Signature: Portugal's Porto, Douro Valley, & Lisbon

Signature: Portugal's Porto, Douro Valley, & Lisbon

• Trip code: 4A4X008
• Dauer: 8
• Stil: National Geographic Signature

Explore the rich cultural tapestry of Portugal's mainland on a journey through its history, gastronomy, and spectacular scenery. Be immersed in Porto’s ancient trading culture and the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley, visit the seat of the Knights Templar and engage with a social enterprise for a meal in Lisbon. From the sounds of a traditional Fado music show to the last drop of a glass of local wine, experience Portugal’s past and present like never before.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Hotels (7 nts)

Checklist

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Headphones (Noice-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Smart Dress:
• Smart outfit (For evenings out)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Group Leader

National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout

Group Size Notes

Max 22

Highlights

Explore the colourful Pena Palace and the eclectic Quinta da Regaleira in the UNESCO-listed hills of Sintra, Join a cooking class at a traditional quinta learning to prepare local dishes in the heart of the Douro Valley, Visit the historic Port Wine Caves for a cellar tour dinner and sampling of locally produced wines, Dine at Mezze, a social enterprise promoting the integration and employability of refugees and immigrants, Experience the melancholic soul of Portugal with a Fado performance and dinner in Lisbon

Meals Included

7 Frühstück, 5 Mittagessen, 7 Abendessen

Meal Budget

Plane USD60-80 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Keine optionale Aktivitäten

Start / Finish

Porto nach Lisbon

Transport

Private vehicle, tuk tuk, river boat, walking

What's Included

Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Mezze Restaurant, Lisbon
Dein Welcome-Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Porto
Dein Hands-On-Moment: Portweinkellerbesuch, Porto
Signature Moment: Livraria Lello Private Visit, Porto
Dein Foodie-Moment: Cooking Class, Lamego
Dein Foodie-Moment: Fado-Show mit portugiesischem Abendessen, Lisbon. Arrival and Departure Transfer. Port Wine Tasting. Porto Tuk Tuk Tour. Porto's role in Age of Discovery Expert Discussion. Expedition Leader Led Walk of the São Gonçalo Bridge. Pastry and Coffee at Confeitaria da Ponte. Wines of Portugal and their
Role in History Expert Discussion. The Duoro and Cork Expert Discussion. Regua to Pinhao Boat Cruise. Guided Tour of Tomar. Lisbon Role in the age of Discovery Expert Discussion. Lisbon City Tour. Jerónimos Monastery Visit. Maritime Museum Visit. São Roque Church Visit. Carmo Archaeological Museum Visit. Traditional Fado Show. Cabo da Roca Viewpoint. Guided tour of Pena Palace. Guided tour of Quinta da Regaleira. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Minimum Age

Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 Porto

Welcome to Portugal. Your expedition begins as you touch down in Porto, one of the oldest settlement centres in Europe.You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city’s UNESCO-designated historical centre. In the evening, meet your fellow travellers and National Geographic Expedition Leader for an introduction to your journey and a short presentation from the National Geographic Expedition Expert. Set off on foot across the river into Vila Nova de Gaia to a Port Wine Caves for a tour of the cellars and a welcome dinner, accompanied by a curated sampling of local wines

Day 2 Porto

Start the day with a walk to the Livraria Lello, widely considered to be one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, for an exclusive pre-opening tour with a specialist-bookseller. Peruse the stacks in quiet reverence amid the unique atmosphere of neo-gothic, art deco and art nouveau designs and the majestic central staircase. Next, board electric tuk-tuks for a guided exploration of UNESCO-listed Porto. Visit the awe-inspiring São Francisco Church, featuring over 200lbs (90.7kg) of gold leaf, the Romanesque Palácio da Bolsa and stop at the São Bento Railway Station to marvel at the dramatic azulejo tile panels. After lunch, enjoy some free time to explore and have dinner on your own

Day 3 Porto/Douro

Travel to the Douro Valley, soaking in the scenery of rolling hills and dramatic, terraced vineyards. Stop in the charming town of Amarante for a stroll along the Tâmega River, crossing the São Gonçalo Bridge on the way to the historic Confeitaria da Ponte for coffee and a taste of some of the local sweets. Continue to a winery for a tasting paired with a lunch of local specialties, highlighting the robust flavours borne from this unique terroir. After, enjoy a discussion about the pivotal role of Portuguese wines throughout history

Day 4 Douro

The day begins with an engaging talk focusing on the Douro region and the historic importance of cork in Portuguese culture. After, travel to a traditional quinta for a hands-on cooking class, where you’ll learn to prepare local dishes using fresh regional ingredients, and enjoy the delicious results for lunch. Later, board a vessel for one of the most spectacular experiences in the area with a navigation along the emblematic Douro River. Feel the immense scale of the UNESCO-listed landscapes rising dramatically around you, revealing the heart, soul and magic of the valley

Day 5 Douro/Lisbon

Bid the Douro Valley farewell and travel south towards Lisbon. The path is rich with history and storytelling, clearly seen in the city of Tomar, the former seat of the Order of the Knights Templar. Enjoy a guided walk and visit the Convent of Christ, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site and chief work of the Portuguese Renaissance. Continue in the afternoon to Portugal’s bustling capital, steeped in history and charm. In the evening, gather for dinner and a Fado performance, experiencing the deep, melancholic soul of Portugal through its music

Day 6 Lisbon

Discuss Libson’s role in the ‘Age of Discovery,’ setting the stage for the day ahead. Visit Jerónimos Monastery, built with the profits of the spice trade and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then stop at the Maritime Museum for a glimpse into the history of Europe’s early explorers. Lunch is at a community restaurant which promotes the integration of refugees and immigrants through training–celebrating empowerment and diversity within Lisbon’s neighbourhoods. Continue to São Roque Church, whose chapels are extraordinary masterpieces then visit the Carmo Convent Archaeological Museum, a haunting reminder of the 1755 earthquake. The evening is free for dinner on your own

Day 7 Lisbon

Head west to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Europe and an iconic landmark. Stand on the dramatic cliffs and marvel at the spectacular, windswept views of the expansive Atlantic — a powerful connection to the ocean that defined Portugal’s history. Continue to Sintra, a 19th-century resort town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your guided tour immerses you in the region's Romanticism, including visits to the colourful Pena Palace and the intriguing, eclectic architecture of Quinta da Regaleira. Back in Lisbon, gather with your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner, celebrating your exploration of Portugal’s historic and diverse past and present

Day 8 Lisbon

Your expedition concludes today. Transfers are provided to the airport at any time during the day

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Porto

Day 2 Porto

Day 3 Porto/Douro

Day 4 Douro

Day 5 Douro/Lisbon

Day 6 Lisbon

Day 7 Lisbon

Day 8 Lisbon