Multiple Departures August through November 2026Multiple Departures March through November 2027Discover Portugal
Small Group Tour with Back Roads Touring
Uncover Portugal’s true essence as we journey from vibrant Lisbon to the cinematic Douro Valley and beyond – taking in world-famous pilgrimage sites, sumptuous local cuisine and staggering landscapes as we go. Weave your own travel tale as you discover cosy hole-in-the-wall eateries along cobblestone alleys and seek out the perfect pastel de nata in medieval cities, sip on distinguished wines among lush olive groves and feel the power of the Atlantic Ocean fill up your lungs. It’s all here, waiting to become a part of your story.
YOUR JOURNEY AT A GLANCE
Lisbon to Porto
Travel the Back Roads of Northern Spain
10 days, 9 Nights
14 meals included
18 guests (max)
Twin-share & Single occupancy options available
17 experiences
Local Tour Leader & Luxury Minicoach
Tour Highlights:
Cruise along the Douro River on a traditional rabelo boat and experience the region’s majestic beauty up close
Discover the secrets behind the delicious flavours of locally-produced cheeses near Viseu
Uncover the world-famous university and charming medieval centre of Coimbra
DISCOVER THE BACKROADS WAY…
There’s the Europe you see from a highway, then there’s the Europe you feel on the back roads. Join us as we navigate its secluded lanes, reveal its hidden histories, and connect you to the culture that most never find. This is the Back-Roads Way.
Small Group of 18
We keep our groups to just 18 guests to make sure your connection to Europe is personal, not a passing glance.
Luxury Mini Coaches
Whether you are weaving through the back roads of coastlines or country roads, Luxury Mini-Coaches go where 52-seater coaches could never reach.
Passionate Tour Leaders
Do you know that tucked away cove, or the legend behind that weather-worn stone? Your expert Local Leader does.
Characterful Accomodation
Full of charm and historic details, our thoughtfully selected accomodation will fully immerse you in each destination. Expect rustic country inns, elegant town centre villas and even the odd castle!
Designed for Discovery
From cooking silky tagliatelle in a Tuscan Kitchen to sipping smooth wine in a Spanish bodega, your journey is designed for discovery - with every experience carefully curated and always included.
Discover Portugal Itinerary
BREAKFAST (B) LUNCH (L) DINNER (D)
Day 1 - Lisbon (Portugal) (D)
Welcome to Lisbon! Portugal’s vibrant capital and our home for the first two nights of our adventure. After meeting your small group of fellow explorers, we’ll kick off our journey with a group dinner in the historic Alfama district – Lisbon's oldest neighbourhood. It’s a nest of cobblestone alleys, pastel-coloured homes, and hidden bars and eateries just waiting to be discovered with every turn. As we weave through, spot clotheslines criss-crossed on narrow streets, potted plants perched on wrought-iron balconies and hear friendly chatter drift out from windows – it's easy to imagine what local life must be like here.
Accomodation
Turim Terreiro do Paço Hotel (or similar)
Experiences
Welcome dinner with traditional Fado performance
Day 2 - Lisbon – Sintra – Lisbon (B)
Discover Portugal’s artistic and royal heritage on a day of culture, creativity and unforgettable scenery. Explore the centuries-old tradition of azulejos with a visit to a local atelier, where you’ll paint your own unique tile inspired by your travels. Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage village of Sintra for a guided tour of the magnificent National Palace, with its royal chambers, Moorish influences and fascinating history. Return to Lisbon via the scenic Cascais Coast, then enjoy free time to explore the city—ride the iconic Tram 28, sample a pastel de nata, or wander the charming streets before finishing the day with sunset views from one of Lisbon’s famous miradouros.
Accomodation
Turim Terreiro do Paço Hotel (or similar)
Experiences
Tile-painting workshop in Lisbon
Visit Sintra National Palace with local guide
Day 3 - Lisbon – Óbidos and Nazaré – Alvados (B) (D)
Journey to the enchanting medieval town of Óbidos, where castle walls surround cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and colourful façades. Discover its timeless charm on an orientation tour and sample local favourites like pão com chouriço and Ginja de Óbidos, the region’s famous cherry liqueur. Continue to the coastal town of Nazaré, known for its golden beach and legendary surf waves, with time to explore the waterfront or visit the hilltop Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré. End the day in peaceful Alvados, nestled in the Serra de Aire and Candeeiros Natural Park, with a hands-on Portuguese cooking class and delicious regional dinner at your nature-inspired hotel.
Accomodation
Cooking and Nature Emotional Hotel (or similar)
Experiences
Visit Óbidos
Visit Nazaré
Traditional Portuguese cooking class with dinner
Day 4 - Alvados – Tomar – Alvados (B)
Step back in time with a guided visit to Tomar’s magnificent Convento de Cristo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded by the Knights Templar. Explore its ornate cloisters, intricate frescoes and beautiful azulejos as your local guide brings the history of this remarkable 12th-century monastery to life.
Later, visit a family-run olive oil estate to discover the art of producing premium extra virgin olive oil. Tour the historic mill, learn about the production process, and enjoy a guided tasting alongside regional specialties including local cheese, jams and wine. You may even wish to take home a bottle of the estate’s exceptional olive oil.
Return to Alvados for a relaxing evening at your leisure. Take a stroll through the surrounding natural park, unwind by the outdoor pool, or simply soak up the peaceful countryside atmosphere.
Accomodation
Cooking and Nature Emotional Hotel (or similar)
Experiences
Visit Convento de Cristo in Tomar
Olive oil tasting in Alvados
Day 5 - Alvados – Coimbra – Viseu (B)
Travel north to the historic city of Coimbra, home to one of the world’s oldest universities, founded in 1290. Explore the atmospheric university grounds and visit the magnificent Joanina Library, renowned for its lavish Baroque interiors, before enjoying free time to wander the medieval centre, admire views over the Mondego River or sample a local Pastéis de Santa Clara.
This afternoon, visit a traditional working farm to discover the craft behind the region’s famous Serra da Estrela cheese. Learn about the cheesemaking process before enjoying a tasting of local cheeses, breads, cakes and other regional specialties. Continue to the charming city of Viseu, where the evening is yours to relax and dine at your leisure.
Accomodation
Hotel Palacio dos Melos (or similar)
Experiences
Visit Coimbra University
Visit a traditional cheesemaker in Viseu
Day 6 - Viseu – Lamego, Pinhão and Peso Da Régua – Douro Valley (B) (D)
Today, journey into the breathtaking Douro Valley, where terraced vineyards blanket rolling hillsides above the winding Douro River. Travel through this spectacular wine region to the historic town of Lamego, where you'll visit the impressive Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, reached by its magnificent Baroque staircase adorned with blue-and-white azulejos and ornate fountains, before enjoying free time to explore. Continue to the riverside village of Pinhão for a private cruise aboard a traditional rabelo boat, taking in the valley's vineyard-covered slopes from the water. This evening, arrive at your vineyard hotel and enjoy dinner surrounded by one of Portugal's most celebrated wine regions.
Accomodation
Quinta da Pacheca (or similar)
Experiences
Visit Lamego Sanctuary
Traditional rabelo boat cruise through the Douro Valley
Day 7 - Douro Valley (B) (D)
The patchwork quilt of the valley’s rolling hills makes a serene backdrop to your free day. So, what takes your fancy? Will it be a guided tour and wine tasting followed by a stroll through the hotel’s vineyards? Or, perhaps a day spent relaxing by the glistening pool with a picnic has your name on it. Decisions, decisions... Whatever story you choose to write today, this evening, we’ll reconvene with the group for a delicious dinner once again and share what we’ve been up to. Be sure to catch the sunset later – where a cotton candy sky gives way to the sapphire blue of night.
Accomodation
Quinta da Pacheca (or similar)
Day 8 - Douro Valley – Amarante and Penafiel – Braga (B)
Bid farewell to the Douro Valley and travel to the picturesque riverside town of Amarante. Visit the beautiful São Gonçalo Church, renowned for its ornate Baroque altar, before enjoying free time to wander the town’s charming medieval streets and scenic riverfront. This afternoon, continue to Penafiel for a tasting of the region’s famous vinho verde at a family-run winery, discovering why this light, refreshing wine is one of northern Portugal’s best-known specialties. Later, arrive in the historic city of Braga, where the evening is yours to explore and dine at your leisure. Tonight, stay in a character-filled 16th-century hospital transformed into a unique heritage hotel.
Accomodation
Hotel Vila Galé Collection Braga (or similar)
Experiences
Visit São Gonçalo Church in Amarante
Wine tasting at Aveleda Winery in Penafiel
Day 9 - Braga – Guimarães – Braga (B) (D)
Discover the birthplace of Portugal in the medieval city of Guimarães, where a guided tour takes you through the impressive castle and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza. Enjoy free time to explore the atmospheric historic centre, with its cobbled streets, half-timbered buildings and inviting cafés.
Return to Braga for the afternoon, where you can visit the iconic Bom Jesus Sanctuary, either climbing its famous Baroque staircase or riding the historic funicular to the summit. This evening, celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner accompanied by a traditional Portuguese folk performance—the perfect finale to your Portuguese adventure.
Accomodation
Hotel Vila Galé Collection Braga
Experiences
Visit Guimarães’ historic city centre with local guide Entrance to Guimarães Castle
Entrance to the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza
Day 10 - Braga – Porto (B)
With its postcard-perfect waterfront, world-renowned port wine and friendly locals, our journey through northern Portugal ends in Porto. We’ll stroll across the iconic Luís I Bridge and take a moment to reflect on the memories made over the past ten days. Soak in the spectacular panoramic views, spotting Porto's historic Ribeira district, port wine lodges on the Gaia side, and traditional rabelo boats floating along the Douro River. Before we say farewell, why not indulge in one last pastel de nata for good measure? The Francesinha (a decadent sandwich covered in a lavish, beer-based sauce) is also a must-try!
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From $6,439 per person
Single Supplement Available on Request
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A CINEMATIC STAY
Over two nights, slumber in one of twelve individually designed rooms that take inspiration from emotions evoked via cinematic masterpieces. To begin our experience here, we'll take part in a cookery class! Prepare your senses for rustic recipes you'll desire long after your final bite.
CHEESE FARM VENTURES
Learn how Bordaleiras sheep’s milk transforms into local cheese during an intimate tasting at a farm near Viseu.
13th-CENTURY STUDIES
Visit the famed University of Coimbra - sat atop a hill since 1290 - followed by a stroll through the city's medieval, cobblestone streets.
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This tour can be combined with:
A Taste of the Camino: Porto to Bilbao
Complete your journey with our personalised travel planning.
In addition to your tour, we can arrange:International flights
Private airport transfers
Pre- and post-tour accommodation
Rail journeys
Travel insurance
