When to go
May - July and September
Price
From £1,995 pp (including flights) | Private Tour: £5,595pp (including flights)
Flight time
2hrs 45mins
Introduction
Welcome to an unforgettable journey through Portugal, where every step will immerse you in its vibrant culture, fascinating history, and breathtaking landscapes. Over the next eight days, travel from Lisbon to Porto and explore the hidden gems of this beautiful country. Visit charming seaside resorts where the ocean breeze and golden sand will soothe your soul.
Then, in Coimbra and Guimarães, historic regional centers, experience the pulse of Portugal’s past, walk through cobbled streets, and admire stunning medieval architecture. You will also taste the finest wines in the world-renowned Douro Valley, where the terraced vineyards embrace the meandering river.
Good For
At a Glance
Duration
8 Days & 7 Nights
Guide price
Group: from £1,995pp (including flights) | Private Tour: from £5,595pp (including flights)
Cities/Destinations (in order)
Lisbon - Sintra - Nazare - Coimbra - Aveiro - Porto - Duoro Valley - Braga - Guimarães - Porto
Tour Type
Support from an experienced local tour manager
Tour Theme
Group Tour
Activity Level
Age Range
N/A
Star Rating of Tour
Superior
Accommodation
Hotel Sana Metropolitan - Lisbon | Hotel Mondego - Coimbra | Catalonia Porto - Porto
Board Basis
Varied - please see the sample itinerary for more details
Min|Max Group Size
Average group: 14 people (Maximum 18)
Start/Finish
Lisbon - Porto
Extensions
Extend your tour with a 7 day and 6 night tour of the Azores Islands. Fly out from Porto.
Highlights
Traditional Fado Music Performance with Dinner in Lisbon
Get ready to be enchanted by the melancholic yet soul-stirring sounds of traditional fado music. As the night falls, you will enjoy a delightful dinner in a charming restaurant in Lisbon while talented fadistas sing about love, loss, and life. Savor traditional Portuguese dishes paired with excellent wines, and learn about the history and evolution of fado, a UNESCO World Heritage.
Exclusive Tour of Coimbra University
Step back in time and discover Portugal’s oldest and most prestigious university, Coimbra University. Founded in 1290, Coimbra University is a jewel of medieval architecture, with stunning halls, libraries, and courtyards. You will be guided through its historical and academic legacy, from the Middle Ages to modern times, and learn about the famous students and professors who shaped Portuguese culture and science.
Baking Lesson in a Traditional Bakery
Learn how to bake one of the most iconic Portuguese desserts, the pastel de nata, in a traditional bakery. Pastel de nata tarts were created by monks in the Jerónimos Monastery in Santa Maria de Belem to use the egg yolks left over from starching habits with egg whites. Today, these tarts are a national treasure and are beloved by locals and tourists alike.
Discover Chapel of the Souls in Porto
Prepare to be amazed by the intricate beauty of the Chapel of Souls, a fascinating site in Porto. The chapel’s exterior is covered in blue and white tiles, depicting scenes from the life of St. Francis of Assisi and Saint Catherine. The Chapel of Souls was built in the 18th century, but the exterior decorations were added in 1929. It also features stunning stained-glass windows created by Amandio Silva that depict souls in Purgatory. It is one of the most exquisite churches in Porto and a must-visit destination.
Sample Itinerary
From Seaside Resorts to Medieval Towns: Explore the Best of Portugal with This Sample Itinerary
Discover the wonders of Portugal with this sample itinerary designed to make the most of your trip. From Lisbon’s vibrant streets to Porto’s romantic atmosphere, witness the unique blend of old and new, traditional and modern, that characterizes Portugal.
Day 1: Fly to Lisbon
Your adventure begins as you board your flight from the UK to Lisbon, the stunning capital city of Portugal. As you settle into your local accommodation at Hotel Sana Metropolitan, get ready to immerse yourself in the charm and vibrancy of this coastal city.
(Flight Included | Airport Transfer | N)
Day 2: Lisbon
Get ready to explore the vibrant capital of Portugal with a half-day tour of Lisbon. Your first stop will be at the Jerónimos Monastery, a stunning example of Portuguese Gothic Manueline architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover fascinating facts about this early 16th-century monastery’s history and its vital role in Portugal’s Golden Age of Discovery.
Next, head to the iconic Belém Tower, another UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as a fortified defense system for Lisbon’s harbor. Finally, explore the winding streets of the city’s charming old town, where you’ll have the opportunity to discover the local culture and traditions. In the evening, you’ll experience the soulful melodies of traditional fado music during a dinner performance.
(B, D)
Day 3: Sintra | Nazare | Coimbra
Embark on a scenic drive along the Atlantic coast, stopping at some of Portugal’s most beautiful locations. Your first destination is the enchanting town of Sintra, known for its romantic palaces, lush forests, and breathtaking views. Visit the Pena Palace, a colorful and eclectic Romanticist masterpiece that was originally a monastery and was turned into a castle by King Ferdinand II.
Next, learn how to make the famous pastel de nata tarts at a local bakery before continuing your journey to the seaside town of Nazare, where you’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch. Finally, arrive in Coimbra, home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, where you’ll stay at local accommodations like the Hotel Mondego for one night.
(B)
Day 4: Coimbra | Aveiro | Porto
Start your day with an exclusive tour of Coimbra University, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 13th century. Explore the entire campus, including the magnificent Biblioteca Joanina, a stunning baroque library filled with priceless works of literature.
From there, visit the charming town of Aveiro, known as the “Venice of Portugal” for its canals and colorful boats. Finally, arrive in Porto, where you’ll stay in local accommodation like the Catalonia Porto for four nights.
(B)
Day 5: Porto
Today, discover the highlights of Portugal’s second-largest city during a half-day tour of Porto. Your first stop will be at the Chapel of the Souls, a Baroque masterpiece covered in stunning blue tiles. Next, visit the São Bento Railway Station, known for its impressive neoclassical façade and beautiful azulejo tiles.
Finally, explore the charming waterfront district of Ribeira, where you can soak up the local atmosphere and admire the colorful buildings. In the afternoon, visit the Burmester wine cellars for a tour and tasting of the region’s famous port wine.
(B)
Day 6: Douro Valley
Today, embark on a full-day tour of the Douro Valley, a stunning wine region home to some of the world’s best vineyards. Visit two quintas, or wine estates, where you’ll enjoy wine tasting, vineyard tours, and a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, take a leisurely boat tour on the Douro River, where you can soak up the stunning scenery and relax in the peaceful surroundings.
(B, L)
Day 7: Braga | Guimarães
On the seventh day of your tour, venture to Portugal’s northern region to explore the charming cities of Braga and Guimarães. First, visit Braga, a city considered Portugal’s religious center due to its numerous churches and sacred sites. Visit the city’s magnificent cathedral and stroll through its charming historic center.
Next, travel to the picturesque town of Ponte de Lima, known for its beautiful 14th-century bridge that spans the Lima River. Explore the town’s historic center and sample some of the region’s traditional delicacies.
Finally, discover the town of Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques, and the first capital of Portugal. Visit the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, the charming medieval streets, and the impressive Guimarães Castle, a medieval military fortification built in the 10th century to protect the monastery.
(B)
Day 8: Fly to London
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel in Porto before checking out and departing for the airport. Say goodbye to Portugal and fly back to the UK, carrying wonderful memories of your journey through this beautiful country.
(Flight Included | Airport Transfer | B)
