Portugal by Train: The Perfect Mother-Daughter Getaway with Rail Escape.
This summer, I traveled through Portugal by train with my college-aged daughter, and it turned out to be one of the best mother-daughter trips in Europe we’ve ever taken. We used Rail Escape to plan everything, and it made the experience seamless, stress-free, and filled with unforgettable moments.
Why Rail Escape Was a Game-Changer
If you’ve ever tried planning Europe by train, you know how tricky it can be, tickets, hotels, transfers, and hoping you didn’t accidentally book the slow overnight train when you wanted the scenic daytime ride. I have done this…that’s why I loved working with Rail Escape as they took care of all of it.
Every detail was handled in advance…boutique hotels, train schedules, even car transfers. All I had to do was show up, relax, and focus on what mattered most: time with my daughter.
And here’s the best part: Rail Escape doesn’t just do Portugal. They plan trips all across Europe - and beyond. Whether you’ve dreamed of Italy, France, Switzerland, or Spain, Rail Escape will craft and customize the journey for you.
Our Portugal Journey
Here’s a glimpse into our Rail Escape itinerary:
Faro – We began at the Eva Senses Hotel, a perfect base in the Algarve. Steps from the marina and with breakfast included, it set the tone for a relaxing start.
Lagos – The next day, we took the train to Lagos, where Rail Escape had arranged our stay at the Lagos Atlantic Hotel. Nestled just outside the old town, it was the ideal spot to unwind between beach walks and exploring the dramatic cliffs. With breakfast included and a pool overlooking the ocean, it gave us that “vacation within a vacation” feel. We spent two days here and honestly we wished we had stayed one more night.
Sintra – From Lagos, we boarded a local train and transferred to another train (business class this time) and spent the ride sipping tea and watching the countryside roll by. Once we arrived in Lisbon, Rail Escape had a car waiting to take us directly to our hotel in Sintra.
We stayed at Lawrence’s Hotel, the oldest in town, and it felt like stepping into a fairytale. Sintra itself is magical with palaces, misty hills, and gardens that make you feel like you’ve wandered into a storybook.
Every stop was unique, but the real gift was how easy it all felt. We never had to worry about logistics. We just enjoyed the journey.
The Best Part: Time Together
Traveling with my college daughter was a gift. This stage of life is the sweet spot: they’re independent, curious, and full of opinions, but they still want those shared adventures with you.
Some of our best conversations happened on the train, watching the Portuguese countryside roll past us… We laughed, we had heart-to-hearts on a balcony in Sintra. We shared countless little moments like grabbing pastries at a corner café, wandering down side streets and finding cute boutiques. We even shared our first glass of wine together while enjoying a magical dinner in Sintra.
This trip was so special.
Why I Recommend This to Every Mom
If you’ve ever thought about taking a trip with your son or daughter during their college years, do it. Don’t wait. These trips aren’t just about the destination (though Portugal is stunning!)—they’re about building memories you’ll both treasure forever. Let Rail Escape handle the details.
And if the planning feels overwhelming? Rail Escape makes it simple. They’ll handle the logistics, the tickets, the transfers…all of it! So, you can focus on the adventure and on being with your kid again.
I came home with more than just photos. I came home with stories we’ll retell for years and a bond with my daughter that grew even stronger. For that, I’d recommend Rail Escape a thousand times over.
