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Portugal Food & Wine: Porto to Lisbon with America’s Test Kitchen

12 days |  15 days with the Algarve Region & Lisbon extension
Group size1222 travelers
Physical activity
Lisbon tram
New
Pastel de nata and coffee
grape stomping in portugal
terraced vineyards of the Douro River Valley
OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsHotels, flights & FAQ
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Feast on Portuguese food, wine, and culture.

Situated at the western edge of the Iberian Peninsula, tiny Portugal packs a mighty big punch when it comes to food, wine, culture, and natural beauty. Soak it all in on this tour that will take you to bustling markets and prestigious Port wine cellars in Porto, rolling vineyards in the Douro Valley, and a family-owned cheese farm in Serra da Estrela—to name just a few highlights. You’ll be welcomed by olive farmers, fishmongers, esteemed chefs, and other locals who have helped Portugal climb the ranks of the world’s most exciting food and wine scenes.

Your tour package includes

  • 10 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 10 breakfasts
  • 5 lunches with beer or wine
  • 4 dinners with beer or wine
  • 4 wine tastings
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Included highlights

  • Matosinhos Fish Market
  • Portuguese cooking classes
  • Douro River cruise
  • Casa de Mateus
  • Lamego
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Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary
Overnight Flight1 night
Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Porto today.

Porto3 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Porto
Included meal: Welcome 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 featuring regional cuisine and local wines.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Porto & Matosinhos Fish Market
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting, Wine tasting

Get to know Porto as you join your local guide for a tour of the city.

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

Head just outside of Porto, to Matosinhos, a seaside village renowned for its seafood and fish.

  • Step inside Matosinhos Fish Market, a local institution housed in a historic building
  • Meet with the fishmongers, traditionally a female-dominated profession, and hear about their lives
  • Learn about canning traditions and the importance of seafood to Portuguese cooking
  • Enter the Conservas Pinhais Factory to learn about its history and unique processes of sardine production
  • Meet with the family staff as you tour the factory before wrapping your own tin and taking part in a tasting paired with wine
Day 4: Cooking class & Douro River cruise
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Wine tasting

Start the day with a visit to a local cooking school, where you’ll take part in a cooking class. Prepare your own lunch of traditional Porto dishes with help from a chef and enjoy your creations with a glass of local wine.

Later, board a boat and float along the beautiful Douro, the Iberian Peninsula’s third-longest river.

  • Take in scenes of Porto’s vibrant waterfront and historic Villa Nova de Gaia, home to the region’s centuries-old Port wine warehouses
  • Drift under five of the river’s most iconic bridges
  • Cruise past colorful hillside villas and traditional rabelos—boats designed to transport casks of wine along the Douro River

Once back on shore, pay a visit to one of Porto’s most prestigious Port wine cellars for a guided tour. Learn about the long-standing history of Port wine, as well as the ins and outs of Port production and warehousing. Then, sit down to taste three of the cellar’s world-famous labels.

Douro Valley Countryside2 nights
Day 5: Casa de Mateus & wine tasting
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Wine tasting

Pass the rolling hills and small villages as you make your way to the Douro Valley. Then, spend the morning at Casa de Mateus, an historic mansion and hub of artistic, cultural, educational, and social science activities.

  • Admire the architecture of the Baroque-style mansion, which is 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

Afterwards, 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.

Continue driving through the Douro Valley and settle in to your countryside hotel.

Day 6: Lamego & grape harvest experience
Included meals: Breakfast, Wine tasting, Dinner

Pay a visit to Lamego, a town nestled among the terraced slopes of the Douro Valley’s Port wine region, for a walking tour with your Tour Director.

  • View the stunning, zig-zagging staircase that leads to the town’s Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remédios
  • Take time to relax or explore the town during free time

Spend the afternoon taking part in a truly authentic tradition—stomping grapes—at a local Port wine vineyard in the Douro Valley.

  • Travel to Vila Real, stopping along the way to take in the jaw-dropping views of the Douro River Valley
  • Set off on a guided tour of the vineyard and learn the origins of Port wine and the grapes themselves
  • Soak in breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes throughout the vineyard
  • Enjoy the unique chance to step in the large, granite lagares, or treading tanks, and tread the grapes
  • Sample three different Port wines, including the much-loved Aged Tawny

This evening, sit down for an included traditional farmhouse dinner featuring local specialties.

Alentejo Region3 nights
Day 7: Cheese farm visit & transfer to Alentejo countryside
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting, Lunch

Travel into the Serra da Estrela, a dramatically beautiful, mountainous region of Portugal, and visit a local cheese farm.

  • Start with a cheese-making lesson taught by one of the farm’s cheese producers
  • Head out into a field of thistles and learn about how the plants are used in traditional cheese recipes
  • Sample different cheeses during a coffee break before visiting the cheese curd workshop
  • End your tour with a delicious farm lunch featuring local specialties

After, continue on to the Alentejo region.

Day 8: Cork jeep tour & olive oil farm
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting, Lunch

Spend the day learning more about some of Portugal’s signature exports.

  • Visit a family-owned cork farm and factory situated in the foothills of the Serra D’Ossa—an area within the Alentejo region that’s known for its locally made crafts
  • Climb aboard a 4x4 vehicle for a drive around the farm’s grounds, which its owners and workers use in the production of cork, wine, pork, and honey
  • Pause along the way to enjoy scenic views and to learn more about the farm’s cork wood harvest and how cork is used to bottle wine
  • Join a local guide for a tour of an olive grove and farm
  • Learn about olive oil production and the importance of the olive grove ecosystem
  • Sample the olive oil along with some regional tapas made with homemade products
  • Savor a scenic picnic lunch, along with Alentejo wine, in the olive grove
Day 9: Sightseeing tour of Évora & Alentejo wine tasting
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Wine tasting

Stroll through the streets of UNESCO-recognized Évora, one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with a local guide.

  • Take in the region’s whitewashed homes and intricate tilework
  • Pass the remains of the Roman temple and enter the Chapel of Bones
  • Visit a local shop for a tasting of Quijada, a delicious cheese based pastry which dates back to the medieval times

Visit a vineyard in the Alentejo region this afternoon.

  • Learn about viniculture and the history of the estate
  • Sample white and red wines that are produced at the estate
  • Sit down for a light lunch and wine tasting led by a sommelier
  • Enjoy time to shop for wine and local products
Lisbon2 nights
Day 10: Transfer to Lisbon, pastry class & food walking tour
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting, Dinner

Head back to Portugal’s capital, Lisbon. Upon arrival, join an experienced local chef for a Portuguese pastry class.

  • Learn how to craft the perfect pastéis de nata, the famous Portuguese custard tart made with egg yolks
  • Enjoy a tasting of other delicious pastries with coffee and tea

This evening, meet up with a local guide for a culinary-themed walking tour of Lisbon.

  • Start in the vibrant neighborhood of Príncipe Real where you’ll stop to taste petiscos snacks, the Portuguese version of tapas across the border in Spain
  • Take in the beautiful views of Lisbon’s red roofs which cover the city
  • Head next door to the Barrio Alto neighborhood where you’ll sample breads, cheeses, and chouriço, a delicious port sausage
  • End with a visit to a family-owned restaurant where you’ll sit down to enjoy a variety of small plates featuring local dishes

Please note: You’ll be divided into groups of 20 people or less the food walking tour. Each group will have their own local guide.

Day 11: Sightseeing tour of Lisbon & cooking class
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting, Farewell dinner

Set off on a guided sightseeing tour of Lisbon.

  • Admire views of Lisbon from Eduardo VII Park, and pass Praça Marquês de Pombal, a major roundabout in the city, as you travel along Avenida da Liberdade
  • Stop at the waterfront to discover the city’s maritime heritage at the Monument to the Discoveries and Tower of Belém
  • View the outside of the church at Jerónimos Monastery, built to honor voyagers
  • Visit a few local vendors to sample tasty treats and, in some cases, wine
  • End in the city center and to enjoy free time for lunch

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 12: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or continue on to explore the Algarve region and more of Lisbon.

Extension to the Algarve Region & Lisbon
Take your appetite south, to the Algarve, a sun-drenched, sparkling resort region known for its golden beaches and charming fishing villages. There, you’ll savor regional specialties and Portuguese wines in settings ranging from casual taverns to a local farmhouse. Conclude your trip in Lisbon, but not before stopping in Faro to learn about their traditional artisanal salt production.
Algarve Region2 nights
Day 12: Transfer to the Algarve Region & sightseeing tour of Vila Nova de Milfontes
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Transfer along the Vicentina Coast to the sun-soaked Algarve region and sit down at a local farmhouse en route for an included lunch with local wines.

After, join your Tour Director on a walk through the historic town of Vila Nova de Milfontes, followed by free time to relax and explore the town at your leisure.

Day 13: Lagos, Sagres & Cape St. Vincent
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting

Spend a free morning in the Algarve region or add an excursion.

Then, discover the white-sand beaches, dramatic coastline, and small towns of the Algarve region, southern Portugal’s beachy hot spot.

  • Visit the coastal town of Lagos, where you’ll sample regional dishes at local taverns
  • Enter cliff-top Sagres Fortress and admire stunning views of the sea from its grounds
  • Make a photo stop at Cape St. Vincent to soak in the scenery from the southwestern-most point in mainland Europe

Algarve Coastal Cruise

From $49 per person

Lisbon1 night
Day 14: Faro salt pans & transfer to Lisbon
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Journey to the salt ponds of the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve in Faro, commonly referred to as the Portuguese Dead Sea

  • Hear from a local guide about the Algarve’s production of sea salt and flor de sal as you walk along the salt pans
  • Enjoy a tasting of different salts paired with food
  • Observe various seabirds, like flamingos and herons, that call the reserve home

Continue on to Lisbon, then celebrate your trip with your group during a farewell dinner.

Flight Home
Day 15: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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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.
HF Ipanema Park
HF Ipanema Park

This chic hotel is located in the Pasteleira neighborhood of Porto. Guests enjoy the rooftop pool and bar, views of the city, and fitness center. Near...

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Lamego Hotel & Life
Lamego Hotel & Life

This countryside hotel sits on its own orchard and vineyard in Lamego. Guests enjoy the indoor and outdoor pools, stunning views of the surrounding la...

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Ecork Hotel Évora
Ecork Hotel Évora

This certified eco-hotel is located just outside of Évora. Guests enjoy the state of the art spa, large garden, and spacious suites. Nearby you’ll fin...

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Lumen Hotel
Lumen Hotel

This impressive hotel is located in the Santa Cruz neighborhood of Lisbon. Guests enjoy the outdoor pool, fitness center, and Lisbon Light Show which ...

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Turim Presidente Hotel
Turim Presidente Hotel

This modern hotel is located along the cliffs of Praia do Vau beach in Portimão. Guests enjoy multiple outdoor pools, solariums, and beach access. Nea...

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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

Print FAQ
Passport, visa & entry 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 your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
  • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code ATP.
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Tour pacing & mobility
  • You will walk for at least 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.
  • The terrain in Lisbon is very hilly, with cobblestone streets that are sometimes slippery.
  • 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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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Health
  • At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers 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.
  • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code ATP.
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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. You’ll find both still and fortified wines in varieties like Touriga Nacional, Franca, Tinta Barroca, Cão, and Tempranillo along with international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Gewürztraminer.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 $8USD 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.
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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.
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