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Portugal Explorer: Porto to Algarve

Portugal Explorer: Porto to Algarve

From $ 4,747 AUD

Description

Begin your 8-day Portuguese adventure in the UNESCO-listed city of Porto. Follow a local guide on a tasting tour of the city’s namesake wine and seafood specialties, then head south to Aveiro – Portugal’s very own Venice. Continue to Lisbon to explore its historic neighbourhoods, cobbled streets and castles – and don’t forget to try a pastel de nata (or three)! Then make your way to Evora to meet local cork producers and winemakers. Wrap up in the coastal city of Olhao with beach time, boat trips and those famous Algarve sunsets. 

Trip Name
Portugal Explorer: Porto to Algarve
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
8
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Journey north to south across the best of Portugal’s cities, beaches and countryside with stops in Porto, Aveiro, Lisbon, Evora and Olhao.
  • Taste the best of Porto on a locally guided tasting tour, sampling port wine, traditional Portuguese salt cod fritters and more.
  • Explore the port city of Aveiro, maybe taking a wander along its saltwater canals lined with colourful Moliceiro boats that were once used to farm seaweed.
  • Learn about the traditional crafts of the Alentejo region during a visit to a cork farm and a winery – complete with a wine-paired lunch.
  • Feel the wind in your hair on a boat trip through Ria Formosa Natural Park. Explore marshlands, look out for wild dolphins and stop at islands that separate the Atlantic from the lagoon.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk., MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Many sites, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). We recommend checking the opening times of anywhere you're interested to visit and making reservations where required/possible.

Day 1 - Porto
Ola! Welcome to Portugal. Your adventure begins in Porto – a colourful coastal city famous for its fortified port wine. If you arrive early, maybe explore the city’s historic buildings like the baroque Torre dos Clérigos or take in the views from the Dom Luis I Bridge. You’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers at a welcome meeting at 6 pm. After, get to know each other at a welcome dinner at a local Portuguese restaurant – just ask your leader if you need any dish recommendations.
Day 2 - Porto
Porto might be famous for its wine, but it’s also a hotspot for foodies. Sample the best of both on a tasting tour with a local guide. You’ll dig into a number of local favourites including pastel de nata (egg custard tart), bolinho de bacalhau (codfish croquettes), broa de avintes (bittersweet bread) and, of course, a glass or two of port wine. The afternoon is free to enjoy Porto at your leisure. Perhaps visit Livraria Lello – considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world – or take in the sunset from Vila Nova de Gaia with another glass of the city’s famous export.
Day 3 - Aveiro to Lisbon
Take a train to Lisbon today, stopping in Aveiro where you’ll have free time to explore (your bags will be stored at the station). Built on the Rio de Aveiro lagoon and connected via canals, the brightly painted Moliceiro boats here resemble Venetian gondolas and were once used to harvest seaweed. Maybe try some grilled seafood or traditional eel stew for lunch before heading back to the station to board an early afternoon train to Lisbon. On arrival, you might like to freshen up, then find a spot for dinner and drinks to get a feel for Portugal's capital.
Day 4 - Lisbon
Start the day with a leader-led orientation walk. Much of Lisbon’s character lies in its grand boulevards, castles, churches and cobbled streets lined with restaurants, bakeries and bars. The rest of the day is free to explore your way. Maybe catch a tram to the Belem district to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jeronimos Monastery, visit the Lisbon Cathedral or wander the medieval citadel of Sao Jorge Castle which sits on the highest point of Old Town. Or if you’re feeling a more relaxed vibe, grab a table at a tavern for some petiscos (share plates) or watch the world go by at a rooftop bar.
Day 5 - Evora
Head to Alentejo today – a region known for its cork and olive farms. Here, you’ll do a guided tour of a cork and holm oak forest. Learn about the centuries-old trees and harvest methods as you explore the grounds with a cork expert. Continue to Évora, the capital of the Alentejo region. This city dates back to Roman times, as seen in the centrally located Roman Temple. Take a break for lunch and ask your leader where the most authentic eats are. After, join your group for an orientation walk. There’s loads to see in a city this old, including one of the oldest cathedrals in Portugal and the Chapel of Bones – earning its name from its wall of human skulls and bones. This evening, maybe head out for an optional dinner with your group.
Day 6 - Algarve
Say goodbye to the Alentejo region and take a private transfer to Olhao in the Algarve. On the way, stop at a local winery where you’ll learn about the production of a local wine variety called Amphora, which is made with techniques that date back to the Roman era. Finish the tour with a wine-paired lunch of local favourites, then continue to Olhao in time to catch the sunset. Maybe kick back along the waterfront with a cold drink, or head out on an optional sunset boat trip through Ria Formosa Natural Park.
Day 7 - Algarve
You’ll explore Ria Formosa Natural Park on a boat trip this morning. Cruising past small islands, fishing villages and marshes, you’ll learn about the park’s unique ecosystem and maybe spot seabirds or wild dolphins if you're lucky. The rest of the afternoon is free to spend as you like – how about unwinding on the beach or taking a stroll through the city’s traditional fisherman’s quarter? Tonight, you might like to gather your group for a farewell dinner and raise a toast to your Portugal adventure.
Day 8 - Algarve
There are no activities planned for today, and your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your time in Portugal, reach out to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
24-05-202631-05-2026AUD $ 4,747-
06-09-202613-09-2026AUD $ 5,267-
20-09-202627-09-2026AUD $ 5,267-
04-10-202611-10-2026AUD $ 5,067-
18-10-202625-10-2026AUD $ 5,067-
24-04-202701-05-2027AUD $ 4,995-
08-05-202715-05-2027AUD $ 4,995-
22-05-202729-05-2027AUD $ 4,995-
19-06-202726-06-2027AUD $ 4,995-
17-07-202724-07-2027AUD $ 4,995-
14-08-202721-08-2027AUD $ 4,995-
04-09-202711-09-2027AUD $ 4,995-
18-09-202725-09-2027AUD $ 4,995-
02-10-202709-10-2027AUD $ 4,995-
16-10-202723-10-2027AUD $ 4,995-

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

Transport

Train, Private vehicle

Map