Portugal - small but full of wonderful surprises, the perfect country for a touring adventure.
Portugal, small but endlessly captivating, rich with delightful regional contrasts, is the ideal destination for an wonderful touring holiday.
Watered by four grand rivers; the Minho and the Lima in the verdant North of Portugal, the Douro, home to world’s oldest wine region, and the mighty Tajo, once the exciting gateway to foreign lands for the country’s most famous navigators, forming boundary between Central and Southern Portugal and flowing out into the Atlantic at Lisboa.
From World Heritage Lisboa, Porto, Guimaraes, magical Evora and the monumental towns of Estremadura, to ancient hilltop settlements and obscure farming villages, tradition and modernity work harmoniously side by side.
With delicious local gastronomy, superb wines, atmospheric markets, hauntingly melancholic Fado, it is the genuineness of the gentle, tolerant and hospitable people which will win your hearts.
Real Travel - within easy reach
Numerous flights from the UK direct to Portugal mean that the country has never been easier to get to.
Direct flights to Porto, Lisboa, Faro in the south or Santiago de Compostela make touring in Portugal easy. Follow the Camino de Santiago, explore the Douro Valley, head into or over the mountains or discover the country region by region, diving deeper into North Portugal, Centro de Portugal or perhaps, for warmer climes, the Alentejo and Estremadura – you’re sure to find adventure!
- Independent self-drive touring with all the info and support you need.
- Bespoke itineraries – designed and organised by our experts.
- Fly to Portugal and we’ll include a hire car.
- Stay in delightful, independent small hotels
Where we travel in Portugal
Why our clients love our tours
Your satisfaction is our Nº 1 priority – read independent reviews of our holidays on AITO.com
A handful of favourite tours in Portugal
A selection of our most popular tours in Portugal - for a full list please click here
stdClass Object
(
[name] => Grand Tour of Central Portugal
[slug] => central-portugal-tour
[description] => Crammed with World Heritage Sites from beginning to end the tour crosses several major wine regions and offers wonderful regional cuisine, from the ocean and the land, at every stop.
From the surf-washed Atlantic coast to the high mountains and plains of the interior to the dramatic gorge of the Douro Valley you will discover an area of outstanding beauty and delightful contrasts.
[introduction] => All the highlights of central Portugal; Lisboa to Porto passing through Coimbra and the lesser-known gems of the Alentejo and Centro de Portugal on the way.
[categories] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[name] => Food tours
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Special interest
)
)
[1] => Array
(
[name] => Heritage tours
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Special interest
)
)
[2] => Array
(
[name] => Wine tours
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Special interest
)
)
[3] => Array
(
[name] => Fly-drive
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Transportation
)
)
[4] => Array
(
[name] => Portugal
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => National – Cross-regional
)
)
[5] => Array
(
[name] => Coastal
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Holiday type
)
)
[6] => Array
(
[name] => Inland
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Holiday type
)
)
[7] => Array
(
[name] => Mountains
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Holiday type
)
)
)
[locations] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[name] => Central and Southern Portugal
[category] => Array
(
[name] => Region
)
)
)
[versions] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[itinerary] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[id] => 01k4sgvf8ex07njxm4s6ppeja0
[title] => Day 1 & 2 – Lisboa & around
[introduction] =>
[description] => Hop a tram and explore Portugal’s exciting capital
Rossio square and train station
Skip out to Sintra, and the beaches of Cascais & Aldeia do Meco
Bar hop in Bairro Alto, dine in style in Chiado
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos – a Manueline delight
World Heritage Évora, Roman ruins, medieval walls
Alentejo wines, Portugal’s finest
Hilltop fortress towns of Monsaraz, Marvão and Castelo Vide
Pottery towns among the vines El Corval and Redondo
“Marble towns” of Vila Viçosa and Estremoz
World Heritage Elvas with its magnificent Roman aqueduct
The magnificent monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaça
São Martinho do Porto a little pearl set on a string of surf washed Atlantic beaches
The Convent at Tomar, delightful city of the Templars
Sierras de Aire y Candeeiros Nature Park – riddled with caves
Medieval Óbidos with its famous white houses
Coimbra University – stunning buildings, stunning views, fascinating museums
Sé Velha, Portuguese Romanesque at its finest
Take in a fado show – Coimbra style of course
Jewish Quarter – especially magical by night
Roman ruins at Conímbriga
Fortress towns – Trancoso, Almeida, Castelo Rodrigo
Paleolithic rock-art in the Côa Valley 22000 years old!
Local wine and olive oil of the Beira Alta
Faia Brava nature reserve with wild horses, cattle and large birds of prey
Explore the Douro International Nature Park
Jump the border to Ciudad Rodrigo and Salamanca
Ribeira, Porto’s fascinating historic centre, a World Heritage site
Cross the impressive Dom Luis I iron bridge to the Port Wine Lodges
Art for all from finest museums to simple galleries
Walk the lanes, sail the river, live and breathe Porto
Ferry to Afurada and the golden beach of Estrela
Extend your stay in Lisboa and take your time to explore the capital
Head towards the Spanish border and discover the Baixo Alentejo
Add a stop in charming Aveiro and hop on a gondola-like Moliceiro
or cross the border into Spain and visit historic Salamanca
Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
Lisboa, Coimbra & Porto – the Portuguese ‘big three’
Alto Alentejo, historic Évora, potteries and vineyards
World Heritage Batalha, Alcobaça & Tomar
Planalto – fortress towns on the Spanish border
Porto – Old Town, Ribeira; history and wine
Stunning scenery, gastronomy and wines
stdClass Object
(
[name] => Discover North Portugal
[slug] => caminando-north-portugal
[description] => Vineyards and nature, delicious local food and world-class wine. From start to finish you’ll find stunning landscapes, wonderful walking, great cities and lovely, well preserved towns to investigate.
The full route takes ten days but you can do as little, or as much, as you like.
[introduction] => A longer tour taking in all the highlights of North Portugal yet without too much driving. Start in style in historic Porto and the Douro valley which marks the southern limit of the region, then head north to Guimaraes and Braga, the Lima Valley, and on towards the border with Spain to discover the windswept Costa Verde, Minho Valley fortress towns and Peneda-Geres, Portugal’s only National Park.
[categories] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[name] => Food tours
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Special interest
)
)
[1] => Array
(
[name] => Heritage tours
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Special interest
)
)
[2] => Array
(
[name] => Wine tours
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Special interest
)
)
[3] => Array
(
[name] => Fly-drive
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Transportation
)
)
[4] => Array
(
[name] => Coastal
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Holiday type
)
)
[5] => Array
(
[name] => Inland
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Holiday type
)
)
[6] => Array
(
[name] => Mountains
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Holiday type
)
)
)
[locations] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[name] => Northern Portugal
[category] => Array
(
[name] => Region
)
)
)
[versions] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[itinerary] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[id] => 01k4a1ccknw73361ekag0x48c2
[title] => Day 1 & 2 – Porto
[introduction] =>
[description] => Ribeira, Porto’s fascinating historic centre, a World Heritage site
Cross the impressive Dom Luis I iron bridge to the Port Wine Lodges
Art for all from finest museums to simple galleries
Walk the lanes, sail the river, live and breathe Porto
Ferry to Afurada and the golden beach of Estrela
Fabulous Douro scenery – take an unforgettable boat trip
World Heritage Douro vineyards, the World’s oldest!
Romantic Amarante on the River Tamega
Lamego – famous stairs of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios
Superb gastronomy in the atmospheric “adegas” taverns
Stunning Guimaraes – World Heritage Site, full of culture and art
Historic Braga with Portugal’s oldest Cathedral
Bom Jesus del Monte with its famous baroque staircase
Lively Barcelos – oldest market in the north, a must!
Celtic Citania de Briteiros, 2500 years of history
National Park Peneda – Geres: boulder strewn granite peaks, forests and waterfalls
Hiking, biking, horse riding, routes and water sports
Spa town of Geres at the heart of the park
Swim in turquoise rivers; marvel at the waterfalls in the Arado valley
Visit the “espigueiros” grain stores in striking Soajo
Delightful Caminha and the fortress towns of Valença, Monção and Melgaço, dotted along the river Minho
Historic step in the Portuguese Santiago pilgrim way
Imposing Viana do Castelo with its long surfy windswept Atlantic coastline
Graceful Ponte de Lima with its Roman bridge
Sample the Vinho Verde wine and hearty local fare
Fly into and back from Santiago and explore the city or the Rias Bajas
If you fly via Santiago, explore the Galician Ribera Sacra wine region
Add a stop in Viseu and the Dao wine region - south of the Douro Valley
or extend your stay at any of the stops - they are all worth it!
Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
World class Port wines Douro and Vinho Verde
Historic Porto and its charming old quarter
World Heritage Arquitecture, Art and Culture
Breathtaking valleys, Douro, Lima and Minho
The Camino Portugues – St James’ Way
Boulder-strewn mountains of Peneda-Geres
stdClass Object
(
[name] => Discover the Alentejo
[slug] => discover-the-alentejo
[description] => Authentic, whitewashed villages, exquisite Moorish neighbourhoods, dazzling white marble towns, astonishing medieval cities, imposing hilltop fortresses, Palaeolithic carvings and megaliths, Roman ruins and fortifications.. Culture, art and history from north to south, east to west – the Alentejo has it all!
Rich in local handicrafts from pottery to tapestries, colourful country markets, delicious, traditional cuisine and excellent, regional wines, the magnificent birdsong at dawn and at dusk, will leave you entranced! And the proud, yet warm and welcoming people will quickly win your hearts.
[introduction] => Discover the delights of Portugal’s alluring Alentejo: a land of wine and bread, of simplicity, tradition, light and colour – vast golden plains, olive groves, vines and cork forests, gently rolling hillsides and serras and a spectacular rugged coastline with pristine Altlantic beaches.
[categories] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[name] => Heritage tours
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Special interest
)
)
[1] => Array
(
[name] => Wine tours
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Special interest
)
)
[2] => Array
(
[name] => Fly-drive
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Transportation
)
)
[3] => Array
(
[name] => Coastal
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Holiday type
)
)
[4] => Array
(
[name] => Inland
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Holiday type
)
)
[5] => Array
(
[name] => Mountains
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Holiday type
)
)
)
[locations] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[name] => Central and Southern Portugal
[category] => Array
(
[name] => Region
)
)
)
[versions] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[itinerary] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[id] => 01k4shn7xnz395ve3tqe16he1j
[title] => Day 1 & 2 - Lisboa and around
[introduction] =>
[description] => Hop a tram and explore Portugal’s exciting capital
Rossio square and train station
Skip out to Sintra, and the beaches of Cascais & Aldeia do Meco
Bar hop in Bairro Alto, dine in style in Chiado
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos – a Manueline delight
Go beach-hopping - Almograve, Malhao, Zambujeira
Hike along or cycle the Rota Vicentina 'Fishermans Way'
Visit the picturesque seaside town village of Vila Nova de Milfontes
Locally caught fish & seafood - and delicious bread!
Explore the National Park of Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina
Surf, kayak, dive or just relax in and around the estuary
Moura, its Moorish quarter, ancient castle, delightful gardens and olive oil museum..
Beja, capital of the Baixo Alentejo at the heart of the Golden Plain on the map since the Iron Age
Medieval Mertola, set high above the Rio Guadiana, an 'open-air museum'
Serpa, famed for its sheep's cheese and its locals' love of food!
Mourao and the immense Alqueva reservoir
Feast at friendly, family run restaurants
World Heritage Évora, Roman ruins, medieval walls
Alentejo wines, Portugal’s finest
Hilltop fortress town of Monsaraz and nearby wine centre Reguengos
Pottery towns among the vines El Corval and Redondo
“Marble towns” of Borba, Vila Viçosa and Estremoz
World Heritage Elvas with its magnificent Roman aqueduct
Hilltop fortress towns of Marvao and Castelo Vide
"Cidade de Ammaia" Roman museum
Ancient megaliths Including the oldest in the Peninsula
Portalegre, with its faded baroque mansions, cathedral, castle and fantastic tapestry factory
Wonderful walking trails with ancient churches, fountains, megaliths and dolmens.
Return from Porto and stay in the city - you won´t regret it!
or add a stop in the Douro Valley - endless terraced vineyards!
Cross the border into Spain from either Baixo or Alto Alentejo
Add a stop in Batalha and discover Estremadura´s monumental monasteries
Extend your stay in Lisboa and visit nearby Sintra and Cascais
Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
Vibrant, historic Lisboa and monumental Sintra
Vila Nova de Milfontes on the Costa Vicentina
Moura with its well preserved Moorish quarter
Historic Evora and the glittering marble towns
World class wines and gastronomy to match
Immense Alqueva reservoir, Europe’s largest
Fascinating medieval towns of Beja, Mertola and Serpa
Stunning hilltop fortress towns of Monsaraz, Marvao and Castelo de Vide
stdClass Object
(
[name] => Porto, Douro and Las Beiras
[slug] => porto-douro-las-beiras
[description] => Discover the fortress towns dotted among the vineyards of the high plains of the Planalto before heading up into the Serra da Estrela, Portugal’s highest mountain range.
Take in a Fado show and marvel at the historic University of Coimbra with its stunning views over the city before finishing at delightful Art-Nouveau Aveiro back at the Atlantic coast.
The full route takes fourteen days but you can do as little, or as much, as you like.
[introduction] => Discover the well known delights of romantic, old-world Porto and the Douro Valley, the world’s oldest denominated wine area with its famous vertiginous landscape, then move on south, away from the crowds to lesser-known but enchanting region of Las Beiras.
[categories] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[name] => Food tours
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Special interest
)
)
[1] => Array
(
[name] => Wine tours
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Special interest
)
)
[2] => Array
(
[name] => Fly-drive
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Transportation
)
)
[3] => Array
(
[name] => Coastal
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Holiday type
)
)
[4] => Array
(
[name] => Inland
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Holiday type
)
)
[5] => Array
(
[name] => Mountains
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Holiday type
)
)
)
[locations] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[name] => Central and Southern Portugal
[category] => Array
(
[name] => Region
)
)
)
[versions] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[itinerary] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[id] => 01k4sean36fv4d566a7mwqmxfb
[title] => Day 1 to 2 – Porto
[introduction] =>
[description] => Ribeira, Porto’s fascinating historic centre, a World Heritage site
Cross the impressive Dom Luis I iron bridge to the Port Wine Lodges
Art for all from finest museums to simple galleries
Walk the lanes, sail the river, live and breathe Porto
Ferry to Afurada and the golden beach of Estrela
Fabulous Douro scenery – take an unforgettable boat trip
World Heritage Douro vineyards, the World’s oldest!
Romantic Amarante on the River Tamega
Lamego – famous stairs of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios
Superb gastronomy in the atmospheric “adegas” taverns
Fortress towns – Trancoso, Almeida, Castelo Rodrigo
Paleolithic rock-art in the Côa Valley 22000 years old!
Local wine and olive oil of the Beira Alta
Faia Brava nature reserve with wild horses, cattle and large birds of prey
Explore the Douro International Nature Park
Jump the border to Ciudad Rodrigo and Salamanca
Walking, cycling, kayaking and much more in the Serra da Estrela Nature Park
Visit the Burel Wool factory in Manteigas
Scale the Torre peak – Portugal’s highest
Manteigas and Sabugueiro – charming mountain villages
Rich Jewish heritage and historic castle of Belmonte
Coimbra University – stunning buildings, stunning views, fascinating museums
Sé Velha, Portuguese Romanesque at its finest
Take in a fado show – Coimbra style of course
Jewish Quarter – especially magical by night
Roman ruins at Conímbriga
Discover Art-Nouveau Aveiro from a gondola-like ‘Moliceiro’
Sail or kayak in the estuary, go surfing in the ocean
Gaily-painted seaside houses of Costa Nova do Prado
Visit the Vista Alegre porcelain factory
Playa de Barra and the wild dunes of São Jacinto
Fly via Lisboa and explore Portugal´s capital
Add a stop in Viseu - historic centre of the Dão wine region
Dip into Spain and discover lovely Salamanca
or extend your stay at any of the stops - they are all worth it!
Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
World Heritage Porto and the Port Wine Lodges
Stunning scenery of the Douro Valley
Fortress towns and prehistoric art of the Planalto
Magnificent wilderness of the Serra da Estrela
Lively Coimbra with its monumental University
A ‘Moliceiro’ ride in Art-Nouveau Aveiro
stdClass Object
(
[name] => A Taste of Northern Portugal
[slug] => taste-northern-portugal
[description] => Brim-full of culture, art and history, including four Unesco World Heritage sites, the region is also blessed with a multitude of historic manor houses and mansions dotted amongst the vineyards and well-preserved old towns.
Enjoy the fantastic Port wines but don’t miss the wonderful table wines the north of Portugal now produces, both in the Douro and Vinho Verde regions. Wherever you go you’ll find hearty local gastronomy and warm hospitality.
[introduction] => Discover the charms of Northern Portugal: the wild Atlantic coastline, world famous wines, the stunning scenery of the ancient Douro vineyards and the enchanting cities of Porto, Viana do Castelo, Braga and Guimaraes – all in a one week tour!
[categories] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[name] => Food tours
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Special interest
)
)
[1] => Array
(
[name] => Heritage tours
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Special interest
)
)
[2] => Array
(
[name] => Wine tours
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Special interest
)
)
[3] => Array
(
[name] => Fly-drive
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Transportation
)
)
[4] => Array
(
[name] => Coastal
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Holiday type
)
)
[5] => Array
(
[name] => Inland
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Holiday type
)
)
)
[locations] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[name] => Northern Portugal
[category] => Array
(
[name] => Region
)
)
)
[versions] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[itinerary] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[id] => 01k4a11cs8z9mqe2e0gkchh8ar
[title] => Day 1 & 2 – Porto
[introduction] =>
[description] => Ribeira, Porto’s fascinating historic centre, a World Heritage site
Cross the impressive Dom Luis I iron bridge to the Port Wine Lodges
Art for all from finest museums to simple galleries
Walk the lanes, sail the river, live and breathe Porto
Ferry to Afurada and the golden beach of Estrela
Delightful Caminha and the fortress towns of Valença, Monção and Melgaço, dotted along the river Minho
Historic step in the Portuguese Santiago pilgrim way
Imposing Viana do Castelo with its long surfy windswept Atlantic coastline
Graceful Ponte de Lima with its Roman bridge
Sample the Vinho Verde wine and hearty local fare
Fabulous Douro scenery – take an unforgettable boat trip
World Heritage Douro vineyards, the World’s oldest!
Romantic Amarante on the River Tamega
Lamego – famous stairs of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios
Superb gastronomy in the atmospheric “adegas” taverns
Fly into and back from Santiago and explore the city or the Rias Bajas
Add a stop in the National Park Peneda–Geres - perfect for nature lovers!
Head further south and visit Aveiro, "the Portuguese Venice"
or extend your stay at any of the stops - they are all worth it!
Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
Fascinating fortress towns along the Minho
Vinho Verde, Port and Douro - superb gastronomy
World Heritage Guimaraes, full of culture and art
Historic Braga, with Portugal's oldest Cathedral
Porto with its World Heritage Old Town and quay
Port Wine Lodges, hop over the Dom Luis I bridge
stdClass Object
(
[name] => Lisboa, Alentejo & Estremadura
[slug] => lisbon-alentejo-estremadura
[description] => Marvel at the Monasteries in Batalha, Alcobaça and Tomar, the history of Lisboa in the Age of Discovery, the palaces and castles of Sintra and medieval Évora with its Roman ruins.
But it’s not all about old stones and history – here you’ll find fine wines and gastronomy, lively bars and cool cafes, ocean beaches and wonderful hiking…
The full route takes a week but you can do as little, or as much, as you like.
[introduction] => The classic ‘golden triangle’ of central Portugal; Lisboa, Évora and the monasteries of Estremadura; six World Heritage sites in an area the size of Yorkshire!
[categories] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[name] => Heritage tours
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Special interest
)
)
[1] => Array
(
[name] => Fly-drive
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Transportation
)
)
[2] => Array
(
[name] => Coastal
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Holiday type
)
)
[3] => Array
(
[name] => Inland
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Holiday type
)
)
)
[locations] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[name] => Central and Southern Portugal
[category] => Array
(
[name] => Region
)
)
)
[versions] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[itinerary] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[id] => 01k4sf5sjwgjp523j8jrmzvv1b
[title] => Day 1 to 3 – Lisboa & around
[introduction] =>
[description] => Hop a tram and explore Portugal’s exciting capital
Rossio square and train station
Skip out to Sintra, and the beaches of Cascais & Aldeia do Meco
Bar hop in Bairro Alto, dine in style in Chiado
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos – a Manueline delight
World Heritage Évora, Roman ruins, medieval walls
Alentejo wines, Portugal’s finest
Hilltop fortress towns of Monsaraz, Marvão and Castelo Vide
Pottery towns among the vines El Corval and Redondo
“Marble towns” of Vila Viçosa and Estremoz
World Heritage Elvas with its magnificent Roman aqueduct
The magnificent monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaça
Saõ Martinho do Porto a little pearl set on a string of surf washed Atlantic beaches
The Convent at Tomar, delightful city of the Templars
Sierras de Aire y Candeeiros Nature Park – riddled with caves
Medieval Óbidos with its famous white houses
Swap Lisboa for Sintra or Cascais - well-connected with the capital!
Cross the Spanish border and dip into Extremadura
Head south to the Costa Vicentina - it's not far!
or explore the Serra de Sao Mamede in the Alto Alentejo
Ask about superior rooms or a larger rental car
Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
Vibrant, historic Lisboa and monumental Sintra
Alto Alentejo - Évora, potteries and vineyards
World Heritage – Batalha, Alcobaça & Tomar
Atlantic beaches - Cascais, Peniche, Nazaré...
Delicious gastronomy and wonderful Alentejo wines
Hilltop fortress towns - Monsaraz, Marvão...
Travel your own way to Portugal
Fly down and rent a car or bike or bring your own on the ferry - Portugal awaits...
Check out our travel guides
Here’s a few of our travel guides for Portugal.
Browse the site for regions and tours and you’ll see the applicable guides on each page. For a full list of all guides see the Spain and Portugal Highlights section of our blog.
Travel with us and you’ll get all the insider information – with restaurant recommendations, and so much more – via our handy travel app.
