Portugal highlights
Our selection of small group vacations to Portugal will take you from the golden sandy beaches of the Algarve and bustling food markets of Porto to the exotic islands of the Azores and mossy footpaths of Madeira. Why not also view our Explore Upgraded - Walking in Portugal tour. Our Explore Upgraded tours include everything you know and love about us as well as premium accommodation for a little extra comfort.
Here are some of our Portugal Tour highlights:
Algarve
Set off on foot to discover hidden gems in an unspoiled corner of Portugal along the western Algarve on our Coastal Trails of Portugal walking vacation. The Algarve region is famous for its glistening turquoise waters, golden sand beaches, fresh seafood and delicious local wines. Uncover the jagged arches of Ponta de Piedade and take the coastal trail along towering cliffs to Europe’s most south-westerly point, Cabo Sao Vicente. Alternatively, head to Tavira on our Eastern Algarve Walking Tour for leisurely walks through picturesque villages, traditional fishing towns and untouched sandbank islands.
Azores
Portugal’s Azores Islands are located in the mid-Atlantic and boast verdant hillsides, aquamarine seas, volcanoes and exotic flora. Visit five islands on our Azores Island Hopping Walking Vacation to see the best that they have to offer. Wander around the emerald green crater lakes of Sao Miguel, swim in the lava rock pools on the coast of Terceira, walk along the ridge of the lush Caldeira de Cima gorge on Sao Jorge, go whale watching from Pico and trek amongst blooms of wild blue hydrangeas on Faial.
Porto
Jump on board a train to Porto on our Highlights of Portugal Tour. Follow your tour leader through the rustic cobbled streets and to the quayside of Casi da Ribeira where colorful old townhouses line the water’s edge. Then take some time to explore the bustling food markets, discover churches embellished with ornate azulejo tiles and relax in a cozy coffee bar. A visit to Porto wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a local port lodge too. Learn about the history and production of white, ruby and tawny port before putting them to the test with a tasting session.
Madeira
Madeira is an archipelago of four Portuguese islands located off the west coast of Africa. Explore the main volcanic island on foot with our Madeira Trekking Vacation and uncover a verdant world of mossy levadas, ancient footpaths and clifftop passes. Uncover waterfalls cascading through the hillsides, take a dip in the freshwater levada pools, hike to the highest summit of Pico Ruivo, navigate your way through dark tunnels and feel your heart rate rise as you step onto the famous Balcony Walk cut into the edge of the cliff face.
How to Explore Portugal
Whether you want to taste the best of Portugal on a wining-and-dining food tour or discover spectacular landscapes like the sun-soaked Algarve coast, explore Portugal the way you want with a variety of different tour options.
Walking tours
From mountains to beaches, ramble and roam through this beautiful country on a
Portugal walking tour. Traverse ancient f
ootpaths among volcanic peaks on Madeira, enjoy leisurely strolls along the turquoise ocean along
remote coastal paths or walk between
wine tastings in the Douro Valley.
Cycling tours
Food and culture
For foodies and culture aficionados who prefer to save their energy for visiting historic sites and eating and drinking as much as they can, we've got you covered. With transportation arranged by bus or train, you can spend more time immersing yourself in Portuguese culture and cuisine.
Go on a
complete highlights tour, visiting all the country's greatest hits including Lisbon, Porto and the Douro wine region, or eat your way around the country with a
food tour, getting your fill of pasteis de nate pastries, port wine, oysters, fresh fish and much more. You can even try your hand at making traditional dishes during cooking classes with local families.
With its more leisurely pace and less-active days, our small-group tours are also perfect for
families to travel together and discover Portugal.
Solo travel in Portugal
Traveling alone? You're in the right place! All of our Portugal trips are perfect for solo vacations. Many of our customers come on their own so you'll be in good company and make new friends along the way. Let us take away the stress and worry and look after all of the logistics so you can relax and enjoy your adventure.
Best time to go to Portugal
The best time of year to visit Portugal depends on which part(s) of the country you want to visit and what you want to do. In general, though, spring (February to March) or fall (September to October) are the best times to plan a trip. Popular tourist attractions and major cities will also be less crowded, as both spring and autumn fall on either side of the summer high season. Both have good weather and opportunities to experience seasonal delights like springtime blooms or fall colors (wine lovers will especially like visiting during autumn for harvest).