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Portugal Explorer: Porto to Algarve

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Portugal Explorer: Porto to Algarve

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Description

Join an eight-day adventure through Portugal on a round trip from the thriving capital of Lisbon. Feast on culinary delights like pasteis de nata (the ever-popular Portuguese custard tarts), take a guided tour of the fish market in Setubal, tuck into an Alentejan lunch in Olhao and sip wine made in traditional ancient clay pots. With a daytrip to the picturesque Quinta da Regaleira estate in the forested landscapes of Sintra, a visit to a family-run cork farm and a local leader to help you seek out all the best spots to eat and explore, an unforgettable adventure awaits.

Trip Name
Portugal Explorer: Porto to Algarve
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
8
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Start and end your adventure in Lisbon – a city that’s packed with rich maritime history, colourful azulejos (tiles), trendy neighbourhoods and acclaimed food and wine.
  • Wander the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Quinta da Regaleira estate in Sintra, with its striking blend of architectural styles, palace complex, underground tunnel system and famous Initiation Well.
  • Sample local wines made using ancient techniques during a guided tour of a winery in the Alentejo region. See how traditional amphoras (large clay pots) are used in a centuries-old wine-making process, then have an authentic Alentejan lunch.
  • Watch the sunset over the water of Olhao, during your time in the gorgeous Algarve region. Tuck into fresh seafood, take a boat ride on the Ria Formosa lagoon and opt to take a ferry to Culatra Island.
  • Visit the world-class Livramento Fish Market in Setubal. With a local guide leading the way, you’ll watch locals shopping for fresh seafood and sample some tasty regional specialties for yourself.

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 - Lisbon
Ola! Welcome to Portugal. Your adventure begins in Lisbon – Portugal’s vibrant capital city, known for its historic neighbourhoods, rich culture and thriving culinary scene. If you arrive early, you might like to take in the views from one of the city’s many miradouros (scenic lookouts) or visit the 11th-century Sao Jorge Castle or Lisbon Cathedral – the oldest church in the city. You’ll have a welcome meeting with your trip leader and fellow travellers at 6 pm. After, maybe head out with your group to get to know each other over some tasty street food like pasteis de bacalhau (salted cod fritters) or pao com chourico (warm, buttered bread filled with spicy chorizo, served fresh from the oven). Ask your local leader for all the best street food or restaurant recommendations.
Day 2 - Lisbon
Head out on a daytrip to the towns of Sintra and Cascais, both filled with history and fairytale-like landscapes. After breakfast, take a private vehicle to Sintra, where you’ll visit the Quinta da Regaleira estate. See the castle’s unique blend of Manueline, Gothic and Renaissance architecture and stop by the storied Initiation Well that leads to an underground tunnel system. You’ll have some free time for lunch – maybe grab one of Sintra’s famous sweets like queijadas (mini cheese tarts) or travesseiros (flaky pastry filled with almond cream). Then, continue to Cascais. Once the favoured holiday spot for Portuguese royalty, this charming coastal town has a laid-back atmosphere and a lively marina, perfect for a leisurely stroll in the sun. Get the lay of the land on an orientation walk with your leader, then spend some free time exploring at your own pace. If the weather’s right, you might like to seek out one of the local beaches for a refreshing swim. Return to Lisbon in the late afternoon.
Day 3 - Lisbon
Get to know Lisbon on an orientation walk with your leader, taking you past the colourful buildings covered in azulejos (painted ceramic tiles) and through the highlights and must-see neighbourhoods of this fascinating city. Along the way, make a stop to taste the quintessential Portuguese treat – pasteis de natas. These puff pastry tarts filled with lightly caramelised custard are best enjoyed warm, with a sprinkle of cinnamon. The afternoon is yours to spend however you like. You might like to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jeronimos Monastery, visit the historic neighbourhood of Belem, do a ginjinha (sour cherry liqueur) tasting or check out the Folk Art Museum or Calouste Gulbenkian Museum.
Day 4 - Evora
Say goodbye to Lisbon for now and board a private vehicle, headed into the Alentejo region. On the way, make a stop at a family-run cork farm. Take a guided tour of the farm and learn about how craftmanship and respect for the land are intertwined in the process of turning cork trees into beautiful designs. After the tour, continue to Evora, where you’ll check into your accommodation and have some free time for lunch. Next, join your leader for an orientation walk, stopping at the Chapel of Bones. This 17th-century chapel’s interior is decorated with thousands of human bones and skulls! You’ll then have free time to discover Evora at your own pace. The Alentejo region is renowned for its cuisine, so tonight, why not get together with your fellow travellers and try some local specialties like migas alentejanas (pork with breadcrumbs cooked in garlic, olive oil and herbs).
Day 5 - Algarve
On your way to Olhao today, make a stop to visit a local winery that still uses ancient wine production techniques rooted in Roman traditions. During your guided tour and tasting, you’ll see how large clay pots known as amphoras (or talhas) are used to produce distinctive, expressive wines. Next, sit down to a traditional Alentejan lunch with your group, giving you a taste of the acclaimed flavours and fresh produce of this region. In the afternoon, continue your journey to the Algarve region, arriving in Olhao, known for its fishing history and scenic setting on the Ria Formosa lagoon.
Day 6 - Algarve
Start today with an orientation walk through Olhao with your leader. Pass the local markets, full of fresh seafood and local produce, people-watch along the lively waterfront and see the Cubist architecture that gives this city a distinct look. Next, hop on a boat for a cruise on the Ria Formosa lagoon. This protected lagoon is rich in flora and fauna including chameleons, spoonbills and flamingos, and is home to one of the biggest seahorse populations in the world. The rest of the day is free for you to experience Olhao however you like. Maybe take a ferry to Culatra Island to kick back on the beach, take a train to historic Faro, circled by ancient city walls, or visit the salt pans to bathe in the saline pools. If you’re after something more hands-on, consider joining a tile-painting workshop where you can craft a special souvenir to take home.
Day 7 - Lisbon
Travel by private vehicle to Setubal – a coastal city fringed by the mountains of Arrabida Natural Park. Join a local guide for a tour of the city including a stop at the renowned Livramento Fish Market, where you’ll sample some regional specialties. This afternoon, continue to Lisbon, where you’ll have some free time to see any parts of the city you might have missed at the start of the trip. Tonight, join your group for a special farewell dinner at a restaurant in partnership with Refood – an Intrepid Foundation partner working to reduce food waste and feed locals in need. Raise a glass with your new travel friends – here’s to an incredible adventure!
Day 8 - Lisbon
There are no activities planned for today, and your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay in Lisbon, and it’s highly recommended you do, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
06-09-202613-09-2026AUD $ 3,952-
04-10-202611-10-2026AUD $ 5,067-
24-04-202701-05-2027AUD $ 4,540-
22-05-202729-05-2027AUD $ 4,540-
19-06-202726-06-2027AUD $ 4,540-
14-08-202721-08-2027AUD $ 4,540-
04-09-202711-09-2027AUD $ 4,540-
18-09-202725-09-2027AUD $ 4,540-
02-10-202709-10-2027AUD $ 4,540-
16-10-202723-10-2027AUD $ 4,540-
22-04-202829-04-2028AUD $ 4,540-
20-05-202827-05-2028AUD $ 4,540-
17-06-202824-06-2028AUD $ 4,540-
12-08-202819-08-2028AUD $ 4,540-
02-09-202809-09-2028AUD $ 4,540-
16-09-202823-09-2028AUD $ 4,540-
30-09-202807-10-2028AUD $ 4,540-
14-10-202821-10-2028AUD $ 4,540-

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle

Map

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