Discover what makes Portugal unforgettable
Portugal’s beaches are simply stunning. The Algarve features dramatic cliffs and hidden coves, perfect for sunbathing and swimming in crystal-clear waters. Towns like Lagos and Albufeira offer vibrant atmospheres with charming cafes and shops. If you’re a surfer, Nazaré’s giant waves are legendary. For a more peaceful vibe, check out the serene beaches of Comporta, where you can unwind and soak in the breathtaking scenery.
Beyond the beaches, Portugal’s landscapes are incredibly diverse. You’ve got the lush, green mountains in the Azores, the rolling hills of the Alentejo, and dramatic cliffs along the coastline. Whether you’re hiking, cycling, or just taking in the scenery, Portugal’s natural beauty will leave you speechless.
Portugal’s architecture is a mix of medieval, Moorish, and modern influences. You’ll find Gothic monasteries, ornate Manueline-style buildings, and contemporary designs by world-renowned architects. Whether you’re visiting the ancient Jerónimos Monastery or the modern MAAT museum, the blend of old and new is stunning.
Portugal’s famous blue-and-white tiles—azulejos—adorn buildings, churches, and even train stations. These hand-painted tiles tell stories through intricate designs, adding character to the streets. You can explore Lisbon’s tile museum or just wander the streets and admire the art all around you.
Unveiling Portugal’s hidden gems and iconic wonders
Wander through Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, where steep cobbled streets wind past colorful tiled facades and laundry sways between balconies. With your guide, uncover hidden viewpoints, hear the echoes of Fado music from local taverns, and step into centuries-old churches. This is the real Lisbon—charming, soulful, and full of stories.
Journey through the rolling vineyards of the Douro Valley, home to some of the world’s finest wines. Visit a small, family-run winery where the owners share their passion for winemaking, from grape to glass. Sip on rich reds and crisp whites while overlooking the river-carved landscape, away from the big commercial tastings.
Feel the power of the Atlantic at Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe. With rugged cliffs plunging into crashing waves, it’s a breathtaking spot to pause and take in the vastness of the ocean. Your private guide helps you avoid the crowds, leading you to quieter trails with even better views.
Step into a storybook world in Sintra, where colorful palaces rise from misty forests. Visit the iconic Pena Palace with its whimsical towers and hidden courtyards, then explore lesser-known gems like the Moorish Castle. With a private tour, you can take your time, avoiding the rush and discovering the best viewpoints in peace.
Join a locals for a hands-on cooking experience, where you’ll learn to prepare a classic Portuguese dish, like cataplana or bacalhau à brás. As you chop, stir, and taste, you’ll hear stories of old family recipes and traditions. The best part? Sharing the meal together, just like the locals do.
Escape the busy beaches and find a quiet cliffside spot where the golden coast stretches endlessly before you. As the sun dips into the Atlantic, enjoy a simple picnic of fresh bread, cheese, and local wine, savoring the moment with nothing but the sound of the waves. Your guide knows the perfect secluded locations for an unforgettable sunset.
Stroll along Porto’s Ribeira district, where colorful houses line the riverbank and locals gather in bustling cafés. Your guide will lead you through hidden alleyways and centuries-old bridges, sharing the city’s maritime history and introducing you to small, family-run taverns where port wine flows freely.
Venture into Portugal’s countryside to discover stone-built villages where time seems to stand still. Walk through narrow lanes lined with slate houses, meet artisans still practicing ancient crafts, and enjoy a slow lunch in a family-run taverna. With a private guide, you’ll go beyond the guidebooks and experience Portugal’s rural heart.
If you want to cover a bit of everything on your trip – sightseeing, outdoor activities, lazy days on the beach with dips in the ocean — the best month to visit Portugal is September. It’s still hot, but far less intense than summer, and the sea will be at its warmest.
April to early May are also wonderful. Although sea temperatures are chilly, the landscapes are beautiful — lush, and alive with flowers, before the dry months of summer roll in.
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Our agent was very helpful and responsive to our requests for changes to customise our trip. He met us at the airport and was available throughout our trip to offer support and advice.
We had a great time. Joel was a wonderful host and took great care of us. He was knowledgeable and friendly. We enjoyed our time with him. The trip went very well. All the accommodations were more than we expected, and the sights/events chosen gave us a full view of Portugal. I would whole-heartedly recommend Rough Guides and Joel for anyone considering Portugal. The only suggestion I would make is that an electric vehicle is not the best choice for long car rides. To manage the battery life, we had to go very slow, but we did enjoy our time with Joel on the drives. Electric is great for short visits like Sintra and Belhem, but for the longer drives the technology is not yet there.
Traveled to Portugal and Joel with Rough Guides was amazing. He planned our trip and was our driver too. He’s very friendly and loves his country. We felt we made a friend in the 10 days we were there. Loved our trip.
Our trip through rough guides, coordinated by Monica, was wonderful. Monica was an absolute pleasure to work with, she organized our trip so that we had no concerns. We have recommended Rough Guides to numerous people at home and during our trip.
We just wanted to give you some feedback on our itinerary. We were happy with all the hotels but especially enjoyed Melia Aeroporto. It was beautiful and the staff was professional. We had dinner there and enjoyed it. The breakfast was bountiful and delicious. We enjoyed all our stops and really enjoyed the Fado show. Boca do Inferno was a beautiful stop. Sintra was hard to access so we did skip it but stopped in Cas Cais briefly and thought it was lovely. The sailboat cruise was ok but it was drizzling and they didn't tell you what you were looking at unless you asked for that information. Porto was amazing and the wine cellar tour was wonderful. We enjoyed our meal at Escondidinho. Guimaraes was great and we enjoyed lunch there in the courtyard. Douro Valley was beautiful and the river cruise was well worth it. We had dinner at The Vintage House which was classy. The surrounding area was desolate at night. Next time we book with Rough Guides we would definately stay away from a standard transmission rental car. We appreciated your guidance and to know that you were accessible most times when we had questions. We had a great trip and thank you for all your knowledge. Will definitely recommend Rough Guides for future travel.
Just wanted to express my thanks to Joel and Rough Guides for a wonderful trip! Everything was well-chosen and we just loved all of the hotels, sightseeing recommendations, activities, etc. The one time we had an issue (and it really was only one time), I called Joel and he responded immediately and fixed the problem. Thanks again!
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