Food, football, and a favourite tipple are just some of Portugal’s famous attractions.
Portugal is a country with a vibrant culture and history, with its powerful empire once spanning the globe. The country is situated on the Iberian Peninsula, with a long, rich coastline that influences much Portuguese culture – there’s so much to explore.
If you’re looking for a river cruise, our voyages through the Douro Valley are some of our most popular. Travel through one of the oldest wine regions in the world, in the heart of port wine territory, where hillside vineyards sit under beautiful Mediterranean skies bursting with oranges and earthy colours. We'll meander past these stunning views and moor in the likes of Salamanca and Porto (the home of Port wine). Snapshot the incredible medieval architecture, accompany your dinner with a selection of local wines and don’t forget to try the ‘pastel de nata’ (a traditional Portuguese custard tart – trust us, it’s delicious). If you’re looking for a Portuguese holiday that’s more tailored to your interest – art, history or gastronomy - check out our themed river cruises.
With a lively history and culture, Portugal was once a powerful empire spanning the world. And this influential heritage is clear on every corner. On our tours to Portugal, you’ll find yourself visiting some of its iconic landmarks, like the famous Monastery of Jerónimos in Lisbon and reliving the days of the Moorish rule in the town of Obidos. We’ll dive into delicious Portuguese cuisine – rice and fish dishes like Arroz de Marisco are reminiscent of the country’s fishing history – and, of course, a trip to Portugal wouldn’t be complete without wine tasting at a lodge across the Douro. And not so far away is the beautiful Madeira - nicknamed “the Pearl of the Atlantic” and for good reason! – it's a subtropical island paradise. Wherever Portugal takes you, a holiday here will be one to remember.
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Lisbon, Porto & the Douro Valley Tour Video
You’ll discover the real Portugal on this tour – a rich and varied country with a proud history that’s admirably reflected in the many fascinating places we visit.
Popular FAQs
Portugal uses the Euro, having adopted the currency in 1999. They were one of the first countries to adopt the Euro, along with Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Spain.
Lisbon
Lisbon has almost everything you could want from your Portugal city break wishlist: unique architecture, beautiful local food, a wide vibrant river, and contemporary galleries and museums. Art is everywhere in Lisbon, and the city is awash with incredible buildings, many covered in the famous azulejo tile facades. Visit The Gulbenkian for arts and culture, and the A Vida Portuguesa Emporium for traditional Portuguese bric-a-brac. No Lisbon stay is complete without a scenic tour of the Tagus River, which winds through the city and under the stunning Vasco da Gama bridge or picking one of Lisbon’s gorgeous landmarks like the Belem Tower or São Jorge Castle to watch the sunset over the city.
Douro Valley
A trip along the Douro River offers some of the most stunning scenery in the world, yet this incredible region is still relatively unknown to many who decide to visit Portugal. With its dramatic cliff faces, medieval villages and beautiful groves of olives, almonds and grapes, the Douro Valley should be a feature on everybody’s bucket list. The stunning river flows to its outlet in Porto, while being renowned as one of the world’s oldest wine regions due to its exclusive production of port for centuries. Vineyards cover the hand-terraced hills of the valley which contains the perfect grape varieties needed to give port its rich, vibrant flavours, as well as contributing to some exquisite table wines which are rarely found outside of the region.
Porto
The endpoint of the Douro River is the bustling city of Porto, known for its trams, churches and port cellars, with an old-worldly charm that contrasts the growing hip and happening heart of the city. Kerbside cafes and cobbled medieval streets give way to a vibrant nightlife and a raft of experimental contemporary cuisine. The city also boasts stunning gardens and cathedrals, including the Sé do Porto, a Romanesque cathedral with a gothic style and views overlooking the city, and the stunning Mateus Palace Gardens over in nearby Vila Real.
Madeira
Nestled in the Atlantic Ocean, this Portuguese archipelago boasts a subtropical climate year-round, making it a haven for nature-lovers and sun-seekers alike. Madeira's dramatic coastline is adorned with towering cliffs, lush valleys, and cascading waterfalls, providing endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. The island's rich cultural heritage is evident in its charming towns and villages, where colourful markets, historic churches, and traditional festivals offer a glimpse into Madeira's past. Moreover, Madeira is renowned for its exquisite cuisine, featuring fresh seafood, succulent meats, and delectable pastries, accompanied by the island's famed Madeira wine.
The palaces of Sintra
The historic city of Sintra lies within the Greater Lisbon area and is a fantastic daytrip from the capital. Famed for its dramatic landscapes and incredible architecture, Sintra hosts several palaces and iconic landmarks. A visit to Sintra should include the eclectic 1000-year-old Palacio Nacional Sintra, the gorgeous, white-walled Royal Palace and the romantic, almost Disney-esque hilltop Palácio da Pena. The latter of these is surrounded by dense forest, contributing to its enchanting aesthetic and even has its own microclimate which causes the foliage to flourish.
Fado
Portugal’s most famous sound emanates from the narrow streets of Lisbon’s Alfama district, a musical mix that evolved from folk, African, and Brazilian styles. You’ll find Fado being played in bars and cafes all over the city, with live performances available to catch all across the city, but you can learn about the history of this unique music in the excellent Museu do Fado (Fado Museum) in the historic Alfama quarter. Here you’ll see artefacts, artwork, and instruments, and listen to some of the best recordings of this beautifully melancholic music.
Wine tasting
Any trip to the Douro Valley is not complete without a spot of wine tasting, and there are plenty to choose from in this region. A visit to the Porto district of Gaia is a chance to learn more about the history of port and sample the full range of the local wine, alongside artisanal cheese and chocolate pairings. Visit Taylor's Wine Lodge for a fascinating tour of the 300-year-old cellars and a delicious tasting experience. For a truly amazing wine tasting experience, visit some of the estates on the Douro River including Quinta do Bomfim and Quinta da Pacheca.
Portugal's climate is generally characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Along the coast, particularly in cities like Lisbon and Porto, the climate is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in mild temperatures year-round. Winters are typically mild, with temperatures averaging around 10°C to 15°C, while summers are warm to hot, with temperatures often reaching 25°C to 30°C - temperatures in inland regions can exceed 40°C.
In terms of food and drink, Portugal’s most famous exports are port and Piri Piri chicken, but the country has plenty more amazing cuisine to try. With such great access to the ocean, seafood is a big part of the Portuguese diet, with the national dish of bacalhau a family favourite in homes across the country. Portugal is also known for its sheep’s cheese, Queijo Serra da Estrela, and the hugely popular Pastel de Nata – a crispy custard tart. For a taste of the original recipe, try a Pastel de Belém in the Belém café in Lisbon where they were invented.
Visitors to Porto should try the city’s signature sandwich – the Francesinha – a delectable combination of sausage, chorizo, ham and steak inside white bread, encased in cheese, and doused in rich tomato sauce. For those looking for a tipple, in addition to port, you should also try Ginja – the sweet cherry liqueur, which is often sold in chocolate cups, and vinho verde, the ‘green wine’ known for its fresh and fruity flavour.
Tipping is not mandatory in Portugal but for good service in restaurants, hotels, taxis and on tours, the customary amount is 10% however, you should only do so if you feel comfortable.
The vast majority of the Portuguese population identify as Roman Catholic (81%), interestingly, most consider themselves non-practising. The remaining population, over 6% identify with no-religion, over 3% with another Christian denomination, and 0.6% with another religion, such as those who identify ad Jewish or Muslim.
