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.

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. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

Explore the charming town of Amarante, famous for its sweets, set on the banks of the Rio Tâmega. Walk across the Sao Goncalo bridge, a symbol of the town’s heroic defense against Napoleon's troops. Then, travel to Regua and embark on a cruise of the Douro River, taking in the incredible scenery of the Douro Valley. Follow the river along the Port Wine Route, admiring the terraced vineyards (UNESCO) and enjoying lunch onboard. Disembark in Pinhao and travel back to Amarante for an evening at leisure.

Set out to explore the local flavors as well as the captivating city of Porto today. Begin with a stop at a local market to pick up some fresh ingredients alongside your hosts for the day. Explore the local produce, considering how it shapes Portugal’s regional identities, traditions, and gastronomy. Next, arrive at your host family’s home and join them in preparing a market-fresh lunch together. Then it’s on to Porto, where you’ll join a local expert to discover the hilly city on a walking tour. Take in the sights and sounds of the lively Ribeira neighborhood in the heart of the old town along the riverfront. Return to Amarante for a free evening.

This morning, say goodbye to the Douro region. On the way to the Alentejo, visit the enchanting city of Aveiro, known for its much-loved egg-yolk desserts as well as 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 three-night stay.

Start the day by exploring your equestrian boutique hotel on a guided tour of the Alter Stud Farm, founded in 1748 and home of the Lusitano purebred horse. Then, venture to the hilly village of Marvão and pause to take in dramatic vistas of the plain – on a clear day, you may see all the way to Spain! Your taste of local culture continues today at an olive grove. Learn about traditional olive oil production as you visit the old olive press and enjoy a tasting of the unique oil with lunch. Return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure. Later this afternoon, you may choose to join an optional sunset excursion to see the region by horseback on a relaxing trot in the countryside.

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 during a winery tour and tasting.

Say goodbye to Portugal’s charming countryside as you travel to the 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.

Travel to Belem to see the iconic Belem Tower (UNESCO) and the façade of the 16th-century Jeronimos Monastery* (UNESCO). Learn about the importance of this iconic monastery and then continue on for a guided visit to the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT). After some time for lunch on your own, explore the lively Alfama district of Lisbon, where there are many stories and mysteries to be unraveled. Are we all descendants of Ulysses? How many hills can you climb in Lisbon? Uncover the city’s hidden corners and dark courtyards with a local expert before returning to your hotel for a free night.

*Please note that you will only see the Jeronimos Monastery from the exterior.

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 a guided experience today, you may choose to join an optional excursion to Ericeira and Sintra. From the windswept cliffs in Ericeira to the quaint palaces and villas of Sintra, you’ll hear many fascinating tales. This evening, join your fellow travelers for an unforgettable farewell dinner over Portuguese cuisine and wine, and listen to local artists perform the traditional fado (UNESCO).

Your tour ends today.