Portugal: History & Gastronomy

8 Days / 7 Nights

Lisbon, Porto

from$2,550 per person

Average Guest Rating 4.9 / 5

Running almost the length of the Iberian peninsula, it should be no surprise that Portugal was once a powerful seafaring nation. That long history becomes apparent as you visit the old cities of Lisbon and Porto. Portugal's cuisine has been shaped by the land, the sea, and centuries of globe-trotting. On this 8-day private tour, featuring private transfers between destinations, you'll discover the interconnection of Portugal's history and its cuisine.
In addition to the tours included we can arrange a number of excursions based on your own interests. All of our tours are custom, and this is just a sample meant to give an idea of what our trips are like, and the opportunities our destinations provide.
One of our team members in the region will be available to you leading up to and during your trip to answer any questions and arrange additional local services. You will receive access to your Guest Page, with its information on the best these destinations have to offer, including things to see and do, and other inside tips from restaurant recommendations to tipping advice. Upon your arrival, we will provide you with a local SIM that you can use to reach your local JayWay contact throughout your trip. In all of our destinations, we offer a variety of memorable 3-5 star accommodation options, including boutique hotels and charming B&Bs. With our first-hand experience, we can ensure they are all clean, comfortable, and centrally located, with local ambience.

4 Nights in Lisbon

4 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.

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.

Our representative will then meet with you to answer any questions you have and to get you settled for the rest of your trip.

Day 2

Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Lisbon

Discover The City Of Seven Hills

Included in your vacation package price.

Explore Alfama, the city's oldest neighborhood, featuring standout attractions like The Lisbon Cathedral (commonly known as The Se) and St. George Castle (Castelo de S. Jorge). Alfama is renowned as the birthplace of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage, Fado music. Indulge in an evening at a Fado restaurant for dinner and a concert. Don't miss the charm of elegant Chiado and the bohemian ambiance of Bairro Alto, two must-visit neighborhoods in Lisbon.

Activity Level : Moderate

Duration : 8 hours

Day 3

Day 3 - Your Second Full Day in Lisbon

Enjoy Portuguese Culinary Delights

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Explore the culinary diversity of Portugal in Lisbon, where you can savor a variety of dishes from coastal regions and beyond. From local specialties born on its cobblestone streets to culinary delights from the Douro, Alentejo, and the Algarve, Lisbon offers a gastronomic journey. Whether dining at affordable snack bars or indulging in Michelin-starred restaurants, the city caters to all tastes. Recommended delights include Pasteis De Nata, Bifana Sandwich, and Bacalhau, reflecting Lisbon's rich culinary tapestry. Get hands-on with a cooking class, or enjoy tour of a local market, both with a small group of like-minded travelers.

Portuguese Cooking Class Group Experience

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Join a memorable Portuguese cooking class and dive into Portugal's vibrant culture. Guided by a passionate chef, you’ll learn to prepare traditional dishes like caldo verde, bacalhau, and Pastel de Nata. Each step is explained in detail, giving you a thorough understanding of Portuguese cuisine. By the end, you’ll have created an authentic meal to enjoy with friends and family, making for a unique and delightful cultural experience.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

Lisbon Market – Food and Cultural Walk Group Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

This tour is run in the morning so you can appreciate the market's fresh fish stalls and produce vendors. Campo de Ourique is a 19th-century neighborhood with restaurants and pastry shops where many famous characters lived. Recently, this neighborhood has been booming with new restaurant concepts, a renovated food market, and other food-related stores. The tour includes six stops in this unique, off-the-beaten-path part of Lisbon, enabling you to enjoy delicious traditional and contemporary tastings typical of Portuguese food culture.

Activity Level : Moderate

Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

Day 4

Day 4 - Your Third Full Day in Lisbon

Visit Sintra

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Sintra, a historic town perfect for a day excursion from Lisbon, is situated amid the pine-covered hills of the Serra de Sintra. The town's slightly cooler climate attracted Portuguese royalty to establish residences in its vicinity. Sintra boasts a variety of distinctive palaces, castles, and grand residences. Choose between a private or small-group day trip, depending on your budget. The small-group option sacrifices some time in Sintra to incorporate a visit to the coastal town of Cascais.

Sintra & Cascais Small Group Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

On this tour, you will head towards Sintra Mountain and start the day by visiting the fantastic Sintra village. You will have some free time to explore the town. Next, it is time to cross the mystic mountain of Sintra towards the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to see the quaint Colares village and learn more about local wines dating back to the 13th century. You will also stop at a midpoint in the wild Cabo da Roca. After a lunch break, you'll enjoy beautiful roads toward Cascais, a former fishing village. Then, you'll go to the Pena Palace. Then, it will be time to head back to Lisbon.

Activity Level : Moderate

Duration : 9 hours

Sintra Full Day Private tour with Guide/Driver & Entrance to Pena Palace

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Why not experience a private day trip to Sintra, a picturesque village set in a lush Natural Park once favored by Portuguese royalty? Start with a guided tour of the iconic Pena Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Portugal’s Seven Wonders. Stroll through Sintra’s historic center, where you can savor traditional pastries like "Queijadas" and "Travesseiros." In the afternoon, visit Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, and enjoy a scenic coastal drive back to Lisbon, passing Guincho Beach, Cascais, and Estoril.

Activity Level : Moderate

Duration : 8 hours

Day 5

Day 5 - Traveling to Porto by Private Transfer

Our driver will pick you up from your accommodation in Lisbon and drive you to Porto. On the way you will make a stop in Coimbra where you can explore the city on your own add a private guided tour for additional cost. Coimbra is a riverfront city in central Portugal, home to a preserved medieval old town and the historic University of Coimbra - the oldest academic institution in the Portuguese-speaking world. Built on the grounds of a former palace, the university is visited by many tourists for its monuments and history. The journey with the stop should take about 6 hours.

Porto by Private Transfer with a Stop in Coimbra

We also offer the following excursions in Lisbon

2 Hour Private Catamaran Sailing Tour

Light2 hours

Alentejo Full Day Private Tour with Wine Tasting and Lunch at a Winery

Strenuous8 hours

Exclusive Small Winery Visit and Lunch - Full Day Private Tour

Moderate8 hours

Fatima, Nazare & Obidos Small Group Tour

Moderate9 hours

3 Nights in Porto

3 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.

Day 5

Day 5 - Arrival in Porto

Upon your arrival to Porto, your driver will take you to your centrally located accommodation.

Day 6

Day 6 - Your First Full Day in Porto

Secret Porto Private Walking Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Porto, with its medieval roots, is a resilient city proud of its rich history and enduring charm. Known as the "Undefeated City," it invites you to explore its narrow alleyways, enchanting staircases, and vibrant historic quarters. On this private tour, discover hidden viewpoints, serene gardens, and the lively riverside contrasting with the city's organic, unplanned beauty. Experience the unique "Tripeiro" spirit and be captivated by Porto's extraordinary magic.

Activity Level : Moderate

Duration : 4 hours

Port and Douro Wine Group Walking Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

On this tour, you will learn all about Port and Douro wines and experience three of the best and oldest brands of Port and Douro wine production. This walking tour is exclusively dedicated to Port history and will enable you to become an expert in the art of Port and wine tasting. You will also learn more about Douro Valley, the first demarcated wine region in the world! That's right; you will have a chance to experience ten different wines from three renowned wine houses with professional tastings.

Activity Level : Moderate

Duration : 3 hours

Day 7

Day 7 - Your Second Full Day in Porto

Braga & Guimaraes Small Group Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

On this tour, you will embark on a journey beginning with transportation to the historic birthplace of Portugal, Guimarães, steeped in medieval ambiance and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will explore notable landmarks, including the impressive 10th-century castle, the grand Dukes of Bragança Palace, and the charming historical center. Following a leisurely lunch, venture to Braga, Portugal's oldest city and spiritual heart. Discover its rich heritage as an ecclesiastical center and pilgrimage destination, highlighted by visits to the venerable Sé Cathedral, dating back to the 11th century, and the revered Bom Jesus Sanctuary, nestled amidst the scenic hills surrounding the city.

Activity Level : Moderate

Duration : 8 hours

Day 8

Day 8 - Departure Day

The driver will pick you up from your accommodation and take you to the airport for your departing flight. The duration of the drive is about 20 minutes.

We also offer the following excursions in Porto

Douro Gold Experience Day Small Group Tour

Moderate9 hours

Douro Premium Small Group Tour

Moderate10 hours

Douro Private Tour

Moderate9 hours 30 minutes

Douro Small Group Tour

Moderate9 hours

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

4 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Lisbon Airport Private Transfer

Full Day Private Tour of Lisbon

Lisbon - Porto Private Transfer with a stop in Coimbra

Porto

3 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Secret Porto Private Walking Tour

Port and Douro Wine Group Walking Tour

Braga & Guimaraes Small Group Tour

Porto Airport Transfer

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

Benefits of Traveling with JayWay

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

4.9 / 5

Average of our Guest's Ratings of vacation packages including these destinations

Bob & Kathy

Illinois

A wonderful customized and low stress way to explore a city without the hassles of trying to figure out the myriad of details on your own.

Year : 2024
Visited : Spain, Portugal
Itinerary : Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon
Rating :

5 / 5

Ken & Rebecca

Arkansas

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.

Year : 2024
Visited : Portugal
Itinerary : Porto, Douro Valley, Lisbon, Algarve Resorts
Rating :

5 / 5

Joyce, Alan, Jennifer, Mike, Henry, Norma & Kenneth

Wisconsin

It was like a private tour! They did a great job planning our trip!

Year : 2024
Visited : Spain, Portugal
Itinerary : Barcelona, Porto, Lisbon
Rating :

4.5 / 5

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