12-Day Portugal Castles and Mountains Tour

Arrive in Lisbon and travel by private transfer to your central hotel. Catch a glimpse of Lisbon’s São Jorge Castle perched on a hill overlooking colorful neighborhoods and wind down your window to hear snippets of fado music emanating from a corner café. This afternoon, enjoy a ride in a private tuk-tuk through the historic district of Belem. Visit iconic Belém Tower, where etchings in the stonework tell tales of ancient explorers, and stand under stone arches in rough walls that meet the brilliant colors of stained glass windows in Jerónimos Monastery. End your day with a walk to take in Lisbon’s street-art scene, feeling the energy of bold murals as you allow colorful graffiti to paint a picture of the city’s creative spirit.

After a morning at leisure and a chance to explore your neighborhood, you will have the opportunity to embrace the blue and white world of Lisbon’s famous azulejos, traditional Portuguese ceramic tiles. Visit the National Tile Museum and take a journey through the history of tile-making from the 15th century to present day. Gaze upon scenes of religious importance, historical narratives, and aesthetically pleasing geometric patterns. Feel the smooth surface and sharp edges of these tiled works of art before embarking on a tile-making workshop. Learn the art of color mixing and painting techniques. Under the guidance of a professional artisan you will design your own tiles, feeling the warmth of the firing process and the satisfaction when admiring your completed creation.

Transfer to the city center of Évora, where your private guide will introduce you to the Roman Temple of Évora and its massive granite columns. Intricate acanthus leaves protrude from the top of towering columns as a bold sign of opulence, while within ancient stone walls you can almost hear the echoes of worshippers from centuries before. After lunch, you will be able to unwind with an exclusive experience at a Roman spa. Step into the cold, refreshing waters of the frigidarium, warm up in the tepidarium room, and feel deep relaxation in your hot caldarium bath.

Your morning is at leisure. Take a walk around Giraldo Square, admiring the Baroque fountain that stands in the center. Notice the depictions of four human and four mythical creatures detailed on the eight spouts that represent the main streets leading to the square. Later in the day, travel to Monsaraz with your private guide, who will lead you on a gentle hike around the blue waters of Alqueva Lake. Watch fishers patiently standing on a grassy bank while the silhouette of a boat rests against a glowing sunset. As night falls, gaze up at a curtain of glistening constellations, moved by the stillness of a beautiful night in inland Portugal.

The day is yours to explore Alentejo at your pace. Wander through town squares, enter medieval cathedrals, or take to trails that surround you. Follow the historic Água da Prata Aqueduct through picturesque fields and farms of green, a notable contrast to the curved, stone walls. Listen to the crunch of stones and fallen foliage as you enjoy a walk or bike ride along the Monfurado Nature Trail just west of Évora. Admire the bright colors of traditional houses adorned with blooming flowers and intricate tile work. Feel a whisper of air across your face as  you watch golden sunflowers gently swaying in the breeze, accompanied by the sound of bleating from nearby sheep.

Depart Évora with a private transfer to the Serra da Estrela mountain range. Your tour of the area will include visits to hilltop villages boasting incredible panoramic views, with ancient castle experiences and insight into Portuguese heritage. Let nostalgia embrace you when visiting Marvão, a fortified town characterized by narrow, winding streets, and a castle with impressive granite walls and towers. Take in captivating views over green, terraced gardens and a vast valley beyond and below. Continue to Monsanto, known as the “most Portuguese village.” Feel the cobbled stones beneath your feet as you walk along medieval streets with simple rock houses, taking in views of undulating farmlands and short, imperfect stone walls.

Experience Serra da Estrela’s untouched splendor on a private guided walking tour. Listen to the whooshing sound of pristine waterfalls, watching as water gathers and ripples in natural pools. Learn about key geomorphological points of interest in this UNESCO Geopark, the fresh earthy aromas of flora and fauna invigorating as you carefully tread along the southern slopes. If visiting early in the year, you will notice the sparkle of snow as it clings to gigantic granite formations, a truly spectacular sight. Watch as masses of ice slowly glide into natural lagoons, all the while noticing the silent hum of your peaceful surroundings.

Travel to the picturesque Douro Valley, where adventure on the water awaits. Set off on a scenic cruise, the cool, blue waters flowing around you as you are carried past terraced vineyards and golden grass. Feel a light breeze as you savor a plate of bacalhau com broa, indulging in the crunch of the crust and the fresh flavors of soft cod, all set on a colorful bed of greens and mashed potatoes. Sip a glass of Vale D. Maria Douro Superior White, its citrus aromas complimenting a creamy, well-balanced finish. A glass of Quinta Nova Reserva Red will offer floral notes and a hint of spice.

Enjoy a leisurely morning in tranquil surroundings before taking in more beautiful Douro Valley scenery. Terraced vineyards roll down the hillsides, sprouts of brown and beige holding a promise of brilliant flavors to come. Learn how traditional wine-pressing methods of foot-treading in cool, granite barrels blend with modern innovation, resulting in the production of rich and complex ruby-colored Port wines which bring out the region’s unique terroir and heritage. Feel the squelch of pressed grapes between your toes, the cool juices escaping textured skins. Then, feel the smooth, cool stainless steel vats on your cellar tour, culminating in a private tasting of robust reds that linger on your tongue and crisp whites that burst with citrus flavors.

Your journey continues to the popular city of Porto, where your private guided walking tour will introduce you to a city renowned for its dramatic bridges, colorful tiled buildings, and stunning cityscapes that blend medieval charm with architectural grandeur. Listen to the low, resounding din of church bells amid the non-coherent mumble café conversations. Step inside the regal Porto Cathedral, where towering Romanesque columns connect arched ceilings with stone floors, the bare walls evoking a feeling of ancient solemnity. Feel the warmth of the sunlight filtering through stained glass windows and watch as it bounces off gold-leaf Baroque decorations on the altars. Admire the contrast of the blue and white azulejo tiles depicting biblical scenes.

Porto has a rich maritime culture and heritage, reflecting centuries of tradition and community reliance on the sea. Engage in a private fishing tour, walk along the Porto coastline, and watch fishers focus on their catch of the day. Colorful fishing boats bob up and down along the shoreline in the Gaia neighborhood, while traditional xavega fishing nets float on the surface, adding texture to the gently rippling waters. While the sardine embodies the essence of Porto’s culinary identity, the waters around Porto yield a variety of fish. Dinner will be served at a local restaurant, where you can indulge in a hearty caldeirada, a traditional fish stew of sweet shrimp, flaky white fish, and aromatic herbs.

Before you transfer to the airport, you may have some time to do a little more exploring. Take a stroll in the historic Ribeira district, where you can wander through cobbled streets, admiring the colorful buildings along the way. From this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can admire the iconic Dom Luis I Bridge and take one last look over the Douro River. You may wish to spend time in the famous Livraria Lello bookstore, enjoying its beautiful neo-Gothic architecture and a chance to hear the creaking of the intricate wooden staircase.