Portugal Tours

1. Lisbon

If you love cities but enjoy a relaxed pace of life, then be sure to include Lisbon in your Portugal tour package. Take the tram through Lisbon’s old town and seek out a viewpoint on one of the city’s seven hills. From there, enjoy the bay vista and an afternoon bica espresso before checking out the must-sees like Praça do Comércio, the city’s main square which opens to the sea, and Jerónimos Monastery, an exemplary work of late Gothic architecture attached to the Tower of Belém.

Guarding the mouth of the city’s Tagus River, the Tower of Belém is another important attraction in Lisbon. It stands as a reminder of Portugal’s prowess during the Age of Exploration. Be sure to pay attention to its eclectic facade—see if you can spot the gargoyle and hippo. This may not seem like the makings of a fortress, but when it was built in 1520 that was indeed the purpose.

2. Cabo da Roca

If you love hiking, head to Cabo de Roca. In mainland Europe, you can’t go further west than here without taking a swim in the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll find this outcrop within the National Park, Sintra-Cascais. From the western horizon to the Sintra Mountain Range, the views here are legendary—and it’s just 26 miles from Lisbon.

3. Sintra, the Quinta da Regaleira, and the Pena Palace

Famous for its castles and palaces, Sintra is a great destination for those interested in history and architecture. Here, you’ll find the Quinta da Regaleira—a theatrical mansion that was designed by an Italian opera set designer in the early 20th century, and includes symbolism from the Knights Templar, the Masons, and dark alchemy. Enjoy the luxurious garden terraces as you venture down a spiral staircase and enter secret chambers and tunnels that run the length of the grounds.

Another popular attraction located in Sintra is the Pena Palace—a romantic masterpiece of the 19th century. Inside the forested Pena Park, you’ll see colorful terraces, decorated battlements and mythological statues. Guided tours of the staterooms are available—ask your Tourlane Travel Expert for more information.

4. Douro Valley

Interested in wine tasting? The Douro Valley is the oldest demarcated wine country in the world, earning it a spot as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the terraced wine fields that rise from the Douro River and sample the regional varieties. Order some suckling pig or salted cod to pair with the house port and settle into your secluded vineyard estate. Less