Discover Portugal 2025

Discover Portugal 2025

65 Views

Discover Portugal 2025

10 Days Starting in Lisbon and ending in Porto

Visiting: Portugal

Tour operator:

Back-Roads Touring

Tour code:

BDPLP5

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

From charming medieval villages to the cobbled streets of Porto, the empires of the past have left their mark on this captivating Iberian nation. Uncover the real Portugal as we journey from Gothic cities to cinematic rural scenery – taking in world-famous pilgrimage sites, sumptuous local cuisine and ancient customs as we go.

Highlights

  • Visit the famous University and legendary Joanina Library in Coimbra

  • Marvel at the historic architecture and explore the labyrinth of cobblestone streets in Óbidos

  • Learn about the castle, the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, and the historic city centre in Guimarães

  • Take a guided tour of Sintra National Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site

  • Indulge in a tasting of delicious locally produced cheeses near Viseu

  • Explore the wonderfully atmospheric and history-laden streets of Coimbra

  • Enjoy a scenic ride along the Douro River in a traditional rabelo boat

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Lisbon (Portugal)

Accommodation: Turim Terreiro do Paço Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Dinner

Welcome to Lisbon – a mesmerising capital filled with Gothic glamour and enthralling culture. After meeting the group at the hotel, we’ll kick off our adventure with a group dinner accompanied by an atmospheric Fado performance. Here’s to the journey ahead!

Day 2: Lisbon – Sintra – Lisbon

Accommodation: Turim Terreiro do Paço Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we’ll pay a visit to a local tile painting atelier – where you’ll have the opportunity to try your hand at producing your own keepsake before we move on to medieval Sintra. Here, we’ll enjoy a guided tour of Sintra National Palace – a treasured regal residence and designated UNESCO World Heritage site. After enjoying an afternoon of free time to explore this captivating town, we’ll return to Lisbon.

Day 3: Lisbon – Óbidos And Nazaré – Alvados

Accommodation: Cooking and Nature Emotional Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The gorgeous village of Óbidos will be our first point of call today – where we’ll marvel at the historic architecture and explore the labyrinth of cobblestone streets on an orientation tour. Our next stop is the charming fishing town of Nazaré. Here, we’ll enjoy some free time to wander at our leisure before continuing to Alvados – where a Portuguese cookery lesson and sumptuous dinner awaits. Ready to roll up those sleeves?

Day 4: Alvados – Tomar – Alvados

Accommodation: Cooking and Nature Emotional Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we’ll continue our journey to Tomar, where we’ll visit the World Heritage-listed Convent of Christ. Known as the Knights Templar City, Tomar is a historic jewel just waiting to be uncovered – and we’ll have some free time to do just that. Before returning to Alvados, there’s a treat in store for the food connoisseurs among us! We’ll pay a visit to an olive oil producer, where we’ll learn about their production processes and have the chance to taste some of the local oil. This evening is ours to enjoy the hotel facilities or explore the surrounding walking trails.

Day 5: Alvados – Coimbra – Viseu

Accommodation: Hotel Palacio dos Melos (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Along the road to Viseu, we’ll travel to Coimbra – where a visit to the famous University and legendary Joanina Library awaits. Enjoy wandering the historic grounds and admiring the magnificent views over the River Mondego before having some free time to explore the city’s medieval centre. Later, we’ll make tracks to Viseu. Here, a traditional cheesemaker will let us in on the secrets behind Viseu’s delicious buttery cheese and we’ll have the chance to taste some for ourselves. Then, the evening is ours to enjoy at leisure.

Day 6: Viseu – Lamego, Pinhão And Peso Da Régua – Douro Valley

Accommodation: Quinta da Pacheca (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

First up today, Lamego: a historic town nestled deep within the Douro Valley and home to an astonishing Baroque staircase. After an included visit to the beautiful 18th-century Shrine of Our Lady of Remedies, we’ll have some time to explore at our own pace. Later, we’ll turn our attention to Pinhão –where a cruise in a traditional rabelo boat awaits. Bask in the cinematic scenery of the Douro Valley as we enjoy a leisurely ride to Peso da Régua. And tonight? There’s another sumptuous dinner in store at our hotel.

Day 7: Douro Valley

Accommodation: Quinta da Pacheca (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The scenic, vineyard-dotted landscapes of the Douro Valley make a serene backdrop for our free day today. Enjoy the day relaxing by the pool at our hotel or exploring the surrounding landscape on a leisurely hike – there’s plenty of time to indulge in a drop or two of the region’s famous wines before we reconvene for a delicious dinner at the hotel.

Day 8: Douro Valley – Amarante And Penafiel – Braga

Accommodation: Hotel Vila Galé Collection Braga (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we’ll head to Amarante – a sleepy riverside town dominated by its striking arched bridge and 16th-century São Gonçalo Church. We’ll take some time to marvel at the lofty interiors of the church before exploring the town at our leisure. After lunch, we’ll set a course for Penafiel where we’ll savour a glass of the region’s famous green wine and learn more about the winemaking process. An evening of leisure awaits once we arrive in lovely Braga.

Day 9: Braga – Guimarães – Braga

Accommodation: Hotel Vila Galé Collection Braga (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we’ll set our sights on Guimarães – where we’ll learn about the castle, the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza and the historic city centre on a guided walking tour. After our tour, we’ll have time to roam the medieval streets at our own pace before returning to Braga for an afternoon of free time. While you’re here, be sure to tick off the Bom Jesus Sanctuary – it’s one of Portugal’s most famous attractions for good reason! This evening, we’ll tuck into one last dinner together – with a traditional folk performance as the grand finale.

Day 10: Braga – Porto

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our final destination will be Porto, where we’ll tick off some important landmarks – including the Clérigos Tower, Aliados Avenue, the Ribeira district and the cathedral on an orientation tour. Later this afternoon we’ll say our goodbyes as our journey comes to an end.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Stay in comfort at the Turim Terreiro do Paco Hotel in Lisbon, the Cooking and Nature Emotional Hotel in Alvados, the Hotel Palacio dos Melos in Viseu, the Quinta da Pacheca in the Douro Valley, and the Hotel Vila Galé Collection Braga in Braga.

  • Guide

    Experienced Tour Leader and Driver

  • Transport

    Premium mini-coach transportation

  • Meals

    Group dinner with Fado performance on Day 1, breakfast on Day 2, breakfast and dinner on Day 3, breakfast on Day 4, breakfast on Day 5, breakfast and dinner on Day 6, breakfast and dinner on Day 7, breakfast on Day 8, breakfast and dinner on Day 9, and breakfast on Day 10.

  • Activities

    Scenic ride along the Douro River in a traditional rabelo boat, tasting of locally produced cheeses near Viseu, and exploration of the streets of Coimbra.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with premium mini-coach transportation, ensuring a comfortable and scenic journey throughout Portugal.

Check out our Q&As

  • What are some of the highlights of the tour?

    Highlights of the tour include a scenic ride along the Douro River in a traditional rabelo boat, a tasting of delicious locally produced cheeses near Viseu, and exploring the atmospheric and history-laden streets of Coimbra.

  • Is there a guide provided during the tour?

    Yes, an experienced Tour Leader and Driver will be provided.

  • What activities are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a variety of activities such as a group dinner with a Fado performance in Lisbon, a visit to a tile painting atelier, a guided tour of Sintra National Palace, a Portuguese cookery lesson, a visit to the Convent of Christ in Tomar, a visit to an olive oil producer, a visit to the University of Coimbra and Joanina Library, a tasting of locally produced cheeses in Viseu, a cruise in a traditional rabelo boat in the Douro Valley, and a visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Remedies in Lamego.

  • What kind of meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes various meals such as group dinners, breakfasts, and some lunches. Specific meals are provided at different locations, including a Portuguese cookery lesson and dinner in Alvados, and dinners at the hotel in the Douro Valley.

  • Are there any special performances included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes a Fado performance during the group dinner in Lisbon and a traditional folk performance during the final dinner in Braga.

  • Will there be any free time to explore on my own?

    Yes, there will be free time to explore in various locations such as Sintra, Nazaré, Tomar, Coimbra, Lamego, Braga, and Guimarães.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

    You will stay in comfort at the Turim Terreiro do Paço Hotel in Lisbon, the Cooking and Nature Emotional Hotel in Alvados, the Hotel Palacio dos Melos in Viseu, the Quinta da Pacheca in the Douro Valley, and the Hotel Vila Galé Collection Braga in Braga.

  • What type of transportation is provided during the tour?

    Travel in style with premium mini-coach transportation, ensuring a comfortable and scenic journey throughout Portugal.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    We have solo capacity, however no single share.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Upon final payments, we will distribute E-Documentation to all of our guests. Dont forget we also have our App to download as an added feature.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Like-minded travellers awaiting the opportunity to explore the less explored regions. Interests in food, wine, history, art as well as wartimes there will be a great mix of people to connect with on tour.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We have our COVID Assurance Policy, Book now and relax knowing you are covered under our new COVID-19 Assurance Policy. At no additional cost to you, new bookings are now 100% refundable in the unfortunate event you are diagnosed with COVID-19 or unable to travel due to government-enforced lock downs prior to your scheduled departure date.

  • What level of mobility do I need?

    You need to be fit enough to get on and off the vehicle on a regular basis, and to walk both to attractions and around towns and villages. You also need to be able to walk up and down stairs in the hotels and use a shower over the bath. We frequently use traditional style hotels and the majority will not have lifts or ground floor rooms.

  • Who goes on Back-Roads tours?

    The majority of our guests come from Canada, the USA, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. All tour commentaries are in English. Our tours appeal to those looking for a more relaxing style of travel, and who enjoy culture, good food, meeting like-minded people and exploring destinations in depth.

  • What is the minimum age for any Back-Roads Touring trip?

    The minimum age on all of our trips is 18 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    All Hotels in line with protocols following the World Health Organisation meet and exceed requirements for all Touring with us.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Back-Roads Touring has been operating from the UK for over 30 years.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    Inline with our booking flexibility policy, you are able to make as many changes as required up to 60 days from departue - with 1 last included up until 30 days out.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Generally no, but in extraordinary circumstances it can be looked at.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Anonymous  

Discover Portugal 2025

15-Aug-2024

The tour was fabulous the tour guide Rocio was extremely informative and friendly lots of fun and very kind. It is very nice to have a driver who is such a gentleman and an excellent driver I felt very safe Melo was his name

Anonymous  

Discover Portugal 2025

01-Aug-2023

It was easy to book and easy to deal with Backroads.

David an  

Discover Portugal 2025

20-Aug-2024

loved the size of our bus (16) people tour. Top guide very friendly and caring. everything we visited was great with added touches by the guide Accommodation was tops Bus driver was part of our tour he joined in.

Anonymous  

Discover Portugal 2025

01-Jul-2023

Anonymous  

Discover Portugal 2025

22-May-2023

Anonymous  

Discover Portugal 2025

10-Aug-2023

Great tour guide, driver and itinerary. Good mix of cultural and historical places of interest. Everything ran very smoothly and we were blessed with perfect weather.

Anonymous  

Discover Portugal 2025

21-Jun-2024

The was excellent , the crew Laura and Mello, were first class. The planning, the detail, and the thought that went into the trip rates it right up there. Congratulations and we will be recommending Back Roads. Rob Elliot.

Anonymous  

Discover Portugal 2025

23-Jun-2023

Anonymous  

Discover Portugal 2025

26-May-2024

I enjoyed the tour. The accommodation was very good. The tour leader and driver were excellent and very helpful. I think however the tour could have been a few days longer, as in some places there was insufficient time and felt very rushed. My biggest disappointment was that we didn't travel on back roads as we did on other tours in the UK.

Anonymous  

Discover Portugal 2025

21-Jul-2019

Read all 135 reviews

Save on this tour

Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!

Send me one now.

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Back-Roads Touring allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Back-Roads Touring allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform back-roads touring, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Back-Roads Touring requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of back-roads touring charges.

    Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Why book with tourhub?

Safe & Secure

Your money is held in a dedicated client account until you travel.

Visa logo Mastercard logo
apple pay icon google pay icon

100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.


The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.

Guaranteed Best Value

Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.


No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.

(Operator terms may apply)

Expert Knowledge

Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.


Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.


Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.

Trusted Service

Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.


Don't just take our word for it...

"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."

Similar Tours

Travel Guru Features

Our Reviews