Portugal 2027
Vibrant flavours, cobbled streets & sun-drenched terraces
An immersive journey through Portugal’s rich history, diverse landscapes, and timeless cultural traditions.
From AUD$3335
13 April 2027
7 nights
Women only
Inclusions
Trip Highlights and Activities
Join Ladies Who Travel on this private, tailor-made tour with Intrepid, on an unforgettable women-only journey through Portugal, where historic cities, vibrant flavours, dramatic river valleys and rich cultural traditions combine to create an experience unlike any other.
This incredible adventure begins in Lisbon, then travels through the fairytale foothills of Sintra, the historic medieval heart of Coimbra, the breathtaking terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley, and the romantic riverside charm of Vila Nova de Gaia, before finishing with two unforgettable nights in Porto.
Wander the narrow, cobbled streets of Lisbon’s historic Alfama district.
Experience the magic of Sintra with an excursion to the enchanting Quinta da Regaleira estate.
Explore one of the world’s oldest universities and its spectacular Baroque masterpiece library in Coimbra.
Connect with local culture through a hauntingly beautiful, live traditional Fado music performance.
Relax in the stunning Douro Valley with a scenic river boat ride and an authentic winery tasting tour.
Enjoy authentic Portuguese cuisine, including iconic sweet pastries, regional picnic lunches, and hands-on cultural tile-painting workshops.
A journey of connection, discovery and adventure—where vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes and shared experiences create memories and friendships to last a lifetime
Ola! Welcome to Portugal.
Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe head to one of the many outdoor cafes and soak up the city’s energy. After your meeting, you’ll join your leader and small group for a welcome dinner at one of Lisbon’s thriving restaurants. Going out to eat is one of Portugal’s great pleasures, and tonight, your leader will introduce you to traditional Portuguese recipes and a culinary scene that’s exploding with regional flavour.
- Included Meals: Welcome dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel GAT Rossio or similar
This morning, join a local guide for a walking tour through the city of Lisbon. Explore the trendy neighbourhood of Bairro Alto, the popular Chiado area and the narrow, cobbled streets of Alfama, dotted with hole-in-the-wall eateries and old homes.
Pop into a local establishment to try a pastel de nata – a sweet and delicious custard tart and Portugal’s most famous pastry. Then visit the elegant Praça do Município, a symbol of the city’s post-earthquake reconstruction in the 18th century and the Praça do Comércio, once the gateway to Lisbon for arriving ships and a key hub of maritime trade during the Age of Discoveries.
It wouldn’t be a tour of Lisbon without stopping off to sample some ginjinha – Portugal’s iconic cherry liqueur. The rest of your afternoon is free to explore at your own pace.
- Included Activities: Lisbon – Walking Tour and Tastings with Local Guide
- Included Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel GAT Rossio or similar
Head outside the city for a half-day excursion to Sintra – a resort town in the foothills of the mountains. Your leader will explain how the cooler climate made Sintra a summer retreat for royalty and why it has drawn and inspired many poets, writers and travellers for centuries, including Lord Byron.
Spend time exploring Sintra’s intriguing Quinta da Regaleira estate before continuing to the town. You’ll have some free time to enjoy the surroundings at your own pace. Perhaps sit down and try some local flavours at lunch, then visit Sintra’s over 1000-year-old National Palace – one of the oldest in Portugal.
After your time in Sintra, you will continue on to Coimbra for the evening.
- Included Activities: Sintra – Quinta da Regaleira
- Included Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel Oslo or similar
Sitting on the banks of the River Mondego, Coimbra was once the medieval capital of the county, and its royal heritage is evident in its ancient streets and buildings.
Get to know the city as your leader guides you through the lanes and squares of the Old Quarter this morning. The real star of the show is Coimbra’s prestigious university – one of the oldest in the world. You’ll have a private guided tour of the Joanine Library, a Baroque masterpiece that is widely considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.
Then this evening, get to know more about this nation’s cultural heritage by heading to a traditional Fado music show. Portugal’s version of the blues is hauntingly beautiful, and hearing it performed live is an experience to remember. Your leader can recommend some superb spots to eat after the show.
- Included Activities: Coimbra Fado Show, University, Joanina Library and Science Museum
- Included Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel Oslo or similar
Travel from Coimbra to the Douro Valley today. Famous for its scenery, the Douro Valley is also known for producing some of the world’s most delicious wine.
Today, you’ll head out for a tasting tour at one of the region’s best wineries. You can’t spell Portugal without Port, and to taste this iconic fortified wine is to taste thousands of years of Portuguese history.
Learn the story of its origins and the history of wine production in the area while discovering which locally produced vinho is your tipple of choice. Sit down to a light picnic lunch of rustic regional specialities prepared with fresh local ingredients paired with more wine (of course). Then, continue to your hotel for the evening.
- Note that travel time on this day is about 5 hours
- Included Activities: Douro Valley – Wine Tasting & Lunch
- Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel Folgosa Douro or similar
This morning, enjoy a gentle boat ride on the Douro River, stopping by the riverside village of Pinhao.
From here, make your way to Porto – a romantic city on the banks of the river. When you arrive, join your leader for an orientation walk through twisting alleys, crisscrossing staircases and baroque churches.
Pass old bridges, cobbled streets, merchants’ houses and cafes and explore at your own pace. In the evening, head to the nearby city of Vila Nova de Gaia to end the day with some sunset drinks.
- Note that your travel time today is about 4 hours
- Included Activities: Douro River boat ride, Sunset drinks in Vila Nova de Gaia
- Included Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel Moov Porto Centro or similar
Learn about the history of tiles in Portugal this morning with a tile-painting workshop. Steeped in centuries of tradition, hand-painted tiles can be seen on the facades of buildings and churches, telling the stories of Portugal’s past with vibrant colours and designs.
Then, your afternoon is free. Maybe head to one of the city’s riverfront cafes for a coffee and pastry overlooking the colourful rows of old houses, or take a walk around the World Heritage-listed Ribeira district.
Another option is to take the local train to the seaside city of Matosinhos, where you can relax on the beach or stroll along the promenade. Regroup tonight for a final dinner at one of Porto’s local restaurants.
- Included Activities: Porto Tile Painting Workshop
- Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel Moov Porto Centro or similar
There are no activities planned for today and your trip comes to an end. You’re free to leave at any time after check out. If you wish to spend more time exploring Porto, just get in touch with your booking agent in advance to organise additional accommodation.
- Included Meals: Breakfast
Understanding Travel in Portugal
Portugal is a deeply captivating and rewarding destination, blending rich history, vibrant cultures, and stunning landscapes. While it offers the modern comforts of Western Europe, part of its charm lies in distinct regional traditions, a slower pace of life, and historic architecture.
While Intrepid carefully select accommodations and experiences that provide comfort, character, and excellent value, travellers should understand that this is an immersive cultural journey rather than a generic resort holiday.
During our travels, you may encounter:
- Historic paradores and pousadas: Locally owned hotels, rather than large, predictable international hotel chains.
- Cobblestones and historic steps: Beautiful, centuries-old streets and historic properties that may have uneven walking surfaces or fewer elevators than you are accustomed to at home.
- Different daily rhythms: A distinct approach to timing, including later dining hours (especially in Spain) and afternoon shop closures for the traditional rest or siesta.
- Regional culinary traditions: Menus that celebrate fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients, which may vary greatly from region to region and offer a different variety than your local American or Australian fare.
- Varying Wi-Fi and amenities: While connectivity is generally excellent, older historic buildings can occasionally have thicker walls that make Wi-Fi or cellular service a bit patchy.
- Itinerary adjustments: Changing weather, seasonal events, or local transport schedules may occasionally require minor adjustments to our daily plans.
Portugal rewards travellers who embrace a relaxed pace, travel with an open mind, and appreciate vibrant living over rigid perfection.
The most memorable moments are often the unplanned ones—a warm conversation with a local artisan, a sunset over the Atlantic or Mediterranean, discovering a hidden plaza filled with music, or sharing a laugh over tapas and wine with new friends when things don’t quite go according to plan.
If you enjoy rich history, world-class food and wine, flexibility, and discovering a destination’s authentic soul, the Iberian Peninsula is likely to become one of your favourite travel experiences.