Thinking about retiring in Portugal? Go see it first.
Travel from Lisbon to the Algarve, the Silver Coast and Porto with relocation experts at your side. Walk the neighborhoods, step inside real apartments, check the clinics and the grocery prices, and come home knowing whether Portugal suits the next chapter of your life, and where.
No payment or commitment. Or call us at 302-276-8241.
A retirement move is too big to decide from photos
The questions are always the same: Where in Portugal would I actually be happy? What does a decent apartment cost? How easy is it to see a doctor? Will my income go further, and how will it be taxed? You can read about all of it, but the answers only really come into focus when you're standing there.
So we're bringing a small group across the whole country. You'll compare the capital, the beach towns, the quieter coast and the north side by side, meet the experts who help people make this move every week, and go home with a shortlist and a clear next step.
The idea will feel familiar
Taussig Travel's founder, Brian, spent four decades at UnTours, eventually as president and CEO. The UnTours approach was to stay put, shop where the locals shop, and live in a place rather than rush through it. This trip applies that same thinking to a bigger question: not just visiting Portugal, but living there. And if you'd like a real taste of it, you can stay on for a week in your own apartment afterward.
Every region in one trip
Lisbon to Porto by way of the Algarve and the Silver Coast, with time in each place to look at it the way a resident would.
Lisbon
Welcome dinner, a guided city tour and the expert briefing on visas, taxes and healthcare. Then two days of apartment showings and an afternoon on the Cascais and Estoril seafront. Optional fado evening.
The Algarve
Walk Lagos like a resident: the marina, the supermarket, the pharmacy, the clinic. Then compare Sagres, Vilamoura and Tavira.
Lagos · Sagres · Vilamoura · Tavira
The Silver Coast
Nazaré's market and daily errands, the walled town of Óbidos and the fishing port of Peniche. A good place to check everyday prices.
Nazaré · Óbidos · Peniche
Porto
A stop in Aveiro on the way north, a tour of Porto with a local guide, and more apartment showings.
Porto · Aveiro
The expert briefing: the questions retirees ask most
StartAbroad's Portugal team sits down with the group for a frank session on the practical side of moving. Bring your questions about your own situation, and leave knowing what your next steps would be.
Which visa fits you
The D7, the usual route for people living on pensions, Social Security or investment income, plus the other options for those still working or holding EU citizenship.
Money and tax
Your NIF (tax number), a Portuguese bank account, proof of funds, and how taxes work for newcomers. Bring your pension and retirement-income questions.
Healthcare
Public and private care, how to register, and choosing private insurance. Worth understanding early, since Medicare generally doesn't cover care abroad.
Finding a home
Renting or buying, what landlords ask for, and how to search from the US.
Bringing pets
Microchips, vaccines, paperwork and flying your animals over.
Everyone's move is different
Some travelers are a few years from retirement and just starting to look; others are ready to go. Your hosts get to know the group before departure and make time for your questions all week.
StartAbroad clients in Porto, 2026.
We meet before you go
A group video call to meet your hosts and fellow travelers, go over the plan, and tell us what matters most to you.
You see real apartments
Showings in Lisbon and Porto, so you know what rents and living spaces look like before signing a lease from abroad.
We check the everyday things
Supermarkets, pharmacies, clinics and neighborhood restaurants: the places you'd use every week.
Your questions get answered
StartAbroad's relocation team travels with you all week to talk through your own circumstances.
Help afterward, if you want it
When you're ready, StartAbroad can handle your visa, NIF, bank account and housing search. Every guest receives a $300 credit toward a StartAbroad Get to Portugal or Concierge package.
How much walking is involved?
Walking a town is the best way to judge whether you could live there, so most days include walks of one to two hours at an easy pace, with stops along the way.
Portugal's old towns are lovely but not always easy underfoot. Expect cobblestones and tiled pavements that can be uneven or slick, plus steep streets and stairs, especially in Lisbon, Óbidos and Porto. The Cascais and Estoril seafront, Vilamoura, Tavira and Aveiro are flatter. Some apartment showings may be in older buildings without elevators.
Is this trip right for you?
- You're comfortable walking about an hour at a time on uneven ground, with some hills and steps.
- You'll pack sturdy shoes with good grip.
- You're fine skipping a walk now and then: relax at a café and rejoin the group later.
We're unable to accommodate travelers with limited mobility on this trip. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, please tell us before booking. Questions about your own situation? Call us; we're glad to talk it through.
What's included
Included
- 10 nights in 4-star hotels with breakfast
- Airport transfers
- Private van and public transport between towns
- Visa, banking and tax briefing with relocation experts
- Apartment showings in Lisbon and Porto
- Guided city tours of Lisbon and Porto, with admission to one major sight in each
- Welcome dinner
- Local hotel taxes
- $300 credit toward a StartAbroad relocation package
Not included
- Airfare (we're happy to help arrange it)
- Travel insurance (required; we can provide a quote)
- Meals other than breakfasts and the welcome dinner
- Admissions beyond those on the Lisbon and Porto tours
- Gratuities
- Luggage handling (you may need to carry bags short distances)
Stay a week and live like a local
Spend a week in a furnished apartment in Lisbon or Porto, or ask us about other towns, to see what ordinary life there feels like.
- Furnished short-term apartment in a convenient neighborhood
- Transfers from the hotel and to the airport
- Public transportation pass
- Orientation from a local expert, plus phone support
What clients say
Extremely well planned
“Our trip through Venice, Florence and Rome was extremely well planned, from the timing at each stop and the hotel rooms to the food tours and the guides, who gave tremendous insight into the history of each area. We couldn't be more positive. It was one of the best trips we have ever had.”
A truly first-class relocation experience
“From our very first call, they took the time to get to know us and help us find the right place to call home in Portugal. They guided us through every step, from the housing search and local tour to our D7 visa and consulate appointment. What has impressed us most is how responsive and proactive they have been.”
Two teams, one trip
Taussig Travel
An IATA-accredited travel company based in Media, Pennsylvania, with decades of experience planning cultural, small-group travel in Europe. We handle your hotels, transport and bookings, and we're your main contact for every trip question.
StartAbroad
Relocation specialists who help people move to Portugal, Spain, Costa Rica and Panama, with one dedicated specialist from first question to residence card. They lead the expert briefing, arrange the apartment showings, and can manage your move if you decide to go.
Interested? Start with a conversation.
Whether you're ready to join or just beginning to wonder about retiring abroad, get in touch. There's no payment or commitment.
- We reply personally, usually within one to two business days.
- We answer your questions and walk you through dates, pricing and terms.
- If the trip feels right, we'll explain how to hold your place.
Contact Taussig Travel
Phone: 302-276-8241
Email: relocation@taussigtravel.com
Office: 420 N Jackson St, Media, PA
Frequently asked
Who is this trip for?
Anyone weighing a move to Portugal, and especially people planning for retirement. You don't need to have chosen a visa, a town or a timeline yet. Working that out is what the trip is for.
I'm still a few years from retiring. Is this too early?
Not at all. Seeing the places ahead of time gives you room to plan your finances, decide what to do with your home in the US, and time your visa application. Bring your timeline and we'll talk it through.
Can I come on my own?
Yes. The price is per person based on two sharing a room. A single room adds a supplement of $1,400.
How much walking is involved?
Most days include one to two hours of relaxed walking, often on cobblestones, hills and stairs. See the pace section above for details, and call us if you have health or mobility questions before booking.
Will you help with my visa after the trip?
Yes. StartAbroad can handle your visa, NIF, bank account and housing search. Your $300 trip credit applies to a Get to Portugal or Concierge package purchased within one year of the trip's end (by June 6, 2028).
Can I stay longer?
Yes. Add the apartment week in Lisbon or Porto, or ask us about staying somewhere else.
Can you help with flights?
Gladly. We can arrange your air itinerary, or you can book your own. Either way, please check with us before buying non-refundable tickets, and we'll suggest an arrival window that works with the airport transfer.
Who do I contact with questions?
Taussig Travel is your main contact. Call 302-276-8241 or email relocation@taussigtravel.com, and we'll bring in StartAbroad for relocation questions.
Terms and conditions (summary)
This trip is booked through Taussig Travel, and our full Booking Agreement and Terms and Conditions apply. Below is a summary of the points travelers ask about most; if anything here differs from the full terms, the full terms govern. Read the full terms (PDF).
Booking and payment
- Your booking is confirmed once we receive your completed registration form and a non-refundable deposit of 25% of the trip cost.
- The balance is due 90 days before departure, on February 25, 2027. If you book after that date, full payment is due at confirmation.
- Airfare isn't included. If you book your own flights, send us your flight details at least 30 days before departure.
Cancellations
Cancellations must be made in writing. Charges are a percentage of the trip price, per person:
- More than 120 days before departure: 25% (the non-refundable deposit)
- 90 to 120 days: 50%
- 60 to 89 days: 75%
- Less than 60 days: 100%
Changes to your booking carry a fee of at least $50, and other charges may apply. There's no refund for unused portions of the trip, including leaving early.
Minimum group size
- The trip needs a minimum of 8 travelers. If it doesn't reach that number, we may cancel the departure and will tell you at least 45 days before the trip.
- We may offer other dates or arrangements; if you'd rather cancel, you'll receive a full refund of your trip payments. Flights, visas, insurance and other purchases made for the trip aren't covered.
Rooms and hotels
- Request a single room or special arrangements when you book. Requests aren't guaranteed and may cost extra. Single supplement: $1,400.
- Room sizes and amenities in Portugal, including air conditioning and accessibility, can differ from US standards. We may substitute a similar hotel if needed.
Travel insurance
- Travel insurance is required. We recommend Travel Insured and can provide a quote.
- Look for coverage that includes trip cancellation and interruption, medical expenses, emergency evacuation and baggage, ideally with "cancel for any reason" coverage.
Health and mobility
- We're unable to accommodate travelers with limited mobility on this trip.
- If you have a pre-existing medical condition, please let us know before booking.