Mainland Portugal: Landscapes and Heritage

Spend a day discovering the lovely coastal city of Porto at your leisure. After a hearty breakfast in your hotel, set off to explore town. You could begin with Porto’s medieval riverside district, strolling down the narrow cobblestone alleys, passing street cafes, old churches and merchant houses. Admire the opulent baroque architecture of São Francisco Church and the lavish Palácio de Bolsa. Stop by the many miradouros or high lookout points around town, taking in the lovely cityscape with its meandering river and medieval stone bridges. Stop at a local tapas bar for a light bite and take a walking tour of the town’s vibrant street art. Enjoy a picturesque tram ride, passing the city landmarks and public gardens to reach the ocean front. Explore the city’s bustling food markets and ancient port cellars and try a wine tasting session. Discover the lively nightlife and dine at a gourmet steakhouse before calling it a day. (Self-explore Activity; Transfers, entrance fees and meals are not included; Choose what best suits your interests and pace from our recommendations; Please note that you may not be able to do all recommended activities)

Discover the romantic city of Porto with a local guide! See famous landmarks such as the ancient 12th century Sé Cathedral with its large altar of hammered silver and the Episcopal Palace. Make your way to a famous wine cellar and take part in a tasting of port wine. Tour the Infante Henriques Square to see the Palacio da Bolsa monument and the gothic-style Church of St. Francis. Visit the São Bento Station to see its magnificent tiled mosaics and huge wall panels. Walk along Freedom Square where the King Don Pedro IV monument stands, and stop at the church with a 6-meter bell tower – the famous ’Baroque Candle.’ End this tour with a stroll through the lively Rua de Santa Catarina shopping street and a cup of coffee at the old Majestic Cafe. (Duration: 4hrs; Timings: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM or 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM; Private Walking Tour & Transfers; Admission to Church of St. Francis included; Porto Wine Tasting Included; Meals Not Included; Fitness Level: Easy; Please wear comfortable clothes & shoes; Don’t forget your camera.)

Discover the breathtaking landscapes and delectable wines of Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Start off from your hotel in the morning with a private guide and drive to one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world. You can stop at viewpoints along the way to take photos of the terraced vineyards and rolling hillsides, and then go for a wine, oil and honey tasting at the Quinta Origem estate. Take a one hour private boat ride along the Douro River and get off at the famous DOC Restaurant, which serves local Portuguese cuisine and wines. Continue on to the Quinta S. Luiz and learn how the famous port wine is made. Indulge in a glass or two or sample some of the dry wines. Head back to your hotel through the quiet town of Mesão Frio, another lovely destination filled with wineries, large estates and manor houses. (Duration:8hrs; Timings: 9:00 to 17:00; Private Guide, Boat Tour & Transfers; Lunch and 2 Wine Tastings Included; Fitness Level: Easy; Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes; Don’t forget your camera.)

Discover the historic towns and monasteries of central Portugal on this leisurely tour. On your way to Lisbon, visit the UNESCO-listed Monastery of Alcobaca, believed to be one of the country’s first gothic buildings. The oldest Cistercian Abbey in the region, it houses the tombs of the famous lovers Pedro and Ines. Travel on to the medieval Batalha monastery, built to commemorate the Portuguese victory over the Castilians. Get a closer look at the intricate stone lace-work on this UNESCO-listed monument, before you drive on. Stop to explore the seaside resort town of Nazare, once a small fishing village, with its gorgeous beach. You could buy yourself lunch at one of the oceanfront restaurants and try the local specialty – cooked octopus! Afterwards, visit the well-preserved medieval town of Obidos that is surrounded by a fortified wall. Walk down the narrow streets lined with traditional houses that offer a vibrant display of flowering plants at their windows. If you’re lucky, you might get to see the annual knights’ tournament or chocolate festival held outside the castle gates. Before resuming your onward journey, be sure to try Ginja, the local cherry liqueur. (En route; Duration: 7 hrs; Starting Time: 1000 hrs; Ending Time: 1700 hrs; Private Activity; Lunch and Entrance Fees Not Included)

Experience the vibrant culture of Portugal through music and food on this immersive tour. At the scheduled time, you will be picked up by private vehicle and driven to the restaurant in Lisbon’s Alfama neighborhood. Settle down at your table and take in the charming ambience of the dining area with its columns, arches and an ogival ceiling, reminiscent of a bygone era. Relish traditional Portuguese cuisine as you listen to a live performance of Fado songs accompanied by guitar music. The Fado genre of music traces its origins to the early 19th century and typically comprises mournful tunes and lyrics after, return to your hotel with cherished memories. (Duration: 3 hrs; Time: 2100 hrs (pick-up at 1945 hrs) Shared activity; Private transfers; Meals included: dinner (choice of one appetizer, one main course and one dessert) & drinks; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Recommended for guests aged 18 and above)

Experience Lisbon’s historical buildings, colorful streets and stunning panoramic views. Head up to the Sanctuary of Christ the King, an iconic monument that overlooks the city. Soak in stunning vistas from the observation deck at the foot of the landmark before going to Edward VII Park. Located in the city center, this vantage point offers panoramic views of downtown, Tagus River and 25th April Bridge. Then, follow your guide through the upscale neighborhood of Principe Real, known for its heritage mansions. Arrive at Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, surrounded by lush gardens adorned with fountains and intricate ironwork. From its elevated position, enjoy splendid views of the ancient Alfama district. Next, visit Saint George’s Castle, superbly sited on a hilltop. Stroll along its ramparts and towers to hidden lookouts. Finally, stop at Miradouro das Portas do Sol for gorgeous views of the National Pantheon and waterfront to conclude your tour. (Duration: half day; Time: 0900/1400 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Meals are not included; Entry fee to Castelo Sao Jorge included; Fitness level: easy)

Immerse yourself in the cultural and natural beauty of the Portuguese Riviera on this leisurely tour from Lisbon. Visit Sintra, one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal, where the historic Pena Castle is located. Enjoy visit of Palacio da Pena, perched on a mountain range. The Palace of Pena was classified as a National Monument in 1910 and ranks as the single most important site in the Cultural Landscape of Sintra, classified by UNESCO as World Heritage in 1995. Travel on to Cape Roca to enjoy panoramic views from the westernmost point of continental Europe. Pass by the famous surfing beach of Guincho to reach the idyllic holiday destination of Cascais. Discover the historical center of this erstwhile fishing town and walk down its streets dotted with restaurants and quaint storefronts. The upscale resort town of Estoril, once a favorite destination of European royals, makes for an ideal last stop before you head back. (Duration:8hrs; Starting Time: 900 hrs; Ending Time: 1700 hrs; We recommend to start at 9 am to avoid the crowds in Sintra; Private Activity & Transfers; Admission to Pena Palace Included; Fitness Level: Easy. Please note that this activity involves some walking.)

On a scenic drive from Lisbon to Algarve along the Atlantic Coast, stop to explore Costa Vicentina. About an hour’s drive south of Lisbon is the 7-mile long Comporta Beach, an inconspicuous celebrity haunt. While driving along the coast, you’ll pass rice fields dotted with cork oaks, and carpets of red poppies and yellow wildflowers. Pass by several squat cottages with thatched roofs and grass and pinewood beams. Keep an eye out for nesting storks and flamingos, magpies and warblers. Arrive at Vila Nova de Milfontes, on the Fisherman’s Trail, at the confluence of the Mira River and the Atlantic Ocean. Visit the 16-century Forte de Sao Clemente. Then, head to the tiny fishing village of Zambujeira do Mar. It features a cluster of whitewashed buildings with terracotta roofs and expansive overwater views. The beach is known for its excellent watersports facility. Finally, stop at Odeceixe Beach with its golden stretch of sand that is flanked by the ocean and the River Seixe (Duration:7hrs; Enroute; Private activity & transfers; Entrance fees and meals are not included)

Admire the beauty of the Algarve coastline on a boat tour of Benagil Cave. Set off on a speedboat from Armacao de Pera and take in views of the cliff top villages. Sail through a series of grottos with rock formations, hidden inlets and beaches. The caves are tucked away in the folds of the rugged coastline. Some are dark and submerged, while others have narrow passages. The unique Benagil Cave, formed about 20 million years ago by the pounding Atlantic waves against the coast, has two dome-shaped entry points. This idyllic natural cavern has an ‘indoor’ golden-sand beach with fossils of sea creatures and softly lapping waves. There’s also ‘the eye’, a giant hole in the Miocene limestone roof through which sunlight floods in. Watch the play between azure waters and the light rays that beam into the sea cave and be mesmerized by the ever-changing palette of colors. (Duration: 2 hrs; Time: flexible; Private activity & transfers; Meal included: no)

Discover the vibrant culture, sandy beaches and beautiful architecture of Algarve! Surrounded on two sides by the Atlantic, Algarve is blessed with stunning beaches, picturesque fishing towns and a glorious climate. Walking enthusiasts can head to the Roto Vicentina, which stretches through one of the most beautiful Portuguese natural parks. Try the Historical Walkway or the Fisherman’s Trail, which both offer views of the natural landscapes. Visit Sagres, Algarve’s most westerly point, where you can stroll around the Baleeira fishing harbour with its brightly painted boats and fishermen at work. Explore the cobbled streets of Lagos Old Town and pop into the Igreja de Santo António to admire its gilt-covered chapel, frescoes and tiles. For the best views, head to Ponte da Piedade and explore the caves. Visit the Portimão Museum, which hosts historical exhibitions, before you have a delicious Portuguese lunch at one of the restaurants in town. Head to the town of Silves to explore its majestic 8th century Moorish Castle made of red-sandstone. End your tour with a cup of coffee in one of the lively cafes outside the castle walls. (Self-explore Activity; Transfers, entrance fees and meals are not included; Choose what best suits your interests and pace from our recommendations; Please note that you may not be able to do all recommended activities)