Portugal TOP Premium
A Portuguese adventure in 14 days
Welcome aboard
Well, there’s more to Portugal than 360 sunny days in the year. Who would say such a small country can offer so many adventures and pleasures?
Embark on this adventure and discover this unique paradise
Dig out this treasure and feel the century-old layers of History on your skin. Palaces, castles, forts — the rich art and architecture is almost as good as the valleys lit in gold at sunset, the soothing white beaches, the excitement of the sea. The ocean, the mountains, the blue sky… There is so much to see and do, but the rhythm is slow here. You calm down. You take a deep breath. You’re home. You’re with family.
Portugal is also the strong, comforting flavors of gastronomy — made unforgettable by the hands of a people that respects the land and the sea, and extracts from a truly genuine sense of taste.
There is much to discover, and there is not better company than that of the Portuguese. They are full of soul and fire, and always open-armed, always happy to welcome travelers in this adventure.
Relax, you’re in Portugal
Portugal was chosen as the best tourist destination in Europe for the 5th time in six years. All eyes are on the California of Europe, where surfers rule the giant waves of Nazaré, which burst with thrilling fireworks of white foam.
And it’s not just Portugal, but the Portuguese which make their country a destination full of love and life. Sing and dance with them when Cristiano Ronaldo scores a goal, and you will see that life is worth living (especially here).
The Portuguese people has fought for its independence in the Iberian Peninsula. In 1279, Portugal became an independent kingdom. Its frontiers have remained the same ever since. These are some of the oldest frontiers in the world.
Portugal was also an absolute leader in nautical science, having explored the oceans like no other country and having established sea routes across the whole world — and we really are talking about the whole world!
How could someone resist this paradise where live feels so good? It’s a place that prizes well-being, thanks to its enviable weather, the hot sun and the pure air, and its modern SPA’s built in peace with nature.
Life is better in Portugal. Take part in this expedition with Start Adventure.
—Program details
Transfer during the afternoon from the airport to the hotel in the center of Lisbon.
Welcome to Lisbon: A stroll through the historical downtown, Baixa-Chiado, with short food tastings in the typical food stalls in Lisbon. Along the way we will take the first photos and selfies in the quaint city of Lisbon.
Around 7PM, we will attend the unforgettable show Fado in Chiado. (Fado is part of the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage), followed by a stroll around the iconic streets and alleys of Lisbon. We will stop by the Museum of Beer for a journey of the flavours of Portuguese beer, and here we will dine.
Overnight stay: Lisbon | Hotel: Áurea Museum by Eurostars Hotel Company (Near Alfama)
On this day we’re in for a fun voyage in Lisbon aboard an amphibious bus, which will take us around the city and into the river Tejo for a boat ride. You weren’t expecting that!
We will have the opportunity to visit some of the most iconic monuments and lookouts over the Tejo (where you can take some outstanding pictures) as well as some of the museums in the city.
And don’t worry, we are adamant that you try the famous Portuguese Pastéis de Belém, deliciously warm custard pies that will send you straight to food heaven.
At night, we will visit Alfama, one of the most iconic neighborhoods in Lisbon, where we are to have dinner.
Overnight stay: Lisbon | Hotel: Áurea Museum by Eurostars Hotel Company (Near Alfama)
Female solo travel books you need to read
You are a woman and the world is your oyster. Get inspired by these five amazing female solo travelers.
Did you know about Portugal’s Celtic Carnival?
What is this mysterious and mystical celebration, Portugal’s Celtic Carnival? Also called Entrudo, it is one of the most unique things to do in Portugal.
We leave Lisbon and set off to discover Arrábida and Setúbal, where we’ll indulge in an exciting boat ride to see dolphins in their natural habitat.
The beautiful Vincentine Coast and Porto Covo follow. These are some of the most iconic places of the shore of Alentejo, with endless white beaches and breathtaking views.
Overnight stay: Porto Covo | Hotel: Porto Covo Praia Hotel & SPA
The morning will be dedicated to the Pedestrian Trail of the Fishermen, Trilho Pedestre dos pescadores, one of the most beautiful coastal routes of the world (from S. Torpes to Vila nova de Mil Fontes, passing by Porto Covo). Or, if you’re not keen on hiking, enjoy a relaxing day at the SPA.
In the afternoon, we will visit Sines and the home of the celebrated Portuguese explorer Captain Vasco da Gama. We’ll visit the historical center, the Castle and the Sea Museum at the seaport of Sines. Coffee will be served at Vela D’Ouro, where we’ll have a go at the Worst Chocolate Cake in the World.
Overnight stay: Porto Covo | Hotel: Porto Covo Praia Hotel & SPA
We then head to Monsaraz, where we’ll have the chance of taking some great photographs at Albufeira do Rio Alqueva (the largest of Europe). We are then off to Évora (UNESCO heritage), to visit its important legacy, such as the Roman temple of Diana, the Chapel of Bones, and many others.
Alentejo is next, and we travel up to Unhais da Serra, in the mountain of Serra da Estela, where our day is to come to an end.
Overnight stay: Unhais da Serra | Hotel: H2o hotel – AquaDome
This day will be entirely dedicated to the mountain, Serra da Estrela, and its surrounding natural landscape.
We will spend a pleasant morning at the SPA and the loveliest thermal waters in Portugal, in Luso. These are the best and most celebrated natural water sources in Portugal. Here, we will also enjoy the afternoon.
Overnight stay: Unhais da Serra | Hotel: H2o hotel – AquaDome
The Paiva Walkways have received already several international tourism awards, and we are certainly going to experience this unique contact with nature in the deep heart of Portugal.
Our adventure reaches its climax at the pedestrian bridge 516, one of the longest suspension bridges, 516 meters(around 1690 feet) long and built 175 meters(around 575 feet) way up over river Paiva. As we bravely cross the bridge, we will be able to admire the outstanding landscape over the Paiva gorge and the Agueiras Waterfall, both very important geological places belonging to Arouca Geopark and UNESCO’s heritage.
Overnight stay: Peso da Régua – Hotel Vila Galé Collections Douro
The pure air of Serra da Estrela
The natural beauty of Portugal hits its highest point at the tallest mountain of the continent, Serra da Estrela. Here, in this genuine land of fresh air and generous landscapes, many Portuguese find an unmatchable inner peace.
In the Natural Park fo Serra da Estrela, it also snows. The soft white snow contrasts with the rugged stone of the mountain landscape, where some fearsome people still live and their ancestors, in touch with nature.
Discover yourself in the mountain, in Serra da Estrela.
If the weather allows it, the day will be spent afloat in Douro (which is a must from April to September). We’ll have lunch on board and pass by the iconic stripy margins of Douro with its lovely vineyards (UNESCO heritage). If the sun is feeling shy and the boat rides are closed (which may happen from October to March), we will have a road trip and still enjoy the beauty of the river Douro, stopping by a visit to the cellars of port wine.
Overnight stay: Porto | Hotel: Vila Gale Porto – Centro
In Porto, we begin our day at the famous port wine cellars, and after that we are off to visit the city. We’ll have the chance of visiting Lello Bookshop, which is said to have inspired a book shop in the Harry Potter series. We’ll also enjoy the local food and pop by some of the most popular spots in Porto, such as Bolhão market.
Overnight stay: Porto | Hotel: Vila Gale Porto – Centro
In the morning, we head to Aveiro, nicknamed the Portuguese Venice, where we will enjoy an exciting boat ride in the canals in the historical center of this former fishing town.
The word-known beach of Nazaré follows (the set of the Guinness World Record for largest surfed wave, achieved by Garret McNamara). We’ll have lunch here and visit the beach and the lighthouse, and we will find the Nazarenas of the seven skirts — these are local women who work with the fishermen and wear seven colorful skirts.
We will visit the imposing monastery of Batalha (UNESCO heritage) and head for Fátima, where you can find one of the most important religious sanctuaries in Portugal and Europe, which welcomes thousands of pilgrims every years.
Overnight stay: Fátima | Hotel: Dom Gonçalo e SPA
Aveiro, the Venice of Portugal
Explore our deep connection to the sea of the Portuguese fishermen. The Aveiro river is a true live postcard, and just you wait until you go for a boat ride in the old fishing boats, now restored and painted in lively colors. This treat is a little adventure of its own.
Aveiro is full of things to see, but also things to eat — it’s very important that you try ovos moles, a goody sought by all sweet tooths.
This day will be dedicated to the historical legacy left by the Knights Templar in Portugal. We’ll start the day at the medieval Castle of Almouroul. It was built right in the middle of the Tejo river, and it integrates the Templar Interpretation Center, which we will visit as well.
We will then head to Tomar, where we will experience lunch in a medieval setting, and visit the famous Covent of Christ (UNESCO heritage), former headquarters of the Knights Templar. Yes, for real.
The end of the say will be spent at Dornes, a village with a brook that is considered one of the 7 wonders of Portugal, which includes the enigmatic Pentagonal Templar Tower and where we will muse over the whereabouts of the lost Templar treasure and the Holy Grail…
Overnight stay: Fátima | Hotel: Dom Gonçalo e SPA
The brave Knights Templar
Medieval adventures, shining chainmail and the sound of clashing swords. Portugal has it!
The Templar knights were a Christian military order founded during the Crusades. Their main mission was to protect pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land, Jerusalem.
Portugal was the first kingdom where the Templars were established and the last where they resided, for king Denis was the only monarch to protect them when they were persecuted across the whole of Europe.
The exciting medieval culture still lives and breathes in Portugal
This day will be dedicated to Fátima and its surroundings. We will visit the most popular places in the Sanctuary, but we’ll also visit the caves of Mira D’aire and the Dinossaur Footprints near Torres Novas.
Overnight stay: Fátima | Hotel: Dom Gonçalo e SPA
As the program is heading to a close, we will visit the amazing, unforgettable Sintra. Here, we will explore its beautiful palaces and its rich, romantic heritage, like Palácio da Pena.
We will have the opportunity of visiting Cabo da Roca, the most western point of Europe, and the elegant town of Cascais. Then, we are off to Lisbon, where we’ll enjoy the evening at a cultural show.
Overnight stay: Lisbon | Hotel: Áurea Museum by Eurostars Hotel Company (Near Alfama)
Free morning to shop for last minute souvenirs, and to stroll around Lisbon.
Transfer to the airport.
—Terms for participation
✓The price includes
- Stay at hotels
- Breakfasts
- Lunches
- Dinners
- 1 gastronomic tasting in Lisbon
- Bus trips
- Transfers from the airport
- Boat trips
- Tour guide
- Entries to monuments
- 1 SPA & Thermal experience
- Entries to shows
✗The price does not include
- Personal expenses
- Snacks, drinks and food outside of any main meals
- Any other expenses beyond those included in the program and mentioned above
▸Terms for participation:
- Payment of 50% of the total price upon sign up
- Payment of the remainder 50% within 30 days before the beginning of the trip
- Read in detail all the terms here
◎Participants:
- Min: 20 adventurers
- Max: 50 adventurers
Welcome aboard
Get in touch with Start Adventure in order to know more about this trip and how to sign up. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.
