An Active Discovery of Portugal
Experience Portugal’s rugged beauty and rich history on this luxurious journey that, while active, flows along with the relaxed way of life that makes this corner of Europe so charming. Begin in Porto, where you'll explore the nearby vineyards of the famous Douro Valley, before travelling south to Lisbon and on to on the scenic and quietly glamorous coastline of the Algarve.
Trip highlights
- Surf from an Algarve beach on a private lesson
- Explore the cliff tops of Cape St. Vincent
- Enjoy a petiscos food tour of Lisbon
- Hike the Chã dos Navegantes path around Cape Espichel
- Cycle around Porto's old downtown
- Trek through the vineyards of the Douro Valley
Our bespoke trips include
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Days 1–4
Three nights in Porto and the wine region
Portugal’s second city of Porto is one of Europe’s most charming. Built on a steep riverbank, a jumble of colourful medieval houses hug the calm waters of the Douro River where wooden boats bob on the surface and people spill out of its cafes and bars, more often than not with a glass of the wine that gave the city its name.
Explore the picturesque Ribeira (riverside) district, cycle around the old downtown and revel in Porto’s friendly nightlife and fabulous cuisine. You will also spend two full days out hiking in the rural regions to the east, one of them up river through the vineyards of the famous Douro Valley (with a wine tasting, of course) and another through rustic villages close to the Spanish border.
Accommodation in Porto
Porto's highlights
Biking
Tasting
Hiking
A Porto biking experience
Hop on a bicycle and explore Porto’s historic downtown, discovering among other important sites the Church of Carmelitas, the Church and Tower of Clérigos, São Bento railway station, Majestic Café, Square of Ribeira, Square of Batalha, the Mercado Ferreira Borges, the Church of Congregados and the famous Lello Bookstore.
Visit the Alto Douro
Venture east out of Porto into the Alto Douro Wine Region, a UNESCO world heritage site, where a 7km (4.3 mile) trail follows the Douro River valley, flanked by vineyards. This is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world, dating from 1756. A visit to the Quinta da Pacheca estate, a historic property that has been bottling under its own name since 1738, offers the chance for an unforgettable tasting and a gourmet picnic.
Hike to Romeu and Vila Verdinho
Just two hours from Porto sits Romeu, a charming rural village and the start of a fantastic hiking trail. The trail forms a 13km (8 mile) circle around the area, which you will trek with a guide, taking in the gorgeous landscape, trickling streams, vineyards and typical Portuguese homes. At the trail’s midway point, climb to the village of Vila Verdinho, visiting the Chapel of São Gens, the town square, the parish house and the Quinta do Cabeço overlook. On the second half of the hike, stop in an old cork factory before checking out the shops back in Romeu and picking up some regional products.
Days 4–7
Three luxury nights in Lisbon
Europe’s second oldest capital, Lisbon is an effortlessly elegant city, full of old-world charm and atmosphere. Winding your way through the city, you’ll pass rows of houses in warm shades of orange, yellow and rust red. and beautiful buildings covered in iconic azulejo tiles. Washing is strung from wrought iron balconies and window boxes overflow with flowers. Weaving their way through this pretty patchwork are the city’s trams, the favoured mode of transport of Lisbonites and a great way to hop between the different districts.
Lisbon is built on seven hills, each one offering spectacular views over the city and the River Tajo. There are a plethora of museums and galleries, and you’ll be shown remnants of its ancient roots through to its golden age at the heart of a globe-spanning empire. The city is also known for its lively restaurant scene and there are plenty of places to stop, sip a coffee and savour a Portuguese custard tart or traditional petiscos while watching the world go by.
Where you could stay
Four Seasons Hotel Ritz
Bairro Alto Hotel
Make it mine
Sigtseeing
Hiking
Gastronomy
See Lisbon's highlights
This tour allows you to discover centuries of history, dating back to the time of the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans and Moors. You will visit the Castle of Saint Jorge and the surrounding area of Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest quarter, before learning about the Age of Discoveries and the Golden Era of Portugal. Monuments from this time can still be seen, especially in the area of Belem. You will also visit Baixa and Chiado.
Explore Arrábida Natural Park
Arrabida Natural Park is a beautiful protected area south of Lisbon. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Hike the Chã dos Navegantes path around Cape Espichel, where the route leads to the top of a hill from where you can see the bay of Lagosteiros. It is from this place that the Pedra Mua can be seen, which consists of marks left by dinosaurs. Over the bay of Baleeira, visit the Forte de São Domingos da Baralha, which is now abandoned and in ruins.
Taste authentic petiscos
Petiscos are the Portuguese cousin of Spanish tapas, small portions of different dishes, served at the centre of the table. ‘Having petiscos’ or eating ‘petiscos style’ is so popular there is even a verb, ‘petiscare’, whose approximate translation means to nibble on a few little bites with a glass of wine. Petiscos are meant to be simple, eaten with your hands or with a toothpick or a slice of bread to mop up the sauces. You will have the opportunity to chat with your Portuguese host and learn more about Portuguese life and traditions.
Days 7–10
Three nights in the Algarve
Sitting right at the foot of the country, the Algarve is one of Portugal’s most popular coastal destinations and home to some of its loveliest beaches. West of Faro you’ll find golden sands and hidden coves, with the coastline getting wilder the further west you head. Based out of the sumptuous Vila Joya, a seaside retreat renowned for its food and two Michelin star winning chef, this is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy life by the sea.
During your stay you’ll take to the swells on a private surfing lesson and trek along the dramatic cliff tops to Cape St. Vincent.
Where you could stay
Getting active
Private surf class
You’ll enjoy a private class with one of the oldest and more experienced surf schools in the Algarve. Portugal is blessed with a rugged Atlantic coastline, making it one of the most sought after surf destinations in the world. Depending on where you paddle out, you will find different breaks and swells: ideal conditions for first-time surfers and seasoned veterans. You’ll go over your goals on the sand before venturing out into the surf, whether you are just learning to get up on the board, or gliding through barrels with ease.
Hiking the Vincentian Coast
Enjoy a hiking trail along one of the most well preserved coastlines in Europe, the Vincentian Coast. A 9km (5.6 mile) route takes you alongside the magnificent Atlantic Ocean and through the Sagres Biogenetic Reserve. After a picnic with your hiking guide, you’ll continue with a guided tour of the Museum of Cape St. Vincent and the lighthouse, the traditional lands’ end of Europe and an essential landfall for sailors returning from Africa and the Americas.
My trip to Portugal was wonderful! I planned it with Meg and Rita, and their suggestions, answers to my questions and support all the way made my trip! I could not have done it without them! I travelled alone, so especially as a senior , my family knew I was really not alone! The drivers I had in Lisbon to…
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
