The Best of Portugal

Description

3 nights – Porto
2 nights – Douro Valley
2 nights – Aveiro
3 nights – Lisbon (with Sintra day trip included)
4 nights – Algarve

✈ UK to Porto (3 nights): Your holiday begins in the charming city of Porto with its cobbled streets and vibrant riverfront, offering a perfect introduction to the country.   You’ll have three nights to explore the city’s architectural delights, including a Romanesque cathedral, belle époque cafés, an Eiffel-tower inspired metal bridge and gothic churches.  Some of the major landmarks include Porto Cathedral, dating back to the 12th century with its Baroque porch and a Romanesque rose window, the Baroque Clérigos Church and the Dom Luís I Bridge. This double-deck iron bridge spans the Douro River and offers some of the best views of the city. Also make sure you visit the Livraria Lello, often regarded as one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world with its neo-Gothic architecture and ornate interiors – believed to have inspired JK Rowling’s description of Hogwarts. Beyond its architectural wonders, Porto is also famed (and named after) its port wine.  Located across the Douro River in Vila Nova de Gaia, you can take guided tours around the cellars to learn about the intricate process of storing and ageing wine.

🚗 🚆 Porto to Douro Valley  (Guimarães or Pinhão) (2 Nights): The Douro Valley is renowned for its terraced vineyards and stunning landscapes, where you can explore the world of wine to your heart’s content by visiting local quintas for wine tastings and learning about the rich winemaking history.  You have two exciting options for exploring the Douro Valley. If you prefer a more direct route, a private transfer will take you to Guimarães, a charming town near the valley, for a two-night stay. Guimarães is a lovely medieval town with beautifully preserved historical sites, including the impressive Guimaraes Castle and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more scenic way to experience the Duoro Valley, a great option is to take the scenic train from Porto to Pocinho. This stunning route winds its way through Régua, Pinhão and Tua, offering picture-perfect views of terraced vineyards, the glistening Douro River, and pretty villages nestled within dramatic cliffs. For a quick two-night escape, Pinhão is an ideal stop en route. It’s considered one of the prettiest towns in the valley and is the perfect place to stay to soak up the stunning scenery and vineyards. You can then complete your trip by taking a day trip to Pocinho to complete the rail journey, with the stretch between Tua and Pocinho offering some of the most jaw-dropping views of the whole journey. If you’d like to fully embrace the rail adventure and enjoy the valley at a more leisurely pace, you could consider adding a few extra nights.  You could even mix things up with a boat trip between some of the stops.

🚗🚆 Guimarães/Pinhão to Aveiro (2 Nights):  From Guimarães you’ll enjoy a private transfer back to Porto before hopping on a train to Aveiro, otherwise from Pinhão you’ll take a an in-direct train to Averio. Affectionately known as the ‘Venice of Portugal’, Averio boasts pretty canals, colourfully painted moliceiro boats, and Art Nouveau waterfront architecture.  One of the best ways to see the city is (as you might expect) is to take a boat tour along the network of canals.  The traditional moliceiro boats were originally used for harvesting seaweed and are now an iconic symbol of Aveiro and a popular tourist attraction. For a spot of history, head to the Museu de Aveiro, where you’ll find religious art and artefacts or visit the Aveiro Railway Station, with its azulejo-tiled façade that depicts scenes of Portuguese life and history.  No visit to Aveiro is complete without stopping at Oficina do Doce, a traditional sweet shop where you can learn about and sample ‘ovos moles’, the city’s signature sweet made from egg yolk and sugar.

🚆 Aveiro to Lisbon (3 Nights & Sintra Day Trip): Hopping back on the train, you’ll head to Lisbon, often hailed as one of the best cities in Europe.  Take a trip on the famous yellow Tram 28 as it winds through narrow, historic lanes and visit the hilltop São Jorge Castle for breath-taking city views.  Don’t forget to sample a warm pastéis de nata from a local bakery – an absolute must! When the sun sets, head to the bohemian Bairro Alto, with its narrow, cobbled streets, great mix of bars and restaurants and the lively sounds of traditional fado music filling the air.  If you love to shop ‘til you drop, Lisbon offers a range of options on the Avenida da Liberdade to quirky shops in the Baixa district. Your itinerary includes a day trip to the magical town of Sintra, just a short train ride from Lisbon, nestled in the foothills of the Serra de Sintra mountains. Here, you can explore the stunning Pena Palace, a fairy-tale-like castle perched on top of a hill. Also visit the Quinta da Regaleira, known for its stunning gardens, hidden tunnels, and the mysterious Initiation Well, an underground tower that is thought to have been used for symbolic ceremonies.

🚆 Lisbon to Algarve (4 Nights): Finally, it’s time to unwind on the sun-soaked beaches of the Algarve. Board a train from Lisbon to this coastal paradise, where dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and crystal-clear waters await. Whether you’re looking to surf on wild, windswept beaches, relax on family-friendly shores, or enjoy vibrant nightlife, the Algarve will not disappoint. Some of the most popular spots include Albufeira, famous for its stunning beaches and lively nightlife, the charming town of Lagos with its quaint old town and dramatic coastline, and Tavira, a quieter destination that offers a blend of cultural sights and serene beaches. For a more luxurious experience, head to Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago, near Loulé, renowned for their upscale resorts, golf courses, and pristine sandy beaches – perfect if you’re seeking pure relaxation.

✈ Algarve to UK:  We’ll transport you to Faro airport for your journey back to the UK.