Portugal Explorer: Porto to Algarve

Ola! Welcome to Portugal. Your adventure begins in Porto – a colourful coastal city famous for its fortified port wine. If you arrive early, maybe explore the city’s historic buildings like the baroque Torre dos Clérigos or take in the views from the Dom Luis I Bridge. You’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers at a welcome meeting at 6 pm. After, get to know each other at a welcome dinner at a local Portuguese restaurant – just ask your leader if you need any dish recommendations.

Porto might be famous for its wine, but it’s also a hotspot for foodies. Sample the best of both on a tasting tour with a local guide. You’ll dig into a number of local favourites including pastel de nata (egg custard tart), bolinho de bacalhau (codfish croquettes), broa de avintes (bittersweet bread) and, of course, a glass or two of port wine. The afternoon is free to enjoy Porto at your leisure. Perhaps visit Livraria Lello – considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world – or take in the sunset from Vila Nova de Gaia with another glass of the city’s famous export.

Take a train to Lisbon today, stopping in Aveiro where you’ll have free time to explore (your bags will be stored at the station). Built on the Rio de Aveiro lagoon and connected via canals, the brightly painted Moliceiro boats here resemble Venetian gondolas and were once used to harvest seaweed. Maybe try some grilled seafood or traditional eel stew for lunch before heading back to the station to board an early afternoon train to Lisbon. On arrival, you might like to freshen up, then find a spot for dinner and drinks to get a feel for Portugal's capital.

Start the day with a leader-led orientation walk. Much of Lisbon’s character lies in its grand boulevards, castles, churches and cobbled streets lined with restaurants, bakeries and bars. The rest of the day is free to explore your way. Maybe catch a tram to the Belem district to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jeronimos Monastery, visit the Lisbon Cathedral or wander the medieval citadel of Sao Jorge Castle which sits on the highest point of Old Town. Or if you’re feeling a more relaxed vibe, grab a table at a tavern for some petiscos (share plates) or watch the world go by at a rooftop bar.

Head to Alentejo today – a region known for its cork and olive farms. Here, you’ll do a guided tour of a cork and holm oak forest. Learn about the centuries-old trees and harvest methods as you explore the grounds with a cork expert. Continue to Évora, the capital of the Alentejo region. This city dates back to Roman times, as seen in the centrally located Roman Temple. Take a break for lunch and ask your leader where the most authentic eats are. After, join your group for an orientation walk. There’s loads to see in a city this old, including one of the oldest cathedrals in Portugal and the Chapel of Bones – earning its name from its wall of human skulls and bones. This evening, maybe head out for an optional dinner with your group.

Say goodbye to the Alentejo region and take a private transfer to Olhao in the Algarve. On the way, stop at a local winery where you’ll learn about the production of a local wine variety called Amphora, which is made with techniques that date back to the Roman era. Finish the tour with a wine-paired lunch of local favourites, then continue to Olhao in time to catch the sunset. Maybe kick back along the waterfront with a cold drink, or head out on an optional sunset boat trip through Ria Formosa Natural Park.

You’ll explore Ria Formosa Natural Park on a boat trip this morning. Cruising past small islands, fishing villages and marshes, you’ll learn about the park’s unique ecosystem and maybe spot seabirds or wild dolphins if you're lucky. The rest of the afternoon is free to spend as you like – how about unwinding on the beach or taking a stroll through the city’s traditional fisherman’s quarter? Tonight, you might like to gather your group for a farewell dinner and raise a toast to your Portugal adventure.

There are no activities planned for today, and your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your time in Portugal, reach out to your booking agent ahead of time.