Compare Highlights of Portugal by Intrepid Travel vs Portugal by Rail by Great Value Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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4 | Great
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| Duration | 8 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 2,259 | $ 1,481 |
| Price Per Day | $ 282 | $ 212 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Take in the highlights of the sun-kissed splendour of Portugal on an eight-day sightseeing adventure from Porto to Lisbon. Taste port in its birthplace, explore riverfront Coimbra and its historic university, and weave through the verdant countryside all the way to the capital. From the leafy Schist Villages to a traditional Fado show, you’ll be experiencing the best of Portugal’s arts and culture. Oh yes – they have pretty good custard tarts too. Put Portugal on your itinerary today with a small-group journey that gets you to the places you need to see. |
Welcome to Portugal! Get ready for an exciting 7 days of culture, history, sightseeing, and more! Your adventure begins in Porto! Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal after Lisbon and is a significant urban area along the Iberian Peninsula. Main attractions here include the Porto Cathedral, Crystal Palace Gardens, Avenida dos Aliados, and many others. Porto is famous for its port wine, so be sure to try a glass (or several!) From Porto, a three-hour train ride will bring you to Lisbon. Portugal's capital city is full of stunning scenery and lively culture. Explore the different neighborhoods, including Alfama, Belem, and Sintra. Visit St. George's Castle and the Jerónimos Monastery. Tram 28 is your best bet for getting around the city and up the hills, so be sure to grab a map and check it out! |
Day 1 Porto
Welcome to Portugal! Stretching along the banks of the River Douro, Porto is one of Portugal's most romantic cities. Known for majestic bridges, medieval riverside district with its cobbled streets, merchants’ houses and cafes, Porto is also well known for one more thing; surprise surprise – Porto is the birthplace of the fortified wine, port. Today, there’s an important welcome meeting at 6 pm where you’ll meet your group leader and fellow travellers. After your meeting, why not get the crew together and head out to an optional dinner – your group leader will know of some great spots to go.
Day 2 Porto
Take a leader-led orientation walk with your group this morning to get your bearings. Otherwise, the day is free to do as you please. The city's World Heritage-listed Ribeira district is packed with twisting alleys, staircases, and baroque churches, and is great to explore on foot. Sao Francisco church is known for its lavish interior with ornate gilded carvings. The palatial 19th-century Palacio de Bolsa, formerly a stock market, was built to impress potential European investors. Make sure you also visit Mercado do Bolhao, Porto's market, one of the city's institutions since 1914. For a sensational view of the whole town head to the Torre dos Clerigos (Clerigos Tower), or head down Allies Avenue to see the French-inspired buildings. Late afternoon, meet your leader and the rest of the group again to test out Portugal’s famed wine on an included port tasting. Oh, and in the evening, why not book yourself on a Rio Duoro cruise on one of the historic 'rabelo' boats to see the city from the water.
Day 3 Porto / Coimbra
The morning is free for you to explore Porto at your own pace. As you’ll be traveling over to Coimbra after lunch, there will be a place to store your luggage for the day. With early evening arrival at your hotel, you can either relax or embark on a stroll to begin exploring Coimbra.
Day 4 Coimbra
Enjoy an easy day in Coimbra at your leisure. Sitting dignified on the banks of the River Mondego, Coimbra was once the capital of the country, and its royal heritage can be felt in its historic streets and buildings. Join your group leader on a wander through the lanes and squares of the Old Quarter and be sure to pass by the University of Coimbra – the oldest in Portugal. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy as you please before meeting with your group again for an evening Fado show. Coimbra's version of the fado is linked to the academic traditions of its university and musicians wear the traditional academic outfit: dark robes and capes. The music is characterized by sombre tunes and lyrics, often about the life of the poor, and inspired by mourning and melancholia.
Day 5 Schist Villages/Aldeia das Dez
Travel to Piódão, an enchanting historical Schist Village celebrated for its distinctive architecture and breathtaking natural setting. Tucked away in the Serra do Açor mountains, Piódão resembles a scene from a fairytale, showcasing charming schist and slate houses nestled into the verdant mountainside. Take a leisurely stroll through the village's narrow, winding streets before heading towards Aldeia das Dez, a typical mountain village located on the slopes of Serra da Estrela. Also known as Aldeia das Flores, its inhabitants have it as a tradition to decorate their streets with beautiful and colourful flowers. Experience the allure of rustic beauty, picturesque landscapes, and a slower pace of life, and immerse yourself in the rich local culture, creating lasting memories in a quaint setting that seamlessly blends tradition with modern comfort.
Day 6 Lisbon
Travel back to Coimbra in a private vehicle and from there transfer to Lisbon by train. After a brief orientation walk, you are free for the afternoon. Much of Lisbon’s character and charm lies in its beautiful renovated buildings, grand boulevards, impressive castles and churches. Maybe visit one of the most symbolic buildings in the city, Lisbon Cathedral, which was built on the site of an old mosque in 1150 by Lisbon’s first bishop, Gilbert of Hastings. Inside are nine chapels, each with their own story to tell, and the wonderful Gothic cloister. Another option is to visit the medieval citadel of Sao Jorge Castle. The citadel dates back to Moorish times and sits on the highest point of the Old Town. Although much of the original castle has been destroyed throughout history, some sections of walls and 18 different towers remain today. Look down on a city swarming with endless angular white houses and buildings with distinct red terracotta rooftops.
Day 7 Lisbon
Make some further discoveries of Lisbon in the morning at your own pace. Roam through the charming narrow streets of local neighbourhoods do a spot of people watching, visit Belem Tower (a wonderful building originally designed as a lighthouse) and the vast, spectacular Monastery of the Jeronimos. Otherwise, head out for a day trip to Sintra – a royal sanctuary full of pastel coloured Romanticist buildings. In the evening, regroup and experience more of Portugal’s way of life by enjoying a glass of wine and some local bites while watching the sunset with your group.
Day 8 Lisbon
With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave at any time. That doesn’t mean your Portuguese adventure has to come to an end! If you wish to spend more time in Lisbon, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Day 1 Welcome to Porto!
Upon arrival, you'll be transferred from the airport to your hotel. Check in, freshen up, and explore the area near your hotel!
Day 2 Porto
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before embarking on a half-day sightseeing tour of Porto! Discover the beautiful attractions Porto has to offer, including the Church of São Francisco! Explore independently in the afternoon, perhaps taking a stroll through the Ribeira district. See if there's anything playing at the Casa da Música tonight!
Day 3 Porto
Today, you're free to explore Porto independently! We recommend taking the tram to Foz, the mouth of the Douro River. Here, explore Avenida da Boavista and take a rest in the gardens of Serralves. Another option is to explore Cordoaria and its many gardens and sculptures. Lello Bookshop is nearby and inspired some of the Harry Potter stories! Tonight, find a waterfront restaurant in the Ribeira district and sample some Port wines!
Day 4 Porto - Lisbon
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before your transfer arrives to take you to the train station! The ride will take approximately three hours. Upon arrival in Lisbon, you'll be transferred to your new hotel. Get settled and start exploring!
Day 5 Lisbon
After breakfast, you'll experience a half-day tour of Lisbon! Discover the main attractions of this colorful city, and pinpoint what you'd like to explore further. Tonight, venture to the Praça do Comércio to find a bite to eat and shop for souvenirs!
Day 6 Lisbon
Today, we recommend exploring Lisbon independently via their famous tram! You'll pass by tourist-friendly attractions including Alfama and St. George's Castle. Belem is another waterfront area that begs to be explored! Find a restaurant here to indulge in a delicious dinner on your final night.
Day 7 Depart Portugal
Enjoy your final breakfast. You'll be transferred from your hotel to the Lisbon airport from your flight home!
