Uncover the real Portugal on an in-depth tour

Trip Code:1706
(AUD) Twin Share from $5,819pp
Days 10
Nights 9

From charming medieval villages to the cobbled streets of Porto, the empires of the past have left their mark on this captivating Iberian nation. Uncover the real Portugal as we journey from Gothic cities to cinematic rural scenery – taking in world-famous pilgrimage sites, sumptuous local cuisine, and ancient customs as we go.

Various departures available from March 2027 to November 2027

24 March 2027 departure:

  • Twin Share: $6119 $5819 per person*
  • Solo Use: $7639 $7339 per person*

* Please note: prices are subject to availability at the time of booking and may change or be withdrawn at any time without notice.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Lisbon (Portugal)

Welcome to Lisbon – a mesmerising capital filled with Gothic glamour and enthralling culture. After meeting the group at the hotel, we’ll kick off our adventure with a group dinner accompanied by an atmospheric Fado performance. Here’s to the journey ahead! 

Day 2 – Lisbon – Cascais – Lisbon

Just outside the city, we’ll visit the National Palace of Queluz, a rococo style summer palace with over 50,000 hand-painted tiles lining the walls, and manicured gardens made for wandering. Next, we’ll head to the coast with a leisurely stop in the town of Cascais. Perhaps spend this free time enjoying lunch in a seafront cafe or stroll along the marina. We’ll then take the scenic route back to Lisbon where the afternoon is yours to uncover more of the city’s secrets. 

Day 3 – Lisbon – Óbidos and Nazaré – Alvados

The gorgeous village of Óbidos will be our first point of call today, where we’ll marvel at the historic architecture and explore the labyrinth of cobblestone streets on an orientation tour. Our next stop is the charming fishing town of Nazaré. Here, we’ll enjoy some free time to wander at our leisure before continuing to Alvados, where a Portuguese cookery lesson and sumptuous dinner await. Ready to roll up those sleeves?

Day 4 – Alvados – Tomar – Alvados

Today we’ll continue our journey to Tomar, where we’ll visit the World Heritage-listed Convent of Christ. Known as the Knights Templar City, Tomar is a historic jewel just waiting to be uncovered – and we’ll have some free time to do just that. Before returning to Alvados, there’s a treat in store for the food connoisseurs among us! We’ll pay a visit to an olive oil producer, where we’ll learn about their production processes and have the chance to taste some of the local oil. This evening is ours to enjoy the hotel facilities or explore the surrounding walking trails.

Day 5 – Alvados – Coimbra – Viseu

Along the road to Viseu, we’ll travel to Coimbra, where a visit to the famous University and legendary Joanina Library awaits. Enjoy wandering the historic grounds and admiring the magnificent views over the River Mondego before having some free time to explore the city’s medieval centre. Later, we’ll make tracks to Viseu. Here, a traditional cheesemaker will let us in on the secrets behind Viseu’s delicious buttery cheese ,and we’ll have the chance to taste some for ourselves. Then, the evening is ours to enjoy at leisure.

Day 6 – Viseu – Lamego, Pinhão and Peso Da Régua – Douro Valley

First up today, Lamego: a historic town nestled deep within the Douro Valley and home to an astonishing Baroque staircase. After an included visit to the beautiful 18th-century Shrine of Our Lady of Remedies, we’ll have some time to explore at our own pace. Later, we’ll turn our attention to Pinhão, where a cruise in a traditional rabelo boat awaits. Bask in the cinematic scenery of the Douro Valley as we enjoy a leisurely ride to Peso da Régua. And tonight? There’s another sumptuous dinner in store at our hotel. 

Day 7 – Duoro Valley

The scenic, vineyard-dotted landscapes of the Douro Valley make a serene backdrop for our free day today. Enjoy the day relaxing by the pool at our hotel or exploring the surrounding landscape on a leisurely hike – there’s plenty of time to indulge in a drop or two of the region’s famous wines before we reconvene for a delicious dinner at the hotel.

Day 8 – Duoro Valley – Amarante and Penafiel – Braga

After breakfast, we’ll head to Amarante – a sleepy riverside town dominated by its striking arched bridge and 16th-century São Gonçalo Church. We’ll take some time to marvel at the lofty interiors of the church before exploring the town at our leisure. After lunch, we’ll set a course for Penafiel where we’ll savour a glass of the region’s famous green wine and learn more about the winemaking process. An evening of leisure awaits once we arrive in lovely Braga.

Day 9 – Braga – Guimarães – Braga

This morning we’ll set our sights on Guimarães – where we’ll learn about the castle, the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, and the historic city centre on a guided walking tour. After our tour, we’ll have time to roam the medieval streets at our own pace before returning to Braga for an afternoon of free time. While you’re here, be sure to tick off the Bom Jesus Sanctuary – it’s one of Portugal’s most famous attractions for good reason! This evening, we’ll tuck into one last dinner together, with a traditional folk performance as the grand finale.

Day 10 – Braga – Porto

Our final destination will be Porto, where we’ll enjoy a scenic orientation walk with our Tour Leader. Stroll across the iconic Luis I Bridge and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Old Town and traditional rabelo boats floating in the Douro River. Later this afternoon, we’ll say our goodbyes as our journey comes to an end.

* Please note that tour itineraries are subject to change at any time by the tour company and are not guaranteed

Highlights

  • Enjoy a scenic ride along the Douro River in a traditional rabelo boat
  •  Indulge in a tasting of delicious locally produced cheeses near Viseu
  •  Explore the wonderfully atmospheric and history-laden streets of Coimbra

From charming medieval villages to the cobbled streets of Porto, the empires of the past have left their mark on this captivating Iberian nation. Uncover the real Portugal as we journey from Gothic cities to cinematic rural scenery – taking in world-famous pilgrimage sites, sumptuous local cuisine, and ancient customs as we go.

Inclusions

  • 9 nights in hand-picked accommodation
  • 9 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners
  • Premium mini-coach transportation
  • Experienced Tour Leader and Driver
  • Maximum 18 Passengers

Exclusions

  • Airfares & Travel Insurance

FAQs

On your tour you will spend 9 nights in charming boutique accommodation with en-suite bathrooms of 3-star/4-star standard ranging from country inns to town centre hotels.

Where do I meet my Tour Leader upon arrival? Your Tour Leader will usually meet you in the arrival hotel’s reception area at the tour’s listed start time. If you can’t see your Tour Leader, look out for any notices posted in the lobby or ask a member of the hotel staff.

Do you provide airport transfers? For Europe and UK tours, airport transfers are not included in your tour price – however, we can book transfers for you as an additional service.

How much luggage can I bring? As we travel in mini-coaches, luggage space is limited. Each guest may bring one piece of main luggage of a standard size of no more than 158cm (when the length, width and height is added together) and weighing no more than 20kg. You may also bring one small carry-on bag per person. If you have more luggage, please make arrangements to store it prior to joining the tour. We are unable to carry extra luggage on the mini-coach.

What clothes should I bring? A suggested packing list will be provided in your pre-departure information. We suggest packing for variable weather conditions. We also suggest a pair of good shoes for walking tours.

What level of mobility do I need?: You need to be fit enough to get on and off the vehicle on a regular basis, and to walk both to attractions and around towns and villages. You also need to able to walk up and down stairs in the hotels and use a shower over the bath. We frequently use traditional style hotels and the majority will not have lifts or ground floor rooms. 

Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate mobility scooter or wheelchair users. If you have any medical issues, please declare them to us in advance of your tour. If you are in any doubt as to whether our tours are suitable for you, please check with us.

Provided by: Back-Roads Touring

Fine Print

Travel at 60 birthday sale T&Cs

  • Offer valid from 12–25 October 2026 inclusive. Bookings must be made within the sale period to qualify.

Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more details.

(AUD) Twin Share from $5,819pp
Days 10
Nights 9

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