Back Roads Touring Discover Portugal

• Enjoy a ride along the Douro River in a rabelo boat
• Explore the magnificent Coimbra University and the Joanina Library
• Taste delicious buttery cheeses at a traditional farm near Viseu

• 6 nights in boutique accommodation
• Experienced Back-Roads Driver & Tour Leader
• Premium mini-coach transportation
• 8 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners

Day 1: Lisbon – Sintra – Queluz

Our journey will begin in Lisbon, where we’ll meet the group and kick off our itinerary with a visit to a tile painting atelier. You’ll have the opportunity to try your hand at producing your own keepsake before we move on to Sintra. We’ll enjoy a welcome dinner in a restaurant in Queluz this evening – accompanied by an atmospheric Fado performance.

Day 2: Queluz – Obidos – Nazare – Alvados

Today we’ll visit the historic medieval village of Óbidos before moving on to the charming fishing town of Nazaré. After taking some time to explore, we’ll hit the road to Alvados – where a Portuguese cookery lesson and sumptuous dinner awaits. Ready to roll up those sleeves?

Day 3: Alvados – Tomar – Alvados

After breakfast we’ll continue our journey to captivating Tomar, where we’ll visit the World Heritage-listed Convent of Christ. Before we return to Alvados, there’s a treat in store for the foodies among us: a visit to a local olive oil producer, where we’ll have the chance to taste some of the produce.

Day 4: Alvados – Coimbra – Viseu

Today we’ll travel to Coimbra, where we’ll visit the famous University (the oldest in Portugal) – which houses the remarkable Joanina Library. After some free time in the medieval city centre, our road will take us to Viseu – where a traditional cheesemaker will let us in on the secrets behind Viseu’s delicious buttery cheese (with the chance to taste some for ourselves).

Day 5: Viseu – Lamego – Douro Valley

First today: we’ll have some time to explore Viseu at our own pace before we move on to historic Lamego – the home of the beautiful 18th-century Shrine of Our Lady of Remedies. Tonight, there’s another sumptuous dinner in store at our hotel in the Douro Valley.

Day 6: Douro Valley – Pinhao – Peso Da Regua – Douro Valley

This morning we’ll travel through scenic, vineyard-dotted landscapes to Pinhão – where we’ll take to the water for a leisurely ride in a rabelo boat. We’ll then trade Pinhão for sun-soaked Peso da Régua before indulging in a wine tasting session in historic Quinta Nova.

Day 7: Douro Valley – Amarante – Penafiel – Braga

After heading to sleepy Amarante this morning (where we’ll see the 16th-century São Gonçalo Church), we’ll set a course for Aveleda Winery in Penafiel. Here, we’ll savour a glass of the region’s famous green wine and learn more about the winemaking process before we move on to lovely Braga.

Day 8: Braga – Guimaraes – Braga

Onwards to Guimarães, where we’ll learn about the castle, the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza and the historic city centre on a walking tour with a local guide. Then: take some time to explore the pretty town of Braga. While you’re here, be sure to tick off the Bom Jesus Sanctuary – it’s one of Portugal’s most famous attractions for good reason. This evening, we’ll tuck into one last dinner together – with a traditional folk dance performance as the grand finale.

Day 9: Braga – Porto

Our journey will end in Porto, where we’ll tick off some important landmarks – including the Clérigos Tower, Aliados Avenue, the cathedral and the Ribeira district. This afternoon we’ll have enough time to visit the famous port wine cellars (and indulge in a tasting) before our trip ends.