Travel Tours Portugal October 15 – 26, 2026
Enchanting Portugal Tour
- Tour Dates: October 15 - 26, 2026
- Group Size: 10 min – 12 max
- View Portugal Map
- View Itinerary
- Tour Dates: October 15 ~ 26, 2026
- Group Size: 10 min – 12 max
- View Portugal Map
- 5495 Euros/person (double occupancy) with 12 travelers
- 5795 Euros/person (double occupancy) with 10 travelers
- +1545 Euros/person (single occupancy)
- 5495 Euros/person (double occupancy) with 12 travelers
- 5795 Euros/person (double occupancy) with 10 travelers
- +1545 Euros/person (single occupancy)
What’s Included in Portugal Tour
- English-speaking local guides throughout the trip.
- Private transport as mentioned in the program. All airport transfers.
- Accommodation in Five & Four Star mentioned hotels for 2 adults sharing.
- Meals included as described in the program.
- Wine tastings as described in the program.
- Rabelo boat ride on the Douro River.
- Cheese-making workshop in the Douro Valley.
- Herbal infusion workshop at Be Aromatic Organic Farm.
- Entrance fees for the national parks, historic sites, museums, & churches described in the program.
- Aqueduct Fado music performance in Lisbon.
- Cooking Class in Lisbon.
What’s Not Included
- Beverages and personal expenses
- Gratuities
- The comprehensive travel, Covid, rescue, and repatriation insurance
- The individual gear necessary to get along well throughout your stay
- The accommodation supplement for single room occupancy
- The international flight from US/Europe to Portugal and back.
Come to enchanting Portugal, a land of beauty, history, and art.
We will lead you to our favorite destinations, some well-known and others less discovered during 12 days on the Iberian Peninsula. View ornate architecture, dine on delicious Portuguese cuisine and sample delicious wines along the way. Discover the natural beauty of the Douro Valley, the world’s oldest wine-producing region. We visit the historical birthplace of the nation in the lovely UNESCO World Heritage City of Guimaraes, which has just been named the European Green Capital 2026 for its sustainability. We travel in our private vehicle through the stunning landscapes of the Serra da Estrela mountains which parallel the border of Spain. We meander in historic quaint villages whose forts once protected Portugal from invading Spanish armies.
Evora, one of our favorite destinations, boasts Roman architecture and the fascinating Chapel of Bones.
In the countryside outside of the city, we will discover how local herbs are used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Evora is a city encompassing 5,000 years of history, inhabited since Celtic times and with a significant Roman presence in the 1st century AD–the Roman Temple is still standing.
We end our journey in Lisbon, the beautiful and romantic capital where trolleys still clang up and down the hills and Fado music wafts from cafes and restaurants. The UNESCO heritage site of Sintra enjoys a cool mountainside location just outside of Lisbon, which made it a favored summer destination for Portugal’s royals. On our final evening, we bid farewell to this enchanting country during a private sunset cruise along the Tagus River overlooking Lisbon’s colorful waterfront.
Our small group tours in Portugal are limited to 12 travelers. Join us for an experience which will touch your heart and enrich your soul.
Detailed Portugal Itinerary
Day 1: Tour Begins in Porto
Tour Begins in Porto
Arrive in Porto
Porto is Portugal’s second largest city and a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage location. We will stay in a historic property, an 18th-century structure on a pedestrians-only street in Porto’s historic district. The property has been meticulously restored and is a modern (sauna, heated indoor pool, gym, bar & restaurant, etc.) and very comfortable Pousada, a comfortable upscale historic small hotel.
We will enjoy a walking tour of Porto to begin our time together in Portugal.
In the evening, we will take a short boat ride across the Douro River to Gaia, the city where much of the Port production is finished. Indulge in a memorable experience as we step into the enchanting world of Taylor’s Port cellar. Immerse ourselves in the rich history and craftsmanship of this esteemed winery, as knowledgeable guides take us on a captivating journey through the age-old cellars, lined with rows of oak barrels and vintage bottles. Discover the secrets of port wine production, from the vineyards to the ageing process. After the insightful tour, we will treat our taste buds to a delightful wine tasting session, savoring the exquisite flavors and aromas of carefully selected vintages. And then we will be seated for a wine paired meal overlooking the twinkling lights of Porto.
Lodging: Pousada Porto ~ Rua das Flores or equivalent
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2: Porto
Porto
Porto Food Walking Tour
Today, we will walk and discover some of Porto’s delicious culinary offerings—such as the Francesina or Bifana sandwiches or the delicious pastry, the Pastel de Nata. Be prepared for a delicious experience mingled with scenic walks through this lovely city. In the afternoon, you will be free to relax at a café or explore the city independently.
Lodging: Pousada do Porto ~ Rua das Flores or equivalent
Meals included: Breakfast & Food Walking Tour (Lunch)
Day 3: Porto ~ Guimaraes ~ Douro Valley
Porto ~ Guimaraes ~ Douro Valley
Today we strike out to the scenic northern parts of the country, first visiting the historical small city of Guimaraes. It is a brief 45-minute drive in our private vehicle to Guimaraes, which was the first capital of Portugal in the 12th century. They are very proud of the recognition that “Portugal was born here”. The city’s highlight is its perfectly preserved medieval centre, but a young university population keeps things lively. Recently, Guimaraes was named European Green Capital 2026 to celebrate its sustainability.
Then we continue our drive enjoying views of old country villas (quintas) and estates along the route. Portugal’s premier wine-growing region is centered along this mighty Douro River, with beautiful terraced hills gently sloping to the river. In 1.5 hrs we will reach our destination, the Quinta Sao Joao de Barrilario, where we will spend the next two nights.
Lodging: Quinta Sao Joao de Barrilario or equivalent
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Douro Valley
Porto ~ Douro Valley
Today we will spend the day in the magnificent Douro Valley which is the oldest and first officially designated wine-growing region in the world, dating to the 18th century. The quinta, a lovely country estate (usually family-owned) which, in this case, produces its own wines.
In the Douro Valley we will taste our way through the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. With the help of a wine specialist, you will learn how the landscape maximizes the warm sunshine to grow rich, juicy fruits used in Portugal’s world-famous port wine. Follow the curves of the river, exploring the remarkable geography of this UNESCO World Heritage site, and taste exquisite table wines and vintage ports along the way. Visit a hidden winery to discover how the grapes are hand-picked, and taste the local cuisine with a traditional Douro lunch. Finish the day with a 2 hour rabelo boat cruise along the river the valley is named after.
Lodging: Quinta Sao Joao de Barrilario or equivalent
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 5: Douro Valley ~ Serra da Estrela
Douro Valley ~ Serra da Estrela
Enjoy a delightful Cheese-making experience today, starting with a visit to the cheesery, where you’ll learn the art of traditional cheese-making. Participate in a hands-on workshop, followed by a tasting of regional cheeses and other local products. We will explore the producer’s property, where you’ll have the chance to meet the sheep and other farm animals. Finish the experience with a relaxing lunch, surrounded by scenic views and the flavors of the land, a perfect blend of tradition and nature.
In the afternoon, we will check into the very special Casa de Sao Lourenco, a five star boutique hotel in the Serra da Estrela Natural Park.
It was one of the first Pousadas in Portugal, an innovative concept of small hotels where guests could experience true hospitality, the beauty of the Portuguese landscape, and the delights of local cuisine. 70 years later, it is reborn as the first 5-star hotel in the Serra da Estrela.
Lodging: Casa de So Lourenco or equivalent
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch, Dinner at Casa de Sao Lourenco
Day 6: Casa da Sao Lourenco
Serra da Estrela
This morning we will visit the Burel Factory, nestled in the heart of the Serra da Estrela, where centuries-old traditions are kept alive. The factory is renowned for its production of burel, a wool fabric originally used by shepherds to withstand the harsh mountain weather. This resilient textile is crafted by hand using techniques passed down through generations. The factory’s stunning location adds to the charm, and you’ll learn how the region’s history and natural landscape have shaped this unique, vibrant craft.
The afternoon is free. Enjoy a guided walk around the property or hike further afield. Or relax in the spa. Bikes are available as well. The views are stunning and the mountain air is exhilarating.
Lodging: Casa de Sao Lourenco or equivalent
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner at Casa de Lourenco
Day 7: Casa da Sao Lourenco ~ Monsanto ~ Evora
Serra da Estrela ~ Monsanto ~ Évora
Today we depart the mountains and drive through the stunning Alentejo region of Portugal. It is a unique, less visited region of Portugal known for the beauty of its gently rolling hills and historic fortified hilltop towns. Most of the Portugal’s cork trees grow here and the wines produced here are superb. We will visit the small village of Monsanto
An hour’s drive south, we will find impressive (yet tiny!) Monsanto, which proudly calls itself “the most Portuguese” village of the country. Situated high on a hill above the plain, its houses are built among large granite outcrops. At the crest of the mountain are the ruins of an ancient fort which defended Portugal against invasions from nearby Spain. We will walk the narrow lanes and then enjoy a relaxed lunch at a relaxed tasca (a small, family-run, traditional eatery), sampling simple regional dishes.
In the afternoon, we continue our exploration heading south in the Alentejo until we reach Evora, one of Portugal’s most historic and unspoiled cities; indeed, its Roman temple, the Moorish alleys, circuit of medieval walls, 16th-century mansions, and whitewashed houses have resulted in it being awarded UNESCO World Heritage status.
Lodging: Albergaria do Calvário or equivalent
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8: Évora
Évora ~ Lisbon
This morning we will explore the historic center of Évora with a local guide. The walled city of Évora houses 2,000 years of history and today a local specialist will unlock its stories as we explore the UNESCO World Heritage site on foot. Pass by some of the city’s most emblematic sites including the Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones), Igreja de São Francisco, the Roman Temple, aqueduct and the university. Learn about the distinct Alentejo culture and heritage, and the traditions and history of Évora. Fuel up with a coffee and local pastry midway before continuing through the narrow cobbled streets.
For lunch, we will visit a tranquil herb farm, where we’ll explore fragrant fields, taste house-made infusions, and learn about the traditional uses of native plants. Enjoy a light lunch among the gardens before diving into a hands-on tile herbology workshop, learning all about the herbs around us.
Upon returning to Évora, the remainder of the afternoon and evening are free.
Lodging: Albergaria do Calvário or equivalent
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch @ Be Aromatic Farm
Day 9: Evora ~ Lisbon
Lisbon
As we depart Évora, we will trace the prehistoric roots of the Alentejo with a visit to one of the region’s ancient cromlechs, set in a peaceful rural landscape. These megalithic formations, older than Stonehenge, speak to early ritual practices and community life. From there, continue through cork oak forests to see how cork is harvested and prepared using time-honored methods. Along the way, our guide will give us insights into the region’s rich agricultural traditions and the enduring connection between land, history and those who live from it.
Following lunch at a local tasca, we will continue to Lisbon (2 hrs.), our final destination and mainland Europe’s westernmost capital.
Lisbon is a fascinating and inspiring city to spend time thanks to its wonderful waterfront location, balmy climate, and wide range of attractions that combine a place-that-time-forgot feeling with a modern vibrancy that few European cities can match.
In the evening, we will enjoy an experience with Portuguese Fado. As we enter the ancient aqueduct, we’ll be greeted by the haunting sounds of a guitar and a singer pouring their heart out through their voice. The atmosphere is electric, and you can feel the emotion in the air. Fado is a deeply expressive genre of music that tells stories of heartbreak, longing, love, and daily life. It’s a traditional form of music that originated in Lisbon’s streets two centuries ago and has since become an iconic part of Portugal’s culture.
Lodging: Locke Santa Joana or equivalent
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10: Lisbon
Lisbon
It’s time to find out the secrets of Portuguese cuisine! Start at the local market where you’ll meet vendors and discover how traditions still thrive within Portugal’s buzzing cosmopolitan capital. Help your cooking instructor buy the ingredients before heading to the kitchens.
Don an apron, roll up your sleeves and prepare to get your hands dirty. With the close help of your instructor, you will cook a traditional Portuguese fish dish, meat course and sweet dessert. The best part? Tasting the fruits of your labour. Sit down and enjoy this home-cooked meal with a glass of Portuguese wine. You’ll receive the recipes so you can impress your friends and family back home.
Did you know Lisbon is older than Rome? In the afternoon we will enjoy a walking tour of historic Lisbon. Lace up your sneakers and hit the calçada (cobbled sidewalks) for an insightful walking tour that paints a picture of the Portuguese capital’s rich history. Tick off historic sights and landmarks while learning about the significance of each place, admire beautiful colored azulejo tiles adorning many buildings, and soak up panoramic views from the city’s best miradouros or lookouts. Go deeper and get to know the real Lisbon with a local expert leading the charge.
Lodging: Locke Santa Joana or equivalent
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch (Cooking Class)
Day 11: Lisbon
Lisbon
Our morning consists of a half day visit to 19th-century palaces and Moorish castle of the UNESCO World Heritage Sintra.
A local expert will give us a historic overview while we soak up the magnificent views and hear the many legends.
We will return to a free afternoon in Lisbon following lunch in Sintra.
In the late afternoon, we set sail for a front-row seat to a magical Lisbon sunset. Enjoy plenty of “pinch-me” moments as you cruise the Tagus River with a wine or beer in hand while taking in Lisbon’s greatest landmarks and sights, all shimmering in golden afternoon light.
Our Captain and Host will be on hand to share the history of each riverside monument as we pass the Cristo Rei Statue, Praça do Comércio, São Jorge Castle and the Belém Tower, to name a few. If we’re exceptionally lucky, we might even spot dolphins.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: End of Tour
Following breakfast, you will be driven to the airport for your onward flight or return to home.