FAQs

Question

What are the best dates to arrive and depart?

Answer

Arrive: Thursday, May 21st (Wedding party) or Friday, May 22nd Depart: Sunday, May 24th Most direct flights from the USA to Portugal are overnight flights. Our rehearsal and rehearsal dinner will be Thursday afternoon. If you are expected to be at this event, please plan to allow enough time for you to settle in prior to the rehearsal. We recommend arriving in Estremoz by Thursday morning at the latest for the rehearsal. The first event open to all guests will be the welcome party on Friday evening. If you want to join us at the welcome event, plan to arrive in Portugal by Friday morning at the latest. Of note, the airport in Lisbon has been experiencing an extremely high volume of tourists over the last 1-2 years, resulting in very long lines at customs when entering and exiting the country. Please take this into account when planning and booking your flights.

Question

Will there be transportation to and from the airport and the venue/hotel?

Answer

We are not able to get a shuttle to and from the airport as the entrances in the castle walls are too small and streets around the hotels too narrow to fit a shuttle. However, we are currently working on coordinating transportation to the hotels. Please contact us ASAP if you would like transportation for you and your party.

Question

Where should I stay?

Answer

We have a block available at the Pateo dos Solares Charm Hotel which is a short 7 minute walk or quick drive from the venue. There are also many other hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnbs in and around Estremoz that you may consider. More information can be found on the "Travel" page of our website, including specifics for booking.

Question

What do I need to know about the hotels?

Answer

Both the Pousada and Pateo dos Solares provide breakfast, which is included in the cost of lodging. Most breakfast spreads at Portuguese hotels includes baked goods, eggs, cheese and a selection of smoked or cured meats, fruit, and yogurts. Both hotels also have a restaurant and pool. Pateo dos Solares has a spa and small gym available to guests. Dry cleaning and/or laundry services are limited, but all rooms are equipped with an iron and ironing board, a hair dryer, and safe. Please note that the voltage (220 V) and outlets are different from the USA. You will need to bring an adapter in order to use the outlets. Please note that not all devices (for example, hair styling tools) are compatible with this voltage.

Question

Are there any food alternatives for my dietary restrictions/food allergies?

Answer

Please let us know as soon as possible about any food allergies or dietary restrictions so that we can accommodate you and your needs! If you have an epipen for any allergies (food or otherwise) or take any other prescribed medications, please be sure to bring it with you on your trip. We would hate for any of our guests to miss any part of our wedding weekend due to health concerns.

Question

What is the dress code for the wedding?

Answer

You can find the dress codes for the wedding events under the Schedule tab of our website. Please be aware that our ceremony will be held in a Catholic church, which can sometimes be strict about clothing, especially in Europe. As such, please consider avoiding especially revealing formalwear, or plan to use a shawl or other item to cover up as needed while in the church.

Question

Are children invited to all events?

Answer

Yes, children are welcome at the welcome party and wedding. There will be a children's menu (we will provide more details at a later time). We will provide entertainment for children and trained professionals to supervise young children during dinner and the reception.

Question

Is there a gift registry?

Answer

We will have a card box at the reception. If you wish to give a gift, please take a look at the registry page on our website.

Question

Do I need a visa to enter Portugal?

Answer

You do not currently need a visa to enter Portugal unless you plan to stay for 90 days or more. However, the European Union will be instituting a new travel authorization system for visa-exempt travelers called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System). This includes any American tourists traveling to the European Union for less than 90 days. It is projected to take effect sometime in 2026 and (as of now), will cost 20 euros per person. We have included the website for ETIAS below for more information. We recommend checking the website ahead of your travel date to confirm! https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/etias

Question

Is Portugal tourist friendly and safe?

Answer

Generally, Portugal is very friendly to tourists and children! The country as a whole is very safe, especially from violent crime, but please be vigilant as theft can be more commonplace. The official language is Portuguese. In tourist areas and larger cities, many people (especially younger generations) speak English, but it's always appreciated to know a few basic Portuguese phrases. For example, words like "olá" (hello), "obrigado/a" (thank you), and "por favor" (please) will be helpful for your trip. Portugal has become increasingly popular over the last few years for many reasons, and we are so excited that we get to share this experience with you all! Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions, and we will do our best to answer any questions you have and/or help with anything you may need for your trip!

Question

What do I need to know to travel in Portugal?

Answer

There are a few things that are important to know before your trip to Portugal! As previously mentioned, Portugal is generally very safe and violent crime is extremely low. However, situational awareness is always important when travelling! For example, if you go to the beach, please keep an eye on your belongings at all times and minimize the number of valuables that you bring with you. If you rent a car, please hide any and all items that may be valuable in hidden compartments, like the glove compartment or trunk, and always lock your car.

Question

What should I pack for a late May wedding in Alentejo (interior of Portugal)?

Answer

Expect warm, sunny days and pleasant evenings. -Daytime: Expect temperatures to be warm, often in the low to mid-80s. Light breathable clothing is best. -Evening: While days are warm, evenings can cool down, especially in Estremoz. A light jacket, cardigan, or shawl is highly recommended. -Footware: Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the hilly, cobblestone streets of Estremoz. -Sun Protection: Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are advisable. -Swimwear: Most hotels have pools and there are a few, small freshwater beaches in the area.

Question

What is the Portuguese food/restaurant culture like?

Answer

Portugal is known for its affordable and delicious food. You can expect an espresso to cost less than €2 and a basic meal at a local restaurant to be around €10-15. Dinner at a nicer restaurant is usually still very reasonable compared to the U.S.A. and many other European cities. Dairy and meat alternatives, are slowly becoming more common in Portugal. However, it can be very limited in certain places, vegetarians especially may have difficulty finding food within their restrictions at restaurants. It is customary for restaurants to provide small appetizers with bread (called the couvert) at the start of your meal. Please be aware that you must request that the waiter remove it at the beginning of your meal, or else you will be charged for whatever is placed on your table, regardless of whether or not you eat any of it. There is no strict tipping culture in Portugal but it's generally appreciated, especially for good service. Leaving a small tip (5-10%) or rounding up the bill is a common practice, particularly in tourist areas and for services like restaurants, taxis, and hotels.

Question

I'd like to know more about Estremoz and the venue!

Answer

The venue, the Pousada Castelo de Estremoz, has a very interesting history. King D. Dinis ordered a palace and chapel built within the castle walls of Estremoz at the end of the 13th century for his wife, the queen of Portugal, Rainha Isabel of Aragón. She is very well-known in Portuguese history and the Roman Catholic Religion. The legend of Rainha Santa Isabel de Aragón, tells of her deep piety, charity, and miraculous acts, with the most famous being the "Miracle of the Roses." According to legend, Rainha Isabel would secretly bring bread to the poor, despite the king's disapproval. One day, as she was carrying bread hidden in her cloak, the king confronted her and demanded to see what she was hiding. When she opened her cloak, the bread had miraculously turned into roses - despite it being winter - thus protecting her act of charity. Even after the king's death, she spent much of her time traveling on peacekeeping missions, devoting herself to charity and her faith. It is believed that she died in 1336 in Estremoz. She was later canonized as a saint in 1625. Unfortunately, there was a fire in the armory of the castle in the 17th century, leaving little of the original royal residence intact. The castle and former royal residence were restored under the reign of King João V in the mid-1700s. The castle walls and chapel, named after Rainha Santa Isabel, were declared a national monument in 1924. In the 1960s-1980s, the remaining structure was restored and made into the hotel as it is known today: the Pousada Castelo de Estremoz. Today, you can find a marble statue of Rainha Santa Isabel with roses in front of the Pousada and church, as well as small figurines of the famous queen in shops throughout the area.