Portugal, one of the oldest countries in the world, is a food and wine paradise. The Portuguese are the original foodies, and food and wine have been an integral part of Portuguese culture for centuries. Excellent seafood and cured meats (sausages and ham), delicious bread and pastries, and a deep understanding of flavors put Portugal at the top of the gastronomy ladder.
Portugal is also a cultural haven. Lisbon and Porto are magnificent cities, overwhelmed with timeless magic and great places to visit any time of the year. See the spectacular architecture, visit the monuments, and tour historical buildings. A walk through the streets brings to life the culinary traditions of the Portuguese kitchen.
On this eight-day tour, explore the food, culture, and cuisine of Portugal via Lisbon and Porto. Through cooking classes in unique settings, all run by accomplished chefs, you will be able to bring these traditions back home.
Book your culture and cooking vacation in Portugal now!
Cooking classes
Tour Type
Private and Group Tour Private Tour with a few fixed group departures available.
This tour is ideal to get you acquainted with the charming, picturesque country of Portugal. Beginning in the sunny coastal city of Lisbon, the westernmost European capital, take the opportunity to discover at your leisure, perhaps journey to the UNESCO Heritage Site in Jeronimos Monastery, Belem Towers, or, the cathedrals and castles dating back to 1147. Visit the centre of Christian faith in the city of Fatima, home to the renowned catholic pilgrimage site. Take a trip to the north of Fatima, to the ancient city of Viseu and choose to unwind at the beautiful Viseu Cathedral Square and the Adro da Se, a monumental square built on granite boulders. Drive towards the north to the coastal city of Porto, to find Portugal’s best secret beaches and enjoy the modern food and nightlife. Travel south to Lisbon and take in the magnificent landscapes on your way, to end your trip. Plan your trip to Portugal with us and be assured of beautiful memories.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Independent TourTypically a private tour undertaken by one or two travelers
Discover the amazing, world-famous wine-making region in the Douro Valley with our carefully crafted Douro Wine Region hike tour. Hike up and down the terraced vineyards that were built from the schistose rocks from the river up to the hill tops and delight in the rich regional cuisine tasting the world-famous Port and Douro wines from the region.
This self-guided hike tour begins in Sabrosa, birthplace of Ferdinand Magellan and one of the most emblematic towns in the region. Walk along trails through scenic environments, discovering gems such as the noble wine-making village of Provesende and Lalim—a stopping place on the Cistercian monk’s wine route. You will also visit Pinhão, a town in the heart of Douro where the majority of the finest Port and Douro wine estates are located.
Enjoy a serene boat ride on a rabelo, used for shipping young wines downriver to the warehouses in Vila Nova de Gaia, across from Porto. While the monumental city of Lamego invites you to discover local sparkling wine, the typical villages among the terraced vineyards above the Douro River offer breathtaking landscapes that will leave you in awe.
Please see our itinerary for more details.
Wine tasting toursFood tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
English
Destinations
Porto, Peso Da Régua, Douro Vall
Porto, Peso Da Régua, Douro Valley, Sabrosa, Oliveira De Azemeis, Camino De Santiago
This tour gave a wonderful mix of culture, scenery, and wine. From Lisbon’s iconic sites to the serene Douro Valley, everything was carefully planned. I loved every part of it!
Spain and Portugal in low season offer sunny winter holidays, sand and scenery without the crowds and none of that extreme summer heat! This 12-day Spain and Portugal guided tour visits top cities, UNESCO-protected towns and seaside gems to erase your winter blues. Soak up the rays in Costa del Sol and the Algarve. Taste Port wine in Porto and traverse Lisbon’s vibrant streets. Visit Granada (home to the Alhambra), journey through the UNESCO-protected city of Salamanca and do the Flamenco in Seville! Expat Explore’s low season tours offer exciting experiences plus free time in top destinations.
Explorer
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
10-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Madrid, Granada, Salamanca, Cost
Madrid, Granada, Salamanca, Costa del Sol, Seville, Algarve, Lisbon, Porto
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Experience the allure of Northern Portugal on this enchanting 4-day tour perfect for those wanting a taste of the renowned region!
Begin in Porto, where you'll explore the historic Ribeira district and visit the stunning Livraria Lello. Then venture into the Douro Valley, with its rolling vineyards and scenic river views. Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise and taste the region's exceptional wines. Day three takes you to Braga, where you'll visit the impressive Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary and its remarkable baroque staircase, followed by a visit to Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal, known for its medieval castle and well-preserved historical center. On the final day, head to Aveiro, often called the "Venice of Portugal," where you'll glide through picturesque canals on colorful moliceiro boats and indulge in the city’s famous sweet treat, "ovos moles."
This is a private tour that does not include accommodation arrangements.
This Harry Potter Tour in Porto offers a magical journey through the charming streets of this Portuguese city, where J.K. Rowling found inspiration for her iconic series!
Fans will visit the famous Lello Bookshop, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world and rumored to have influenced the design of Hogwarts' library. The tour also takes in the University of Porto, where the traditional black capes worn by students are said to have inspired Hogwarts' uniforms. Throughout the tour, the guide will share captivating stories about Rowling's time in Porto and how the city influenced her writing, making it a must-do for any Harry Potter fan.
Would you like to explore the city of Porto with all your five senses, taste authentic food, and hear all about our cuisine? Then, don't look any further! This is more than a tour — it's an experience where you'll taste the best of Porto and Portuguese cuisine.
On this food, culture, and history tour, you'll experience a perfect blend of the city's tastiest delicacies and its most important landmarks. We’ll visit a local market and explore some of the city's top sites, giving you the chance to discover the best it has to offer.
As we stroll through the historic city center, you’ll taste local specialties, meet the locals, and immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and fragrances of the market. Along the way, we’ll stop at traditional restaurants and uncover much more!
The Minho and Porto biking holiday will give you an almost surrealistic “change of scenery” experience. Starting high in the mountains area, you will literally cycle down to the Atlantic Ocean stretching before you as far as you can see. This land is also blessed by the Minho, Lima and Douro rivers, each of which will accompany you at one stage or another of your ride.
This is a proud land, proud of its maritime history and of the remains of the fortifications that helped keep the Spanish well within their borders. It is the land of fine mountain cuisine and, along the cost, a wealth of fish and seafood dishes, best enjoyed with a glass of Vinho Verde. Best of all, it is a biking journey that will put you in touch with some of the nicest Europeans.
Do take every opportunity to meet the local inhabitants: fishermen and their wives, farmers, the kind lady at the local shop; listen to the stories of the owners of your accommodations. Cycle across the ancient Roman bridge at Ponte de Lima, famous for its beauty and its importance to medieval pilgrims as they made their way from Porto to Santiago de Compostela. Enjoy biking through the North of Portugal at its most authentic.
Scooter and electric bike tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Age Range
16-79 yrs
Operated in
English
Destinations
Porto, Castro Laboreiro, Moncao
Porto, Castro Laboreiro, Moncao, Caminha, Santiago De Compostela, Barcelos, Vila Do Conde
Prepare to travel the Atlantic Coast from Porto to Santiago de Compostela, in Spain. Experience ocean landscapes and fishing ports that supply some of Europe's finest seafoods. Recently approved by the Cathedral of Santiago as an official Camino de Santiago, although it might be the oldest of all pilgrimage routes to the sanctuary where, according to legend, the remains of St James lie at rest. The route takes in seaside villages, sandy beaches, estuaries, country lanes, vineyards and historic towns. Expect to savour seafood menus, fine wines and charming accommodation, including Spain's Paradores - luxury hotels in castles, stately homes and historic sites, renowned for their excellent hospitality and traditional cuisine. The Camino's history of devotion inspires awe, whether religious or not. As you approach Santiago de Compostela, you'll feel the excitement of entering one of the great holy cities of Christianity, following a path forged by centuries of faith and perseverance.
For more detailed information, please take a look at our itinerary.
Mountain biking
Tour Type
Private Tour
Age Range
16-79 yrs
Operated in
English
Destinations
Porto, Santiago De Compostela, B
Porto, Santiago De Compostela, Baiona, Baiona, Pontevedra, Cambados, Bici Carril
On this unforgettable journey through Portugal, experience cultural treasures, scenic beauty and gastronomic delights. Begin your tour in Porto where you'll explore the city's iconic landmarks during a panoramic tour followed by a delightful walking tour of the historic Ribeira area and a visit to a wine cellar in Porto. The next day you will have the opportunity to explore the enchanting Douro Valley known for its breathtaking landscapes and renowned wines during a memorable boat tour along the river and immerse yourself in the rich culture of the region. Afterward you may choose to visit the Vinho Verde wine tasting in the picturesque region of Amarante before returning to Porto. Then you will head south to Aveiro for a Moliceiro boat trip. Your adventure continues as you witness the prestigious University of Coimbra steeped in history and academic tradition and the enchanting Sintra National Palace showcasing medieval charm and UNESCO World Heritage status. Your next stop is Fátima renowned for its significance as a major pilgrimage site and its deep spiritual resonance. Conclude your exploration in Lisbon experiencing iconic landmarks such as Pombal Square Liberty Avenue and Eduardo VII Park while enjoying panoramic views and a stroll through the ancient Alfama district. Finally bid farewell to Portugal promising an immersive itinerary across the country’s diverse landscapes perfect for those seeking budget travel to Portugal without compromising on experience.
