Why Lisbon?
It’s an easy 5-hour flight from NYC - closest European country to NYC. Lisbon claims the title of one of the sunniest cities in Europe with almost 2800 hours of sunlight per year! Also, has the best sunset in Europe over the Atlantic Ocean Horizon. And, we all know how important the sun is to Dom!
Being a country of sailors and explorers the Portuguese food is inspired from all over the globe. The Portuguese discoveries gave Portugal a vast and early knowledge on the use of spices, sweet fruits, and teas. Portugal is also one of the 10 largest wine-producing countries in the world. The city is rich with history and great for exploring.
We can’t wait to explore Portugal with our loved ones!
Which city do we fly into?
You will be flying into (LIS) - Lisbon, Portugal for our wedding. Again, since TAP Portugal is the only airline that flies directly from NYC which can be pricey. We suggest that you fly into the bigger hubs like Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, or London for cheaper flights. Intercontinental flights from those hubs are usually no more than $50.
Which sites do you search for airfare?
We usually check the following sites - Kayak, Momondo, Skyscanner and Google Flight Matrix for the best deals.
Do I need a passport?
Yes, you will need your passport for this trip! Please make sure all your documents are updated - don't wait until the last minute!
Do I need a visa?
No, a visa is not required for US Passport holders.
How many days do I need to plan for your wedding?
Please plan to be in Lisbon on August 4th to ensure you will make it all the wedding festivities. August 4th will be Welcome Drinks - which is optional for everyone. August 5th is the wedding day that will last all night.
Do I need to be at the Welcome Drinks?
Again, Welcome drinks are optional. However, if you would like to join us, please be sure to let us know ahead of time so we can plan accordingly. We will have two hours of Welcome Drinks on Sunday, August 4th at a rooftop during sunset in Lisbon. This is also a great time to pick our brains and get to know other guests!
Location: Rooftop Bar & Lounge at the Mundial Hotel
Address: Praça Moniz, 2, Mouraria, Martim, Portugal
Website: http://www.hotel-mundial.pt/bars/rooftop-bar-lounge/
Time: 7:30 - 9:30 pm
Where is the wedding venue?
The wedding venue is called Quinta da Bichinha located an hour outside of the Lisbon area. Quinta Da Bichinha is a centuries-old wine estate rehabilitated as a wedding venue and located outside of Lisbon, Portugal. The ancient cellars of the Quinta are a cozy and unique space, encircled by opulent gardens and extensive vineyards. Outside, guests can relax in the open gardens and breathtaking vineyards.
Wedding Venue: Quinta Da Bichinha
Address: Estr. de Vila Chã, 2580-413, Portugal
Tel: +351 962 057 836
Website: https://www.quintadabichinha.pt/en/
Will this be an all day event?
The wedding ceremony will start promptly at 6 pm, therefore, you will have the morning to roam around Lisbon before making your way to Quinta da Bichinha. Please be sure to get there by 5:30 pm to get settled in and have some refreshments before it starts. A cocktail hour will follow after the ceremony then dinner reception, dessert/digestive, and dancing all night long. Please keep in mind that European weddings last all night long and have abundant food!
What is the dress code for the wedding?
We ask that our guests be in “Smart Casual” attire. If you don't know what that means, click here for men and for ladies. Ladies - leave your stilettos at home and opt for stacked heels, wedges or comfortable footwear as this is an outdoor wedding with lots of grass and gravel. We would like you to be as comfortable as possible. So, feel free to bring an extra pair of shoes to change into.
What is the weather like?
August is the warmest month of the year in Lisbon. The average temperature is 83°F / 65°F. It is hot, sunny and dry during the daytime and the temperature drops no lower than 64°F during the night. Make sure you bring a cardigan for the nighttime cool air.
Where is the Wedding Party staying in Lisbon?
In Lisbon, we all are staying in the Alfama area scattered within a few block radius. Click here for the map
The night of the wedding the wedding party will be staying on the property of Quinta da Bichinha. If you would like to stay nearby the venue please see Travel 101 section for list of places.
For the Wedding Party and Family that is staying at Quinta da Bichinha, you will be staying here the evening of Aug 5th. Check-in will be at 2 pm on Aug 5th and check-out at 12 pm on Aug 6th. There will be a breakfast gathering at 10 am by the beautiful tree before heading back to Lisbon. We will get back to Lisbon by the late afternoon.
Where do we - the guest stay?
We have provided a few options in our Travel 101 section for hotels with room blocks and Airbnb in Lisbon and in the countryside. Luckily, if you opt-in for the transportation service you will be shuttled back to downtown Lisbon from there you can head back to either your Airbnb or hotel. If you plan on partying all night and want to stay nearby, there are a few options as well.
Please don’t feel obligated to book through our recommendation. If you find anything cheaper than our rates, please feel free to book on your own.
How do we get to Quinta da Bichinha on Aug 5th?
In our RSVP both on paper and online, we asked if you need transportation to and from Quinta da Bichinha. If you replied yes there will be transportation provided for you. Once we know the location of pick-up and drop-off times, we will update the website. So, please check back in with us.
For those who rented a car and are driving, here are the driving directions from Lisbon. Directions from Lisbon to Quinta da Bichinha
Where do I catch the shuttle?
Please see below for pick-up and drop-off location of the shuttle below.
Pick-up Location: 15 R. Cais de Santarém
Pick-up Time: 4PM Sharp
Drop-off Location: 15 R. Cais de Santarém
Drop-off Time: Approximately 1:30AM
Should I Uber to Quinta da Bichinha?
You can Uber it there, however, the price is around 50 Euros. Keep in mind, since the venue is located in the countryside, there will not be any Uber to get back to the city. Unfortunately, if you did not opt-in for the transportation option we cannot ensure you will be able to get on the shuttle at the end of the night.
What are Your plans for this trip?
We are flying out of JFK on July 31st at 11:25 PM on TAP Portugal 208 and arriving in Lisbon at 11:15 AM the next day.
Our plans are spending some time with our families and wedding party before the big day. Possibly touring the Lisbon, Cascais, Sintra area etc. and doing some last minute wedding preparations.
After the wedding, we are hoping to spend time with our friends. We are thinking about going to the Southern Spain (Seville, Gibraltar, Malaga, Formentera, and Mallorca). Whoever wants to join us, please feel free! (And no, this is not our honeymoon). We will let you know when we have more information regarding this leg of the trip.
What mobile provider is available in Portugal?
We have Tmobile as our mobile provider and have a plan that has international text and data. Feel free to check with your mobile provider for your best option. Also, if you have an unlocked mobile phones, you will be able to purchase a sim card at either the airport or the local mobile stores such as Vodafone, NOS (Optimus) and MEO.
Do you have a contact in Lisbon?
Yes, we have a wonderful wedding planner. She will be the point of contact if you need any additional information during your time in Lisbon. Please be sure to mention Jenn & Dom in your emails.
Wedding Planner: Lucyana Sposito
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.lsweddingplanner.com