Portugal Walking & Hiking Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 1-3
Premiere Hotels
2025: Jul-Nov 2026: Mar-Nov
Lisbon to Porto—Sintra & the Douro River Valley
From our lofty viewpoints, green slopes tumble toward the Douro River, pastel-hued palaces emerge from misty pine forests and wild waves crash against rugged coastal bluffs. Take it all in. Que lindeza—what loveliness.
Highlights
- Trek windswept cliffs and meander through charming beachside villages along Portugal’s stunning northern coastline
- Walk the terraced hillsides of the Douro River Valley, where lush vineyards give way to riverside hamlets and timeworn Roman towns
- Wander the romantic gardens of Pena Palace, a hilltop hideaway with sweeping views over the fairy-tale town of Sintra
- Savor the flavors of Portugal’s rich culinary heritage—from hearty stews and fresh seafood to the beloved pastel de nata, a sweet custard tart
- Gaze out at sweeping vistas from the Sitio district, perched above the iconic fishing village of Nazaré
Start Lisbon
End Porto
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Days 1-2
We start our journey in Lisbon, an ancient city experiencing a renaissance • On a lovely trail, discover Sintra’s fantastical landscapes and architectural highlights • Hike to Cabo da Roca, a pristine cape and the most westerly spot in mainland Europe • Explore famed Pena Palace on foot and admire its Romantic design • Wrap up an incredible day with flavorful Portuguese cuisine and wines at our stately hideaway.
Nights 1-2
A former 18th-century palace, this elegant old-world hotel offers a resplendent atmosphere and views of the Sintra mountains and the Castle of the Moors. (pool, spa)
Day 3
Explore seaside Nazaré and its lighthouse museum • Enjoy lunch overlooking this unique fishing village, famous for hosting big wave surf competitions • Stroll through Coimbra, a World Heritage town home to a hallowed and historic university • Soak up the opulent atmosphere of our hotel and take time to admire its gorgeous gardens.
Night 3
Relax at this palatial Small Luxury Hotels of the World member where, according to medieval lore, an epic love once flourished. (pool, spa)
Days 4-6
Soak in vistas of vast vineyards, farms and tiny stone hamlets • Hike through the rugged landscape of the Alto Douro along the banks of the stunning Douro River • Follow a historic train line from the charming town of Amarante into lush terrain • Sample wines made from grapes grown at our hotel, an elegant building nestled among vine-laden hillsides • Hike on tranquil paths that hug the terraced slopes of the Vinho Verde Valley • On our last day together, explore the countryside and walk through the hotel’s spectacular grapevines.
Nights 4-5
Appropriately named and with impeccable hospitality, this beautiful hotel is designed to engage all your senses in Portugal's spectacular wine country. (pool, spa)
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. 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. That said, service can lack a sense of urgency when compared with the service found in other parts of Europe. 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.
Hotels
World-Class Hotels
Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Nights 1-2
Premiere Hotel
A former 18th-century palace, this elegant old-world hotel offers a resplendent atmosphere and views of the Sintra mountains and the Castle of the Moors. (pool, spa)
Night 3
Premiere Hotel
Relax at this palatial Small Luxury Hotels of the World member where, according to medieval lore, an epic love once flourished. (pool, spa)
Nights 4-5
Premiere Hotel
Appropriately named and with impeccable hospitality, this beautiful hotel is designed to engage all your senses in Portugal's spectacular wine country. (pool, spa)
Gallery
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
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