Experience Portugal

Tour highlights

Experience the historical richness of Portugal with this journey through the beautiful Iberian nation. We’ll explore Gothic cities, rural countryside scenes that resemble a movie set, and take part in ancient customs. Plus, we can stop at prestigious pilgrimage sites, sample sumptuous local cuisine and stroll around the cobbled streets of Porto and historic medieval villages.

Tour itinerary

Day 1 Lisbon (Portugal)
Begin your Lisbon adventure in style by joining us for a group dinner and captivating Fado performance. This vibrant city is bursting with Gothic grandeur and culture, and our hostel – the Turim Terreiro do Paço hotel (or similar) – will be the perfect way to make the most of your time here. Here’s to a wonderful journey!

Meals:
– Dinner

Day 2 Lisbon – Sintra – Lisbon
Following our morning meal, we have arranged a visit to an area tile painting atelier – where you can make your own memoir. Then, we will head off to Sintra for a guided tour of the iconic Sintra National Palace – a royal residence and beloved UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have plenty of time in the afternoon to explore this enchanted city before heading back to Lisbon and checking in Turim Terreiro do Paço Hotel (or similar).

Meals:
– Breakfast

Day 3 Lisbon – Óbidos and Nazaré – Alvados
Óbidos is the starting point of our journey today – let’s take a tour through its cobblestone labyrinth to soak up the history and architecture. After that, it’s off to Nazaré for some time at your leisure before we reach Alvados, where an incredible cooking class and delectable dinner will be provided at the Cooking and Nature Emotional Hotel (or similar). Are you ready to get creative? Accommodation: Cooking and Nature Emotional Hotel (or similar).

Meals:
– Breakfast
– Dinner

Day 4 Alvados – Tomar – Alvados
On our way to Tomar, we will take an opportunity to discover the World Heritage-listed Convent of Christ. Home to the historic Knights Templar City, Tomar promises its visitors a unique and memorable experience – especially with some free time for exploration! Before heading back to Alvados, we have a surprise in store for food lovers: We’ll visit a renowned olive oil producer, where you can learn about their production methods and sample some of the local oil! Tonight is reserved for relaxation at your accommodation – Cooking and Nature Emotional Hotel (or similar) – or go on an adventure through the beautiful surrounding walking trails.

Meals:
– Breakfast

Day 5 Alvados – Coimbra – Viseu
In our journey to Viseu, our next stop will be Coimbra – a city packed with unique sights such as the famous University and legendary Joanina Library. Explore the historic grounds and take in views of the River Mondego before having time to discover the medieval town centre on your own. Afterwards, we’ll head to picturesque Viseu. Here, you’ll be given an exclusive insight by a traditional cheesemaker into what makes Viseu’s flavourful cheese so special. You’ll also get to sample some yourself! Spend your evening however you please – accommodation is provided at Hotel Palacio dos Melos (or similar).

Meals:
– Breakfast

Day 6 Viseu – Lamego, Pinhão and Peso Da Régua – Douro Valley
To start our day, we’ll explore the stunning town of Lamego – tucked away in Portugal’s Douro Valley. Included in today’s itinerary is a visit to the 18th-century Shrine of Our Lady of Remedies, plus some free time to wander independently. From here, we’ll head to Pinhão for an unforgettable river cruise on a traditional rabelo boat. Spend leisurely hours taking in the remarkable scenes along the Douro Valley before finally arriving at Peso da Régua. To close out our day, there will be another tasty meal waiting back at our hotel – Quinta da Pacheca (or similar).

Meals:
– Breakfast
– Dinner

Day 7 Douro Valley
Today, we have a free day to revel in tranquility within this stunning Douro Valley setting. Take your pick of unwinding poolside at our hotel or taking an easygoing stroll through nature – either way there is ample opportunity for sampling some of this region’s much acclaimed wines before reuniting for a delectable dinner afterwards. Our accommodation is Quinta da Pacheca (or similar).

Meals:
– Breakfast
– Dinner

Day 8 Douro Valley – Amarante and Penafiel – Braga
Following a hearty meal, we’ll make our way to the picturesque town of Amarante whose riverbank is topped by its captivating arched bridge and the 16th-century São Gonçalo Church. We will find time to marvel at the grandiose interiors of this church before ambling around the town. Later, it’s off to Penafiel where we can sample some of the celebrated green wine and gain insight into winemaking practices. The day will end with a peaceful evening spent Braga, where we’ll stay overnight at Hotel Vila Galé Collection Braga (or similar).

Meals:
– Breakfast

Day 9 Braga – Guimarães – Braga
Today, Guimarães awaits us! On our guided walking tour, we will explore the castle, the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza and the historic city centre. Afterward, there will be free time to wander through its medieval streets at our own leisure. During your stay here, don’t miss out on experiencing Bom Jesus Sanctuary – it is certainly one of Portugal’s most renowned sights! Later that evening, we’ll savor one last dinner together as a traditional folk performance caps off your journey. Accommodation: Hotel Vila Galé Collection Braga (or similar)

Meals:
– Breakfast
– Dinner

Day 10 Braga – Porto
After all of the wonderful sights we have seen, Porto will be the last stop on this exciting tour. Here, a guided orientation will take us to some of the city’s most iconic sites – such as Clérigos Tower, Aliados Avenue, Ribeira district and the cathedral.

Meals:
– Breakfast

What’s included

Accommodation
– 9 nights in hand-picked accommodation

Guide
Experienced Back-Roads Tour Leader and Driver

Meals
9 breakfasts
5 dinners

Additional Services
Enjoy a scenic ride along the Douro River in a traditional rabelo boat
Indulge in a tasting of delicious locally produced cheeses near Viseu
Explore the wonderfully atmospheric and history-laden streets of Coimbra

Transport
Premium mini-coach transportation

Not included

Flights
International flights are not included

Insurance
Travel insurance is not included

Optional
Other activities and services are not included

Additional Services
Other activities and services are not included