Epicurean Exploration of Portugal
3 Nights in Lisbon
3 Nights in Lisbon
3 Nights in Lisbon
The capital of Portugal since 1255 when King Alphonse II moved the court from Coimbra, Lisbon is not only regarded as one of the sunniest of the European capitals but one with a rich history on display. The soft white limestone facades of the oldest neighborhood, Alfama, welcome tourists, and locals, calling to them through the medium of Fado music drifting wistfully from the abundance of bars, or the smell of petisco (Portuguese tapas) wafting from a myriad of restaurants. Like its ancient rival Porto, Lisbon rests on mighty rivers originating from the eastern Spanish highlands. Remnants of human settlements in the vicinity of the city date back to the Neolithic period and since that time successful invasions have resulted in occupation by Carthaginians, Romans, Suebi, Visigoths, and Moors. The rich tapestry of Lisbon’s history has been woven into the very fabric of the city.
The capital of Portugal since 1255 when King Alphonse II moved the court from Coimbra, Lisbon is not only regarded as one of the sunniest of the European capitals but one with a rich history on display. The soft white limestone facades of the oldest neighborhood, Alfama, welcome tourists, and locals, calling to them through the medium of Fado music drifting wistfully from the abundance of bars, or the smell of petisco (Portuguese tapas) wafting from a myriad of restaurants. Like its ancient rival Porto, Lisbon rests on mighty rivers originating from the eastern Spanish highlands. Remnants of human settlements in the vicinity of the city date back to the Neolithic period and since that time successful invasions have resulted in occupation by Carthaginians, Romans, Suebi, Visigoths, and Moors. The rich tapestry of Lisbon’s history has been woven into the very fabric of the city.
Day 1
Day 1 - Arrival in Lisbon
We'll arrange for a driver to meet you at Lisbon's airport and take you to your centrally located accommodation. The duration of the drive is about 20 minutes.
First Steps in the City
Upon your arrival in Lisbon, the optimal way to acquaint yourself with the city is by strolling to Praça do Comércio and exploring the elegantly reconstructed Baixa neighborhood, which emerged after the earthquake. For a direct route to the Bairro Alto and Chiado, the most bohemian districts with lively nightlife and top-notch restaurants, take a ride on the Santa Justa elevator, an iron structure dating back to 1902.
Day 2
Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Lisbon
Portuguese Cooking Class Group Experience
Are you a fan of savoring authentic dishes during your travels? Are you equally passionate about cooking? This tour offers the perfect blend of both experiences!
Admire Lisbon's UNESCO Sites
A two-part UNESCO listing combines the monastery of the Hieronymites and the Tower of Belem. Constructed to commemorate Portugal's illustrious Age of Exploration, the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos holds significant historical value. It served as Vasco da Gama's lodging on the eve of his journey to the Far East. A highly frequented destination in Lisbon, the site is deservedly popular. The distinctive Church of Santa Maria features a single nave supported by six exquisitely crafted columns and serves as the final resting place for Vasco da Gama and Luis de Camoes. The two-story cloister of the Jeronimos Monastery is a masterpiece in itself, showcasing remarkable artistry. Don't miss the opportunity to delve into the monastery's history in dedicated halls.
Day 3
Day 3 - Your Second Full Day in Lisbon
Lisbon Roots – Food & Cultural Walk Group Tour
This tour takes you off the beaten track to get a unique glimpse into the fascinating history of ancient Lisbon. You will walk through two very ancient neighborhoods: Mouraria and Downtown. Along the stroll, you will experience the authentic and local vibe; simultaneously, you will taste what the locals taste and the places they enjoy daily. You will be taken from the historical Lisbon of the 12th century until now. In a stroll by the off-beaten-path, you will find out why Mouraria is such a unique place - the birthplace of the Fado music and the most multicultural neighborhood in Lisbon. 6 stops are included for you to be introduced to very local areas and to taste the icons and staples of Portuguese food culture and its influences.
Take a Time Out at Mercado da Ribeira
Mercado da Ribeira, housing Lisbon's Time Out Market, serves as the city's primary food market. Within this bustling marketplace, traditional stalls showcase fresh local produce and fish, operating from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Additionally, the food hall, introduced to visitors in 2014, presents a diverse array of culinary options, spanning sandwiches and hamburgers to sushi and ice cream. Operating daily, the food hall welcomes visitors from 10 a.m. until midnight.
Day 4
Day 4 - Traveling to Porto by Train
Today you will travel to Porto. We will arrange for a driver to transfer you from your hotel to Lisbon Santa Apolonia Station. From there you will take a train to Porto. Your package includes 1st class tickets with seat reservations. The journey takes about 3-3.5 hours, depending on the stops.
If you'd prefer to make a day of it and see some countryside up close, rather than from the train, we can arrange for a private transfer which also offers the convenience of door-to-door service.
You can upgrade your transfer
Porto by Private Transfer with Stops in Obidos and Nazare
Upgrade for an additional cost
2 Nights in Porto
2 Nights in Porto
2 Nights in Porto
As the name suggests, Portugal’s second-largest urban area is a port city, located in the north of the country along the Douro River estuary. A small Celtic hamlet until a Roman invasion in the 4th century, Portus Cale, as it became known, distinguished itself as a major trading port for not just the region but the entire country. The old city center, Ribeira, has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996. It is an urban landscape with over 2,000 years of remarkably well-preserved history. Traversing the narrow streets, you can’t help but notice that the spirit of local life still remains despite the increasing number of tourists.
As the name suggests, Portugal’s second-largest urban area is a port city, located in the north of the country along the Douro River estuary. A small Celtic hamlet until a Roman invasion in the 4th century, Portus Cale, as it became known, distinguished itself as a major trading port for not just the region but the entire country. The old city center, Ribeira, has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996. It is an urban landscape with over 2,000 years of remarkably well-preserved history. Traversing the narrow streets, you can’t help but notice that the spirit of local life still remains despite the increasing number of tourists.
Day 4
Day 4 - Arrival in Porto
When you arrive at Porto's train station, we will have a driver there to meet you and take you to your accommodation.
Try(pe) The Local Specialties
Tripas a Moda do Porto originated in the 14th century, according to legend, when the renowned Henry the Navigator sought assistance from the people of Porto for supplies for caravels heading to conquer Ceuta. The generous locals donated all their meat, retaining only the offal, giving rise to one of the city's most famous dishes. Typically comprising veal tripe, white beans, smoked ham, pork sausage, pork or calf knuckles, carrots, onions, spices like paprika and cumin, and various cuts of pork and chicken, it has endured through the centuries. Another beloved treat in Porto is Francesinha, a sandwich filled with four or five types of meat, smothered in cheese, and drenched in a secret, often beer-based gravy.
Day 5
Day 5 - Your First Full Day in Porto
Downtown & Bolhao Market Small Group Food Tour
Fado Dinner Show & Night Lights Private Tour
On this private tour, you will experience Porto at night and a fabulous dinner with a Fado show. You will be picked up from your accommodations and taken on a panoramic ride to your dinner and show. After the show, you will be taken back to your accommodations. If you want, the ride back can be extended with your driver/guide taking you through the city at night, where the views will usually pass by the areas of Porto, Matosinhos, and Vila Nova de Gaia.
Day 6
Day 6 - Traveling to Douro Valley by Private Transfer
Our driver will pick you up from your accommodation in Porto and take you directly to Douro Valley. Duration of the journey is 1.5 hours. For an additional fee, we can arrange a stop in Amarante. Amarante is a picturesque town with medieval, renaissance and romanesque influences nestled between the mountainous mass of the Serra do Marao, rolling vineyards and the valley of the Tamega River. One of the city's most striking features is the Sao Goncalo Bridge leading into the center of Amarante and its beautiful ancient part.
2 Nights in Douro Valley
2 Nights in Douro Valley
2 Nights in Douro Valley
Wine lovers, welcome to your Portuguese paradise! The Douro Valley is one of the main wine regions in Portugal, and wine production here can be traced back more than two thousand years. This lush and fertile valley gets its name from the Douro River which meanders through it and is characterized by its hilly and steep terrain, much of which is covered in terraced vineyards. Without a doubt, the most famous wine produced here is the “port” variety, which was made famous in England. However the regular, non-fortified, wines made from local grape varieties are well worth getting to know.
Wine lovers, welcome to your Portuguese paradise! The Douro Valley is one of the main wine regions in Portugal, and wine production here can be traced back more than two thousand years. This lush and fertile valley gets its name from the Douro River which meanders through it and is characterized by its hilly and steep terrain, much of which is covered in terraced vineyards. Without a doubt, the most famous wine produced here is the “port” variety, which was made famous in England. However the regular, non-fortified, wines made from local grape varieties are well worth getting to know.
Day 6
Day 6 - Arrival in Douro Valley
Upon your arrival to the Douro Valley, your driver will take you directly to your located accommodation.
Enjoy Local Wines
Portugal’s Douro Valley features hundreds of miles of riverside hills dotted with centuries-old quintas (wine estates) that have now opened up to wine tourism. Making fortified wine since 1756, the Douro Valley is not only one of the oldest demarcated wine regions in the world, it’s also among the most beautiful. The famous grapes grow in abundance along terraced hills, which follow the curves of the Douro River as it winds east from Porto to the border with Spain. While the ruby, white and tawny ports have brought viticultural fame to the region, today its table wines are also held in high esteem.
Day 7
Day 7 - Your First Full Day in Douro Valley
Douro Private Tour
On this private tour, you will be enchanted by the wonderful panoramic views of the Douro region, considered one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, where the Douro River winds the vineyard foothills. A magnificent boat trip on the Douro River and lunch where you can taste the local gastronomy are included. You will also see one of the most beautiful railway stations in the region, built in the 17th century, that displays the different stages of Port wine production in 24 tile panels. And, of course, you will also get to taste the nectars of the gods in the various olive oil and wine tastings on offer.
Day 8
Day 8 - Departure Day
What's Included
Here are all the services provided as part of your complete vacation package. See what every JayWay trip includes.
Please let us know if you'd like to upgrade any transfers or add any additional tours or excursions to your itinerary.
Lisbon
Porto
Douro Valley
package excludes:
- Flights to and from Europe.
- Tips for Tour Guides, Drivers and Local Reps.
- Meals (other than breakfast if included in room rate and meals listed as included in food tours and excursions, unless explicitly stated otherwise).
- Parking fees for your Rental Car (if you are booking one with us) unless otherwise indicated. Some hotels provide free parking facilities.
- Travel Insurance. See the insurance link on our website
A JayWay vacation is more than the sum of its parts. Our team work tirelessly to ensure your experience is memorable for all the right reasons. Your trip is personalized to maximize your enjoyment. You're taken care of every step of the way.
A Travel Advisor who speaks your language
We will make sure that all your requirements and interests are taken into account in preparing your itinerary.A totally tailored itinerary for your vacation
Your trip is customized for you by an experienced trip planner and an expert on the region.A choice of hand-picked hotels and excursions
We've personally inspected and tested all the hotels and local tour providers we work with to ensure quality.Detailed pre-trip preparation to make the most of every day
Your Europe-based Tour Manager will be in touch by email and phone a month before you arrive to finalize timings.On-trip Concierge Service to smooth out any bumps in the road
Your tour manager is at your service throughout your journey. We'll provide a local SIM so you can stay connected.Personalized Guest Page to make sure you're not missing out
Packed with detailed information and recommendations curated by locals on the best things to do, see and eat.Glowing Reviews from Our Guests
I believe this was our third or fourth Jay Way adventure and as in the past, above our expectations in being spot-on every foot of the way.
Visited : Portugal
Itinerary : Porto, Douro Valley, Lisbon, Algarve Resorts
Rating :
It was like a private tour! They did a great job planning our trip!
Visited : Spain, Portugal
Itinerary : Barcelona, Porto, Lisbon
Rating :
This is our 4th JayWay trip and we enjoyed the consistency of how you do things along with the staff who guided us along the way. It’s a great way to travel! Melita created an amazing trip and Andrea and Maria were absolutely fantastic guiding us through the process. The care they all put into their clients and their jobs is wonderful to be a part of.
Visited : Spain, Portugal
Itinerary : Madrid, San Sebastian, Barcelona, Granada, Seville, Lagos, Lisbon, Porto
Rating :
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