Explore the rich cultural tapestry of Portugal's mainland on a journey through its history, gastronomy, and spectacular scenery. Be immersed in Porto’s ancient trading culture and the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley, visit the seat of the Knights Templar and engage with a social enterprise for a meal in Lisbon. From the sounds of a traditional Fado music show to the last drop of a glass of local wine, experience Portugal’s past and present like never before.
Travel Style
National Geographic Signature
Service Level
Luxury
Physical Grading
2 - Light
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Porto
Signature Moment: Livraria Lello Private Visit, Porto
Your Foodie Moment: Cooking Class, Lamego. Arrival and Departure Transfers. Port Wine Tasting. Porto Tuk Tuk Tour. Expedition Leader-Led Walk of the São Gonçalo Bridge. Pastry and Coffee at Confeitaria da Ponte. Regua to Pinhao Boat Cruise. Guided Tour of Tomar. Fado Night with Traditional Portuguese Meal. Expert Lisbon City Tour. Jerónimos Monastery Visit. Maritime Museum Visit. São Roque Church Visit. Carmo Archaeological Museum Visit. Cabo da Roca Viewpoint. Guided tour of Pena Palace. Guided tour of Quinta da Regaleira. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expert Throughout. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Explore the colourful Pena Palace and the eclectic Quinta da Regaleira in the UNESCO-listed hills of Sintra, Join a cooking class at a traditional quinta learning to prepare local dishes in the heart of the Douro Valley, Visit the historic Port Wine Caves for a cellar tour dinner and sampling of locally produced wines, Dine at Mezze, a social enterprise promoting the integration and employability of refugees and immigrants, Experience the melancholic soul of Portugal with a Fado performance and dinner in Lisbon.
How large will the group be?
Max 22.
What meals are included in this trip?
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, tuk tuk, river boat, walking.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
Yes, for those travelling solo there is a single supplement.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (7 nts).
Itinerary
Porto
Welcome to Portugal. Your expedition begins as you touch down in Porto, one of the oldest settlement centres in Europe.You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city’s UNESCO-designated historical centre. In the evening, meet your fellow travellers and National Geographic Expedition Leader for an introduction to your journey and a short presentation from the National Geographic Expedition Expert. Set off on foot across the river into Vila Nova de Gaia for a welcome dinner, accompanied by a curated sampling of local wines.
Porto
Start the day with a walk to the Livraria Lello, widely considered to be one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, for an exclusive pre-opening tour with a specialist-bookseller. Peruse the stacks in quiet reverence amid the unique atmosphere of neo-gothic, art deco and art nouveau designs and the majestic central staircase. Next, board electric tuk-tuks for a guided exploration of UNESCO-listed Porto. Visit the awe-inspiring São Francisco Church, featuring over 200lbs (90.7kg) of gold leaf, the Romanesque Palácio da Bolsa and stop at the São Bento Railway Station to marvel at the dramatic azulejo tile panels. After lunch, enjoy a free afternoon to explore on your own before regrouping in the evening for a presentation from the expert and an optional dinner out with the group.
Porto/Douro
Travel to the Douro Valley, soaking in the scenery of rolling hills and dramatic, terraced vineyards. Stop in the charming town of Amarante for a stroll along the Tâmega River, crossing the São Gonçalo Bridge on the way to the historic Confeitaria da Ponte for coffee and a taste of some of the local sweets. Continue to a family-owned vineyard and winery for a tasting paired with a lunch of local specialties, highlighting the robust flavours borne from this unique terroir. In the evening, enjoy a discussion before dinner about the pivotal role of Portuguese wines throughout history.
Douro
Set off from the hotel and take a scenic drive along the Douro River to a traditional 'quinta' for a hands-on cooking class. Learn to prepare local dishes using fresh regional ingredients, and enjoy the delicious results as a farm-to-table lunch. Later, board a vessel for one of the most spectacular experiences in the area with a navigation along the emblematic Douro River. Feel the immense scale of the UNESCO-listed landscapes rising dramatically around you, revealing the heart, soul and magic of the valley.
Douro/Lisbon
Bid the Douro Valley farewell and travel south towards Lisbon. The path is rich with history and storytelling, clearly seen in the city of Tomar, the former seat of the Order of the Knights Templar. Enjoy a guided walk and visit the Convent of Christ, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site and chief work of the Portuguese Renaissance. Continue in the afternoon to Portugal’s bustling capital, steeped in history and charm. In the evening, gather for dinner and a Fado performance, experiencing the deep, melancholic soul of Portugal through its music.
Lisbon
Be immersed in Lisbon's vibrant culture and history on a tour of the city's vibrant neighbourhoods and iconic monuments. Visit Jerónimos Monastery, built with the profits of the spice trade and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lunch is at a community restaurant which promotes the integration of refugees and immigrants through training–celebrating empowerment and diversity within Lisbon’s diverse communities. Continue to São Roque Church, whose chapels are extraordinary masterpieces then visit the Carmo Convent Archaeological Museum, a haunting reminder of the 1755 earthquake. The evening is free for dinner on your own.
Lisbon
Head west to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Europe and an iconic landmark. Stand on the dramatic cliffs and marvel at the spectacular, windswept views of the expansive Atlantic — a powerful connection to the ocean that defined Portugal’s history. Continue to Sintra, a 19th-century resort town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your guided tour immerses you in the region's Romanticism, including visits to the colourful Pena Palace and the intriguing, eclectic architecture of Quinta da Regaleira. Back in Lisbon, gather with your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner, celebrating your exploration of Portugal’s historic and diverse past and present.
Lisbon
Your expedition concludes today. Transfers are provided to the airport at any time during the day.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
