Map of Premium Portugal including Portugal

Capture the colour of Portugal’s essentials, from Lisbon to Porto

From grand cities to medieval villages and dazzling coastlines, witness the iconic imagery that defines this western European haven. Discover the birthplace of port and the treasures of the Douro Valley, take a step back in time at the ancient university of Coimbra, learn the secrets of Porto’s backstreets and get to the heart of glorious Lisbon. Travel with a local leader and uncover the authentic side of Portugal; a land of rich history, vibrant regional cultures, stunning landscapes and refined cuisine.


Start
Lisbon, Portugal
Finish
Porto, Portugal
Destination
Portugal
Style
Premium
Theme
Explorer
Code
ZMPP
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

premium accommodation

Our best accommodation and highest level of service.

premium experiences

Unusual, exceptional and authentic on-trip experiences.

premium knowledge

Led by our most experienced and highest rated local leaders.

  • Discover the thriving capital of Lisbon, the medieval charms of Coimbra and the hidden back streets of Porto during explorations with your knowledgeable local leader.

  • Visit fabulous local wineries during a tasting tour in the picturesque Douro Valley during an Exclusive Experience, stopping off for a lunch made with regional delights.

  • Get an insight into Fado, an atmospheric amalgamation of music and poetry, during a soul-stirring and intimate live show in Coimbra.

  • Nestled in the rolling vineyards of the Douro Valley, your Feature Stay accommodation takes you to the heart of the region. Enjoy outdoor pools, excellent onsite restaurant and unforgettable views.

  • Soak up the glamour and the sun while winding along the stunning Bay of Cascais on a full-day exploration of Lisbon’s surrounds, including Sintra’s bewitching Pena Palace, a Premium Exclusive Experience.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Many of the wonderful cities and sites of this trip are explored on foot. Please ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes.

  • Summer temperatures can be very high in this region (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.

  • The places visited on this trip often have cobblestone streets. Wheeling luggage across these surfaces can be difficult. For this reason we recommend following the guidelines in the Packing section of the Essential Trip Information.

Itinerary

Welcome to Portugal! Your trip starts today with your arrival in Lisbon, Portugal’s joyful capital city. You will be picked up from the airport and taken to your centrally located hotel. In the evening, meet your tour leader and fellow travelling companions for a 6pm welcome meeting, where you will be given a briefing of what lies ahead on the tour. If you arrive with time to spare, perhaps head to one of many outdoor cafes to soak up the city’s energy. After your meeting, join your leader and small group for a welcome dinner at one of Lisbon’s magnificent restaurants. Going out to eat is one of Portugal’s great pleasures, and this evening your leader will introduce you to traditional Portuguese recipes and a local culinary scene that’s exploding with regional flavour.
Accommodation
  • Figueira by The Beautique Hotels (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Lisbon - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Lisbon is one of Europe’s great cities, famed for beautifully renovated buildings, grand boulevards and impressive castles and churches. Join a local guide for a walking tour through the city. First, take a ride on the historic Gloria cable car – this bright yellow funicular is one of Lisbon’s most photographed images. Then explore the trendy neighbourhood of Bairro Alto, the popular Chiado area and the narrow, cobbled streets of Alfama, dotted with hole-in-the-wall eateries and charming old homes. Pop into a local establishment to try a pastel de nata, a sweet and delicious custard tart and Portugal’s most famous pastry. Visit one of the most symbolic buildings in the city, Lisbon Cathedral. Hear how the cathedral was built on the site of an old mosque in 1150 by Lisbon’s first bishop, Gilbert of Hastings. It wouldn’t be a tour of Lisbon without stopping off to sample some ginjinha, Portugal’s iconic cherry liqueur. Finally, say goodbye to your local guide, then your leader will take you to the fantastic medieval citadel of Sao Jorge Castle and share stories of its history. Although much of the original castle has been destroyed, some sections of walls and 18 different towers remain today. Look down on a city swarming with endless angular white houses and buildings with distinct red terracotta rooftops. The afternoon is free to make further discoveries of Lisbon – perhaps roam through the delightful streets of distinct local neighbourhoods, visit Belem Tower, or the spectacular Monastery of the Jeronimos.
Accommodation
  • Figueira by The Beautique Hotels (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Lisbon - Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Lisbon - Castle of Sao Jorge
Optional Activities
  • Lisbon - Belem Tower - EUR8
  • Lisbon - Jeronimos Monastery - EUR10
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Head outside of the city for a full-day excursion from Lisbon. First drive to cosmopolitan town of Cascais (approximately 2 hours). Once a quiet fishing village, later Cascais became a residence of the Portuguese royal court in the 19th century and is now a glamorous holiday destination. Take some time to explore the fabulous little restaurants and try some local delicacies. Continue to Cabo da Roca (approximately 1 hour), a cape which forms the westernmost extent of mainland Portugal and continental Europe. Then on to Sintra, a bewitching place set amidst lush vegetation and rugged, mystical hills. Your leader will explain how the cooler climate made Sintra a summer retreat for royalty, and why it has drawn and inspired many poets, writers and travellers for centuries, including Lord Byron. Spend some time exploring Sintra’s colourful Pena Palace before making the journey to Coimbra with a late arrival (approximately 2.5 hours).
Accommodation
  • Hotel Vila Gale Coimbra or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Sintra - Pena Palace
  • Sintra, Cascais & Cabo da Roca - Day Trip
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Sitting dignified on the banks of the River Mondego, Coimbra was once the medieval capital of the county, and its royal heritage can be felt in its ancient streets and buildings. Get to know the city as your leader guides you through the lanes and squares of the Old Quarter. The real star of the show is Coimbra’s prestigious university – one of the oldest in the world. This evening, immerse yourself in Portugal’s cultural heritage by heading to an included traditional Fado music show. Portugal’s version of the blues is hauntingly beautiful and hearing it performed live is an experience to remember. Your leader can recommend some superb spots to eat after the show.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Vila Gale Coimbra or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Coimbra - Fado Show
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Travel this morning from Coimbra to the Douro Valley. Famous not only for its sublime scenery, the Douro Valley is known for producing some of the world’s most wonderful wine. Today you will have the chance to find out why as you head out for a tasting tour at one of the region’s best wineries. You can’t spell Portugal without Port, and to taste this iconic fortified wine is to taste thousands of years of Portuguese history. Learn the story of its origins and the history of wine production in the area while discovering which locally produced vino is your tipple of choice. Sit down to a light picnic lunch of rustic regional specialities prepared with fresh local ingredients (and paired with more wine, of course!). Enjoy a gentle boat ride on the Douro River, stopping by the lovely little riverside village of Pinhao, then continue on to your Feature Stay accommodation, tucked away between the rolling hills and terraced vineyards of the spectacular Douro Valley, boasting unbeatable views of the Douro River. On arrival, you may like to make the most of your hotel's scenic outdoor pools, or perhaps grab a meal on the terrace and soak in the scenery.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Vila Gale Douro Vineyards (feature stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Douro Valley - Douro River Boat Ride
  • Douro Valley - Wine Tasting & Lunch
  • Douro Valley - Day Trip
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 5 hours.
Make your way to Porto, a romantic city on the banks of the Douro River. On arrival, join your leader for an orientation walk of the city’s collection of twisting alleys, crisscrossing staircases and baroque churches. Pass majestic bridges, explore the riverside district’s cobbled streets, merchants’ houses and cafes. In the evening, head to the nearby city of Vila Nova de Gaia to end the day with some sunset drinks.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Moon & Sun or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Porto - Sunset Drinks in Vila Nova de Gaia
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4 hours.
Take the local train to the seaside city of Matosinhos where you’ll have some time to relax on the beach, dine at the fresh seafood restaurants or stroll along the promenade. Return to Porto and enjoy a free afternoon. Perhaps head to one of the city’s riverfront cafes for a coffee and pastry overlooking the colourful rows of old houses, or take a walk around the World Heritage listed Ribeira district. Regroup in the evening for a final dinner at one of Porto’s excellent local restaurants.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Moon & Sun or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Matosinhos - Half Day Trip by Local Train
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
There are no activities planned for today, and as such, you are free to leave at any time. If you wish to spend some more time exploring Porto, we will be happy to arrange additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Local Train

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (6 nights), Feature stay (1 night)

Included activities

  • Lisbon - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Lisbon - Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Lisbon - Castle of Sao Jorge
  • Sintra - Pena Palace
  • Sintra, Cascais & Cabo da Roca - Day Trip
  • Coimbra - Fado Show
  • Douro Valley - Douro River Boat Ride
  • Douro Valley - Wine Tasting & Lunch
  • Douro Valley - Day Trip
  • Porto - Sunset Drinks in Vila Nova de Gaia
  • Matosinhos - Half Day Trip by Local Train

Premium Inclusions

  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
  • Luggage transfer
  • Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
  • 24/7 on-ground support

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Premium Portugal trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. There are a limited number of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 
3. Travel is always an adventure and, as destinations reopen, there are a few challenges as everyone gets back up to speed and adjusts to the new normal. Our leaders are experts when it comes to dealing with anything unexpected along the journey, so pack your understanding and flexibility, sit back and relax while they take care of the rest.

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.

View Essential Trip Information

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