Online registration for off-sites will close at 5 p.m. EST on Friday, 10 May. Activities fill up quickly so it is encouraged to sign up prior to attending. If you do miss the deadline listed above, please visit Rebecca Litwack at the Off-site Information Desk at the Cascais Miragem Hotel on Wednesday, 29 May between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. On-site registration will remain open from then until 12p.m. on Friday 31 May.
Important: ONE off-site activity is included in the price of your University registration. These activities are open to members and their registered guests (full participation and limited participation). All off-site activities will take place on Saturday, 1 June 2019. The activities will depart from and return to the Hotel Cascais Miragem.
Please read these important notes about off-site activities before you register!
- Registered members and guests (full or limited participation) may sign-up for ONE (1) off-site activity per person.
- All off-site activities include lunch, as listed in the descriptions below.
- All off-site activities have limited space and are first come, first served.
- Some activities are weather permitting and may be cancelled due to inclement weather.
- All activities require a minimum number of people to participate and may be cancelled prior to the event if the minimum has not been met.
- Some off-site activities may require a user-pay supplement and are indicated in the description.
- All user-pay activities are non-refundable, unless EO cancels.
- Members and guests that sign-up for the same activity will be assigned to the same group.
- There are no wait-lists for sold out activities.
- All events will depart from and return to the Hotel Cascais Miragem. Please review departure and return times listed below before selecting an off-site activity.
- Simultaneous interpretation will not be provided at any off-site activity.
For questions about off-site activities, please contact Rebecca Litwack on the EO Global Events team at [email protected].
4×4 Sintra Adventure
1 June 2019, Depart: 9:00 am, Return: 4:00 pm
Price: FREE
Discover the off the beaten path areas of Sintra that can only be explored by 4×4 on this team-building adventure. In the hands of your guide, you will experience all the thrills of off-road driving while enjoying magnificent views of Sintra. Each jeep is equipped with a road-book the group must follow in order to accomplish challenges and answer questions throughout the journey.
Lunch is included in this off-site activity.
Dress code: Very comfortable shoes/athletic shoes with casual clothes. Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are recommended as the activity will be mostly outside. Make sure to dress in layers.
Treasure Hunt at Quinta da Regaleira
1 June 2019 – Depart: 9:15 am, Return: 4:30 pm
Price: FREE
Quinta da Regaleira was built between 1904 and 1910, and influenced by Dante’s “Divine Comedy.” It is a place where everything is possible: statues full of symbolism are aligned along the luxuriant gardens; there are dark and swamped caves where brave ones venture out, secret passages and wells used for secret initiation rites spiraling through the depths of the Earth. This is the scenic backdrop for an adventure full of jigsaws and clues that will lead teams to unravel the mysterious treasure hunt at Regaleira! With maps in hand, teams will journey through the most symbolic and enigmatic places in Regaleira, answering riddles and collecting items along the way.
Lunch is included in this off-site activity.
Dress code: Comfortable shoes with casual clothes for this off-site. Make sure to dress in layers.
Hiking Sintra Trails
1 June 2019 – Depart: 7:45 am, Return: 3:00 pm
Price: FREE
Sintra’s forest is known for its diversity of local species mixed with other exotic species from all over the world. On this moderate seven mile hike, you will cross between three forests in Sintra, each one different from the next. Dare to look 90 meters into the Fojo da Adraga, a natural well that connects to the sea, and wonder if the Romans believed a Triton playing music dwelled there.
This adventure will also take you to Ursa beach, considered by the Michelin Guide as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. As the Lighthouse Roca tells us our fate, enjoy the breathtaking view of waves hugging the unspoiled Atlantic coastline.
Lunch is included in this off-site activity.
Dress code: Hiking boots or athletic shoes with casual clothes are recommended for this highly active off-site adventure. This activity will be mostly outside, so leave the jeans at home and bring hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses. No open-toed shoes allowed. Make sure to dress in layers. A backpack is recommended to carry water and your belongings on the hike.
Surf Lessons at Carcavelos
1 June 2019 – Depart: 10:00 am, Return: 4:00 pm
Price: FREE
The Praia de Carcavelos is one of the most beautiful beaches and popular surf spots in Lisbon. If you are a beginner, this activity is for you! Instructors will go over safety tips and technique of surfing. After land exercises and once the entire group is comfortable, you will hit the waves.
Lunch is included in this off-site activity.
Dress code: There are no changing rooms at the beach, so attendees will need to leave the hotel already dressed in their bathing suits. We recommend that you wear or bring sunscreen as the entire activity is outside. Wet suits and beach towels will be provided and there are public beach showers available to rinse off after the lesson before walking to lunch.
Fishing and BBQ
1 June 2019 – Depart: 8:00 am, Return: 3:00 pm
Price: US$110.00
Enjoy a day on the water dedicated to learning the technique and skill of fishing near Cabo da Roca. Cabo da Roca is famous for being the most westward point in mainland Europe. Known as “Onde a terra acaba e o mar começa” (where the land ends and the sea begins), it has become a popular fishing and tourist destination.
During the fishing day, you’ll catch anything from mackerel to golden bream, octopus, and squid. All groups will celebrate their catch with a BBQ on board, along with other dishes and sides.
Lunch is included in this off-site activity.
Dress code: Very comfortable shoes or athletic shoes with casual clothes. Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are highly recommended as the activity will be mostly outside. Make sure to dress in layers.
Sailing Regatta
1 June 2019 – Depart: 9:30 am, Return: 4:00 pm
Price: $60
You will start this activity with a detailed explanation of the adventure, sailing safety and other precautions. Learning the art of sailing will begin with sailing techniques, requiring collaboration and interaction between team members. Afterward, the regattas will begin. This small competition offers recently formed crews an opportunity to sail, which is an incredible team-building exercise!
Lunch is included in this off-site activity.
Dress code: Comfortable shoes with casual clothes for this off-site. Make sure to dress in layers.
RIB Speed Boat Tour
1 June 2019 – Depart: 9:30 am, Return: 3:00 pm
Price: FREE
Get to know Lisbon by sea! By speedboat, you will see the sites surrounding the shores from Santa Apolonia to Belem and learn historical facts and stories. The group will be split into teams and set off on a scavenger hunt. Teams will receive a nautical letter including different tasks and objectives to accomplish along the ride.
Dress code: Comfortable shoes with casual clothes for this off-site. Make sure to dress in layers.
Wine Tour
1 June 2019 – Depart: 8:45 am, Return: 5:00 pm
Price: FREE
The Casa Ermelinda Freitas has been dedicated to wine production since 1920. Leonor Freitas, daughter of Ermelinda Freitas, represents the 4th generation in this family of winemaking tradition and continues the theme of strong female leadership, something that has always been intrinsically linked to the brand and the family history. The surrounding river breeze cools the vines during the dry summers, offering softness and elegance to the wines.
Following Casa Ermelinda, you will enjoy lunch at your next stop, José Maria da Fonseca winery. José Maria da Fonseca is one of the older wine brands in Portugal. After visiting this cellar, you will know everything about the famous Moscatel and even find out why it’s forbidden to kill spiders! You will try three different wines and taste the famous Tortas de Azeitão made with eggs, sugar and cinnamon. It’s a truly ex libris from Portuguese gastronomy.
Lunch is included in this off-site activity.
Dress code: Comfortable shoes with casual clothes for this off-site. Make sure to dress in layers.
Spa Experience at Hotel Cascais Miragem
1 June 2019 – Various times
Price: FREE
“Our healthy ritual is a reflection of wisdom, and our healing ritual works in harmony with your spirit and intentions.” Hotel Cascais Miragems’ seven themed treatment rooms – Orange, Chocolate, Jasmine, Cinnamon, Vichy, Spa Suite and Ocean Suite offer splendid views over the Bay of Cascais, and serve as a base for a wide selection of refreshing and relaxing treatments. You will have the option to choose one of the following services: Aromatherapy, Hot Stones, Swedish, and Deep Muscle massages.
Lunch is included in this off-site activity.
Dress code: You will be provided with a robe, towels, and slippers for your comfort. Bring or wear a bathing suit if you would like to enjoy the other spa facilities after your massage appointment.
