Portugal Itinerary

Day 1

We begin the trip in the Algarve, Portugal’s stunning southern coastline, known for its sunny climate and some of Europe’s finest beaches. From the Spanish border to the Atlantic cliffs, this region offers golden sands, dramatic sea views, and charming towns. We’ll stay in Tavira, considered the Algarve’s most beautiful town, with its cobbled streets, traditional architecture, and excellent dining. Our accommodations will be at the Pousada Convento Tavira, (2 nights), a serene former 16th-century convent located in the historic center.

Upon arrival at the  Faro Airport, private transfers will bring you to the hotel. In the late afternoon, we’ll enjoy a relaxed orientation walk through Tavira, followed by aperitifs and a welcome dinner to celebrate the beginning of our Portuguese adventure.

Day 2

Tavira, with origins dating back to Phoenician times, has been shaped by Romans, Moors, and Christians — the latter reclaiming the town in 1242. During the Age of Discoveries, Tavira thrived as a key port, exporting wine, salt, and dried fish to far-reaching expeditions. Our guided morning tour begins at the Roman Bridge—likely a 17th-century reconstruction of an earlier Moorish structure—crossing the Gilão River. We’ll explore the town’s rich past with a visit to the remains of the Moorish castle and the Igreja da Misericórdia, known for its stunning Azulejos tile panels.

After the tour, we board a late-morning train to Faro, the capital of the Algarve. Upon arrival, enjoy free time for lunch and a stroll through town, followed by a guided walk of the walled Old Town, with its cobbled streets, Arco da Vila gateway, and charming squares.

Return to Tavira in the afternoon, with time at leisure to enjoy its relaxed ambiance, riverside cafes, or an optional visit to the Ilha da Tavira, a beautiful beach reached via ferry through the lagoons of the Ria Formosa Nature Park.

Day 3

This morning, we visit the hilltop town of Mértola, overlooking the Guadiana River. Once the northernmost trading port on the river, Mértola’s strategic location attracted a succession of civilizations — from Phoenicians and Carthaginians to Romans, Visigoths, Moors, and Christians. Our guided visit focuses on its Moorish and Christian legacy, including a mosque-turned-church and museum, a typical Moorish home, and an impressive medieval archaeological site. Lunch is included.

In the afternoon, we continue to Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Portugal’s most beautifully preserved medieval towns. We’ll check in at the Albergaria do Calvário, (2 nights) a boutique hotel located within the historic center, where we’ll stay for the next two nights.

The late afternoon and evening are free for you to explore Évora at your own pace—wander the cobblestone streets, relax in the public gardens, or enjoy the view from Giraldo Square, the heart of this enchanting town.

Day 4

Évora is a city layered with history, dating back to Celtic tribes around 3,000 B.C. It flourished under Roman rule from the 2nd century B.C. to the 5th century A.D., leaving behind remnants such as parts of the thermal baths, city walls, and the iconic Roman Temple, originally dedicated to Emperor Augustus. The Moors ruled for 450 years, and their architectural legacy is still evident. In 1166, Évora came under Portuguese rule and rose to prominence as a key medieval city. This morning, our guided walking tour will explore its rich heritage, including the imposing Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral and the haunting Chapel of Bones.

In the afternoon, we’ll learn about one of Portugal’s most unique industries: cork harvesting. Half of the world’s cork comes from Portugal, with cork oak trees harvested only once every nine years. We’ll visit a cork factory to discover how this remarkable natural material is processed into everything from bottle stoppers to shoes and handbags.

We end the day with an included dinner at a local restaurant that prides itself on serving only what arrives fresh from the farm and sea that very day—an authentic and seasonal culinary experience.

Day 5

Day 6

The Tagus River, the longest on the Iberian Peninsula, begins in Spain and flows through northern Portugal before widening into an estuary at Lisbon and emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. Its calm, sheltered waters helped Lisbon flourish as a prosperous trading hub through successive civilizations—from the Roman Olisipo, to the Visigoth Ulixbona, and the Moorish al-Ushbūna, who ruled until 1147. Beginning in the 15th century, Portuguese explorers set sail across the globe, establishing colonies and bringing wealth and culture back to Lisbon, which became one of the richest and most vibrant cities in the world.

In 1755, Lisbon was devastated by a massive earthquake, followed by a tsunami and fires that destroyed much of the city—except for the resilient Alfama district. Remarkably, within a year, the city was cleared and rebuilt with wide avenues, spacious squares, and earthquake-resistant buildings. This morning, on our guided walking tour, we will explore Lisbon’s Chiado and Baixa districts, witnessing this architectural rebirth firsthand.

Later, enjoy free time and lunch in Cascais, a charming seaside town famed for its small beaches, pedestrianized Old Town, elegant villas, and excellent restaurants. In the mid-afternoon, we’ll visit Sintra, arriving after the cruise ship crowds have dispersed. Our guided tour will focus on the Sintra National Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site perched on the site of a former Moorish castle, showcasing diverse 15th and 16th-century architectural styles and once home to Portuguese royalty. The evening is free to enjoy Lisbon at your leisure.

Day 7

Located just 6 kilometers west of Lisbon’s center, the Belém district is home to some of the city’s most iconic monuments. The early 16th-century Belém Tower, perched on the banks of the Tagus River, was part of Lisbon’s historic defense system and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Nearby, the Monument to the Discoveries, built in 1960, celebrates Portugal’s Age of Discoveries and features statues of 33 key figures, including Henry the Navigator, Vasco da Gama, and Ferdinand Magellan.

Afterwards we visit the National Coach Museum, which houses a stunning collection of royal coaches from the 16th to 19th centuries. The exhibits illustrate the evolution of private transport, including an exhibition on the Royal Family’s 1807 departure for Brazil. The late afternoon and evening are free for you to explore Lisbon at your own pace.

Day 8

Day 9

Enjoy a free morning to relax or explore at your leisure.

Coimbra, originally a Roman settlement, was conquered by the Moors in 713 and later became Portugal’s first capital during the 12th and 13th centuries. Its university, founded in 1290, is one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious.

In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy a guided tour of the university’s highlights, including the Royal Palace, the Chapel of St. Michael, and the stunning Joanina Baroque Library. The day concludes with an optional  Fado performance, followed by an included dinner in Coimbra.

Day 10

The Douro River begins in northern Spain, flowing some 900 kilometers before reaching the Atlantic Ocean. It forms much of the Portugal-Spain border, then winds through lush vineyards and farmland before reaching Porto and, just across the river, Vila Nova de Gaia.

Our visit includes one of the region’s oldest wineries, where we’ll tour the wine museum and cellars to learn about the production of fortified wines. Aftewards, we’ll board a private boat for a 45-minute cruise down the Douro for stunning views of hillside vinyards followed by an included lunch with spectacular river and vineyard views follows.

Later, we arrive in Porto, our last stop on the tour where will stay nestled in the Ribeira district with excellent views of the Duoro River at the Pestana Porto Vintage hotel (3 nights).

The Ribeira neighborhood, Porto’s oldest riverside quarter, buzzes with small restaurants, bars, street musicians, and lively crowds. From here, the city rises up steep hills lined with narrow cobbled streets, beautiful architecture, vintage shops, and cozy cafés.

The evening is free for you to soak up Porto’s vibrant riverside atmosphere.

Day 11

Day 12

This morning, we journey north to the fairytale-like town of Guimarães, often regarded as the birthplace of Portugal. With its remarkably well-preserved historic center—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—Guimarães offers a charming glimpse into the country’s medieval past. Our guided tour will take us through the highlights, including the iconic Guimarães Castle.

After the tour, enjoy free time to explore the cobbled streets, shop for local crafts, or savor a leisurely lunch at a café of your choice.

On our return to Porto, we’ll pause for a delightful aperitif and wine tasting experience, sampling one of Portugal’s most refreshing northern varietals: Vinho Verde. Meaning “young wine,” Vinho Verde is typically white, crisp, and lightly effervescent, though it can also be red or rosé.

We’ll conclude our day with a festive farewell dinner in Porto’s vibrant Ribeira district, soaking in the riverside charm and lively ambiance to celebrate the journey together.

Day 13

Morning transfers to Porto Airport.