Portugal Tours 5 to 7 Days 2023/2024

Portugal Travel Guide

Portugal Tours Things To Do

• 
  Explore Lively Lisbon

  Ancient cathedrals, cobbled alleyways, and historic monuments give Lisbon a unique character. But this vibrant city, set over a series of hills near the River Tagus, has a captivating contemporary vibe as well. Visit world-class museums, stroll on the riverside promenade, or discover hidden treasures in the narrow streets of the old quarter. With its strategic location at Europe's doorstep, fresh seafood is aplenty in Lisbon. And boy, does this city know how to party. Come nightfall and the narrow, cobbled streets transform into a merry drinking scene with everything from classy nightclubs to rowdy bars.

  You Should Know

  The VivaViagem card is a quick and easy way to use Lisbon's public transport system. It's good for travel on the metro, tram, bus, ferry, and funicular. The embedded chip makes it easy to pay for journeys, and it's cheaper than buying single fare tickets. Each person using public transport needs their own card.  

• 
  Take a Day Trip to Sintra

  Located just a short drive from the capital Lisbon, Sintra is a magical place of incredible natural beauty and historical significance. A scenic drive along the Atlantic coast will bring you to a spectacular mountainous landscape carpeted with ferns and lichen, sloping gently toward the Atlantic. The highlight of the region is the amazing palaces, including the beautifully preserved medieval palace, the Palacio Nacional de Sintra. Also unmissable is the vivid Palacio da Pena, perched atop a rocky peak with its turrets piercing the clouds.

  You Should Know

  Pack a picnic and enjoy it in the forested grounds and shaded woodlands of the 200-hectare Parque da Pena (Pena Park), which has a maze of romantic paths, lush fern gardens, and wonderful views of the palace. You can buy a combined ticket to the palace and gardens.

• 
  Catch Some Sun on The Algarve

  It's a magnet for visitors, 4 million of whom come to the Algarve each year. This surfers' paradise on Portugal's southern coast is a tourist hotspot, jam-packed with resorts and vacation homes. Splashy water parks and a sizzling nightlife make the Algarve popular with families and couples alike. But if a crowded beach is not your thing, the protected islands and lagoons of the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa are a treasure-trove of natural beauty waiting to be explored. Venture into the hilly hinterland of the Algarve and you'll discover tranquil whitewashed villages, historic castles, and charming farmhouse restaurants amidst citrus orchards.  

  Best Time To Visit

  The summer season in the Algarve is very busy. You're virtually guaranteed long, sunny days, but be prepared to spend some time looking for a spot on the beach. Winters in the Algarve are mild, so if you want to avoid the crowds and catch some winter sun, this could be a good time to visit. Average winter temperatures are in the 50s and 60s, and while it's not exactly beach weather, it's a great time for an active vacation (kayaking, hiking, golfing) which can be punishing in the summer heat.

• 
  Indulge in Delicious Portuguese Cuisine

  Bacalhau, a dried, salted cod, is a staple of Portuguese cuisine and omnipresent on restaurant menus. You can eat it fried, baked, boiled, or grilled – you'll love the smoky, earthy flavors with a delicate zing of citrus. Other dishes worth trying include cataplana, a robust seafood stew made with whatever's fresh at the fish market that day. And if you have a sweet tooth, try the rich, eggy, custard tarts called pastel de nata, preferably at the shop in Belém that uses a centuries-old recipe to make them.  

  You Should Know

  As soon as you sit down, your server will likely place a bread basket or some sort of "entradas" like a small plate of marinated olives on your table. Don't assume the appetizers are free. In Portugal, you will pay for everything. However, this should not add more than a couple of Euros to your bill. Otherwise, you can ask your server to take away anything you didn't order.  

• 
  Go Wine Tasting in the Douro Valley

  The wine industry in Portugal has undergone a quiet revolution and emerged from the shadows of its more famous neighbors, Spain, France, and Italy. Portugal today produces a wide variety of wines with distinctive personalities, grown in the two main wine-producing regions, the Douro Valley and Pico Island. A winery tour in Portugal is a treat for the senses, with magnificent views of vineyard-covered hillsides and a chance to taste some of the best Portuguese wines paired with artisanal cheese and chocolates.   

  You Should Know

  Don't be intimidated if you're not a wine connoisseur. Everyone can enjoy the experience in Portugal's world-renowned wine country. The farm owners and guides are more than happy to answer your questions. Pro Tip: Don't try to cram too many wineries into your day. Wine tasting is fun when it's not rushed.  

• 
  Marvel at the Castle of Tomar

  Built by the Knights Templar, an organization of devout Christians, in the 12th-century, the Castle of Tomar is an imposing edifice that stands on top of a hill. Enclosed within its walls is the Convento de Cristo (Convent of Christ), a magnificent monument built over 500 years in diverging styles. Particularly arresting is the central rotunda, designed by the grandmaster Gualdim Pais and decorated with frescos depicting biblical scenes. Continue from Tomar to Fatima, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world where three shepherd children saw an apparition of the Virgin Mary in 1917.  

  You Should Know

  Tomar is a pretty little town with a typically Portuguese laidback vibe. Walking around the narrow, cobbled walkways will make you feel like you've stepped back in time. Strike up a conversation with the friendly locals to learn more about their culture.  

• 
  Visit the Magnificent Biblioteca Joanina in Coimbra

  Named after King João V, the 18th-century baroque library, Biblioteca Joanina in Coimbra has an awe-inspiring central hall with elaborate ceiling frescos, decorated arches, massive rosewood and ebony tables, and two-storied gilded shelves that hold some 200,000 volumes on theology, philosophy, law, medicine, and geography, a collection dating back to the 16th-century. This grand national monument of priceless historical value is a sumptuous space that's well worth a visit.  

  You Should Know

  The library is home to a colony of bats that protects the books from insects by eating them during the night.  

• 
  Venture into the Idyllic Portuguese Countryside

  Big cities like Lisbon and Porto have pulsating energy but venture away from the main tourist attractions and Portugal will reward you with charming coastal villages and enchanting hilltop towns brimming with history and culture. Get off the beaten path and head to the idyllic Portuguese countryside, where you'll discover whitewashed walled cities with ancient castles and historic lighthouses with sweeping views of the Atlantic.   

  You Should Know

  You can do day trips to the countryside from larger cities. For example, visit Aveiro, just 75 km from Porto; or Tavira, 30 km from Faro; or Nazare, which is a two-hour bus ride from Lisbon.  

Portugal Tour Packages

• Summer - June to August

  Summer is the hottest, busiest, and most expensive season to visit Portugal. Lisbon and the beaches of the Algarve, in particular, can get very busy during these months. The shoulder months of June and September are better bets because the weather, although still hot, is not unbearably so, and there are fewer crowds.

• September to October

  Autumn is a great time to visit Portugal with water temperatures still warm at around 21C and plenty of sunshine. This is also the perfect time to visit the Douro vineyards where some estates will let you join the harvesting and grape-stomping activities.

• Winter - December to February

  If you're looking for a quiet holiday with mild weather, a winter Portugal tour might be just right for you. There's still a good amount of sun, but it can get chilly and rainy. Some of the beach resorts wind down for the season. However, winter is a great time to explore inland or enjoy a city break in Portugal. 

• Spring - March to May

  Spring in Portugal has mild temperatures (warm but not scorching hot), verdant landscapes, thinner crowds, and easier availability of accommodation. This weather is ideal for active holidays like hiking and other outdoor activities.

Portugal Tours Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I join a Portugal tour from the US?

  There are direct flights from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS). Most Portugal tours start and end in Lisbon, making it easy for you to join the group.

• What’s included on a Portugal tour?

  The price of your Portugal tour includes accommodation in comfortable hotels, all transportation, many meals, and guided sightseeing and activities. Your tour director will be on hand to answer questions and ensure your safety and comfort. You'll also enjoy the company of like-minded travelers.

• How much time do I need to see Portugal in-depth?

  If you're headed only to Portugal, we suggest 10-12 days to experience the country's amazing diversity. If you're joining a combined Spain, Morocco, and Portugal tour, then we recommend a 15-17 days' vacation.

• How much do Portugal tours cost?

  Portugal tours start at around $175 per person per day. We offer personalized services to help you find the Portugal vacation of your dreams at an unbeatable price. Call us today to save money with our biggest discounts on Portugal tours.