Flavors of Portugal

Your Portugal adventure begins with your arrival into Lisbon Airport where our driver will welcome you to the country and bring you to your hotel in the capital city. After a long flight, you might want to simply rest or relax or head out to get a taste of the scene. Unwinding with a glass of wine or re-energizing with coffee at a café in an open square is a great way to take it all in. Or stretch your legs with a walk through Lisbon’s oldest district, Alfama, home to medieval Sao Jorge Castle and other impressive historic buildings.

Start your private Lisbon half-day tour with a convenient pick-up at your Lisbon hotel. You’ll head to Alfama, one of the few areas of the city that managed to escape damage during the 1755 earthquake and tsunami. Here, you will pass the 12th-century Cathedral (Sé), before continuing on to a magnificent viewpoint overlooking the medieval district, Saint George Castle, Lisbon center, and the Tagus River. You will then travel over to Belem to visit the Jeronimos Monastery and a stop at the Tower of Belém. After a chance to taste the delicious “Pastéis de Belém” (payable locally), you will pass back through the heart of Lisbon to visit sites such as the Avenida da Liberdade, Praça Dom Pedro IV, and enjoy the unique Pombaline style architecture, before being transferred back to your hotel.

Explore Lisbon’s traditional businesses and iconic food specialties with our gastronomic guide. Begin in Bairro Alto, a charming neighborhood that transforms into a bustling nightlife hub, and walk through the cosmopolitan Chiado, home to historic shops, cafes, and cultural attractions. Visit “Manteigaria Silva,” a traditional grocery store, and taste Portuguese gastronomic staples like salted codfish and cured hams.

No food tour of Lisbon would be complete without sampling the famous “pastel de nata,” custard tarts, and other sweet delicacies at a specialty bakery. End the tour by tasting the famous Portuguese “Bifana” and “Pastéis de Bacalhau” accompanied by beer or green wine. Our guide will help you choose your meal, and then you’ll be free to enjoy it at your own pace before returning to your hotel.

Say farewell to Lisbon as this morning you’ll be met by our private driver for transfer to Coimbra, about a three-hour journey. You’ll travel by way of medieval Obidos, one of the most well-preserved and picturesque towns in Portugal, and Batalha, a peaceful little town nestled in the Leiria area hills that were the setting for the country’s most important battle, the Batalha de Aljubarrota. Upon arrival to the riverfront city of Coimbra, with a fascinating history that dates back to Roman times, you’ll be delivered to your accommodation with the rest of the day enjoyed on your own.

Join our guide on a private tour of Coimbra, including its historic center dating to Moorish times. Stroll dark cobbled lanes to discover highlights that include the Old Cathedral of Coimbra, the only Portuguese Romanesque cathedral to have survived from Reconquista times, and the Arco de Almedina, part of the medieval wall rebuilt in the 11th-century, the only surviving gate that once led into the citadel. Gaze up at the New Cathedral of Coimbra, built between 1598 and 1640, and learn more about the origins of the city and its traditional Fado music from your expert guide. Afterward, a private transfer brings you to Douro Valley.

Some call the Douro the “enchanted valley” with its stunning landscapes that include vineyard-covered hills. It’s the world’s oldest demarcated wine region, with grape harvesting and wine production dating back some 2,000 years. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll explore the region’s vineyards and visit the terraced fields on either side of the Douro River. In the valley’s oldest winery, you’ll get to taste its famous Port wine. Lunch at a local restaurant will be enjoyed, starting with a tasting of olive oil, followed by a semi-private boat tour along the river that provides a different perspective of the Douro from the water.

Enjoy a day of leisure, perhaps beach hopping to check out the wide variety of options along this stunning coast. One of the most picturesque in all of Portugal is Marinha Beach, with its soft sands surrounded by limestone cliffs and edged by turquoise water. The highlight is a must-do, a cliffside walk that follows about a mile-long path passing Arco Natural, the “heart rock.” The Benagil Cave is a popular attraction along the coast as one of its most unique places. Created by erosion over time, a circle in the ceiling draws in the sunlight, providing a fabulous photo-op.

Embark on an unforgettable culinary journey and savor the best of Portuguese cuisine with a thrilling food tour in the heart of Porto. Starting at the Coliseu, the city’s largest theater, you’ll venture to a traditional open-air market and explore its vibrant sights and sounds. Relish in authentic dishes, such as the decadent pão de ló sponge cake paired with a strong espresso, a sardine dish with olives and tomato sauce, and of course a refreshing glass of vinho verde (green wine). Or why not sink your teeth into a traditional bifana sandwich filled with thinly sliced pork and a unique francesinha appetizer made with beef, melted cheese, and spicy sauce, accompanied by a refreshing Portuguese draft beer.

Complete the tour with a stunning view of the Douro River, a glass of 10-year-old Port wine, and the discovery of our delicious Secret Dish. Immerse yourself in Porto’s captivating culture and rich history on this remarkable culinary adventure.

After 8 nights of exploring the many beautiful landscapes, vineyards, historical and cultural sites in northern Portugal, your trip comes to an end. Enjoy one last breakfast before our driver picks you up for the private transfer to Porto’s airport. If you like to extend your time here, contact our travel experts. Otherwise, you’ll catch your flight home or head to another exciting destination of your choice.