ASGA in Portugal

Golf & Culture Tour Draft Itinerary

September 2025 | Up To 136 Participants

(actual number book will be based on deposits paid)

BEFORE YOU ASK . . . 

NO EXACT DATES HAVE BEEN DETERMINED FOR THIS TRIP, ALTHOUGH WE ARE LOOKING AT A 12-DAY SPAN IN SEPTEMBER, 2025. A SITE VISIT TO UP TO 22 LOCATIONS MUST BE MADE IN LATE JANUARY/EARLY FEBRUARY TO SET THE FINAL ITINERARY.

Since our initial announcement in August regarding a potential multi-chapter golf trip to Portugal, over 200 ASGA members have expressed their interest in participating.

Given this overwhelming response, we are pleased to confirm that this trip will move forward!

Based on the success of previous European trips, we are planning to explore three distinct regions of Portugal: Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve/Faro region (as shown at left), over a 12-day period.

These Chronological Planning Steps and Draft Itinerary will allow us to experience the country's rich culture while playing golf on at least four days. The specific areas we plan to visit are highlighted on the map.

Chronological Planning Steps

Tom Alsop, your Event Host, outlines the following chronology of steps to ensure a successful trip:

1. Securing Accommodations:

   • With a projected sellout of 136 participants, we estimate the need for 100 rooms, assuming some members will share accommodations.

   • A site visit will be scheduled to evaluate large hotels in each city for availability, rates, and suitability.

2. Golf Course Logistics:

   • During the site visit, we will inspect golf courses to ensure they can accommodate our group, including confirming the availability of sufficient motorized golf carts to allow for shotgun starts.

3. Transportation Coordination:

   • Meetings will take place with transportation companies to finalize logistics for daily transfers, including:

     • Airport to hotel and return

     • Hotel to golf courses and return

     • Hotel to group dining venues

   • Transportation providers will also assist in planning optional excursion activities on non-golf days.

4. Destination Management Company (DMC):

   • If needed, we will engage a DMC to support the planning and execution of this trip.

5. Site Visit Details:

   • Tom will travel to Portugal in late January / early February 2025 to finalize arrangements with key partners, including:

     • 3 hotels

     • 4 golf courses

     • 12 restaurants

     • Transportation and luggage truck companies

   • This site visit will consist of approximately 22 meetings over a 10-day period.

6. Website Launch and Deposits:

   • Following the site visit, a dedicated website will be developed to provide complete trip details, including itinerary, costs, and booking information.

   • To determine the actual number of attendees, we will require a deposit as follows:

     • $198 per person for those sharing a room

     • $396 per person for those requesting single occupancy

Deposit Policy: If, for any reason, you decide not to participate in the trip:

• For a $198 deposit: This will be converted into two years of ASGA membership.

• For a $396 deposit: $198 will be converted into two years of ASGA membership, and the remaining $198 will be refunded to you upon notification of your cancellation.

Deposits are essential as they demonstrate serious intent to attend. Each $198 deposit accounts for half a room each night, and each $396 deposit accounts for a full room each night. This information allows us to provide hotels with an accurate room count, enabling us to sign contracts and finalize other trip logistics, such as dining and golfing arrangements.

Important Notes:

• Specific travel dates will not be confirmed until all deposits are received. It's obviously necessary that all elements to the itinerary are well-connected to the previous and next days' itineraries.

• Airfare is not included and will be the responsibility of each participant.

We look forward to an unforgettable journey in Portugal with ASGA members from across the country!

As of 1/21/2025 the following members have paid a deposit on this event:

The Draft Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon

• Morning: Arrival at Lisbon Airport (Airport Code: LIS). Transfer to a 4-star hotel in central Lisbon.
• Afternoon: Welcome reception and time to relax/sleep off jet lag.
• Evening: Group buffet dinner at the hotel or a local restaurant featuring Portuguese cuisine.

Day 2: Explore Lisbon

• Morning: Guided tour of Lisbon, including iconic sites like Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, and Alfama District.
• Afternoon: Free time for shopping or leisure.
• Evening: Group dinner at a restaurant with a view of the Tagus River.

Day 3: Golf in Lisbon

• Morning: Golf Round #1 at a premium course near Lisbon, such as Oitavos Dunes or Troia Golf.
• Afternoon: Return to hotel. Optional walking tour of Bairro Alto.
• Evening: Group buffet dinner at a traditional Fado restaurant with live music.

Day 4: Travel to Porto

• Morning: Coach transfer to Porto (3-hour drive). Check-in at a 4-star hotel.
• Afternoon: Guided tour of Porto, including Ribeira District, Dom Luís I Bridge, and a visit to a port wine cellar.
• Evening: Group dinner at a local wine estate or riverside restaurant.

Day 5: Golf in Porto

• Morning: Golf Round #2 at a high-quality course such as Vidago Palace Golf Club or Estela Golf Club.
• Afternoon: Free time for personal exploration.
• Evening: Group buffet dinner at a venue overlooking the Douro River.

Day 6: Excursion to the Douro Valley

• Morning: Scenic coach ride to the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site. River cruise and wine tasting at a local vineyard.
• Afternoon: Traditional Portuguese lunch at a vineyard.
• Evening: Return to Porto for a casual group dinner at the hotel.

Day 7: Travel to the Algarve via High-Speed Train

• Morning: High-speed train to the Algarve region (approx. 5 hours). Private coach transfer to a 4-star hotel.
• Afternoon: Relaxation at the hotel or beachside.
• Evening: Group buffet dinner at the hotel.

Day 8: Golf in the Algarve

• Morning: Golf Round #3 at a top-rated course, such as Monte Rei Golf & Country Club.
• Afternoon: Free time to explore nearby beaches or shops.
• Evening: Group dinner at a seaside restaurant.

Day 9: Explore Algarve

• Morning: Guided tour of historical Algarve towns such as Lagos and Silves.
• Afternoon: Visit Cape St. Vincent, the southwestern-most point of Europe.
• Evening: Group dinner with a special seafood menu.

Day 10: Golf in the Algarve

• Morning: Golf Round #4 at another premier course, such as Quinta do Lago South.
• Afternoon: Leisure time at the hotel or visit the town of Faro.
• Evening: Group buffet dinner at the hotel.

Day 11: Return to Lisbon

• Morning: Private coach transfer back to Lisbon. Check-in at a hotel near the airport.
• Afternoon: Free time for last-minute sightseeing or shopping.
• Evening: Farewell group dinner to celebrate the trip.

Day 12: Departure

• Morning: Early breakfast and airport transfers for flights back to the USA.

Key Considerations

1. Golf: We'll look for shotgun starts when available at our four courses, as well as transportation for golfers, and storage for clubs.
2. Dining: We generally need to have buffets for dinner and will seek top quality menus. Attendees with special dietary needs will be accommodated by the restaurants we choose.
3. Excursions: We will focus on outdoor historical sites, local culture, and scenic spots.
4. Logistics: We will ensure smooth transitions between locations with adequate travel times and breaks.

Interested? We need your deposit right away!

Make your credit card deposit now.

Comments: Tom@SinglesGolf.com