This is how it feels to be royalty. Funded by centuries of discovery and empire, Portugal has more regal grandeur than any other country we know. Of course, the great cities of Lisbon and Porto are rich with imperial landmarks. Our hotels here are distinctive and very gracious. But Portugal also has more hours of sunshine a year than any other European country, perfect for exploring. So we taste the country’s treasured port wines on walks in the mountainous vineyards where they’re born. On a glorious coastal trail, you’ll face the churning surf that Henry the Navigator conquered to explore Africa and the New World. And we’ll come face to face with the Portuguese people from salt-panners to winemakers. When you join Classic Journeys on a Portugal walking tour, you’ll get a true feel for the unique tempo and personality of this kingdom by the sea.

DAYS 1-2 - LISBON / SINTRA
We meet in Lisbon, one of Europe’s most colorful capitals, with its pastel buildings and red roofs. On a guided walk, we’ll see the city’s landmarks, including Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery and the 1000-year-old Moorish quarter. Our luxury hotel in Sintra (2 nights) sits in a national park and is the perfect jumping-off point for an exploration of Pena National Palace.

DAYS 3-4 - LUSO
On a morning walk from Guincho to Cascais, we experience the coast in all its glory—from wide golden beaches to steep headlands pounded by emerald surf. And we settle for 2 nights into a splendid hotel, built for a king in the deep-mountain forests of a Carmelite monastery. We’ll wander in those gorgeous woods on a magical walk. They call Aveiro “the Portuguese Venice”, and you’ll agree when you see its lovely canals crowded with colorful gabled buildings. We’ll also be welcomed at one of the country’s renowned porcelain factories.

DAYS 5-7 - DOURO VALLEY / PORTO
Heading inland, the Douro Valley is Portugal’s lushest region, and we’ll take full advantage. On varied walks, we’ll explore Vila Real and the gardens of a 17th century Baroque manor house. A prominent family will greet us at their centuries-old vineyard for a tasting and a picnic on the grounds of the estate. On our final day, we visit the seaside city of Porto, where Port wine originated, to take in the sights and meet local fishermen.