Top Portugal Day Trips - page 2

Discover the west side of São Miguel island with ease on a full-day tour from Ponta Delgada. A great way for first-time visitors to orient themselves, this tour covers Lake Fogo, Boca do Inferno lookout, Mosteiros, and Sete Cidades, home to the vivid Lago Azul and Lago Verde. Enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch and hotel pickup and drop-off on this small-group tour.

The rocky mountains, oak forests, and historic villages of the Geres National Park lie just over an hour’s drive from Porto. With this tour, venture off the beaten track in a 4WD and explore little-known viewpoints, local villages, and secret swimming holes. Stop along the way to admire the wild landscapes and waterfalls, enjoy short hikes, tuck into a traditional Portuguese lunch, and cool off with a swim in a natural lagoon.

See the extraordinary views from the summit of Pico Ruivo on this small-group sunrise hike. The PR1 hike from Pico do Arieiro takes you to the highest peak in Madeira, offering panoramic scenes of the island below. Set off long before the crowds arrive and climb the mountainous region to reach the top, often above the clouds, as the sun rises.

Swap the busy city for the serene Berlenga Grande, a scenic island in the Berlengas Nature Reserve, on this small-group day trip. See a side of Portugal many visitors miss and heighten your chance of spotting local wildlife with your guide. On arrival, visit St. John the Baptist Fort and take a guided stroll along the pathways of the UNESCO-listed Biosphere Reserve. Then, take a glass-bottom boat excursion through Berlenga Grande’s caves.

The Douro Valley’s landscapes are replete with vineyards and bounteous produce: sip and sample the best of the region’s culinary offerings on this full-day tour from Porto. Alongside your guide, visit wine estates and spectacular viewpoints. See, too, the beauty of the Douro River during a boat ride and enjoy lunch in a typical Portuguese restaurant.

Terceira Island, an authentic paradise in the middle of the Atlantic, made up of millions of fantastic natural places ready to visit. This tour includes the passage through the most beautiful spots that this island has to offer.

Leave Lisbon’s cobblestone streets and visit Sintra and Pena Palace on a small-group half-day tour. Travel in an air-conditioned minivan with skip-the-line access to Pena Palace’s colorful facades and terraces, avoiding long queues. Explore Sintra’s historic district, taste traditional pastry and local cherry liqueur, and enjoy free time for shopping or relaxing in the charming old town.

See many of Lisbon’s highlights in one day on this group tour of the city. Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle between dispersed sites and listen to your guide provide commentary along the way. Highlights include the Tower of Belem, Jeronimos Monastery, the National Sanctuary of Christ the King, and Eduardo VII Park.

Uncover the natural splendor surrounding Funchal on this full-day northern wonders Jeep trip. Stay from Funchal’s well-trodden paths in a fully-equipped Jeep to see the awe-inspiring plateaus at Paul da Serra. Admire the natural Porto Moniz pools, formed by volcanic activity long ago, as well as the renowned São Vicente vineyards and Cabo Girao.

Discover what makes Sintra the most romantic corner of Portugal on a private day trip to this forested enclave of palaces and estates. With a private driver, visit the former royal retreats of Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira, stroll through UNESCO-listed Sintra, and enjoy the ocean air in seaside Cascais. Keep in mind that out of all monuments shown, you can choose three to visit.

Exploring Portugal's scenic countryside and historic villages by rental car or public transportation can be a chore. Leave the driving to an expert on this small-group guided day trip to Fátima, Óbidos, and Nazaré from Lisbon. Discover the moving pilgrimage site of Fátima, plus visit the medieval town of Óbidos and seaside village of Nazaré. You'll have ample time to marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Batalha Monastery and savor coastal and inland views with time-saving round-trip transport.

Discover the renowned Douro Valley, Portugal's foremost wine region, on a full-day tour from Porto. Join a small group and embark on a journey through local vineyards, indulging in tastings while uncovering the region's unique characteristics. Immerse yourself in traditional Portuguese culture, admire iconic tiles, and savor a delightful lunch at an authentic local restaurant.

Discover the history and secrets of Sintra on this private tour with a local guide who knows all there is to know about the area. Customize this tour based on your group’s interests. Choose to tour one of the six palaces in Sintra on a half-day trip, or visit two palaces on a full-day tour, then spend time viewing the others from the outside. Your guide takes you to famous and lesser-known spots throughout the region.

Experience the winemaking region of Douro with a private guide on this full-day tour from Porto. In one day, stop at a few vineyards, where you can sample the region’s wine and feast on a delicious wine lunch in a manor (at your own expense). Avoid the hassle of renting a car or planning logistics so you can spend more time soaking up the UNESCO-listed landscapes.

Discover more of São Miguel on your Azores vacation with this small-group day trip with a local guide. Perfect if you have a free day but no transport, this tour takes you to villages, hot springs and fumaroles that would be difficult to reach alone. Lunch and tea samples from São Miguel are included. Please note that the entrance fee for the thermal baths is separate.

Taste the beauty of Portugal’s wine during this full-day tour to the Douro Valley. Visit local vineyards where you taste world-class wines while admiring scenic views from the Douro’s terraced vineyards. Learn about the Douro Valley’s wine production process from the winemakers themselves. Satiate your appetite with a traditional lunch in the charming village of Pinhão. And of course, try Portugal’s famous port wines.

Steep yourself in the history of Santiago de Compostela, without the hassle of driving or taking public transport, on this full-day guided sightseeing tour from Porto. Delve deep into the religious and cultural heritage of Galicia’s star city with the help of an expert guide. After leaving Porto, enjoy a scenic drive over the Portugal-Spain border. Then arrive in Santiago, where you’ll spend the day traversing this UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its pilgrimage route, the Caminho de Santiago (St. James' Way).

Uncover the hidden treasures of Portugal’s only national park without the stress of self-driving on an adventure from Porto. Led by local guides, head off the usual tourist trail to enjoy mountain views, a refreshing waterfall swim, and hiking. Midway through the journey, pause for a picnic in a secluded scenic spot and chat to other members of your group. The perfect way to explore beyond Portugal's cities, without having to plan a thing yourself.

Pair the beauty of UNESCO World Heritage–listed Sintra with the rugged charms of Portugal’s Atlantic coast without the expense of car hire or the stress of finding parking on this guided tour. See Pena National Palace and Quinta da Regaleira (upgrade to include tickets), capture photos of Guincho Beach, and enjoy free time in the elegant resort town of Cascais.

Avoid the stress of finding your way around Lisbon by joining a private tour, led by an insider guide who will take you to many of the city’s top spots, saving you time both with planning and on the ground. Discover charming neighborhoods and snap photos from the best vantage points in the city, looking out over red terracotta roofs and down to the Tagus River.

Embark on a guided adventure of the west side of Madeira that helps you uncover beautiful scenery, places that locals love, and lots of surprises along the way too. Exploring the island with a guide helps you access off the beaten path locations that you might not find alone. It also means you don’t have to worry about navigating or hiring a vehicle. Highlights along the way include Cabo Girao viewpoint, Ribeira Brava Beach, and Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools.

Get outside of the city and visit one of the most important Christian pilgrimages in the world during this private 5-hour tour of Fátima from Lisbon. You’ll visit important Catholic sites including the three little shepherds house, the Our Lady of Fátima Sanctuary and the Chapel of Apparitions. A knowledgeable local driver will inform you of the village’s unique history, including they story of how three small children claimed to have seen an apparition of the Virgin Mary in 1917. This private tour offers a more personalized experience.

Discover the natural beauty of São Miguel’s east side on this scenic day trip. Witness bubbling hot springs in Furnas, and sample iron-rich waters and traditional “cozido” stew cooked by volcanic steam. Visit the stunning Ribeira dos Caldeirões waterfall and unwind at the scenic Santa Iria viewpoint, a memorable mix of volcanic wonders and serene island landscapes.

Discover a region full of beautiful landscapes, lush landscapes and fantastic viewpoints. Visit the Gorreana Tea Plantations, the oldest tea plantations in Europe. See the oldest tea fields in Europe. Then head to the Furnas to explore the valley and dive into the thermal springs to relax and connect with nature. After visiting the thermas, stop for lunch at the Furnas. Try the famous mixed meat cooked or many of the other menu options. After lunch, visit the lagoon and stroll a little to appreciate the surrounding area. After the visit to the lagoon, it is time to go to Vila Franca to see the world famous island. Finish your Ponta Delgada tour with a visit to the pineapple plantations. NOTE: PICKUPS START AT 8:45. Please be ready at this time at the designated place. Reservations made less than 48 hours before the start of the tour may not allow the tour to be conducted in German, French or Spanish.