11 Days The Best of Portugal from Lisbon

Exploring Portugal in just over a week? This 11-day “Best of Portugal” tour offers a thorough look at the country’s highlights, mixing iconic cities, charming towns, and natural beauty. From the lively streets of Lisbon to the historic walls of Obidos, and the wine regions of Porto and the Douro Valley, this tour is designed to give you a taste of Portugal’s diverse appeal. I’ve looked into reviews, itinerary details, and what makes this experience stand out—plus what might give you pause.

Two things I really like about this trip are the well-structured itinerary that balances active sightseeing with leisure, and the inclusion of top-tier guides who clearly know their stuff. The itinerary hits major landmarks like Sintra’s palaces and the Sanctuary of Fatima, but also explores lesser-known villages like Amarante and Vila Real, offering a genuine sense of local life. What’s also appealing is the value for the price—at nearly $3,850 per person, it covers 10 nights of accommodations and many entrance fees, making it a relatively seamless and convenient way to see Portugal.

One potential consideration is the tour’s pace. Eleven days packed with tours, walking, and driving can be tiring, especially if you prefer a more relaxed holiday. Also, the group size is capped at 49 travelers, which is manageable but still means you’ll want to be comfortable with some bus camaraderie. But overall, if you’re after a rundown with expert guidance, this trip offers a lot of value.

Key points / Takeaways

• Comprehensive itinerary ensures you see Portugal’s most celebrated sites along with charming lesser-known spots.
• Expert guides like Pedro Pinto and driver Jose bring history and local insights to life, enhancing your experience.
• Diverse landscapes—from Lisboa’s vibrant streets to the lush vineyards of Vinho Verde and the rugged Algarve coast—offer a well-rounded view.
• Authentic experiences include tasting ginginha in Obidos, sampling port wine in Porto, and exploring medieval castles and monasteries.
• Comfort and convenience are prioritized with included entrance fees, hotel stays, and transportation, making it a smooth trip.
• Travelers who enjoy a full itinerary will love the variety, but those seeking pure relaxation may find the pace a little brisk.

Discovering Portugal: The 11-Day Journey

Starting in Lisbon: I love the way this tour kicks off at Marques de Pombal Square, an iconic spot that embodies Lisbon’s modern vibrancy. The first stop, Obidos, is straight out of a fairy tale—medieval walls, cobblestone streets, and a famous cherry liqueur, ginginha, that’s worth trying. As one reviewer put it, the city’s architecture and handicrafts are delightful. The visit to Alcobaca is a highlight, especially for lovers of architecture—Portugal’s largest gothic church, where you can find the tombs of Pedro and Ines de Castro, offers a glimpse into medieval monastic life and tragic love stories.

Moving north to Porto and Coimbra: Here, I appreciate the focus on history and local traditions. Visiting Coimbra University, one of the oldest in Europe, is a chance to soak in baroque libraries and traditional Fado music. The chance to taste a glass of Porto’s famous wine adds a sensory punch to the experience. A reviewer praised the tour guide Pedro for his knowledge, saying he “knew everything about the country’s history,” which makes all the difference when visiting landmarks like the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza or the riverside Ribeira district.

Vineyards, villages, and natural beauty: The inclusion of Guimaraes, the birthplace of Portugal, offers a deep dive into national origins. Further visits to Amarante and Vila Real allow you to enjoy local sweets and explore the beautiful gardens of the Mateus estate. The lush scenery of Minho and the renowned Vinho Verde region make this part of the tour particularly memorable.

Bussaco and Tomar: These spots highlight Portugal’s spiritual and military past. Bussaco’s forest and former royal hunting lodge are a quiet contrast to the ornate monasteries. Tomar, linked to the Knights Templar, is captivating with its fortress and historical sites. A reviewer commented on how the natural surroundings at Bussaco impressed them deeply, making it a true breath of fresh air.

Sintra and the coast: Sintra’s palaces and castles are some of Portugal’s most photographed sights, and rightly so. Walking through its winding streets, I’d love to see the colorful Pena Palace and the mysterious Cabo da Roca, the continental Europe’s westernmost point. The drive along the coast passing Cascais and Estoril is a lovely way to end the day. Returning to Lisbon in the evening provides a chance to reflect on the day’s sights.

The heart of Alentejo and Algarve: Evora, another UNESCO site, offers Roman ruins, a stunning cathedral, and the famous Chapel of Bones—an eerie yet fascinating highlight. Crossing into Algarve, the landscape shifts to orange groves and stunning coastlines. Visiting Silves with its Moorish castle and the dramatic cliffs at Ponta da Piedade, you’ll experience Portugal’s diverse geography and history.

Final days in Lagos and Sagres: These towns showcase Portugal’s maritime heritage. The fortress in Sagres, linked to Henry the Navigator, and the dramatic cliffs at Cabo de Sao Vicente are breathtaking. A reviewer praised the “magnificent views” and the opportunity to taste Algarve’s delicious cuisine, making these days truly memorable.

Returning to Lisbon: The scenic route back over the Arrabida Mountains offers sweeping views of the coast, capping off an itinerary that’s both thorough and inspiring.

Transportation, Group Size, and Practicalities

Transport is via air-conditioned bus or minivan, which simplifies logistics and saves your energy for sightseeing. The group size of up to 49 travelers strikes a balance—I found that it’s large enough to enjoy camaraderie but small enough to still feel personalized. The tour operates with licensed guides fluent in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese, so language won’t be an obstacle.

The trip includes 10 nights of hotel stays on a bed-and-breakfast basis, generally considered good value and comfortable. Hotels like the VIP Grand Lisbon and the Aurea Hotel in Fatima are praised for their quality, making your nights restful after busy days.

Timing and pacing are worth noting. The tour starts early (8:30 am pickup) and returns around 6 pm, with full days of sightseeing. Be prepared for some long days, especially with travel and site visits, but most reviews highlight the guides’ engaging commentary and the variety of places visited.

Is This Tour Worth the Price?

At a cost of about $3,850 per person, including accommodation, many entrance fees, and guided tours, this package offers what I’d call a high-value experience. It’s a way to see Portugal’s highlights without the hassle of planning each detail yourself, especially if you’re short on time or prefer a guided group. Several reviewers rave about the guides—specifically Pedro and Jose—who bring history alive and keep the group motivated.

However, it’s essential to understand the tour’s pace. If you’re someone who prefers slow mornings or flexible itineraries, this might feel a bit tight. But if you’re eager to see a broad swath of Portugal and enjoy the convenience of guided travel, this tour delivers.

Who Would Love This Experience?

This tour suits travelers who enjoy well-organized trips, appreciate historical and cultural sites, and don’t mind a busy schedule. It’s especially good for those who want a rundown of Portugal’s most famous cities, scenic regions, and hidden gems, all with expert guides. If you’re traveling alone and want the camaraderie of a group, you’ll find it welcoming.

It also works well for first-timers to Portugal who want a reliable, curated experience without the stress of independent planning. But if you prefer unstructured time or a more leisurely pace, consider whether you’ll be comfortable with the packed itinerary.

FAQ

How many days does this tour last?
It runs for 11 days, covering key cities and scenic spots across Portugal.

Are hotel accommodations included?
Yes, you get 10 nights of hotel stays on a bed-and-breakfast basis, with quality hotels like the VIP Grand Lisbon.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 49 travelers, offering a balance between socializing and comfort.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, many important sites like Coimbra University, Batalha Monastery, and Sintra’s palaces are included.

What languages can guides speak?
Guides operate in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese.

What should I bring?
Comfortable, light clothing, sun protection, sunglasses, and a hat are recommended. Be prepared for sightseeing walking and some weather variations.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, air-conditioned buses or minivans make for a pleasant journey between sites.

Can I customize this trip?
This is a fixed itinerary with no splitting of package or refunds for unused services, so it’s best suited for travelers happy with the planned schedule.

What’s the best way to get to Lisbon for the start?
Participants are picked up at Marques de Pombal Square, a central Lisbon location, and the tour includes airport transfers if booked additionally.

In summary, this 11-day “Best of Portugal” tour offers a practical, engaging way to experience Portugal’s iconic sights and hidden corners, all while enjoying the comfort of guided travel. It’s perfect for those who want a balanced mix of culture, scenery, and history, with knowledgeable guides making it all richer. While it’s a full schedule, the quality of sites and the included amenities make it a compelling option for anyone eager to see Portugal efficiently and comfortably.