Portugal: Cities, Countryside & Coast

Welcome to Porto, Portugal’s “second city,” dazzling visitors with its many charms, famous port wine, delicious traditional cuisine, and historic streets that open to a gorgeous riverfront. Our driver will meet you upon your arrival at the airport for a private transfer to your accommodation in the city. Take time to settle in and then enjoy the rest of the day to yourself, perhaps unwinding along the waterfront promenade, Cais da Ribeira. Lined with restaurants, cafes, and bars, there are plenty of stops to enjoy people watching while sipping a glass of wine. Stick around to watch a sunset, with the view stunning from here.

Explore Porto on a private guided tour from the famous Harry Potter Bookshop to the Ribeira Quarter. Lello Bookstore, one of the world’s oldest and most beautiful, was said to have inspired J.K. Rowling to write her Harry Potter books. Gaze up at the soaring bell tower at Clérigos Church, explore the Old Jewish Quarter, and learn more about the city’s history and the Portuguese Age of Exploration at the Railway Station of Saint Bento. Finish by strolling the narrow streets and alleyways around the cathedral, and enjoying views of colorful UNESCO-listed homes, the iron bridge, and Douro River in the Ribeira Quarter.

This exciting full-day excursion is filled with striking beauty, fascinating history, and tasty wine. You’ll explore the oldest demarcated wine region in the world, with grape harvesting and wine production in the Douro Valley at least 2,000 years old. Visit the gorgeous terrace fields lying on both sides of the Douro River and then head to the oldest winery in the valley to enjoy a tasting of the area’s famous Port wine. Afterward, you’ll enjoy an olive oil tasting and lunch at a local eatery. Finish by hopping on a boat for a semi-private tour on the river, enjoying beautiful views from the water.

Leaving Porto, you’ll take a the train to the colorful Portuguese capital – Lisbon. After checking into your hotel you will start your private Lisbon half-day tour. 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 the city 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.

A day trip brings you into a magical fantasy world at Pena Park, home to colorful Pena Palace. Your expert guide will reveal the history behind the remarkable romanticist-style structure, and you’ll enjoy a traditional lunch in the picturesque village too. Afterward, embark on a scenic drive through the Sintra Mountains, heading toward the “end of the world,” the nickname for Cabo da Roca’s magnificent cliffs, located at the westernmost point of continental Europe. Travel further south along the coast, discovering one of the most stunning beaches in the region, concluding in the pretty fishing town of Cascais with a stroll around the bay.

A full-day private tour of the rural Alentejo region brings you to what’s often called a “land of good food and good wine.” It stretches beyond the Tagus River into the Algarve hills, with landscapes that include grapevines and olive groves. Stop in Evora with its magnificently preserved Old Town that has an over 2,000-year-old history, with cobbled streets and more than 4,000 historic structures that include Roman temples and centuries-old walls. Note the Arab influence in the white homes and admire handcrafted copper, ceramic, and cork goods. Afterward, visit a prestigious winery in one of Portugal’s most important wine-producing regions.

Leaving Lisbon today, our driver will meet you at your hotel for a private transfer to the Algarve Coast in the sunny south. After checking in and getting settled into your home for the next three nights, you’ll have the rest of the day to enjoy at your leisure. You might lounge around the pool or head to the beach, after all, a beach holiday is what this region is all about. It’s the perfect opportunity to dip your toes into the ocean or simply sip a cocktail while enjoying the sights and sounds of the waves.

After a morning at leisure embark on a late afternoon adventure with a convenient hotel pick-up, followed by a scenic sail from Albufeira Marina. Explore enchanting caves and iconic rock formations along the rugged Algarve coast. Then, step ashore onto a secluded beach, where our skilled crew will prepare a mouth-watering barbecue including grilled meats, salad, and soft drinks – alcohol can be purchased at an additional cost. While ashore stand-up paddleboarding is provided or maybe just take a swim, before returning to port.

On your final full day, you can do whatever interests you most, whether it’s nothing but gazing out at the scenery with a drink in hand, taking advantage of your hotel facilities, or doing some sightseeing. There are many towns and cities in the Algarve region with impressive historic landmarks. The port city of Portimão is known for its old quarter and it’s also home to Museu de Portimão which is housed inside a restored 19th-century cannery and showcases local history. The medieval Fort of Santa Catarina de Ribamar and the gothic-style church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição are worth a visit too.

With the arrival of the eleventh day, it’s time for this magical trip through Portugal to come to an end. With the many historic sites, beautiful wine regions, gorgeous beaches, and mountains explored, you’ll have plenty of memories and photos to take home with you. You’ll take a private transfer from your Algarve hotel to Faro Airport to catch your return flight or head out on further travels. If we can help you in any way, we’re here to help, otherwise, we wish you a safe journey and hope to see you on another memorable adventure.