Melanie & Judy's Portugal Small Group
Portugal in Depth
May 24 - June 3, 2027
Portugal in Depth ~ Small Group Experience
Experience the heart and soul of Portugal on this immersive Portugal in Depth journey, designed for travelers who want to go beyond the highlights and truly connect with the country’s culture, history, and flavors. This carefully curated small-group experience blends iconic cities, charming villages, scenic coastlines, and authentic local encounters—without the stress of planning or navigating on your own.
From the historic streets of Lisbon and the medieval charm of Évora to the wine country of the Douro Valley and the coastal beauty of Porto, this tour showcases Portugal at its most captivating. Along the way, enjoy guided sightseeing with knowledgeable local experts, leisurely paced days, and unforgettable moments like wine tastings, regional cuisine, and scenic drives through rolling vineyards and countryside.
With comfortable accommodations, seamless transportation, and thoughtfully planned inclusions, Portugal in Depth allows you to relax and savor each destination—while still leaving room for personal exploration. Traveling in a small group of just 24–28 guests creates a more intimate, flexible, and enriching experience, perfect for travelers who value connection, authenticity, and exceptional value.
Exploring Portugal
What shoes should you pack for walking on sunshine? The pair best suited for 1,000 miles of shoreline and 300 days of sunlit skies per year. With its refreshing Atlantic breezes and live-life-to the-fullest Mediterranean ways, the sun-drenched country of Portugal invites you to dip your
toe—and entire body—into a sea of relaxation.
This rejuvenating tour of Portugal leads you past rolling olive farms, through scenic cork groves, and down winding Moorish alleyways to the country’s signature delights. In its coastal villages and medieval towns, grilled seafood fills the tables, sweet port fills the glasses, and the soulful sounds of fado music fill the air. From the granules of golden sand to the rich nuggets of history, this enlightening tour of Portugal introduces you to the brightest sights of the country as you make a loop from lively Lisbon and back.
LISBON
Spend Your Day Your Way in Lisbon
LEGENDS OF LISBON
Experience the city’s iconic highlights on a guided orientation drive, with photo stops at Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. Step inside the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire its beautifully carved cloisters and rich maritime history.
GOING MEDIEVAL
Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods. Enjoy a short ride aboard one of the city’s classic trams, then explore on foot through narrow streets, cobblestone alleys, and story-filled corners. Toast the moment with a tasting of traditional ginjinha, Lisbon’s beloved berry liqueur.
After your chosen experience, enjoy a free afternoon and evening to continue exploring, relax at a café, or savor dinner at your leisure.
OBIDOS ➡️ NAZARÉ ➡️ ALCOBAÇA ➡️ FÁTIMA ➡️ TOMAR
SEA, SURF & SANCTUARIES
Leave vibrant Lisbon behind and discover Portugal’s quieter treasures. Stroll the medieval streets of Óbidos, take in the coastal beauty of Nazaré, and enjoy free time at the magnificent Monastery of Santa Maria in Alcobaça.
Leave vibrant Lisbon behind and discover Portugal’s quieter treasures. Stroll the medieval streets of Óbidos, take in the coastal beauty of Nazaré, and enjoy free time at the magnificent Monastery of Santa Maria in Alcobaça.
Continue through the countryside with a meaningful stop in Fátima, home to the revered Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, before arriving in Tomar.
COIMBRA ➡️ PORTO
ACADEMIC HONORS
Step into Portugal’s scholarly past as you explore three historic towns. Wander the storied streets of Tomar and uncover its Knights Templar legacy at the magnificent Convent of Christ. Continue to Coimbra, the famed “City of Knowledge,” home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, before enjoying a scenic drive through the countryside to Porto.
Step into Portugal’s scholarly past as you explore three historic towns. Wander the storied streets of Tomar and uncover its Knights Templar legacy at the magnificent Convent of Christ. Continue to Coimbra, the famed “City of Knowledge,” home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, before enjoying a scenic drive through the countryside to Porto.
CULTURE & TRADITION
Founded in 1290, the University of Coimbra stands as a symbol of centuries-old learning. Its enduring traditions live on as students don black capes adorned with colorful ribbons—a timeless tribute to academic heritage.
Founded in 1290, the University of Coimbra stands as a symbol of centuries-old learning. Its enduring traditions live on as students don black capes adorned with colorful ribbons—a timeless tribute to academic heritage.
PORTO
PANARAMAS & PORT WINE
Uncover the beauty of the waterfront city of Porto when you follow your Local Guide on a sightseeing tour that features a panoramic drive to the mouth of the Douro River, plus a walk in the center to see the Church of São Francisco, and visit the Stock Exchange with its Arabian Hall. Enjoy a Globus Local Favorite Port wine tasting at a local Port Wine Cellar. This afternoon, explore the city at leisure on your own.
Uncover the beauty of the waterfront city of Porto when you follow your Local Guide on a sightseeing tour that features a panoramic drive to the mouth of the Douro River, plus a walk in the center to see the Church of São Francisco, and visit the Stock Exchange with its Arabian Hall. Enjoy a Globus Local Favorite Port wine tasting at a local Port Wine Cellar. This afternoon, explore the city at leisure on your own.
LOCAL FAVORITES
The grapes from the vineyards in the Douro Valley surrounding Porto provide the main ingredient for one of the world’s most recognized fortified wines. Visit a local wine cellar and taste centuries of tradition in a glass of Port wine in the city that bears its name. Saúde!
The grapes from the vineyards in the Douro Valley surrounding Porto provide the main ingredient for one of the world’s most recognized fortified wines. Visit a local wine cellar and taste centuries of tradition in a glass of Port wine in the city that bears its name. Saúde!
GUIMARAES ➡️ PENAFIEL ➡️ VISEU
PORT & PETISCOS
The treats keep coming today! Start with a visit of Guimaraes, discover why it is called the “Birthplace of Portugal” and enjoy an orientation walk through the medieval center. Continue to Penafiel, Globus Local Favorite visit the gardens of the Quinta da Aveleda winery, and enjoy a Portuguese petiscos tasting. Later, enjoy a scenic drive through the port wine vineyards en-route to Viseu. This evening, delve into some local specialties and wine with dinner at the Forno da Mimi restaurant.
The treats keep coming today! Start with a visit of Guimaraes, discover why it is called the “Birthplace of Portugal” and enjoy an orientation walk through the medieval center. Continue to Penafiel, Globus Local Favorite visit the gardens of the Quinta da Aveleda winery, and enjoy a Portuguese petiscos tasting. Later, enjoy a scenic drive through the port wine vineyards en-route to Viseu. This evening, delve into some local specialties and wine with dinner at the Forno da Mimi restaurant.
HISTORY & HERITAGE
The history of the Quinta da Aveleda estate spans the centuries and generations who have preserved the Portuguese traditions of wine making and proud legacy of the Guedes family. The architectural heritage of this cherished estate is only matched by its wines, produced, and nurtured as the largest Vinho Verde exporter and family-owned winery.
The history of the Quinta da Aveleda estate spans the centuries and generations who have preserved the Portuguese traditions of wine making and proud legacy of the Guedes family. The architectural heritage of this cherished estate is only matched by its wines, produced, and nurtured as the largest Vinho Verde exporter and family-owned winery.
CASTELO DE VIDE ➡️ EVORA
BOTTLES & CORKS
This morning, visit the charming town of Castelo de Vide, dominated by a well-preserved medieval castle, enjoy some free time to stroll in the historic Jewish Quarter and through the characteristic narrow streets. Reach Evora in the heart of Alentejo and Globus Local Favorite visit a traditional cork factory.
This morning, visit the charming town of Castelo de Vide, dominated by a well-preserved medieval castle, enjoy some free time to stroll in the historic Jewish Quarter and through the characteristic narrow streets. Reach Evora in the heart of Alentejo and Globus Local Favorite visit a traditional cork factory.
LOCAL CRAFTS
Known as the “cork capital of the world”, Portugal is the world’s leading producer and exporter of cork, with the Cork Oak tree being native to the region of Alentejo. For hundreds of years, one of the most well-known uses of cork is as a wine bottle seal, however it’s much more versatile and many articles such as bags, keyrings, jewelry, and shoes made of cork can be found in local shops. Lady Gaga wore a dress made of cork and NASA has been using it as insulation for many years. Learn all about this traditional artisanship when you visit a Cork Factory in Evora
Known as the “cork capital of the world”, Portugal is the world’s leading producer and exporter of cork, with the Cork Oak tree being native to the region of Alentejo. For hundreds of years, one of the most well-known uses of cork is as a wine bottle seal, however it’s much more versatile and many articles such as bags, keyrings, jewelry, and shoes made of cork can be found in local shops. Lady Gaga wore a dress made of cork and NASA has been using it as insulation for many years. Learn all about this traditional artisanship when you visit a Cork Factory in Evora
ALGARVE
GOTHIC GRANDEUR
Discover what makes Evora special this morning when you follow your Local Guide on a guided walking tour through the narrow alleys to see the Roman Temple and visit the Cathedral, São Francisco Church, and the Ossuary Chapel. Later, depart for the Algarve, free time late afternoon and evening.
Discover what makes Evora special this morning when you follow your Local Guide on a guided walking tour through the narrow alleys to see the Roman Temple and visit the Cathedral, São Francisco Church, and the Ossuary Chapel. Later, depart for the Algarve, free time late afternoon and evening.
CULTURE & TRADITION
Walk back in time to the Roman era of Evora – a city with roots firmly planted in the 16th century in the home of Portuguese kings. See the white houses, architectural tiles, and embellished balconies with a stroll through the Gothic sites of the cathedral, church, and chapel.
Walk back in time to the Roman era of Evora – a city with roots firmly planted in the 16th century in the home of Portuguese kings. See the white houses, architectural tiles, and embellished balconies with a stroll through the Gothic sites of the cathedral, church, and chapel.
COASTAL EXCURSION
CLIFFS & COASTLINES
Today experience Portugal’s most famous coastline with an excursion along the breathtaking Algarve coast. Visit the Promontory of Sagres and Cape St. Vincent, believed by the Roman’s to be the end of the world! Later stop at the colorful resort town of Lagos to enjoy some leisure time to browse.
Today experience Portugal’s most famous coastline with an excursion along the breathtaking Algarve coast. Visit the Promontory of Sagres and Cape St. Vincent, believed by the Roman’s to be the end of the world! Later stop at the colorful resort town of Lagos to enjoy some leisure time to browse.
PICTURE PERFECT
Take in the breathtaking views of the sweeping southern coastline of Portugal in Algarve. Stand on the Promontory of Sagres and Cape St. Vincent to gaze at the glorious beaches, postcard-perfect fishing ports, and towering cliffs along the sea.
Take in the breathtaking views of the sweeping southern coastline of Portugal in Algarve. Stand on the Promontory of Sagres and Cape St. Vincent to gaze at the glorious beaches, postcard-perfect fishing ports, and towering cliffs along the sea.
AZEIÃO ➡️LISBON
PENINSULA MILES & PAINTED TILES
Bid farewell to the Algarve and take a scenic drive along the Serra da Arrábida with views of the Tróia Peninsula. En-route to Lisbon, stop at Azeitão to visit a traditional tile workshop. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel.
Bid farewell to the Algarve and take a scenic drive along the Serra da Arrábida with views of the Tróia Peninsula. En-route to Lisbon, stop at Azeitão to visit a traditional tile workshop. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel.
ART & ARTISTRY
Enter a world of authentically handmade Portuguese tiles at the São Simão Arte workshop and gallery in Azeitão. It is here that distinguished antique collector Antonio Soares Franco creates his ceramic masterpieces by hand in the style of his ancestors.
Enter a world of authentically handmade Portuguese tiles at the São Simão Arte workshop and gallery in Azeitão. It is here that distinguished antique collector Antonio Soares Franco creates his ceramic masterpieces by hand in the style of his ancestors.
