Portugal Small Group Tour

Red tile roofs offer you a first hello from the plane: Welcome to Lisbon! Outside the hotel, in the afternoon sun, meet your fellow travellers and your tour guide Lina, who will show you the highlights of her home country over the next few days. Today you'll explore the centre of Lisbon on foot. Lina takes you high up to several fantastic viewpoints, each of which has its own very special view - of the São Jorge Castle, the famous Lisbon bridge, the Tagus River. Then stroll the charismatic streets of Alfama (our favourite neighbourhood!) and discover street art in the oldest part of Lisbon.

As evening comes, Lina takes you to a tavern frequented by locals. Get to know each other over a traditional Portuguese dinner!

This morning, Lina will show you the trendy side of Lisbon. Start the day at Rossio Station. We love the pretty patterned tiles found on many houses in Lisbon! The journey starts on Instagram's favorite Elevador da Glória Funicular (a cute tram). This will take you to S.Pedro de Alcântara - enjoy a stunning viewpoint over the city! Briefly take in the picturesque Bairro Alto neighborhood before strengthening yourself with a traditional cod cake snack (pastel de bacalhau). Once you're recharged, visit the famous Praça do Comércio - the main square in Lisbon, which was once the entrance gate to the city.

Lina bids you farewell with some tips on how to spend your free afternoon. We recommend hopping on the tram to popular LxFactory! Colourful street art covers the former port warehouses and administration buildings. The complex is home to a kaleidoscope of small shops and hidden artist studios and you can try local craft beer and browse through music records in charismatic Ler Devagar library.

In the evening, regroup with your fellow travellers on the banks of the Tagus River. Hop on a sailboat, from which you will enjoy sunset. Sail past the Cristo statue, modelled after the one in Rio, and the iconic red bridge of Lisbon as the city lights up and you sip a glass of crisp wine.

After a free morning in Lisbon, you're headed to glorious Sintra! Catch a train to the regal town and meet Lina there on arrival. After dropping your bags at the hotel, take a bus through the lush forests of Sintra to one of the most popular sights in Portugal, the colourful Pena Palace. Lina invites you to try her favourite local pastries while she tells you about her hometown and the castle. Pena Palace was built in the era of romanticism and is painted enigmatically in bright red and yellow, so you can get some great photos!

Later, take time to wander through the beautiful historic city centre of Sintra, which is registered as UNESCO cultural heritage. Stroll past romantic villas, and flower-filled gardens until you find a picture-perfect spot you'd like to settle for the evening.

Please note that in September 2023, the tour will only spend one night in Sintra and the activities will be in a different order - contact us for details!

Once you've woken up refreshed, enjoy a delicious breakfast at a nearby café together. Today you're exploring the breathtaking coast of Sintra!

First you head to the westernmost point of Europe, Cabo da Roca, with its picturesque lighthouse. Enjoy the view of the big blue ocean - and daydream about stormy ocean crossings to the Americas.

Sintra is known for its golden sandy beaches, and Lina will take you on a two-hour hike to one of the most beautiful ones. Pause to take in the breathtaking viewpoint over the turquoise water. At the end of the walk, Praia da Adraga beach awaits, with a photogenic rock with a large hole in it (very popular to do yoga poses in front of!). Time out to hop into the ocean, enjoy a picnic lunch and top up on vitamin D.

After your beach time, drive into the countryside, to a local vineyard. Time to taste some Sintra wines! Take in the view of the grape vines while chatting with your fellow travellers and nibbling on some fresh local tapas. Is there a more relaxing way to spend a sunny afternoon? Toast to your shared Portuguese adventure in a special setting.

Today after breakfast you're free to do as you please - there are so many options! Do you want to take a taxi to cute seaside town Azenhas do Mar for a swim and lunch? Would you rather see more impressive buildings - like Monserrate castle, or Quinta da Regaleira with their magical gardens? Or perhaps you're keen to head back to the city of Lisbon?

Whatever you do, make sure to treat yourself to some last pastel de nata tarts before you head home or continue your journey! Get in touch if you'd like some tips for where to extend your Portugal trip head - we recommend: take the train to Porto to spend a few days in the charming homeland of port wine.

See you soon!