Discover Lisbon, Porto & the Duoro Valley

Fly into Lisbon and step into a city where history and modern energy intertwine. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, where you can unwind and settle in. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace – perhaps take a stroll through the bustling streets, soak in the local atmosphere, or simply relax after your journey. Your stay will be at the stylish four-star Tivoli Oriente offering comfort and a perfect base for your Portuguese adventure. 

This morning, our guided tour unveils the timeless beauty of Lisbon, a city steeped in history and brimming with UNESCO-listed treasures. We begin at the striking Monument to the Discoveries, a tribute to Portugal’s seafaring legends, before admiring its 16th Century counterpart, the iconic Belem Tower. We’ll also see the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery, a masterpiece of Manueline architecture, we glimpse Portugal’s Age of Discovery grandeur.   

We round off the morning with a taste of one of Lisbon’s sweetest traditions – the irresistible Pastel de Nata. These golden, flaky custard tarts have been delighting locals for centuries, and now it’s your turn to indulge. Savour each bite, perfectly paired with a glass of smooth port, as you step inside a traditional bakery. Here, in the warmth of an open kitchen, you’ll witness the magic behind this legendary treat and uncover a few of the time-honoured secrets that make it so deliciously addictive.

Lisbon’s charm lies in its seamless blend of old and new, vibrant energy and quiet retreats. This afternoon is yours to explore as you wish. Perhaps browse the stylish boutiques of the elegant Baixa district, meticulously rebuilt after the great earthquake of 1755, or unwind with a rich bica – Lisbon's signature espresso – at a local café. Art enthusiasts will be drawn to the renowned Gulbenkian Museum, home to an extraordinary collection spanning from ancient Egyptian relics to Impressionist masterpieces and exquisite Lalique jewellery. And for a true Lisbon experience, hop aboard one of the city’s iconic yellow trams – clattering through steep, winding streets, they remain the most charming way to navigate the historic quarter.

Then tonight, immerse yourself in the soul-stirring sounds of Fado, Portugal’s most emotive musical tradition. Thought to have originated in the 19th Century, these melancholic melodies echo the longing and bravery of sailors who once set out on perilous journeys in search of distant lands. As the heartfelt tunes fill the air, you’ll indulge in a selection of classic Portuguese dishes at a traditional Lisbon restaurant, where the flavours are as rich as the atmosphere. This unforgettable evening offers a true taste of Portugal’s heritage, blending music, history and exceptional cuisine.

A short drive brings us to the enchanting town of Sintra, a hilltop gem with stunning views stretching to the Atlantic. It was here that Henry the Navigator spent his youth, gazing out to sea, unaware of the legendary voyages that lay ahead.

Sintra is famed for its Royal Palace, a former residence of Portuguese monarchs, now a fascinating museum. Admire the blend of Moorish and later architectural styles as we wander through its grand halls adorned with priceless treasures, including portraits of Charles II of England.

Arriving back in Lisbon by late afternoon, the rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. The city’s historic heart is a maze of winding, cobbled streets, still tracing the ancient Phoenician layout. Take a leisurely stroll through these atmospheric alleyways, where timeworn taverns and intimate eateries invite you in with their warm glow.

This morning, we journey north through rolling wheat fields and silvery olive groves to Fátima, a once-sleepy town forever transformed by a miraculous event. In 1917, three shepherd children claimed to witness an apparition of the Virgin Mary, catapulting Fátima into one of the world’s most revered Catholic pilgrimage sites. Today, its vast sanctuary complex is an awe-inspiring testament to faith, drawing visitors from across the globe. Regardless of belief, the sheer scale and spiritual significance of this sacred site make it a truly fascinating stop on our journey.

Heading further north, we arrive in Coimbra, a city where history and academia intertwine. Dominated by its striking Roman aqueduct and one of Europe’s oldest universities – rivalling Salamanca, Bologna, and the Sorbonne – Coimbra was once the capital of Portugal and remains a cultural gem. Strolling through its Medieval streets, it’s easy to picture scholars of centuries past, their cloaks billowing as they navigated the city’s winding alleys. The charming Moorish quarter and inviting squares add to its timeless appeal.

This afternoon, we enjoy an exclusive visit to Coimbra’s prestigious university, with entrance included. A true highlight it its spectacular Baroque library, home to 300,000 volumes and adorned with lavish gold detailing. Perched atop a hill, the university also boasts marvellous panoramic views over the city and beyond.

Later this afternoon, we journey to a vibrant city of Porto, where we settle in for a three-night stay. Our accommodation will be at the stylish four-star Eurostars Porto Centro, offering a comfortable retreat in this captivating riverside city. 

Situated on the banks of the Douro estuary, Porto is a city steeped in maritime history. Once a thriving Roman settlement, its fortunes soared with Portugal’s mastery of the sea routes to India, bringing in spices, silks, and other exotic treasures that shaped the grand city we see today. On our tour, you’ll uncover Porto’s many charms, from its iconic landmarks to its hidden gems. Wander through the atmospheric Praça da Ribeira, where colourful, azulejo-clad townhouses line the square, offering stunning views of the wine lodges across the river.

Marvel at the striking Dom Luís I bridge, designed by a protégé of Gustave Eiffel, and lose yourself in the winding Medieval streets that lead to the city’s imposing cathedral, fortress, and the soaring Baroque Clérigos Tower. Unlike many modern cities, Porto remains refreshingly free of chain stores, instead offering an enchanting array of antique shops, ceramic boutiques, and artisanal bakeries – where you’ll find some of the most irresistible pastries you’ll ever taste.

No trip to Porto is complete without a visit to one of its legendary port wine lodges. This afternoon, we step inside one of the city’s finest, where you’ll uncover the fascinating story of port – deeply intertwined with British history. Named after the city that ships it, this beloved fortified wine originates from the sun-drenched terraces of the Douro Valley, where grapes are still traditionally foot-trodden before aging for years, sometimes decades.

As our tour unfolds, you’ll gain insight into the meticulous process that creates port’s rich and complex flavours. And, of course, the visit ends in a tasting session – savour a selection of these exquisite wines, perfectly paired with local delicacies. With breathtaking views over Porto’s skyline and its iconic bridges, this is an experience to linger over. After which, the rest of the day is yours to explore the city as you see fit.

Today, we venture into the heart of the Douro Valley, following the meandering path of the River of Gold through a landscape of tranquil villages and beautifully terraced hillsides.

As we leave the Atlantic’s influence behind the climate shifts – warmer, drier, and bathed in Mediterranean hues of sunlit ochre. The journey itself is a spectacle, with roads that weave between towering valley walls and skim the shimmering river’s edge, revealing postcard-worthy views at every turn.

Is Peso da Régua, the valley’s historic port wine hub, you’ll have time to soak in the serene atmosphere – perhaps with a glass of local wine at a riverside café, watching the gentle rhythm of boats gliding past. With each twist and turn of the road, another stunning panorama unfolds, making this one of Europe’s most enchanting and undiscovered landscapes.

Our journey then leads us to the charming riverside town of Pinhão, renowned for being part of Portugal’s port wine region. Here, the legacy of port is woven into everyday life, from the vineyard-clad hillsides to the beautifully tiled railway station, where intricate azulejos depict scenes of the traditional grape harvest.  

To truly immerse ourselves in the region’s rich winemaking heritage, we visit a local Quinta, where we’ll discover the time-honoured techniques behind port production and, of course, indulge in a tasting of these world-famous wines, each sip capturing the essence of the Douro Valley. 

Leaving Porto behind, we journey south through a landscape dotted with olive groves, arriving at the enchanting town of Óbidos. Encircled by towering Medieval walls, this historic gem is a labyrinth of cobbled lanes, whitewashed houses, and bursts of vibrant bougainvillea, creating a picture-perfect setting straight from a storybook.

As you wander its winding streets, you’ll feel the echoes of its Moorish past, with the town’s ancient castle standing as a testament to centuries of history. For the adventurous, a walk along the fortress walls offers marvellous views.

Leaving the town behind you will travel on to visit a ginjinha (often shortened to Ginja) producer. Here you will learn all about the manufacturing process of Portugal’s sour cherry liquer. At the end of your tour, you will taste a few varieties of ginjinha accompanied by some sweet local treats, including the country’s most celebrated sweet; Pastel de Nata. 

Our journey concludes in the elegant coastal town of Cascais, just a short drive from Lisbon, where we spend our final night in style. Our stay is at the four-star superior Pousada, one of Portugal’s renowned historic hotels, set within the imposing walls of a 16th Century coastal citadel overlooking the marina.

Once a royal retreat, this remarkable property has been transformed with a masterful blend of heritage and modern luxury. A meticulous €18 million restoration in 2013 preserved its centuries-old stonework whilst introducing contemporary elegance, refined interiors, and striking art pieces. With stylish public spaces, sleek modern rooms, and a refreshing pool, this is the perfect place to reflect on your journey.