Highlights of Portugal
Experience Overview
Take in the highlights of the sun-kissed splendour of Portugal on an eight-day sightseeing adventure from Porto to Lisbon. Taste port in its birthplace, explore riverfront Coimbra and its historic university, and weave through the verdant countryside all the way to the capital. From the leafy Schist Villages to a traditional Fado show, you’ll be experiencing the best of Portugal’s arts and culture. Oh yes – they have pretty good custard tarts too. Put Portugal on your itinerary today with a small-group journey that gets you to the places you need to see.
Highlights
- Take a walk through the idyllic coastal city of Porto and understand why the birthplace of fortified wine is renowned for its narrow lanes, charming buildings and delicious cuisine.
- Explore the country’s oldest university when discovering the historic riverfront city of Coimbra – once the capital of Portugal.
- Take in all the highlights of Portugal’s arts and culture scene with an included traditional Fado show in Coimbra.
- Walk through the secluded Schist Villages, a set of 27 settlements hidden between the mountain slopes and away from daily life.
- Join your leader in Lisbon for sunset views while enjoying a glass of local wine and some tapas – this is European living.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3263
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Train,Private vehicle
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: ZMSZ
Starts: Porto, Portugal
Finishes: Lisbon, Portugal
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (7),Accommodation: Hotel (6 nights),Guesthouse (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,860 ($358 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Portugal! Stretching along the banks of the River Douro, Porto is one of Portugal's most romantic cities. Known for majestic bridges, medieval riverside district with its cobbled streets, merchants’ houses and cafes, Porto is also well known for one more thing; surprise surprise – Porto is the birthplace of the fortified wine, port. Today, there’s an important welcome meeting at 6 pm where you’ll meet your group leader and fellow travellers. After your meeting, why not get the crew together and head out to an optional dinner – your group leader will know of some great spots to go.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Take a leader-led orientation walk with your group this morning to get your bearings. Otherwise, the day is free to do as you please. The city's World Heritage-listed Ribeira district is packed with twisting alleys, staircases, and baroque churches, and is great to explore on foot. Sao Francisco church is known for its lavish interior with ornate gilded carvings. The palatial 19th-century Palacio de Bolsa, formerly a stock market, was built to impress potential European investors. Make sure you also visit Mercado do Bolhao, Porto's market, one of the city's institutions since 1914. For a sensational view of the whole town head to the Torre dos Clerigos (Clerigos Tower), or head down Allies Avenue to see the French-inspired buildings. Late afternoon, meet your leader and the rest of the group again to test out Portugal’s famed wine on an included port tasting. Oh, and in the evening, why not book yourself on a Rio Duoro cruise on one of the historic 'rabelo' boats to see the city from the water.
Included Activities:
- Porto - Port Wine Tasting
- Porto - Orientation walk
Optional Activities:
- Porto - Clerigos Tower (8 EUR)
- Porto - Bolhao Market - Free
- Porto - Livraria Lello (8 EUR)
- Porto - Serralves Foundation (24 EUR)
- Porto – Tile-Painting Workshop (45 EUR)
- Porto – Matosinhos day trip (4 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
The morning is free for you to explore Porto at your own pace. As you’ll be traveling over to Coimbra after lunch, there will be a place to store your luggage for the day. With early evening arrival at your hotel, you can either relax or embark on a stroll to begin exploring Coimbra.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy an easy day in Coimbra at your leisure. Sitting dignified on the banks of the River Mondego, Coimbra was once the capital of the country, and its royal heritage can be felt in its historic streets and buildings. Join your group leader on a wander through the lanes and squares of the Old Quarter and be sure to pass by the University of Coimbra – the oldest in Portugal. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy as you please before meeting with your group again for an evening Fado show. Coimbra's version of the fado is linked to the academic traditions of its university and musicians wear the traditional academic outfit: dark robes and capes. The music is characterized by sombre tunes and lyrics, often about the life of the poor, and inspired by mourning and melancholia.
Included Activities:
- Coimbra - Evening Fado Performance
Optional Activities:
- Coimbra - Mondego River Boat Trip (10 EUR)
- Coimbra - Cathedrals (5 EUR)
- Coimbra - Joanine University Library (14 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel to Piódão, an enchanting historical Schist Village celebrated for its distinctive architecture and breathtaking natural setting. Tucked away in the Serra do Açor mountains, Piódão resembles a scene from a fairytale, showcasing charming schist and slate houses nestled into the verdant mountainside. Take a leisurely stroll through the village's narrow, winding streets before heading towards Aldeia das Dez, a typical mountain village located on the slopes of Serra da Estrela. Also known as Aldeia das Flores, its inhabitants have it as a tradition to decorate their streets with beautiful and colourful flowers. Experience the allure of rustic beauty, picturesque landscapes, and a slower pace of life, and immerse yourself in the rich local culture, creating lasting memories in a quaint setting that seamlessly blends tradition with modern comfort.
Included Activities:
- Schist Villages - Village Walk
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel back to Coimbra in a private vehicle and from there transfer to Lisbon by train. After a brief orientation walk, you are free for the afternoon. Much of Lisbon’s character and charm lies in its beautiful renovated buildings, grand boulevards, impressive castles and churches. Maybe visit one of the most symbolic buildings in the city, Lisbon Cathedral, which was built on the site of an old mosque in 1150 by Lisbon’s first bishop, Gilbert of Hastings. Inside are nine chapels, each with their own story to tell, and the wonderful Gothic cloister. Another option is to visit the medieval citadel of Sao Jorge Castle. The citadel dates back to Moorish times and sits on the highest point of the Old Town. Although much of the original castle has been destroyed throughout history, 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.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Make some further discoveries of Lisbon in the morning at your own pace. Roam through the charming narrow streets of local neighbourhoods do a spot of people watching, visit Belem Tower (a wonderful building originally designed as a lighthouse) and the vast, spectacular Monastery of the Jeronimos. Otherwise, head out for a day trip to Sintra – a royal sanctuary full of pastel coloured Romanticist buildings. In the evening, regroup and experience more of Portugal’s way of life by enjoying a glass of wine and some local bites while watching the sunset with your group.
Included Activities:
- Lisbon - Drink and Local Bites
- Lisbon - Traditional Boat Tour
- Lisbon - Canned Fish Tasting
Optional Activities:
- Lisbon - Oceanarium (25 EUR)
- Lisbon - Naval Museum (7 EUR)
- Lisbon - Experience Lisbon Walk Urban Adventure (45 EUR)
- Lisbon - Puppet Museum (5 EUR)
- Lisbon - Folk Art Museum (5 EUR)
- Lisbon - National Art Museum (8 EUR)
- Lisbon - Gulbenkian Museum (10 EUR)
- Lisbon - Belem Tower and Monastery (20 EUR)
- Lisbon - Ginginha Tasting (2 EUR)
- Sintra - Day Trip (10 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave at any time. That doesn’t mean your Portuguese adventure has to come to an end! If you wish to spend more time in Lisbon, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
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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
Esmeralda - Traveled, October 2023
My trip with Intrepid Travel was a mixed experience. The knowledgeable tour leader and cultural immersion were highlights. However, accommodation variations, limited inclusive meals, and occasional inaccuracies in activity descriptions were drawbacks. Overall, it was an enriching journey with room for improvement.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/27/2023
Maryann - Traveled, September 2023
Good itinerary. Wish there was more rural and less Coimbra. Beautiful countryside. Excellent tour leader. She made my birthday very memorable with excelllent planning. It was one of my best bdays. Nice mix of people from all over the world also friendly and good group cohesiveness.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/10/2023
John - Traveled, September 2023
Do not hesitate to book this trip if you wish to see the highlights of Portugal. A breathtaking and memorable trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/04/2023
Luanne - Traveled, September 2023
Our first trip with intrepid was a huge success and we will book again. We liked the small group so no large bus tours and they built in free time for people to pursue their own interests. Our guide was outstanding! Knowledgeable and customer focused.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/03/2023
Timothy - Traveled, September 2023
This tour was challenging physically but take your time and one can complete all daily walks. A tour I felt I was satisfied and leant a lot about Portugal
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/23/2023
Timothy - Traveled, September 2023
This tour was challenging physically but take your time and one can complete all daily walks. A tour I felt I was satisfied and leant a lot about Portugal
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/29/2023
Susan - Traveled, September 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed my first experience with a (small) group tour! We had a brilliant Tour Guide who looked after us all very well - nothing was too much trouble! Travelling by train was great (try not to bring too much luggage!) and meeting interesting people from around the world was priceless!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/24/2023
Susan - Traveled, June 2023
I loved the Highlights of Portugal trip! We had a great balance between scheduled activities and free time. Our guide was absolutely wonderful and explained so many fascinating things about Portuguese history and culture. She was patient in answering our endless questions. It was relaxing to have the accommodations and travel details arranged by Intrepid so we could just eat, drink, wander and have fun! Would definitely recommend to a friend and would use Intrepid again in the future.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/20/2023
Helen - Traveled, June 2023
Yes - it's good - just do it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/21/2023
Mina - Traveled, May 2023
Amazing leader. Beautiful places and itinerary. Hotels were in average level not the best. Transportation could improve .
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/15/2023
Marise - Traveled, May 2023
We ate and laughed our way around Portugal with an amazing guide who ensured our safety and overall full engagement. Accomodation, travel and information formed the basis of a great holiday experience that has left me happy and free of stress while experiencing the best that Portugal had to offer. Do yourself a favour and try this interesting country free of hassle with Ingrid
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/09/2023
- Traveled, June 2023
Another great experience of an Intrepid trip - Maria our guide was the key person in making this happen.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/30/2023
Giuliano - Traveled, May 2023
This tour was a pleasure to join as we were able to experience different parts of the country and spend time to get to know each other. Maria was a great leader for the group, making us feel comfortable and providing information throughout.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/27/2023
Steven - Traveled, May 2023
Prepare for some long walks up and down hills with Maria. But that's the nature of Portugal and she's provides some real informative guiding. It was a great and fun trip to do, really enjoyed it
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/28/2023
Michelle - Traveled, April 2023
Maria made our ‘Highlights of Portugal’ tour. Her knowledge made all the difference. You will have a lot of free time once the orientation walk is done. Travel is mostly on trains. The trip to the Schist village was a nice diversion from the city. However it would have taken a lot longer to get to a traditional Schist village. Porto was a highlight. Braga & Averio could have been included as a short day or side stop, especially as the train went via Averio to Coimbra.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/11/2023
Dagmar - Traveled, April 2023
The trip "Highlights of Portugal" was a great experience to explore this wonderful country and meet his friendly people. I enjoyed every day. Our guide Maria was fantastic and made this trip very special!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/10/2023
Mark - Traveled, April 2023
This tour was a great way to experience Portugal for the first time, and April was a good month to go. Our tour leader Maria Craveiro was excellent, both knowledgeable and enthusiastic.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/10/2023
Catherine - Traveled, October 2022
Feel free to use what I've already written.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/18/2022
Maria - Traveled, October 2022
What a wonderful vacation in Portugal. I did not expect it to be so beautiful. Wonderful friendly people and I was humble and honored to meet them.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/17/2022
Brent - Traveled, September 2022
Excellent trip-you get a good taste of Portugal, seeing two major cities and the countryside. You experience the wine, fado singing, and of course history and cuisine. Tiago was a fun, humorous leader with very good knowledge of Portugal and Southern Europe generally.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2022
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