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Portugal is located on the western coast of the Iberian Peninsula, where Europe’s westernmost point is located. Both tourists and residents enjoy the expansive Atlantic shoreline. Strong surf waves in the west attract surfers, and warm, and sandy beaches, A third of the population resides in the sizable metropolises of Lisbon and Porto, where the majority of people reside near the shore.
Cities in Portugal still have their original charm, and many of the old structures are still standing. During the World Wars, Lisbon hadn’t undergone significant alteration. There is minimal pollution and the environment is well-preserved.
Portugal’s Natural beauty will leave you speechless and most of the country used to be mostly covered by trees. Now, only 25% of the nation is still covered in forests. While some natural species, like the cork tree, are still widespread, many plants are alien species that people have brought into the world.
Portugal has an interesting natural dynamic or ecosystem within. Portugal also no longer has as many wild animals due to farming and hunting. Boars, wild goats, fallow deer, foxes, and Iberian hares are typical animals. The world’s most threatened cat species is the Iberian lynx.
Together, Portugal and Spain are attempting to develop open space so that the few hundred remaining lynxes can roam freely. Crabs, clams, and oysters thrive along the coastline, while Portuguese fishermen frequently capture tuna, bonito, and sardines.
Brief History of Portugal
The Zamora Treaty was signed in 1143, the same year that Portugal was established. Alphonse the VII of León and Castile and D. Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, signed the treaty to recognize Portugal as a sovereign state. Pope Alexander III validated this status in 1179.
The Portuguese Kings expanded the frontiers during the 12th and 13th centuries, eventually conquering the Algarve and cementing a region that has remained largely unaltered to this day.
Once its borders were established, Portugal began to examine itself. King D. Dinis established the esteemed University of Coimbra, one of the first in all of Europe, around the end of the 13th century. As the territorial administration solidified, castles, palaces, and churches were constructed in the most significant centers.
D. Joo, I was crowned king in 1385 as a result of a popular uprising, starting the second dynasty. Luis Vaz de Cames (“Os Lusadas”) would acclaim the sons of D. Joo I and D. Filipa de Lencastre as a noble generation of great princes (“Nclita geraço, altos Infantes”) for their humanism, education, and leadership abilities.
When in Portugal, there are many places that you can tour. It’s always recommended to start your journey in the capital of Portugal which is Lisbon. Here you can visit the famous Belem Tower or the Arche in the middle of the city.
Then move out to Porto or perhaps the coast where you can enjoy the laid-back beachy lifestyle of Portugal. While traveling the country, you will come across many once-in-a-lifetime experiences and jaw-dropping attractions. It can take you months to explore Portugal to the fullest. This is why it’s so important to take a group tour.
This way you can choose from hundreds of different tours specializing in different experiences that are tailored to your interests. With a set itinerary and knowledgeable guide, all your stresses can be put to rest and you will be able to explore and learn about Portugal to the fullest extent. Here are the top six best tours in Portugal.
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Highlights of Portugal
G Adventures
In Portugal, the weather is pleasant, the food is delectable, and daily life is simple. Wander the winding lanes of seaside Lisbon and eat a custard tart while admiring the sun-dappled buildings. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Monastery of Batalha, Coimbra University, and the charming town of Sintra to get your history and cultural fix. You will start your journey in Lisbon and end in Porto.
This tour of the highlights of Portugal will last seven days with the option to visit four cities in Portugal. You can also count on your accommodations, meals, transportation, and expert guide to be completely included in your tour. Here is a look at your seven-day itinerary through Europe’s west coast.
Day One: Arrive in Lisbon at any time.
Day Two: Enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk of Lisbon. Then explore freely for the rest of the day.
Day Three: Visit the town of Batalha, the historic Monastery of Batalha, and Continue to the medieval capital of Portugal, Coimbra.
Day Four: Free day in Coimbra.
Day Five: Continue to Porto in the morning, and take an orientation walk upon arrival.
Day Six: Free day to explore Porto.
Day Seven: Departure from Porto.
On this seven-day tour through some of the highlights of Portugal, you will get a chance to see some of the top sites as well as the most famous cities in Portugal. This tour is offered by the world-famous “G Adventures” Operated by National Geographic. G Adventures is considered one of the best tour operators in the world.
With some of the best local guides and well-organized tours, you can count on having an amazing time. This tour operator has an overall rating of 4.4 out of five stars and travelers are raving about this particular tour. Overall this is a good one and is recommended if you want to experience having a tour guide but you also want to explore on your own.
Discover Portugal
Blue-Roads Touring
The historical empires have left their mark on this fascinating Iberian country, from the quaint medieval towns to the cobblestone streets of Porto. Discover the true Portugal as we travel from gothic capitals to picturesque rural landscapes, stopping along the way to experience famous pilgrimage sites, delectable regional cuisine, and historical customs.
You will begin your tour in Lisbon and end your tour in Porto. On this ten-day tour through the top sites in Portugal, you will get a chance to visit 16 different cities in Portugal over ten days. You can also count on your excursions, accommodations, meals, transportation, and much more. Here is a look at your itinerary for this tour.
Day One: Lisbon (Portugal)
Day Two: Lisbon – Sintra – Lisbon
Day Three: Lisbon – Óbidos and Nazaré – Alvados
Day Four: Alvados – Tomar – Alvados
Day Five: Alvados – Coimbra – Viseu
Day Six: Viseu – Lamego, Pinhão and Peso Da Régua – Douro Valley
Day Seven: Douro Valley
Day Eight: Douro Valley – Amarante and Penafiel – Braga
Day Nine: Braga – Guimarães – Braga
Day Ten: Braga – Guimarães – Braga
On this ten-day tour through some of the best sites in Portugal. You will get a chance to see a mix of unique and well-known spots. This tour is recommended for solo travelers, families, group travelers, or holiday vacations. The tour itself is operated by Blue-Roads Touring.
Blue Road Tours offers a wide variety of organized and detailed tours throughout the UK and Europe. With that being said the tour operator has an overall rating of 4.4 out of five stars. Blue Roads Touring is one of the best options available for touring Portugal.
Picturesque Portugal (End Porto, 7 Days)
Cost Saver
This seven-day adventure from Lisbon, Portugal’s maritime capital, to Porto on the Douro River passes. You will get a chance to experience religious sites, monuments, and the gloomy trill of fado.
As you make your way north through villages, towns, and cities, you’ll explore the country’s vibrant history and culture, as well as get to know your kind Portuguese hosts. meander through medieval cities, and savor a wonderful pastel de nata or two while you’re here.
On this tour, you will start in Lisbon and end in Porto. This seven-day itinerary includes 5 Portuguese cities over seven days. This tour also includes accommodations, meals, transportation, and a professional guide. Here is a look at your seven-day itinerary in Portugal.
Day One: Arrive in Lisbon!
Day Two: Free day in Lisbon.
Day Three: Free day in Lisbon.
Day Four: Lisbon – Tomar – Fátima
Day Five: Fátima – Coimbra – Porto
Day Six: Free day in Porto!
Day Seven: Departure from Porto.
Enjoy the best cities in Portugal! You will get a chance to explore the capital as well as enjoy some of the popular cities in Portugal. This tour is operated by Cost Saver Tours and is one of the best budget options out there. Dedicated to giving tourists the best experience possible on a budget is Cost Saver’s goal.
Cost Saver is also dedicated to making travel affordable for all and removing the stereotype that all travel is expensive. This tour operator has an overall rating of 4.3 out of five stars and is considered one of the best budget tour operators out there. With that being said, this is the best tour for you if you’re on a tight budget but want to see as much as you can.
Discovery of Portugal – 8 Days
Click Tours
Discover Portugal’s Top Attractions, including Porto, the Douro Valley, Lisbon, Sintra, and more. From Porto to Lisbon, in that order! If you choose this tour, you will take an 8-day vacation package that visits Porto, Portugal, as well as 4 other Portuguese cities with accommodations, an expert guide, meals, transportation, and much more!
Here’s a look at your day-to-day itinerary on this discovery tour of Portugal!
Day One: Welcome to Porto and Private Transfer service to your hotel
Day Two: Discovery of Porto “Cidade Invicta” – 6 Bridges Cruise – Tasty lunch
Day Three: Douro Region – Wines of Douro Valley – Scenic cruise of Douro River
Day Four: High-Speed Train from Porto to Lisbon & Transfers services
Day Five: Visit the beautiful Lisbon – Belém Tower – National Coach Museum
Day Six: Discovery of Serra de Sintra – Cascais – Estoril
Day Seven: Free Day in Lisbon
Day Eight: Departure Day and Transfer Service to Lisbon airport or train station
Enjoy some of the highlights of Portugal on this 8-day tour through some of the wonders of Portugal. With a chance to visit a mix of different places like the bigger cities, smaller beach towns, and somewhat mountainous climates, you will see a wide variety of everything there is in Portugal. This tour is operated by Click Tours.
A platinum tour operator dedicated to giving travelers an exceptional experience in many countries around the world. The tour has an overall rating of 4.3 out of five stars and the tour operator themselves have an overall rating of 4.6 out of five stars.
With this in mind, you can book this tour with ease as not only is it recommended by other travelers but it is offered by an exceptional tour operator with some of the best tours available.
Walking in Madeira
Explore!
This journey explores the many facets of this stunning volcanic island by traveling along Madeira’s distinctive network of Levadas and historic footpaths. Wander through a laurel forest, past attractive waterfalls, and over cliff tops to the Ponta de So Lourenço, as you make your way to Levada Paths:
A selection of lovely strolls around the island’s distinctive irrigation channels. On this trek through Madeira, you’ll start your journey in Funchal. You’ll spend eight days exploring the Madeira area with accommodations, an expert guide, meals, transportation, and more included. Here is a look at your eight-day itinerary for this tour.
Day One: Join the trip in Santana
Day Two: Scenic coastal walk along the Vereda do Larano to Porto da Cruz
Day Three: Walk through the UNESCO Laurisilva forest to Faja do Penedo
Day Four: Levada do Alecrim hike from Rabaçal to Risco Waterfall
Day Five: Visit the westernmost tip of the island. Levada Nova valley walk
Day Six: Explore the streets of Funchal. Free afternoon, optional wine tasting and whale watching
Day Seven: Walk to Pico de Ruivo, Madeira’s highest point
Day Eight: The trip ends in Funchal
Enjoy some of the best scenery, as you travel through the most exotic region of Portugal. You will be completely transported to the tropics as the island of Madeira is regularly referred to as the Hawaii of Europe. The tour itself is offered by Explore!
A golden tour operator with some of the most exceptional reviews. For almost 40 years, Explore! has organized adventure vacations for small groups. With carefully chosen lodging that strikes a mix between comfort and location, their authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a nation.
One of the most reputable adventure travel organizations in the world, Explore offers more than 500 hours to more than 120 nations. So you could travel the world with Explore Tours! With that being said, this tour operator and the tour itself are highly recommended by travelers and would be considered one of the best tours in Portugal.
Walking in the Azores
Explore!
Find out which of the five pristine Azores islands—Sao Miguel, Terceira, Sao Jorge, Flores, and Faial—are the best on this discovery tour of the Azores. This exciting tour explores the stunning and diverse landscapes, including vineyards, hot springs, extinct volcanoes, rugged coasts, and crater lakes of the Azores.
On this tour, you will get a chance to travel by boat for whale and dolphin watching, visit Faja Dos Cubres, and much more! On this tour, you will begin in Ponta Delgada and finish in Horta. You’ll have a full two weeks to explore the islands and see a total of 11 Portuguese cities.
The cost of the tour itself includes lodging in a hotel, a knowledgeable guide, meals, transportation, and other amenities. Here is a look at the complete itinerary for this tour.
Day One: Join the trip in Ponta Delgada on the island of Sao Miguel
Day Two: Enjoy a lakeside walk, lunch among the volcanic scenery, and visit thermal pools
Day Three: Walk around Sete Cidades, and see the colorful crater lakes
Day Four: Free day; optional boat trip to look for whales
Day Five: Fly to Santa Cruz on Flores Island; optional boat trip
Day Six: Enjoy spectacular West Coast views on a hike to Faja Grande
Day Seven: Fly to Terceira Island where we stay in Angra do Heroismo
Day Eight: Walk the Algar do Carvão and Furnas do Enxofre Trail
Day Nine: Free morning in Angra do Heroismo town before flying to Sao Jorge Island
Day Ten: Free morning in Angra do Heroismo town before flying to Sao Jorge Island
Day Eleven: Walk through Caldeira de Cima gorge down to Faja dos Cubres
Day Twelve: Free day with a choice of optional walks including a ridge walk down to Faja Ouividor
Day Thirteen: Full-day excursion of the island. Walks at the Caldeira and Capelinhos volcano
Day Fourteen: The trip ends in Horta, Faial Island
On this two-week tour through the Azores islands of Portugal, you will get a chance to see true exotic beauty as you take in the warm tropical breeze. This tour is operated by Explore! Explore offers a wide range of original activities and adventures that offer our customers an exceptional experience. with a team of award-winning Explore leaders because we are passionate about travel.
With Explore, you may venture off the usual, well-traveled tourist path and experience your place from a completely different angle.
You’ll get the chance to interact with locals and dine and stay with them, rest in real accommodations with other adventurous souls, and visit must-see locations with a special Explore flavor. This tour has an overall rating of 4.5 out of five stars. You can count on this tour as being one of the best in Portugal.
Portugal is a nation on the Iberian Peninsula in southwest Europe. Many people know the country for its stunning capital of Lisbon, or perhaps the islands of Azores and Madeira which are considered the Hawaii of Europe.
You’ll be met with the most beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean as well as some of the best-preserved castles, and ancient architecture as you discover the brightly colored buildings and castles of Portugal. You will be completely immersed in the true beauty of Portugal. While you’re here, don’t forget to look around, relax and savor the moment slowly. Travel Portugal, Portugal – Europe’s West Coast.
If none of these tours work for you in Portugal, please do not worry. There is a wide variety of tour options in the country, and we are confident that there will be something that fits your needs and interests.
Take a look at all the group tours in Portugal now, which you can sort by private or group, maximum sizing, budget, dates and much (much more). The team at TourRadar is also always more than happy to answer any questions, provide further information or assist in any way in finding the perfect tour for you.
