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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Portugal Multi-Adventure Tour - For Families with Teens & Kids
Alentejo Countryside & the Atlantic Coast
Best for ages 9+ (Ages 4+ ok) | Min. age to ride own bike: 9+ | Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+
Family — Teens & Kids
6 days 5 nights
Activity Level: 1-3
Premiere Hotels
From: $5,299 - $5,649 pp dbl occ
($1,000 for sgl occ)
Warm beaches and sun-drenched landscapes. Portugal has unlimited ways to venture beyond the crowds. Bring your family and pedal through serene hillsides. Hike trails along the sea. Learn to surf the rolling waves. Sample Portuguese cuisine. Wander friendly local towns. Indulge in the fresh catch of the day, every day. This is the good life.
Bike
Walk/Hike
Kayak
Surf
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
- Hike the emerald shrub-blanketed hills of the Portuguese coast and take in stunning views of the Atlantic
- Bike amid lost-in-time landscapes and wander World Heritage towns in the Alentejo, Portugal’s enchanting agricultural heart
- Immerse yourself in the charms of Portugal’s central coast—paddle peaceful bays, meet surfers and play on a sandy beach at sunset
- Discover the best of the region’s food and drink, everything from fresh seafood to olive oil samplings to Portugal's delicious red and white wines
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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
Meet in Lisbon, Portugal’s stylish capital city | Journey toward the Atlantic coast | Ride rolling hills along parts of the Camino de Santiago, a famous pilgrimage of medieval origin | Learn about Portuguese olive oil and sample various types at a local farm | Visit Santiago de Cacem, an ancient city with Roman ruins | Adults hike through the serra of the Alentejo while youngsters join our Kids Adventure Leader for horseback riding on a gold-sand beach | Reconvene to stand-up paddleboard in the glittering water of the Santa Andres lagoon.
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, a cluster of whitewashed houses perched on top of stunning cliffs | 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 famed for its pristine beaches | Learn to ride a wave at a beginner’s surf lesson | Luxuriate at our fabulous hotel, perhaps opting for a spa treatment.
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 | Hike along limestone cliffs towards the sea while the youngsters venture on their own to a nearby adventure park | Dine on classic Portuguese cuisine | Explore the famous cliff formations of the Algarve as you kayak by impressive coastal caves | 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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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! Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.
Click the arrow to see all bike 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, 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.
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+
Child's Bike
Kids' Bikes
Included in your trip price
Backroads is the only travel company to manufacture its own line of kid's bikes. While the wheels might be small, the performance is big—it's the perfect choice for kids. On our Family Trips, you'll find 20" and 24" bikes.
Burley Kazoo Trailer Bike
Trailer Bike
Included in your trip price
The Burley Kazoo trailer bike, for children up to 85 pounds, attaches to an adult bike with your child providing some of the pedal power for a real team effort! It's ideal for kids who aren't yet ready for bike touring.
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.
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. 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.
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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