Easygoing Walking Tour Portugal
Dolce Tempo Journey from Lisbon to Porto
The earth is generous in Portugal. This is a land of lush forests and fertile farmland, of stunning Moorish castles and placid rivers that roll toward the Atlantic. Come see the Portuguese Riviera and the Douro River Valley. The heart of the Iberian Peninsula, where people have thousands of years of practice at living well. This ancient land is extending an invitation. All you have to say is obrigado—thank you.
THIS ITINERARY: 6 days, 5 nights
ACCOMMODATIONS: Premiere Hotels
Portugal
Start Lisbon / End Porto
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Refreshingly Active Adventures
Stroll iconic footpaths through lush landscapes with incredible vistas, from the opulent estates of Sintra on the Portuguese Riviera to the lush vineyards and winding waterways of the Douro River Valley.
Immersive Travel
Discover this fascinating, ancient society with wine-tastings, guided tours and exquisite local companionship—and enjoy some time in Lisbon or Porto on either end of the trip, two of Portugal’s most vibrant urban destinations.
Unique Hotels & Delectable Dining
Relax in luxury at our premiere hotels—from former palaces to working wineries—and enjoy incredible fusions of contemporary and traditional gastronomy at our meals and tastings.
6 Days Premiere Hotels
Begin your Portuguese adventure in lively Lisbon | Stop by a beautiful Franciscan convent, carved into the rock bed and built partially from local cork oak | Discover stunning Sintra and the unforgettable Palácio Monserrate | Follow a winding trail to Cabe da Roca, the westernmost site in mainland Europe | Experience the aristocratic past of the region on a guided tour of Pena Palace | End the day at our regal old-world hotel with a glass of local wine and an unforgettable meal of classic Portuguese cuisine.
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. Massage services available. (pool)
Make your way to the Douro Valley, a lush region famed for its wine | Tour a historic manor and see barrels of port wine aging | Enjoy a leisurely downhill walk through a landscape of vineyards | Arrive to the banks of the famed Douro River, a centuries-old trading route for wine and more | Settle into our elegant waterside hotel and enjoy an afternoon at the pool | Meet for dinner at a winery and get a glimpse into traditional port and winemaking.
On the banks of the Douro River, this enchanting property is set in a historic wine estate in the heart of the vineyard-laden World Heritage valley. (pool)
Stroll trails hemmed in by fields of wine grapes | Discover vineyards of Vinho Verde and tiny stone-walled villages in the Marao mountains | Be transported back in time in the peaceful Mafomedes Valley | Enjoy lunch at a traditional Portuguese tavern | Wander along a section of the famed Camino de Santiago | Take an afternoon at the spa or pool, nestled in a landscape of rolling vineyards | Sample local wines grown on the property at our 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)
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.
Dolce Tempo: What to Expect
Our walking activities allow you to leisurely explore local footpaths and paved walking paths, exploring authentic, local hidden gems. Get away from the crowds to experience the essence of your location, taking time to explore and experience your region on your own terms. Your day unfolds according to your agenda, not someone else's. Easygoing daily routes typically 2-3 hours of walking per day, approximately 2-7 miles. Fully supported with dedicated Trip Leaders, support vans and meticulously selected routes and a Backroads navigation app to offer guidance on the route.
Route notes
The terrain on this trip varies from relatively level to rolling hills with some steeper climbs and descents on dirt and paved pathways, cobblestones, wooden walkways and occasionally, stairs. We are likely to encounter sections of uneven footing in the form of rocks, roots and possibly mud.
What's Included
- All breakfasts, 5 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.
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.
While biking and hiking and kayaking trips are at the core of popular adventure travel offerings, they are not for everyone. So Backroads, a company that has long been the leader in active travel trips, has come up with an array of softer adventures for 2021.
