Portugal Tours
Portugal tours focus on the country's traditions, culinary heritage and dramatic scenery, with visits to stunningly-preserved medieval walled cities, ancient castles, steep terraced vineyards and the sun-kissed coastline. Visit the cosmopolitan capital of Lisbon, the picturesque Port-wine producing Douro Valley and the beautiful beaches of the Algarve. Just off the coast of Africa is the fascinating archipelago of the Azores, and the colourful island of Madeira.
Finding & Loading Tours
Madeira, the Pearl of the Atlantic

- 8 Nights - Funchal to Câmara de Lobos
- Fly Tour from £849
Madeira may be tiny, but this subtropical paradise offers world-renowned gardens, spectacular coastlines and jagged peaks, while picturesque Funchal boasts an architectural charm and rich maritime heritage to match the island’s natural splendour. Rising from the ocean floor 600 miles southwest of Lisbon, Madeira is a subtropical paradise that captures the hearts of all who visit.
Lisbon, Porto and Douro Valley

- 8 Nights - Lisbon to Cascais
- Fly Tour from £1,039
You’ll discover the real Portugal on this tour – a rich and varied country with a proud history that’s admirably reflected in the many fascinating places we visit. Inland Portugal, long overlooked on European itineraries, has only recently been brought to the discerning traveller’s attention.
Madeira - Pearl of the Atlantic

- 6 Nights - Funchal and Back
- Fly Tour from £1,199
If you like your holidays to feature strolls in gloriously colourful gardens, mood-lifting sunshine, panoramic mountain views, wonderful countryside walks and local wine and crafts, then Madeira really is a find. And this excellent-value tour lets you find it at your own pace.

- 7 Nights - Madeira and Back
- Fly Tour from £1,379
Every spring, when Madeira’s magnificent flora is at its most resplendent, the island’s capital comes alive with the colours and scents of its beautiful flowers. Streets and shop windows are filled with decorations and people gather to enjoy the carnival of traditional music groups that accompany vivid parades in celebration of peace and hope.

- 9 Nights - Lisbon and Back
- Fly Tour from £1,499
Beyond Portugal’s exciting capital city lies a land of beautiful ancient towns, varied culture, wild landscapes and elegant pousadas (hotels). On this excellent-value tour, you’ll get to stand before the dazzling 110m marble façade of the Duke’s Palace, Vila Viçosa.

- 7 Nights - Oporto to Lisbon
- Fly Tour from £1,549
Discover charming old towns, golden sands and tempting local delicacies on this wonderful holiday, which includes visits to bustling Oporto, historical Lisbon and Aveiro – the 'Venice of Portugal'. Taste port wine and traditional pastries, and delve into the diverse highlights that await in the Douro Valley, including a memorable cruise along the river.
Madeira - The Pearl of the Atlantic

- 7 Nights - Funchal and Back
- Fly Tour from £1,549
Madeira is a gem of a destination, affectionately known as the Pearl of the Atlantic. Discover the delightful capital Funchal and admire breathtaking scenery as you explore the mountains, valleys, villages and coasts that make up this delightful island.

- 10 Nights - Lisbon and Back
- Tour Only from £1,615
Wander through medieval cities and visit the religious landmarks of Fátima, Batalha and the dramatic Hieronymite Monastery, enjoying a delicious Pastel de Belém or two along the way.
A Taste of the Camino: Porto to Bilbao 2021

- 6 Nights - Porto to Bilbao
- Tour Only from £1,729
Beginning in Porto, this evocative journey from Portugal through northern Spain’s enchanting ancient towns and character-filled cities is one to be remembered. Join us as we follow our own pilgrimage of discovery along the Camino de Santiago and beyond – savouring tantilising flavours, uncovering centuries-old stories and venturing into breathtaking natural landscapes.

- 8 Nights - Madrid and Back
- Tour Only from £1,738
Delve beneath the surface of these two amazing countries. Sample their signature dishes, share in their culture and marvel the legacy of their rich sea-faring history.
Discover Portugal
Portugal is an ancient kingdom once defended by hilltop castles and dramatic fortified towns. The legacy of its former seafaring wealth and power can be seen in the magnificent architecture of its historic cities, whilst its ancient history can be uncovered in its mysterious megaliths and stone carvings.
There is a huge range of cultural diversity, from the cosmopolitan sophistication of Lisbon to rural villages where life seems unchanged for centuries. Fado is traditional folk music most popular in Lisbon and Coimbra, with expressive and melancholic lyrics, whilst contemporary Portuguese tastes are influenced by the sounds and styles of South America and Africa.
Portugal's scenery ranges from rolling vineyards to dramatic coastal scenery with pristine beaches. The River Douro winds through gorges terraced with vineyards to the ocean and the fascinating city of Porto, passing ornate palaces, places of pilgrimage and famous wine estates.
The granite peaks of the Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês are perfect for hiking, whilst the calm waters of the Algarve offer a laidback beach experience. Madeira, the floating garden in the Atlantic, is famous for its delightful botanical gardens, classic Portuguese white-washed houses, fine wine and fabulous scenery.
Portugal’s cuisine is as diverse as its landscape, with hearty dishes made from fresh ingredients influenced by spices obtained through trade routes centuries ago. The freshest seafood can be enjoyed along the coast, from traditional bacalao and caldeirada stew to Azores caviar, a unique delicacy in Portugal. Iconic comfort-food dishes include caldo verde soup cooked in a traditional clay pot, a substantial Portuguese stew and pastel de nata, the quintessential Portuguese custard tart. Of course, Portugal is world-famous for its Port and Madeira fortified wines but the sparkling espumante is also a lovely fresh alternative.
Highlights of Portugal
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Albufeira
The old town of Albufeira, in the central Algarve, is very charming with winding cobbled streets to explore. In the old fishing quarter brightly-painted boats rest on the sand, and this is the ideal place to try out fresh fish and seafood in a local restaurant. There are two main beaches; Fisherman's Beach and Tunnel Beach, which is accessed via a tunnel through the cliffs. According to local legend Xorino Cave is where the Moors took refuge during the Christian reconquest of the town in the 13th century.
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Cascais
Cascais is a lively town with a trio of golden beaches to enjoy. A fish auction takes place every afternoon by the main beach. The history of the town can be explored in the Museum of the Sea, the Castro Guimaraes Museum and the Church of Nossa Senhora da Assuncao. A short walk leads to the impressive Mouth of Hell rock formation, where immense waves crash into huge caves.
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Coimbra
Formerly the capital of Portugal, Coimbra is considered to be the main seat of learning in the country due to its university, the oldest in Portugal and one of the oldest in Europe. The university is home to the Joanina Library, considered to be one of the most beautiful places in the city, and the stunning Botanic Gardens as well as the evocative medieval prison.
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Evora
Evora is a beautifully preserved medieval city. Within the 14th-century walls are enchanting cobbled streets leading to an ornate cathedral, colonnaded Roman Temple, macabre bone chapel and 16th-century aqueduct. Just outside the city are the ancient standing stones of Cromlech Almendres, a mysterious site dating back over 7,000 years and one of the oldest stone circles in Europe.
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Madeira
The beautiful Atlantic island of Madeira is closer to the African mainland than Europe and is known as the ‘floating garden in the Atlantic' due to its delightful gardens and parks. The picture-postcard landscape is swathed in colourful bougainvillea, frangipani and orchids, whilst its mountains, rocky coves and beaches are perfect for hiking. Funchal is the capital of the island, where a cable car runs above the city to Monte, the start of the famous wicker toboggan ride.
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Lisbon
Many of Lisbon’s historic monuments are UNESCO-listed, including the Tower of Belem and Jeronimos Monastery, one of the most magnificent buildings in Europe. The delightful maze of narrow winding streets in the Moorish Alfama district leads up to the ancient castle and the National Pantheon. Lisbon’s seven hills are topped with viewpoints providing stupendous views over the city and the River Tagus.
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Douro Valley
The River Douro is one of Europe’s most untouched and beautiful rivers. Pinhão is the centre of the Port wine making region, with even the hand-painted tiles in the train station depicting scenes from the wine harvest. Mateus Palace is a perfect example of baroque architecture, with an impressive façade and delightful gardens, and is famous worldwide for being featured on the label of Mateus rosé wine. Porto is Portugal's second-largest city and overlooks the River Douro. Its historic centre is classed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, with an unspoilt old quarter of winding narrow streets, arcaded houses, and superb churches.
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Sintra
The fairytale city of Sintra nestles in pine-covered hills and is famous for its spectacular palaces and pastel-coloured villas. The National Palace is a superb mix of Gothic and Moorish architecture and houses a priceless art collection. From the ruined Castelo dos Mouros there are breathtaking views across to the glittering Atlantic Ocean. Just outside Sintra are some of Portugal's finest beaches including Praia da Adraga and unspoilt Ursa beach.