Portugal – Lisbon, Porto Gourmet Tour (7 Days)

Lisbon

The capital of Portugal, it is the second oldest city in Europe, after Athens, Greece. Located at the mouth of the River Tejo on the Atlantic coast of central Portugal, Lisbon is known as the “City of Seven Hills” due to its varied topography, as it is spread across several hills.

Main Attractions include :-

• The Belem Tower (Torre de Belem) is a UNESCO World Heritage site, a defensive tower from the 16th century Age of Discovery, symbolising Portugal’s glorious maritime history.
• The Jeronimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jeronimos) is a masterpiece of Manueline architecture, where the navigator Vasco da Gama is laid to rest, and it is also listed as a World Heritage site alongside the Belém Tower.

• The Monument to the Discoveries (Padrao dos Descobrimentos) is a landmark on the riverside in the Belém district, featuring sculptures of heroes from the Age of Discovery.
• Alfama is the oldest district in Lisbon, characterised by narrow streets, tiled walls, and the birthplace of Fado music culture.
• Praca do Comercio is a riverside square that was rebuilt after being destroyed by an earthquake, featuring arcades and a triumphal arch that are perfect for a leisurely stroll.
• Castelo de Sao Jorge is the highest point in Lisbon, offering stunning views of the entire city, with ruins that bear witness to the history of the Moors and Christianity.
• The iconic yellow Tram 28 weaves through the old town, passing by must-visit attractions such as the cathedral and viewpoints.
• Time Out Market: Established in the 19th century, this former old market has been transformed into a food hall by the renowned Time Out magazine from London, featuring a variety of Michelin-starred casual dining options. During free time, group members can explore the local cuisine and enjoy some shopping.

Lisbon’s Suburbs

• Sintra’s Pena Palace is vibrantly colourful like a fairy tale and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site alongside the Moorish Castle.
• Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, is a popular photo spot marked by a stone monument that reads, “The land ends here, the sea begins here.”

Coimbra

• The University of Coimbra, established in 1290, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is the oldest university in Portugal, as well as one of the oldest in the world.
• The Old Cathedral (Se Velha) is a Romanesque church from the 12th century, with an exterior resembling a fortress and an interior that is solemn and majestic.

Porto

Portugal’s second-largest city, renowned for its charming Douro River views, world-famous Port wine, and colourful architecture.

Main attractions include: –

• Sao Bento Station, rebuilt in the 19th century from a long-neglected monastery, is still a bustling transport hub. The blue-tiled hall features 20,000 azulejo tiles depicting Portuguese history.
• Livraria Lello, rated as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, opened in 1906 and boasts intricate wooden decorations, stained glass ceilings, and a striking red curved staircase, which is said to have inspired J.K. Rowling, the author of Harry Potter.
• Douro River Cruise offers a one-hour short trip departing from Ribeira, allowing you to enjoy the stunning views along both banks of the Douro River from a boat and cable car.
• Old Town Tour: Porto City Hall, Dom Luís I Bridge, and Igreja do Carmo, known for its enormous blue tile mural on the exterior, with narrow side streets that are popular photo spots.

Braga, located about an hour’s drive northeast of Porto, is the third largest city in Portugal and one of the oldest cities in the country, renowned for its religious history and Baroque architecture.

Main attractions include: –

• The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage site situated on a small hill, famous for its zigzagging Baroque staircase with 577 steps, symbolising the Stations of the Cross. A great photo spot is the fountain and statues along the staircase, particularly beautiful during the autumn foliage.
• The Cathedral of Braga (Se de Braga), the oldest cathedral in Portugal (11th century), which features a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Manueline styles.
• The Arco da Porta Nova, an 18th-century city gate that represents the historical entrance to Braga, with the surrounding old town being perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Guimaraes is located approximately 50 kilometres northeast of Porto, with a driving time of about 40 minutes. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is often referred to as the “Cradle of Portugal.” The historic city centre retains many ancient buildings and streets, including elegant wrought-iron balconies, granite terraces, and porches, as well as arches connecting the narrow streets.

Main  attractions include:-

• Guimaraes Castle (Castelo de Guimaraes), built in the 10th century, is the birthplace of Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, symbolising the foundation of the nation. This well-preserved medieval military structure allows visitors to climb its walls for panoramic views.
• The Historic Centre (Centro Historico) is listed as a World Heritage Site, with cobbled streets lined with medieval architecture.
• Olive Tree Square (Largo da Oliveira) and Santiago Square (Praca de Santiago) are located in the core area.
• The Old Town Hall (Antigos Pacos do Concelho) features an inscription on its exterior stating, “Portugal was born here.”

Authentic Portuguese Cuisine

Tasting authentic Portuguese cuisine includes Bifana (pork chop sandwich ), Leitao da Bairrada (roasted suckling pig), Ovos Moles de Aveiro (soft eggs from Aveiro), Cataplana de Marisco (seafood stew), duck rice, sardines Assadas (grilled sardines), Pastel de Nata (custard tart), Ginja de Obidos (cherry liqueur), Francesinha (Porto-style sandwich), and Bacalhau a Bras (cod with scrambled eggs and potatoes).

Tour Costs & Payment Details

• Price: £1,680.00 per person (based on twin-room occupancy; single-room supplement: £410.00).
• A 50% deposit is required by 30 August 2025 to confirm participation. If the minimum group size is not met, all deposits will be fully refunded via bank transfer or to the relevant credit/debit card account.
• The remaining 50% payment is due by 15 September 2025. Failure to pay on time will result in forfeiture of the deposit.
• Participants must arrange their own flights to/from Pisa, Italy. Once the tour is confirmed, participants are advised to purchase flights immediately.
• For financial details and terms and conditions, please refer to the section below.

Recommended Flight Options

For London-based Participants

• 30 Sept 2025 (U2815): LGW 10:05 – LIS T1  13:00 or
  30 Sept 2025 (TP1367): LHR T2 11:20 – LIS T1  14:05
• 6 Oct 2025 (TP1358): LIS T1 19:15 – LHRT2 22:00 or
  6 Oct 2025 (U28514): LIS T1 16:00 – LGWN 18:40

For Manchester-based Participants

• 30 Sept 2025 (U26728): MAN T11:20 – LIS T1 13:15
• 6 Oct 2025 (FR2253): LIS T2 17:50 – MANT3 20:40

For Bristol-based Participants

• 30 Sept 2025 U22867: BRS 13:30 – LIS T1 16:05
• 6 Oct  2025 (U27661): LIS T1 16:35 – BRS 19:05

Itinerary

Day 1 (Tuesday) – Lisbon

Upon arrival at Lisbon Airport, guests will gather with other tour members and take the coach to check into the hotel for a short rest. Later, dinner will be served at a local restaurant, where you can enjoy Portuguese seafood rice, grilled sardines, and more. Afterwards, there will be an opportunity to explore the nearby shops.

Accommodation: 4-star Hills Hotel Lisboa or equivalent hotel.
(Note: Staying at the same hotel throughout the Lisbon itinerary spares the need to change hotels daily.)

Day 2 (Wednesday) – Lisbon

In the morning, visit the Belém Tower (Torre de Belem), the Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jeronimos), and the Monument to the Discoveries, followed by lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, explore the Alfama district, the Praca do Comercio, and Sao Jorge Castle (Castelo de Sao Jorge), and enjoy a ride on the iconic yellow tram number 28 (Eletrico 28). Sample a variety of Michelin-starred street food at the Time Out Market.

Accommodation: 4-star Hills Hotel Lisboa or a similar hotel.
(Note: Staying at the same hotel throughout the Lisbon itinerary spares the need to change hotels daily.)

Day 3 (Thursday) – Sintra and Cabo da Roca

In the morning, explore Sintra and visit the famous Palácio da Pena. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afterwards, head to Cabo da Roca and Obidos to taste cherry liqueur.

Dinner will be served at a restaurant in Lisbon.

Accommodation: 4-star Hills Hotel Lisboa or a similar hotel.
(Note: Staying at the same hotel throughout the Lisbon trip spares the need to change hotels daily.)

Day 4 (Friday) – University of Coimbra

In the morning, visit the University of Coimbra and enjoy lunch at a renowned restaurant in Mealhada, known as the “Capital of Suckling Pigs,” where you can taste the traditional Portuguese roasted suckling pig (Leitão da Bairrada).

Afterwards, take the coach back to your hotel in Porto, where you will have dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation: 3-star Holiday Inn Express Porto – Boavista or equivalent hotel.
(Note: Staying at the same hotel throughout your time in Porto spares the need to change hotels daily.)

Day 5 (Saturday) – Braga and Guimaraes

In the morning, we will head to Braga, Portugal’s third-largest city, for sightseeing, including a visit to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte and other attractions in the city, followed by lunch.

In the afternoon, we will explore the historic town of Guimaraes. After the tour, we will return to Porto by coach for dinner.

Accommodation: 3-star Holiday Inn Express Porto – Boavista or equivalent hotel.
(Note: Staying at the same hotel throughout the Porto itinerary spares the need to change hotels daily.)

Day 6 (Sunday) – Sightseeing in Porto, Douro River Cruise

In the morning, we will explore Porto, visiting Sao Bento Station and Livraria Lello. After lunch, we will head to the Douro River for a boat cruise to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the riverbanks, followed by a wine tasting at a designated winery.

After the tour, we will return to the city by coach transport for dinner.

Accommodation: 3-star Holiday Inn Express Porto – Boavista or equivalent hotel.
(Note: Staying at the same hotel throughout the Porto itinerary spares the need to change hotels daily.)

Day 7 (Monday) – Return to UK

After breakfast, transfer from hotel to Lisbon airport, making the end of an unforgettable South Europe journey.