’s coastline, where magnificent cliffs meet the extensive Atlantic Ocean. The historical lighthouse was the major attraction for kids; they were just waiting for the indication of their parents playing around the area.

They enjoyed some quality time at the coastline, enjoyed the breathtaking view and made their way to Guincho Beach. It is a popular beach in Sintra town, which is also famous for a range of water activities. The family enjoyed windsurfing and swimming. Mr. Amin was so happy to see his family enjoying this holiday. Lying on the golden sand dunes and enjoying the powerful water waves was a once in a lifetime experience for them. I also wish to enjoy my vacation in Portugal someday. They left the beach after clicking some incredible pictures.

Now it was time to visit the last and final stop of this vacation. They headed to Cascais a stunning coastal town in Portugal. It's an unmissable place due to its beauty and serene beaches. The elegance and weather of this place can attract anyone. However, being a popular tourist destination, the family encountered an immense rush. Instead of spending their time on the beach, they decided to explore the lively city streets, cafes, and shops. The city streets were dazzled by historic mansions. They were so attractive that my CEO decided to renovate his house with similar architecture. Walking through the streets and indulging in street shopping was the best experience for them. Well, after roaming around the ravishing streets of Cascais, they stopped by a cafe for lunch.

After breakfast they didn’t have anything, so they were really hungry. They ordered Arroz de Marisco, a kind of seafood rice with spicy chicken curry, custard tarts, chicken strips, lobsters and crispy prawns. The meal was delicious, and the place was suggested by yours truly. After finishing the meal, they packed some desserts and made their way back to Lisbon. The kids fell asleep in the cab as it was a tiring day for them.

In the meantime, Mr. Amin and his wife enjoyed the scenic drive to their hotel. Once they reached the hotel, the kids were awake and insisted on playing around the pool. However, they already had a swim, so their mother denied this request. But Mr. Amin didn’t want their kids to be sad, especially on this vacation. He didn’t just allow them but joined them in the pool. We are all working hard to keep our family and loved ones happy. As soon as the pool session ended, they were up for packing their bags. They had an early morning flight, so they quickly finished packing, had their dinner and called it a day.

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Day 4: Time to Say Adeus (Goodbye) Portugal

Goodbyes are the worst part of any vacation. After enjoying a wonderful Portugal trip, now it was time for homecoming. They had their mid-morning flight, so the family woke up early, hugged each other and got ready to enjoy their last meal in Portugal. The hotel arranged a divine breakfast for them. It was kind of a farewell treatment. The breakfast table was decorated with eggs benedict, cream filled doughnuts, sandwiches, baked potatoes, coffee and juices. Mr. Amin and his wife showed their gratitude, finished breakfast, and called the cab. After completing the checkout process, they were on their way to Lisbon airport. Each and every detail of this trip was shared with joy by Mr. Amin. It is he who made me share his experience as it was.

If you are also planning a holiday soon, you can choose Portugal as your ultimate travel destination. However, you must read out the travel tips if you are planning a trip to Portugal.

Travel Tips Before Planning a Trip to Portugal

Always consider best time to visit Portugal. March to June are the best months to explore this wonderful country. September and October are also considerable due to weather conditions.
If you are not able to plan a trip on your own, it is best to get along with a reliable travel partner. They can take care of everything from visa processing to hotel bookings and even plan the entire itinerary.
Do not forget to exchange the currency and do learn few essential Portuguese words.
Pack comfortable summer clothes, a pair of sunglasses, sunscreen, and shoes.
Be aware of pickpocketing, especially in the busy marketplaces of Lisbon.
If you are visiting for the first time, you must consider booking a cab to visit nearby attractions.

Package Includes: