Essence of Portugal

Trip Code:50708
(AUD) Twin Share from $5,845pp
Days 7
Nights 6

Explore the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Portugal on this seven-day small group tour with no more than 24 guests. Discover Lisbon’s charms, indulge in a Portuguese tart-making class, visit the fairytale town of Sintra, and savour a Porto wine-tasting experience.

  • 16 Oct 2026 – 22 Oct 2026
    from $5,845 pp twin share / $7,795 pp solo *

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

Itinerary

  • Day 1 – Arrive Lisbon:

    Say olá to Portugal’s sunny capital upon arrival at the airport, where you’ll be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Lisbon effortlessly blends traditional culture with striking modern architecture. Explore its charming neighbourhoods, taste local specialties, or venture to one of the popular beaches that are accessible from the city. This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers before spending the rest of the night at leisure.

  • Day 2 – Lisbon:

    Discover the wonders of Lisbon. Explore the city’s hilly streets, jump aboard an iconic tram for a scenic journey and finish at Belém Tower, a symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discovery, for a picturesque look into Lisbon’s maritime history. Belém is also renowned for being the home of the Portuguese tart, which the famous Pastéis de Belém has been baking since 1837. It’s here in Belém you can enjoy your special Insider Experience. Tonight, savour the rich flavours of Lisbon during a Welcome Dinner while witnessing a powerful fado performance of traditional folk music originating from Lisbon’s neighbourhoods.

    Insider Experience – Portuguese Tart Making Class

    At a local bakery, discover the art of making the world-famous pastel de nata (Portuguese tarts). Master the culinary skills required to make this sweet pastry with a hands-on lesson led by a local baker. While you bake, learn about the history behind the pastel de nata, before the best part: tasting your efforts.

  • Day 3 – Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, Lisbon:

    Set off on a full-day tour to the charming towns of Sintra and Cascais today. Begin in World Heritage-listed Sintra, a picturesque town seemingly plucked from the pages of a fairy tale. Set in the foothills of Portugal’s Sintra Mountains, this was once the summer retreat for Lisbon’s nobility and royalty. Now, visitors and locals alike make the journey to Sintra to visit the famous Pena Palace, which is perched atop a hill and boasts stunning panoramas of the surrounds. Admire the palace’s vivid colours, decorative terraces and Romanticist architecture, before exploring its famous gardens.

    Continue to Cascais, a coastal resort town boasting gold, sandy beaches, a popular marina and well-preserved medieval buildings. Enjoy time to explore at your leisure. You might like to sprawl out on one of Cascais’ postcard-perfect beaches, peruse a museum, or enjoy a bite to eat at a local restaurant.

  • Day 4 – Lisbon, Óbidos, Nazaré, Coimbra:

    Spend the day further exploring Portugal’s picturesque towns and cities. In Óbidos, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval villages, step back in time to an era of knights and folklore as you explore the medieval walls and castle. Continue to Nazaré, renowned worldwide for its big-wave surfing. Stroll through the cobblestone lanes, enjoy people-watching at a local café, or relax on the beach. Conclude your day in Coimbra, a historic riverfront city home to Portugal’s oldest university, founded in 1290. Check in to your hotel before enjoying the remainder of the day at leisure.

  • Day 5 – Coimbra, Aveiro, Porto:

    Explore Portugal’s version of Venice when you visit Aveiro this morning. Board a traditional Moliceiro boat and set off on a canal cruise along the city’s historic waterways. Afterwards, explore the vibrant Beira Mar neighbourhood, the oldest area in Aveiro, and discover colourful houses adorned with azulejos tiles, as well as the city’s bustling fish market. Your journey continues to the riverside city of Porto.

  • Day 6 – Porto:

    Begin your day with a walking tour of Porto, learning about the city’s rich history and architecture as you navigate its hilly terrain. Prepare for an exciting Insider Experience before spending the remainder of your day at leisure.

    Insider Experience – Exclusive Wine Tasting at a Local Quinta

    Immerse yourself in local cuisine, wine, and culture during an exclusive wine tasting experience at a private quinta. Accompanying the delicious local wines is a memorable Farewell Lunch, hosted by the quinta owners to celebrate your time here.

  • Day 7 – Depart Porto:

    Your Portugal adventure comes to an end today with a transfer to the airport for your onward journey. Not ready for your adventure to end? Join our eight-day Douro Discovery for a captivating cruise along Portugal’s famed Douro River.

Highlights

  • Small group tour with no more than 24 guests.
  • Discover Lisbon’s charms and the fairytale town of Sintra.
  • Savor a Porto wine-tasting experience.

Explore the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Portugal on this seven-day small group tour with no more than 24 guests. Discover Lisbon’s charms, indulge in a Portuguese tart-making class, visit the fairytale town of Sintra, and savour a Porto wine-tasting experience.

Inclusions

  • Portuguese Tart Making Class.
  • Exclusive Wine Tasting at a Local Quinta.
  • Day 1 highlights Arrive Lisbon:

    Say olá to Portugal’s sunny capital upon arrival at the airport, where you’ll be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Lisbon effortlessly blends traditional culture with striking modern architecture. Explore its charming neighbourhoods, taste local specialties, or venture to one of the popular beaches that are accessible from the city. This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers before spending the rest of the night at leisure.

    .

FAQs

  • Coimbra Melia Aeminium Coimbra or similar.
  • Three Nights, Avani Avenida Liberdade Lisbon Hotel or similar
  • Two Nights, Cenica Porto Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton or similar

How long is this journey?

This itinerary runs for 7 days and 6 nights.

When can I travel?

Departures are currently scheduled between 16 Oct 2026 and 22 Oct 2026, subject to live availability.

Can I travel solo?

Solo pricing may be available on selected departures, and final options can be confirmed at enquiry.

What is generally included?

Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.

What style of accommodation is used?

Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.

Provided by: APT, Travel Marvel

Fine Print

Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more details.

(AUD) Twin Share from $5,845pp
Days 7
Nights 6

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