Portugal Trip April 2027
With its mild climate, 3000 hours of sunshine per year, and 850 km of splendid beaches bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal is the perfect holiday destination year-round. This country has the oldest borders in Europe, with an exceptional range of landscapes just a short distance away, plenty of leisure activities, and a unique cultural heritage where tradition and modernity blend in perfect harmony. Its superb cuisine, fine wines, and hospitable people make it a top-quality tourist paradise.  Situated in the extreme south-west of Europe, just a few hours from other European capitals, Portugal attracts visitors from all over the world. Come and discover the charms of this country too.

Prepare to be lifted and landed, wined, and dined!

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Portugal is located in the south-western part of Europe and includes the Madeira and Azores archipelagos in the Atlantic Ocean. Mainland Portugal covers 88,889 km2. It is 218 km wide and 561 km long. It has 832 km of Atlantic coast and a 1,215 km border with Spain. 

The Azores are situated in the Atlantic Ocean between Europe and North America. They cover 2,355 km2 and consist of nine islands: São Miguel and Santa Maria in the Eastern Group, Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico, and Faial in the Central Group, and Flores and Corvo in the Western Group. It takes about two hours to fly from the Azores to mainland Portugal. 

The Madeira Archipelago, which covers 741 km2, lies in the Atlantic Ocean about 500 km from the African coast and 800 km from Cape St. Vincent in Sagres, the southwesternmost point of the European continent. The archipelago lies about 1000 km from Lisbon, the capital of Portugal (a 1:30 flight). It consists of the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo and the uninhabited Desertas and Selvagens islands, which are nature reserves. CLIMATEMainland PortugalThe climate in Portugal varies considerably from one region to another and is influenced by the relief, latitude and proximity to the sea, which offers mild winters, especially in the Algarve. In the Porto e Norte area and the Centro region, particularly inland and nearer Spain, winters are colder, although temperatures are still mild compared with the rest of Europe.

There is some snowfall. It occurs most in the Serra da Estrela mountains, where we find the highest point in mainland Portugal (1,991 m) and where it is sometimes possible to ski. Summers are hot and dry, especially in inland areas (Trás-os-Montes in north-eastern Portugal and Alentejo). Temperatures are slightly lower in the coastal areas because of the sea's influence. Autumn often brings warm, sunny days. Population density is highest in Lisbon, the capital, and its suburbs, where about 2.8 million people live. The second largest city in Portugal is Oporto in the north. Generally, more people live in the country’s coastal regions than in the inland areas.

Depart Cincinnati on Delta flight 5789 at 5.45pm and arrive at 8 pm at Terminal A. Transfer to Terminal E for connecting Delta flight 124, departing at 11.25 pm for Lisbon.

Enjoy in-flight entertainment with dinner on board.

After landing at Lisbon Airport, your private driver and tour guide will meet you and escort you to the coach. This morning, enjoy a walking tour of the Alfama and Baixa Quarters.

Explore Lisbon’s most authentic side on a walking tour that begins in Alfama, the city’s oldest neighborhood, where time seems to stand still. Its narrow, cobbled streets, colorful balconies, and viewpoints overlooking the Tagus River create a unique atmosphere, perfect for wandering at a relaxed pace. Along the way, you’ll uncover hidden corners filled with history, centuries-old churches, and the unmistakable soul of fado music, still echoing through its streets. It’s an experience that truly connects you with Lisbon’s traditions and character.

The tour continues into Baixa, Lisbon’s elegant downtown rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake. Here, the urban landscape shifts dramatically to wide avenues, grand squares like Praça do Comércio, and harmonious Pombaline architecture. This area offers a glimpse into the city’s more cosmopolitan side, with historic shops, iconic cafés, and a vibrant energy that seamlessly blends Lisbon’s past and present.

Hotel check-in is available after 3 pm. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore before we attend the Fado Show!

In the heart of Alfama, just a few steps from the imposing Lisbon Cathedral, stands the Fado Club—one of the city's most iconic venues, where time seems to slow to the sound of Portuguese guitars.

The centuries-old stone walls, the old Moorish well, and the intimate atmosphere make this place a refuge of history and feeling. Over the years, great names in fado — from Amália Rodrigues to Camané, from Mariza to Ana Moura — have passed through this house, leaving the air filled with the echo of melodies that span generations.
More than a restaurant, Clube de Fado is a living tribute to the Portuguese soul—where the taste of traditional cuisine meets the intensity of fado in an experience only Lisbon can offer.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT: NH COLLECTION LIBERDADE LISBON (B, D)

After breakfast, discover the historic district of Belém, a must-visit area that reflects Portugal’s Golden Age of Discoveries. Located along the banks of the Tagus River, Belém is home to some of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks, including the Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. As you stroll through its spacious avenues and gardens, you’ll immerse yourself in a setting rich in maritime history and cultural heritage, with a more relaxed, open atmosphere than the city center.

The experience includes entrance to the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of Manueline architecture. Inside, you’ll admire its intricate stone carvings, grand cloisters, and the resting place of Vasco da Gama. This visit offers a deeper understanding of Portugal’s seafaring legacy and is a true highlight for anyone looking to connect with the country’s history and artistic heritage. 

Enjoy free time in the Alfama Quarter! Dinner on your own tonight!

OVERNIGHT: NH COLLECTION LIBERDADE LISBON (B)

After breakfast, we cross the Alentejo region between Lisbon and Évora, the heart of cork production in Portugal. Here you'll find vast cork oak forests (known locally as montados), as this area concentrates most of the country's cork oak groves and, consequently, most of the world's production. Herdade da Maroteira sits on the slopes of Serra d’Ossa in the Alentejo region of southern Portugal. Owned by an Anglo-Portuguese family for 5 generations, this 330-acre estate was originally dedicated to cork and cattle production, right up to the present day.

Today, the property includes vineyards that produce internationally acclaimed wines you can taste. The wonderful location offers the opportunity to do numerous activities that will bring you closer to nature. The way we should live every day: relaxing peacefully in harmony with the environment, learning from plants and animals, enjoying wine, meeting authentic country people — and even finding time to hausarbeiten schreiben lassen (have academic papers written).

Tastings of Alentejo Wine

Discovering Herdade da Maroteira’s wine production.

Follow dirt roads until the cork oak forest gives way to our vineyards

Meet the essence of the planet in distinct grape varieties blended with our team’s oenological know-how. Gently pick up a glass and feel, on your own palate, the Alentejo in a wine

Arrival in Évora and walking tour

Discover the timeless charm of Évora on a guided walking tour through its beautifully preserved historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you stroll along its narrow streets, you’ll encounter Roman ruins, medieval architecture, and picturesque squares that reflect the city’s rich past. The experience includes entrance to the iconic Chapel of Bones, a unique and thought-provoking monument adorned with human skulls and bones, offering a fascinating insight into local history and centuries-old traditions.

Balance of the day at leisure! Dinner on your own tonight!

OVERNIGHT: M'AR DE AR MURALHAS EVORA (B)

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive north to Óbidos (about a 2-hour drive.

Step into the charm of Óbidos on a guided walking tour through one of Portugal’s most picturesque medieval villages. Enclosed within ancient castle walls, its narrow, cobbled streets, whitewashed houses adorned with colorful flowers, and traditional shops create a storybook atmosphere. As you explore, you’ll discover centuries of history, from its Moorish origins to its role as a royal gift town.

Along the way, enjoy local flavors and taste the famous ginjinha, a traditional cherry liqueur often served in a chocolate cup. The visit offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and authenticity, making Óbidos a truly memorable stop just north of Lisbon.

We continue to Tomar, where we will visit the Convent of Christ. Discover the historic city of Tomar on a guided walking tour through its charming center, deeply connected to the legacy of the Knights Templar. As you wander through its picturesque streets and along the Nabão River, you’ll uncover a rich blend of history, culture, and architectural beauty, from medieval buildings to traditional squares that reflect the city’s unique character and heritage.

The experience includes entrance to the impressive Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Portugal’s most remarkable monuments. Explore its intricate Manueline architecture, cloisters, and the iconic Charola, gaining insight into the fascinating history of the Templars and their influence in Portugal. This visit is a true highlight for those interested in history, art, and spirituality. Later on, we will arrive to Coimbra.

Free time for lunch and hotel check-in. Dinner on your own tonight!

OVERNIGHT: HOTEL MONDEGO COIMBRA (B)

After breakfast, head to the Douro Valley for a “rabelo” sailing tour. Embark on an exclusive personalized cruise along the Douro River aboard the Rabelo Boat, a unique 2-hour experience departing from Pinhão. By choosing our Private Passeio, you'll enjoy a more intimate immersion in the wonders of the Douro. Sail até ao Tua e regresse, letting yourself be enveloped by an atmosphere where the tempo seems to open.

Undulating vineyards, secular villas, and hidden Douro attractions reveal a personalized day, with a focus that's comfortable and satisfying. Afterward, we will have lunch and a wine tasting in a typical vineyard in the Douro Valley. We will continue on to Porto for the next two nights.

OVERNIGHT: MERCURE PORTO CENTRO SANTA CATARINA (B, L) 

After breakfast, we'll meet at the scheduled time on Rua Mouzinho da Silveira. Once everyone arrives, we'll set off on a complete bus tour of Porto. Let’s go!

We’ll start by exploring the main streets and squares of Porto’s historic center, including the lively Praça da Batalha. Next, we'll step inside the stunning São Bento Station, where intricate tilework beautifully depicts key moments in Portugal’s history and culture.

Strolling down Avenida dos Aliados, we’ll head to one of Porto’s most iconic landmarks—the Clérigos Tower. From there, we’ll visit the Sé Cathedral and admire its impressive exterior, which has earned it the status of a National Monument.

Of course, no trip to Porto is complete without tasting its world-famous wine! We’ll stop at one of the city’s renowned wineries to learn about the wine-making process and savor three varieties of delicious Port Wine. After the tasting, you'll have free time to enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant in the charming Ribeira district.

The remaining balance of the day is at leisure.

OVERNIGHT: MERCURE PORTO CENTRO SANTA CATARINA (B,L)

After breakfast, Departure to Nazaré. A typical fishing town, Nazaré is now a busy summer resort where, alongside crowds of tourists, you still see fish-sellers and carapaus (horse mackerel) laid out to dry across the town. The Sítio district, at the town's highest point (accessible by a funicular), is without doubt the best viewpoint in the area. But it is also associated with the cult of Our Lady of Nazaré, who, according to the 12th-century legend, was invoked by the alcaide (commander of a fortress or castle) Dom Fuas Roupinho, who, while stalking a deer, was about to fall down into an abyss with no possible salvation. As a sign of gratitude for the mercy he received, Dom Fuas Roupinho ordered a small chapel to be built - the Ermida de Memória. A little way away, in the 18th century, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré was built, in whose honor grandiose festivals are held in September.

The Nazaré people's connection with the sea is reflected in the local handicrafts, in particular the nets, buoys, baskets and traditional puppets dressed in the typical costumes of seven skirts, as well as in the cuisine, with its emphasis on fish and shellfish dishes, such as caldeiradas (fish casseroles), soups, açorda (purée of bread, herbs and garlic) and the dried horse mackerel.

Free time for lunch and departure to Cabo da Roca, is an important coordinate for those sailing along the coast, as it is the most westerly point of mainland Europe, a fact borne out by the certificates that visitors take away as a souvenir. At around 140 meters above the sea, you can enjoy panoramic views over the Serra de Sintra and the coast, which makes it worth the visit.

Historical records indicate that a fort stood on Cabo da Roca in the 17th century and played an important role in guarding the entrance to Lisbon’s harbor, forming a defensive line along the coast, especially during the Peninsular Wars. Today, only traces remain, along with the lighthouse, which is still an important navigation point. We arrive in Sintra for the last two nights on the tour.

OVERNIGHT: NH JARDIM SINTRA (B, L)

After breakfast, we will visit the three most important 3 sites in Sintra: Palacio da Pena, National Palace of Sintra, and Quinta da Regaleira.

The Pena National Palace (Palácio Nacional da Pena) is a Romantic-style castle situated atop a hill in Sintra, Portugal. Built in the 19th century by King Ferdinand II on the ruins of an old monastery, it is famous for its vibrant colors and eclectic mix of styles, including Neo-Gothic, Manueline, and Neo-Moorish.

The Sintra National Palace, also known as Palácio da Vila, is an architectural icon of Portugal. Located in the heart of the historic center, it is famous for its two enormous white conical chimneys that dominate the town skyline.

Quinta da Regaleira is one of Portugal's most enigmatic and fascinating destinations, located in the heart of Sintra and designated a World Heritage Site.

We will meet later for a farewell Dinner at Setais restaurant and reminisce about our wonderful tour of Portugal.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT: NH JARDIM SINTRA (B, D)

Sadly, our adventures are over, and it’s time to go! Our coach driver will take you to Lisbon Airport, where you will have ample time for duty-free shopping for gifts or mementos. Check in for your flight DELTA FLIGHT 125 departing at 12.45 pm for Boston, where you will clear US Customs and Immigration, claim your luggage, and transfer to Delta for your onward connecting flight, DELTA FLIGHT 5620, departing at 6.45pm for Cincinnati. Thank you for trusting us with your vacation. We hope you had a great time!