Region Overviews: Portugal Travel Guide: Overview
The oldest nation-state in Europe—it became the Kingdom of Portugal in 1139—Portugal is as steeped in history as it is in its own unique culture.
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days 5 nights
Activity Level: 1-2
Premiere Hotels
From: $5,749 pp dbl occ
($900 for sgl occ)
Warm beaches and sun-drenched landscapes. Portugal has unlimited ways to venture beyond the crowds. E-bike through serene hillsides. Walk coastal trails taking in views of the glimmering sea. Learn to surf the rolling waves. Sample Portuguese wine. Wander friendly local towns. Indulge in the fresh catch of the day, every day. This is the good life.
Start/End Lisbon
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Refreshingly Active Adventures
Journey through Portugal’s pristine landscapes. Walk breathtaking coastal trails, e-bike among the Alentejo’s enchanting farmlands and cork forests, and spend relaxing sunsets looking out on untouched beaches.
Immersive Travel
Experience the region’s easygoing spirit and never-ending charms. Travel from Costa Vicenta to the famous Algarve, exploring World Heritage sites, old ruins and the idiosyncrasies of each quaint fishing village.
Delectable Dining
Discover the best of the region’s food and drink, everything from classic fresh seafood to olive oil samplings to wine tastings featuring local reds and whites.
Meet in Lisbon, Portugal’s stylish capital city | Journey towards the Atlantic coast on this easygoing adventure tour | E-bike rolling hills along parts of the Camino de Santiago, a famous pilgrimage of medieval origin | Cycle through sleepy towns and iconic Alentejo landscapes | Visit Santiago de Cacem, an ancient city with Roman ruins | Learn about Portuguese olive oil and sample various types | Taste local wines at a classic Portuguese finca featuring the region's best varieties.
Located with perfect views of the Santiago de Cacem city center, this property has modern accents and an open kitchen serving flavorful traditional Alentejo cuisine. (pool)
Trek along the rugged coast of southwest Alentejo | Sip a coffee or fresh squeezed orange juice in the charming fishing town of Porto Covo | Pause to take in groves of cork oak tree—this region produces nearly half the world’s cork | Sample the catch of the day in the town of Arrifana, a dramatic coastal village with classic whitewashed houses | Awaken your muscles and mind in an all-levels yoga class | Learn to ride a wave at a beginner’s surf lesson.
Nestled in a breathtaking landscape that stretches from a plateau to the ocean, this nature-inspired refuge is the perfect place to rejuvenate. (pool, spa)
Walk the cobblestoned streets of Silves, a town famous for its intact Moorish castle | Explore the famous cliff formations of the Algarve as you kayak by incredible coastal caves | Luxuriate at our fabulous hotel, perhaps opting for a spa treatment | Hike along limestone cliffs | Return to Lisbon to enjoy its elegant boulevards, tiny cobblestone streets and knock-out shopping and dining.
Just a five-minute walk from the beach, the layout of this hotel is built for feasting the eyes with rooftop pools overlooking the ocean, curated artwork and a variety of gorgeous Algarve tiles. (pool, spa)
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy.
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
Our Private Trips are best for groups of 6 or more. We suggest joining a scheduled trip.
Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.
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Our Dolce Tempo activities allow you to leisurely explore local hidden gems and to get away from the crowds, experiencing the essence of your location on your own terms and at your own pace. Easier than our other trips, but still wonderfully active, itinerary options typically include 2-4 hours of walking, e-biking or other excursions per day. On e-bike routes, our custom electric-assist bikes allow you to pedal effortlessly. Your trip is fully supported with dedicated Trip Leaders, vans, meticulously selected routes and downloadable GPS files available for use on your own device.
Portugal's landscape is characterized by constant rises and valleys, and the continuously rolling terrain, as well as high heat in the summer months, can make routes feel more challenging than the mileage may suggest.
On this Dolce Tempo trip, most travelers choose to ride one of our custom titanium e-bikes. If you prefer to enjoy the daily rides without electric assistance, you can select another bike. See all options below. (click the arrow to see all available options)
Included in your trip price
Keep pace or zip ahead, pedaling with an electric boost. This bike provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+
Included in your trip price
A proven classic, this custom-designed titanium bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. It features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability.
Included in your trip price
This custom-designed titanium bike is lightweight and responsive, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork.
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
The slower pace, relaxed approach to life and old-world qualities in Portugal are some of the highlights of this spectacular region and are reflected in the hotels and restaurants on this trip. This said, service can lack a sense of urgency when compared with the service found in other parts of Europe. Additionally, while the Premiere hotels we've chosen are some of the finest in the country, they may seem a bit simpler than the Backroads European standard. The same can be said for Portuguese cuisine, which is traditionally a celebration of local flavors but is also bit more rustic than other places we visit in Europe.
Due to variable ocean tides and weather conditions, the day and time of activities may vary somewhat by departure. Rarely, an activity may be canceled because of bad weather and/or conditions. If this is the case, your leaders will have alternative options planned.
The oldest nation-state in Europe—it became the Kingdom of Portugal in 1139—Portugal is as steeped in history as it is in its own unique culture.
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