Portuguese Pousadas

Discover the old-fashioned charm of Portugal on this eight-day journey from Lisbon to Porto. Staying at two of the country’s famed Pousadas, one of which was once a Moorish castle, explore historic regional centres including Coimbra and Porto; and the picturesque, terraced hillsides of the Douro valley, where port – the world-renowned fortified wine – is produced.

What's Included:

• Stay in historic Pousadas throughout
• Visit a bakery to learn how to make pastel de nata tarts
• Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Douro River
• Tour two traditional wine estates to sample a variety of port
• Average group size - 14 people (max 18)
• 4-star accommodation
• Flexible - extensions, room & flight upgrades available
• Experienced local tour manager
• Guided sightseeing & entrance fees
• Hotel porterage

Day 1: Arrive Lisbon

Fly from London (regional connections available) to Lisbon with TAP Air Portugal. Transfer to Pousada de Palmela (or similar) for 3 nights. Enjoy a welcome dinner with the group at your hotel.

Accommodation: Pousada Castelo de Palmela Meals included: dinner

Day 2: Lisbon

Half-day tour of Lisbon, Portugal’s colourful capital, including a visit to the highly ornate Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, and cobbled streets of the old town. Enjoy time at leisure in Lisbon before returning to Palmela.

Accommodation: Pousada Castelo de Palmela Meals included: breakfast

Day 3: Sintra

Morning visit to the UNESCO-listed parish of Sintra and Pena Palace – once the summer residence of King Ferdinand II. Visit a local bakery for an introduction to making pastel de nata tarts. At the conclusion of your tour, enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Palmela.

Accommodation: Pousada Castelo de Palmela Meals included: breakfast

Day 4: Coimbra & Guimarães

Depart Palmela and drive to Guimarães. Stop en route in the town of Coimbra, home of Portugal’s oldest and most prestigious university. Tour the campus including the baroque Biblioteca Joanina, one of the most ornate libraries in the world. Enjoy free time in Coimbra before continuing to Guimarães. Stay at Pousada Mosteiro de Guimarães for 4 nights.

Accommodation: Pousada Mosteiro de Guimaraes Meals included: breakfast

Day 5: Porto

Half-day tour of Porto, the country’s second city. Highlights include the decorative Chapel of the Souls, São Bento Railway Station with its blue azulejo tiles, and the UNESCO-listed waterfront in Ribeira. Free afternoon to explore the city before returning to Guimarães.

Accommodation: Pousada Mosteiro de Guimaraes Meals included: breakfast

Day 6: Guimarães

Enjoy a full day at leisure to return to Porto by train or explore the historic city of Braga to the north.

Accommodation: Pousada Mosteiro de Guimaraes Meals included: breakfast

Day 7: Douro Valley

Full-day tour of the stunning Douro Valley, famous for its steep, terraced vineyards carved into mountains. Visit two quintas (wine estates) for wine tasting, vineyard tours and a three-course farewell lunch with wine. This afternoon, enjoy a relaxing boat tour on the Douro to admire the region from the water.

Accommodation: Pousada Mosteiro de Guimaraes Meals included: breakfast, lunch

Day 8: Last day of the group tour

Meals included: breakfast

*Pre-bookable options at additional expense.