On the western edge of the continent, Portugal is a country of bucolic landscapes, culture-rich cities, great wine and food. The legacy of Portugal’s former wealth and power can be seen in its historic cities – the capital, Lisbon, superbly sited on the Tejo river estuary, is known for its grand Manueline architecture and medieval alleyways. Besides exploring the historic sites, our Travel Specialist will also arrange a ride on the tram, catch a Fado music experience and sample the traditional custard tarts of Belem.
Just on the outskirts of Lisbon lies Sintra, a town of romance, history and royal heritage. Explore the fairy tale Pena Palace located on top of Sintra Mountain and the charming cobblestone village. Further north, Porto, the country’s second city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the best place to sample some of the many varieties of Portugal’s port wine in the Douro Valley. Discover the old-fashioned countryside and villages as you encounter rolling hills, stunning coasts, and the beautiful wine country. To top off your luxury holiday, we will also recommend and book a table in one of Portugal’s top dining rooms.
The best time to visit Portugal is spring (Apr-May) and autumn (Sep-early Nov) when there is less crowd and the temperature is cool and not scorching like the summer months. The autumn month is also a very pleasant time to visit the Douro Valley with the harvest season and bright autumn colour.
