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  • Portugal: Porto, the Douro Valley & Lisbon Hiking
Overview

Discover Portugal's sparkling coast and hidden villages with Boundless Journeys.

Although it’s roughly the size of the state of Maine, Portugal is a world unto itself for those travelers lucky enough to experience it. Throughout the centuries, a host of conquerors — from the Visigoths and Romans to the Moors and Christians¬ — have all left their marks on this fabled land. These influences are still visible today in the country’s music, art, architecture, and vibrant food and wine scenes.

With nearly 500 miles of coastline, the sea is central to Portuguese life and never too far away from our hiking tour route — whether hiking coastal paths, sitting down to a bowl of steaming seafood stew, or learning about Portugal’s golden age of ship building, when explorers forged an empire that spanned quite literally around the globe.

Our week-long Portugal hiking tour takes us to the mountains of Serra da Estrela Natural Park, the terraced green hillsides and velvety wines of the Douro Valley, Moorish citadels, ancient stone villages, and romantic palace hotels. In short, it’s a chance to experience the fabric of this still-undiscovered European gem and the history, people, and landscapes that have come to define it.

Explore the world with Boundless Journeys’ all-inclusive small group tours. Discover your next travel destination among our Europe guided tours.

What Our Guests Have To Say About This Tour

Everything Great!

★★★★★
5 5 1
Great country, great food, great guide. Despite a changing schedule due to wildfires, the necessary adjustments were handled skillfully and the changes were terrific.

Portugaal at it's best!

★★★★★
5 5 1
Immersion in Portugal's landscape and culture at its best! Sharing the experience with my son tops the list and our group of fellow travelers was thoroughly enjoyable (nice small size) - I loved the cities and small towns, the rides through the countryside, and the "mom and pop" restaurants, and our driver and van was excellent, and Paolo was very helpful on our walks.

Where to begini?!!

★★★★★
5 5 1
Where to begin….from the start we had excellent information provided by Deborah who answered all our many questions. She listened and was timely in her responses. We really appreciated when they changed our hotels proactively as they didn’t think it would be best for our group. Our guides Artur and António were beyond amazing. They took amazing care of us from start to finish always making sure we were doing ok and having our safety as their priority. They shared with us their passion for this stunning country. They shared stories and created friendships with everyone in the group. Our trip was made so much better with the kindness, knowledge and understanding our our guides. We are a diverse group of ladies who travel together every two years and our guides made sure everyone was taken care of. Ricardo, our driver, always had a great sense of humour, a kind smile and snazzy ties and made the ladies smile! I would not hesitate to recommend Boundless Journeys to all of my friends.

Great Company

★★★★★
5 5 1
I've traveled with Boundless before and trust them.

Exceptional

★★★★★
5 5 1
Just Exceptional!

Excellent guide

★★★★★
5 5 1
I cannot stress enough how excellent my guide was. Pedro is extremely professional, knowledgeable, and makes the trip fun. Pedro ensured that the hiking experience was safe as well as making sure the pace and effort matched the hiker. He also knows a great deal about the culture and the wine in Portugal and generally enriched the experience. I highly recommend him as a guide for all future Boundless trips in Portugal.

Exceeded Expectations

★★★★★
5 5 1
This trip met my expectations and beyond! Starting with the excellent communication with Boundless Journey staff and being connected with an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide and driver. As a result were able to explore areas of Portugal and experience the culture that we would not have experience otherwise.

Love the formatt

★★★★★
5 5 1
We really love the Boundless Journey format. It is right up our alley with the small groups, active schedules, great guides, pleasant accommodations.

Wonderful

★★★★★
5 5 1
Each day had moments to savor!

Enjoyable

★★★★★
5 5 1
I really enjoyed this trip.

Great team

★★★★★
5 5 1
Carla Henriques was our guide for this trip. We cannot say enough positive about her and the experience she provided for us. Her professionalism, depth of knowledge of all the sites and places we visited was interesting and told to us in such a way that was memorable. We have traveled a great deal and feel we have not ever had a guide as professional as Carla. We cannot not say something about our driver Carlos! Professional, impeccably dressed, ready to go on time, great sense of humor, great conversationalist, together they were our dream team!

Great Guides and Hidden Gems

★★★★★
5 5 1
The guides make the trips. The trips are carefully planned and the guides create the essence of the trip. BJ always seems to find places, activities, and experiences that just wouldn't be possible traveling on one's own. After six trips I can say that I have complete trust in what to expect. This trip was no different with delightful relaxed hikes, beautiful scenery and impromptu experiences with exceptional people.

Very nice experience

★★★★★
5 5 1
The food and the hotels were much higher expectations than I thought!

Spectacular!

★★★★★
5 5 1
This is our 6th trip with Boundless Journeys - from the wonderful guides and fantastic itineraries to the amazing places we stay and the mouth watering meals we know each trip will be spectacular! As usual, Boundless Journeys delivered a truly amazing trip - from the cultural and culinary experiences to the spectacular hikes, we were thrilled to join them for the SIXTH time. We are addicted to the experience that only Boundless Journeys can provide!!

Sensational

★★★★★
5 5 1
Sensational in all respects. Give us a blank sheet of paper and ask us to list our complaints and we will hand it back to you, blank. This is, literally, an on the ground experience of global cultures that you cannot get another way.

Perfect group size

★★★★★
5 5 1
Our most lasting thoughts were the people we traveled with who we now see as dear friends. We believe the small size of the groups of 13-15 people is key to being able to connect with everyone on the journey as opposed to a cruise ship were you sort of get to know a few people. The hiking component of these kinds of trips allows for many opportunities on a five mile hike to allow for reflection and meaningful conversation.

Fabulous active travel vacation!

★★★★★
5 5 1
Local guides who are experts in their regions, boutique hotels, amazing food and wine, stunning hikes! I loved the peace of mind and the luxury of having all details taken care of for me. I could truly enjoy the experience stress free. I have been on three different trips and hope to do more!

We've traveled with many other companies, and you are by far the best!

★★★★★
5 5 1
Being smaller groups with knowledgeable guides who know and love their country makes you feel like a privileged friend traveling.

Awesome Itinerary

★★★★★
5 5 1
Carla was FANTASTIC! Definitely tops in the guide category. She was just perfect in all respects. Such a pleasure to travel with, and super efficient, kind, funny, patient, really knowledgeable about every aspect of the trip, history, places we traveled, EVERYTHING! She is just a real gem. The team you put together on this trip was top notch. And thanks for all the work you did putting together an awesome itinerary. The hikes were some of the best I’ve had, and the mix of hiking and culture was great. Boundless Journeys never disappoints me. Just a great travel experience, every time.

Excellent guides

★★★★★
5 5 1
Our guides Carla and Filipe were excellent, smart, love Portugal, caring guides who took great care of our group.

A wonderful trip

★★★★★
5 5 1
A wonderful overview of Portugal and all its pleasures with a group of strangers that became friends

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Itinerary &
Accommodations

Itinerary & Accommodations

Please note that this is a typical itinerary, and actual activities may vary due to weather conditions, local events, and to allow serendipity to play a hand in your experience. Accommodations are as outlined in the itinerary, although we reserve the right to change these or the order visited should the need arise.

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Dates &
Prices

Dates And Prices

2026
Trip Length

8 Days

Trip Dates

Sep 12-19, 2026

Oct 10-17, 2026

Take over a date for your group! See "Make It Private" on Dates & Prices tab.

2026 Land Cost

From $5,995 Per Person


Single Supplement

First two reserved:$700

Additional:$1,200

See single supplement policy below.

2027
Trip Length

8 Days

Trip Dates

May 15-22, 2027

Sep 4-11, 2027

Oct 9-16, 2027

Take over a date for your group! See "Make It Private" on Dates & Prices tab.

2027 Land Cost

$6,595 Per Person


Single Supplement

First two reserved:$700

Additional:$1,200

See single supplement policy below.

MAKE IT PRIVATE

Call for pricing: 1 800 941 8010 or email [email protected]

What's Included

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: Accommodations are based on double occupancy. A single supplement is paid by participants who specifically request single accommodations, subject to availability.

Single Supplement for Scheduled Group Departures. If you reserve at least 120 days prior to departure, you may be eligible for a reduced or free single supplement. This is generally limited to the first one or two solo travelers to reserve, and the reduction is outlined in the pricing for each trip. Free or reduced single supplements are not combinable with other offers or promotions.

If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will try to match you with a roommate of the same gender. If you reserve at least 120 days ahead and request a roommate but one is not available, you will receive a $500 reduction from the standard single supplement (unless otherwise noted in the detailed itinerary for your specific trip).

Single Supplement for Custom Tours. Custom Tour prices are generally based on two or more participants; therefore, single supplements for “solo” Custom Tours will vary and are available upon request.

What To
Expect

What To Expect

Physical Activity

Boundless Journeys' trips are designed for energetic and flexible individuals who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. Portugal: Porto, the Douro Valley & Lisbon Hiking is rated 2+, easy to moderate, on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most strenuous). Portugal's fertile landscapes, rolling hills, and coastal paths offer elevations ranging from sea level to 5,000 feet. Our walks and hikes range from 1 to 5 hours (3 to 7 miles), on good trails and paved city streets. Elevation changes range from negligible amounts on our city walks, to an approximate 1000' ascent and 1500' descent on our most challenging days.

Meeting Point

Porto, Portugal 8:30 a.m.

Departure Point

Lisbon, Portugal, at your leisure.

Traveling To and From

Most Convenient Airport for Arrival:
Porto Airport, Porto, Portugal (airport code OPO)
Most Convenient Airport for Departure:
Lisbon Portela Airport, Lisbon, Portugal (airport code LIS)
Meeting Time and Place:
8:30 a.m. on Day 1 in the lobby of the Neya Hotel, Porto, Portugal.

Weather

Portugal has a warm, temperate climate with weather similar to that of Spain's coastal towns. Summers are hot, though refreshing sea breezes can help to mitigate the temperature. Winters are short and mild, with lots of rain and freezing temperatures at higher elevations. The weather in late spring and early fall is usually very pleasant, with daytime temperatures that range from low 60s to upper 70s, and slightly cooler at night. While these months are not in Portugal's "rainy season" there can be cool breezes or showers at any time. Please come prepared to walk in rain or shine. We will do daily activities as planned, unless weather conditions make it dangerous to do so.

Coimbra

May

High: 71
Low: 51

September

High: 80
Low: 56

Lisbon

May

High: 71
Low: 56

September

High: 79
Low: 63

Porto

May

High: 67
Low: 52

September

High: 75
Low: 57

When to Go

Portugal has a pleasant, sunny climate during the spring and fall, which avoids both the hot summer months and peak tourist season. Wildflowers are in bloom during the spring season, which also sees its fair share of lively local festivals. Mountainous areas can be cool year-round, especially in the evening.

Cuisine

Portuguese cuisine is all about simple, delicious cooking and fresh ingredients, themes that are present across all geographic regions of the country. The Portuguese are very proud of their gastronomic traditions, which in recent decades, have seen renewed acclaim thanks to the country's talented young chefs, who have returned home to live and work at top hotels and restaurants.

In general, Portugal's expansive, fertile countryside and sweeping coastline mean that grilled seafood, smoked meats, sun-ripened fruit, and other fresh produce are commonplace. Portugal consumes more rice (arroz) than any other European nation, and its lesser-known savory dishes fall somewhere between a Spanish paella and Italian risotto. Fish is a staple, and you're likely to find everything from cod and cuttlefish to tuna and grilled sea bass — prepared simply with lemon, garlic, and the country's famed olive oil — on most menus.

You'll also see plenty of stews and soups, including alcatra, a traditional beef stew with warm spices; and caldo verde, a vegetable soup made with spicy chouriço sausage. Cheese aficionados will find much to satisfy, including amerlo da Beira Baixa, a mixed goat and sheep's milk cheese, and Serra de Estrela, made from sheep raised at mountainous altitudes. For dessert, traditional favorites such as egg tarts (pastel de nata) and Madeira honey cake (Bolo de mel da Madeira) can be found at most pastry shops.

Finally, Portugal's centuries-old wine culture is pervasive across all facets of its gastronomy, from the velvety ports of the Duoro Valley to the slightly effervescent vinho verde of the north and Pico Island's rare, World Heritage vineyards in the Azores. Vegetarians can easily be accommodated.

Guides

Featured Guides

About Our Guides

With a Boundless Journeys guide, your experience is that of friend and local adventurer. We believe strongly in working with local guides, experts in the areas to which we travel, and they hold the keys to unlocking the hidden delights of your chosen destination. Although you will never know they are at work—the mark of a truly great leader—our guides make magical things happen and add a dimension to your trip that you could not experience on your own. Over the years we have forged bonds with some of the best guides in the world, and we typically work with a small team of guides in each region. You will be informed of the guide for your trip one month prior to your departure.

From $5,995 / person* *airfare not included
8 Days
Reserve This Tour
  • Departure Dates: Sep 12-19, 2026
    Oct 10-17, 2026
    May 15-22, 2027
    Sep 4-11, 2027
    Oct 9-16, 2027
Take over a date for your group! See "Make It Private" on Dates & Prices tab.
Extend This Tour Complement this tour with other journeys

Portugal: Azores Islands Explorer

The Azores Islands are a wild and otherworldly archipelago that only recently emerged as a trending destination. The Azores consist of nine islands: Sao Miguel, Santa Maria, Terceira, Faial, Pico, Sao Jorge, Graciosa, Flores, and Corvo. Each island is distinctly...

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Activity Level 2+ Easy to Moderate

Easy to moderate walking and hiking, 2-5 hours per day (4-5 miles).

Read about our Activity Levels
  • Group Size: 4-16 Guests

Make it Your Own!

This trip can be your own adventure by taking over one of our scheduled dates, or we can request a fresh one.

Prefer a Custom Tour?

Questions?

Our dedicated team of travel experts are here to help.

1-800-941-8010

Travel + Leisure World's Best Award

Multi-year Recipient

National Geographic Traveler

50 Tours Of A Lifetime
Multi-year Recipient

National Geographic Adventure Magazine

Best Adventure Travel Company Winner

ATTA member since 2006