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Spain & Portugal

Cuisine & Culture: Lisbon & Porto

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7 days From $2,535 per person
4.7 stars(18 reviews)
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Cuisine & Culture

The sunny Iberian Peninsula is brimming with stunning coastlines and delicious gastronomy, all of which are yours to savor on this week-long journey in Portugal.

Travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary
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Ends July 16th: Save up to $300 per person on Escorted & up to $200 per person on Independent vacations in 2025.

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2025 Tour code: CI-PLPA-25

About the tour

Where the sun meets the sea and centuries of history are presented through architecture, dancing and some of the finest wine and cuisine in the world, Portugal is a vacation destination that calls to travelers of all interests. Find what appeals to you while spending seven days exploring this idyllic piece of Europe. This thoughtfully planned journey shares time between Lisbon and Porto, both waterside cities but each with its own distinct appeal. Begin in the capital city, Lisbon, with guided touring that highlights the city's landmarks and culinary scene. Lesser-known parts of the local culture, including Fado music, are also brought to light as you explore both alongside a knowledgeable local guide and independently. From here, enjoy an in-depth look at Portugal's landscape as you are whisked north by train to coastal Porto. This destination is famed as one of the world's first wine regions, yet the beauty of the Douro River shines just as brightly. Soak in the incredible views while sipping wine in historic homes and dining atop a mountain. Not one, but two, scenic cruises further immerse you in the gorgeous scenery that encompasses the Porto region - a perfect conclusion to a truly memorable trip.

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Unforgettable Experiences

Lisbon
Lisbon
See Lisbon’s prominent landmarks on a private orientation tour.
Lisbon's Markets
Lisbon's Markets
Eat and drink like a local on a walking tour of Lisbon’s markets, restaurants, and taverns.
Porto
Porto
Uncover Porto’s iconic sites on a private walking tour.
Quintas
Quintas
Visit traditional Quintas in the Douro valley, including lunch and wine-tastings.
Porto River Cruise
Porto River Cruise
See Porto from a new perspective on a city river cruise.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Lisbon

Arrive in Portugal's capital city and meet your driver for a private transfer by luxury car to your hotel. Once you have settled in, meet your private guide for a walking tour of Lisbon to see popular landmarks, including the Monuments of the Portuguese Discoverers, Jerónimos Monastery, and the Tower of Belem. Overnight Lisbon.

Day 2 – Lisbon Food, Wine & Markets Experience

The morning is free to explore Lisbon at your leisure. This afternoon, join a local guide for a walking tour showcasing the treasures of Portuguese gastronomy. Your first stop is a local food market, where you will taste the traditional "Pasteis de Belem," a delightful egg custard tart. Continue to a Portuguese tavern to savor a tapas dinner. Cap off your day with an authentic Fado performance in the bohemian Barrio Alto. Overnight Lisbon. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 – Lisbon at Leisure / Optional Sintra Excursion

The day is at leisure to explore the city on your own.  Alternatively, consider a full-day excursion to Sintra and the Lisbon coast. Discover why this historic and scenic destination earned UNESCO World Heritage status as you stroll its opulent buildings and charming streets. Overnight Lisbon.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 4 – Lisbon to Porto by Train

After breakfast take a private transfer to Lisbon's rail station to board your train to Porto. Sit back and admire the vibrant scenery on the three-hour journey to Portugal's wine country. On arrival, transfer to your centrally located hotel. This afternoon, a private walking tour showcases iconic landmarks throughout the city center, such as Clerigos Tower and Porto Cathedral. Overnight Porto.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 5 – Douro River Valley

Embark on a private full day tour to the Douro River. This charming and unique region in the north of Portugal is recognized as the first demarcated wine region in the world and is renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Arrive in Lamego and visit a historical winery-Quinta, the historical houses of Portugal, for a wine tasting. The journey continues to a mountaintop Quinta, where you will tour the estate and winery, and enjoy a homemade traditional lunch with breathtaking views of the vineyards and rivers. Before sunset, arrive in Pinhão and admire the treasures of the Douro Valley on a boat cruise. Return to Porto with the evening at leisure. Overnight Porto.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 – Porto River Cruise & Wine Tasting

Porto is famous for its wine, river, and landscapes. Today you can once again enjoy all three. This morning is at leisure to explore the city on your own or take an optional tour to Aveiro, known as the "Venice of Portugal." This afternoon, embark on a Porto city river cruise, admiring the city from a new perspective, followed by a visit to a riverside winery where the famous Port wine is made. Overnight Porto. 

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 7 – Return Home

A private transfer takes you from your hotel to the international airport after breakfast.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Reviews

4.7 stars4.7 / 5 · 18 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (14)
  2. 4 stars
    (3)
  3. 3 stars
    (0)
  4. 2 stars
    (1)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

Mr Alan R Zalewski

5 stars

Submitted 08 Nov 2024

When we cleared immigration at Lisbon AirPort and began to walk out with our bags we were greeted by Ivo, our sharply dressed driver, who took our bags and led us to his car for the drive to our hotel. As Janelas Verdes is a priceless gem with Old World charm, a friendly “so glad you’re here “ staff, and beautiful rooms. They feature a fabulous breakfast with a B & B feel. Having an elevator was a real plus. Our walking guide Luis was excellent but be warned that Lisbon has lots of hills; we opted to take cabs at day’s end on several occasions. We loved the personal service of having private car & guide taking us to see wonderful sights in Sintra, Porto, and the Douro Valley. We were blown away by our private tours of two wineries that guide Michael took us to in the valley (Covela and Quinta Dos Sequeirinhas). The wine was wonderful but the real fun was learning about our hosts Alejandro and Rita at their respective wineries and their passion for their craft and family run operations . Rita prepared a full on delicious lunch of fresh clams in garlic, lemon, and butter; salted cod fish, and pork with wines to match. She told us how she, her sister and brother bought the property from a 5th generation 92 year old lady because this owner didn’t want to sell to a big corporation. You can’t go on this trip without being immersed in the stories of the people. Dinner at Cafe Lusso to hear the singing of Fado was another treat.

from Vacations By Rail
Hi Alan - thank you for offering such a detailed review! We're so glad that you enjoyed your cuisine & culture rail adventures is Portugal!
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Mr Alan R Zalewski
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ROSEMARIE SHANAHAN

5 stars

Submitted 23 Sep 2024

Terrific trip

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MICHAEL MICCI

5 stars

Submitted 18 Jul 2024

The tour was incredible. We loved Janelas Verdes Inn in Lisbon and the two walking tours there were amazing. We had the same guide for both, and she was knowledgeable and we had an amazing time with her. The hotel in Porto (Vila Gale) could have been better but the private vineyard tour there was truly one of the most amazing experiences of any trip we have ever been on. The private walking tour in Lisbon was amazing as well .I do not hesitate to give this a 5 star review.

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ELAINE TUCKER

5 stars

Submitted 13 May 2024

This trip was amazing and beyond our expectations. Everything from transfers to the hotel to the walking tours and a full day private excursion and wine tastings through the Douro Valley as well as the dinner and Fado experience deserves a 5 star rating. Would definitely recommend this trip!

from Vacations By Rail
We are so glad to hear that you had a great time. We would love to see your smiling faces on tour! Could we share these photos to our social media?
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ELAINE TUCKER
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ELIZABETH LORRAINE DEATHERAGE

5 stars

Submitted 01 Nov 2023

Our trip went off perfectly and our guides were fabulous. It exceeded our expectations.

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Alexandra

5 stars

Submitted 17 Sep 2023

We had a wonderful trip! The hotel is Lisbon was beautiful and historic. The breakfast was great and the service top notch. I hadn’t heard much about VBR so I wasn’t sure what to expect. The local tour guides were so personable and gave us great experiences. The Douro Valley tour was unforgettable. I never would have found those Quintas without the guides. Definitely recommend!

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Alexandra
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