Best of Portugal

Welcome to Portugal! Set along the banks of the Douro River, Porto is one of the country’s most romantic cities. Famous for its grand bridges, medieval riverside quarter, and maze of cobbled streets lined with historic houses and lively cafés, Porto is also the birthplace of its most iconic export—port wine. This evening, meet your group and leader at a welcome meeting at 6 pm. Afterwards, you may wish to head out for an optional dinner—your leader will be happy to recommend some local favorites.

It’s important to attend the welcome meeting at the beginning of your trip — during this time, your leader will collect your travel insurance and emergency contact details. If you think you might arrive late, please let your travel agent or the hotel reception know in advance. You can also check with reception or look for a note posted in the lobby for details about the meeting’s time and location.

Start your day with a leader-led orientation walk to get a feel for Porto and its unique atmosphere. One of the best ways to truly experience the city is through its most famous export, so enjoy an included tasting of Portugal’s iconic port wine. Afterward, the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Wander through the UNESCO-listed Ribeira district, where narrow alleys, staircases, and baroque churches create a postcard-perfect setting. You might visit the enchanting Livraria Lello, known for its neo-Gothic design and striking crimson staircase, climb the Clérigos Tower for sweeping city views, or stroll along Aliados Avenue to admire its elegant, French-inspired architecture. In the evening, consider a scenic cruise along the Douro River aboard a traditional rabelo boat for a different perspective of the city.

Porto is quite hilly, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes for today's orientation walk.

Travel by train to Coimbra this morning and set out on a guided orientation walk to discover this charming riverside city, once Portugal’s capital. Stroll through the narrow lanes and lively squares of the Old Town, passing the historic University of Coimbra—the oldest in the country. The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace; you might return to the university to visit its famous library (be sure to book in advance). In the evening, reunite with your group for a traditional Fado performance. Coimbra’s unique style of Fado, deeply rooted in academic tradition, is known for its soulful melodies and poetic, melancholic lyrics.

Your travel time today will be approximately 1hour 30 minutes.

Travel by public bus to Nazaré today, a coastal town steeped in fishing traditions. On arrival, join your leader for an orientation walk through the fishermen’s district, where you’ll see the open-air displays of historic rescue boats at Barcos Salva-Vidas and the traditional fish-drying area, Seca do Peixe. Then, take the funicular up to Sítio for a different perspective of the town from the Suberco viewpoint, perched high above the Atlantic. While there, visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré and the Ermida da Memória. In the evening, watch the sunset bathe the whitewashed town in golden light before heading out to enjoy a fresh seafood dinner.

Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour 40 minutes.

Travel to Óbidos today, a beautifully preserved medieval town just north of Lisbon. Join your leader for an orientation walk through its cobbled streets, where whitewashed houses, historic churches, and ancient monuments create a true step back in time. Stroll beneath the castle walls and admire the impressive fortress that overlooks the town. Along the way, enjoy a tasting of the local specialty, ginjinha—a traditional sour cherry liqueur. Later in the afternoon, continue your journey to Lisbon.

• Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours total.

Discover Lisbon this morning on a guided orientation walk with your group, taking in the charm of Portugal’s vibrant capital. Known for its striking architecture, fresh seafood, and lively nightlife, Lisbon offers plenty to explore—from renowned museums like the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum and the National Museum of Contemporary Art to its atmospheric streets. Enjoy a stop with your group to taste the iconic pastéis de nata, Portugal’s beloved custard tarts. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace—perhaps take an optional trip to nearby Sintra, a fairytale-like town filled with pastel-colored palaces. In the evening, unwind with a glass of wine and local bites as you watch the sun set over Lisbon’s terracotta rooftops—your leader will be happy to recommend the best spots.

With no activities planned for today, you’re free to depart at any time. But your Portuguese journey doesn’t have to end just yet—if you’d like to extend your stay in Lisbon, we’ll be happy to arrange additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).