Portugal Hiking: Sintra & the Douro Valley
8 days | 10 days with Porto extension |
- Physical activity
- Group size
- 5–22 travelers
From the edge of Europe to the heart of wine country
Beyond Portugal’s famous cities and beach resorts lies a country that rewards those who walk—where trails lead to perspectives you can only earn on foot. In Sintra, 19th-century palaces sit alongside 9th-century Moorish ruins, all tucked within dense forests. At Cabo de Roca, you’ll stand at the westernmost point of continental Europe, where Portuguese explorers once looked toward unknown horizons. Heading north along the Silver Coast, you’ll arrive in Nazaré, a fishing village where record-breaking waves have drawn global attention, yet centuries-old maritime traditions remain at its heart. And finally, in the Douro Valley, you’ll descend through terraced vineyards that cascade down impossibly steep hillsides to the river below—the product of two thousand years of winemaking ingenuity. This tour goes beyond checking off landmarks. You’ll hike coastal cliffs and forest trails, taste wine at riverside estates, and cruise past terraced slopes on a traditional rabelo boat, gaining an understanding of how geography, history, and culture have shaped Portugal into something truly distinct.
What's included
- 6 nights in handpicked hotels
- Private bus for local transfers
- 6 breakfasts
- 3 dinners with beer or wine
- 1 sweets tasting & 1 wine tasting
- An expert Portuguese Tour Director
- Local licensed guides for select hikes
- Select guided sightseeing tours
Why you'll love it
- Wind through Sintra’s forests to Pena Palace and medieval Castelo dos Mouros
- Hike to Cabo de Roca, continental Europe’s westernmost point
- Walk from clifftops into Nazaré, where fishing tradition meets big waves
- Cruise the Douro River past historic estates on a traditional flat-bottomed rabelo boat
- Loop through working vineyards on the Rota do Vinho in the Douro Valley
- Taste port and table wines at a local vineyard where they’re made
Itinerary
Overnight flight1 night
Day 1: Fly to Lisbon
Pack your hiking boots and board your overnight flight to Portugal. As you cross the Atlantic, dream of the adventures ahead—from clifftop trails overlooking crashing waves to terraced vineyards stretching toward the horizon.
Sintra region3 nights
Day 2: Arrive in Lisbon & transfer to the Sintra region
Included meal: Welcome dinner
Welcome to Portugal! After landing in Lisbon, you’ll transfer to your hotel in the Sintra region. Situated in the misty hills west of Lisbon, Sintra allures travelers with its romantic palaces, enchanted forests, and UNESCO World Heritage-recognized historic center.
- Meet an EF representative at the airport.
- Transfer 1 hour to your hotel in the Sintra region where you’ll check in and settle into your surroundings.
- Raise a glass with your Tour Director and fellow hikers during a Welcome Orientation.
- Enjoy a Welcome Dinner in the Sintra region, your first of many group meals.
Note: Airport transfers are included for travelers who book flights with EF Adventures. If you book your own flights, airport transfers may be available for a fee upon request.
Day 3: Sintra-Cascais Natural Park hike and free time in Sintra
Included meal: Breakfast
Sintra’s landscape feels pulled from a fairy tale—and today’s hike proves it. Recognized for its remarkable cultural landscape, this region showcases centuries of romantic architecture set against a backdrop of dense forest and mountain peaks. You’ll wind through pine-scented trails with opportunities to admire two of Portugal’s most iconic landmarks: the exuberant Pena Palace and the weathered ramparts of Castelo dos Mouros, an ancient Moorish castle. After your hike, you’ll have free time to explore Sintra’s UNESCO-listed historic center, where cobblestone streets wind past artisan shops, bustling cafés, and pastry shops selling the town’s famous queijadas (sweet cheese tarts).
Sintra-Cascais Natural Park hike
- Option A: 2.8 miles, 666 ft elevation gain
- Physical intensity: 1 out of 5
- Option B: 4 miles, 1,181 ft elevation gain
- Physical intensity: 2 out of 5
This hike through Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is the perfect start for your adventure in Portugal. Starting from the train station in Sintra, you’ll ascend through historic trails to a viewpoint where you can marvel at Pena Palace—its vibrant yellow, red, and blue turrets rising dramatically above the treetops. From this vantage point, you’ll capture the whimsical architecture against the Sintra mountains. For those opting for the shorter hike, you’ll loop back down into town from here. For those choosing the longer route, the trail climbs further to reach the iconic Pena Palace for closer views of its opulent exterior adorned with intricate details. From there, you’ll proceed to the Castelo dos Mouros, a 9th-century Moorish fortress where you’ll enter the ancient ramparts to walk its weathered stone walls, climb its towers, and gaze out over rolling countryside with views stretching to the Atlantic on clear days. After exploring the castle’s battlements, you’ll descend back into Sintra.
- Choose between a 2.8-mile or 4-mile hike through Sintra’s mystical forests and historic trails.
- Admire the fairy-tale exterior of Pena Palace from scenic viewpoints, or get even closer on the longer route.
- Explore the ramparts and towers of Castelo dos Mouros on the longer hike, soaking in sweeping coastal views from the ancient fortress.
- Spend free time wandering Sintra’s historic center at your own pace.
Day 4: Cabo de Roca coastal hike & optional evening in Cascais
Included meal: Breakfast
Today you’ll journey to one of Europe’s most dramatic geographic landmarks. Cabo de Roca is a windswept headland marking the westernmost point of continental Europe, where sheer cliffs plunge 459 feet into the roaring Atlantic. A lighthouse and stone monument here proclaim “where the land ends and the sea begins”—a fitting description for this raw and stirring landscape. Your coastal hike traces the edge of Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, offering relentless ocean views and the kind of rugged beauty that makes Portugal’s coastline so irresistible.
Cabo de Roca hike
- Option A: 3.1 miles, 823 ft elevation gain
- Physical intensity: 1 out of 5
- Option B: 5.1 miles, 1,286 ft elevation gain
- Physical intensity: 2 out of 5
This dramatic coastal trek follows undulating paths along the edge of Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, with sweeping ocean views and salt air accompanying every step. Those choosing the longer route will start near Praia das Maçãs, winding inland through rolling hills dotted with wildflowers and low shrubs before approaching the coast where the landscape transforms into exposed clifftop paths high above the sea. Meanwhile, those opting for the shorter route will take the bus to Praia Grande, where you’ll meet up with the rest of the group. From Praia Grande, everyone will continue together along the clifftops toward Cabo de Roca, with waves crashing far below and seabirds flying overhead. You’ll reach the westernmost point of continental Europe, standing atop cliffs high above the sea. On clear days, views stretch as far south as Cascais and as far north as the wild beaches of Adraga and Ursa.
- Follow the longer route from Praia das Maçãs through rolling inland hills before joining clifftop paths that lead to Cabo de Roca.
- Opt for the shorter route, joining the group at Praia Grande for a coastal walk to Cabo de Roca along dramatic clifftop paths nearly 500 feet above the Atlantic.
- Join the optional evening excursion to Cascais, a charming coastal town known for its beaches and seafood restaurants, or enjoy the night to do as you please.
Douro Valley region3 nights
Day 5: Nazaré fishing village & coastal walk and travel to Douro Valley region
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting, Dinner
You’re headed north today to Nazaré— a working fishing village known for the dramatic waves that crash against its shores and the maritime traditions that have sustained it for generations. Colorful boats line the beach, and if you’re lucky, you might spot women wearing the traditional sete saias—seven petticoats that once helped fishermen’s wives stay warm while waiting for boats to return. Your route descends from windswept clifftops into the village itself, offering perspectives on both Nazaré’s coastline and its enduring maritime character. After exploring the village, you’ll continue inland to your hotel in the Douro Valley region, your base for the next three nights.
Nazaré fishing village & coastal walk
- Physical intensity: 1 out of 5
- Distance: 1.4 miles
- Elevation change: 262 ft gain
Your walk begins at the Farol da Nazaré, a distinctive red-domed lighthouse perched atop a clifftop headland. This spot is world-famous as the vantage point for watching the record-breaking waves that roll into Praia do Norte below, where an underwater canyon funnels massive swells directly to shore. From here, you’ll descend toward the village through narrow cobbled lanes lined with whitewashed houses, pausing at a viewpoint for a breathtaking panorama of Nazaré’s beach and red-tiled roofs sprawling below. Once you reach the bustling waterfront, the scene shifts to the rhythm of fishing village life—nets stretched out for mending, the day’s catch displayed on ice, and conversation spilling from family-run tascas (Portuguese bistros). As you continue through the village, you’ll pass the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré and the funicular connecting the upper and lower parts of town, and you’ll taste sardinha doce—playful marzipan treats shaped like sardines that honor the town’s fishing heritage.
- Visit the Farol da Nazaré lighthouse, offering prime views of the famous big-wave surf spot at Praia do Norte.
- Walk 1.4 miles from clifftops down through the historic fishing village.
- Sample sardinha doce, traditional marzipan sweets shaped like sardines.
- Continue to your new hotel in the Douro Valley region and gather for dinner with your group.
Day 6: Provesende to Pinhão vineyard hike & Douro River cruise
Included meal: Breakfast
Ahh, the Douro Valley, where the Douro River has shaped both the landscape and the culture for millennia. Winding through steep hillsides carved into terraced vineyards over two thousand years ago, this river once served as the vital highway for transporting port wine from inland estates to Porto’s cellars on traditional flat-bottomed rabelo boats. This UNESCO World Heritage landscape represents one of the world’s oldest legally defined wine regions, and today you’ll witness it from two perspectives: first on foot, descending through working vineyards from the hilltop village of Provesende to riverside Pinhão, then by water, cruising past historic quintas (wine estates) aboard the same style of boat that once carried wine barrels downstream.
Provesende to Pinhão vineyard hike
- Physical intensity: 2 out of 5
- Distance: 4 miles
- Elevation change: 26 ft gain, 1,670 ft loss
Depart from Provesende’s village church and immediately drop into a landscape sculpted entirely by hand. Dry-stacked stone walls support thousands of vine terraces that step down the hillside, and as you lose elevation, the Douro River comes into sharper focus below. You’ll pass fig and quince trees dotting the terraces, and depending on the season, you might see wildflowers bursting between the vines or heavy grape clusters ready for harvest. Midway down, you’ll stop at Miradouro Torguiano de São Cristóvão do Douro, where the view captures both the geometric precision of the terraces and the silver ribbon of river cutting through the valley. The final section brings you to Pinhão’s riverside promenade, where the town’s historic train station displays hand-painted ceramic tiles depicting vineyard life.
- Begin in Provesende, a hilltop wine village where stone houses overlook the valley, then descend 4 miles through terraced vineyards.
- Cruise the Douro River aboard a traditional rabelo boat passing historic quintas like Romaneira, Bomfim, and Carvalhas.
- Return to your hotel to relax and swap stories with your fellow hikers.
Day 7: Rota do Vinho hike with wine tasting
Included meals: Breakfast, Wine tasting, Farewell dinner
Your final full day in the Douro Valley puts you directly into wine country. The Rota do Vinho (“Wine Route”) forms a loop that descends to the Douro River’s edge before climbing back into the hills, passing through active vineyards where you’ll stop to taste port and table wines where they’re actually produced. This isn’t a museum visit; you’re walking through a working landscape where harvest, pruning, and bottling follow the same calendar they have for generations. Tonight, you’ll come together one last time as a group for a Farewell Dinner, toasting to the adventures that have brought you closer over the past week.
Rota do Vinho hike
- Option A: 2.6 miles, 338 ft elevation gain
- Physical intensity: 1 out of 5
- Option B: 4.7 miles, 1,306 ft elevation gain
- Physical intensity: 2 out of 5
You’ll set out from the Igreja do Samodães, a whitewashed church that marks the hike’s highest point. The trail drops you toward the Douro River through a patchwork of vineyard plots separated by dry-stone walls, some hundreds of years old. Depending on the season, you might see green shoots, heavy grape clusters, or bare vines being pruned back for next year. As you descend further to the valley floor, the trail flattens out for a peaceful stretch—a chance to pause and watch occasional boats pass before reaching your destination: a quinta where you’ll sample ports and some of the unfortified table wines—lighter reds and whites—that the Douro Valley has started producing alongside its famous fortified wines. For those opting for the shorter route, you can transfer back to the hotel from here. For those continuing on the longer route, it’s time for the climb back to Samodães, winding upward through more vineyards and olive groves as panoramic views of the terraced valley grow wider with every gain in elevation.
- Choose between a 2.6-mile or 4.7-mile loop along the Rota do Vinho through the Douro Valley’s terraced vineyards.
- Sample port and table wines at a hilltop estate overlooking the valley, tasting where the wines are produced.
- Gather for a Farewell Dinner with your fellow adventurers, marking the end of your hiking journey through Portugal.
Flight home
Day 8: Fly home
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Your hiking adventure through Portugal comes to a close this morning. You’ll transfer 1.5 hours to the Porto airport for your international flight home, leaving with memories of clifftop trails, ancient castles, riverside vineyards, and the incredible landscapes you’ve come to know on foot.
Porto extension
After a week of hiking through some of Portugal’s most spectacular landscapes, why not extend your adventure with a few days in Porto? Situated in northern Portugal where the Douro River meets the Atlantic, this enchanting city offers the perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation. Known for its port wine, picturesque Ribeira district, and colorful buildings cascading down to the river, Porto rewards wanderers. Explore charming streets, stopping to sample delicious local pastries and coffee along the way. During your stay, you’ll have free time to wander Porto’s picturesque neighborhoods, and you can even join an optional cooking class to learn the secrets of traditional Portuguese cuisine.
Porto2 nights
Day 8: Travel to Porto and walking tour
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting
After breakfast, you’ll transfer from the Douro Valley to Porto, where a local guide will lead you through Liberty Square, which serves as a gateway to Porto’s historic center. Hungry? You’ll sample some of Porto’s famous sweet treats and grab coffee at Café Majestic, an ornate belle époque café with mirrors, marble countertops, and chandelier-adorned ceilings that’s hosted countless artists and intellectuals—including J.K. Rowling, who is said to have written parts of Harry Potter here. Afterwards, you’ll explore one of Porto’s bustling markets for a glimpse into local life.
- Travel to Porto and enjoy a guided walking tour of the city.
- Sample traditional Portuguese sweets and coffee at the famous Café Majestic.
- Take the rest of the afternoon and evening to immerse yourself in one of Portugal’s most captivating cities.
Day 9: Optional cooking class with lunch and free time in Porto
Included meal: Breakfast
Today offers flexibility to craft your perfect Porto experience. If you’re interested in Portuguese cuisine, join an optional cooking class this morning to learn traditional recipes and techniques. Whether you opt in or not, you’ll have plenty of free time to explore the city at your own pace—perhaps visiting the iconic Livraria Lello bookstore, wandering the vibrant Ribeira district along the river, or crossing to Vila Nova de Gaia for a port wine cellar tour.
- Opt for the hands-on cooking class and lunch featuring traditional Portuguese dishes prepared with seasonal, local ingredients.
- Discover Porto’s hidden corners during your free time—climb the Clérigos Tower for panoramic views, browse artisan shops in Bolhão Market, or relax at a riverside café.
Flight home
Day 10: Fly home
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
After experiencing both Portugal’s hiking trails and Porto’s urban charms, your tour has come to an end. Finish up any last-minute packing and transfer 20 minutes to the Porto airport for your international flight home.
Handpicked accommodations
From boutique hotels to 5-star luxury retreats, our accommodations are curated with the expert eye and attention to detail that come from 60 years of travel experience, always prioritizing authenticity. We select high-quality properties that balance comfort, location, sustainability, and local charm. From bustling city centers to serene countryside and picturesque small towns, each hotel is chosen to complement your adventure’s unique style. While the specific accommodations may vary based on your travel dates, you can always count on staying at fantastic properties that meet our standards for quality and character.
Sintra region - Vila Galé Sintra Resort Hotel
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Douro Valley region - Lamego Hotel & Life
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Porto - Eurostars Porto Douro (Extension)
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Weather
Porto, Portugal
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Sintra, Portugal
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Nazaré, Portugal
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Pinhão, Portugal
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Lisbon, Portugal
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Know before you go
- In order to enter Portugal, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
- We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
- Beginning in late 2026, Passport holders from visa-exempt countries like the U.S. and Canada will need to register for an ETIAS travel authorization to enter certain European countries. Even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these 30 countries without a visa, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you’ll only need to complete the form once.
- All EF Adventures travelers will be responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center.
- If you aren’t a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
- Round-trip flights booked through EF arrive in Lisbon and depart from Porto.
- Transfers to and from the airport at the beginning and end of the tour are included for travelers who purchased their flights through EF Adventures. Travelers who booked their own flights are responsible for securing their own transfer upon arrival, and may request a departure transfer with EF Adventures for an additional cost.
- When you arrive in Lisbon, an EF representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with an EF sign or a sign with your name(s). If you don’t see a representative immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.
Physical activity level
This tour is rated as Moderate, which means you’re ready to tackle some hills and elevate your heart rate, but not at the expense of enjoying the surroundings. This level balances active hiking with moments of leisure. You’ll encounter moderate elevation gains and longer trails, with breaks to catch your breath and soak in the scenery.
This tour is great for:
- Recreational hikers
- Those who enjoy a good workout in nature
What to expect:
- Daily mileage: 1–5 miles
- Daily elevation gain: Up to 1,300 ft
- Typical terrain: Relatively flat with more established gradients and the occasional steeper climb
Tour pacing
This is a steady-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:
- Two 3-night stays
- Most days and evenings full of included activities (more if you add excursions)
- Most transportation by bus.
Climate considerations
- Coastal Portugal enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, pleasant springs and autumns. Summer temperatures (June to September) typically range from the mid-60s to mid-80s Fahrenheit. Spring (April to May) and fall (October to November) bring cooler temperatures in the 60s to low 70s, with occasional rain showers.
- The Sintra region can be cooler and mistier than other parts of Portugal, especially in the mornings, so pack layers.
- Inland areas like the Douro Valley experience hotter temperatures in summer, often reaching the high 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit.
- Rain is uncommon during summer months, but a lightweight rain jacket is recommended for unexpected showers, particularly in coastal areas.
Physical activity & tour pace extra info
- EF Adventures and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
- If you have physical activity concerns or tour pace questions, please visit our Help Center or give us call at 617-619-1679. We’re here to help!
- This tour includes various modes of transportation, including private buses and a traditional rabelo boat cruise on the Douro River.
- On this tour, you’ll need to come prepared with your own gear for the daily hikes, including hiking shoes, a day pack, reusable water bottle, hiking poles (if desired), and more. For a detailed suggested packing list, see the “Clothing & packing tips” section.
- Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one personal item each due to storage limitations on buses.
- Some airlines may impose additional charges if you exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you’re responsible for any baggage fees incurred.
- Contact your airline(s) for the baggage size and weight restrictions on your flights.
- Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
- Travelers must be able to manage their luggage throughout tour; porters aren’t guaranteed at hotels or airports.
We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear. Don’t forget to pack:
- Comfortable waterproof hiking shoes or trail runners with good traction
- Athletic shoes for walking around
- Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants for sun protection
- Sunscreen
- A sun hat, sunglasses, and rain gear, as these will help you stay comfortable in all types of weather
- Moisture-wicking, quick-drying socks (wool or synthetic)
- A lightweight jacket for cooler evenings
- Insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes and other bugs
- A daypack to carry essentials like water, snacks, and sunscreen
- A refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the tour (and cut down on single use plastic waste)
- A collapsible walking stick for long hikes (some travelers find them useful)
- A swimsuit for hotel pools
- Casual clothes for evenings and travel days
- Dressier attire for Welcome/Farewell Dinners and in case you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance
- Sleepwear and toiletries
- A universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter
- Any personal medications, including motion sickness remedies for bus rides and the river cruise
- Your medical insurance card, in case of emergencies (pack this in your carry-on)
- EF Adventures handpicks every hotel you’ll stay at, striking a balance between comfort, location, sustainability, and local charm.
- Specific properties will vary based on your departure date, but are typically three-to-five-star hotels; always include private bathrooms; and usually have in-room safes for valuables. Additionally, your hotels will have Wi-Fi, but access may be limited to common areas. There may also not be elevators.
- Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that your accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with your hotels once they’ve been confirmed, about 30 days prior to departure.
- Some hotels on this tour are situated on narrow streets; as such, our buses may not be able to drop you off right out front. In these instances, you’ll have to walk your luggage to the property, no more than a few blocks.
- Please be advised that the strength of the air conditioning in European hotels/buildings is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada.
- Portugal operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and uses Type C and F plugs with two round pins.
- Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app.
- We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
- Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
- Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions which can only be purchased on tour via cash (in local currency).
- At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at cdc.gov.
- If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies, please notify EF Adventures at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
- If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
- Take proper care with sun exposure, as the sun can be especially strong in some of the regions on this tour.
- There are inherent risks associated with adventure activities such as hiking, particularly for those with pre-existing medical conditions. Discuss your planned activities with your doctor or healthcare provider for the best advice on participation.
- This tour includes 3 dinners. They may be set menus, à la carte, buffets, or family-style meals, depending on the location. Dinners also may include beer, wine, juice, soft drinks, as well as water, coffee, and tea.
- Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
- Portuguese cuisine is rich and varied, showcasing the country’s maritime heritage and agricultural traditions. Expect fresh seafood along the coast, particularly grilled sardines, bacalhau (salted cod prepared hundreds of ways), and octopus. Inland regions like the Douro Valley feature heartier fare, including roasted meats, cured sausages, and dishes incorporating olive oil and wine from local estates.
- Don’t miss trying pastéis de nata (custard tarts), caldo verde (kale and potato soup), and francesinha (a hearty sandwich). Portugal’s wines, especially port and vinho verde, are world-renowned.
- Tips for meals, drivers, porterage (if applicable), and local guides for hikes and sightseeing tours are included in the price of your tour.
- At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
- We recommend tipping the equivalent of $15-$20 USD per person per day for your Tour Director.
- Tips can only be paid in cash.
- You will use the euro on tour.
- Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
- We strongly advise that you take debit and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
- You can use most cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
- International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you don’t already have at least one card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
- Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your Tour Director.
- To help you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend downloading the EF Adventures mobile app. It’s free and provides information about important deadlines and entry requirements, as well as your detailed itinerary, packing tips, and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the app’s chat feature.
- Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
- There is no Wi-Fi on any of the buses.
- Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
- Your Tour Director will be an experienced hiker who will accompany you throughout the entire journey. In addition to sharing their knowledge of the region’s history, culture, and natural wonders, they will:
- Support the group during daily hikes, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all travelers
- Provide detailed briefings on trail conditions, weather, and altitude considerations
- Coordinate logistics and arrange meals and transportation
- Offer basic first-aid assistance and emergency support if needed
- As an experienced hiker themselves, your Tour Director will be well-versed in mountain safety and first-aid procedures.
- One of the benefits of traveling with EF Adventures is our on tour emergency support team.
- Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
- This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
- As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.
- Portugal is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and five hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
- When it’s noon in New York, it’s 5pm on tour.
- When you travel with EF Adventures, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
- Travel, when done responsibly, can have an enormous socioeconomic impact on communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at small businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend.
- Prepare for your trip: Be aware of monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market; learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette; and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
- When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
- EF Adventures encourages travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single-use plastics. You can cut back on generating plastic waste by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.
- When visiting national parks, reserves, or other protected areas, please do not remove anything from the natural environment or leave any litter. Carry out what you carried in.
- When you come across wild animals on tour, take the philosophies of World Animal Protection to heart: Don’t touch or feed them, and maintain a respectful distance. The animals you encounter on your trip should be able to exhibit natural forms of behavior.
- Furthermore, avoid buying exploitative animal products, like crafts made from animal parts or products tested on animals.
- If you feel we aren’t meeting any of these commitments, please let us know.
Flights? We got you.
Round-trip flights are one more thing we can handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate. Rates shown in cart.
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