Highlights
- Sample local specialties on a flavorful food tour of Porto
- See the Douro wine country from a traditional wooden riverboat
- Immerse yourself in Portugal's history in Coimbra, Batalha, and Óbidos
- Discover the hilltop villages and ancient cities of the Alentejo
- Soak up some sun on the beaches of the Algarve
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Porto, Afternoon Food Tour | Porto |
| Day 2 | Explore Porto, Port Wine Cellars & Tasting Experience | Porto |
| Day 3 | Transfer to the Douro Valley via Guimarães, Wine Tasting & Boat Ride | Douro Valley |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Lisbon via Coimbra, Batalha & Óbidos | Lisbon |
| Day 5 | Lisbon Guided Tour & Fado Dinner | Lisbon |
| Day 6 | Day Trip to Cascais & Sintra | Lisbon |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Évora via Monsaraz | Évora |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Lagos & the Algarve Coast | Lagos |
| Days 9-10 | Relax on the Beaches of the Algarve | Lagos |
| Day 11 | Transfer to Faro, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Porto, Afternoon Food Tour
Welcome to Porto! Portugal's second-largest city lies in the country's northwest and is known for its stately riverside setting and thriving culinary scene. Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in the city center to get settled in.
Later, you'll get your first taste of the city as you embark on an afternoon of gastronomic discovery. Visiting five unique, family-run locations, you'll enjoy a hand-selected tasting menu of classic Portuguese dishes and drinks. The 3.5-hour tour takes you through the city's most charming and authentic neighborhoods, where you'll sample flavorful offerings, meet local purveyors, and learn about the remarkable culinary renaissance afoot in Porto.
Day 2: Explore Porto, Port Wine Cellars & Tasting Experience
Day 3: Transfer to the Douro Valley via Guimarães, Wine Tasting & Boat Ride
Meet your driver this morning for the transfer east toward the fertile wine country of the Douro Valley. En route, you'll stop to explore the small city of Guimarães, considered the cradle of the Portuguese Nation and the birthplace of its first king, D. Afonso Henriques. Among its exquisite medieval center, don't miss the imposing Guimarães Castle, the Dukes of Bragança Palace, and the church of Santa Maria da Oliveira.
Continue into the Douro Valley to discover dramatic landscapes along the Douro River. It's from the grapes grown here that Portugal's legendary port wine is produced. Go for a hike among the vines, visit historic quintas (estates/wineries), and stop for some tastings of the local vintages. Later on, you'll experience this UNESCO-listed region in the best way possible—gliding along the river in an authentic wooden rabelo boat as you pass the golden-green vineyards of the world's first demarcated wine region.
Day 4: Transfer to Lisbon via Coimbra, Batalha & Óbidos
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Meet your driver this morning for an eventful day of sightseeing as you journey south toward Lisbon. Stop first in Coimbra, one of the most important cities in Portuguese history as well as the oldest. The former medieval capital is most famous for its 13th-century University of Coimbra, which is a great place to start your visit. Bibliophiles will love its Baroque library, home to over 200,000 books, while next door, you'll find the intricately tiled Chapel of Saint Michael. Don't miss a scenic stroll through the historic center, which leads to the banks of the Rio Mondego.
Back on the road, you'll stop in Batalha to marvel at its magnificent 14th-century Batalha Monastery, then continue to Óbidos, a fortified village in Portugal's Estremadura region that dates back to the Middle Ages. This fascinating historic site is filled with picturesque houses bordered by an imposing Moorish wall and is known as Vila das Rainhas or "Town of the Queens." Take a walk through its cobblestone streets, climb its intact ancient fortifying wall, and try the local delicacy of ginginha—a sour cherry liquor that's often served in a chocolate cup.
Day 5: Lisbon Guided Tour & Fado Dinner
Spend today exploring most of the old town of Lisbon, one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in the world. Walk its narrow and hilly streets, admire its intricately tiled sidewalks, visit important historic sites, climb panoramic viewpoints, and taste the delicious local gastronomy. You'll also spend some time getting to know the Belém quarter, famous for its monuments from the age of the Portuguese Discoveries and one of the most renowned Portuguese delicacies, the pastel de Belém (custard tart).
As evening falls, head to a local restaurant to experience the splendor of Portugal's traditional music firsthand. Known for its haunting melodies, fado originated in the poorer quarters of Lisbon, singing of all the sadness, sorrow, and longing of day-to-day living. The band may have a variable number of performers but normally consists of a singer, a classical guitar player, and a fado guitar player. Tonight you'll immerse yourself in the beauty of this art form as you enjoy dinner serenaded by a soundtrack of live fado music.
Day 6: Day Trip to Cascais & Sintra
Join your guide for today's day trip into the picturesque countryside and coastline outside Lisbon—starting with visits to Cascais, the former summer residence of the Portuguese royal family, and the luxurious seaside resort of Estoril. Continue past the sweeping vistas of Cabo de Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, and end your day trip in the fairy tale village of Sintra.
Set among the lush mountains and forests of Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to fantastical palaces and manor houses, including the iconic yellow Pena National Palace and the Castle of the Moors. Take your time exploring this remarkable area, then head back to Lisbon in the afternoon—where you can spend some downtime at the hotel or join a small-group cooking class, learn to whip up authentic Portuguese recipes, and sit down to a dinner of local specialties.
Day 7: Transfer to Évora via Monsaraz
Leave the capital behind today as you head east into the sweeping, rural landscapes of the Alentejo region. Along the way, you can stop to explore Monsaraz, one of the area's famous hilltop villages. Rich in history and atmosphere, the tiny, whitewashed center is easy to explore. Don't miss a climb to its medieval castle for amazing panoramic views of the town, plains, and the vast Alqueva Dam below.
Continue east to reach your base for the night in Évora. One of Portugal's oldest cities, this UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the Roman era and offers an abundance of beautiful architecture and sites. Marvel at the Gothic apostles and medieval architecture of the Évora Cathedral, go back in time with a visit to the 2000-year-old Templo Romano (Roman Temple) and experience one of the most fascinating (and morbid) structures in the world with a trip to the 16th-century Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones). End your evening with a bite to eat and a drink in the bustling city square of Praça do Giraldo.
Day 8: Transfer to Lagos & the Algarve Coast
It's time to head to the beach! Today your driver will take you south to the golden sands, rugged cliffs, and outstanding beauty of Portugal's Algarve region. Located at the coast's western end, you'll find the 16th-century city of Lagos, which has retained its local, authentic feel amid more modern resorts and development.
Get settled in, then explore its charming inner walled town and castle, sample some fresh seafood at one of its many excellent restaurants, or take a stroll to one of the area's renowned beaches—such as Ponta da Piedade with its dramatic sandstone cliffs, or Praia do Camilo, where 200 steps lead down to a sheltered, sandy cove.
Days 9-10: Relax on the Beaches of the Algarve
The next two days are free for you to explore the Algarve at your own pace. Soak up some sun on the dreamlike beaches of Pinhao, Ponta de Piedade, and Praia do Camilo, or arrange for something more adventurous with one of the many watersports and boat excursions on offer. See stunning golden cliffs and tucked-away beaches from a different perspective with a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard adventure, or embark on a small boat tour to discover hidden caves and grottos scattered along the coast.
If you feel like staying on dry land, there are countless hiking, biking, and kayaking opportunities, as well as the vast Costa Vicentina Natural Park to explore. Back in Lagos, you'll find authentic restaurants and buzzing nightlife to keep you busy once the sun goes down.
Day 11: Transfer to Faro, Depart
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