Premium Portugal
Experience Overview
From grand cities and medieval villages to sparkling coastlines, you’ll discover the best of Portugal on this eight-day Premium adventure. Starting in thriving Lisbon, go out in search of rich culture, delicious pastel de natas (Portuguese tarts) and some of the world’s best wines alongside a small group of like-minded travellers and a knowledgeable local leader. Discover the birthplace of port as you wine your way around the Douro Valley, touring wineries and staying in a gorgeous Feature Stay hotel among the rolling hills of the region. Then, step back in time at the ancient University of Coimbra and learn the secrets of Fado at an intimate live show. Take a tile-painting workshop, a full-day excursion of gorgeous Sintra and walk along cobblestoned streets that give you a glimpse into the past. This is Portugal!
Highlights
- Visit 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.
- Spend a night in the rolling vineyards of the Douro Valley – your Feature Stay accommodation takes you into the heart of the region. Enjoy outdoor pools, excellent onsite restaurant and unforgettable views.
- Visit Sintra’s Pena Palace then explore the area at your own pace. Stroll through the colourful area dotted around the foothills of the mountains or head to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Quinta da Regaleira.
- Create a personalised memento of your trip and learn about the history of the vibrantly coloured tiles that adorn the facades of buildings all over Portugal with a tile-painting workshop.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3215
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Unknown
Transport: Private vehicle,Local train
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: ZMPP
Starts: Lisbon, Portugal
Finishes: Porto, Portugal
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (7), Lunch (1), Dinner (2)Accommodation: Comfortable hotel (6 nights),Feature stay (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $4,935 ($617 /day)
Itinerary
Ola! Welcome to Portugal. When you arrive at the Lisbon airport, you’ll be picked up by an Intrepid representative and taken to your centrally located hotel. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe head to one of the many outdoor cafes and soak up the city’s energy. After your meeting, you’ll join your leader and small group for a welcome dinner at one of Lisbon’s thriving restaurants. Going out to eat is one of Portugal’s great pleasures, and tonight, your leader will introduce you to traditional Portuguese recipes and a culinary scene that’s exploding with regional flavour.
Included Activities:
- Lisbon - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Accommodation:
- Moon and Sun in Lisboa Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, join a local guide for a walking tour through the city of Lisbon. 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 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 Lisbon Cathedral and hear how it 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. The rest of your afternoon is free to explore at your own pace.
Included Activities:
- Lisbon - Walking Tour with Local Guide
Optional Activities:
- Lisbon - Belem Tower (8 EUR)
- Lisbon - Jeronimos Monastery (15 EUR)
- Lisbon - Traditional Boat Tour (15 EUR)
- Lisbon - Canned Fish Tasting (7 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Moon and Sun in Lisboa Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Head outside the city for a full-day excursion to Sintra – a resort town in the foothills of the mountains. 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 continuing to the town. You’ll have a free afternoon to explore these picturesque surroundings at your own pace. Grab some lunch, then maybe visit the National Palace or Quinta da Regaleira – this castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a great spot for a gorgeous photo!
Included Activities:
- Sintra - Pena Palace
Optional Activities:
- Sintra - National Palace of Sintra (13 EUR)
- Sintra - Quinta da Regaleira (15 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel Mondego or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Sitting 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 this morning. The real star of the show is Coimbra’s prestigious university – one of the oldest in the world. You’ll visit the Joanine Library within the university, then this evening, get to know more about this nation’s cultural heritage by heading to a 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.
Included Activities:
- Coimbra - Fado Show
- Coimbra - Joanine University Library
Accommodation:
- Hotel Mondego or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel from Coimbra to the Douro Valley today. Famous for its scenery, the Douro Valley is also known for producing some of the world’s most delicious wine. Today, you’ll 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!). Then continue to your Feature Stay accommodation – tucked away between the rolling hills and terraced vineyards of the spectacular Douro Valley, your home for the night boasts unbeatable views of the Douro River. When you arrive, you might like to make the most of your hotel's scenic outdoor pools, or maybe grab dinner on the terrace and soak in the scenery.
Included Activities:
- Douro Valley - Wine Tasting & Lunch
- Douro Valley - Day Trip
Accommodation:
- Hotel Vila Gale Douro Vineyards (feature stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, enjoy a gentle boat ride on the Douro River, stopping by the riverside village of Pinhao. From here, make your way to Porto – a romantic city on the banks of the river. When you arrive, join your leader for an orientation walk through twisting alleys, crisscrossing staircases and baroque churches. Pass old bridges, cobbled streets, merchants’ houses and cafes and explore at your own pace. In the evening, head to the nearby city of Vila Nova de Gaia to end the day with some sunset drinks.
Included Activities:
- Porto - Sunset Drinks in Vila Nova de Gaia
- Douro Valley - Douro River Boat Ride
Accommodation:
- Hotel Moon & Sun or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Learn about the history of tiles in Portugal this morning with a tile-painting workshop. Steeped in centuries of tradition, hand-painted tiles can be seen on the facades of buildings and churches, telling the stories of Portugal’s past with vibrant colours and designs. Then, your afternoon is free. Maybe 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. Another option is to take the local train to the seaside city of Matosinhos where you can relax on the beach, dine at the fresh seafood restaurants or stroll along the promenade. Regroup tonight for a final dinner at one of Porto’s local restaurants.
Included Activities:
- Porto - Tile painting workshop
- Porto - Bolhao Market
Optional Activities:
- Matosinhos - Half Day Trip by Local Train (3 EUR)
- Porto - Livraria Lello (8 EUR)
- Porto - Serralves Foundation (24 EUR)
- Porto - Clerigos Tower (8 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel Moon & Sun or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
There are no activities planned for today and your trip comes to an end. You’re free to leave at any time after check out. If you wish to spend some more time exploring Porto, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Dan - Traveled, October 2023
Every aspect of our Intrepid trip was great. The itinerary and our tour group leader made our time in Portugal an absolute pleasure and we enjoyed every minute of the experience. We look forward to another Intrepid trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/02/2023
Andrew - Traveled, October 2023
Intrepid was incredible. Ease of booking, wonderful itinerary, great guides and bus drivers and a group leader who made personal connections with all in our group, was extremely knowledgeable about our destinations and was kind and humorous.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/02/2023
Daniela - Traveled, October 2023
New traveller with Intrepid and it was a no brainer. Easy and Relaxing and wonderful itinerary and tour guide made the trip incredible.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/05/2023
Evelyn Mary - Traveled, October 2023
Premium Portugal was an excellent trip with a great itinerary. The Hotels were in very good locations and of a high standard. the feature stay in the Douro Valley was fabulous, the hotel had a great pool with amazing views. Maria Craveiro our tour leader was wonderful and made our trip very memorable. I would recommend this trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/18/2023
Margarita - Traveled, October 2023
I would highly recommend booking Premium Portugal! The history, culture, food and wine is amazing and there is so much to see and do in Portugal. This trip was the perfect combination of sightseeing, history, and relaxation with good food and wine. It is definitely worth it to see Portugal this way!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/05/2023
Donald - Traveled, June 2024
Portugal is a beautiful country and our Intrepid tour was excellent at hitting the highlights in a short time frame. Our usual trips to Europe are three weeks, but I felt like we got just as much in 8 days. That is not to say it was rushed, it was well organized and our guide, Maria Craveiro, was quite excellent. Her knowledge of her home country and her organizational skills are top notch.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/12/2024
Janet - Traveled, June 2024
This Intrepid trip was well organized, with a great highlight of history, accommodations, and must see destinations as well as hand picked activities that provided a unique experience that felt like our group got to experience many of the best highlights of Portugal well lead by our guide, Maria.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/13/2024
Dyan - Traveled, June 2024
This was a wonderful tour, made even more special by our tour leader, Maria.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/07/2024
Kevin - Traveled, June 2024
Maria was a great tour leader who made the whole trip really enjoyable . I learnt so much about the history and culture of Portugal.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/11/2024
Lammuan - Traveled, June 2024
This trip is a great starting point to understand Portuguese politics, history and current events. Don’t miss it!!!c
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/26/2024
Jennifer - Traveled, June 2024
Highly recommend Premium Portugal, well thought out itinerary and our guide Daniel was superb.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/20/2024
Hans - Traveled, June 2024
Our Intrepid Premium Portugal trip was a very well coordinated itinerary, our guide Daniel was fun, knowledgeable and well organized making this holiday really enjoyable and insightful.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/06/2024
Natasha - Traveled, June 2024
This was my first time using Intrepid Tour Company. I visited Portugal, premium tour, and I had an excellent experience. My tour guide, was very professional and knowledgeable, which made the tour more fulfilling.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/10/2024
Alexa - Traveled, May 2024
Maria was a wonderful tour guide! We enjoyed our trip as well as the other people on our adventure.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/08/2024
Vin - Traveled, May 2024
This was my first trip with Intrepid. They do an excellent job of coordinating a complex trip with so many dimensions. I like the idea of a trip leader who is with us throughout the journey and taking personal responsibility for every aspect of my experience. The events and activities felt curated to me. It was a good balance of history, art, culture, local food and drinks through a front seat view. I really liked that it was a small group and we weren't under pressure to always be with the group.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/05/2024
David - Traveled, May 2024
My wife and I loved the 8 day Intrepid trip to Portugal with tour leader Maria Craveiro. A great balance of historical cultural and social experiences that were enriching but never rushed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/06/2024
Harry - Traveled, May 2024
Great trip of Portugal covering the art, history and colours of Lisbon to Porto.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/18/2024
Catherine - Traveled, May 2024
Excellent short but comprehensive tour with good organization and communication
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/17/2024
Claire - Traveled, May 2024
This was my first time taking a guided tour. As a single female traveling solo, I thought it would be a great way to go. The free time really appealed to me, as well as the group size. I had a great time and will most definitely keep Intrepid in mind for future travel.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/16/2024
Kim - Traveled, May 2024
This trip was a perfect balance of scheduled activity and independence. Our tour leader, Vera, gave us insight from the local perspective.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/12/2024
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