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. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

Begin the day exploring the picturesque town of Amarante, renowned for its traditional sweets and scenic location along the Rio Tâmega. Stroll across the historic São Gonçalo Bridge, a proud symbol of the town’s resistance against Napoleon’s troops. Continue to Régua, where you'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, embark on a Douro River cruise, soaking in the breathtaking landscapes of the Douro Valley. Disembark in Pinhão and return to Amarante for a relaxing evening at leisure.

Today, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and flavors of Porto. Begin with a guided walking tour led by a local expert, uncovering the charm of this hilly city. Wander through the lively Ribeira district, nestled along the riverfront in the heart of the old town, and take in its colorful facades and bustling atmosphere. After the tour, enjoy free time for lunch and shopping at your own pace, with plenty of opportunities to sample local specialties or explore the city's boutiques. In the afternoon, venture just outside Porto to a home-hosted experience. Join your host family in preparing a fresh, market-inspired dinner together, sharing stories and traditions as you cook and dine in a warm, authentic setting.

This morning, say goodbye to the Douro region. On the way to the Alentejo, visit the enchanting city of Aveiro, known for 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.

Begin your day in the charming hilltop village of Marvão, where breathtaking views stretch across the plains – on a clear day, you may see all the way to Spain! Your journey into local culture continues at a nearby olive grove, where you'll learn about traditional olive oil production, visit a historic press, and enjoy a tasting of the region's unique oil over lunch. Later, return to your hotel for a brief visit to the historic Alter Stud Farm, established in 1748 and home to the renowned Lusitano purebred horse. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure – relax and make the most of your hotel's amenities. This evening, you may choose to dine on your own in nearby Alter do Chão; round-trip transportation will be provided.

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 paired with a locally sourced farm-to-table dinner.

Say goodbye to Portugal’s charming countryside as you travel to the vibrant 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 Belém to visit the exterior of two of Lisbon's most iconic landmarks: the Belém Tower (UNESCO) and the stunning façade of the 16th-century Jerónimos Monastery (UNESCO). With your local expert, delve into the rich history and significance of this remarkable monastery before continuing on to a guided tour of the elegant Ajuda Palace. After some free time to enjoy lunch on your own, head to the vibrant Alfama district – Lisbon's oldest quarter – where stories, legends and hidden corners await. Are we all descendants of Ulysses? How many of Lisbon's hills can you climb? Follow your expert guide through narrow alleyways and shadowy courtyards as you uncover the mysteries of this captivating neighborhood. Return to your hotel in the evening for a night at leisure.

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 of Portuguese cuisine and wine, and listen to local artists perform the traditional fado (UNESCO).

Your tour ends today.