Portugal grand tour: from Porto's wine to Algarve beaches

Porto

Tag 1: Welcome to Porto!

Hello, Portugal! Upon your arrival at Porto's international airport, transfer and check into your accommodation to freshen up. From there, you'll have time to take a leisurely walk along the Ribeira District, admiring the colorful buildings that line the Douro River and soaking up the lively, historic atmosphere.

For a great first day in this much-loved Portuguese hub, make sure to head to Serra do Pilar, a hill overlooking the river and home to a 13th-century monastery. There, you can spend a while contemplating the most beautiful sunset you'll likely see during your trip. Overnight in Porto.

Porto

Tag 2: Dive into the historic heart of Porto

Today you'll embark on a guided half-day city tour, exploring the UNESCO-listed historical center of Porto. Overlooking the Douro River, it's home to several iconic and must-visit landmarks, including the Porto Cathedral, the Casa do Infante (one of the city's oldest buildings), and the beautifully-tiled São Bento Railway Station - a remarkable display of Portuguese azulejo craftsmanship.

In the afternoon, you'll get to enjoy a truly iconic experience: a guided tour and tasting session at an exquisite Port cellar on the riverbank. It is sure to help you uncover the region's historic legacy, as you sip and savor delicious wine.

Porto

Tag 3: Wine tasting & river cruising in the Douro Valley

Wake up to a wonderful day in the Douro Valley - a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. There you'll enjoy a private tour, wine tasting and lunch at the Quinta do Crasto wine estate, located on the banks of the Douro River and sprawled across 135 hectares of land.

After lunch you’ll embark on a rabelo, a typical wooden boat used to carry Port wine to the warehouses in Porto and Gaia. This two-hour cruise is a great chance to sit back, unwind and enjoy the views. Return to Porto, where you'll have the rest of the day to spend at leisure.

Porto

Tag 4: Wildlife & iconic views in Gerês

Today, set out on an excursion to Gerês, also known as the Peneda-Gerês National Park - one of the most beautiful destinations in Portugal for nature lovers. A UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, this park offers exciting hikes across lush landscapes, with stops along the way at historical villages and stunning waterfalls. Soak in the diverse flora and fauna, keeping an eye out for mountain goats and semi-wild Garrano horses.

You'll have an array of lagoons and waterfalls to explore while in the park, as well as viewpoints to reach for incredible vistas - the Miradouro da Pedra Bela and Cascatas do Tahiti are mandatory, though Gerês' best-kept secret has to be the Miradouro do Fafião.

Return to Porto afterwards to relax, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, and spend an overnight stay.

Porto - lisbon

Tag 5: Welcome to Lisbon!

In the morning, say goodbye to Porto as you take the train from Lisbon. There, you'll be introduced to the city on a guided walking tour, exploring highlights such as the Bairro Alto district, the old and character-packed Alfama neighborhood, the striking Lisbon Cathedral, and the hilltop St George’s Castle. Other essential sights on the city's outskirts include the historic Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower.

Optionally, spend the evening at a traditional restaurant where you'll enjoy a live fado performance. For a truly local experience, you could otherwise take the ferry boat to Cacilhas and enjoy dinner underneath the 25 de Abril Bridge, contemplating the city of Lisbon from the southern bank of the Tagus River.

lisbon

Tag 6: Soak up the sights in Sintra & Cascais

Today you’ll embark on an excursion to visit Sintra and Cascais, two marvelous gems within easy reach of the capital. First, tour the fairy tale-like Pena Palace and take a short walk through Sintra's historic city center, soaking up the charming atmosphere as you go. Make sure not to miss the famous travesseiros de Sintra - deliciously delicate pastries filled with a sweet almond cream!

Afterwards you'll head to Cascais, a cosmopolitan hub on the Atlantic coast, for a picturesque stroll through the town and a chance to enjoy some fresh seafood. A local's tip: Portugal's best ice cream shop is Santini, located in the heart of Cascais!

You'll then return to Lisbon, where you'll have the rest of the day at leisure before an overnight stay.

lisbon

Tag 7: A day of exploring beyond Lisbon

You'll have four excursions to choose from today, based around your preferences and mood! You could visit Nazaré to witness its famous giant waves, said to be the biggest in the world. For a dose of religious history, you could otherwise take a trip to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, a major Catholic pilgrimage site.

If you're looking to surround yourself with nature, opt to tour Arrábida and its stunning limestone cliffs, crystal-clear beaches, and beautiful National Park grounds. For a coastal gem of a different kind, head to Setúbal: this hub on Portugal's southwestern coast is known for its rich maritime heritage, vibrant fishing industry, and beautiful natural surroundings.

After a day of thrilling pursuits, return to Lisbon and explore the vibrant LX Factory district, a hotspot filled with shops, art galleries, and eateries.

lisbon - Evora

Tag 8: Journey to the Alentejo region

Leaving Lisbon behind, today you'll take a private transfer to the Alentejo region, where you'll reach the medieval town of Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check into your accommodation and rest after your travels, before setting out to explore your surroundings.

Notable sights here include the Roman Temple and the Chapel of Bones, whose striking penitential architecture features walls covered in human skulls and bones.

After some sightseeing, relax at leisure, enjoy a flavorful meal, and spend an overnight stay in Évora.

Evora

Tag 9: Leisurely pursuits in Évora

Spend the day relaxing and enjoying your surroundings in Évora! Tour a cork farm to learn about its fascinating production process and relation to wine. Optionally, pay a visit to a local winery for another guided tour and tasting session - a great opportunity to unwind after several days on your feet.

Evora - Alporchinhos

Tag 10: To the beaches of Alporchinhos!

Today you'll bid farewell to Évora, as you take a private transfer to Alporchinhos, a relaxing resort area where modern villas dot gold-sand beaches. Check into your accommodation here, preparing yourself for a few days of basking in the beautiful Portuguese sunshine.

Unwind with a walk along the stunning cliffs and beaches, dine on fresh seafood, and spend a tranquil overnight stay in Alporchinhos.

Alporchinhos

Tag 11: Yachting or a day at leisure in Alporchinhos

Depending on your preferences, you've a couple of options to choose from today, as you soak up the idyllic atmosphere in Alporchinhos.

If sea conditions allow, you could take a yacht excursion along the Algarve coast, exploring hidden coves and caves and enjoying a light lunch onboard. Alternatively, choose to tour Alporchinhos at your own pace; we'd recommend visiting the Nossa Senhora da Rocha chapel perched on the cliffs, before relaxing on one of the serene beaches.

Later in the evening, opt to enjoy a seafood dinner at a seaside restaurant, savoring more deliciously fresh catches from the Atlantic, before an overnight stay in Alporchinhos.

Alporchinhos

Tag 12: Explore more coastal gems beyond Alporchinhos

Today, you could also enjoy spending your time at leisure in Alporchinhos, with the choice of two optional activities: take a day trip to visit the charming coastal villages of Ferragudo and Carvoeira, or else set out for Lagos, where you'll get to lose yourself in the historic old town and wander the stunning Ponta da Piedade cliffs.

Return to Alporchinhos later on to relax at your accommodation or stroll along the cliffs and beaches at sunset, before an overnight stay.

Alporchinhos

Tag 13: A final day in paradise

On your final full day in Portugal, you'll get to spend the day at your own pace, relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Alporchinhos.

Why not enjoy a spa session at your hotel or a nearby wellness center? Take a leisurely walk along the coastal trails, soaking up the scenic views as you go. Come evening, opt to savor a sunset dinner overlooking the ocean - a wonderful way to end your trip on a high note.

Alporchinhos - Faro

Tag 14: Goodbye, Portugal

Check out of your accommodation and transfer to Faro, where you'll reach the international airport in time for your departure flight home. Portugal bids you farewell for now - be sure to visit again soon!