A Two-Centre Tour of Portugal: Lisbon, Porto & the Douro Valley

Two cities, one glorious week. Begin in Lisbon for the towers of Belém, the lanes of the Alfama and a ride on Tram 28, cross the country by way of Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Fátima, then settle into Porto for the Port lodges and a day among the terraced vineyards of the Douro – two cities, one unforgettable trip.

This beautifully balanced 7-night tour invites you to discover the charm, culture and character of Portugal's two great cities – Lisbon and Porto. From the riverside monasteries of Belém to the terraced vineyards of the Douro, each day reveals something new. With guided city tours, a river cruise, Port wine tasting and two full days at leisure, it's the perfect blend of discovery and relaxation. Accompanied by our Dedicated Tour Manager, you can enjoy both cities at your own pace.

Your Holiday Itinerary

Day 1 Fly to Lisbon

Arrive at Lisbon Airport, where you'll be met by your Tour Manager and transferred by coach to the Inspira Santos. This design-led boutique hotel sits in the Santos design district, a lively quarter of galleries, small restaurants and creative studios close to the River Tejo. Settle in before dinner at a local restaurant – a relaxed introduction to your Portuguese holiday.

Day 2 Discover Lisbon

After breakfast, set off on a guided half-day tour of Lisbon. Begin at Belém on the banks of the Tejo, from where the great Portuguese voyages of discovery once set sail. Here you'll see the Belém Tower, light and delicate as a fairytale castle, and the Jerónimos Monastery, resting place of Vasco da Gama, as well as the modern Monument to the Discoveries. Continue through the historic quarters of Príncipe Real and Bairro Alto, the bohemian Chiado with its bookshops and literary cafés, and down into the medieval lanes of the Alfama beneath the Cathedral. Along the way you'll ride the celebrated Tram 28 and taste the city's famous pastéis de Belém. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Day 3 Day at Leisure

Today is free to enjoy at your own pace. Wander the grand squares of the Baixa, ride a funicular up to one of the city's miradouros for rooftop views across the terracotta, browse the stalls of the riverside market, or simply linger over a coffee and a custard tart in Chiado.

Day 4 Sintra, Cascais & Fátima to Porto

After breakfast you'll leave Lisbon for a full day on the road north. Drive through picturesque villages to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, then on to Sintra, the magical hillside town that became the summer retreat of Portuguese royalty and remains a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pause at the wild sands of Guincho beach before free time for lunch in the elegant fishing town of Cascais, passing aristocratic Estoril on the way. Continue north to Fátima, one of the world's most significant places of pilgrimage, where the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima offers a serene moment amid the day's travelling. Arrive in Porto in the evening for dinner and your first night at the 4-star Holiday Inn Porto – Gaia.

Day 5 Porto & Port Wine Tasting

Begin the day with a guided tour of Porto, taking in the city's great landmarks – the historic Sé Cathedral, the soaring Clérigos Tower and the mighty double-decked Dom Luís I Bridge over the Douro. Afterwards, step inside a traditional wine cellar to learn how Port is made and aged, and enjoy a tasting of the city's most famous export. The remainder of the day is free to explore at your own pace, perhaps browsing the Ribeira waterfront or settling in at a café to watch the river go by.

Day 6 Day at Leisure

Spend the day as you please. Cross the bridge into the old city to explore its bookshops and tiled churches, take a stroll along the Gaia quayside beneath the Port lodges, or simply relax and enjoy the view across the water.

Day 7 The Douro Valley

After breakfast, set off for a scenic day in the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its terraced vineyards and dramatic river landscapes. Board a Rabelo – one of the flat-bottomed wooden boats that once carried the barrels of Port down the river – for a cruise beneath vineyards rising in steps from the water. Afterwards, continue to a traditional wine estate among the vines, where a delicious lunch and a wine tasting await, accompanied by traditional folk music and dancing. Spend the afternoon admiring the scenery as you drive back through the valley to Porto for your final evening.

Day 8 Return Home

After breakfast, your coach will transfer you to Porto Airport for your return flight to Dublin, bringing your Portuguese adventure to a close.

Please note: your holiday includes three dinners, one lunch at a Douro quinta and two wine tastings. All other meals are at your leisure.