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Overview Itinerary Reviews Hotels, flights & FAQ

Food & Wine: A Taste of Portugal

with Lisbon extension

Duration: 11 or 13 days
Group size: 14-28
Reviews: 20

Sip and savor the flavors of Portugal.

Terraced vineyards nestled along the Douro River and in the Alentejo region make up Portugal's quaint wine country while lively markets define the bustling city blocks of Porto and Lisbon. On this tour, you’ll experience all sides of the country’s culinary culture as you explore Portugal from top to bottom. Learn about local traditions as you sip vinho at an 18th-century mansion in the Douro Valley and attend a cooking class in Lisbon to create some of the region’s famous dishes.

Your tour package includes

9 nights in handpicked hotels
9 breakfasts
3 lunches
3 wine tastings
1 cooking class

Included highlights

Douro River cruise
Pinhão
Casa de Mateus
Chapel of Bones
wine and olive oil tastings

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Day-by-day itinerary

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Porto today.

Porto3 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Porto

Included meal: Dinner

Welcome to Portugal! Settle in to your hotel in the heart of this 2,000-year-old, UNESCO-listed city. Later, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Porto

Included meal: Breakfast

Get to know Porto like a true tripeiro, Porto resident, as you follow your local guide.

• Pass citywide icons such as Liberty Square, Carmelitas Church, and the Baroque-style Clérigos Tower

• Stop for coffee and a sweet treat at a local cafe

• Visit Porto’s central market where local merchants sell fruits, vegetables, flowers, and more

• Wander along the medieval lanes of the Old-World Ribeira district

• Take a scenic drive through the local neighborhoods and past the Douro riverfront

Enjoy a free afternoon in Porto or add an excursion.

Port Wine Cellar & Lunch

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 4: Free day in Porto

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Porto or add an excursion.

Guimarães

Excursion (additional cost)

Douro Valley2 nights

Day 5: Pinhão & Douro Valley

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Pass the rolling hills and small villages as you make your way to the town of Pinhão.

• Board a traditional rabelo, a flat-bottomed boat, and float along the Douro River

• View the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley

• Enjoy free time to explore, shop, and eat lunch

Then, continue to drive through the Douro Valley. Sit down for an included dinner featuring local specialties this evening.

Day 6: Casa de Mateus & wine tasting

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Wine tasting

Spend the morning at Casa de Mateus, a Baroque-style mansion set against the beautiful backdrop of the Portuguese countryside.

• Tour the mansion and its gardens, which were designed by architect Nicolau Nasoni in the 18th century

• Sample a variety of homemade jams paired with bread

• Explore the property and enjoy time to shop for wine and olive oil

Then, stop at a local restaurant to enjoy an included lunch featuring regional food and wine.

End the day by visiting a winery in the Douro Valley. You'll sample three wines that come from some of the most prestigious wine-producing areas in Portugal.

Alentejo2 nights

Day 7: Alentejo Region via Dão Region

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Wine tasting

Travel through the scenic landscapes of northern Portugal to tour a winery in the Dão region. During the tour you’ll learn why Dão is one of Portugal’s most prominent wine regions and enjoy sampling some of the varietals during a tasting and lunch.

After, continue on to the Alentejo region.

Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Évora, olive oil & wine tasting

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Wine tasting

Follow a local guide as you stroll through the streets of UNESCO-recognized Évora, one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.

• Take in the region’s whitewashed homes and intricate tilework

• Pass the remains of the Roman temple and enter the Chapel of Bones

Join a local guide and visit a vineyard in the Alentejo region this afternoon.

• Learn about the olive groves and olive oil production

• Sample some of the olive oil that’s produced at the estate

• Sit down for a light lunch and wine tasting led by a sommelier

Lisbon2 nights

Day 9: Lisbon via cork farm

Included meal: Breakfast

As you travel to Lisbon, stop to visit a cork farm to learn about how the material is created, harvested, and used to seal wine bottles. Then, continue on to Lisbon.

Enjoy a free evening in Lisbon or add an excursion.

An Evening in Portugal: Fado Show with Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 10: Sightseeing tour of Lisbon & cooking class

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Set off on a guided sightseeing tour of Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city.

• Admire views of the city from Eduardo VII Park and pass the Plaza del Marqués de Pombal

• Visit the Bairro Alto district and stop at the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara for panoramic vistas

• Pass through Chiado square to see Praça do Comércio, the largest plaza in Lisbon

• Discover the city’s maritime heritage at the Monument to the Discoveries, Tower of Belém, and Jerónimos Monastery

• Try pastéis de nata, a famous Portuguese custard tart

• Walk through the bustling Mercado da Ribeira

Try your hand at making traditional Portuguese cuisine at this evening’s cooking class. Then, enjoy the three-course meal you’ve prepared and toast to your trip during a farewell dinner.

Flight Home

Day 11: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay in Lisbon.

Extension to Lisbon

Whitewashed buildings, red-clay roofs, and yellow trams are all part of the colorful cityscape of Portugal’s capital. Take two nights in Lisbon to explore this historic city’s monuments, cafes, and winding streets. Walk through the Alfama District, seek out the best bachalau and caldo verde, or pack a picnic lunch and watch the world go by on the banks of the Tagus. In Lisbon, there's discovery around every corner.

Lisbon2 nights

Day 11: Free day in Lisbon

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Lisbon or add an excursion.

Setúbal Region Wine Tasting & Lunch

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 12: Free day in Lisbon

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend another free day exploring Lisbon on your own or add an excursion.

This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

Sintra & the Portuguese Riviera

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 13: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.6 average

06/24/2019 by 2nd time traveler Lawrence D.

This was our first Go Ahead tour and we couldn’t have been more pleased with all aspects of the trip. Our tour director Marcello was very knowledgeable and accommodating in all respects, and our bus driver did an amazing job getting us to each place safely. The food and wine was excellent not only ...

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Portugal

06/24/2019 by 3rd time traveler John K.

Scenery was spectacular. Wines were superb, food not so much. It was probably cultural, but I did not like of the meat dishes. Also, I found Lisbon a great city, Porto less so. I would recommend 3 days in Lisbon, 2 in Porto. I am actually glad our plane was cancelled on Sunday as it gave us anex...

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06/06/2019 by 2nd time traveler Judy K.

Felt the trip was alot of fun, Loved the tours . Food was pretty good. Got tired of cod but all of the other fish was very good. Loved being able to stay for 2 nights in each city and being able to explore. Loved the tour time and the free time

Fun in Portuga

05/31/2019 by 2nd time traveler Brenda S.

What a great trip and country. Fabulous guide. Just one caveat. If you are older or have any trouble walking, think twice. The hills make San Francisco look like the plains of Iowa.sidewalks are with paved with mosaics or cobblestones. But taxis and Uber are cheap. Food was wonderful.

11/20/2018 by 4th time traveler Teresa A.

Wow, what a great tour! With only one exception the meals provided on the tour were outstanding – the Portuguese food and wine were plentiful, delicious and memorable. The restaurant service was always attentive and friendly. And we had several “surprise” wine tastings and special treats during th...

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Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

Hotels, flights, & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Vila Galé Porto

This cinema-themed hotel is located in the city center. Guests enjoy a spa, gym, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you’ll find The House of Music, Serralves Mus...

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Vila Galé Douro

This contemporary hotel is located on the Douro River. Guests enjoy a spa, vineyard views, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you’ll find the Régua train station...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

In order to enter Portugal, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

On this guided tour, you’ll walk for about 2 hours daily across moderately uneven terrain, including paved roads and cobblestone streets, with some hills.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of boats.
Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Porto and depart from Lisbon. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
A boat ride on the Douro River is included in the price of your tour.
All other included transportation is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to Portugal.
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

Portuguese food is fresh, hearty, and delicious. Try seafood stew cooked in a cataplana, a shell-shaped copper pan, or the national dish, bacalhau (salted cod). A couvert, or simple plate of bread, butter, and olives, is often served when you sit down to a meal—while it is free in many restaurants, some will add a charge to your bill for it.
The main notes in Portuguese wines vary greatly based on which region you’re visiting, but the flavors remain robust and full-bodied throughout the country. The grapes used in Port are grown in the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley and give the sweet, red dessert wine its signature flavor. Wines of the Dão region such as Mencía and Touriga Nacional have a unique, complex taste due to the areas high altitudes. You’ll find more aromatic white wines in the Alentejo region, whereas the Setúbal region is world-renowned for the fruity, fortified Moscatel de Setúbal wine.

Electricity & air conditioning

Portugal operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and uses Types C, E, or F plugs with two small, round pins.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other electrical device without a built-in converter.
The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances, but these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

Portugal is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and five hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
When it’s noon in New York, it’s 5pm on tour.

Currency

You will use the euro on this tour.
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.