Highlights of Portugal

8 Days | Eat, dance and travel your way through Portugal’s highlights.

4.8 out of 5 based on 44 reviews submitted.
Explorer
Rail
From
AUD $3,165

Take in the highlights of the sun-kissed splendour of Portugal on an eight-day sightseeing adventure from Porto to Lisbon. Taste port in its birthplace, explore riverfront Coimbra and its historic university, and weave through the verdant countryside all the way to the capital. From the leafy Schist Villages to a traditional Fado show, you’ll be experiencing the best of Portugal’s arts and culture. Oh yes – they have pretty good custard tarts too. Put Portugal on your itinerary today with a small-group journey that gets you to the places you need to see.

Trip overview

Map of Highlights Of Portugal including Portugal
Start
Porto, Portugal
Finish
Lisbon, Portugal
Theme
Explorer, Rail
Destinations
Portugal
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
ZMSZ
This trip generates 16 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Take a walk through the idyllic coastal city of Porto and understand why the birthplace of fortified wine is renowned for its narrow lanes, charming buildings and delicious cuisine.
  • Explore the country’s oldest university when discovering the historic riverfront city of Coimbra – once the capital of Portugal.
  • Take in all the highlights of Portugal’s arts and culture scene with an included traditional Fado show in Coimbra.
  • Walk through the secluded Schist Villages, a set of 27 settlements hidden between the mountain slopes and away from daily life.
  • Join your leader in Lisbon for sunset views while enjoying a glass of local wine and some tapas – this is European living.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Don’t let the heat keep you from exploring the world! Summer temperatures can be extreme in Portugal (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season. Please note that only some of our hotels and public trains in this region have air-conditioning.
  • Less time spent travelling; more time to explore each destination. The primary means of transportation on this trip is by train. Trains are a fast way to cross long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre. They are comfortable and all have toilets, however, can sometimes be quite busy. Please note that you'll have to carry your own luggage on and off the train, so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find specifics under ‘Packing’ in the ‘Essential Trip Information’ section.
  • Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together/apart.
  • If you have more time to explore the region or can't find a suitable date for this trip you may want to check out our other trips in the region, such as 'Explore Spain & Portugal' (trip code ZMSI), or 'Madrid to Marrakech (trip code ZMSH) which continues on into Morocco.
  • On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Itinerary

Map of Highlights Of Portugal including Portugal

Inclusions

Meals

7 breakfasts

Transport

Train, Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights), Guesthouse (1 night)

Activities
  • Porto - Port Wine Tasting
  • Coimbra - Evening Fado Performance
  • Schist Villages - Village Walk
  • Lisbon - Drink and Local Bites
Optional activities
  • Porto - Clerigos Tower - EUR8
  • Porto - Bolhao Market - Free
  • Porto - Livraria Lello - EUR8
  • Porto - Serralves Foundation - EUR20
  • Porto – Tile-Painting Workshop - EUR45
  • Coimbra - Mondego River Boat Trip - EUR10
  • Coimbra - Cathedrals - EUR5
  • Coimbra - Joanine University Library - EUR14
  • Lisbon - Oceanarium - EUR25
  • Lisbon - Naval Museum - EUR7
  • Lisbon - Experience Lisbon Walk Urban Adventure - EUR45
  • Lisbon - Puppet Museum - EUR5
  • Lisbon - Folk Art Museum - EUR5
  • Lisbon - National Art Museum - EUR6
  • Lisbon - Gulbenkian Museum - EUR10
  • Lisbon - Belem Tower and Monastery - EUR20
  • Lisbon - Ginginha Tasting - EUR2
  • Sintra - Day Trip - EUR10

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is bookable for this trip, excluding Day 5. Availability is limited due to small property we use. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 based on 44 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Diane · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 11 Oct 2024

Brenda · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 04 Oct 2024

Estelle · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 30 Sep 2024

Geoff · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 18 Sep 2024

Terrell · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 15 Sep 2024
Highlights of Portugal
From
AUD $3,165