Call to book1-877-929-7245
Tour Search
#Favorites

Cuisine & Culture: Lisbon & Porto

Save
5.0 stars(7 reviews)
Gallery
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.

You are viewing the 2023 itinerary. Select your departure year
202320242025
7 days From $1,995 per person
Travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary

2023 Tour code: CI-PLPA-23

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.

Highlights

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

5.0 stars5.0 / 5 · 7 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (7)
  2. 4 stars
    (0)
  3. 3 stars
    (0)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

Sandra REES

5 stars

Submitted 29/May

We were very happy with the quality of the hotels and guides and with the day trip to the Duoro valley which was the highlight. Only difficulty encountered was in meeting the driver at Lisbon airport.

Collected by Trustpilot

WOLFGANG ZIEGLER

5 stars

Submitted 19/May

The tour was good, great guides

Collected by Trustpilot

DANIEL HARRIS LUSSENHOP

5 stars

Submitted 5/May

Everything went well, except the weeks before the trip. There was some confusion as to when we would get our final documents, and we found out last minute that Vacation by Rails needed further info from us. It took several phone calls to straighten this out. A more proactive approach would be appreciated, letting us know well ahead of time of any missing info before they could send final documents

Collected by Trustpilot

Annette Maillard

5 stars

Submitted 17/Apr

This trip was so well planned and put together. The accommodations and guides were excellent. Your communication prior to the trip was informative and helpful. We will travel with you again.

Collected by Trustpilot

Diane Robbin

5 stars

Submitted 25/Mar

Very well planned out and executed. The tour guides were outstanding. It was a vacation full of lasting memories.

Collected by Trustpilot

JOYCE ANN WIEDMAN

5 stars

Submitted 16/Mar

Good tours and great guides

Collected by Trustpilot

Show all 7 reviews
Global Rail Adventures Brochure

Global Rail Adventures Brochure

The definitive guide to our 2023 Global Rail Adventures

Download brochure
Related inspiration from our journey blog