Lisbon & Porto

Description

4 Nights – Lisbon
3 Nights – Porto

✈ UK – Lisbon (4 Nights): From the iconic yellow trams and pastel-coloured buildings to the lively cafés lining the streets, Lisbon welcomes you with a warm and inviting atmosphere as soon as you arrive. One of the key areas to explore is the historic Alfama district. Visit the hilltop São Jorge Castle for stunning panoramic views of the city or admire the impressive Romanesque architecture of the Lisbon Cathedral, the oldest church in the city. Make sure you head to the Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Miradouro das Portas do Sol, two breath-taking viewpoints offering panoramic views over the city’s terracotta rooftops and stunning cityscape.  As you wander through the narrow cobblestone streets, you’ll come across the bustling Feira da Ladra, a flea market brimming with antiques, second-hand goods, and local crafts. As the evening sets in, head to Bairro Alto, where the sounds of live Fado music spill out from bars, and the atmosphere comes alive over cocktails.

For the more modern side of the city, explore Avenida da Liberdade, where shops, stylish cafes, and lively terraces line the street. Just a short walk away is the trendy Príncipe Real, known for its quirky shops, cool bars, and cultural scene.

If you fancy a day trip, the fairy-tale town of Sintra is just 40 minutes from Lisbon by train, and an absolute must-see. Wander through the magical Pena Palace or explore the hidden tunnels and enchanting gardens of Quinta da Regaleira. Alternatively, head to Cascais, a lovely coastal town also just a short train ride away. Here, you can stroll along the beach, enjoy fresh seafood, and soak up the beauty of the Atlantic.

🚆 Lisbon – Porto (3 Nights):  Time to embark on the next stage of your Portuguese adventure as you take the scenic train ride from Lisbon to Porto.  Porto’s historic centre is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and, as you might expect, is teeming with stunning architectural treasures, from the iconic Ribeira District with its colourful buildings to the Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world – believed to have inspired JK Rowling’s description of Hogwarts. As you explore the city, make sure you try some of the local delights – including the bacalhau (salt-cod) and fresh seafood along the riverfront. As the name suggests, Porto is the home of port, and a must-do visit is the port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia where the port is stored and aged before being shipped all over the world. Here, you can take guided tours to learn about the ageing process, sample different varieties, and enjoy stunning views of the Douro River while sipping on a glass of this rich, fortified wine.  Porto is also ideally placed for visiting the Douro Valley, a UNESCO-listed wine region famous for its terraced vineyards that stretch along the banks of the Douro River. Just a short journey from the city, you can enjoy wine tours around the traditional wineries and tastings of the local wines.

✈ Porto – UK: After your week exploring the best of Portugal’s cities, we’ll transfer you back to the airport for your flight back home.