Experience Portugal with Madeline – Happiest Sober
Sep 24, 2025 - Oct 1, 2025
Cultural
$2,995 USD
BOOK WITH 25% DEPOSIT
Experience Portugal with Madeline – Happiest Sober
Sep 24, 2025 - Oct 1, 2025
$2,995 USD
BOOK WITH 25% DEPOSIT
Join Happiest Sober founder Madeline Forrest for an unforgettable alcohol-free journey through Portugal, designed for those who want to explore, connect, and fully immerse themselves in the experience. From the charming streets of Porto to the historic heart of Coimbra, the fairytale village of Piódão, and the vibrant energy of Lisbon, this trip blends cultural discovery with plenty of time to unwind.
Enjoy hands-on experiences like a Portuguese cooking class, a scenic river cruise, and an evening of soulful Fado music, all while traveling with a like-minded community. With a mix of guided activities and free time, you’ll have the space to explore at your own pace, soaking in the beauty of Portugal with clarity and presence. Get ready for an inspiring adventure filled with connection, culture, and incredible moments – completely alcohol-free.
Trip Start: Porto, Portugal - Wednesday September 24th 2025
Trip Finish: Lisbon, Portugal - Wednesday October 1st 2025
Trip Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Accommodation: 7 Nights Handpicked Hotels (Shared & Private Rooms Available) - See Daily Itinerary
Included Meals: Breakfast Daily, Welcome Dinner, Cooking Class Dinner, Farewell Dinner
Group Size: 8-16 Guests
Inclusions
Accommodation: 7 Nights Handpicked Hotels (Shared & Private Rooms Available) - See Daily Itinerary
Included Meals: Breakfast Daily, Welcome Dinner, Farewell Dinner
Private & Comfortable Transportation
Local English Speaking Guides for Activities
Guided Porto Orientation Tour
Portuguese Cooking Class in Porto
Scenic Drive from Porto to Coimbra
Mondego River Boat Trip
Traditional Evening Fado Performance
Day Trip to Piódão with Guided Tour
Transfer to Lisbon
Lisbon Guided Tour
Exclusions
Flights
Airport Transfers
Visa/Entry Requirements
Travel Insurance (Required)
Meals Not Mentioned in Inclusions
Personal Expenses incl Tips
Your Host
Madeline Forrest @happiestsober
Hi! I’m Madeline and I’m from Toronto, Canda. I’m a sober content creator (@happiestsober), podcast host of Happiest Sober Podcast, and founder of the Happiest Sober Hub. I got sober in November 2020 and discovered that life is so much happier for me without alcohol in it. Now I’m passionate about sharing that message and inspiring others on their sober journeys. I hosted my first sober group trip in May 2023 and it was truly a life-changing experience. If you’re nervous about sober travel and you want to do it in a safe, supportive environment, OR if you’re just excited to travel and connect with other sober people, I hope you’ll join me!

Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Porto & Welcome Dinner
Your journey begins in Porto, a city of timeless charm and rich history. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and take some time to relax or explore the area at your own pace.
In the evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a delightful welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Savor traditional Portuguese cuisine, such as bacalhau (salted cod) or francesinha, while enjoying the warm hospitality of Porto. It’s the perfect way to meet your group and set the tone for the adventure ahead.
🏨 Accommodation:
✅ Included:
- Welcome Dinner
ℹ️ Important Info:
- Please ensure that your flight allows for you to arrive in the early afternoon so that you can be at the hotel in time for a group meeting followed by a welcome dinner in the evening. More information on the hotel location and meeting times will be provided once the trip is confirmed
Day 2 Exploring Porto & Cooking Class
Start the day with a guided orientation tour of Porto, wandering through its winding streets lined with colorful azulejos (ceramic tiles). Stroll along the Ribeira district, a UNESCO-listed waterfront, and cross the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge for breathtaking views of the Douro River. Visit landmarks such as São Bento Station, known for its stunning tilework, and the historic Livraria Lello, one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores.
After some free time for lunch, explore some more before immersing yourself in Portuguese gastronomy during a traditional cooking class. Under the guidance of a local chef, learn to prepare classic dishes like caldo verde and pastéis de nata (and then of course enjoy eating them). In the evening we’ll enjoy a well earned Mocktail in a scenic location.
🏨 Accommodation:
✅ Included:
- Breakfast
- Guided Porto Orientation Tour
- Portuguese Cooking Class (includes Dinner)
Day 3 Leisurely Porto & Transfer to Coimbra
Enjoy a relaxed morning in Porto, where you can wander through the famous Bolhão Market, shop for handmade ceramics, or take in the views from Clérigos Tower. After lunch, embark on a scenic drive to Coimbra, a city steeped in academic tradition and home to one of the oldest universities in Europe.
Check into your hotel and take the rest of the day at your leisure – perhaps exploring the medieval streets, relaxing at a café, or enjoying the peaceful atmosphere along the Mondego River.
🏨 Accommodation:
✅ Included:
- Breakfast
- Scenic Drive Porto to Coimbra
Trip Photos
Important Notes
ARRIVAL:
The meeting point for this trip will be at our hotel in Porto, with a welcome meeting then dinner on day 1. More information on the exact hotel location and meeting time will be provided shortly. Your arrival airport is Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, otherwise known simple as Porto Airport (OPO).
DEPARTURE:
On the final day, you are free to depart at any time. Your departure airport is Humberto Delgado Airport, informally known as Lisbon Airport (LIS).
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
There are some activities on this trip that have physical requirements. If you are unsure whether you will be able to complete any of the activities described in the itinerary or require more information on the physical requirements of the trip please reach out to us at hello@bestintravelgroup.com
VISA & PASSPORT INFORMATION:
It is your responsibility to ensure you have a valid passport. Your passport should be valid for a minimum of six months from your intended date of return and should have more than 2 blank pages.
Portugal is part of the Schengen area, which means that citizens of certain countries can enter and stay in Portugal (and other Schengen countries) for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. https://www2.gov.pt/en/servicos/pedir-um-visto-schengen-de-curta-duracao
Visa requirements may change at any time without notice. You should always contact the relevant high commission/embassy or consulate for the latest details.
DESTINATION GUIDE:
For a detailed destination guide for this trip’s location, head to https://bestintravelgroup.com/portugal-destination-guide/
TRIP CONFIRMATION:
This trip is CONFIRMED.
BOOKING FLIGHTS:
As this trip is confirmed, you can now book your flights.
BOOKING T&Cs:
We recommend you familiarise yourself with our Booking Terms & Conditions for more information about our booking, deposit and cancellation policies.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Travel insurance is required, and this will need to organised independently. There are a number of travel insurance comparison websites available. For more information on travel insurance head to https://bestintravelgroup.com/protect-your-adventure-best-in-travels-guide-to-travel-insurance/
ISSUES & CONTACTS DURING THE TRIP:
If you experience any issues that you need resolved during this trip, please chat to your host or your local driver/guide. Emergency contact details for your local trip operator will be provided prior to the trip starting.
For more information on the correct process for handling issues during a trip, including emergency situations, please read the following guide: https://bestintravelgroup.com/managing-emergencies-other-issues-on-your-best-in-travel-adventure/
INCLUSIVITY:
For information on how Best In Travel creates a welcoming space for all travellers, please head to: https://bestintravelgroup.com/everyones-welcome-inclusivity-on-best-in-travel-group-trips/
Recent Reviews
Click the button below and be the first to review this.