Portugal’s Old World Charms

Ancient castles, historic cityscapes, groves of olive trees, quiet whitewashed villages, delightful cuisine, fragrant wine, and welcoming locals – Portugal awaits with open arms.
Hotel Name: Monverde Wine Experience Hotel, Amarante

Visit Area: Douro Valley

Arrive in Porto today and continue directly to the starting point of your tour in the Douro Valley. Soon you’ll find yourself surrounded by the natural beauty of vineyards in tranquil Amarante, your home for the next three nights. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Porto
Porto, known as Oporto in English, is the second largest city in Portugal, after Lisbon, and is located in northern Portugal. The city dates back to the 4th century. Porto’s city center is one of the oldest city centers in Europe. One of Portugal’s well known exports, port wine, is named for Porto since the metropolitan and surrounding area was responsible for the production and export of the fortified wine.

Begin the day exploring the picturesque town of Amarante, renowned for its traditional sweets and scenic location along the Rio Tâmega. Stroll across the historic São Gonçalo Bridge, a proud symbol of the town’s resistance against Napoleon’s troops. Continue to Régua, where you'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, embark on a Douro River cruise, soaking in the breathtaking landscapes of the Douro Valley. Disembark in Pinhão and return to Amarante for a relaxing evening at leisure.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included

Visit Area: Amarante

Today, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and flavors of Porto. Begin with a guided walking tour led by a local expert, uncovering the charm of this hilly city. Wander through the lively Ribeira district, nestled along the riverfront in the heart of the old town, and take in its colorful facades and bustling atmosphere. After the tour, enjoy free time for lunch and shopping at your own pace, with plenty of opportunities to sample local specialties or explore the city's boutiques. In the afternoon, venture just outside Porto to a home-hosted experience. Join your host family in preparing a fresh, market-inspired dinner together, sharing stories and traditions as you cook and dine in a warm, authentic setting.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Vila Galé Collection Alter Real, Alter do Chão

Admittance: Douro River Cruise

This morning, say goodbye to the Douro region. On the way to the Alentejo, visit the enchanting city of Aveiro, known for its colorful canal boats, traditionally used for harvesting seaweed. Explore Aveiro’s rich history and heritage, defined by its canals and coastline. Continue along the rolling hills of Portugal to the village of Alter do Chão for a 3-night stay.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Admittance: Home-Hosted Dinner

Begin your day in the charming hilltop village of Marvão, where breathtaking views stretch across the plains – on a clear day, you may see all the way to Spain! Your journey into local culture continues at a nearby olive grove, where you'll learn about traditional olive oil production, visit a historic press, and enjoy a tasting of the region's unique oil over lunch. Later, return to your hotel for a brief visit to the historic Alter Stud Farm, established in 1748 and home to the renowned Lusitano purebred horse. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure – relax and make the most of your hotel's amenities. This evening, you may choose to dine on your own in nearby Alter do Chão; round-trip transportation will be provided.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included

Visit Area: Aveiro
The city of Aveiro is a stunning waterfront town where hand-painted boats pass slowly through the canal. Allow your eyes to drift along the nouveau architecture of this quaint fisherman village. Aveiro is known for their ovos moles, a “soft egg” pastry.

Start the day like a true local at the Estremoz city market, an exciting place to be on a Saturday, when the countryside comes to town with baskets full of fruit, vegetables, grains, olive oil, cheeses, olives, and livestock. Peruse the adjacent flea market where browsing can feel like traveling back in time. This afternoon, it's your choice! Enjoy more time in the picturesque Portuguese village of Estremoz to visit a local tile museum -OR- venture farther for a walk along the Serra d‘Ossa walkway in Redondo. End your day by indulging in full-bodied wines from the Alentejo region paired with a locally sourced farm-to-table dinner.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Turim Boulevard Hotel

Visit Area: Alentejo
Travel across the famous Alentejo region of southern Portugal, known for three things; pottery, wine, and cork. Sparsely populated, the Alentejo region is rolling green hills, orchards of sobreiro trees, and vineyards.

Say goodbye to Portugal’s charming countryside as you travel to the vibrant capital of Lisbon. On the way, your journey takes you to the medieval walled city of Evora (UNESCO), known for its 2nd-century Roman temple to Diana and the mysterious 16th-century Chapel of Bones. Arrive in Lisbon in the late afternoon.

Breakfast Included

Admittance: Lusitano Stud Farm

Travel to Belém to visit the exterior of two of Lisbon's most iconic landmarks: the Belém Tower (UNESCO) and the stunning façade of the 16th-century Jerónimos Monastery (UNESCO). With your local expert, delve into the rich history and significance of this remarkable monastery before continuing on to a guided tour of the elegant Ajuda Palace. After some free time to enjoy lunch on your own, head to the vibrant Alfama district – Lisbon's oldest quarter – where stories, legends and hidden corners await. Are we all descendants of Ulysses? How many of Lisbon's hills can you climb? Follow your expert guide through narrow alleyways and shadowy courtyards as you uncover the mysteries of this captivating neighborhood. Return to your hotel in the evening for a night at leisure.

Breakfast Included

Admittance: Olive Press Experience

It’s your day to experience Lisbon at your own pace. With plenty of free time in the capital city, you may wish to check out its famous culinary scene or venture downtown to do some shopping. If you’d prefer to venture beyond the city today, you may choose to join an optional excursion to visit the colorful Pena Palace in Sintra, one of Portugal's most iconic landmarks, before continuing to the charming seaside town of Ericeira, where you'll have time to explore at your leisure. This evening, join your fellow travelers for an unforgettable farewell dinner of Portuguese cuisine and wine, and listen to local artists perform the traditional fado (UNESCO).

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Admittance: Winery Visit
Sample the different full-bodied wines from the prolific Alentejo wine region, during a winery tour and tasting. Some wines are even made using the ancient Roman method, using huge clay pots instead of barrels.

Your tour ends today.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: Évora
One of Portugal’s most beautifully preserved medieval towns, Évora is an enchanting place to delve into the past. Inside the 14th-century walls, Évora’s narrow, winding lanes lead to striking architectural works: an elaborate medieval cathedral and cloisters; the cinematic columns of the Templo Romano (near the intriguing Roman baths); and a picturesque town square, once the site of some rather gruesome episodes courtesy of the Inquisition. Aside from its historic and aesthetic virtues, Évora is also a lively university town, and its many attractive restaurants serve up hearty Alentejan cuisine.