Portugal's Old-World Charms featuring Douro Valley, Alentejo & Lisbon
Venturing north to south from the Douro Valley to the capital of Lisbon, discover Portugal’s tapestry of regional traditions and customs as you encounter this small country’s many sides. Sample Amarante’s flavors fresh from the market, explore hilly Porto, and cruise along the Douro River through the UNESCO terraced vineyard landscape. Learn about the Alentejo’s rich and proud traditions with visits to an olive grove, winery, and more. In Evora, step inside a medieval city with Roman ruins. Explore the vibrant Portuguese capital of Lisbon, where narrow Moorish streets meet expansive squares. Enjoy this leisurely-paced tour with three-night stays in Douro, Alentejo, and Lisbon. Delve into the history of Portugal and immerse yourself in the country’s unique culture and local flavors.
Venturing north to south from the Douro Valley to the capital of Lisbon, discover Portugal’s tapestry of regional traditions and customs as you encounter this small country’s many sides. Sample Amarante’s flavors fresh from the market, explore hilly Porto, and cruise along the Douro River through the UNESCO terraced vineyard landscape. Learn about the Alentejo’s rich and proud traditions with visits to an olive grove, winery, and more. In Evora, step inside a medieval city with Roman ruins. Explore the vibrant Portuguese capital of Lisbon, where narrow Moorish streets meet expansive squares. Enjoy this leisurely-paced tour with three-night stays in Douro, Alentejo, and Lisbon. Delve into the history of Portugal and immerse yourself in the country’s unique culture and local flavors.
Highlights
- Porto, known as Oporto in English, is the second largest city in Portugal, after Lisbon, and is located in northern Portugal. The city dates back to the 4th century. Porto’s city center is one of the oldest city centers in Europe. One of Portugal’s well known exports, port wine, is named for Porto since the metropolitan and surrounding area was responsible for the production and export of the fortified wine.
- The city of Aveiro is a stunning waterfront town where hand-painted boats pass slowly through the canal. Allow your eyes to drift along the nouveau architecture of this quaint fisherman village. Aveiro is known for their ovos moles, a “soft egg” pastry.
- Travel across the famous Alentejo region of southern Portugal, known for three things; pottery, wine, and cork. Sparsely populated, the Alentejo region is rolling green hills, orchards of sobreiro trees, and vineyards.
- Sample the different full-bodied wines from the prolific Alentejo wine region, during a winery tour and tasting. Some wines are even made using the ancient Roman method, using huge clay pots instead of barrels.
- One of Portugal’s most beautifully preserved medieval towns, Évora is an enchanting place to delve into the past. Inside the 14th-century walls, Évora’s narrow, winding lanes lead to striking architectural works: an elaborate medieval cathedral and cloisters; the cinematic columns of the Templo Romano (near the intriguing Roman baths); and a picturesque town square, once the site of some rather gruesome episodes courtesy of the Inquisition. Aside from its historic and aesthetic virtues, Évora is also a lively university town, and its many attractive restaurants serve up hearty Alentejan cuisine.
- Spread across steep hillsides that overlook the Rio Tejo, Lisbon offers all the delights you’d expect of Portugal’s star attraction, yet with half the fuss of other European capitals. Gothic cathedrals, majestic monasteries and quaint museums are all part of the colorful cityscape, but the real delights of discovery lie in wandering the narrow lanes of Lisbon’s lovely backstreets. The Lisbon experience encompasses so many things, from enjoying a fresh pastry and bica (espresso) on a petite leafy plaza to window-shopping in elegant Chiado. It’s mingling with Lisboêtas at a neighborhood festival or watching the sunset from the old Moorish castle.
- Standing proudly on the bank of the Targus river in Lisbon is Belém Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This 16th-century tower was where explorers from the Age of Discovery set out towards the New World, across the Atlantic.
Hotels
- Monverde Wine Experience Hotel, Amarante — Douro River Valley
- Vila Galé Collection Alter Real, Alter do Chão — Alentejo
- Turim Boulevard Hotel — Lisbon
Details
- Tour Operator
- Collette
- Start City
- Porto
- End City
- Lisbon
- Duration (Days)
- 11
- Activity Level
- Level 3
What's Included
- 16 meals included
- Porto, known as Oporto in English, is the second largest city in Portugal, after Lisbon, and is located in northern Portugal. The city dates back to the 4th century. Porto’s city center is one of the oldest city centers in Europe. One of Portugal’s well known exports, port wine, is named for Porto since the metropolitan and surrounding area was responsible for the production and export of the fortified wine.
- The city of Aveiro is a stunning waterfront town where hand-painted boats pass slowly through the canal. Allow your eyes to drift along the nouveau architecture of this quaint fisherman village. Aveiro is known for their ovos moles, a “soft egg” pastry.
- Travel across the famous Alentejo region of southern Portugal, known for three things; pottery, wine, and cork. Sparsely populated, the Alentejo region is rolling green hills, orchards of sobreiro trees, and vineyards.
- Sample the different full-bodied wines from the prolific Alentejo wine region, during a winery tour and tasting. Some wines are even made using the ancient Roman method, using huge clay pots instead of barrels.
- One of Portugal’s most beautifully preserved medieval towns, Évora is an enchanting place to delve into the past. Inside the 14th-century walls, Évora’s narrow, winding lanes lead to striking architectural works: an elaborate medieval cathedral and cloisters; the cinematic columns of the Templo Romano (near the intriguing Roman baths); and a picturesque town square, once the site of some rather gruesome episodes courtesy of the Inquisition. Aside from its historic and aesthetic virtues, Évora is also a lively university town, and its many attractive restaurants serve up hearty Alentejan cuisine.
- Spread across steep hillsides that overlook the Rio Tejo, Lisbon offers all the delights you’d expect of Portugal’s star attraction, yet with half the fuss of other European capitals. Gothic cathedrals, majestic monasteries and quaint museums are all part of the colorful cityscape, but the real delights of discovery lie in wandering the narrow lanes of Lisbon’s lovely backstreets. The Lisbon experience encompasses so many things, from enjoying a fresh pastry and bica (espresso) on a petite leafy plaza to window-shopping in elegant Chiado. It’s mingling with Lisboêtas at a neighborhood festival or watching the sunset from the old Moorish castle.
- Standing proudly on the bank of the Targus river in Lisbon is Belém Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This 16th-century tower was where explorers from the Age of Discovery set out towards the New World, across the Atlantic.
Pricing
| Option | Price | Departure | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double | USD 4,799.00 | 2026-05-17 | |
| Single | USD 5,749.00 | 2026-05-17 |
Itinerary
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Day 1: Overnight Flight
Ancient castles, historic cityscapes, groves of olive trees, quiet whitewashed villages, delightful cuisine, fragrant wine, and welcoming locals – Portugal awaits with open arms.
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Day 2: Porto, Portugal - Amarante
Arrive in Porto today and continue directly to the starting point of your tour in the Douro Valley. Soon you’ll find yourself surrounded by the natural beauty of vineyards in tranquil Amarante – your home for the next three nights. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.
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Day 3: Amarante - Douro Valley - Amarante
Explore the charming town of Amarante, famous for its sweets, set on the banks of the Rio Tâmega. Walk across the Sao Goncalo bridge, a symbol of the town’s heroic defense against Napoleon's troops. Then, travel to Regua and embark on a cruise of the Douro River, taking in the incredible scenery of the Douro Valley. Follow the river along the Port Wine Route, admiring the terraced vineyards (UNESCO) and enjoying lunch onboard. Disembark in Pinhao and travel back to Amarante for an evening at leisure.
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Day 4: Amarante - Porto - Amarante
Today, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and flavors of Porto. Begin with a guided walking tour led by a local expert, uncovering the charm of this hilly city. Wander through the lively Ribeira district, nestled along the riverfront in the heart of the old town, and take in its colorful facades and bustling atmosphere. After the tour, enjoy free time for lunch and shopping at your own pace, with plenty of opportunities to sample local specialties or explore the city's boutiques. In the afternoon, venture just outside Porto to a home-hosted experience. Join your host family in preparing a fresh, market-inspired dinner together, sharing stories and traditions as you cook and dine in a warm, authentic setting.
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Day 5: Amarante - Aveiro - Alentejo
This morning, say goodbye to the Douro region. On the way to the Alentejo, visit the enchanting city of Aveiro, known for its much-loved egg-yolk desserts as well as its colorful canal boats, traditionally used for harvesting seaweed. Explore Aveiro’s rich history and heritage, defined by its canals and coastline. Continue along the rolling hills of Portugal to the village of Alter do Chão for a three-night stay.
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Day 6: Alentejo (Alter do Chão - Marvão - Alter do Chão)
Begin your day in the charming hilltop village of Marvão, where breathtaking views stretch across the plains - on a clear day, you might even see as far as Spain. Your journey into local culture continues at a nearby olive grove, where you’ll learn about traditional olive oil production, visit a historic press, and enjoy a tasting of the region’s unique oil over lunch. Later, return to your hotel for a brief visit to the historic Alter Stud Farm, established in 1748 and home to the renowned Lusitano purebred horse. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure - relax and make the most of your hotel’s amenities. This evening, you may choose to dine on your own in nearby Alter do Chão; round-trip transportation will be provided.
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Day 7: Alentejo (Alter do Chão - Estremoz - Portalegre - Alter do Chão)
Start the day like a true local at the Estremoz city market, an exciting place to be on a Saturday, when the countryside comes to town with baskets full of fruit, vegetables, grains, olive oil, cheeses, olives, and livestock. Peruse the adjacent flea market where browsing can feel like traveling back in time. This afternoon, it's your choice! Enjoy more time in the picturesque Portuguese village of Estremoz to visit a local tile museum -OR- venture farther for a walk along the Serra d‘Ossa walkway in Redondo. End your day by indulging in full-bodied wines from the Alentejo region during a winery tour and tasting.
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Day 8: Alentejo - Évora - Lisbon
Say goodbye to Portugal’s charming countryside as you travel to the vibrant capital of Lisbon. On the way, your journey takes you to the medieval walled city of Evora (UNESCO), known for its 2nd-century Roman temple to Diana and the mysterious 16th-century Chapel of Bones. Arrive in Lisbon in the late afternoon.
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Day 9: Lisbon
Travel to Belém to visit the exterior of two of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks: the UNESCO-listed Belém Tower and the stunning façade of the 16th-century Jerónimos Monastery. With your local expert, delve into the rich history and significance of this remarkable monastery before continuing on to a guided tour of the elegant Ajuda Palace. After some free time to enjoy lunch on your own, head to the vibrant Alfama district - Lisbon’s oldest quarter - where stories, legends, and hidden corners await. Are we all descendants of Ulysses? How many of Lisbon’s hills can you climb? Follow your expert guide through narrow alleyways and shadowy courtyards as you uncover the mysteries of this captivating neighborhood. Return to your hotel in the evening for a night at leisure.
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Day 10: Lisbon
It’s your day to experience Lisbon at your own pace. With plenty of free time in the capital city, you may wish to check out its famous culinary scene or venture downtown to do some shopping. If you’d prefer a guided experience today, you may choose to join an optional excursion to Ericeira and Sintra. From the windswept cliffs in Ericeira to the quaint palaces and villas of Sintra, you’ll hear many fascinating tales. This evening, join your fellow travelers for an unforgettable farewell dinner of Portuguese cuisine and wine, and listen to local artists perform the traditional fado (UNESCO).
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Day 11: Lisbon - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today.