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: $4,999 - $5,349 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 enchanting Sintra and into the majestic Douro River Valley. Behold breathtaking scenery. Green hills rolling down to the dazzling Atlantic coast. Moorish castles and pastel palaces. Expansive views from high above the Douro River. Que lindeza — what loveliness.
Portugal Walking & Hiking Tour map
Portugal
Start Lisbon / End Porto
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Immerse yourself in Sintra’s fairytale beauty — whimsical art, cobblestoned streets and old-world architecture against a backdrop of lush forest
- Walk the terraced hillsides of the Douro Valley as verdant landscapes become riverside villages and ancient Roman towns
- Wander the romantic gardens and colorfully painted rooms of Pena Palace, perched high on a hilltop overlooking Sintra
- Get to know the local culinary scene, a collection of hearty stews, delicate seafood dishes and sweet pastel de nata pastries
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 fantastical 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
Venture through the misty forests near Candal, a charming riverside village made of schist and stone | Hike varied terrain along lush green paths as you make your way to the enchanting town of Talasnal | Admire breathtaking views from the medieval towers of Lousã Castle | Take a guided tour through Coimbra, a World Heritage town known for its hallowed and historic university | Soak up the opulent atmosphere of our hotel and perhaps indulge in a spa treatment.
Accommodations
Quinta das Lágrimas
| 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)
Days 4-6
Description
Take in views of vast vineyards, farms and tiny stone hamlets from the ruins of a beautiful old church in the village of Samodaes | Hike through the rugged landscape of the Alto Douro along the banks of the stunning Douro River | Walk through granite valleys and historic watermills in the country's northernmost region | Sample wines made from grapes grown at our hotel, an elegant building nestled in the vineyards | Experience a guided tour of Porto, a World Heritage site 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.
October 2023
Oct 10 - Oct 15
Sold out
Oct 15 - Oct 20
Sold out
Oct 22 - Oct 27
Sold out
Oct 29 - Nov 3
Sold out
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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
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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