14-day Portugal train discovery trip

Porto

Day 1: Welcome to Porto & port tasting

As your flight descends into Porto, experience breathtaking views, marking your arrival in this historic city.

Upon arrival, your driver will whisk you to your luxurious retreat in a beautifully restored historic building. Combining elegant modernity with authentic charm, it’s the perfect base for exploring Porto’s treasures.

Once you've settled in, it's time to kick off your adventure with a welcome port tasting at the renowned Calém Lodge. Savour the city’s iconic flavours and soak up the warm ambience of this traditional experience.

Later, head back to your hotel: the evening is free for you to explore Porto at your own pace.

Porto

Day 2: Guided tuk tuk tour

After breakfast this morning, you'll discover Porto’s rich history and culture on an eco-friendly, private Tuk Tuk tour.

Glide silently through the city in a fully electric vehicle with your knowledgeable guide. Starting at Ponte do Infante, highlights include the Campanhã railway station, the stunning Luís I Bridge, picturesque Ribeira and the Palácio da Bolsa. Your journey comes to a close among the serene beauty of the Crystal Palace Gardens.

Once you've finished exploring, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you please.

Braga & Guimarães/aveiro

Day 3: Day trip of discovery

This morning, once you've enjoyed breakfast, you have a choice of trips. You can choose to head for Braga and Guimarães, stepping back in time in the North West. Founded by the Romans in the 1st century, it is one of Portugal’s oldest cities, known for its stunning architecture, deep historical roots and religious importance. Continue to Guimarães, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with charming cobbled streets and well-preserved medieval buildings. Enjoy a traditional lunch before taking a guided tour of this culturally rich city and the castle.

Alternatively, opt for Aveiro, also known as the 'Venice of Portugal', a charming coastal town with picturesque canals, colourful moliceiro boats and Art Nouveau architecture. This trip includes a guided walking tour, ovos moles tasting, a scenic boat ride and lunch.

Afterwards, you'll head back to Porto for the night.

Coimbra

Day 4: Train ride to a city steeped in history

After this morning's breakfast, it's time to check out and bid farewell to Porto, as you head for the station to board a train to Coimbra, a city steeped in history and vibrancy. Set along the Mondego River, Coimbra is home to Portugal's oldest university and an astonishing Baroque-style library, along with numerous religious monuments.

Once you've checked in to your home for the night, head out again and wander through the city, enjoying the lively, youthful culture; you may even hear the Fado de Coimbra, a unique style of fado created by the students here.

In the evening, head back to your hotel to enjoy its beautifully preserved historical elegance and comfort.

Tomar

Day 5: All aboard for Tomar

After enjoying breakfast in your hotel, get ready to take the train to Tomar, a city intertwined with the legacy of the Knights Templar.

On arrival, head to your hotel, set on the picturesque Mouchão Islet, for check in. Your luxurious retreat combines historical charm with modern amenities, including an inviting spa to enhance your stay, so it's an ideal opprtunity to freshen up and take some time to relax.

Don't forget to head back out to explore the UNESCO-listed Convent of Christ, a 12th-century masterpiece, and meander through the tranquil Mata Nacional dos Sete Montes park. For a serene escape, visit Mouchão Park, a riverside haven of oak-shaded paths.

Lisboa

Day 6: Fado in the capital

You'll be making a scenic journey by rail to Portugal's dynamic capital after this morning's breakfast.

Once you've arrived in Lisbon, where your personal chauffeur will take you to your stylish hotel, housed in an award-winning architectural gem. Check in and take time to enjoy this boutique retreat, which has been thoughtfully renovated to blend contemporary design with Lisbon’s rich heritage.

In the evening, embrace Lisbon’s soul at a traditional fado dinner show. Enjoy authentic local cuisine paired with the hauntingly beautiful melodies of fado, offering an unforgettable introduction to this captivating city.

lisbon

Day 7: Lisbon highlights walking tour

After a relaxed morning and a leisurely breakfast in your hotel, you'll spend the afternoon exploring Lisbon’s vibrant neighborhoods on a guided walking tour.

Your guide will take you through the many faces of Lisbon's neighbourhoods, from Chiado and Bairro Alto, to Baixa Pombalina and Alfama. It's the ideal way to discover the city’s rich history, architectural wonders and culinary delights with an expert. 

No visit to Lisbon is complete without a ride on the iconic tram and a stop at a local café for a coffee and pastry, so make sure to enjoy some cafe culture.

Later, head back to th ehotel: this evening is free to spend however you please.

Sintra

Day 8: Castle & coastline

This morning, you'll be venturing to the enchanting town of Sintra, celebrated for its fairytale palaces and dramatic landscapes.

Your first stop is the stunning UNESCO-listed Pena Palace, a masterpiece of Romanticism, where you'll explore the historic Moorish castle with its panoramic views that reach out to sea.

Afterwards, head to Cascais, a chic coastal town with royal roots and charming seaside allure. End your journey in Estoril, famously linked to James Bond’s Casino Royale.

In the evening, head back to Lisbon to explore some more at your own pave or simply to relax at your hotel.

Evora

Day 9: Daytrip back in time

Today, yo'll be travelling to Évora, home to Neolithic monuments and the only Roman temple in Portugal.

Évora lives and breathes history. Guided by an expert, you'll tour this open air museum, including the beautiful Roman Temple, the Gothic Cathedral and the eerie yet fascinating Chapel of Bones. Surrounded by historical landmarks and a dozen churches, Évora offers a glimpse into centuries of fascinating Portuguese history.

Once your imagination has been filled with fascinating stories from the past, make the journey back to Lisbon for another evening at leisure.

Faro

Day 10: Take the train to the south

Afte breakfst this morning, it's time to bid farewell to the capital city and head south to Faro, gateway to the Algarve.

Faro is the site of many stunning landmarks, from Roman ruins to Baroque churches and a Rococo palace. The city also benefits from being located in the scenic Ria Formosa natural reserve, home to golden beaches and tranquil lagoons.

Once you've arrived, take time to unwind at your chic hotel and enjoy its blend of Algarve-inspired architecture and contemporary design.

Faro

Day 11: Cataplana cooking class

You may want to eat just a light breakfast this morning, as later you'll be diving into the Algarve’s culinary traditions with a hands-on cataplana cooking class.

Your culinary adventure begins at Faro’s lively market. There, accompanied by your private chef, you'll select fresh ingredients ready to prepare your feast. Learn the secrets behind this signature seafood dish of the Algarve, as you prepare a three-course meal from scratch. Savour your creations and take home a souvenir apron and certificate to remember your gastronomic adventure.

Lagos

Day 12: Jewel of the Algarve

Your railway odyssey continues today as you take the train to Lagos, a picturesque coastal town known for its dramatic rock formations, beautiful white sandy beaches and lively nightlife.

Once known as Lacobria, the town retains a blend of cultural influences built over the centuries through occupations by the Romans, Visigoths, Byzantines and Moors.

Tonight you'll be staying at a chic retreat with vintage vibes, perfectly situated for you to explore all this buzzing town has to offer.

Lagos

Day 13: Food & market walking tour

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning, the get ready to embark on a food lover’s journey through Lagos with a classic food and market walking tour.

Accompanied by a local expert, you'll visit charming taverns and restaurants. The tour includes the opportunity to sample around ten of Portugal's most traditional dishes. With your guide bringing the town to life, explore the winding streets and discover local secrets and stories along the way.

Afterwards, head back to your hotel or set off and explore some more: the rest of today is yours to spend as you please.

Faro

Day 14: Departure day

After breakfast this morning, it's time to say goodbye to Portugal. Your private driver will collect you from the hotel and take you to the airport in plenty of time for your flight home.