Legendary Countryside and Cityscapes Tour of Portugal

Reminiscent of San Francisco, California, Lisbon sits adjacent to one of the largest bays in Portugal. Long before it was a top European tourist destination, it was a thriving port for ships that plied the water of the Iberian Peninsula. Today, you will be able to explore this vibrant and colorful history as you embark on your first full day in the Portuguese capital. Upon your arrival at the main airport, you will transfer to your conveniently located hotel.

All the clocks in the world will not give you enough time to enjoy all that there is to see in Lisbon; however, you can enjoy a full orientation of two of the city's most important legacies. Music and excellent food are central themes no matter where you go in Portugal. Today, you can enjoy a guided tour of the city center, including visits to the Belem district to try the city's famous pastries before experiencing the soulful music of Fado during an evening performance.

A short journey from the exciting bustle of Lisbon, the Serra de Sintra Natural Park has long offered visitors a glimpse of the stunning countryside that can be found beyond Portugal's more developed cities. Today, you will plunge into this natural beauty during a day trip to the charming village of Sintra and the iconic Pena Palace. Afterward, you can enjoy a trek through the adjacent cedar forests and megalithic monuments of the park. Such a chance to stretch your legs in the Portuguese countryside will ensure your access to the full picture of Portugal instead of limiting yourself to the cities.

Today, you will turn your back on the placid shores of the Tagus River and Lisbon to make your way into the fertile land of Northern Portugal. Here, vineyards, olive orchards, and rolling hills help to remind visitors of the country's agricultural roots. Before you reach your destination of Porto, you can enjoy visits to the rustic villages of Obidos, Nazare, and Aveiro. Upon your arrival in Porto, you will have the remainder of the day to acquaint yourself with the city.

Divided by the Douro River, Porto is Portugal's second-largest city and boasts an impressive array of gastronomic greatness and compelling history. With numerous monuments and ruins, the city center of Porto was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. Today, you will be able to enjoy a guided excursion through the red-tiled wonder of this city center. Here, a local guide will lead you across the famous iron bridge, which was designed by the same architect as the Eiffel Tower, and introduce you to the city's stunning ceramic buildings.

The Iberian Peninsula is known among wine lovers as an international center for some of the best wine varieties in the world. Today, you will be able to visit the pristine grape-growing center for Port wine. This fortified take on traditional wine has been produced here for centuries, and the Douro River was once responsible for carrying more port in the hulls of its supply ships than any other river in the world. Today, you will be able to enjoy an up-close and personal look at this heritage on a tour at a local winery.

With visions of immaculate vineyards and the divine flavors of the port they produce still floating in your mind, you will awake to your final morning in the Port region with a new appreciation for the cultural traditions of this storied land. Today, you will meander your way back to Lisbon after visiting the oldest university in Europe of Coimbra. Between the university's affiliation with the Knights Templar and its ancient temples, it may remind you of an Indiana Jones movie.

By returning to the Portuguese capital, you will be able to let your mouth guide you during an interactive exploration of Portugal's love affair with pastries. After enjoying a leisurely morning at your comfortable hotel, you will make your way to a nearby pastry kitchen for a cooking class that will teach you the inner workings of the city's favorite pastry: the ubiquitous Pasteis de Nata. Here, you will learn the secrets behind this delicious cream pastry and try your hand at producing a few on your own. After the course, you can explore the city at your leisure.

Alas, all good things must come to an end. On your final morning in Lisbon, you must fight the understandable temptation to lock yourself in the hotel and refuse to leave this magical country. Instead, many choose to enjoy one final stroll through the lush parks and charming plazas of the city before departing for the airport. No matter how you choose to spend your final moments in the country, you can rest assured knowing that there will still be much to see on your next journey to this legendary land.