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Experience Overview
Discover Portugal’s grand cities, medieval villages and sparking coastlines on this eight-day Premium adventure. Start out in thriving Lisbon and go out in search of rich culture, delicious pasteis de natas (Portuguese tarts) and some of the world’s best wines with a small group of like-minded travellers and a knowledgeable local leader. Wine your way around the Douro Valley – the birthplace of port – then feast your eyes on the elevated design and bountiful gardens of your Feature Stay accommodation at a palace in Coimbra. Learn the secrets of Fado at an intimate live show, take a tile-painting workshop, visit gorgeous Sintra and step back in time as you walk along cobblestoned streets. This is Portugal!
Highlights
- Immerse yourself in history and find relaxation at your Feature Stay in Coimbra – an 18th-century palace with refined rooms, a swimming pool, garden spa and 4.8 hectares of tranquil gardens.
- Visit local wineries during a tasting tour in the picturesque Douro Valley during a Signature Experience, stopping 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.
- Stroll through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Quinta da Regaleira estate in Sintra, famous for its occult history hidden within the Initiation Well, sprawling gardens and gothic palace.
- 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
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles: Explorer, Budget
Tour Operator: Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: ZMPP
Starts: Lisbon, Portugal
Finishes: Porto, Portugal
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating: Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (7), Lunch (1), Dinner (2)Accommodation: Comfortable hotel (5 nights), Feature stay (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $6675 ($834 /day)
Itinerary
Ola! Welcome to Portugal. When you arrive at Lisbon Airport, you’ll be picked up by an Intrepid representative and taken to your centrally located hotel. Your adventure 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 bursting 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. 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. Then, visit the elegant Praca do Municipio, a symbol of the city's post-earthquake reconstruction in the 18th century, and the Praca do Comercio, once a key hub of maritime trade during the Age of Discoveries. 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 for you to explore at your own pace.
Included Activities:
- Lisbon - Walking Tour and Tastings with Local Guide
Optional Activities:
- Lisbon - Jeronimos Monastery (15 EUR)
- Lisbon - Traditional Boat Tour (15 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Moon and Sun in Lisboa Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Head outside the city for a half-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 time exploring Sintra’s intriguing Quinta da Regaleira estate before continuing to the town. You’ll have some free time to enjoy the surroundings at your own pace. Perhaps sit down and try some local flavours at lunch, then visit Sintra’s National Palace – at more than 1000 years old, it’s one of the oldest in Portugal. Next, drive to Coimbra, where you’ll spend the next two nights at your charming Feature Stay hotel, Quinta das Lagrimas. This converted 18th-century palace has an incredible collection of gardens on its grounds, including Japanese, romantic and medieval gardens, perfect for a stroll or kicking back on the lush lawns with a good book as birdsong surrounds you.
Included Activities:
- Sintra - Quinta da Regaleira
Optional Activities:
- Sintra - National Palace of Sintra (13 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Quinta das Lagrimas (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Sitting on the banks of the River Mondego, Coimbra was once the medieval capital of the country, 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 have a private guided tour of the Joanine Library, a Baroque masterpiece that is widely considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. 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 - University, Joanina Library and Science Museum
Accommodation:
- Quinta das Lagrimas (Feature Stay) 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 and 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 vinho is your tipple of choice. Sit down to a leisurely picnic lunch of rustic regional specialities prepared with fresh local ingredients (and paired with more wine, of course!) while you look out over the valley and the estate’s beautiful vineyards. Then continue to your accommodation – tucked away between the rolling hills and terraced vineyards of the spectacular Douro Valley, your home for the night offers views of the Douro River. When you arrive, you might like to go for a dip in one of the 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, go on 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, then take some time to 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:
- PortoBay Hotel 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 UNESCO 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 or stroll along the promenade. Regroup tonight for a final dinner at one of Porto’s local restaurants.
Included Activities:
- Porto - Tile painting workshop
Optional Activities:
- Matosinhos - Half Day Trip by Local Train (3 EUR)
- Livraria Lello Bookstore (10 EUR)
- Porto - Serralves Foundation (24 EUR)
- Clerigos Tower (10 EUR)
Accommodation:
- PortoBay Hotel 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 checking 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
