Portrait of Portugal: City Charms and Rural Traditions
Experience authentic and generally untouristed Portugal with a world-class operator who has insider access.
SPECIAL OFFER
7.7*
ECO SCORE
18
PASSENGERS
9
DAYS
3/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Portugal: Drink It In
Discover the charms and rural traditions of Portugal, from the bustling capital of Lisbon and scenic countryside to the idyllic Douro Valley and charismatic Porto, experiencing wonderful cultural and culinary heritage unique to each place. Enjoy a cooking class with a viscountess in the old kitchens of her family estate. Sit down to a private dinner and fado performance in Lisbon, experiencing the iconic and expressive folk genre firsthand. Dine at a fantastic seafood restaurant in Nazaré, one of Portugal’s most picturesque traditional fishing villages. And ply the scenic Douro River on a private cruise, admiring the dramatic landscape of steep hills and vineyards. Sunny weather, rich cultural heritage, and a variety of dramatic landscapes all ensure that your Portugal adventure will be extremely memorable.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
- • Portugal is somewhat less luxurious than other European countries, yet this means it's less touristy as well.
• The Douro Valley is the stuff of story books and you'll enjoy an idyllic day here picnicking and tasting wine.
• Travel with this seasoned operator who will offer a behind-the-scenes look at history and the very best of what Portugal has to offer.
Trip Sustainability Awards
CARBON
Fantastic advances in minimizing carbon footprints at locations.
ENERGY
On the East African Energy Renewal Board
EDUCATION
Runs local educational facilities for children.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Lisbon, Portugal
Arrive in Lisbon, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. This evening, join your Resident Tour Director and fellow guests for drinks and a welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Bairro Alto Hotel
Bairro Alto Hotel: Boutique hotel nestled in the heart of captivating Lisbon, balancing classic and contemporary elements.
Day 2 - Lisbon | Sights, Sounds and Flavors of Portugal
Enjoy a tour of Lisbon with an expert local guide. See the Belém Tower and visit the Jeronimos Monastery. Later, attend a hands-on workshop at the National Tile Museum, where you are introduced to this ancient Portuguese craft. This evening, experience a private dinner and performance of fado, the characteristic and emotional folk music of the nation.
Accommodation: Bairro Alto Hotel
Day 3 - Lisbon | Explore the Vibrant Pena Palace
This morning, travel just outside Lisbon to the village of Sintra. In this town of palaces, enjoy a guided tour of the Pena Palace, decorated with vivid colors and evocative stone carvings. Return to Lisbon, where the afternoon and evening are at leisure for you to explore.
Accommodation: Bairro Alto Hotel
Day 4 - Nazaré | Wave Watcher's Paradise
Depart Lisbon for Alcobaça Monastery. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was founded by Portugal’s first king in 1153 and became one of the most important monasteries in the country. Continue to nearby Nazaré, a picturesque coastal village that is also home to some of the world’s largest surf. Savor a seafood lunch, then take a funicular to the old neighborhood of Sitio atop the cliffs. Later, arrive in Coimbra and check in to your hotel.
Accommodation: Quinta das Lágrimas
Quinta das Lágrimas: Steeped in medieval legend, this charming hotel rests within an exquisite 18th-century palace.
Day 5 - Coimbra | Stunning University & Library
Join a local expert for a tour that introduces you to the University of Coimbra, the oldest in Portugal, and its Johannine Library. Built between 1717 and 1728, this library contains over 50,000 volumes and was constructed on the ruins of a medieval prison. Then, enjoy lunch at leisure and time to explore. Continue to your hotel in the Douro Valley.
Accommodation: The Wine House Hotel
The Wine House Hotel: Stylish modern rooms nestled in a vineyard dating back to the 16th century.
Day 6 - Douro Valley | Views from the River
Drive along the beautiful Douro Valley, a place of lush, rolling hills terraced by rows of grapevines. Then, take to the water as the locals have for centuries on a traditional rabelo boat. Embark on a scenic cruise down the Douro Valley, admiring its vineyards and whitewashed estates. Cap off your cruise with a winery visit, picnic lunch, tour and tasting. Then, return to the hotel for an evening at leisure.
Accommodation: The Wine House Hotel
Day 7 - Douro Valley | A Visit with a Viscountess
Meet a local viscountess and learn about the history of her family and their estate. Enter the old kitchens, where you learn to cook using the original wood-burning stoves. Indulge in the hearty lunch that you helped prepare, and then, journey to Porto, Portugal's second-largest city, for time at leisure.
Accommodation: Infante Sagres
Infante Sagres: Beautifully restored historic hotel conveniently located in the center of Porto.
Day 8 - Porto | Charming Historic Waterfront
This morning, explore the Cais da Ribeira, the quayside of the fascinating Ribeira district, and see some of the city's most beautiful monuments including the São Francisco Church; the Romanesque Cathedral; and the opulent 19th-century Palácio da Bolsa, which once functioned as a major stock exchange. The afternoon is yours to further explore, and afterward, savor a farewell dinner at one of the city’s famous port lodges.
Accommodation: Infante Sagres
Day 9 - Depart Porto
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Minimum age is 10 years.
First group event: welcome briefing at 6:30 p.m. on Day 1.
Last group event: farewell dinner at 7:00 p.m. on Day 8.
Departures are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 2 guests.
Rates
Questions?
This is one of the few operators I'd trust with a European trip. I know they'll show me a more private side of Portugal instead of the usual tourist fare offered by so many others.
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED
All accommodations, meals and fully guided sightseeing (including park and entrance fees) as noted in the itinerary; airport transfers to/from hotel/ship in the first/last published city regardless of day of arrival and departure; services of Resident Tour Director or appropriate guide on Pre- and Post-Tour Extensions; coffee/tea/soft drinks/water at included meals; local wine and beer at all designated welcome and farewell dinners; local bottled water during sightseeing; porterage of up to two (2) pieces of baggage per person; complimentary Internet access (where available on cruises and at land accommodations; service levels are not guaranteed); hotel taxes; and gratuities throughout, except to the Resident Tour Director.
