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.
Walking & Hiking
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Portugal Walking & Hiking Tour
Lisbon to Porto—Sintra & the Douro River Valley
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days 5 nights
Activity Level: 1-3
Premiere Hotels
From: $4,899 - $5,299 pp dbl occ
($800 - $850 for sgl occ)
Lindeza. It means "loveliness" in Portuguese. And it's the best way to describe what you'll see on our Portugal Walking & Hiking Tour. Hike through Sintra and into the Douro River Valley. Breathtaking natural beauty. Green hills rolling down to the dazzling Atlantic coast. Moorish castles and pastel palaces. Richly colored red wines and the champagne hues of Vinho Verde. From Lisbon to Porto. Que lindeza. What loveliness.
Portugal Walking and Hiking Tour
Portugal
Start Lisbon / End Porto
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Explore vibrant culture, cobbled streets and old-world architecture in Sintra and along the Douro River
- Walk through picturesque countryside, where verdant landscapes enfold quiet villages and ancient Roman towns
- Wander through the lovely and colorfully painted Pena Palace, perched high on a hilltop, and its grand gardens
- Enjoy the best variety of cuisine and wine—straight from the sources—that Portugal has to offer
Videos
Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Premiere Hotels
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Days 1-2
Description
We start our journey in Lisbon, an ancient city experiencing a renaissance | On an epic hike, discover Sintra's fairy-tale landscape and architectural highlights | Follow a trail to Cabo da Roca, a pristine windswept cape and the most westerly spot in mainland Europe | Explore famed Pena Palace on foot and admire its Romantic design during a private tour | Complete a day of hiking with flavorful Portuguese cuisine and wines at our charming hideaway.
Accommodations
Tivoli Palácio de Seteais
Sintra
| 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. Massage services available. (pool)
Day 3
Description
Travel to the lush Douro River Valley, a World Heritage landscape and home to world-class hiking | Walk on trails past terraced vineyards that plunge toward the riverbank | Experience varied terrain along a winding river that has transported wines, irrigated crops and carried adventurers from city to city for centuries | Pause for lunch—and a sampling of Port—at a traditional noble manor | Watch the sunset from our waterfront retreat.
Accommodations
Vintage House Hotel
Pinhão
| Premiere Hotel 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)
Days 4-6
Description
Explore Vinho Verde vineyards and tiny stone hamlets tucked away in the Marao mountains | Take a step back in time in the valley of Mafomedes | Hike peaceful paths and along a hand-picked section of the Camino de Santiago | Walk through forests and farmland that have been passed along through generations | Relax at the spa or soak up the landscape from the hotel pool, nestled in the vineyards | Extend your stay in Porto, a World Heritage city with splendid architecture and a rich history.
Accommodations
Monverde Wine Experience Hotel
Telões
| 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)
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.
May 2023
May 30 - Jun 4
Sold out
June 2023
Jun 4 - Jun 9
Sold out
Jun 11 - Jun 16
Sold out
Jun 13 - Jun 18
Sold out
July 2023
Jul 2 - Jul 7
Sold out
September 2023
Sep 12 - Sep 17
Sold out
Sep 17 - Sep 22
Sold out
October 2023
Oct 3 - Oct 8
Sold out
Oct 8 - Oct 13
Sold out
Oct 15 - Oct 20
Sold out
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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
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.
Daily Route Options
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
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, 5 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
- All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 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. 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. 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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