Overview
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. Your hotels here are some of the most splendiferous anywhere. But Portugal also has more hours of sunshine a year than any other European country, perfect for exploring. So you’ll 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 you’ll come face to face with the Portuguese people from cork artisans to winemakers. You’ll get a true feel for the unique tempo and personality of this kingdom by the sea.
Highlights
- Explore Lisbon, one of the most walkable cities in Europe, with insider anecdotes of the historic Alfama district and St. George’s Castle.
- ‘Only with Classic Journeys’, explore Pena Palace before it’s open to the public.
- Follow in the footsteps of 15th-century explorers as you walk dramatic coastal paths to Cascais to mingle with fishermen and taste the innovative Mediterranean fusion cuisine.
- Marvel at standing stones more than 8,000 years old.
- Walk through thousand-year-old olive trees to a private tasting on an estate.
- From the white-washed village of Évora enjoy a nature walk along Aqueduct de l’Agua de Prata, before visiting a working cork factory.
- ‘Only with Classic Journeys’, enjoy a wine tasting and gourmet al fresco dinner in a vineyard.
- Wander the cobblestone lanes and thick stone walls of the fairytale village of Marvão
- Follow shepherds paths on the slopes of the Serra da Estrela mountains to a visit with a cheesemaker on his quinta.
- Cruise on the Douro River in a traditional Portuguese Rabelo boat and walk among vineyards with the winemaker before a tasting and picnic of local specialties.
- Visit the seaside city of Porto, where Port wine originated, including the city’s most famous market, the almost 200-year-old Mercado do Bolhão.
Map
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Starting Point:
Lisbon – 1:30 pm – Lobby of The Ivens Hotel -
Ending Point:
Lisbon – 6:00 pm – Lobby of The Ivens Hotel
Dates & Prices
The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won’t be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. Talk with one of our travel experts at 800-200-3887.
Talk to an expertSelect our “Family Departure” to travel with other families.
Why Choose Classic Journeys
- Experience the world on foot and at eye level. Each day, join your guide on the most cinematic footpaths in the Douro and Alentejo valleys.
- Exceptional full-time local guides who become your well-connected friend. Our amazing guides are with you throughout each day of the tour, sharing their lifelong connections as well as engaging anecdotes about the history and culture of Portugal.
- Small groups that provide you unrivaled access. An average of 10 guests per departure means we can offer you special access to sites like Pena Palace so you experience Portugal’s most visited site when it’s closed to the general public, a private gourmet dinner in a vineyard, and a private boat cruise on the Douro River that other companies cannot arrange because of larger group sizes.
- Award-winning hotels are waiting for you at the end of every day. Luxuriate in the finest and most distinctive boutique accommodations in the Douro and Alentejo valleys
- Eat like (and with) the locals. Food is a foolproof way into the hearts, homes and history of Portugal. From gourmet picnics to coveted local restaurants, our meals offer you opportunities to explore native food traditions and fine dining.
- Handcrafted itineraries with all activities included. With our long-term friendships, we know Portugal more personally than anyone else. So you get thoughtfully curated itineraries that combine explorations of the villages, organic farms, archeological sites and the people who know them best.
- Sustainable travel that supports the places you’re visiting. We put our local currency into the pockets of the people in Portugal. It’s your guarantee that you’ll have authentic, up-close experiences on your trip. Best of all, our person-to-person approach helps sustain their ways of life.
Accommodations
The Vintage House Hotel
The hotel enjoys an idyllic and tranquil riverside location at Pinhão in the heart of the Douro Valley. The Douro is one of Europe’s oldest and most beautiful wine regions, a breathtaking landscape enjoying UNESCO World Heritage status.
The Ivens
A show of colonial Portuguese sophistication and style, this Chiado neighborhood hotel boasts inspired rooms, artistic touches, and a lively jazz club. Historically built as the first luxury warehouse in Old Lisbon, this iconic building caters to world travelers and explorers seeking an oasis in the city.
Convento Do Espinheiro
With its fascinating history and authentic charm, Convento do Espinheiro is a 15th-century convent, considered a national monument, where important nobles throughout history helped shape Portugal’s destiny.
What’s Included
- Award-winning boutique hotels that provide you unlimited access to the people and places, culture and history you came to experience
- All breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 5 dinners
- Full-time experienced guide(s) who are with you throughout the trip and handle behind-the-scenes logistics
- Admissions to scheduled events as noted in the detailed daily itinerary
- Gratuities for hotels, meals, and baggage
- All land transportation during the trip
Above & Beyond Benefits
Invisible Check-In
- When your group arrives, we whisk you and your bags to your room immediately. No waiting – no tipping.
Wine on Us
- In many regions, we uncork wonderful local wines at every dinner, compliments of Classic Journeys.
Perfect Pairings Dinners
- A special dinner prepared by one of our favorite chefs with a procession of wines tailored to each course.
Privileged Access Events
- One-of-a-kind access to remarkable people, places and activities arranged just for you.
Image Gallery
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