Portugal Explorer: Porto to Algarve - 8 Days



Who is this trip for
Age range
15 - 99Start / End
- Porto
- Lagos
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 12Meals included
9Highlights
- Taste the best of Porto on a locally guided tasting tour, sampling port wine, traditional Portuguese salt cod fritters and more.
- Journey north to south across the best of Portugal’s cities, beaches and countryside with stops in Porto, Aveiro, Lisbon, Evora and Olhao.
- 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.
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Summary
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.
Itinerary
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/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
Olhao / 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
Olhao / 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
Olhao / 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.
What's Included
Accommodation
Hotel (7 nights)
Meals
Breakfasts: 7, Lunches: 1, Dinners: 1
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Apr 26
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- Save 2%Sun 26 Apr 2026 > Sun 3 May 20266+ spaces of 12 leftPay Monthly£2,445Best offer£2,396Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
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