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: $5,299 - $5,799 pp dbl occ
($900 - $1,050 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 map
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 savor pink-tinted sunsets over untouched beaches.
Immersive Travel
Experience the region’s easygoing spirit and never-ending charms. Travel from Lisbon through the famous Algarve, exploring World Heritage sites, coastal terrain 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.
Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Premiere Hotels
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Days 1-2
Description
Start your easygoing journey in Lisbon, Portugal’s cosmopolitan capital city | Hike on windswept bluffs high above the unspoilt beaches of Arrifana | Sample freshly caught fish in seaside towns filled with artists and locals | Walk near our hotel's forested grounds or treat yourself to a massage at its decadent spa | Weave through breathtaking grottos and sandy colored rock formations as you kayak the Algarve caves | E-bike the rolling hills of the serra, past groves of coastal pines and vast fields.
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 3-6
Description
Amble along the famous Fisherman's trail, a path stretching over the rugged coast of the Alentejo region | Spend the afternoon e-biking past windmills and charming clusters of whitewashed houses on spectacular seaside trails | Walk through photographic Cais Palatifica, filled with wooden buildings, long narrow piers and gorgeous waterfront | Sip a coffee in the beach town of Comporta while you browse some of its bohemian stores | Savor lunch at a stately adega | Test your balance at a beginner's surf lesson | Pedal through the Serra da Grandola where an e-bike ascent through wildflowers and cork forest culminates in panoramic scenery | Stand-up paddleboard on a picturesque beach lagoon.
Accommodations
Quinta da Comporta
Comporta
| Premiere Hotel 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)
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 in USD.
October 2023
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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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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 (shown below). If you prefer to enjoy the daily rides without electric assistance, you’ll have the option after booking to select a different bike in your Backroads account.
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+
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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