Splendid Portugal: From Porto to the Algarve

Ancient castles and Roman ruins, groves of orange and almond trees, quiet whitewashed villages, and welcoming locals – Portugal is waiting for you.

Arrive in Porto, a former industrial city steeped in history. With no scheduled sightseeing today, spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. Porto’s Baroque and modernist architecture blend to create an artistic heritage that's earned a UNESCO designation. Here, you’ll find quiet cafés perfect for sipping a glass of port wine and watching the world go by. Depending on your flight arrival time, join your Tour Manager and fellow travelers this evening for a welcome reception at your hotel.

Begin with a walking tour led by a local expert, exploring charming cobblestone streets and the vibrant atmosphere Porto is known for. As you make your way towards the Palácio da Bolsa, pass by the São Bento Railway Station, renowned for its azulejo (tile) panels depicting scenes from Portuguese history. At Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace), take in the grandeur of the Arab Room with its lavish Moorish-inspired decor. Then stroll through the historic Ribeira District, a UNESCO World Heritage site, bursting with colorful building facades and lively riverside cafés. Next, cross the bridge into the neighboring city of Vila Nova de Gaia, tracing the historic paths of Portugal's wine merchants. Tour a traditional wine cellar, indulging in the rich flavors of vintage wines that have made this region famous worldwide, before returning to the hotel with a breathtaking view of the city. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

Depart from Porto and travel north to the charming village of Barcelos, where you’ll immerse yourself in rich artisan traditions and a vibrant local culture that can truly be felt only here. Continue to Braga, where you’ll explore the historic city center with time to enjoy its elegant squares, ancient monuments, and lively streets. Afterward, make your way to the iconic Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ascend the hill aboard the historic hydraulic funicular, the oldest operating funicular of its kind in the world and take in the breathtaking panoramic views from the top. Explore the Baroque stairways, serene gardens, and symbolic chapels that give this sanctuary its remarkable spirit, before returning to Porto for a leisurely evening.

This morning, say goodbye to Porto. En route to the Portuguese Riviera, enjoy some free time to experience the city of Aveiro. This enchanting city is known for its canals and its egg-yolk desserts, loved by the Portuguese, and has a rich history and heritage fueled by its canals and the Atlantic Ocean. As you arrive in the Portuguese Riviera, mansions scattered throughout Cascais hint at this area’s history as a haven for exiled European royals and nobility. Settle into your hotel before joining your fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant.

Explore the picture-perfect city of Óbidos, where white-washed houses sit snug within medieval city walls, and toast with a ginjinha, a sour cherry liqueur served in a small chocolate cup. Continue to Sintra (UNESCO), a breathtaking hub that served as the summer residence of Portuguese kings for six centuries. Then, it’s your choice! Explore the quaint hilltop village of Sintra and take some time to wander through its winding streets -OR- join a guided tour of the National Palace of Sintra, considered the best-preserved medieval palace in Portugal.

Today, make your way through Portugal’s charming countryside as your journey takes you to Évora, a UNESCO-listed city steeped in over 2,000 years of history. Explore the medieval walled town with a local expert, admiring its narrow, cobbled streets, Roman architecture, and the remarkable first-century Roman Temple. Visit the Chapel of Bones, where the walls are intricately lined with the bones and skulls of thousands of former residents. The afternoon is yours to wander at leisure or simply relax. Later, you may choose to join an optional excursion to learn about the region’s centuries-old cork harvesting traditions, ending with a flavorful Alentejo dinner.

Journey to the stunning coasts of the Algarve – the southernmost region of Portugal. On the way, visit a local gin distillery. Learn how one man took a homemade drink and implemented traditional Portuguese stills and local ingredients to craft a premium gin. Savor the flavors of these botanicals before continuing your journey south. Indulge in full-bodied wines of the Alentejo over lunch. This evening, explore the historic resort town of Lagos, where Moorish and Renaissance influences meet towering seaside cliffs. Many celebrated voyagers began their explorations from this bustling port.

Enjoy a full day experiencing the Algarve at your own pace. Lagos, with its golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere, invites you to explore. Wander the historic old town, stroll along the marina, or follow the scenic coastal paths toward Ponta da Piedade, with its breathtaking sea views and iconic rock formations. You may choose to join an optional boat tour** combining the thrill of spotting wild dolphins with a visit to Portugal’s stunning coastal caves.

This morning, venture inland to Silves, a once-mighty Moorish capital that still carries the quiet charm of a sleepy hillside town. As you approach, the red sandstone walls of Silves Castle rise above whitewashed houses, creating one of the Algarve’s most striking contrasts. Enjoy time to explore at your own pace, or choose to climb to the castle, Portugal’s best-preserved Moorish fortress. Later, visit a local winery set among the sun-drenched hills, where you’ll learn about the region’s winemaking traditions while savoring local wines, all paired with magnificent rural views. Return to Lagos for an evening at leisure.

En route to Lisbon, pause for a truly local lunch at an unexpected spot that captures the region's genuine flavors. Afterwards, continue to Azeitão, a picturesque village celebrated for its exquisite hand-painted tiles. Meet local artisans in a family-run workshop and learn how Portugal’s iconic azulejos are crafted. Continue your journey to your last destination, Lisbon, Portugal's vibrant capital city. Tonight, you may choose to join an optional tour to listen to local artists perform traditional Fado music, a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage highlight.

Get ready for a full and intense day of discovery. Begin your day with a local expert in Portugal’s vibrant capital. Journey to Belém to admire the iconic 16th-century Jerónimos Monastery (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and discover the pivotal role of the Age of Discoveries in shaping Portugal’s history. Then decide how you want to explore Lisbon, because it’s your choice! Discover the art and tradition of Portuguese sidewalks during a locally led walking tour -OR- venture with your Tour Manager on foot and discover the city through the lens of the businesses and streets connected with the country's most loved fish, bacalhau (salted codfish). Savor a farewell dinner to Portugal at a restaurant beloved by locals, celebrating the perfect ending to your unforgettable journey.

Your tour ends today.