Portugal's Old-World Charms featuring Douro Valley, Alentejo & Lisbon
Portugal's Old-World Charms featuring Douro Valley, Alentejo & Lisbon
11 Days Starting in Porto, Portugal and ending in Lisbon, Portugal
Visiting: Porto, Douro Valley, Aveiro, Alentejo, Lisbon
Tour operator:
Tour code:
16222
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Discover the enchanting allure of Portugal on this captivating tour, featuring the Douro Valley, Alentejo, and Lisbon. Begin your journey with a scenic Douro River cruise, surrounded by UNESCO-listed terraced vineyards. Explore the historic walled city of Évora and the vibrant Alfama district in Lisbon. Experience the charm of Alter do Chão, known for its Lusitano horses, and delve into traditional olive oil production in Marvão. Savor the rich flavors of Portuguese cuisine with a home-hosted lunch and a wine tasting dinner in Alentejo. Enjoy a night of fado music, and immerse yourself in the cultural tapestry of Portugal, all while traveling comfortably between Porto, Douro Valley, and Lisbon.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Overnight Flight
Location: Porto
Accommodation Name: Monverde Wine Experience Hotel, Amarante
Ancient castles, historic cityscapes, groves of olive trees, quiet whitewashed villages, delightful cuisine, fragrant wine, and welcoming locals – Portugal awaits with open arms.
Day 2 : Porto, Portugal - Amarante
Location: Porto
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive in Porto today and continue directly to the starting point of your tour in the Douro Valley. Soon you’ll find yourself surrounded by the natural beauty of vineyards in tranquil Amarante – your home for the next three nights. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.
Day 3 : Amarante - Douro Valley - Amarante
Location: Douro Valley
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
Explore the charming town of Amarante, famous for its sweets, set on the banks of the Rio Tâmega. Walk across the Sao Goncalo bridge, a symbol of the town’s heroic defense against Napoleon's troops. Then, travel to Regua and embark on a cruise of the Douro River, taking in the incredible scenery of the Douro Valley. Follow the river along the Port Wine Route, admiring the terraced vineyards (UNESCO) and enjoying lunch onboard. Disembark in Pinhao and travel back to Amarante for an evening at leisure.
Day 4 : Amarante - Porto - Amarante
Location: Porto
Accommodation Name: Vila Galé Collection Alter Real, Alter do Chão
Meals Included: Lunch
Set out to explore the local flavors as well as the captivating city of Porto today. Begin with a stop at a local market to pick up some fresh ingredients alongside your hosts for the day. Explore the local produce, considering how it shapes Portugal’s regional identities, traditions, and gastronomy. Next, arrive at your host family’s home and join them in preparing a market-fresh lunch together. Then it’s on to Porto, where you’ll join a local expert to discover the hilly city on a walking tour. Take in the sights and sounds of the lively Ribeira neighborhood in the heart of the old town along the riverfront. Return to Amarante for a free evening.
Day 5 : Amarante - Aveiro - Alentejo
Location: Aveiro
Accommodation Name: Hotel
This morning, say goodbye to the Douro region. On the way to the Alentejo, visit the enchanting city of Aveiro, known for its much-loved egg-yolk desserts as well as its colorful canal boats, traditionally used for harvesting seaweed. Explore Aveiro’s rich history and heritage, defined by its canals and coastline. Continue along the rolling hills of Portugal to the village of Alter do Chão for a three-night stay.
Day 6 : Alentejo (Alter Do Chão - Marvão - Alter Do Chão)
Location: Alentejo
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
Start the day by exploring your equestrian boutique hotel on a guided tour of the Alter Stud Farm, founded in 1748 and home of the Lusitano purebred horse. Then, venture to the hilly village of Marvão and pause to take in dramatic vistas of the plain – on a clear day, you may see all the way to Spain! Your taste of local culture continues today at an olive grove. Learn about traditional olive oil production as you visit the old olive press and enjoy a tasting of the unique oil with lunch. Return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure. Later this afternoon, you may choose to join an optional sunset excursion to see the region by horseback on a relaxing trot in the countryside.
Day 7 : Alentejo (Alter Do Chão - Estremoz - Portalegre - Alter Do Chão)
Location: Alentejo
Accommodation Name: Turim Boulevard Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Start the day like a true local at the Estremoz city market, an exciting place to be on a Saturday, when the countryside comes to town with baskets full of fruit, vegetables, grains, olive oil, cheeses, olives, and livestock. Peruse the adjacent flea market where browsing can feel like traveling back in time. This afternoon, it's your choice! Enjoy more time in the picturesque Portuguese village of Estremoz to visit a local tile museum -OR- venture farther for a walk along the Serra d‘Ossa walkway in Redondo. End your day by indulging in full-bodied wines from the Alentejo region during a winery tour and tasting.
Day 8 : Alentejo - Évora - Lisbon
Location: Lisbon
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Say goodbye to Portugal’s charming countryside as you travel to the capital of Lisbon. On the way, your journey takes you to the medieval walled city of Evora (UNESCO), known for its 2nd-century Roman temple to Diana and the mysterious 16th-century Chapel of Bones. Arrive in Lisbon in the late afternoon.
Day 9 : Lisbon
Location: Lisbon
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Travel to Belem to see the iconic Belem Tower (UNESCO) and the façade of the 16th-century Jeronimos Monastery* (UNESCO). Learn about the importance of this iconic monastery and then continue on for a guided visit to the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT). After some time for lunch on your own, explore the lively Alfama district of Lisbon, where there are many stories and mysteries to be unraveled. Are we all descendants of Ulysses? How many hills can you climb in Lisbon? Uncover the city’s hidden corners and dark courtyards with a local expert before returning to your hotel for a free night.
Day 10 : Lisbon
Location: Lisbon
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
It’s your day to experience Lisbon at your own pace. With plenty of free time in the capital city, you may wish to check out its famous culinary scene or venture downtown to do some shopping. If you’d prefer a guided experience today, you may choose to join an optional excursion to Ericeira and Sintra. From the windswept cliffs in Ericeira to the quaint palaces and villas of Sintra, you’ll hear many fascinating tales. This evening, join your fellow travelers for an unforgettable farewell dinner over Portuguese cuisine and wine, and listen to local artists perform the traditional fado (UNESCO).
Day 11 : Lisbon - Tour Ends
Location: Lisbon
Your tour ends today.
What's Included
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Douro River Cruise
Embark on a Douro River cruise through the breathtaking terraced landscape (UNESCO).
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Tour of Evora
Enjoy a tour of the walled city of Evora (UNESCO).
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Alfama Neighborhood Exploration
Discover the picturesque, lively neighborhood of Alfama in Lisbon.
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Alter do Chão Visit
Venture to Alter do Chão, a small village with ties to the Lusitano horse breed.
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Olive Oil Production Experience
Explore an old oil press in Marvão and learn about traditional olive oil production.
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Fado Night
Experience a night of fado and learn about this traditional art form.
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Alentejo Wine Tasting
Taste the wines of the Alentejo region during a locally sourced dinner at a winery.
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Home-Hosted Lunch
Savor the cuisine of Portugal during a home-hosted lunch full of local flavors.
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Transport
Travel through Portugal with ease, enjoying scenic drives between destinations such as Porto, Douro Valley, and Lisbon, with a memorable Douro River cruise included in the itinerary.
What's Not Included
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Meals Not Specified
Meals that are not specified in the itinerary are not included.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions such as the sunset excursion in Marvão and the excursion to Ericeira and Sintra are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as shopping, additional meals, and gratuities are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
Experiences
Venture to Alter do Chão, a small village with ties to the Lusitano horse breed.Explore an old oil press in Marvão and learn about traditional olive oil production.Experience a night of fado and learn about this traditional art form.
Options
Lisbon: Seaside Villages to Puzzling Palaces Take a step away from the bustling streets of Lisbon for an excursion to charming seaside Ericeira, once a thriving fishing village. This beach town is now world-renowned to surfers and that aesthetic can be seen everywhere from the coast to the cozy cafes. Take some time to tour the quaint downtown along with your Tour Manager. Next, explore the town of Sintra (UNESCO), the summer residence of Portuguese kings. Your Tour Manager will show you around the Old Town before letting you explore as you’d like. After, venture to one of the most notable romantic palace of Regaleira where on the Chapel of the Holy Trinity, you will be able to descend via a spiral staircase into the crypt to discover the monumental initiation well that, at the bottom, leads via a grotto to a surprising lake hidden in the middle of the gardens. Duration approximately 6 hour(s). Transportation is included.
Marvao: Horseback Riding Through Alentejo Plains Explore trails through the magnificent and peaceful plains of Alentejo. You’ll have the chance to see wildlife and beautiful scenery along the way. Upon your arrival, the perfect horse will be chosen for the right person, but all are very calm and relaxed and adapted to all levels and ages, you will discover narrow paths that cross hills in the direction of the Spanish border, always surrounded by virgin landscapes. Duration approximately 3 hour(s). Transportation is included.
Culinaries
Taste the wines of the Alentejo region during a locally sourced dinner at a winery.Savor the cuisine of Portugal during a home-hosted lunch full of local flavors.
Must See
Embark on a Douro River cruise through the breathtaking terraced landscape (UNESCO).Enjoy a tour of the walled city of Evora (UNESCO).Discover the picturesque, lively neighborhood of Alfama in Lisbon.
Choice Highlights
Douro Valley
Porto Porto, known as Oporto in English, is the second largest city in Portugal, after Lisbon, and is located in northern Portugal. The city dates back to the 4th century. Porto’s city center is one of the oldest city centers in Europe. One of Portugal’s well known exports, port wine, is named for Porto since the metropolitan and surrounding area was responsible for the production and export of the fortified wine.
Amarante
Douro River Cruise
Market Visit and Home-Hosted Lunch
Aveiro The city of Aveiro is a stunning waterfront town where hand-painted boats pass slowly through the canal. Allow your eyes to drift along the nouveau architecture of this quaint fisherman village. Aveiro is known for their ovos moles, a “soft egg” pastry.
Alentejo Travel across the famous Alentejo region of southern Portugal, known for three things; pottery, wine, and cork. Sparsely populated, the Alentejo region is rolling green hills, orchards of sobreiro trees, and vineyards.
Lusitano Stud Farm
Olive Press Experience
Visit a Local Tile Museum or Serra d'Ossa Walkway You have two options available to you. Your first option is to continue enjoying your day in Estremoz with included entry to visit the local museum and learn a bit about tiles. Your second option is to travel a little farther to join a walk along the Serra d’Ossa walkway in Redondo. Take in the beauty of nature all around you along this scenic footbridge walking trail.
Visit a Local Tile Museum
Activity Level: 1
Enjoy more time in the picturesque Portuguese village of Estremoz to visit its local museum.
Serra d'Ossa Walkway
Activity Level: 4
Venture farther for a walk along the Serra d'Ossa walkway in Redondo of about 1 mile with some steps on the way.
Winery Visit Sample the different full-bodied wines from the prolific Alentejo wine region, during a winery tour and tasting. Some wines are even made using the ancient Roman method, using huge clay pots instead of barrels.
Evora One of Portugal’s most beautifully preserved medieval towns, Évora is an enchanting place to delve into the past. Inside the 14th-century walls, Évora’s narrow, winding lanes lead to striking architectural works: an elaborate medieval cathedral and cloisters; the cinematic columns of the Templo Romano (near the intriguing Roman baths); and a picturesque town square, once the site of some rather gruesome episodes courtesy of the Inquisition. Aside from its historic and aesthetic virtues, Évora is also a lively university town, and its many attractive restaurants serve up hearty Alentejan cuisine.
Lisbon Spread across steep hillsides that overlook the Rio Tejo, Lisbon offers all the delights you’d expect of Portugal’s star attraction, yet with half the fuss of other European capitals. Gothic cathedrals, majestic monasteries and quaint museums are all part of the colorful cityscape, but the real delights of discovery lie in wandering the narrow lanes of Lisbon’s lovely backstreets. The Lisbon experience encompasses so many things, from enjoying a fresh pastry and bica (espresso) on a petite leafy plaza to window-shopping in elegant Chiado. It’s mingling with Lisboêtas at a neighborhood festival or watching the sunset from the old Moorish castle.
Belém Standing proudly on the bank of the Targus river in Lisbon is Belém Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This 16th-century tower was where explorers from the Age of Discovery set out towards the New World, across the Atlantic.
Alfama Walking Tour
Fado Performance
Mode of Transport
Travel through Portugal with ease, enjoying scenic drives between destinations such as Porto, Douro Valley, and Lisbon, with a memorable Douro River cruise included in the itinerary.
Accommodation
Stay at the Monverde Wine Experience Hotel in Amarante, Vila Galé Collection Alter Real in Alter do Chão, and Turim Boulevard Hotel, offering a blend of comfort and local charm throughout your journey in Portugal.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a night of fado, a traditional Portuguese music genre, and a visit to an old olive press in Marvão to learn about traditional olive oil production. Additionally, there is a home-hosted lunch where you can savor local Portuguese cuisine.
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Will there be opportunities to taste local wines during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a wine tasting experience in the Alentejo region during a locally sourced dinner at a winery.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay at the Monverde Wine Experience Hotel in Amarante, Vila Galé Collection Alter Real in Alter do Chão, and Turim Boulevard Hotel, which offer a blend of comfort and local charm throughout your journey in Portugal.
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Are there any optional excursions available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional excursions such as a sunset excursion in Marvão to see the region by horseback and an excursion to Ericeira and Sintra.
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What is the significance of the Douro River cruise included in the tour?
The Douro River cruise allows you to experience the breathtaking terraced landscape of the Douro Valley, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It also follows the Port Wine Route, offering views of the terraced vineyards.
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What historical sites will be visited during the tour?
The tour includes visits to the medieval walled city of Evora, known for its Roman temple and Chapel of Bones, and the Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
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Can I pre-purchase optional excursions/activities?
Yes, the majority of optional excursions and activities are available for advance purchase for applicable tours provided that you make your options purchase prior to 15 days of the tour departure. Collette makes it convenient to reserve presold options by visiting our website for a full listing of activities and excursions or when your reservation is made with our reservations staff. In addition, there are benefits to prepurchasing options including a price guarantee once your tour is paid in full. So, while the cost of an optional activity may change from the time you book your tour, once payment is received in full, your preselected options are guaranteed by Collette at their original price. Although you can still purchase options while on tour, reserving them ahead of time ensures you a spot in the event that the activity sells out. Collette will provide a refund if you cancel a presold option prior to tour departure. Any presold options canceled while on tour are nonrefundable.
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Can my children travel on tour?
Children over the age of 5 may travel on a Collette tour accompanied by an adult. Child land rates are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full-paying adults. Participation in any products that include Safari or Game Drive components, is limited to travelers aged 13 and up. This will include tours to Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and India.
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What is the difference between a twin room and double room?
In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than U.S. standard accommodations. A double room is designed to accommodate two people, but may not have two separate beds. A twin-bedded room has two separate beds of any size, and is the type most commonly utilized.
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Do you provide VISA processing for all applicable destinations?
Collette does not process VISAs. Every nation has its own specific requirements. Check the embassy or consulate website for the country you are visiting to find the forms and information you need. The process of getting a VISA can take two weeks to two months.
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Do I need a passport?
Government-issued ID is required for all air travel. A valid passport is required for all trips outside the USA. All passengers should check with the appropriate foreign consulate for entry and validity requirements. We recommend that your passport has six months validity, and at least 3 blank pages. Passports and visas are the responsibility of each client. International Borders. Any child under age 16 (traveling without a parent or legal guardian to Canada) must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. Please be advised that if you have been convicted of an offense, or have committed a criminal act that is an offense under the laws where it occurred and would be an offense in Canada, you may be inadmissible into Canada. You will need to apply for a Minister's Permit of Approval of Rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate. All other travelers should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements in other international destinations. In South Africa, children are required to have a passport as well as additional documentation to travel with you into and out of the country. Please consult the South African Embassy for the current specific requirements related to your travel dates. If travelling internationally with a child under the age of 18, please check directly with the airline for the legal documentation that is required. It is the sole responsibility of the guest to procure the proper documentation to travel and many requirements vary by airline and destination. Collette will not be responsible for costs incurred for missed flights or canceled tours where a guest fails to secure proper documentation.
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Is there a lot of walking on tour?
We pride ourselves on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. Some hotels/lodges in remote locations may not have elevators. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
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