About your trip
Mainland Europe’s westernmost nation is a joyful place to experience, with vibrant cities, luscious countryside and splendid beaches, not to mention an incredible food scene and an endearingly laid-back approach to life. This eight-day itinerary connects the country’s two major cities, as well as its most famous wine region and charming towns, via an assortment of scenic train journeys. After living the good life in Porto and the Douro Valley, we’ll hit the tracks south to Aveiro – the Portuguese Venice – and later the capital, Lisbon, as well as the gorgeous hilltop town of Sintra.
Trip Highlights
- Sip on sweet Port wine in the old cellars of Porto
- Marvel at the majesty of the Douro Valley on a picturesque boat ride
- Fall in love with the Art Nouveau houses and canal boats of Aveiro
- Embark on some of the most scenic train rides in all of Europe
- Gorge on pastel de nata and experience live music in Lisbon
- Explore the UNESCO-listed fairytale town of Sintra
Your Itinerary
Upon arrival at Porto Airport (OPO), you’ll make your way into the city – this should take around 40 minutes by metro, or 20 minutes by taxi, depending on traffic. You will find accommodation centrally located with beautiful views over the Douro River. Check-in, relax and get your bearings before gathering together for a welcome meeting followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation
Vila Gale’ Porto Ribeira
Activities Included
- Welcome dinner
Our first full day is all about exploring Porto. Portugal’s second city is easy on the eye, particularly from the banks of the River Douro, which separates the medieval Ribeira district from Vila Nova de Gaia, connected by the awe-inspiring Luís I Bridge. You’ll spend most of the day touring the city on foot – with public transport to help get us up the city’s hills – meandering down beautiful cobbled alleys, discovering artisan shops, and old churches. You’ll have the opportunity to visit the Palácio da Bolsa and the Church of São Francisco, but don’t miss out on the highlight – a Port tasting. Porto was practically built on the back of this sweet fortified wine, and sampling some of the city’s finest in one of the old riverfront cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia is an essential experience.
Accommodation
Vila Gale’ Porto Ribeira
Activities Included
- Full day Porto tour with guide
- Port tasting
You can’t visit Porto without making a trip to the wine-producing region that is intrinsically linked to it. Barrels have been transported on traditional Rabelo boats from the Douro Valley to Porto for centuries, and today you’ll follow the wine’s journey. First, a bus transfer takes you to Regua, where the stunning scenery unfolds as countless vineyards wrap their way around the riverbank hills. In Regua, the train station showcases gorgeous tile work that reflects the region’s wine culture. We’ll enjoy a traditional lunch at a local winery, washed down with some fine local produce, before embarking on a boat ride down the Douro. After enjoying the beauty of this region, you’ll return to Porto by train in the evening, perhaps dozing off on one of the most beautiful rail routes in all of Europe.
Accommodation
Vila Gale’ Porto Ribeira
Activities Included
- Lunch at a local winery
- Douro boat ride
Our journey south begins today as we leave Porto behind, hopping on a train to Aveiro. This lagoon city is a sight for sore eyes, with colorfully-painted Moliceiro boats gently floating by gorgeous Art Nouveau buildings along the canalfront – no wonder it’s described as the Portuguese Venice. A full walking tour of the city awaits, including a short cruise on a Moliceiro boat, plus a chance to taste the city’s most famous delicacy – ovos moles. This sweet treat is made with sugar and eggs, wrapped in a light crusty wafer and sold in wooden barrels throughout the city. Afterward, there will be free time, so consider visiting one of the expansive Silver Coast beaches nearby, followed by an evening indulging in delicious seafood delights.
Accommodation
As Americas
Activities Included
- Walking tour of Aveiro
- Cruise on Moliceiro boat
- Ovos moles tasting
This morning we embark on the longest train ride of this trip, which offers expansive visual insights into the splendid, ever-changing countrysides of Portugal. We’ll pass through the old capital, Coimbra, and by the epic Ponte Vasco da Gama – Europe’s largest bridge – en route to the modern capital, Lisbon! Once you check in at the hotel, the rest of the day is at your leisure, before gathering for an evening Fado show. This soulful form of folk song, which originated in Lisbon, underscores the beautiful music specific to Portuguese culture. There’s no better introduction to the capital than experiencing a live Fado show.
Accommodation
Heritage Lisboa Plaza
Activities Included
- Fado Show
Today is dedicated to exploring the many delights of Lisbon. You’ll embark on a full guided walking tour of the city center. Along the way, you will also get to taste the city’s most iconic delicacies, including cod fritters and Ginjinha berry liqueur, and of course, the famous pastel de nata – there’s no better place on Earth to indulge in these sweet treats. Later, we’ll hop on the tram to Belem, home to two of the city’s most beloved sights, the Saint Jeronimo Monastery and Belem Tower. Spend your evening at your own pace; the nightlife here is simply remarkable.
Accommodation
Heritage Lisboa Plaza
Activities Included
- Full day tour of Lisbon
- Delicacies tasting (including Ginjinha tasting)
- Visit of Belem
- Visit of Saint Jeronimo Monastery
Our last day trip is to the magical hilltop town of Sintra, just an hour’s train ride from Lisbon. Surrounded by luscious pine forests and centered around the striking yellow structure of Pena Palace, this UNESCO-listed town feels like a fairytale. You’ll tour Sintra and visit the striking gothic palace of Quinta da Regaleira before hopping on a bus to Azenhas do Mar. This nearby seaside town is the perfect spot for us to have an authentic Portuguese lunch before returning to Sintra. Spend your afternoon wandering around, letting your imagination transport you into a romantic fairytale. In the evening, we’ll take the train back to Lisbon for a farewell dinner in the capital.
Accommodation
Heritage Lisboa Plaza
Activities Included
- Visit to Sintra and Quinta da Regaleira
- Lunch in Azenhas do Mar
- Farewell dinner
After your final breakfast in Lisbon – last chance to indulge in as many de natas as possible! – it’s time to say goodbye. You’ll need to check-out of the hotel by late morning. Whether you head to the airport afterward is up to you. Is this truly the end, or just the beginning of your Portuguese adventure?
What’s included
- 7 nights accommodation
- Train tickets
- 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
- Local Insider
- Welcome meeting
- Full day Porto tour with guide
- Port tasting
- Douro boat ride
- Walking tour of Aveiro
- Cruise on Moliceiro boat
- Ovos moles tasting
- Fado show
- Full day tour of Lisbon
- Lisbon delicacies tasting (including Ginjinha tasting)
- Visit to Belem
- Visit to Saint Jeronimo Monastery
- Visit to Sintra and Quinta da Regaleira
What’s not included
- Visas
- Travel insurance
- Hotel transfers (unless otherwise stated in the Included Activities section)
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Accommodation
Vila Gale’ Porto Ribeira
Stay right in the heart of Porto’s most picturesque neighborhood, Ribeira, at this hotel on the banks of the Douro. Not only are you perfectly placed to explore the city, but you’ll also be able to relax in the artfully designed rooms, some of which have views of the Douro. The outdoor terrace of Bar Fidélio is perfect for al fresco dining, or enjoying a glass of wine as the sun sets over Porto.
As Americas
Immerse yourself in Art Nouveau style while staying in Aveiro, exactly what this stylish four-star hotel offers. Rooms are cozy and modern, the onsite pub is ideal for a nightcap, and the breakfast spread is truly delightful – choose your pastry wisely!
Heritage Lisboa Plaza
This city center haven has been a family-run hotel since 1954, found near Avenida da Liberdade, one of Lisbon’s main boulevards. The hotel maintains a lovely sense of tradition while feeling fresh and newly renovated. One of the highlights is the rooftop terrace, the perfect spot to enjoy some sunshine and breathtaking views of the city.
Covid Safety
Your safety and well-being are paramount, so we’ve enacted the following measures:
- Please check the entry requirements for the destination you are traveling to. Our travel experts can assist in finding this information.
- We recommend you confirm all guidance on official government sites, ensuring your travel insurance remains valid.
Important Info
- Porto and Lisbon are hilly cities. Prepare comfortable walking shoes for exploring the cobblestone streets.
- City taxes apply in Porto and Lisbon, costing €2 per person per night in Porto and €4 in Lisbon. Payment must be made directly at the hotels.
- Travelers must be 25 years or older to join this trip.
- Verify if a visa is needed for your travel destination.
- If pre-existing medical conditions or other requirements exist, please notify customer support promptly.
- Solo travelers won’t incur extra charges and will be assigned a twin room.
- To upgrade to a private room or arrange additional accommodations, contact customer support.
- Travel insurance is mandatory for all travelers.
- Please be aware that the itinerary, activities, and accommodations are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Images on this page are illustrative and may not precisely represent your itinerary.
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