Join us on a holiday to Portugal
From rolling vineyards and pretty fishing villages to sweeping mountains and endless stretches of sandy dunes, Portugal holidays are a delight.
Discover hidden gems and captivating landscapes on our carefully curated small group escorted tours of Portugal. The country's two most popular cities, Lisbon and Porto, are perfect for European city breaks, with cultural and historical attractions aplenty and picture-perfect scenery. Douro River cruises provide the chance to explore vineyards and sip the region's famous beverage, Port. The fairytale-esque town of Sintra is home to majestic and mysterious palaces, while the elegant beach resort towns of Cascais and Estoril attract sun worshippers from nearby Lisbon.
In the South, the sunny Algarve is a firm favourite for its pristine beaches and broad range of family-friendly resorts, complete with kids' clubs and inviting swimming pools. The region's capital, Faro, is a popular stop on many southern Portugal tours, with a charming old town complete with grand centuries-old buildings, cosy cafes and cobbled streets. For a spot of sunbathing, Albufeira is home to world-class beaches with golden sand and those coveted turquoise waters.
Things to do in Portugal
From boating trips down the stunning Douro River into wine country to the sophisticated beach resorts dotting the rugged Portuguese coast, this country caters to every kind of traveller.
The Douro River
See cities and towns such as Porto and Régua from the water on your boat trip, and stop at one of the many wineries in the region to sample the local Port.
Porto
Pay a visit to Portugal's 'second city' and explore the famous port-wine-producing Quintas. Gleaming with picturesque vineyards, rich culture, and bars and restaurants, the city invites visitors to indulge in fine wine and delicious food in a historic setting.
Cascais
The glamorous resort of Cascais offers the chance to relax by the sea, with its sandy bays drawing in locals and tourists alike. There's plenty more to see here, too - from museums and galleries to boutiques and seafood restaurants.
Things to see in Portugal
We’ve listed just three must-visit attractions here – but you’re destined to uncover more once you start your adventure.
Portugal tour highlights
Things to see and places to visit on your escorted tour of Portugal
Food and drink in Portugal
A typical Portuguese menu includes a variety of fish and seafood, and seems Mediterranean in style despite the nation's Atlantic location.
There are plenty of traditional dishes to try when visiting Portugal. These include bacalhau com natas, cod baked with cream and potatoes, and francesinha, a sandwich-like meal made with beef or pork, ham and cheese and covered in a tomato sauce.
If you have a sweet tooth, pastel de nata – delicious egg tarts with a wonderful, flaky crust – are a real treat. They may have become a patisserie staple across the world in recent years, but these delicious custard-filled tarts originated in Portugal, believed to have been created by Catholic monks.
Wine lovers enjoying our escorted tours in Portugal will find many excellent, well-priced red and white wines to enjoy, including the famous Vinho Verde. And, of course, you can try any number of port-wines when visiting the lodges in the Oporto area.
Portugal FAQs
First holiday to Portugal? Here are a few questions you might have.
- Time Zone
- GMT
- Avg. Flight Time
- 2.5 hours
- Visa Required
- Not required
- Currency
- Euro
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What are the best tours to Portugal?
To get the best of your Portugal adventure, we recommend the following tours:
If you'd like to see more Portugal tours, check out our website.
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What’s the weather like in Portugal?
The weather in Portugal is heavily influenced by the Atlantic. The north of the country tends to be cooler, whilst the south enjoys a warmer, more Mediterranean climate. with coastal areas slightly cooler throughout. Summer temperatures range from around 30°C in the south to 25°C in the north. Winters in Portugal are comparatively mild, although nights can be chilly. Temperatures are pleasant in spring and autumn, averaging around 20°C.
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When is the best time to visit Portugal?
Generally speaking, the best time to visit Portugal is during the spring, when the country is in bloom, or in autumn. Both seasons enjoy pleasant temperatures, and are largely free of the summer crowds.
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What is Portugal famous for?
Portugal is famous for its breathtaking Mediterranean coastline and beaches, the wine-producing Douro Valley, and its elegant, cultural cities, including Lisbon and Porto. Surfing is popular in Portugal, thanks to its long coastline and Atlantic winds.
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Is Portugal expensive?
In Portugal they use the Euro (EUR). For the latest exchange rates, please see www.xe.com. Portugal is one of the least-expensive countries in Western Europe.
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What’s the food like in Portugal?
Unsurprisingly, Portuguese cuisine has a strong Mediterranean influence, and the diet consists of a lot of fresh fruit, vegetables and olive oil, along with seafood and meat. However, Portugese food does tend to be spicier than many of its neighbours. Pastries and sweets are also popular, especially churros and pastel de nata (egg tart pastry). Being a wine-producing country, wine is popular in Portugal, especially port, a fortified wine produced in the Douro Valley.
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What language do they speak in Portugal?
Portuguese is the national language of Portugal. However, English is widely spoken, particularly in touristy areas. Below are a few useful phrases in Portuguese:
Hello – olá
Goodbye – tchau
Thank you – obrigado
Please – por favor
Do you speak English? – você fala Inglês?
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