Want to go to Portugal in 2026?
Join me for Zibby's Lisbon Retreat!
Need something to look forward to? How about Lisbon!? I’ve never been (have you?) and I’m so excited to go. What better way than with a group of YOU?
Graca Tito, our head of retreats — who is from Portugal(!) — and I have fine-tuned an itinerary from John Schors Travel to make it our own. We’ll be visiting bookstores, food halls, and more. There’s also an optional add-on trip to Madrid for a few extra days (although I can’t be there for that part).
The itinerary is below and here! Ready to sign up? Fill out this interest form. There are only 18 spots so grab yours early — and tell your friends!
Lisbon: Apr 24, 2026 - April 28, 2026
April 24 - DAY 1: FRIDAY
Arrive at Lisbon International Airport
Arrive at Lisbon International Airport (Humberto Delgado Airport).
Be greeted by a private driver, who will drive you to our four-star hotel in the heart of the historic Alfama neighborhood.
(Note: Some guests will opt to arrive on April 23rd, so that they can relax at the hotel for a day before the tour officially begins. These guests will enjoy a free day, on their own, to relax on April 23rd).
Aeroporto Da Portela (ANA)
Alameda das Comunidades Portuguesas, Lisboa, LISBOA, PT, 1700-111 +351 21 841 3500
Arrive in Lisbon
Lisbon enchants with its sun-drenched hills, pastel-colored buildings, and soulful Fado music echoing through narrow, cobbled streets. A city where ancient traditions and vibrant modern life exist side by side, Lisbon offers timeless charm and endless discovery.
Check in at the hotel nice, comfortable 4-star hotel.
Options include Browns Central Hotel, LX Boutique Hotel, Áurea Museum, Vincci Alfama, or a similar hotel in the same class. TBD.
6:30 p.m. Welcome Dinner
Meet your guides and fellow travelers in the hotel lobby and walk to a nearby restaurant for a welcome dinner. You will also be introduced to Zibby Owens, our special guest for this unforgettable journey in Lisbon.
After dinner, return to the hotel
April 25 - DAY 2: SATURDAY
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel
10:30 a.m. Alfama Walking Tour
Meet in the hotel lobby and depart, alongside your guides and Zibby, for a walking tour of Lisbon’s oldest and most charming neighborhood.
Visit São Jorge Castle – explore the ancient Moorish fortress with its breathtaking panoramic views of the city and watch the resident peacocks. Stroll through Rua da Judiaria, a narrow and historic street that was once part of Lisbon’s Jewish quarter. Lined with traditional houses and local charm, it offers a quiet glimpse into the layered cultural past of Alfama.
Alfama
Alfama, Lisbon, PT, 1100-345
Castelo De São Jorge
Rua de Santa Cruz do Castelo, Lisboa, LISBOA, PT, 1100-129 21 880 0620
Rua da Judiaria
Rua da Judiaria, Lisboa, Lisboa, PT, 1100-522
12:30 p.m. Lunch at a local restaurant
Enjoy Portuguese flavors at a neighborhood restaurant.
1:30 p.m. Depart for Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
2:00 p.m. Guided Visit to Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
Arrive at Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, a former monastery and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is one of the most famous sites in all of Portugal. Enjoy a private guided tour through this architectural masterpiece.
Mosteiro Dos Jerónimos
Pç. do Império, Lisboa, LISBOA, PT, 1300
2:45 p.m. Stop at Bertrand Bookstore at the CCB
Make a brief visit to the Bertrand Bookstore inside the Cultural Center of Belém — a modern offshoot of the world’s oldest bookstore, located just steps from your walking route.
Centro Cultural De Belém (CCB)
Pç. do Império, Lisboa, LISBOA, PT, 1449-003
3:15 p.m. Visit the Monument to the Discoveries and Torre de Belém
Located along the Tagus River, the Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries are iconic symbols of Portugal’s Age of Exploration. The Belém Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, once protected the city’s harbor, while the striking riverside monument honors historic explorers like Vasco da Gama and Prince Henry the Navigator.
The Belém Tower:
Torre de Belém
Av. da Índia, Lisboa, Lisboa, PT, 1400-206 +351 21 362 0034
Padrão Dos Descobrimentos
Avenida Brasília, Lisboa, LISBOA, PT, 1400-038 21 303 1950
4:30 p.m. Return to the hotel for free time
5:30 p.m. Depart for the Fado Music show at Casa de Linhaares
Experience the Fado Music show at Casa de Linhaares in Alfama, where dinner is included with the live performance.
Casa de Linhares
Beco dos Armazéns do Linho No 2, Lisboa, Lisboa, PT, 1100-037
9 p.m. Return to the hotel
April 26 - DAY 3: SUNDAY
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel
10:00 a.m. Portuguese Cooking Class at Homecooking Lisbon
Meet in the hotel lobby and depart, alongside your guides and Zibby, for a Portuguese cooking class at Homecooking Lisbon. Together, we will prepare a variety of traditional Portuguese appetizers and entrées — then enjoy our delicious creations for lunch.
2:00 p.m. National Museum of Ancient Art
Visit the National Museum of Ancient Art, home to one of Lisbon’s finest collections.
Museu Nacional De Arte Antiga
Rua Janelas Verdes, Lisboa, LISBOA, PT, 1249-017 21 391 2800
4:00 p.m. Visit to Livraria Bertrand-Chiado and Livraria Sá da Costa
Visit Livraria Bertrand, recognized as the world’s oldest operating bookstore (founded in 1732), and explore its historic collection and literary charm. Then continue to Livraria Sá da Costa, a beloved independent bookstore known for its vintage character, thoughtful curation, and focus on Portuguese literature and history.
Livraria Bertrand:
Bertrand
R. Garrett, 17
Livraria Sá da Costa
Rua Garrett 100, Lisboa, Lisboa, PT +351 21 346 0702
5:00 p.m. Return to the hotel for free time
6:30 p.m. Dinner at Time Out Market Lisboa
Meet in the hotel lobby and depart for Time Out Market Lisboa, one of Lisbon’s most vibrant culinary destinations. Enjoy a casual dinner at your own pace, choosing from a curated selection of food stalls run by some of Portugal’s top chefs — offering everything from local seafood and petiscos to gourmet burgers, pastries, and regional wines. A perfect spot to taste the flavors of Lisbon in a lively, contemporary setting.
Time Out Mercado Da Ribeira
Time Out Mercado da Ribeira, Avenida 24 de Julho 49 21 395 1274
April 27 - DAY 4: MONDAY
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel
8:30 a.m. Depart for Sintra
Meet in the hotel lobby and depart by private bus to Sintra, a famous town about one hour from Lisbon.
Arrive in Sintra
Nestled in lush hills just outside Lisbon, Sintra feels like a page from a storybook. Palaces, castles, and gardens rise from the mist, revealing a town that has long captivated poets, royals, and dreamers.
9:30 a.m. Pena Palace
Begin your visit to Sintra with a guided tour of Pena Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Portugal’s most iconic and colorful landmarks. Perched high on a hill, the palace offers stunning views and a fascinating blend of architectural styles.
Palácio Da Pena
Estrada da Pena, Sintra, LISBOA, PT, 2710
10:30 a.m. Visit Quina da Regaleira
Visit Quina da Regaleira – discover its romantic palace, underground passages, and enchanting gardens, brimming with symbolic features and centuries of history.
Restaurante Da Quinta Da Regaleira
Sintra, LISBOA, PT, 2710-567 21 910 6650
12 a.m. Visit Monserrate Palace
Visit Monserrate Palace – a splendid 19th-century estate blending Moorish and Gothic influences, renowned for its lush gardens and literary connections (including Lord Byron) that make it a romantic highlight of Sintra.
Palácio De Monserrate
R. do Visconde de Monserrate, Sintra, LISBOA, PT, 2710-405 +351 21 923 7350
1:00 p.m. Lunch in Sintra Town
Followed by free time to explore shops and cafés.
3:00 p.m. Return to Lisbon
4:00 p.m. Return to the hotel and enjoy free time
7:00 p.m. Farewell Dinner with Zibby
Meet in the hotel lobby, and walk to a nearby restaurant, where guests will enjoy a farewell dinner with Zibby.
April 28 - DAY 5: TUESDAY
Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel
Check out from the hotel
Lisbon portion of the tour with John Shors Travel concludes. Zibby leaves. For guests who are only doing the Lisbon part of the tour, transportation will be provided to Lisbon International Airport.
Aeroporto Da Portela (ANA)
Alameda das Comunidades Portuguesas, Lisboa, LISBOA, PT, 1700-111 +351 21 841 3500
MADRID ADD-ON (without me!)
April 28, 2026 - May 2, 2026
April 28 - DAY 5: TUESDAY (Cont.)
10:00 a.m. Depart for Madrid International Airport
For guests who elect to participate in the optional trip extension to Madrid, at 10 a.m. meet in the lobby, with bags packed, and depart with a representative of John Shors Travel on a private bus for Madrid International Airport.
12:30 p.m. Lunch at the airport
2:00 p.m. Flight to Madrid, Spain
4:00 p.m. Arrive at Madrid International Airport
Arrive at Madrid International Airport, and take a private bus to a four-star hotel, located in Paseo del Prado, the most famous part of Madrid.
Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas (MAD)
Avenida de la Hispanidad, S/N 913 21 10 00
Arrive in Madrid
Spain’s lively capital pulses with art, elegance, and energy. From its world-class museums to its grand boulevards and late- night tapas culture, Madrid is a city that celebrates life with flair.
Madrid
Madrid, España
Check into hotel and enjoy free time
Our hotel will be a comfortable, nice 4 star hotel in a fantastic, walkable location in Madrid. The options include Hard Rock Hotel Madrid, Room Mate Collection Alba, Madrid, or a similar hotel in the same class.
Stop by the Secret Kingdoms English Bookshop
After checking into the hotel, the guests can visit Secret Kingdoms English Bookshop. It is Madrid’s largest and only 100% English-language bookstore, conveniently located at Calle Moratín 7, in the heart of the Literary Quarter—witin walking distance to our hotel.
7:30 p.m. Dinner (Dinners are late in Spain)
Meet in the hotel lobby and walk to a nearby restaurant for dinner.
April 29 - DAY 6: WEDNESDAY
Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel
10:30 a.m. Retiro Park Walking Tour
Meet in the lobby, and depart with your guides for a visit to Parque del Retiro, Madrid’s most famous garden. Enjoy a walking tour of this beautiful garden.
Parque Del Retiro
Plaza de la Independencia, 7 915 30 00 41
12:30 p.m. Lunch
Enjoy lunch at a neighborhood restaurant.
Murillo Café
C. Ruiz de Alarcón, 27 +34 913 69 36 89
2:00 p.m. Museo Nacional del Prado
Visit the Museo Nacional del Prado, one of the most famous museums in all of Europe. Marvel at one of Europe’s most prestigious art collections.
Museo Nacional Del Prado
C de Ruiz de Alarcón 23, Madrid, Madrid, España, 28014
4:30 p.m. Return to the hotel and enjoy free time
7:30 p.m. Dinner
Meet in the hotel lobby and depart for dinner at a nearby restaurant.
April 30 - DAY 7: THURSDAY
Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel
10:00 a.m. Depart for Segovia by private coach
Meet in the lobby, and depart with your guides, on a private bus, for the nearby town of Segovia, which is another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Arrive in Segovia
Segovia stuns with its ancient Roman aqueduct, fairytale castle, and medieval lanes. This UNESCO World Heritage gem offers a magical glimpse into Spain’s storied past—perfectly preserved and breathtakingly beautiful.
Segovia
Segovia, Castile and León, ES
11:00 a.m. Tour the Roman Aqueduct
Enjoy a walking tour of the historic center, including the impressive Roman Aqueduct, which is one of the largest in the world.
Acueducto De Segovia
Pz. Azoguejo 1, Segovia, CASTILLA Y LEÓN, ESPAÑA, 40001
12:30 p.m. Lunch
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
2:00 p.m. Guided Tour of Alcázar of Segovia
Take a guided tour of Alcazar of Segovia, which a fairytale-like castle full of wonders.
Alcázar De Segovia
Pz. Reina Victoria Eugenia, s/n +34 921 46 07 59
4:00 p.m. Begin the drive back to Lisbon
5:00 p.m. Arrive at your hotel and enjoy free time
7:30 p.m. Dinner
Meet in the hotel lobby and depart for dinner at nearby restaurant.
May 1 - DAY 8: FRIDAY
Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel
10:30 a.m. Guided Tour of the Royal Palace of Madrid
Meet in the lobby, and depart with your guides for The Royal Palace of Madrid. Enjoy a guided tour of this famous palace.
Palacio Real De Madrid
Calle Bailén, S/N +34 915 59 74 04
12:30 p.m. Lunch at Mercado San Miguel
Arrive at Mercado San Miguel, one of Europe's most cherished outdoor markets. Here guests will enjoy a lunch of their own choosing, selecting their meal from one of many local vendors.
Mercado De San Miguel
Plaza de San Miguel, Madrid, MADRID, ES, 28005 915 42 49 36
2:00 p.m. Visit to Reina Sofia Museum
Enjoy a guided tour of Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, a wonderful museum most famous for its prized collection of Dali masterpieces.
Museo Nacional Centro De Arte Reina Sofía
Calle de Santa Isabel, 52 917 74 10 00
4:30 p.m. Return to hotel and enjoy free time
7:30 p.m. Farewell Dinner
Meet in the hotel lobby and depart for dinner at a nearby restaurant, where guests will enjoy their farewell meal.
May 2 - DAY 9: SATURDAY
Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel
Check out from the hotel
Tour with John Shors Travel concludes
All guests will receive complimentary transportation to Madrid International Airport.
Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas (MAD)
Avenida de la Hispanidad, S/N 913 21 10 00
TOUR DETAILS & PRICING
All-Inclusive Tour*
(*This is an all-inclusive tour with the exception of alcoholic beverages and hotel incidentals such as laundry, room service, etc.)
Price of Tour: Lisbon Only
$3,695 USD per person, based on double occupancy
$4,995 USD per person, based on single occupancy
Price of Tour: Lisbon and Madrid
$6,995 USD per person, based on double occupancy
$9,495 USD per person, based on single occupancy
Price includes:
Accommodations at high-end hotels
All transportation, including flights to Madrid all meals and non-alcoholic drinks
Fees (tours, guides, etc.)
Excursions
All tips
Price does NOT include:
International airfares to Lisbon and returning from either Lisbon or Madrid
Alcoholic drinks
Activities during free times such as golf, spa, etc.
Hotel incidentals such as room service, mini bar, phone charges, laundry, etc.
Charges incurred if guests arrive a day early or decide to remain in Lisbon after the tour ends
Additional note
This trip includes walks of up to one mile, and over uneven terrain.
Interest Form
We would love to have you join this unique and wonderful tour! If you are interested, please complete this form here and a representative from John Schors Travel who is organizing the trip will get back to you.
Travel Insurance Recommendation
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip. For your convenience, you can explore options from our trusted travel insurance partner here.
Any questions? Contact Dilya Turgunova Travel Coordinator, dilya@johnshorstravel.com.
How great does this sound? Sign up today or at least indicate your interest here. I can’t wait!
Hi Zibby. Never been would love to go! Sounds fantastic. Did not know Graca is from Portugal! She's fab! I hope she comes! ❤️
How fun!! Do you think there will be another US book retreat this year also?