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.
Dolce tempo
Multi-Adventure
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Portugal Easygoing Multi-Adventure Tour
Dolce Tempo Journey in Alentejo Countryside & the Atlantic Coast
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days 5 nights
Activity Level: 1-2
Premiere Hotels
From: $5,399 - $5,599 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.
E-biking
Walking
Surf
Kayak
Paddleboard
Yoga
Portugal Easygoing Multi-adventure Tour
Portugal
Start/End Lisbon
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
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.
Videos
Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Premiere Hotels*
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Days 1-2
Description
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.
Accommodations
Octant Santiago
Santiago do Cacém
| *Casual Plus Hotel 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)
Days 3-4
Description
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.
Accommodations
Praia do Canal Nature Resort
Aljezur
| Premiere Hotel 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)
Days 5-6
Description
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.
Accommodations
W Algarve
Albufeira
| Premiere Hotel 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)
Dates & Prices
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.
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Our Private Trips are best for groups of 6 or more. We suggest joining a scheduled trip.
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From our Guests
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Share your adventure #MyBackroadsTrip
Activity Level: 1-2
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.
Route notes
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.
Daily Activity Options
What's Included
Available Bike Options
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)
Backroads Electric-Assist Bike
Electric-Assist Bike
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+
Backroads Touring Bike
Touring Bike
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.
Backroads Performance Road Bike
Performance Road Bike
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.
Also Included
- All breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Straight talk
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.
Accommodations & Service Standards
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.
Weather & Activities
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.
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.
Accommodations & Service Standards
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.
Weather & Activities
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.
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