Venturing north to south from the Douro Valley to the capital of Lisbon, discover Portugal’s tapestry of regional traditions and customs as you encounter this small country’s many sides. Delve into the history of Portugal and immerse yourself in the country’s unique culture and local flavors.

Essential Experiences

• Explore an old oil press in Marvão and learn about traditional olive oil production.

• Venture to Alter do Chão, a small village with ties to the Lusitano horse breed.

• Experience a night of fado and learn about this traditional art form.

Highlights

• Douro Valley

• Porto

• Amarante

• Douro River Cruise

• Home-Hosted Dinner

• Aveiro

• Alentejo

• Lusitano Stud Farm

• Olive Press Experience

• Local Winery Visit

• Évora

• Lisbon

• Alfama Walking Tour

• Fado Performance

Ancient castles, historic cityscapes, groves of olive trees, quiet whitewashed villages, delightful cuisine, fragrant wine, and welcoming locals – Portugal awaits with open arms.

Monverde Wine Experience Hotel

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. As arrival times may vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. Tonight, join your fellow Wanderbugs for a welcome dinner.

Monverde Wine Experience Hotel

Begin the day exploring the picturesque town of Amarante, renowned for its traditional sweets and scenic location along the Rio Tâmega. Stroll across the historic São Gonçalo Bridge, a proud symbol of the town’s resistance against Napoleon’s troops. Continue to Régua, where you'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, embark on a Douro River cruise, soaking in the breathtaking landscapes of the Douro Valley. Disembark in Pinhão, then return to Amarante for a relaxing evening at leisure.

Monverde Wine Experience Hotel

Today, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and flavors of Porto. Begin with a guided walking tour led by a local expert, uncovering the charm of this hilly city. Wander through the lively Ribeira district, nestled along the riverfront in the heart of the old town, and take in its colorful facades and bustling atmosphere. After the tour, enjoy free time for lunch and shopping at your own pace, with plenty of opportunities to sample local specialties or explore the city's boutiques. In the afternoon, venture just outside Porto to a home-hosted experience. Join your host family in preparing a fresh, market-inspired dinner together, sharing stories and traditions as you cook and dine in a warm, authentic setting.

 Vila Gale Collection Alter Real

This morning, say goodbye to the Douro region. On the way to the Alentejo, visit the enchanting city of Aveiro, known for 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.

Vila Gale Collection Alter Real

Begin your day in the charming hilltop village of Marvão, where breathtaking views stretch across the plains – on a clear day, you may see all the way to Spain! Your journey into local culture continues at a nearby olive grove, where you'll learn about traditional olive oil production, visit a historic press, and enjoy a tasting of the region's unique oil over lunch. Later, return to your hotel for a brief visit to the historic Alter Stud Farm, established in 1748 and home to the renowned Lusitano purebred horse. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure – relax and make the most of your hotel's amenities. This evening, you may choose to dine on your own in nearby Alter do Chão; round-trip transportation will be provided.

Vila Gale Collection Alter Real

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 paired with a locally sourced farm-to-table dinner.

Turim Boulevard Hotel

Say goodbye to Portugal’s charming countryside as you travel to the vibrant 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.

Turim Boulevard Hotel

Travel to Belém to visit the exterior of two of Lisbon's most iconic landmarks: the Belém Tower (UNESCO) and the stunning façade of the 16th-century Jerónimos Monastery (UNESCO). With your local expert, delve into the rich history and significance of this remarkable monastery before continuing on to a guided tour of the elegant Ajuda Palace. After some free time to enjoy lunch on your own, head to the vibrant Alfama district – Lisbon's oldest quarter – where stories, legends and hidden corners await. Are we all descendants of Ulysses? How many of Lisbon's hills can you climb? Follow your expert guide through narrow alleyways and shadowy courtyards as you uncover the mysteries of this captivating neighborhood. Return to your hotel in the evening for a night at leisure.

 Turim Boulevard Hotel

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 of Portuguese cuisine and wine, and listen to local artists perform the traditional fado (UNESCO).

Optional Excursion: Seaside Villages to Puzzling Palaces - 6 hours - $69

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 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 the notable and romantic Palace of Regaleira at the Chapel of the Holy Trinity where you will be able to descend via a spiral staircase into the crypt. Discover the monumental initiation well that, at the bottom, leads via a grotto to a surprising lake hidden in the middle of the gardens.

On our final morning in Lisbon we will gather for one last breakfast filled with laughter, story swapping, and plenty of “we really did that” moments. Some of you will be lingering over coffee, others will be grabbing hugs before heading off to the airport, but everyone will be leaving with full hearts and new friendships that did not exist just days before. You will head home with memories you will replay in your mind, connections that continue in the group chat, and that quiet pride that comes from saying yes to something new. The kind of trip that does not just end when you land but stays with you long after you are home.