• Day 1 – Overnight flight and arrival
  • Step into a land where ancient castles crown rugged hills, historic cities buzz with life, and olive groves stretch toward quiet, whitewashed villages. Savor vibrant cuisine, sip fragrant local wines, and connect with warm, welcoming locals—Portugal invites you to explore, move, and experience it all.
• Day 2 – Douro River Valley
  • Arrive in Porto today and travel straight to the heart of the Douro Valley, where rolling vineyards and river-carved hills set the scene. Settle into the peaceful town of Amarante, surrounded by wine country and natural beauty, and make it your home for the next three nights. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a warm welcome dinner to kick off the journey.
• Day 3 – Douro River Valley
  • Today, step inside the elegant Solar de Mateus, an 18th-century manor renowned for its stunning gardens, and enjoy a tasting of the estate’s wines. Later, wander through the charming riverside town of Amarante, celebrated for its traditional sweets and scenic setting along the Rio Tâmega. Cross the iconic São Gonçalo Bridge, a lasting symbol of the town’s brave resistance against Napoleon’s troops.
• Day 4 – Douro River Valley
  • Today, dive into the sights, sounds, and flavors of Porto. Start with a guided walking tour led by a local expert, discovering the character and history of this beautifully hilly city. Stroll through the lively Ribeira district along the riverfront, where colorful buildings and energetic streets bring the old town to life. After the tour, enjoy free time for lunch and shopping, whether you’re sampling local favorites or browsing Porto’s unique boutiques. Later this afternoon, travel just beyond the city for a memorable home-hosted experience. Help prepare a fresh, market-inspired dinner with your host family, sharing stories, traditions, and a delicious meal in a warm, authentic setting.
• Day 5 – Alentejo
  • This morning, bid farewell to the scenic Douro region as you journey south toward the Alentejo. Along the way, stop in the charming city of Aveiro, often called the “Venice of Portugal.” Famous for its vibrant, hand-painted canal boats—once used to harvest seaweed—and its indulgent egg-yolk pastries, Aveiro offers a delightful blend of culture, history, and coastal tradition. Take time to explore the city’s waterways, architecture, and maritime heritage before continuing your drive through Portugal’s gently rolling countryside. Arrive in the picturesque village of Alter do Chão, where you’ll settle in for a relaxing three-night stay, perfectly positioned to experience the timeless beauty and traditions of the Alentejo region.
• Day 6 – Alentejo
  • Start your day in the storybook hilltop village of Marvão, where sweeping views roll across the plains and, on a clear day, reach all the way into Spain. Continue your cultural immersion at a nearby olive grove, learning time-honored methods of olive oil production, touring a historic press, and savoring a tasting of the region’s distinctive oils over lunch. Later, return to your hotel for a visit to the historic Alter Stud Farm, founded in 1748 and celebrated as the birthplace of the noble Lusitano horse. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure—relax or take advantage of the hotel’s amenities. This evening, you may opt to dine independently in the village of Alter do Chão, with round-trip transportation provided for your convenience.
• Day 7 – Alentejo
  • Begin the day the local way at the lively Estremoz city market, especially vibrant on Saturdays when the surrounding countryside pours into town with baskets of fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, olive oil, cheeses, olives, and even livestock. Wander through the neighboring flea market, where browsing feels like stepping back in time. This afternoon, the choice is yours: linger in the charming village of Estremoz and visit a local tile museum, or head out for a scenic walk along the Serra d’Ossa walkway in Redondo. Conclude the day with a visit to a winery, where you’ll tour the estate and savor the bold, full-bodied wines that define the Alentejo region.
• Day 8 – Lisbon
  • Bid farewell to Portugal’s picturesque countryside as you make your way to the lively capital of Lisbon. En route, stop in the UNESCO-listed walled city of Évora, home to a remarkable 2nd-century Roman Temple of Diana and the hauntingly intriguing 16th-century Chapel of Bones. Continue on to Lisbon, arriving in the late afternoon.
• Day 9 – Lisbon
  • Travel to Belém to admire the exteriors of two of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks: the UNESCO-listed Belém Tower and the striking façade of the 16th-century Jerónimos Monastery. With a local expert, explore the rich history and meaning behind this extraordinary monastery before continuing on to a guided visit of the elegant Ajuda Palace. After free time to enjoy lunch at your own pace, head to the lively Alfama district—Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood—where legends, stories, and hidden corners come to life. Are we all descendants of Ulysses? How many of Lisbon’s famed hills can you conquer? Follow your guide through narrow lanes and shadowy courtyards as you uncover the secrets of this enchanting quarter. Return to your hotel in the evening and enjoy the night at leisure.
• Day 10 – Lisbon
  • Enjoy a full day to explore Lisbon your way. With ample free time, you might dive into the city’s celebrated food scene, wander historic neighborhoods, or head downtown for some shopping. If you’d rather have a guided adventure, an optional excursion to Ericeira and Sintra awaits—where dramatic coastal cliffs meet storybook palaces and elegant villas, all rich with history and legend. This evening, come together with your fellow travelers for a memorable farewell dinner featuring classic Portuguese cuisine and wine, accompanied by the soulful sounds of traditional fado music, performed by local artists.
• Day 11 – Tour Ends… or does it ?

Extend Your Vacation there is a Post Tour Extension Available.
Contact Holly to learn More, (414) 433-4873