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.
Multi-Adventure
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This trip is already filling up for 2022. Dates for 2023 will be added soon - or check out our Portugal Family Bike Tour - 20s & Beyond!
Portugal Family Multi-Adventure Tour - 20s & Beyond
Alentejo Countryside to the Atlantic Coast
Family — 20s & Beyond
6 days 5 nights
Activity Levels 1-3
Premiere Hotels
From: $5,099 pp dbl occ
($900 for sgl occ)
Quiet beaches, refreshing sea breezes and sun-drenched landscapes. Portugal is the place to have a family adventure beyond the crowds. Bike past hillsides and vineyards. Hike along wild coastline. Surf rolling waves into the shore. Ride a horse through the sand. Wander to small towns filled with artists and farmers. And always indulge in the fresh-catch of the day.
Bike
Walk/Hike
Surf
Kayak
Horseback
Paddleboard
Yoga
Portugal Family Multi-adventure Tour
Portugal
Start/End Lisbon
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Wander World Heritage towns in the Alentejo, Portugal’s enchanting agricultural heart, and bike with family amid lost-in-time landscapes
- Hike trails through the emerald shrub-blanketed hills of the Serra da Arrábida Nature Park and admire postcard-perfect views of the Atlantic
- Immerse yourself in the charms of Portugal’s central coast—paddle peaceful bays, meet surfers and sip local wines on a sandy beach at sunset
- Extend your family vacation in the chic gateway city of Lisbon, home to grand boulevards, tiny cobblestone streets and hip shops and restaurants
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Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Premiere Hotels
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Days 1-2
Description
Kick off your adventure in Lisbon, Portugal’s stylish capital city | Travel to Arraiolos in the country’s warm southern heart | Bike the Alentejo’s rolling hills, lush with tidy vineyards and inviting olive groves | Pause to admire orchards of cork oak trees—this region produces nearly half the world’s cork! | Explore the beautiful village of Montemor-o-Novo | Ride through sleepy towns and iconic Alentejo landscapes | Linger over lunch at a historic farm and estate | Sample chocolate and discover the process behind it on a visit to the Royal Cacao Company | Unplug, escape and dine on exceptional cuisine at our luxurious hotel.
Accommodations
L'And Vineyards Resort
Montemor-o-Novo
| Premiere Hotel Surrounded by vineyards, this outstanding resort blends modern design with elegance and simplicity. A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member. (pool, spa)
Days 3-6
Description
Journey to the dazzling Atlantic coast | Hike coastal trails in Serra da Arrábida | Be immersed in the dramatic landscape of this protected nature park, with views of the turquoise sea at every turn | Relax on secluded beaches and cool off with a swim in a quiet bay | Get in some thrills as you e-bike on Fat Tyre bikes amid sand dunes and rice fields | Trot along the sandy coastline on horseback | Learn to surf at pristine beaches in an all-levels class | Dine with family in the enchanting fishing village of Comporta, where surfers mingle with artists and farmers | Taste local wines at a classic Portuguese finca | Inhale, exhale and flow in a morning yoga class at our world-class wellness retreat, or round out your one-of-a-kind vacation with a stand-up paddleboard session | Perhaps simply opt for a lazy morning enjoying the amenities at our idyllic hotel.
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.
From our Guests
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Activity Level: 1-3
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
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 Route Options
What's Included
Available Bike Options
The key to a stellar day's ride is a bike that's perfectly in tune with your cycling style… Backroads has you covered with the best bike fleet in the world! Read on for your available bike options for this trip. (click the arrow to see all available options)
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.
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 Electric-Assist Bike
NEW! Electric-Assist Bike
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.
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. That 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.
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. That 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.
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