Portugal Small Group Tours
Imagine strolling through Sintra's magical gardens and palaces, as if you'd stepped directly into a storybook. Enjoy Portugal's famous pastéis de Belém, fresh from the oven. Experience Nazaré's massive waves and its unique fishing culture, explore Porto's fascinating past on a walking tour of its old streets, and discover the art of cooking at a charming country hotel, where genuine flavors are celebrated.
10 best Portugal small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaPortugal travel expert at TourRadar
- Food & Wine Small-Group Portugal Tours: Lisbon to Porto & Douro Post-Tour Extension
- Best of Portugal from Lisbon to Porto Small Group Tour
- 7-Day Small-Group Portugal Tours with Douro Valley
- Lisbon, Porto And Azores
- Portugal Discovery, Self-drive
- Portugal North and South, Self-drive
- Enchanting Portugal Trio: Porto, the Azores, and Lisbon
- Best of Lisbon Tour (with Sintra, Évora and Cascais) - 5 Days in Portugal
- Lisbon & Algarve in 9 days - Best of Sea and Countryside
- Best of Lisbon & Porto - 7 Days
Food & Wine Small-Group Portugal Tours: Lisbon to Porto & Douro Post-Tour Extension
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Arrangements for transport were good and each day we'll planned.”
PHILIP, traveled in May
Groups of 10 delve deep into Portuguese culture. Private cooking classes with Chef Vasco at Casas da Li, exclusive Port wine tastings, and visits to UNESCO sites like Jerónimos Monastery feature expert local guides offering individual attention.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lisbon, Sintra, Obidos, Nazare, Porto, Arcos de Valdevez, Braga Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator EcoTrilha Portugal Tours From
- NZ$6,004
Small groups receive personalized attention at Restauradores Square and São Jorge Castle. Private guides lead unhurried visits to Sintra's Pena Palace, while intimate numbers allow authentic experiences at local port wineries.
Duration 7 days Destinations Lisbon, Porto Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator Firebird Tours From
- NZ$5,860
Eight-person groups receive dedicated attention at Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery. The intimate size opens doors to family-run pastry shops in Lisbon and private wine tastings in Porto, offering genuine Portuguese experiences.
Duration 7 days Destinations Lisbon, Sintra, Nazare, Fatima, Porto, Peso da Regua, Pinhao, Braga Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type Group Operator EcoTrilha Portugal Tours From
- NZ$5,256
Lisbon, Porto And Azores
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We enjoyed the hotels, food, guides, history, architecture, area locale and culture.”
Brian, traveled in September
Local guides lead small groups throughout Portugal's highlights. The intimate setting ensures personal attention at Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira. Groups of 8-12 travelers gain exclusive access to Porto's wine tastings and Lisbon's cultural sites.
Duration 10 days Destinations Lisbon, Porto, Azores Islands Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Private Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From
- NZ$5,856
Portugal Discovery, Self-drive
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The locations and hotels selected were excellent. Once I mentioned it to the check-in staff they went above and beyond to accommodate our needs.”
Becky, traveled in September
Small parties of 2-4 travelers per booking (71% couples) allow spontaneous stops at Castelo de Vide and Tomar. Intimate group size enables personal attention at Vila Galé hotels and convenient parking in historic town centers.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lisbon, Evora, Castelo De Vide, Tomar, Coimbra, Porto, Guimaraes, Espinho, Aveiro, Figueira da FozSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Group Size Max Group Size 4 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Destination Services Portugal From $1,947
15% Off- NZ$1,655You save $292
Portugal North and South, Self-drive
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The hotels are way above my expectations. I totally recommend this tour to my friends.”
Jay, traveled in October
This exclusive tour provides individual attention throughout Portugal, from Porto's intimate wine tastings to Lisbon's local neighborhoods. Average age of 50 years suits couples seeking authentic Portuguese culture with 4-star Vila Galé accommodations.
Duration 8 days Destinations Porto, Fatima, Batalha, Alcobaca, Obidos, Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, Estoril, EvoraSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Group Size Max Group Size 4 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Destination Services Portugal From $2,405
15% Off- NZ$2,044You save $361
Enchanting Portugal Trio: Porto, the Azores, and Lisbon
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The range of experiences and quality were exactly what we were looking for. The online support of our team was superb.”
John, traveled in January
Small groups enjoy personal guidance during Lisbon's Food and Wine Walking Tour and Porto's wine tastings. The cozy size allows easy navigation through narrow Alfama streets and leisurely dining at family-owned Douro Valley estates.
Duration 10 days Destinations Lisbon, Porto, Azores Islands Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From
15% Off- NZ$6,679
Best of Lisbon Tour (with Sintra, Évora and Cascais) - 5 Days in Portugal
41 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The hotel was an excellent choice. Pedro and the hotel worked hard, went above and beyond and took great care of us.”
Darren, traveled in April
Small groups receive dedicated attention at Sintra's palaces, Évora's wine tastings, and Lisbon's historic quarters. Private guides and transfers throughout, with optional add-on tours to Fatima and Obidos available.
Duration 5 days Destinations Lisbon, Sintra, Estoril, Cascais, Evora Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Portuguese Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Portugal Travel Center From $2,154
5% Off- NZ$2,046You save $108
Lisbon & Algarve in 9 days - Best of Sea and Countryside
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Portugal Travel Center put together an incredible 2-week itinerary for us in Portugal. All of the drivers and tour companies were first-rate.”
Kelli, traveled in March
Seven-person maximum groups receive focused attention from English-speaking guides Pedro and Jorge. Eight-seat mini-vans access narrow Alfama streets and hidden corners of Sintra's palace grounds.
Duration 9 days Destinations Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, Sesimbra, Evora, Lagos, Tavira Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Portuguese Group Size Max Group Size 7 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Portugal Travel Center From $4,368
5% Off- NZ$4,150You save $218
Best of Lisbon & Porto - 7 Days
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Porto exudes a different vibe altogether.”
Waifai, traveled in October
Your private party receives undivided attention from local guides in Lisbon's Alfama and Porto's UNESCO center. Special touches include exclusive Fado dinner shows, private transfers, and tailored wine tastings at Porto cellars.
Duration 7 days Destinations Lisbon, Sintra, Porto, Pinhao Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Portuguese Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Portugal Travel Center From $3,367
5% Off- NZ$3,199You save $168
Reviews of Small Group tours to Portugal
- The Portugal Explorer Small Group Tour
I have travelled across Europe many times but this was my first time in Portugal. It is now my favourite place to visit. It exceeded all my expectations. Every day was a highlight! There were no low lights. I would highly recommend The food was amazing, simple and well prices. Porto stood out for me! It was such a vibrant city with everything to offer. The customer service at Overland was amazing. The really looked after us so well from start to finish. I went with my daughter and we had the trip of a lifetime. We will definitely be back. Thanks Overland.
- Best of Lisbon and The Azores: City and Nature Wonders
My wife and I have just returned early from a trip that incorporated a tour through Lisbon and the Azores organised by Portugal Travel Center. Although the outbreak of the Covid19 pandemic prevented us from completing the tour, we were highly impressed by the thoughtful and meticulous pre-planning provided by the company, the quality of all bookings and recommendations as well as the attention to our welfare during the growing emergency. The cancellations and refunding of some unused portions of the tour were efficiently and quickly completed with a minimum of fuss. I cannot recommend this company too highly.
Our trip was perfect from airport pickup to guided tour. Pedro was so patient and very knowledgeable. The best guide we have ever had. Turim hotel was at great location of Liberdade Street. Fado show and dinner was excellent. Wonderful city with even wonderful people!
Best of Lisbon Tour (with Sintra, Évora and Cascais) - 5 Days in Portugal
What our customers ask about Portugal Small Group Tours
What is the ideal small group size for touring Portugal?
For the best experience in Portugal 8-12 travelers is the sweet spot. Hotels like Vila Galé in Porto and Olissipo Marques de Sá in Lisbon specialize in hosting these smaller groups giving guests more personal attention and comfort. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "Having a small group of just 5 people allowed us to really get to know each other and have more personalized attention from our guide especially during our visits to places like the Douro Valley."
How far in advance should I book a small group tour to Portugal?
Plan to book 6-8 months ahead for small group tours in Portugal. This is particularly important for stays at boutique properties like the Olissipo Marques de Sá or Spirit of Chartwell cruise where space is limited. Tours during peak season from May through September need even earlier booking often 8-10 months in advance. A TourRadar traveler advised: "Book early - our small group Douro Valley tour filled up 7 months before departure."
What unique experiences are possible with small group tours in Portugal?
Small numbers open doors to experiences that larger groups can't access. You can join private Port wine tastings in Porto learn to make pastéis de nata in Lisbon or attend intimate fado shows. The Douro Valley becomes more personal with visits to family vineyards and local restaurants. One TourRadar traveler shared: "This was a fantastic tour! We had wonderful tour guides in each city and their historical and cultural knowledge were immense."
What types of accommodations do small group tours use in Portugal?
Boutique hotels and historic properties are standard for small group tours including the Olissipo Marques de Sá in Lisbon and Vila Galé hotels across Portugal. These properties offer a more authentic Portuguese experience with attentive service. A recent TourRadar review noted: "Our small group stayed at the wonderful Spirit of Chartwell cruise ship in the Douro Valley which felt like our own private yacht with just 8 cabins."
How does dining work on small group tours in Portugal?
Small groups can eat at places larger tours can't access from the historic Café Majestic in Porto to hidden tascas in Lisbon's Bairro Alto. The experience includes meals at wine estates local fishing villages and sometimes in Portuguese homes. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "Being just 10 people meant we could dine at small local restaurants in Porto where the owner would join us to explain traditional Portuguese dishes."
What is the average cost difference between small and large group tours in Portugal?
Expect to pay 25-40% more for small group tours with daily rates from USD 250-400 compared to USD 150-250 for larger groups. The higher price includes perks like boutique hotels exclusive tastings and dedicated guides. The Spirit of Chartwell luxury cruise at USD 214 per day versus USD 150 for standard river cruises shows the typical price difference.