A Taste of Portugal: Lisbon, Porto & the Douro Valley

8days from

£1,399^*per person

Overview

8 days - Escorted Tours

Uncover lively cities and elegant palaces, enjoy Portugal’s renowned port and wine, and journey through the UNESCO‑protected Douro Valley. For the discerning traveller, Portugal offers a treasure trove of experiences – from vibrant cities and grand palaces to historic cathedrals and the breathtaking Douro Valley, home to its world-famous port wine. A land of contrasts, Portugal seamlessly blends modernity with deep-rooted traditions. Its Medieval towns, untouched by heavy industrialisation, invite exploration with their winding cobbled streets and timeless charm. The country’s landscapes are equally captivating, stretching from rugged coastal cliffs and serene forests to rolling golden hills dotted with olive groves and fragrant pine. On this journey, immerse yourself in Portugal’s rich maritime heritage in Lisbon, admire the fairy-tale beauty of Sintra’s National Palace, discover Porto’s famous wine cellars, explore the stunning Douro Valley – each stop offering a unique glimpse into Portugal’s irresistible allure.

Itinerary

Arrival in Lisbon - You take your flight to Lisbon. On arrival, you will be taken to your hotel. The rest of the day will be spent at leisure, allowing you time to settle into the hotel and start exploring if you wish. Our Lisbon hotel will be the three-star MyStory Tejo on a bed and breakfast basis.
Lisbon - This morning on our guided coach tour, we set out to discover Lisbon’s highlights, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We’ll stop at the strikingly modern Monument to the Discoveries and its 16th century fortified counterpart, the Belém Tower, then see the church of the Monastery of Jerónimos. One of the most magnificent buildings in Europe, the Monastery is a symbol of Portuguese wealth and power during the Age of Discoveries. We also see the impressive Terreiro do Paço square facing out to sea. Part of Lisbon’s appeal is its mix of old and modern, bustling and peaceful, and this afternoon is free to explore. You might be tempted by the chic shops of the elegant Baixa quarter, rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1755, or decide to seek out a café to enjoy a bica – an espresso.
Sintra - We take a short drive to the enchanting, UNESCO‑listed town of Sintra, set among forested hills with wonderful views towards the Atlantic. Once the summer retreat of Portuguese royalty, Sintra is full of atmosphere and stories, and it was here that Henry the Navigator spent much of his youth, surrounded by landscapes that must have sparked his sense of adventure Our visit includes the impressive Royal Palace of Sintra, one of the best‑preserved medieval palaces in the country and the former residence of the Portuguese monarchy. Inside, you’ll find grand rooms, beautiful tilework and historic collections, including portraits of Charles II of England, all reflecting the palace’s rich mix of Moorish and later royal influences. With the rest of the day free, there’s plenty of time to enjoy Sintra at your own pace. You may like to wander the narrow streets, browse the shops or settle into a local café for a relaxed lunch. If you’d like to explore further, the colourful Pena Palace is one of Sintra’s most iconic sights, set high above the town in the lush surroundings of Parque da Pena. Another lovely option is the romantic Monserrate Palace, known for its striking design and beautiful gardens. Whether you spend the afternoon exploring the town, visiting another of its remarkable landmarks or simply taking in the scenery, Sintra offers a full and rewarding day in one of Portugal’s most captivating destinations.
Coimbra University - Continuing north, we reach Coimbra, renowned for its impressive Roman aqueduct striding across the city. But it’s most famous for its historic university, one of Europe’s oldest along with Salamanca, Bologna and the Sorbonne. Once Portugal’s capital, Coimbra became a major cultural centre in the Middle Ages with the university at its heart and it’s not hard to imagine the cloak-clad learned of the age wandering its tiny medieval streets little changed since that time. With its charming Moorish quarter and pleasant squares, Coimbra is a lovely place in which to immerse yourself in the old city’s labyrinth-like lanes. This afternoon we’re privileged to enjoy a visit to the university, a wonderful seat of learning, with entrance fees included. Its superb library is rich in baroque gilt work and houses a staggering 300,000 volumes. Situated on a hill, the views are stunning. Later this afternoon, we continue to Porto, where we stay for four nights on a bed & breakfast basis.
Porto - Set on the Douro estuary and once Roman, Porto’s wealth derived from its knowledge of the sea routes to India. Spices, silks and other fine goods made the fortunes used to build today’s city – Portugal’s second largest. Our tour unveils its surprising, as well as the major sights. You’ll experience the splendid Praca da Ribeira square, with its characteristic tiled town houses and fine views to the wine lodges across the river. You’ll see the imposing Dom Luis Bridge and the tangled lanes of the medieval quarter. You’ll gaze up at the city’s imposing fortress, its fine cathedral and baroque Clerigos Tower. One of the six bridges over the river was designed by Gustav Eiffel - and you can immediately see the connection with his more famous Parisian creation! Free of the chain shops dominating other countries, you’ll enjoy the tiny, antiquated shops specialising in fine art, antiques, ceramics and some of the most wonderful cakes you’ll ever taste. No visit to Porto is complete without seeing one of the city’s world-famous port wine lodges. So, this afternoon we are guests at one of them all. You’ll learn the fascinating history of port wine, and its close British connections. Taking its name from the city through which it’s shipped, this fortified wine, is made with grapes from the terraced vineyards along the Douro valley which are still staggeringly trodden by foot! The wine is lovingly tended and matured, sometimes for decades, before you can enjoy its subtle flavours. Of course, you’ll get the chance at the end of a fascinating visit to sample this wonderful drink. You're free to spend the rest of the day exploring at your leisure.
The Douro Valley - Today we explore the sinuous and scenic River Douro – the river of gold, spending a leisurely day exploring its delightfully peaceful villages and intricately terraced valley sides. After leaving the Atlantic’s influence behind, the climate becomes noticeably warmer and dryer, and the landscape changes from verdant greens to Mediterranean sun-kissed ochre. The route is nothing short of spectacular! The winding road, sometimes almost in the water, sometimes hugging the lofty valley sides, gives us wonderful views of the shimmering ribbon of the river and its classic vine-clad terraces. We eventually reach the delightful small town of Pinhão, the heart of the port wine producing region. Port truly dominates the life here, with even the station tiles depicting the wine harvest. It wouldn’t be a true visit to the Douro Valley without sampling some of the local wine so after drifting down the Douro on a short cruise we visit one of the local Quintas and sample some of the wines that are produced in this region.
Free day in Porto - Today is free for you to explore Porto further. Free from the chain shops that dominate most other countries, you're sure to find something special among the antiquated shops that line the streets. With everything from fine art to antiques and ceramics on offer, you'd better leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs. Book fans may want to see the Lello & Irmão bookstore, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, rumoured to have inspired the likes of J.K. Rowling. There'll be plenty of opportunities to stop and re-energise - as is typical in Southern Europe, Portugal has a thriving cafe culture with seating often spilling out onto pavements all over the city - the perfect place for a spot of people-watching and to enjoy some of the most delicious cakes you'll ever taste. Or you could head into one of the many chocolatiers found in the city's historic centre - for a true taste of Porto, you could try a bar of port wine-flavoured chocolate. To explore the city from a new perspective, you could cruise the Douro's peaceful waters with Porto on one side and Gaia on the other connected by a series of six bridges, each with its own architecture and personality.
Return home

What's Included

Holiday Highlights

Discover Lisbon’s charm on a guided tour of the city's most iconic highlights.
Discover Porto, the centre of the port wine trade, with a visit and tasting at a local wine lodge.
Visit Coimbra University, one of Europe’s oldest seats of learning with its astonishing gilded Baroque library.
Tour the Douro, enjoy a cruise one of Europe's most dramatically beautiful river valleys, and visit a local winery for an authentic tasting.
Wander in the footsteps of the Portuguese monarchy on a visit to Sintra and its Royal Palace.

Our Price Includes

The price of this holiday is per person, based on two people sharing a twin room. Single rooms are subject to availability at the relevant supplement. The price includes:
Direct return flights
7 nights' accommodation
Daily breakfast
All tours as mentioned
All local accommodation taxes
All transfers
The services of a Riviera Travel Tour Manager

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Dates and Prices

Accommodation

Wilde Aparthotels -

★★★★

Blending contemporary design with the character and charm of its historic surroundings, Wilde Aparthotels Lisbon Liberdade offers a stylish and comfortable base in one of Lisbon's most desirable neighbourhoods. Located just moments from Avenida da Liberdade, guests are perfectly placed to discover the city's grand squares, traditional cafés, fascinating museums and vibrant food scene. After a day exploring Lisbon's colourful streets and iconic viewpoints, guests can relax with a drink in the bar, enjoy a meal in the restaurant or make use of the fitness centre. Thoughtfully designed throughout, the hotel combines modern comforts with a welcoming atmosphere that feels more like a home than a traditional hotel. What sets Wilde Aparthotels apart is its spacious studio accommodation. Each studio features a well-equipped kitchen area and comfortable living space, providing extra flexibility and room to unwind during your stay. Contemporary amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, air conditioning, a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries, creating a relaxed and convenient base from which to experience the best of Lisbon.

Other Information

Holiday code

R864

Holiday provided by Riviera Travel

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