sell10 Day Portugal Dreams: From Porto to Lisbon 2026

THURSDAY - Tonight is you overnight flight to Portugal!

FRIDAY - Bem-vindos a Portugal! Your Perillo representative will be at the airport to greet you. We are pleased to offer complimentary transfers from the Oporto airport to your hotel at scheduled times.

Tonight, we’ll meet our tour leader for a brief orientation and a three-course welcome dinner at the hotel, featuring delicious local dishes that showcase the flavors of Porto – perfect opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers and start making memories in this wonderful country. D

SATURDAY - Start your day with a guided walking tour through the heart of Porto, a city where history and charm meet at every corner. We'll visit the Igreja de Santo Ildefonso, a striking 18th-century church adorned with beautiful azulejos (traditional blue and white tiles). From there, continue to the Sé do Porto (Porto Cathedral), one of the city’s oldest monuments, offering panoramic views over the terracotta rooftops.

Next, step into elegance at the Palácio da Bolsa, the former Stock Exchange Palace — a masterpiece of 19th-century neoclassical architecture that once impressed kings and queens.

We'll stroll along the picturesque Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where colorful buildings line the riverfront and the iconic Ponte Luís I bridge offers breathtaking views. Did you know that the bridge was designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel?  And you might spot the resemblance!

Enjoy free time for lunch, the perfect moment to taste some local delights — maybe a francesinha (a rich Portuguese sandwich) or freshly grilled sardines.

In the afternoon, we’ll walk across the river to one of Porto's historic wine cellars, where you’ll discover how the world-famous Port wine is made — and of course, enjoy a tasting!

To top off the day, relax on a 1-hour boat cruise on the Douro River, taking in Porto’s skyline from a unique angle, passing under its famous six bridges.

After returning to the hotel, dinner will be on your own. Don’t hesitate to ask your tour leader for recommendations — Porto is full of hidden gems and unforgettable flavors!  B

SUNDAY - Today, embark on a scenic journey from Porto into the stunning Douro Valley, one of the world’s oldest demarcated wine regions and a true treasure of northern Portugal.

Enjoy the bus ride to the charming riverside town of Pinhão, surrounded by terraced vineyards that cling to the hillsides. Following a short coffee break, you’ll board a traditional "Rabelo" boat — once used to transport wine barrels down the river — for a one-hour private cruise along the Douro River. Glide past breathtaking landscapes, where vineyards spill down the hills in perfect rows, and soak in the tranquil beauty of the valley.

After the cruise, enjoy free time for lunch in Pinhão. Whether you choose a riverside café or a rustic tavern tucked away in the hills, it’s the perfect opportunity to savor local flavors. And don’t miss the chance to check the train station in Pinhão’s - famous for its stunning azulejo tile panels that depict scenes of the grape harvest — a beautiful celebration of the region’s winemaking heritage.

In the afternoon, we’ll take about half an hour panoramic drive to a renowned Douro winery, where you’ll experience the art of winemaking firsthand. Learn about the unique terroir of the region, taste a selection of Douro wines, and enjoy some regional snacks — a true sensory experience.

Finally, sit back and relax as we make our way back to Porto in the early evening. Dinner will be on your own tonight — be sure to end your day on a delicious note. B

MONDAY - After a delicious breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to Porto and begin a journey through central Portugal — rich in culture, charm, and coastal beauty.

Our first stop is Aveiro, often called the Venice of Portugal, thanks to its lovely canals and colorful boats. Stroll through the historic city center with your tour leader, and then hop aboard a traditional "Moliceiro" boat — once used to harvest seaweed — for a scenic cruise through Aveiro’s canals.

Don’t leave without tasting “ovos moles,” a beloved local sweet made of egg yolk and sugar, wrapped in delicate rice paper — a treat with a long monastic tradition!

Before we leave the area, we’ll stop for photos in Costa Nova, known for its charming striped houses painted in cheerful colors — originally used by fishermen to store their gear, now one of Portugal’s most photographed spots.

Next, we head to Coimbra, the country’s former capital and home to one of Europe’s oldest universities. Visit the impressive University Square and the magical Joanina Library, a baroque masterpiece that holds centuries of literary treasures. Fun fact: the library is protected by a colony of bats — they help preserve the old books by eating insects!

In the late afternoon, we’ll continue on to your next fabulous hotel near Praia D’El Rey. Breathe in the fresh Atlantic breeze, relax by the sea, and get ready for a delightful dinner at the hotel — the perfect end to a day full of discoveries.  B, D

TUESDAY - Begin your day with a relaxing breakfast overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, with views stretching out to the beautiful Berlenga Islands on the horizon — a peaceful start before diving into Portugal’s storied past.

Just a short drive away lies Óbidos, a perfectly preserved medieval village that feels like stepping into a fairytale. Walk through its cobbled streets, admire the whitewashed houses trimmed with vivid colors, and take in panoramic views from the ancient castle walls. Don’t miss the chance to sample Ginjinha, a delicious local cherry liqueur often served in a tiny chocolate cup — a true Óbidos tradition!

After exploring this enchanting village, continue by coach to Batalha, located in a region once cherished by the Knights Templar. Here, you’ll visit the magnificent Monastery of Batalha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Portugal. Built to commemorate the Portuguese victory in the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385, the monastery is a symbol of national pride and an awe-inspiring masterpiece of stonework and stained glass.

Later in the afternoon, return to your coastal resort and enjoy some free time by the ocean — perfect for a peaceful walk along the beach or a moment of rest.

End your day with a relaxing dinner at the hotel, surrounded by sea air and stories from a day rich in history and heritage. B, D

WEDNESDAY - Start your morning soaking in the fresh ocean views one last time before departing the coast and heading inland to the magical hills of Sintra, a place so enchanting that it was once the summer retreat of Portuguese royalty.

Your first stop is the mystical Quinta da Regaleira, an estate full of hidden tunnels, lush gardens, secret symbolism, and the iconic Initiation Well — a spiral staircase that descends into the earth like something straight out of a fairy tale. It’s a place that invites imagination and wonder at every turn.

After the visit, enjoy some free time in the historical center of Sintra, where quaint shops and cafés offer the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch.

In the afternoon, hop back on the coach for a quick scenic drive to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe. With dramatic cliffs plunging into the Atlantic and windswept landscapes, it’s a view you’ll never forget. As the old Portuguese poets once described it: “Where the land ends and the sea begins.”

Next, we travel down the coast to the elegant seaside town of Cascais. Once a humble fishing village, Cascais grew into a chic retreat for nobility. Enjoy a walk along the harbor, pop into stylish boutiques, or just relax by the ocean promenade.

Finally, we’ll make our way to our final destination: Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital city. After check-in at the elegant H10 Duque de Loulé Hotel, we’ll gather for a beautiful rooftop drink (weather permitting) followed by the dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. B, D

THURSDAY - Today, dive into the rich layers of Portuguese history and culture as we explore the fascinating capital city, Lisbon.

Your day begins with a guided walking tour through some of Lisbon’s most iconic neighborhoods. Start from the Marquês de Pombal Square, dedicated to the visionary who rebuilt the city after the devastating 1755 earthquake. From there, stroll along the elegant Avenida da Liberdade, often compared to the Champs-Élysées, with its tree-lined boulevard and upscale shops.

Continue to the lively Rossio Square, the historic heart of downtown Lisbon, and end the morning in the Alfama district — the city's oldest quarter. With its narrow, winding streets, tiled façades, and hidden courtyards, Alfama is the soul of traditional Lisbon, where echoes of Fado music linger in the air.

After some free time for lunch, the coach will take you to Belém, the area most closely tied to Portugal’s Age of Discoveries.

Marvel at the Belém Tower, once guarding the entrance to Lisbon’s harbor, and stop at the striking Monument to the Discoveries, honoring the explorers who set sail to chart unknown lands. Then step inside the breathtaking Jerónimos Monastery, a masterpiece of Manueline architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Before leaving Belém, there’s one more must-do: taste the world-famous “Pastel de Belém.” This creamy custard tart has been baked here according to a secret recipe since 1837 — warm, flaky, and unforgettable.

In the evening, dinner is on your own — whether you’re in the mood for a rooftop view or a cozy bistro your tour leader will be happy to help with recommendations. B

FRIDAY - On your final full day in Portugal, discover a region that beautifully blends tradition, craftsmanship, and history.

Start the day with a visit to a local cork factory, where you’ll learn all about one of Portugal’s most unique and sustainable exports. From wine stoppers to fashion accessories, cork is an essential part of Portuguese culture — and this behind-the-scenes experience will show you the incredible process of harvesting and crafting this natural material. Fun fact: Portugal produces over 50% of the world’s cork!

Then continue on to Évora, a beautifully preserved city in the Alentejo region and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its Roman ruins, whitewashed houses, and cobbled streets, Évora is like an open-air museum.

One of the most unforgettable stops is the haunting Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones), a small chapel with walls lined with thousands of human bones — a thought-provoking site that reminds visitors of the brevity of life. Its eerie motto at the entrance reads: “We bones that are here, for yours we wait.”

After exploring the town, return to Lisbon for the perfect finale to your journey.

Tonight, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner accompanied by a live Fado performance — Portugal’s most soulful musical expression. With heartfelt melodies, melancholic lyrics, and rich flavors on your plate, it’s a magical way to celebrate your time in this beautiful country. B, D

SATURDAY - This morning, board your flight home, arriving in the USA the same day. Unless, of course, you have chosen to extend your stay! A warm “Obrigado” for traveling with the Perillo family and please return soon.