Portugal

Upon arrival in Lisbon, you’ll be transferred to our hotel, where you can settle in, rest, and begin adjusting to the pace of the journey. For those arriving early, your tour leader will be available to offer suggestions and help you make the most of your time.

In the evening, we gather for a welcome dinner at a renowned Lisbon restaurant - a relaxed introduction to Portuguese cuisine and to the women you’ll be traveling with. It’s an easy, comforting first evening designed to help you arrive fully.

We begin our first full day with a guided walking tour through some of Lisbon’s most historic and character-filled neighborhoods. Starting in Chiado and Baixa, we take in elegant buildings, tiled storefronts, and lively squares while learning about Lisbon’s role as a center of exploration and trade.

From there, we move through Mouraria - one of the city’s most diverse neighborhoods and the birthplace of fado - before continuing into Alfama, where winding streets and hillside homes overlook the river. Along the way, our guide shares stories of Lisbon’s Moorish past, the rebuilding after the 1755 earthquake, and how these neighborhoods have evolved.

The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. In the evening, we come together for dinner accompanied by a live fado performance, an expressive, soulful music tradition that reflects Portugal’s deep sense of longing, love, and fate.

Today we head to Sintra, a misty hillside town about 1 hour from Lisbon that once served as a summer retreat for Portuguese royalty. We begin with a visit to the remarkably colorful Pena Palace, perched high above the town and surrounded by lush gardens.

Afterward, we explore the historic village center at a relaxed pace, wandering cobblestone streets and small shops. Along the way, we stop to try Sintra’s traditional pastries - travesseiros and queijadas - both made here for generations.

In the late afternoon, we return to Lisbon, carrying with us the fairytale atmosphere that makes Sintra so memorable.

After a relaxed breakfast we’ll head out on a scenic drive toward Porto, with stops in a few towns that show different sides of Portugal’s history and culture.

Our first stop is Óbidos, a charming walled village known for its tiled houses, flowering balconies, and quiet lanes. We’ll take a short stroll through town and try a sip of ginjinha, a regional cherry liqueur often served in tiny chocolate cups. From there we’ll continue to Nazaré, a working fishing town that’s also become world-famous for its towering waves. We’ll stop at the upper viewpoint in Sítio for its sweeping views of the Atlantic and the wide beach below, known for hosting some of the biggest waves ever surfed.

Our final stop is Alcobaça, home to Portugal’s largest Gothic church and the resting place of King Pedro and Inês de Castro, whose tragic romance is part of the country’s national lore.

After some time to explore, we’ll make our way to Porto, with time to check in and relax before dinner.

This morning we'll embark on a food tour of Porto, stopping at small local spots to taste some of the region’s best flavors. Along the way we’ll try three types of wine from northern Portugal, red, white, and vinho verde, paired with cured meats and cheeses from Trás-os-Montes. We’ll sample a classic bifana sandwich, made with marinated pork and a soft Portuguese roll, as well as a crispy bolinho de bacalhau, homemade jams, and a variety of olives with rustic bread.

You’ll also get to enjoy a Porto Tónico, a refreshing cocktail made with white port and tonic water, often garnished with citrus and herbs.

The tour includes options for all dietary needs and restrictions, so everyone can enjoy the experience.

The afternoon will be yours to explore, whether you choose to walk along the Douro River in the Ribeira district, visit the notable Livraria Lello bookstore, take in the view from the Clérigos Tower, or cross the bridge into Gaia to visit one of the port cellars.

Today we’ll head into the Douro Valley, a UNESCO-listed region shaped by centuries of wine production. Our first stop will be the riverside town of Pinhão, where we’ll board a traditional wooden rabelo boat for a two-hour cruise toward Tua and back.

During the ride we’ll get to see the landscape from the water, passing terraced vineyards, old wine estates, and quiet hamlets, while sipping a glass of port and hearing about the area’s wine-making heritage from our guide.

Back on land we’ll head to a nearby estate for a laid-back vineyard visit. After walking through the vines and learning how the grapes are grown and processed, we’ll settle in for a tasting of three regional wines, each with its own character shaped by the Douro’s soil and climate.

We’ll then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before making our way back to Porto in the afternoon.

After breakfast we’ll leave Porto behind and begin our drive back south. Our first stop will be beautiful Coimbra, a hilltop city along the Mondego River with a long academic legacy. We’ll take a short walk through its historical center, passing through quiet alleyways and the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in continuous operation in the world.

After our visit we’ll continue through the Alentejo countryside to Évora, arriving in the early afternoon. Once we check in at our hotel we’ll enjoy lunch and then have the rest of the day to relax or explore.

Évora is a UNESCO World Heritage city with roots going back to Roman times, and its center is filled with well-preserved architecture. You might choose to explore the narrow streets of the old town, visit the Capela dos Ossos, built with thousands of human bones, or stop by the nearby Roman Temple, a well-preserved structure that dates back to the first century.

Today we’ll venture out into the Alentejo countryside for a visit to São Pedro do Corval, one of Portugal’s most important pottery towns. Known for its long tradition of handmade ceramics, the village is home to several generations of artisans who continue to work with local clay.

At a family-run workshop we’ll take part in a hands-on pottery session where you’ll have the chance to try the wheel yourself, guided by an experienced ceramicist. You’ll also learn about traditional techniques such as graffito, used to carve patterns and designs into the clay.

Afterward we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in the open countryside, made with fresh regional ingredients and set in a quiet, shaded spot surrounded by olive trees and dry plains.

The afternoon will be free for you to relax back in Évora or explore more of the town at your own pace.

We'll then all gather in the evening for our wonderful farewell dinner in this most magical of destinations!

We depart Évora in the morning for Lisbon Airport. Flights should be scheduled for 3:00 PM or later. For those extending their stay, a transfer to Lisbon’s city center can be arranged.