Essence of Portugal

Experience Portugal’s captivating spirit, from Porto’s riverside charm to Lisbon’s historic grandeur and the Algarve’s golden coast. This small group tour blends cultural highlights, scenic landscapes, and authentic flavors. Explore Porto’s Old Town, cruise the Douro Valley, wander medieval Óbidos, and discover Lisbon’s monuments before unwinding among the Algarve’s cliffs and hidden caves.

September 2, 2026 – September 12, 2026
11 Days | 18 Meals
From $4,450 per person
Explore Porto’s riverside Ribeira and taste its signature port wine, sail through the Douro Valley, wander medieval Óbidos, discover Lisbon’s monuments and Sintra’s Pena Palace, stand at Cabo da Roca, and cruise to the golden Benagil Caves of the Algarve.

Itinerary | Pricing | What’s Included | Hotels and Flights | Photos | Reviews | Reserve Now

Itinerary

Day 1 | Hotel Vila Galé Ribera, Porto

Arrive in Porto

Arrive in Porto and settle into your hotel before setting out in the afternoon for a guided walk. Stroll along Rua de Santa Catarina, explore the bustling Bolhão Market, step inside Porto’s cathedral, and soak up the riverside charm of the Ribeira neighborhood. D

Day 2 | Hotel Vila Galé Ribera, Porto

Porto City Tour & Port Wine Tasting

Discover Porto with a panoramic city tour, including a visit to the Monastery Church of St. Francis. Ride the cable car across the Douro River to Vila Nova de Gaia for sweeping views of the city, then enjoy a port wine tasting at a renowned cellar. End the day with dinner at a restaurant along the Cais da Ribeira. B, D

Day 3 | Hotel Vila Galé Ribera, Porto

Douro River Cruise & Quinta da Pacheca Winery

Set out on a scenic river cruise from Porto to Régua, passing through impressive dams while enjoying breakfast, lunch, and port wine on board. In the afternoon, visit the historic Quinta da Pacheca estate for a guided tour and tasting in the heart of the Douro Valley wine region. Return to Porto for an evening at leisure. B, L

Day 4 | Hotel Turim Marquês, Lisbon

Walled Town of Óbidos

Journey south from Porto to Lisbon with a visit in the storybook town of Óbidos. Enclosed by medieval walls and crowned with a Moorish castle, Óbidos enchants with bougainvillea-draped lanes, colorful houses, and a rich literary tradition as a UNESCO Creative City. Continue on to Lisbon and settle in before dinner at a local restaurant near your hotel. B, D

Day 5 | Hotel Turim Marquês, Lisbon

Lisbon City Tour

Begin the day with views from Parque Eduardo VII and Marquês de Pombal Square before heading down Liberty Avenue to Rossio Square and the Castle of São Jorge for sweeping views of the city and the Tagus River. Stroll through the narrow streets of Alfama, then explore Belém’s monuments of the Discoveries, including Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. In the evening, dine at a waterfront restaurant on Praça do Comércio before returning to your hotel by underground. B, D

Day 6 | Hotel Turim Marquês, Lisbon

Sintra, Cabo da Roca & Estoril

Travel to Sintra, once the summer retreat of Portuguese royalty, to see the Palácio Nacional and the fairytale-like Pena Palace with its colorful towers and romantic gardens. Continue to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, before returning to Lisbon along the scenic coast through Cascais and Estoril. B, L

Day 7 | Hotel Vila Galé, Lagos

The Algarve via the Vicentine Coast

Journey south along the wild beauty of the Costa Vicentina, part of the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park. Take in dramatic cliffs, unspoiled beaches, and sweeping ocean views before visiting Sagres and Cape St. Vincent, the southwestern tip of continental Europe. Arrive in Lagos and enjoy dinner at your hotel. B, D

Day 8 | Hotel Vila Galé, Lagos

Benagil Caves Boat Tour

Enjoy a relaxing morning before setting out on a three-hour catamaran cruise along the Algarve’s Golden Coast. Discover the dramatic Benagil Caves and turquoise waters aboard an eco-friendly vessel. In the evening, savor dinner at a waterfront restaurant in Portimão before returning to your hotel. B, D

Day 9 | Hotel Vila Galé, Lagos

Leisure in the Algarve

Savor a full day at leisure along the Algarve’s golden coast. Bask on the region’s sun-drenched beaches, stroll through lively seaside markets, or enjoy a coastal walk with sweeping Atlantic views. For a slower pace, relax at a café and take in the charm of this seaside paradise. B

Day 10 | Hotel Turim Marquês, Lisbon

Return to Lisbon & Farewell Dinner

Spend a relaxed morning in the Algarve before traveling back to Lisbon in the afternoon. In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner at a traditional Fado restaurant, where music and culture create the perfect finale to your journey. B, D

Day 11

Departure

After breakfast, bid farewell to Lisbon and transfer to the airport for your journey home, carrying with you the memories of Portugal’s charm. B

Dates and Prices

Tour Dates:
September 2 – September 12, 2026

Pricing:*
Double: $4,450 per person
Single: $5,450 per person

Tour Deposit: $250 per person

To reserve your place please follow the link below to signup. The tour manager will then contact you to complete your reservation and tour deposit.

Questions about the tour? Schedule a call with the tour coordinator or email jack@guidester.com

What's Included

Full-time services of expert tour host Jack Baumann with over 15 years of travel experience.
10 nights premium accommodation in Porto, Lisbon, and Lagos
All of your tours and activities as listed in the itinerary
Small Group of only 15-25 people
Private Transportation by luxury motor coach
Personal Guidester travel guide that will help you explore in your free time
Airport transfers to and from hotel on arrival and departure
18 meals (10 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 6 dinners)
Welcome dinner in Porto
Guided walking tour of Porto’s Santa Catarina, Bolhão Market, Cathedral, and Ribeira
Guided city tour of Porto with local expert
Admission to Porto Cathedral
Admission to Monastery Church of St. Francis
Cable car ride from Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia
Port wine tasting at Sandeman’s Cellar
Full-day Douro River cruise from Porto to Régua with breakfast, lunch, and port wine on board
Visit and tasting at Quinta da Pacheca winery
Stop in the medieval town of Óbidos
Guided city tour of Lisbon with local expert
Admission to São Jorge Castle
Visit to Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery
Full-day excursion to Sintra
Admission to Pena Palace
Scenic stops at Cabo da Roca, Cascais, and Estoril
Journey along the Vicentine Coast with stops at Sagres and Cape St. Vincent
3-hour boat trip to Benagil Caves
Farewell dinner at Café Luso, a traditional Fado restaurant in Lisbon

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WOW! I just returned from the Wild Wales tour and it was amazing! It had everything! Beautiful beaches, charming castles, astounding cathedrals, quaint villages, and fantastic food. It was a small group of travelers so I got to know everyone. I was most impressed by Jack's willingness to share his vast knowledge of Wales and his love of travel. He is a special person. If you are looking for a fantastic tour company, give Guidester a call.

Teresa W.

Our second trip with Jack was the Wild Wales Tour. We wouldn't go with anyone else! He spoils us with his knowledge, kindness, and care. Our trip to Wales was wonderful!

Linda F.

Had a great trip to Italy. The group was small, 17 people, and we were able to get the full experience of the major attractions as well as off the beaten path places. The restaurants Jack selected were outstanding. And going to places that tourist don't normally go to was great. Jack is very knowledgeable about history and secured local tour guides that were also knowledgeable as well as entertaining. The tour had both busy days as well as down time. The tour was very well planned. We are definitely look at booking another guidester tour for next year.

Bob K.

Having taken 3 trips with Jack, I always appreciate the attention to detail and quality that Jack has for the trips he leads. Time is balanced between scheduled, group events and free time to explore the city, using the guide we’re provided before the trip begins. It’s clear that Jack has a love of all things Europe, which he works to impart onto those on the trip.

Adam B.

I just returned from Guidester’s Classic Germany trip, and what an incredible experience it was! A small group of friendly fellow travelers, excellent accommodations, knowledgeable and personable local guides, comfortable transportation, excellent food in authentic and historic venues, and Jack’s extensive knowledge of European history, which he shares freely. The trip was well-planned to include the main sights you shouldn’t miss, and the unique experiences that most tour companies can’t provide, like a farmhouse cheese dinner, wine tastings and a table at Oktoberfest Jack makes his trips easy and fun, taking excellent care of his travelers from start to finish. I can’t wait for my next trip!

Margie O.

There is no way I could have put together the adventure that Jack organized for us on the taste of Italy tour. To pack so much in, not feel rushed, have amazing place to stay just would not have happened I have always been a do it yourself person no matter what it is on this occasion at a friends advice joined Jacks tour. The experience exceeded my expectations fro the first hotel to the last day of departure. The advice on what to see when to see where to eat what sights to prioritize was invaluable in using my vacation time in the best way possible. Jack I also appreciated the personal time you were able to give everyone and the individual attention to their interest. Well done and thank you!

Jim F.

This was our 2nd trip to Europe. We definitely didn't want a cookie cutter trip, on a tour bus, that took us past 7 cities in 8 days. Jack plans his tours very carefully and he is very knowledgeable regarding the sites we visited. The groups are small so you have a chance to get to know your fellow travelers. And, Jack is a lot of fun, he makes everyone feel at ease.

Elaine K.

Essence of Portugal

Itinerary | Pricing | What’s Included | Hotels and Flights | Photos | Reviews | Reserve Now