- Discover the highlights of Portugal, from storied cities to picturesque countryside
- Explore historic Porto, raising a glass together in a traditional port wine cellar
- Visit an 18th-century winery above the Douro and Tedo rivers for lunch and a wine tasting
- Discover medieval Óbidos and the old university city of Coimbra
- End the adventure in Lisbon, exploring the enthralling capital with our expert guide
Highlights of Portugal
8 Days
Excluding Flights From
8 Days
from
Culture
Activity Level
Easy & Moderate
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Comfort Level
Superior
Journey from Porto to Lisbon via the Douro Valley and cultural highlights of Portugal
Once a powerful kingdom that dominated the world sea routes, Portugal today is one of the most welcoming and peaceful countries in Europe, though the legacy of its former wealth can still be found in its historic cities. Starting from colourful Porto, the second city and a Unesco site, our journey follows the verdant valleys and rolling hills of the Douro wine region, before heading to the lesser-known interior, where we visit Coimbra, the Unesco Batalha monastery, medieval Óbidos before reaching Lisbon, one of the most enchanting capital cities in the world.
Highlights
Key Information
- Accommodation: 5 Superior nights (hotels), 2 Classic nights (hotels)
- Travel by private air-conditioned minibus or van
- Group normally 4 to 16, plus local leader. Minimum age: 16
- Countries visited: Portugal
What's Included
- All breakfasts, one lunch, one dinner, one wine tasting
- All accommodation
- All transport and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout
- Group arrival and departure transfers available
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request)
- Visas or vaccinations
- City taxes (approx. €10)
Start
Finish
Availability
Land Only Trip Price
Optional Single Supplement
Saturday Saturday
14 Mar 2026 14 Mar 2026
Saturday Saturday
21 Mar 2026 21 Mar 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available) Only 5 spaces left!
Land Only Trip Price 2 635 € 2 635 € Book with 658 € deposit Book with 658 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +612 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
04 Apr 2026 04 Apr 2026
Saturday Saturday
11 Apr 2026 11 Apr 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 2 695 € 2 695 € Book with 673 € deposit Book with 673 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +612 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
02 May 2026 02 May 2026
Saturday Saturday
09 May 2026 09 May 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 2 695 € 2 695 € Book with 673 € deposit Book with 673 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +612 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
30 May 2026 30 May 2026
Saturday Saturday
06 Jun 2026 06 Jun 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 455 € 2 455 € Book with 613 € deposit Book with 613 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +612 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
13 Jun 2026 13 Jun 2026
Saturday Saturday
20 Jun 2026 20 Jun 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 2 875 € 2 875 € Book with 718 € deposit Book with 718 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +714 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
05 Sep 2026 05 Sep 2026
Saturday Saturday
12 Sep 2026 12 Sep 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 2 875 € 2 875 € Book with 718 € deposit Book with 718 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +714 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
19 Sep 2026 19 Sep 2026
Saturday Saturday
26 Sep 2026 26 Sep 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 2 995 € 2 995 € Book with 748 € deposit Book with 748 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +714 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
10 Oct 2026 10 Oct 2026
Saturday Saturday
17 Oct 2026 17 Oct 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 455 € 2 455 € Book with 613 € deposit Book with 613 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +612 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
24 Oct 2026 24 Oct 2026
Saturday Saturday
31 Oct 2026 31 Oct 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 575 € 2 575 € Book with 643 € deposit Book with 643 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +612 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
13 Mar 2027 13 Mar 2027
Saturday Saturday
20 Mar 2027 20 Mar 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 575 € 2 575 € Book with 643 € deposit Book with 643 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +642 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
03 Apr 2027 03 Apr 2027
Saturday Saturday
10 Apr 2027 10 Apr 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 755 € 2 755 € Book with 688 € deposit Book with 688 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +642 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
08 May 2027 08 May 2027
Saturday Saturday
15 May 2027 15 May 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 755 € 2 755 € Book with 688 € deposit Book with 688 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +642 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
29 May 2027 29 May 2027
Saturday Saturday
05 Jun 2027 05 Jun 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 755 € 2 755 € Book with 688 € deposit Book with 688 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +642 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
12 Jun 2027 12 Jun 2027
Saturday Saturday
19 Jun 2027 19 Jun 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 995 € 2 995 € Book with 748 € deposit Book with 748 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +750 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
04 Sep 2027 04 Sep 2027
Saturday Saturday
11 Sep 2027 11 Sep 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 995 € 2 995 € Book with 748 € deposit Book with 748 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +750 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
18 Sep 2027 18 Sep 2027
Saturday Saturday
25 Sep 2027 25 Sep 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 995 € 2 995 € Book with 748 € deposit Book with 748 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +750 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
09 Oct 2027 09 Oct 2027
Saturday Saturday
16 Oct 2027 16 Oct 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 755 € 2 755 € Book with 688 € deposit Book with 688 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +642 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
23 Oct 2027 23 Oct 2027
Saturday Saturday
30 Oct 2027 30 Oct 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 755 € 2 755 € Book with 688 € deposit Book with 688 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +642 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip Notes
Itinerary
Porto Lisbon
Adventure starts in Porto
Our adventure begins in the historic city of Porto. Our hotel is in the Ribeirinha district, close to the historic centre and on the banks of the scenic Douro River.
Say olá to you your leader and fellow travellers around 6pm, where we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventure ahead.
Your leader will ensure a big welcome by arranging a group dinner at a local restaurant for your first taste of Portuguese hospitality.
Want to explore Porto further? Additional pre-tour hotel nights are bookable through your sales representative.
Accommodation: Hotel Vila Galé Porto Ribeira (or similar)
Upgrade to a river-view or terrace today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Morning guided sightseeing in the Unesco-listed historic centre; free time for sightseeing, port tasting and transfer to Douro Valley
Today starts with a guided tour through the historic centre of Porto, a Unesco World Heritage site. As we amble along the ancient streets and medieval lanes, we visit important monuments, including São Bento Station, a neoclassic jewel. In the buzzing, colourful squares and traditional, unique cafes, we discover the authentic heart of the city. There will be some free time for individual sightseeing from about midday. City highlights include Porto Cathedral; Saint Francis Church; Livraria Lello (one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world) and Clérigos Church and Tower.
Around 3pm we’ll meet near Ribeirinha, the picturesque riverside area, where we enjoy a tour of the historic port wine cellars, ending with a short wine tasting. Afterwards, we transfer by private bus to the Douro Valley (approximately 90 minutes).
Accommodation: Hotel Régua Douro (or similar)
Optional Douro River cruise; enjoy lunch and wine tasting at a winery with river and vineyard views; transfer to Coimbra
Today we explore the heart of the Douro Valley, the first officially designated wine region in the world, renowned for excellent port wine and pretty landscapes of steeply terraced riverside vineyards. In the morning, you have the option to enjoy a leisurely boat cruise along the Douro River. Later, we enjoy a delicious lunch with an included wine tasting in an 18th-century estate surrounded by terraced vineyards that climb high above the dramatic confluence of the Douro and Tedo rivers.
In the afternoon, we transfer by private bus to Coimbra (approximately two hours) in the central region of Portugal.
Accommodation: Hotel NH Coimbra Dona Inês (or similar)
Upgrade to a river-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Visit Coimbra and its university; then to Batalha and its Unesco monastery.
Known as the City of Students, Coimbra has a history closely linked to the Unesco-listed University of Coimbra, which was founded in 1290 and is the second oldest in Europe. The city is divided into two distinct areas, the baixa (downtown) by the river, where most of the commercial activity is concentrated, and the alta (upper town), home to the oldest and most important buildings, including Sé Velha (Old Cathedral), Sé Nova (New Cathedral) and the university.
We visit the most important areas and sites this morning during a guided tour. There will be free time in the afternoon for independent sightseeing before we transfer (approximately one hour) to the peaceful little town of Batalha, the setting of the most important battle in Portugal, the Batalha de Aljubarrota (1385). This battle secured Portuguese independence from Castile, and to honour it, King João I constructed the Mosteiro da Batalha, the finest monastery in Portugal. We visit this Portuguese gothic masterpiece that combines various influences from its lengthy construction, which lasted several reigns. We will have the opportunity to visit the outstanding interior, including the Founders’ Chapel with its fine stained-glass windows, cloisters, the Unfinished Chapels with their Manueline and Flemish gothic features and the Chapter House.
Accommodation: Hotel Lis Batalha (or similar)
Upgrade to a monastery-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Head to Nazaré beach; transfer to Óbidos
Our first stop today is the seaside town of Nazaré, home to some of the largest surfing waves in the world. There will be time for a stroll, lunch and free time to soak up the lovely atmosphere of this coastal village.
Then we move to Óbidos, our base for the night. This small, fortified village resembles a medieval film set. It has been carefully preserved by the inhabitants, who take pride in maintaining the architectural image of the village, characterised by narrow winding streets, whitewashed houses and impressive fort walls, perfect to enjoy after day-trippers have left. We stay overnight in Óbidos.
Accommodation: Josefa D’Obidos Hotel (or similar)
Transfer to Lisbon; orientation walk around the Belém district
Transfer (one hour) to Lisbon today, one of the most vibrant capital cities in the world. In the morning, we have an orientation walk around the Belém district, in which the guide will highlight the major landmarks, such as the vast Jerónimos Monastery and 16th-century Belém Tower. The remainder of the afternoon is free for relaxation or independent sightseeing in Belém before transferring to our hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Marquês de Pombal (or similar)
Guided sightseeing in Lisbon
Continue to explore the second-oldest capital in Europe (after Athens) on a guided tour today. Lisbon was once home to the explorers Vasco da Gama, Magellan and Prince Henry the Navigator. Today, it is one of the most sought-after destinations, offering delicious food, ancient monuments, quirky cafes, and views over the Tejo river. Lisbon is known as the City of Seven Hills, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a few steep climbs and steps during today’s walking tour.
We start with an optional ride on the Lisbon tram, which takes us to the elegant area of Graça. We then descend on foot through Alfama, one of the oldest districts in Lisbon, with its maze of colourful alleyways, old buildings and breath-taking viewpoints. We conclude our busy guided tour in Rossio, the heart of the city.
The rest of the day is free for further independent sightseeing. In the evening, you have the option of enjoying a fado experience, to learn more about this traditional musical style, which is thought to have originated in Lisbon itself.
Accommodation: Hotel Marquês de Pombal (or similar)
Adventure ends in Lisbon
Our trip ends after breakfast. However, with so much to see and do in Lisbon, we recommend adding some extra days after the tour to truly appreciate the many attractions this city offers. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Essential Info
Joining Instructions
Key information
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing around 6pm.
Airport: Porto Airport (OPO)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 15 to 20 minutes’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Make your own way
You can reach the start hotel relatively easily by taxi. A cab from the airport costs €15-€18. On arrival at the hotel, please make the reception staff aware that you are part of an Exodus group and they will have more details on meeting with your leader and group.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to Lisbon Airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Porto
Location end: Lisbon
Passport
Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.
Hotels
We aim to secure locally owned accommodation that is well located, offers good value for money, and plenty of comfort. To help you find your ideal adventure, each trip is given a Comfort Level rating, which indicates the overall standard of accommodation. For more on our ratings, see our Comfort Level guidelines.
On this adventure we stay mostly in modern buildings within or near the historic centres we visit. Some hotels have a pool.
Upgrades are available on Day 1, 3 and Day 4 of the itinerary – speak to your sales representative for more details.
Tailor your trip: Extend your adventure by securing extra hotel nights before or after the main itinerary. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Private rooms: Like most tour operators, we room solo passengers together. If you’d prefer to have a private room, it’s normally possible to do this for a supplement. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Reviews
Add your own reviewDiscovering the Heart of Portugal with Carla
Portugal was a delight from start to finish—vibrant cities, charming villages, and breathtaking landscapes. Each day offered something new to discover, from the winding streets of Lisbon to the rolling vineyards of the Douro Valley. The mix of history, culture, and natural beauty made this journey truly unforgettable.
Most Inspirational Moment
Touring the streets of Porto was an experience we'll never forget. The colourful tiled buildings, the rhythm of daily life along the Douro River, and the sampling of roasted chestnuts from local stands created a magical atmosphere. We loved watching the city come alive at sunset.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our tour leader, Carla, was the heart of the trip. Her professionalism, enthusiasm, and deep knowledge of Portugal’s culture and history made every stop come alive. She was organized, adaptable, and always attentive to everyone’s needs—ensuring we were safe, included, and having fun. By the end, our group felt more like a circle of friends than fellow travellers.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you’re considering Portugal with Exodus, don’t hesitate! Bring comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets and good rain gear, especially in autumn. With an open mind and Carla’s expert guidance, you’ll enjoy an incredible journey filled with warmth, discovery, and lasting memories.
A wonderful week
Great guide, great itinerary
Most Inspirational Moment
Bataille monastery
Thoughts on Group Leader
First class. Very caring and knowledgeable, and thought of great money saving dodges
Advice for Potential Travellers
Footwear should have large tread as pavements can be slippery
Highlights of Portugal - September 2025
This was our 3rd trip with Exodus and it did not disappoint. Our guide, Carla, was very knowledgeable and accommodating. The trip was extremely interesting and gave us a great overview of where in Portugal we would want to visit for a longer time in the future.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were too many inspiring moments to just pick one. However, any interaction we had with the Portuguese people was intriguing. We met university students in Coimbra, which was very engaging. The food was very delicious. The winery tour in Vila Nova de Gaia was quite stimulating.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader, Carla, was exceptional. She had a pretty good command of English - was extremely knowledgeable and compassionate. Highly recommend her.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring trail runners (or shoes with a very good grip) to wear everyday - especially for the day trips. The cobblestones get very slippery, even when dry. Regular sneakers were not very effective.
Great trip -met all my expectations
A fast paced but very enjoyable introduction to the many highlights of this fascinating and friendly country
Most Inspirational Moment
I really liked the historic sights of Porto but the standout moment came from my first sightings of the Douro valley
Thoughts on Group Leader
Carla was a superb leader in all respects. Her knowledge and enthusiasm was always inspiring. She was very well organised and ensured that every minute of the tour was well spent. She had a friendly rapport with everyone of us and took care to meet our individual needs.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Expect some busy days with plenty of up and down walks
Does exactly what it says. Many wonderful varied sights visited
Excellent well planned visit including towns cities music and countryside and coast. Not too much driving which is a bonus. Glorious scenery and interesting places visited. Good choice of venues for dinner and accommodation.
Most Inspirational Moment
Douro Valley with the port tasting and boat trip. Superb lunch at the vineyard. Also loved the Monestery at Batalha.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent her enthusiasm for her homeland was infectious. Great deal of information given at each venue and questions always answered to clarify our understanding. Always smiling and a delight to travel with!!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Sturdy footwear to cope with all the cobbles which can be slippery
A hectic overview
There was so much crammed into this trip – I saw a lot of Portugal but didn’t get a true feel for Portugal. Not much down time and a lot of road traveling
Most Inspirational Moment
I enjoyed the day at Douro Valley. It was relaxed with the boat excursion and the lunch at the winery, and the group had time to relax and interact.
Thoughts on Group Leader
I have been on other Exodus tours and also from other companies. Though she was very nice and caring, also the most bossy, disorganized, and frustrating. A view shared by other travelers - who actually stopped the tour and complained. She became irritated if things changed or were not as she planned. Very controlling to the point of ordering us dinner. Did not stick to the itinerary and we spent too much time wandering aimlessly.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you just want a quick run around Portugal - its a good introduction to then come back on another tour or on your own to places that seemed interesting. Be aware of a lot of travel by van, and ours was cramped.
Reply from Exodus
We’d like to thank Robert for his review. We’re sorry to read that the itinerary felt rather hectic and that at times he felt the tour leader was somewhat overbearing and at times disorganised. We do mention in our trip notes that this is a busy itinerary, with the aim being to cover a lot of ground and allow our groups to see a great deal of the country in a relatively short time. Generally we find this works well, although we realise it does mean some time spent in the bus; we have recently made an improvement to this aspect of the tour and moving forward larger vehicles will be provided, although I’m sorry this will have come a little late for Robert.
Regarding the tour leader, the individual who led this trip is very experienced and generally gets fantastic feedback. We have reviewed the comments from others who travelled on this departure and have not noted that others stopped the tour to complain, and we have in fact seen some single out the leader for praise. We realise everyone is different and Robert’s views don’t line up, but we do feel this shows that, overall, she did a good job.
Finally, we are aware there was a minor itinerary change on this trip; this was due to some construction works in Lisbon, which were unknown in advance, meaning that the tram ride was cut short. To replace this the tour leader arranged a short walking tour, which we understand was well received, although we regret if it was rather underwhelming for some.
Danny Bell – Product Manager
Obrigado Portugal!
A really good introduction to Portugal indeed! When I booked this trip, naturally the first thing I did was read the reviews like we all do!
The trip starts in Porto and ends in Lisbon – with many unique small town overnights in-between. Most people mentioned that it was very fast paced – however I feel that Exodus has really taken the time and effort to improve this trip in recent times as I felt very relaxed and had ample free time to explore on my own and with some friends I made in our group!
My personal highlights were Porto (worth an extension) and Batalha Monastery which no matter what camera lens you have, cannot actually describe the unique, intricate architecture and design – you have to see it to believe it!
Our guide Mariana was very cheerful, informative and very passionate about her country and sharing that with us was wonderful!
Prepare yourself for big portions of food (lots of cod) and ample Port Wine! If you are not into Port a good old Imperial “beer” also does the trick!
There is an optional “fado” dinner at a local’s house on the last night that was very interesting… Also expect big city life when you stay in Lisboa!
Overall I would recommend this trip to anyone who wants a overview of Portugal and all that it has to offer.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very good!
Sample of the cities of Northern Portugal
This trip covered the cities with the most attractions and sights in Northern Portugal. Our guides Catarina and Marianna were wonderful and caring. Both spoke perfect English and shared a lot of historical information. Both were always available on WhatsApp during our free time. The tour allowed us to see many cities in just one week. We were kept on the move from city to city, but there was plenty of free time. The old towns were so interesting and unique. Strolling on the stone sidewalks and glancing at the tiled buildings is a memory I will never forget. Sintra’s palace and gardens were also a highlight. The wine tastings were very enjoyable. Portugal’s food is incredible and I tried many new dishes. I combined this trip with Walking Portugal’s Coasts and Beaches, which made a perfect holiday of historic sights and coastal beach scenery.
Most Inspirational Moment
Having lunch in the Duoro Valley in a winery staring at the vineyards and sampling wines
Thoughts on Group Leader
Marianna and Catarina are the two nicest guides I've ever had! They were extremely caring. Both were very knowledgeable about the sights & history. I do wish they were with us more often. I would have liked them to accompany us to dinner on more nights.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Wear comfortable walking shoes with good traction. There is the potential for a lot of walking in the cities during your free time. The polished stone sidewalks get slippery if it rains. Add on at least one day in Porto at the beginning and at the end in Lisbon. There is so much to see in both cities.
Comments from Dave and Mary
Good introduction to central Portugal. Moving on after one night at each location quite tiring. Extra time at each end of Porto and Lisbon necessary to give the cities justice. Could do with more time in Douro valley to enjoy the benefits of the hotel and location.
Most Inspirational Moment
Douro valley hotel and location was exceptional.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent, although sometimes more information would be of benefit.
Advice for Potential Travellers
See summary.
Not Recommended
I had heard a lot of great things about Exodus. However, the local company in Portugal did not live up to expectations. This was a fast-moving tour. We were in a different city (sometimes 2) each day and the guides did not give us the best of each city. Instead, we spent an hour (of the precious 3 hours we had each day) in a a cafe! One can assume this is because THEY needed a break. There was so much to see and we wandered aimlessly. It became a joke that when they would tell us how beautiful something was in a particular city, that meant we were not going to see it. I mean, who is going to be back to visit anytime soon. Also, their knowledge was not up to par. When we were visiting the Monastery in Batalha, there were these portraits on the wall and I asked who they were and the response I received were “they are not significant.” REALLY? I’ve been in enough churches in Europe to know that EVERYTHING has significance! The knowledge of these guides was so awful, it was almost comical. I realize new people have to be trained, but they should not be trained at our expense, as this was an expensive trip. They should pay their dues as local guides, giving local tours so they can learn how to be guides. These women were absolutely terrible. I felt like a friend had offered to show me Portugal and given their limited knowledge, that would have been exactly what I got – limited knowledge. But, I paid for this trip. And so did others. And we paid handsomely. Also, the nightly meetings were stupid. Just post an itinerary. No one wants to be in a meeting after a long day. The trip to Sintra was a disaster. They left us without coming up there with us. They should have been with us. We had no idea where to go or what we were looking at – we needed a guide! Plus, the whole issue with having to pay 12..50 more for the bus was really stupid. We all felt very nickled and dimed. That should have been handled much differently. Do not use Exodus for this particular tour in Portugal. You will regret it. It is far too expensive for what you get. You would be better off going on your own. You would see more and learn much more. They also weren’t very good about keeping tabs on the group. They didn’t wear logo’d clothing or have a flag or anything. We mostly kept track of each other to be sure no one was left behind – isn’t that their job?? And most of the restaurant recommendations were horrible. Very unimpressed.
Most Inspirational Moment
NONE
Thoughts on Group Leader
Terrible, uninformed, ditzy
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do not book this particular tour with Exodus. Perhaps other local companies are better, but this one is not worth your hard earned money
Reply from Exodus
We would like to thank Stacey for taking the time to leave a review, although we are very sorry to read of her disappointment with several aspects of her trip to Portugal. At Exodus we take the roles of our tour leaders very seriously and provide each one with comprehensive training before they are assigned to lead our tours; for this departure, Stacey’s group was led by our experienced leader Carlos, who receives very positive feedback from our clients, as well as Catarina, who has led alongside him on past trips with success. While they were accompanied by a trainee leader who was shadowing this trip to gain experience, we have not found on previous departures that similar arrangements have detracted from our clients’ experience, as our regular leaders guide these trips as normal.
We would note, having reviewed the feedback forms from clients on Stacey’s departure, that the majority of respondents rated both the itinerary of the tour and their overall trip experience as being either ‘Good’ or ‘Excellent’. Further, the general feedback we received from the group about Carlos praised him as helpful and knowledgeable, and mentioned that Catarina was a personable and enthusiastic leader. We do, of course, continually monitor all our leaders’ performances to ensure they meet our high standards, but from the feedback we have received on this occasion we are confident that Carlos and Catarina led this trip effectively. However, we understand that this does not reflect Stacey’s experience, which we very much regret.
We are further apologetic that Stacey did not appreciate the free day in Sintra; we find from experience that our clients often like to explore this location at their own pace, and from previous feedback we have obtained about this tour we find that this excursion is generally very well received. However, we understand that some other group members from Stacey’s departure mention in feedback they have submitted that they would have preferred some guidance on-site in Sintra in addition to information provided by our leaders beforehand, and we are considering making a change in this regard to improve customer experience.
While we feel confident that this trip provides an enjoyable and insightful tour of Portugal for our customers based on the feedback we continue to receive from our groups, we would once again like to express our regret that Stacey was left disappointed, and will of course closely bear her comments in mind going forward.
– Emma Cambers, Exodus Product Manager
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Highlights of Portugal
8 Days
Excluding Flights From
8 Days
from