Portugal Explorer: Porto to Algarve

Ola! Welcome to Portugal. Your adventure begins in Porto – Portugal’s colourful coastal city named for its specialty: port wine. If you arrive early, explore all the city has to offer. Get a great view of the city on the Dom Luis I Bridge, explore the streets on foot or visit heritage sites like the baroque Torre dos Clérigos. Tonight, meet your group and local leader at a welcome meeting at 6 pm. After, perhaps enjoy a welcome dinner at a local Portuguese restaurant with your group, ask your leader for their recommendations.

Not only is Porto famous for its port wine, but it’s also a hotspot for foodies. Sample the best of both on a walking tour with a local guide. Start out with the classic combination of pastel de nata and coffee (or tea), before your next stop sampling some of Porto’s regional seafood, bolinho de bacalhau (codfish croquettes) and broa de avintes (bittersweet bread) paired with a glass of local wine. Continue on your tasting tour with stops for more city staples and a glass of port wine. The afternoon is free to enjoy Porto at your leisure. Perhaps visit Livraria Lello, nicknamed ‘The most beautiful bookstore in the world,’ or take in the sunset from Vila Nova de Gaia with another glass of the city’s famous export.

Say goodbye to Porto and head south to Aveiro where you’ll have some free time – your bags will be stored in Aveiro train station while you explore the city. Built on the Rio de Aveiro lagoon and connected via canals, the brightly painted Moliceiro boats here resemble Venetian gondolas and were once used to harvest seaweed. Maybe dig into some grilled seafood or traditional eel stew for lunch, then head back to the station to board an early afternoon train to Lisbon. Upon arrival, you might like to freshen up and find a spot for dinner and drinks to get a feel for Portugal's capital.

Start the day with a leader-led orientation walk of Lisbon. Much of Lisbon’s character lies in its grand boulevards, castles, churches and cobbled streets lined with restaurants, bakeries and bars. After, the rest of the day is free to explore your way. Maybe catch a tram to the Belem district to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jeronimos Monastery, visit the iconic Lisbon Cathedral, or explore the medieval citadel of Sao Jorge Castle – which sits on the highest point of Old Town. Or if you’re feeling a more relaxed vibe, grab a table at a tavern for some petiscos (share plates) or watch the world go by at a rooftop bar.

After breakfast, head to the Alentejo region, well-known for its cork and olive farms. Stop by a local producer for a guided tour of a cork and holm oak forest. Learn about their centuries-old trees and specialised cork harvest methods as you explore the grounds with a cork expert. Continue to the capital of the Alentejo region, Évora. This city dates back to Roman times, as seen by the centrally located Roman Temple. Take a sightseeing break for lunch and ask your leader where the most authentic eats are. After the break, join your group for an orientation walk. There’s a lot to see in a city this old, but one definite stop will be to the Chapel of Bones, earning its name from its wall of human skulls and bones. Pass by other Evora highlights like the oldest medieval cathedral in Portugal then enjoy an optional dinner together with your group.

Say goodbye to the Alentejo region and take a private transfer to Olhao in the Algarve. On the way, stop at a local winery where you’ll learn about the production of a local wine variety called Amphora which is made with techniques that date back to the Roman era. Finish the tour with a wine-paired lunch of local favourites, then continue to Olhao in time to catch an Algarve sunset. Maybe kick back along the waterfront with a cold drink, or head out on an optional sunset boat trip through Ria Formosa Natural Park.

You’ll explore Ria Formosa Natural Park on a boat trip this morning. Cruising past small islands, fishing villages and marshes, you’ll learn about the park’s unique ecosystem and maybe spot seabirds or wild dolphins if you're lucky. The rest of the afternoon is free to spend as you like – how about unwinding on the beach or having a wander through the city’s traditional fisherman’s quarter? Tonight, maybe gather your group for a farewell dinner and raise a toast to your Portugal adventure.

There are no activities planned for today, and your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your time in Portugal, reach out to your booking agent ahead of time.