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
Premiere Hotels
From: $5,099 pp dbl occ
($900 for sgl occ)
The sun shines longer in Portugal. So take your time. Linger in the friendly villages of Montemor-o-Novo and Comporta. Dip in and out of uncrowded waves. Cruise by e-bike through vineyards and olive groves in Alentejo. Roam quiet beaches on horseback. Learn to surf the Atlantic Ocean. And savor delectable wine and ever-so-fresh seafood. 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 the breathtaking coastal trails of Serra da Arrábida Nature Park, e-bike among Alentejo’s enchanting farmlands and explore World Heritage towns.
Immersive Travel
Experience the region’s easygoing spirit and never-ending charms. Sip on local wines at inviting estates, soak up the sun and sea of the central coast, and chat with friendly locals.
Unique Hotels & Delectable Dining
From Montemor-o-Novo’s lush vineyards to Comporta’s white sands, unwind in stylish and serene luxury resorts. Enjoy exceptional seafood and Portuguese cuisine.
Travel from Portugal’s chic capital city, Lisbon, to the southern heart of the country, Arraiolos | Pedal through sunny farmlands flourishing with olive groves and vineyards | Admire the orchards of cork oak trees that abound in this region and produce nearly half the world’s cork | Roam the stone streets of the village of Montemor-o-Novo | Cycle the rolling landscape and peaceful towns of Alentejo | A historic farm and estate offers a tranquil setting for lunch | Discover the taste and craft of locally made chocolate on a visit to the Royal Cacao Company | Savor exceptional cuisine at our luxurious escape.
Surrounded by vineyards, this outstanding resort blends modern design with elegance and simplicity. A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member. (pool, spa)
Journey to the Atlantic coast, where ivory sands and gentle breezes await | Explore the dramatic coastal landscape of Serra da Arrábida, a protected nature park with captivating views of the ocean around ever turn | Unwind on a secluded beach, listening to the waves and cooling off with a swim in a bay | Find a sense of calm in a yoga class at our world-class wellness retreat or enjoy a stand-up paddleboard session | Wander along a blissful oceanfront on a horseback ride | Glide into shore on a wave during a beginner's surf class | Taste the flavors of Comporta, an idyllic fishing village home to surfers, artists and farmers | Taste local wines at a classic Portuguese finca | Spend a relaxing morning basking in the amenities at our beautiful resort.
This extraordinary wellness resort was designed by Portuguese architect Miguel Câncio Martins, whose dedication to honoring traditional structures and the natural environment is matched only by his keen eye for detail. A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member. (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.
Share your adventure #MyBackroadsTrip
Our easygoing Multi-Adventure tours make adventuring a breeze—perfect for beginners or occasional bikers/hikers, or anyone who is interested in exploring the world actively. With dedicated Trip Leaders, support vans and GPS-supported routes, the day is yours to decide. Find an unbeatable blend of walking and biking routes (2-4 hours of activity, 10-30 miles of biking, 2-7 miles of walking) with other fun-filled activities such as kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, camel riding and more. On trips with biking, custom electric-assist bikes allow you to pedal effortlessly!
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
Our newly redesigned titanium e-bike is a lightweight yet powerful machine unique in the world of e-bikes. It provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
Included in your trip price
A proven classic, our most popular 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.
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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