Portugal Tours & Trips

Portugal's Atlantic coastline stretches over 800 kilometers, and you'll find everything from dramatic cliffs to golden beaches and authentic fishing villages along the way. The region's seafood markets are worth visiting for their daily catches. You can see sardines, octopus, and the prized percebes (gooseneck barnacles) that locals consider a delicacy. Whale watching trips run year-round, and you'll often spot sperm whales and dolphins swimming offshore. Historic lighthouses like Cabo da Roca mark Europe's westernmost point. Coastal towns such as Nazaré give you a real taste of traditional Portuguese maritime culture. You'll see their colorful boats and fishing techniques that families have used for centuries.

The Douro River cuts through terraced vineyards that have shaped this UNESCO World Heritage landscape for over 2,000 years. River cruises take you between Porto and the Spanish border, passing traditional quintas (wine estates) where port wine has been produced since the 18th century. The region follows daytime-only navigation rules, which means you get the best views of those steep vineyard terraces. You should try local dishes like bacalhau à brás and regional Douro wines while you're there. The valley has a unique microclimate and schist soil that create perfect conditions for both table wines and the famous fortified port varieties.

Northern Portugal covers the Minho and Douro regions, and you'll notice the granite architecture and distinct cultural identity right away. The area produces Vinho Verde, a light wine you can only find in this region. You'll also see traditional crafts like Portuguese ceramics and textiles being made. Historic cities such as Braga have ancient Roman foundations and baroque churches worth exploring. The local food focuses on hearty dishes like cozido à portuguesa and fresh seafood from the Atlantic coast. Rural quintas let you see traditional winemaking methods up close. Local markets sell regional products including artisanal cheeses and cured meats that make great souvenirs.

Nine volcanic islands make up the Azores archipelago, sitting 1,500 kilometers west of mainland Portugal in the Atlantic Ocean. São Miguel island has active geothermal areas including Furnas, where locals cook traditional cozido stew underground using volcanic heat. The islands have Europe's only tea plantations at Gorreana, which started operating in 1883. Hiking trails take you across volcanic craters, crater lakes, and coastal paths where you'll see plants that grow nowhere else. The waters around the islands are home to resident sperm whale populations and seasonal dolphin species. The volcanic soil helps grow unique crops, including pineapples in traditional greenhouses and local wines with that distinctive volcanic taste.

Portugal's rivers are like secret doorways to landscapes that most travelers never get to see. The Douro is absolutely magical as it snakes through those famous terraced vineyards where they've been growing port wine grapes for literally centuries. What's cool is how these smaller waterways connect charming university towns with vibrant modern cultural hubs in ways you'd never expect. Portuguese river cruises have a totally different vibe from the typical European river experience - instead of just hopping between big cities, you're getting this perfect mix of peaceful wine country and exciting urban discoveries. The onboard experience is pretty special too: you'll sip regional wines while listening to those hauntingly beautiful Fado performances that give you chills every time. When you go ashore, it's everything from wandering through Porto's incredible UNESCO-listed center to hanging out with local winemakers who've been perfecting their craft for generations and love sharing their stories.

Portugal's hiking scene is seriously underrated - the variety is incredible, from volcanic islands that feel like another planet to mainland coastal paths that'll blow your mind. Madeira's levada trails are unlike anything else in Europe; you're basically walking alongside these historic irrigation channels through UNESCO-protected Laurel forests that feel almost mystical. The island's trail network is brilliantly designed, connecting mountain viewpoints with gorgeous coastal sections, and you'll even pass by Santana's adorable traditional A-frame houses that look straight out of a fairy tale. Back on the mainland, you've got gems like the Seven Hanging Valleys trail along the Algarve's dramatic limestone cliffs and various routes through the Douro Valley's famous terraced vineyards. What sets Portugal apart from other European hiking destinations is this amazing combination of Atlantic coastal walks and the wild volcanic landscapes of the Azores. Those crater lakes and natural thermal springs make for perfect pit stops when you need to recharge between trail sections.

Portugal's cycling routes are a cyclist's dream, offering completely different experiences depending on whether you stick to the coast or head inland. The northern route connecting major cities is particularly beautiful - you're pedaling through Atlantic pine forests and medieval towns, with regular chances to hit the beach and explore walled gems like Óbidos that feel frozen in time. Down south, the routes along the Vicentine Coast Natural Park are absolutely spectacular, where dramatic cliffs drop down to hidden beaches along some of Europe's most protected coastline. Most days you'll cover around 40-60 kilometers on dedicated bike paths and peaceful rural roads that let you really soak in the scenery. What makes Portugal different from other European cycling destinations is this incredible blend of medieval architecture and pristine coastal natural parks that you just don't find elsewhere. If you're worried about fitness levels, e-bike options mean everyone can enjoy those scenic lunch stops at clifftop viewpoints and charming traditional villages that make the whole experience unforgettable.

Take in the picturesque landscapes and remarkable sights on a guided Coach / Bus adventure of Portugal. There are 35 vacation packages to choose from, that range in length from 3 days up to 15 days. The most popular month for these tours is September.