Compare Portuguese Wine Tours by Eco Trilha vs Premium Portugal by Intrepid Travel

Day 1: Lisbon

Arrive at any time. An arrival transfer is included from the airport to the hotel. There are no activities planned for this day. Lunch and dinner are not included. Overnight in Lisbon.

Day 2: Lisbon – Sintra

Sintra is 30 km from Lisbon offers a foretaste of Paradise. The soft climate ensures a freshness permanent existence of a luxuriant vegetation make Sintra a deeply romantic and mysterious place. Stand out from the Town Palace, the Pena Palace (Ticket entrance included). Visit Piriquita the pastry of the famous queijada.

See the 16th-century Jeronimo’s Monastery (UNESCO); the Monument to the Discoveries, honoring intrepid Portuguese explorers and their patrons; and the impressive Belem Tower (Tickets are not included). Visit an old patisserie that has managed to hold on to the secret recipe of Portugal’s finest pastry for over 100 years and enjoy a demonstration and tasting of the famous ‘pastéis de Belem’. Visit the castle of S. George (Ticket entrance included), considered the most emblematic monument of Lisbon, the Castle of S. Jorge is a relevant witness of odd moments in the history of Lisbon and Portugal. Conquered from the Moors by the first king of Portugal D. Afonso Henriques.

Lunch and dinner are not included. Overnight in Lisbon.

Day 3: Lisbon – Setubal

Today we visit Adega da Bacalhoa winery and the huge international art collection that the founder has collected. Enjoy the African Culture, Art Deco, Art Nouveau, the largest collection of tiles from Portugal, and the rooms of the stage barrels of red wine and muscatel wine. We will finish our visit with a good collection of wine to taste.

After the lunch (free time), we travel to Jose Maria da Fonseca, one of Portugal’s largest and most prestigious wine companies. Established in 1834 and still owned by the same family, the winery is located in the charming village of Azeitão. Our visit begins with a guided tour of the mansion, including early bottling technique and a display of antique equipment, followed by a visit to the wine cellars. Of course, a visit to Jose Maria da Fonseca would not be completed without a tasting so, at the end of the tour, we will have the chance to get to taste some of the wines that make this winery famous – Moscatel de Setubal!

After the wine tasting, you will have free time in Setubal (the downtown).

At the end of the tour, arrive at the statue of Christ the King, (Cristo-Rei) to see the view of Lisbon from a different angle. Returning to Lisbon, by the 25 April bridge enjoy the great view over the city. Lunch and dinner are not included. Overnight in Lisbon.

Day 4: Lisbon - Óbidos - Fátima - Porto

Your day on Portugal’s “Silver Coast” begins in the medieval walled town of Óbidos village – surrounded by medieval walls and by its whitewashed houses. Don’t forget to drink Ginja. It is a Portuguese liqueur made by infusing ginja berries, and it’s the second most popular alcoholic drink in Portugal after the Port wine. This tour also features the imposing sanctuary of Fátima, a center of Catholic faith and destination for pilgrims from across the world. Lunch and dinner are not included. Overnight in Porto.

Day 5: Porto

Elected Best European Destination 2012 by the European citizens, Porto, is history, architecture, culture, gastronomy, trade, encounters, and discoveries. Walking tours in Porto, visits to the city’s historical center of world heritage and monuments of Porto. Itinerary: Torre dos Clérigos, Livraria Lello e Irmão (Tickets are not included), Avenida dos Aliados, Estação de S. Bento, Ponte Luís I, Sé Catedral (optional: entrance in the museum), Bairro da Sé and Ribeira. On the afternoon a Port Wine tasting. Lunch and dinner are not included. Overnight in Porto.

Day 6: Douro Valley

Some of the best vineyards in Portugal opens the doors for you to the culture and community that are behind a country’s history. This is an unforgettable journey through the beautiful landscapes of scenic mountains and wonderful views. Lunch is included. Overnight in Porto.

Day 7: Porto Airport

Transfer to the airport. End of the program. There are no activities planned for this day. Lunch and dinner are not included.

Day 1 Lisbon

Welcome to Portugal! Your trip starts today with your arrival in Lisbon, Portugal’s joyful capital city. You will be picked up from the airport and taken to your centrally located hotel. In the evening, meet your tour leader and fellow travelling companions for a 6pm welcome meeting, where you will be given a briefing of what lies ahead on the tour. If you arrive with time to spare, perhaps head to one of many outdoor cafes to soak up the city’s energy. After your meeting, join your leader and small group for a welcome dinner at one of Lisbon’s magnificent restaurants. Going out to eat is one of Portugal’s great pleasures, and this evening your leader will introduce you to traditional Portuguese recipes and a local culinary scene that’s exploding with regional flavour.

Day 2 Lisbon

Lisbon is one of Europe’s great cities, famed for beautifully renovated buildings, grand boulevards and impressive castles and churches. Join a local guide for a walking tour through the city. First, take a ride on the historic Gloria cable car – this bright yellow funicular is one of Lisbon’s most photographed images. Then explore the trendy neighbourhood of Bairro Alto, the popular Chiado area and the narrow, cobbled streets of Alfama, dotted with hole-in-the-wall eateries and charming old homes. Pop into a local establishment to try a pastel de nata, a sweet and delicious custard tart and Portugal’s most famous pastry. Visit one of the most symbolic buildings in the city, Lisbon Cathedral. Hear how the cathedral was built on the site of an old mosque in 1150 by Lisbon’s first bishop, Gilbert of Hastings. It wouldn’t be a tour of Lisbon without stopping off to sample some ginjinha, Portugal’s iconic cherry liqueur. Finally, say goodbye to your local guide, then your leader will take you to the fantastic medieval citadel of Sao Jorge Castle and share stories of its history. Although much of the original castle has been destroyed, 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. The afternoon is free to make further discoveries of Lisbon – perhaps roam through the delightful streets of distinct local neighbourhoods, visit Belem Tower, or the spectacular Monastery of the Jeronimos.

Day 3 Cascais / Cabo da Roca / Sintra / Coimbra

Head outside of the city for a full-day excursion from Lisbon to Coimbra. First drive to Sintra, a bewitching place set amidst lush vegetation and rugged, mystical hills. Your leader will explain how the cooler climate made Sintra a summer retreat for royalty, and why it has drawn and inspired many poets, writers and travellers for centuries, including Lord Byron. Spend some time exploring Sintra’s colourful Pena Palace before continuing to Cabo da Roca (approximately 1 hour), a cape which forms the westernmost extent of mainland Portugal and continental Europe. Then, head to the cosmopolitan town of Cascais. Once a quiet fishing village, later Cascais became a residence of the Portuguese royal court in the 19th century and is now a glamorous holiday destination. Take some time to explore the fabulous little restaurants and try some local delicacies before making the journey to Coimbra with a late arrival.

Day 4 Coimbra

Sitting dignified on the banks of the River Mondego, Coimbra was once the medieval capital of the county, and its royal heritage can be felt in its ancient streets and buildings. Get to know the city as your leader guides you through the lanes and squares of the Old Quarter. The real star of the show is Coimbra’s prestigious university – one of the oldest in the world. This evening, immerse yourself in Portugal’s cultural heritage by heading to an included traditional Fado music show. Portugal’s version of the blues is hauntingly beautiful and hearing it performed live is an experience to remember. Your leader can recommend some superb spots to eat after the show.

Day 5 Douro Valley

Travel this morning from Coimbra to the Douro Valley. Famous not only for its sublime scenery, the Douro Valley is known for producing some of the world’s most wonderful wine. Today you will have the chance to find out why as you head out for a tasting tour at one of the region’s best wineries. You can’t spell Portugal without Port, and to taste this iconic fortified wine is to taste thousands of years of Portuguese history. Learn the story of its origins and the history of wine production in the area while discovering which locally produced vino is your tipple of choice. Sit down to a light picnic lunch of rustic regional specialities prepared with fresh local ingredients (and paired with more wine, of course!). Then continue on to your Feature Stay accommodation, tucked away between the rolling hills and terraced vineyards of the spectacular Douro Valley, boasting unbeatable views of the Douro River. On arrival, you may like to make the most of your hotel's scenic outdoor pools, or perhaps grab a meal on the terrace and soak in the scenery.

Day 6 Porto

This morning, enjoy a gentle boat ride on the Douro River, stopping by the lovely little riverside village of Pinhao.Make your way to Porto, a romantic city on the banks of the Douro River. On arrival, join your leader for an orientation walk of the city’s collection of twisting alleys, crisscrossing staircases and baroque churches. Pass majestic bridges, explore the riverside district’s cobbled streets, merchants’ houses and cafes. In the evening, head to the nearby city of Vila Nova de Gaia to end the day with some sunset drinks.

Day 7 Porto

Learn about the history of tiles in Portugal and Porto this morning with a tile - painting workshop. Steeped in centuries of tradition, hand-painted tiles can be seen on the facades of buildings and churches, telling the stories of Portugal’s past with vibrant colors and designs. Enjoy a free afternoon, perhaps head to one of the city’s riverfront cafes for a coffee and pastry overlooking the colourful rows of old houses, or take a walk around the World Heritage listed Ribeira district. Another option is to take the local train to the seaside city of Matosinhos where you can relax on the beach, dine at the fresh seafood restaurants or stroll along the promenade. Regroup in the evening for a final dinner at one of Porto’s excellent local restaurants.

Day 8 Porto

There are no activities planned for today, and as such, you are free to leave at any time. If you wish to spend some more time exploring Porto, we will be happy to arrange additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).