| What to Know Before You Go to... |
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| PORTUGAL
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Call US AT: 800-206-TOUR |
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Thank you for booking with 206 Tours. We promise to do all with in our power to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. Please feel free to contact us: Please note that should any problems arises during your trip you should first contact your local emergency contact, and then 206 Tours. We pray that your pilgrimage will meet and exceed all of your expectations. Please share with us your positive and constructive feedback upon your return! |
How to Prepare for Your Pilgrimage:
Thank you for your desire and readiness to visit these places of grace and prayer. May the Almighty God, through the intercession of our Heavenly Mother, reward you for all the efforts you undertake to come! As we would like your trip to be as pleasant and helpful as possible. It is important to note that 206 Tours pilgrimages are packed full of spiritual activities and sightseeing. We do not include much free time for recreation, such as shopping. This is because our desire is to offer you the most comprehensive pilgrimage possible. However, all tours/activities are optional, and if you feel you are unable to keep up with the pace of the tour, manage the terrain, or would like free time for your own interests, you are welcome to refrain from participating in any aspects of the program you desire (of course, no refund can be issued for any aspects of the the tour which you choose not to participate in). It is also important to note that the amount of walking is significant, and the terrain varies greatly through out our tours. You will encounter hills, mountains, unpaved streets, cobblestone streets, etc. Please prayerfully consider whether or not you are up to such physical activities prior to registering. For this reason, we would like to offer you some recommendations, and we ask you sincerely to read them carefully.
A
couple of weeks before your pilgrimage, one should begin preparing
physically as well as spiritually.
-
If not accustomed to physical activity begin walking "briskly" 1-2 times a day; build up to 2-3 miles with no discomfort.
-
If possible attend daily mass or attempt to spend quiet time in church during lunch or after work.
-
Pray for Jesus and His Blessed Mother to open your heart and mind to be responsive to new perspectives, ideas, their words laid on your heart, etc.
-
Begin praying the rosary daily ( Learn How to Pray the Rosary ) or at least the Apostle's Creed
General Info About Your Documents, Flights, Arrival & Travel:
New Security Procedures:
-
All liquids, gels and aerosols must be in three-ounce or smaller containers. Larger containers that are half-full or toothpaste tubes rolled up are not allowed. Each container must be three ounces or smaller.
-
All liquids, gels and aerosols must be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. Gallon size bags or bags that are not zip-top such as fold-over sandwich bags are not allowed. Each traveler can use Only * one, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag.
Final Documents:
206 Tours will ship your final documents to the address provided on your reservation application approximately 2-3 weeks prior to your scheduled departure date. The package will be delivered by FedEx (can not be delivered to a PO Box). Your final documents will include your airline tickets, hotel confirmations, emergency contacts, general trip information, luggage tags, portfolio of travel documents, flight bag, and more. Carefully review your tickets to ensure that your name on the tickets are an exact match to that of your passport. Please note that the name field on your tickets is Only * 19 characters long, therefore names exceeding this length will be cut off (this is not a problem, as your actual reservation contains your full name). Please also carefully review the itinerary provided to ensure that all departure and destination cities, as well as dates, are correct. Please contact 206 Tours immediately should any discrepancies be found. * Please note that late payment/bookings can cause delay in the shipment of your final documents.
International Flights:
We recommend that you check in for your international flight three hours prior to the scheduled departure time. Passengers must personally check their luggage at the airline counter. Please advise the airline representative of your final destination upon check in so that you will not need to claim your baggage and recheck it during flight connections. Please note that our pilgrims travel from across the USA. You will be traveling independently for all flights until your arrival at your final destination. You will not have a tour escort with you during your flights. Please be advised that 206 Tours attempts to centralize as many pilgrims as possible on the same flights, so you may arrive/depart on the same flights as many of your co-pilgrims (for additional information see "Arrival Procedure" below).
Airline Connections:
206 Tours must book your airline reservations based on the routings provided to us by the airlines, including connection time, cities for connections, and partner carriers. Airlines determine the standard for the required minimum connecting time to transfer from one gate to another for each specific airport. At times, the connection times provided by the airlines are quite tight (i.e. 45 minutes) and require passengers to make haste during their connections. At times the airline connection times are quite long, due to the flight availability at the time of booking. While we wish we could determine the connection times for each of our clients, we are subject to the rules, regulations, and availability of the carriers we work with. We also must ensure that all reservations correspond so that each participant is able to meet the group transfer to/from the airport to hotel and hotel to airport. We promise to do all in our power to provide you with the most convenient flight schedule available to us at the time of your booking, however, we must still follow all appropriate airline rules and regulations.
Airline Tickets:
Most airlines now require that we provide e-tickets in place of paper tickets. At check-in, you should be ready to provide your flight itinerary and passport to the agent. In a few cases where e-tickets cannot be issued, you will receive your tickets in a paper form. Please note that paper tickets, and boarding passes, must be present in order to check in, and or board the plane.
Code-share Flights:
Airline Mileage Accounts:
Please contact the airline directly to open a mileage account and to obtain credit for the miles flown on this trip.
Passports and Visas:
A passport is required for entry into Portugal. For U.S. Citizens, a visa for Portugal is not required for tourist or business stays of up to 90 days. All U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Europe. Please note that for most European travel your passport MUST be valid for 6 months after your scheduled return date. For additional information on obtaining a US passport please visit:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html. A visa is not required for citizens of the USA for most destinations serviced by 206 Tours. For example the following countries do not require US citizens to obtain a visa for entrance: Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Croatia, Bosnia, Austria, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Turkey, Greece. If you are holding a passport which requires you to obtain a visa please be advised that it is the passengers responsibility to reconfirm if any visa's are required for their trip itinerary.
Health Precautions:
No inoculations are necessary when arriving Europe from the US. But consult with your health care provider before traveling. Although the water in Portugal and France is completely safe in order to prevent "Montezuma's Revenge", avoid the tap water, including ice cubes. Your stomach may still become upset due to the change in diet. Bring anti-diarrhea medicine just in case. For the latest overseas travel health information, call the Center for Disease Control's travelers' hotline at 404-332-4559. Or visit their web site at
www.cdc.gov.
Travel Warnings:
US State Department Travel Advisories: For up to date US State Department travel advisories you may visit:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html
Arrival Procedure:
After disembarkation from the plane you will clear immigration, and proceed to claim your luggage. You will exit the baggage claim into the arrival lounge where you will be greeted by driver and/or your Tour Escort displaying a board or sign with your name and/or "206 Tours”, and then you will be transferred to your hotel where you will meet your guide and the rest of your group. Please remember to look for the sign! I
f you missed your flight, forgot your passport or if you are re-routed you will probably miss the group transfer which is included in your package. In such circumstances you will need to pay for your separate private transfer, which you may submit a claim with insurance or to the airlines for reimbursement upon your return to the USA. You may also consider taking taxi transportation. 206 Tours will do all possible to arrange for a private transfer to meet you upon your arrival (if we are aware of your misconnection/arrival flight), however, you will be responsible to remit payment to your driver upon drop off at your destination. If you arrive in one of the previously mentioned destinations, and we have not been able to arrange for a driver to meet you, please call your local emergency contact (listed in your Final Instruction Booklet) so that they may dispatch a transfer for you.We strongly recommend the purchase of Traveler's Insurance for this reason
(www.206tours.com/insurance).
Luggage:
- Avoid excessive displays of jewelry or cash (Only * carry sufficient for daily needs).
- Use room safes or leave items with the hotel manager.
- Make certain that any valuables are insured against theft.
- Avoid exploration on your own of unfamiliar streets or areas.
- Be especially cautious if gypsies approach you begging.
How to Overcome Jet Lag:
Rapid travel through multiple time zones can take its toll on your physical and mental well-being. "Jet Lag" is the phrase used to describe the condition when an individual's internal body clock is out of sync with the actual time in the region to which you have traveled. It is important to try to adjust your internal body clock to receive the most out of your tour. Here are some tips on how to adjust your body to local time. On the day of the flight/arrival:
-
Get out of bed earlier than usual.
-
Eat a high carbohydrate dinner (e.g. pasta, potatoes, etc.)
-
Drink a lot of water to compensate for the dehydration that is common on long flights.
-
Shortly after your evening meal on your flight, set your watch ahead to the actual time.
-
Try to rest or sleep as soon as possible on your flight.
-
When you arrive, keep active and go to bed around 10:00 PM.
Insurance:
Please note that traveler's insurance is STRONGLY recommended for all 206 Tours pilgrims. Be advised that traveler's insurance can not be purchased after you have paid in full for your trip. For those who have purchased Travel Guard Travelers Insurance through 206 Tours a pamphlet will be included in your final documents. Please refer to this brochure for specific stipulations or questions. For more information you can also visit
www.206tours.com/insurance.
Value Added Tax (VAT):
There is 17% value added tax on most goods and services in Portugal and France. At retail stores, this tax is always already included in the price. Upon making a purchase of $ 50.00 or more at a gift store that has an agreement wit the VAT authorities, you should fill out a form at the store and have it s tamped there. You will be eligible, upon presenting the form and the item, for a 17% refund at the airport prior to departure. Do not pack these gift items in your luggage. They should be kept in your hand luggage. By the way, tourist services, such as hotel accommodations and meals taken in hotels, paid with foreign currency are exempt from VAT tax.
Transportation:
Business Hours:
Banks:
Monday to Friday 8:30 am - 3 pm on (closed
on bank holidays)
Shops:
Monday to Friday 9:00 am - 1 pm and 3:00 pm
- 7:00 pm * Saturdays - most shops close at 1 pm
Museums: Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 am - 12:30 am and from 2 pm to 5 pm (closed on Mondays).
(Some museums also close on Wednesdays)
Pharmacies: Monday to Saturday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm and from 3 pm to 7 pm.
(In every city or town, at least one drugstore (farmacia) is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week; check the hotel concierge or a local newspaper for the listing)
Money:
Make sure to bring along a credit card for convenience and security. Credit cards offer a very reasonable exchange rate and can be cancelled should it be lost. Visa, Master Card, and American Express are accepted in almost all stores. Please be aware that Discover Card is not accepted in almost all European countries. You may also choose to bring traveler's checks, however, not all shops/restaurants accept them due to the devaluation of the US dollar. We recommend that you exchange US dollars (USD) at your local bank prior to departure if possible, in order to obtain the best exchange rate. It is also practical and cost effective to withdraw local currency using your ATM/Debit card during your trip. ATMs are readily available in most of the destinations we service, and are very similar to those in USA. Most offer English as a language option. It is recommended that you contact your local bank and credit card companies before departing on your trip to advise them that you will be traveling. Be advised that exchanging money at airports will result in higher fees. We strongly recommend that you refrain from exchanging money at your hotel or local change booths, as the fees are extremely high. We are frequently asked, "How much money should I bring with me?" This is an impossible question to answer as each person is different. The type of lunches you prefer can make a big difference (restaurant vs cafe). Are you planning on purchasing mementos for yourself or loved ones? We recommend that the minimum spending money you should bring with you / budget for, in addition to the suggested tips, is the equivalent of
€ 25.00 (EURO) per per per day. Remember, you can always spend less, or bring money home!
Currency Exchange:
The EURO is the currency of Portugal. As April 02, 2008 the exchange rate is approximately 1 USD = € 0.63775 (EURO). Keep in mind that this is the "pure" exchange rate an any form of currency exchange has some fees associated. For up to date currency exchange rates please visit www.xe.com. Please note that the currency flocculation has been particularly volatile in the last year, so we strongly urge you to check the current exchange rates prior to departure.
ATM:
The easiest and best way to get cash away from home is from an ATM. The Cirrus (tel. 800/424-7787 in the U.S.; www.mastercard.com ) and PLUS (tel. 800/843-7587 in the U.S.; www.visa.com ) networks span the globe; look at the back of your bank card to see which network you're on, and then call or check online for ATM locations at your destination. Keep in mind that many banks impose a fee every time a card is used at a different bank's ATM, and that fee can be higher for international transactions (up to $5 or more) than for domestic ones. You can also get cash advances on your credit card at an ATM. Keep in mind that credit card companies try to protect themselves from theft by limiting the funds cardholders can withdraw outside their home country, so call your credit card company before you leave home. And keep in mind that you'll pay interest from the moment of your withdrawal, even if you pay your monthly bills on time. If you have an American Express card and a PIN, you can use almost any ATM in Portugal, including the Unicre-Unibanco location listed above. Machines are usually reliable, but it's best to have a backup system for getting cash in case the ATMs in Portugal can't decipher the numbers on your card. If you have a PIN and a Visa, MasterCard, or EuroCard, you can head for the main office of Unicre-Unibanco, Avenida Antonio Augusto de Aguiar 122, 1050-019 Lisbon (tel. 21/350-9500). ATMs are in a generally secure area that's accessible 24 hours a day from the sidewalk. Some branches also have ATMs. Small Change -- When you change money, ask for some small bills or loose change. Petty cash will come in handy for tipping and public transportation. Consider keeping the change separate from your larger bills so that it's readily accessible and you'll be less of a target for theft.
Weights and Measures:
The metric system is used exclusively through out Europe. A kilometer is a bit over 1/2 mile (.62 miles). A kilogram equals 2.2 pounds.
Time:
Most of Europe and the Middle East operate on a 24 hour clock. This means that 6:00 pm is 18:00, etc.
Tipping:
€
8.00 (EURO) per person per day):
- Your tour escort who is with you throughout your tour or for the whole day should be tipped approximately € 4.5 (EURO) per person per day (or depending on the level of the satisfaction).
- Your bus driver € 2.00 (EURO) per person per day (or depending on the level of the satisfaction).
- Smaller Hotels/Inn's it is customary to tip your home owners € 1.00 (EURO) per person per day.
- If you have a sightseeing tour with a local guide, which lasts approx 2 1/2 hrs, it is standard practice to tip your local tour guides and bus drivers after an excursion, or tour, generally € 1.00 (EURO) – € 2.00 (EURO).
Optional and may change from place to place: But, almost all restaurants include tax and a 15%service charge (service compris) in their prices. If a meal or service has been particularly good, leaving another
€ 1 or € 2 (EURO) is customary, as is leaving the waiter the small change from your bill if you pay in cash. If service is not included a 15% tip is appropriate. In hotels, tip porters is included of € 2 (EURO) for each bag and chambermaids. When and if your group has a completely free day (s) and escort sees them Only * for a couple of hours or during the dinner time, then it is really at your discretion what amount you should tip them. As normally most clients calculate a total amount of tip for escort for total days serviced - when, escort does less hours it normally compensates the days with longer hours, which often happens when escorts are touring.
Hotels / Accommodations:
Rooms may be smaller than you are used to based on European standards. Mini-bar items and access to pay TV channels are at your own expense. King / Queen size beds are rare in Europe. In some hotels, key cards operate the room lighting systems and/or the elevator. Fixtures in bathrooms and bedrooms are not standardized. While most hotels do offer a hair dryer in the bathroom, we recommend bring one if it is essential to you. Most hotels do toiletries (shampoo, lotion), we strongly recommend that you bring an adequate supply with you.
Please note that while we do request non-smoking rooms for our clients, European and Middle Eastern hotels are less stringent about enforcing these rules. Remember to frequently check your hotel bulletin board for important information, suggestions, or any last-minute changes from your tour escort.
Electricity:
The voltage used is 220 volts AC, single phase 50 cycles (the U.S. uses 110/120 volts).
Unless you use a good quality electric current converter, the heavier voltage will instantly burn out any electrical equipment you wish to use abroad. Before leaving home, you will need to purchase an international adapter so your two-prong plug will connect to the various local electrical supply outlets (check that it is sufficiently powerful for your appliance), and a converter to convert the 220 volts to 110 volts. Adapter/converter kits that include the entire range of plugs can be purchased at better electrical supply stores. Stores such as Radio Shack, Walmart, K-Mart, Target sell adaptor/converter kits readily. Buying electrical devices in foreign places is not recommended unless you are sure that the current they use is compatible with the current at home. It will likely cost you more than the original price to have an appliance converted.
The telephone country code for Portugal is 351 (from US 011-351
followed by the city code and telephone number)
Cell Telephones:
You may
bring your cellular phone, but make sure to contact your wireless phone
provider and inform them, that you will be traveling out of the country
(giving them destinations). Most have an "international plan" if not
get one for the trip. This will allow you to make calls to the United
States while you are out of the country using your wireless phone.
Hotel Telephones:
While
telephones offer convenience, they do tend to cost substantially more
than public phones. You may choose to utilize a calling card to be more
cost efficient, however, be advised that most hotels charge a connection
fee which ranges from
€
1.00
(EURO) to
€
5.00
(EURO)
for such
calls.
Public Telephones:
Are
plentiful and usually do work. Most of them operate today with a plastic
credit card size phone card.
Cards of 50, 100 or 150 units can be bought at newsagents, kiosks, post
offices and at the reception desk of most hotels. Portugal
Telecom’s nationwide network of public telephones accept euro coin
denominations of 2 cents, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents,
€
1 (EURO) and
€
2 (EURO). Visitors should also be aware that most bars and restaurants
have telephones available for public use.
A reasonable way to communicate.
Public Toilets:
Known as WC, and available in most tourist locations. Be prepared with tissues in your pocket at all times. Also, be aware that some public toilets are manned/ womaned by attendants who ask for a small "user's fee".
Photography:
If you are bringing a digital camera, make sure to bring extra batteries. If not digital, remember to bring plenty of film (200 or 400 speed is recommended for outdoor and indoor-flash photography). Photography is not allowed in some museums and in some security-conscious facilities.
Terrain:
Europe is based on a myriad of old buildings, and there are split-levels and uneven surfaces everywhere; please watch your step! Due to the structure of old buildings, access to some establishments may not be convenient for wheelchair use, and facilities for the disabled in general may be limited. Many areas are pedestrian Only * and have cobblestones. High-heeled shoes are not suitable for cobblestone streets; rubber-soled walking shoes are recommended. Many streets in Europe and the Middle East are narrow, and due to strict traffic regulations, the buses are not always permitted to drop groups off directly in front for their destination. Please be prepared to walk.
Taxis:
Taxis are usually cream in color, although there are still some painted black with a green roof in the traditional Portuguese style. The fare is shown on the taximeter. The prices are affixed inside the car or you can ask the driver about them. If you phone for a taxi you have to pay an extra € 0.75 (EURO). There is a charge of € 1.50 (EURO) for luggage, regardless of weight or the number of pieces. Carry cots, pushchairs, wheelchairs and walking aids are carried free of charge. Outside towns, taxis charge by the kilometer and the driver and passenger agree on the fare in advance. Where they exist, the passenger has to pay the road tolls there and back. Tipping is at the passenger’s discretion, though it is normal to tip 5-10% or round the amount up to the nearest euro. Be wary of any person approaching you offering unofficial taxi services. If you do not have an airport transfer included and you need transportation, make your way to the official taxi desk or to the regular taxi line outside the terminal; choose Only * those vehicles with a meter and a taxi sign. We recommend you pre-negotiate the fare, as taxi drivers in some countries may attempt to overcharge unwary travelers.
Local Customs:
A different way of life in some countries on tour may take you by surprise, but if you travel with an open mind and respect local customs and culture, you should find it easier to adapt to and enjoy your new surroundings. Standards of living may not be quite what you are used to, but there are compensations – a closer sense of reality and a more authentic feeling of locale. Due to cultural differences in Europe and the Middle East you may not be greeted quite as cheerfully as back home; smiling is generally reserved for intimate friends! So be especially wary of people presenting themselves as “instant friends” and never accept any offer of food or drink from strangers.
Social Conventions
:The Portuguese way of life is leisurely, and old-fashioned politeness is essential. Warm hospitality is the norm. The country has a deeply individual national character, although each province has its own traditions and folklore. Casual wear is widely acceptable, although beachwear should not be worn in towns. In restaurants, it is usual to smoke Only * at the end of the meal. Smoking is prohibited in cinemas, theaters and on buses.
Shopping:
Traditionally, shops are open from Monday to
Friday, from 9 or 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Some close for lunch from 1 to 3
p.m. On Saturdays from January to November, shops generally close at 1
p.m. though in city centers some are open in the afternoon.
Shops tend to stay open on Saturday afternoons and sometimes even on
Sundays in December for Christmas shopping. There are plenty of shopping
centers inside and outside the cities that are usually open from 10 a.m.
to midnight every day of the week. They generally have stores with the
main international brands. However, traditional shops with Portuguese
products can be found particularly in the streets of the older
neighborhoods of towns and cities. The temptation of shopping is
an irresistible temptation for most visitors to Portugal.
Ask your tour escort
for regional specialties products of Portugal
which include locally-made leather goods, jewelry, fine porcelain and
high-quality clothes ranging from thick hand-knitted sweaters to the
latest fashion garments. Thankfully, traditional arts and crafts have
not been lost as a result of Portugal's rapid modernization since the
1974 revolution. Pottery, ceramics and tiles are produced to high
standards all over the country, with styles differing from region to
region and town to town. Lace and embroidery are particularly good from
Madeira. Lisbon’s most popular shopping area is the Baixa, a compact
downtown district comprising several parallel streets including the
traffic-free Rua Augusta. A short walk up Rua do Carmo brings you to the
fashionable Chiado district, which has almost totally recovered from a
devastating fire in 1988. The Colombo Centre just off the city center at
Benfica is the largest shopping mall in the Iberian Peninsula.
Enjoy some stress-free Christmas shopping during your travels; small, light items that you can easily carry home make splendid and festive gifts. Don’t forget to buy something nice for yourself too, to take home to evoke pleasant memories of your vacation abroad. If you purchase a video or DVD, please check very carefully that it is compatible with your home viewing system (for USA and Canada – VHS NTSC and DVD region 1; for Australia, New Zealand and Pacific – VHS PAL and DVD region 4). Sales tax or VAT (value added tax) is already included on price tags; VAT refunds, if applicable, may sometimes take up to three months to process. Whenever traveling abroad, be aware of your personal belongings when shopping in crowded areas.
Meals / Food:
Most European countries tend to dine later than we are accustom to.
Please expect that your dinners will be scheduled around 7:30 pm to
8:00 pm. Most breakfasts are buffet style. Unlike in the USA, it is
frowned upon to take food out of the breakfast room. Most dinners will
be served "sit down" with a pre-determined 3 or 4 course meal. Your
meals include iced tap water and coffee or tea. While some restaurants
may be able to provide for a special diet, such as vegetarian or
salt-free, there is no way for us to guarantee this. Please note,
vegetarian meals tend to lack variety and imagination.
Tap Water:
While most local tap water will not hurt you, due to differences in mineral and micro-biotic levels, we recommend that you avoid consuming local tap water (including ice), as it may upset your stomach.
Climate:
City |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec | |
Lisbon |
Low |
47 |
48 |
51 |
54 |
56 |
60 |
63 |
63 |
62 |
58 |
53 |
48 |
|
High |
59 |
61 |
63 |
68 |
69 |
74 |
78 |
79 |
77 |
72 |
65 |
60 | |
Fatima |
Low |
43 |
44 |
49 |
52 |
55 |
58 |
60 |
60 |
59 |
64 |
50 |
45 |
|
High |
56 |
57 |
62 |
65 |
65 |
70 |
72 |
73 |
71 |
67 |
62 |
57 | |
Due to global weather changes, regional temperatures may deviate from
the norms. We recommend layered, easy care, loose-fitting clothing, an
item or two for rain or unseasonable temperatures and something warmer.
Light-weights for summer. Medium-weights for winter with heavier
clothing for inland areas. It is a good idea to pack waterproofs at any
time of year.
Mid-summer advice: Wear a sunhat and loose-fitting clothing, drink at least one liter (one quart) of mineral water a day if you can (carry a small bottle in your hand luggage); avoid eating too much ice-cream and reduce the amount of ice in drinks. A small battery-operated fan may be useful in warm weather.
Portugal has a Mediterranean climate although as the most westerly country in Europe, it is heavily influenced by the wild Atlantic. Summer months are hot and sunny throughout the country though cooling winds can bring welcome relief on the coast. Winters on the coast are mild though often cloudy and as everywhere in Portugal, November to March are wet months. In the mountains and plateaus of the north, summers are cooler and winters can be very cold and snowy. Spring is almost perfect in Portugal when the wildflowers carpet the country in color. For residents this is a favorite time of year before the summer crowds arrive. Spring and autumn are also a favorite time with the numerous golfers who flock to the courses along the Algarve.
Language:
The official language of Portugal is Portuguese.
English is widely spoken in major cities and in Fatima, and many signs
appear in English too.
| Must Know Travel Terms | Common Portuguese Phrases | Phrase Pronunciation |
| Hello | Olá | “ola” |
| Goodbye | Tchau | "chow” |
| Yes | Sim | “ssi” |
| No | Não | “nau” |
| Please | por favor | “pur fa-vour” |
| Thank You | obrigado/obrigada | “o-bri-ga-du/o-bri-ga-da” |
| Excuse Me | com licença | “ko li-cess-a” |
| Do you speak English? | Você fala Inglês? | “vo-say fala ing-less” |
| Can you help me? | Podes me ajudar? | “po-dess mee a-ju-dar” |
| I don't understand | Eu não entendo. | “e-u nau in-ten-du” |
| How much is it? | Quanto custa? | “ku-a-tu kuss-ta” |
| Where is? | Onde e o? | “own-de eh oh” |
| bathroom/restaurant/hotel | banheiro/restaurante/hotel | “ban-i-ero/res-tau-ran-te/hotel” |
| Taxi, please. | Táxi por favor | “taxi pur fa-vour” |
| Where is the emergency hospital? | Onde e o pronto socorro? | own-de eh oh prone-to soak-oro” |
Embassy of the Portuguese Republic in the USA:
2012 Massachusetts Avenue, NW ~ Washington, DC 20036, USA ~Tel: (202) 328 8610
For Additional Information About Your Destination:
Please visit the official tourism website as follows: www.visitportugal.com
US Offices for the Portuguese tourist board:
590 Fifth Avenue, 3rd Floor ~ New York, NY 10036, USA
New York: Tel. (646) 723-0200 ~ tourism@portugal.org
What To Pack:
Clothing:
Due to global weather changes, regional temperatures may deviate from the norms. We recommend layered, easy care, loose-fitting clothing, an item or two for rain or unseasonable temperatures and something warmer.
For Winter, Early Spring, and Late Fall: be sure to back a warm jacket, a hat, scarf and gloves. Just in case.
For Summer, Late Spring, and Late Summer: Bring a sunhat and plenty loose-fitting clothing. Don't forget a lightweight sweater for the evenings as some places may be a little cooler than others.
A note about summer attire; shorts (or mini skirts) and bare shoulders are considered inappropriate at some religious sites. For men, shorts that can be transformed by zippers into trousers may be convenient.
Bring an all-weather coat, just in case. We strongly recommend that women bring a shall or sarong which can be placed conveniently in their day bag, so that they may drape their shoulders, or tie around their waists in the more religious sites.
Make sure you have a good pair of walking shoes. If new, make sure you walk in them for a couple of weeks to break them in. On the plane you will want to wear loose-fitting clothes and pack a pair of slippers to wear for the flight, as well as a lightweight jacket. Make sure your shoes are lace-up, as your feet may swell a little.
General Clothing for Men:
Jeans, casual slacks, short and/or long sleeve shirts, socks, undergarments, and light jacket or coat.
General Clothing for Women:
Jeans, long skirts, casual dresses, casual slacks, short and/or long sleeve, socks, stockings, undergarments, and a light jacket or sweater is suggested.
Other Suggested Items to Bring (check list):
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Pack at least 1 change of clothing in your carry-on (just in case the
airline loses your luggage)
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__ Portable alarm clock
__ Flashlight with extra batteries: take batteries out while traveling
__ Old towel or small plastic bag to sit on outside
__ Handy wipes: freshening up during the day
__ Travel pack size Kleenex.
__ Extra batteries for flashlight, camera, recorders
__ Tape recorder or journal for Mass, and talks
__ Extra film for camera: expensive outside of US
__ Travel size poncho, in camping section of Wal-Mart
__ Optional grocery size plastic bags: 1-2 for dirty clothes or items you purchase
__ Soap-small bar travel size
__ Shampoo-travel size or put some in a small container; don't carry some big bottle
__ Toothbrush & Toothpaste-travel size
__ Deodorant-travel size
__ Chap stick
__ Comb/Brush
__ Aspirin/Advil, Etc.
__ Feminine protection
__ Laxative/Imodium
__ Band-aids
__ Dramamine or Bonine - if subject to motion sickness
__ Pepto Bismol- tablets
__ Sominex
__ Allergy/cold medicine; tablets (put medicines in a sandwich bag)
What If...& Frequently Asked Questions:
What should I do if I lose my ticket?
If you should lose your ticket prior to your departure date please contact 206 Tours immediately. We will fax a copy of your original ticket to the airlines. You will need to arrive at the airport extra early and sign a Lost Ticket Indemnity Form, and pay the airlines a $100 reissuing fee. If you should lose your ticket during your trip please immediately inform your tour escort who will advise us, so that we may follow the same procedure.
What should I do if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
If your flight is cancelled or delayed it is imperative that you work DIRECTLY with the airlines at the airport to arrange for alternate flights or protection. Please note that once your tickets have been issued or you have check-in for your flights, 206 Tours can no longer make any changes to your flight itinerary. This can Only * be done by the airlines. In such case, remember, the squeaky wheel gets the grease, so be persistent. However, it is important to remember that it is not the airline agents fault, so try your best to remain courteous to them, as you may find that you receive more assistance this way. Please be advise that the airlines are not required to offer reimbursement for personal expense or overnights when delays/cancellations occur due to weather. We strongly recommend the purchase of Traveler's Insurance for this reason (www.206tours.com/insurance). However, if you find that you have no luck with the airline personnel, please contact 206 Tours and we shall do all in our power to assist you.
What should I do if I miss my flight due to my late arrival at my departure airport?
If you should miss your flight, due to your own late arrival at your departure airport, it is imperative that you work DIRECTLY with the airlines at the airport to arrange for alternate flights. You will incur additional costs (minimum of $200 per person) for such changes. Please note that you should contact 206 Tours once your alternate arrangements have been made so that we may arrange for a private transfer (at your expense) if necessary.
What happens if I miss my group transfer upon arrival?
If your plane arrives late, or you are re-routed you will probably miss the group transfer which is included in your package. In such circumstances you will need to pay for your separate private transfer, which you may submit a claim to the airlines for reimbursement upon your return to the USA. For destinations such as Fatima, Lourdes, Medjugorje, La Salette, and Assisi, where public and taxi transportation is difficult to obtain from the airport, 206 Tours will do all possible to arrange for a private transfer to meet you upon your arrival (if we are aware of your misconnection/arrival flight), however, you will be responsible to remit payment to your driver upon drop off at your destination. If you arrive in one of the previously mentioned destinations, and we have not been able to arrange for a driver to meet you, please call your local emergency contact (listed in your Final Instruction Booklet) so that they may dispatch a transfer for you. In major cities such as Rome, Paris, Tel Aviv, Warsaw, Budapest, it is best for you to take a taxi directly to your hotel upon arrival should you miss the group transfer. Please remember to save your receipts. We strongly recommend the purchase of Traveler's Insurance for this reason (www.206tours.com/insurance).
What happens if I have a problem or complaint during my trip?
If you have any problems, concerns, or complaints during your trip, please communicate them IMMEDIATELY to your tour escort. Your tour escort is at your disposal to assist you with all your needs including issues with your hotel room, meals, etc. Remember, there is very little that can be done to undo a problem once you have returned home, but, most of the time your tour escort can address any concerns you may have swiftly. However, if the issue is not resolved to your satisfaction by your tour escort, then please contact our office.
What should I do if I want to change my ticket?
If you would like to change your ticket for any reason once it has been issued you MUST work DIRECTLY with the airlines. You will incur additional costs (minimum of $200 per person) for such changes.
Any questions? Call 800-206-TOUR - or - E-Mail Us
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