Portugal Tours & Trips

Our Portugal adventures are crafted to help you see more, do more, and experience the country like a local. Here’s why travellers choose Exodus: 

Best Local Guides: Our passionate tour leaders share insider knowledge about Portuguese culture and history, turning every hike or discovery into a learning experience.  

Award-winning adventures: We are incredibly proud to be named a Which? Recommended Escorted Tour Provider and a Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Award Winner.  

Small Groups: Solo travellers, couples, and friends make up our welcoming groups, with an average group size of 10-12.  

Immersive Itineraries: Discover iconic highlights like Lisbon, Porto, the Douro Valley, a wilder side to the Algarve or even the Azores.  

Sustainability: We support local communities and stay in locally owned accommodation where possible. 

Stress-Free Logistics: Accommodation, transport, transfers, and many activities are all arranged so you can focus on the adventure and not the admin.  

Portugal’s Mediterranean climate makes it an inviting destination all year round, but the best time to visit depends on the experiences you’re looking for: 

March to May: One of the most pleasant times to travel, with mild temperatures and blooming landscapes. Perfect for walking tours in the Douro Valley, cycling and exploring historic cities like Lisbon and Porto before the summer crowds arrive. 

June to August: Expect warm, sunny days and clear skies, especially along the Algarve coast, where temperatures can soar. During this time it’s best to plan active adventures for the cooler mornings. 

September to November: Warm and dry in most regions, with fewer tourists. A great season for wine-tasting in the Douro, hiking and coastal walks with comfortable temperatures. 

December to February: Milder than most of Europe, especially in the south. Perfect for cultural sightseeing in Lisbon or visiting the Algarve, though northern areas can be cooler and wetter. 

Regardless of the season you choose, our expertly designed small group Portugal tours are designed to match the best local conditions, from scenic hikes and cycling routes to wine-tasting and cultural discoveries. 

An Exodus small-group tour in Portugal is the perfect choice to immerse yourself in the country’s diverse landscapes, rich history, and culture with expert support and stress-free logistics. Here’s what you can expect: 

• Landscapes and Culture: Discover the golden coastline, sun-soaked vineyards and rich heritage of this captivating country.  

• Best Local Guides: All tours are accompanied by an expert tour leader who handles logistics and shares insider knowledge, making sure every day runs smoothly.  

• Small Groups: We only travel in small groups and mostly stay in locally owned hotels, giving you a genuine taste of Portuguese hospitality.  

Whether you want to discover the cobbled streets of Lisbon or the enchanting charm of Porto, an Exodus tour ensures you experience the best of Portugal. 

An Exodus Travels tour to Portugal is a fully guided adventure package. Typically this will include: 

Accommodation: Comfortable locally owned hotels, family-run properties or boutique accommodations.  

Transport: Private transportation throughout, plus airport transfers (normally at set times). 

Expert Tour Leader: A knowledgeable local guide to coordinate logistics and share insight. 

Meals: Most breakfasts, plus selected lunches and dinners depending on the itinerary.  

Activities: Guided hikes, cycling or cultural visits as listed in your Trip Notes. 

Support: 24/7 on-the-ground assistance from the Exodus team. 

Optional extras can be added to tailor your adventure, such as pre and post tour accommodation, or room upgrades on selected itineraries.  

With our small group Portugal tours, you’ll discover some incredible destinations. Lisbon, the vibrant capital, is home to cobblestone streets and stunning hilltop views and one of the best ways to experience its medieval charms is by bike. Following the coastline past fishing villages, our Porto to Lisbon Atlantic Ride takes you on a journey of discovery through some of Portugal’s most beautiful scenery.  

Discover the natural highlights and hidden wonders of the Algarve’s wilder side on foot, exploring untamed beaches and rugged cliffs hugged by whitewashed villages. Along the trails of the Rota Vicentina, get a real taste of the region as you sample local wines, olive oils and traditional Portuguese food.  

The Azores is another top destination for nature lovers. This lush archipelago is made up of nine volcanic islands, where you can walk along lava plateau and peer into sunken volcanoes.  

When you book one of our guided group tours to Portugal, you’ll unlock well-kept secrets and forge new friendships with people who share your curiosity and sense of adventure.  

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to walking in Portugal, from dramatic coastal routes to quieter inland trails. Although we’re in love with the entire country, these are a few of our favourite places for walking trips in Portugal: 

Madeira – With sprawling coastlines, imposing mountains and a sub-tropical climate, Madeira makes an ideal year-round hiking destination. Nature lovers will be in their element with the 120 endemic species of flora and fauna that can be found here. 

The Azores – This scenic archipelago is made up of ancient walking trails once used by locals and their horses to transport agricultural produce. Having been restored over the years, these paths now lead hikers among breath-taking landscapes.    

Douro Valley – When walking in Portugal, the Douro Valley is high on the list of places to explore. The UNESCO-listed valley is home to the country’s premier wine region which is believed to date back to 2,000 years. As well as walking through the terraced vineyards and verdant countryside, you’ll learn about the region’s history before sampling the wines. 

The Wild West – Known as Portugal’s Wild West, the Sagres Peninsula comprises golden beaches, wildflower meadows and scented pine forests where you can spot endemic and migratory species of birds circling overhead. The Rota Vicentina is a network of trails that winds up to the Cabo de Sao Vicente lighthouse where you can enjoy spellbinding views. 

Our tours are designed to be accessible for most active travellers, but we assign an Activity Level to every trip to help you choose your perfect adventure based on your ability and preferences.  

In Portugal most trips are rated between Easy and Moderate, with most of the cycling and walking holidays sitting at the Moderate end of the scale.  

Travellers with a reasonable level of fitness can enjoy our walking holidays, but if you’re not a regular walker it’s recommended to start with a Level 1 or 2 holiday.  

If you prefer to opt out of an activity, your Tour Leader can suggest alternatives. 

Cycling holidays graded Moderate tend to be best suited to cyclists with good fitness and some previous experience of longer rides.  

Try the Azores Adventure for a Level 4 activity based holiday (Moderate and Challenging).  

If you’re unsure which trip matches your fitness level, speak to our team of experts who can help you choose the right itinerary. 

Our Portugal tours range from seven to 15 days to ensure you can fully experience the sights, culture and scenery on offer. Some of our best small group tours of Portugal feature adventure packed 8-day itineraries, giving you time to explore the history, culture and sights of each destination. As well as enjoying immersive experiences and thrilling adventures, you’ll have the chance to relax or explore at your own pace with scheduled free time. Picture yourself wandering the streets of medieval villages and towns, tasting delectable pastéis de nata, and strolling along golden beaches lapped by emerald waters. 

Portugal is generally considered a safe destination to travel in. However, like any destination, it’s essential to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings. During the trip your guide provides safety tips for activities, free time, and local etiquette, helping you feel confident throughout. The main safety factors to be aware of are theft, especially in tourist hotspots, and safety when swimming in the sea. As you would in your home country, make sure to keep valuables secure and be vigilant when using roads and the country’s beaches. 

If you have specific safety concerns before you book, our team of experts will be happy to discuss them. 

Solo travel doesn’t have to feel daunting. With Exodus, you’ll join a small group, led by an experienced tour leader who prioritises safety, giving you the confidence to travel further and explore deeper. Our itineraries include a mix of group activities and free time, and with everything pre-arranged all you need to do is turn up and enjoy the adventure.  

Joining one of our group tours is the best way to explore Portugal and delve into the country’s more authentic side. Share experiences and make friends over delicious meals and gelato-filled sunsets. Exodus offers a range of tours tailored to solo travellers, from food and wine to hiking and biking. Let us handle the planning so you can simply immerse yourself in the adventure and explore Portugal with a newfound sense of freedom.

Yes, our Portugal small group tours are filled with cultural experiences that transport you to the heart of Portuguese tradition. Taste exquisite wines at an 18th-century winery on our Highlights of Portugal trip, or enjoy a tour of the Quinta do Barbusano winery, sampling the local grapes as you soak in the views over the São Vicente valley. The cultural capital, Lisbon is famous for its traditional fado performances, where you can let the soulful sounds of the music envelop you as the sun goes down – an experience that will be etched on your memory forever. 

Typically, the group sizes on our Portugal tours range from between 8 to 16. This intimate setting allows for deep conversations, shared laughs and the chance to form lifelong friendships. Imagine navigating the cobblestoned streets of Lisbon or indulging in authentic cuisine in a traditional village surrounded by others who share your passion for cultural immersion. Our small group escorted tours also allow us to put sustainability into practice and respect the natural beauty of the places we visit.