Hidden Gems of Portugal: A Journey by Train, 14-day Itinerary

Hidden Gems of Portugal: A Journey by Train


      Porto, Braga & Guimarães or Aveiro, Coimbra, Tomar, Lisboa, Sintra, Évora, Faro and Lagos

    13 nights

     All Year Round
      Porto, Braga & Guimarães or Aveiro, Coimbra, Tomar, Lisboa, Sintra, Évora, Faro and Lagos

    13 nights

     All Year Round

Embark on an unforgettable 14-day journey to explore Portugal by train, experiencing the country’s rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. From the bustling cities of Porto and Lisbon to the tranquil beauty of Alentejo and the Algarve, this itinerary takes you from North to South, uncovering Portugal’s best-hidden gems. Along the way, immerse yourself in the gastronomy, breathtaking views, and charm of a nation where tradition meets modernity.

Price per person, double occupancy, from:

€ 4196


Brief itinerary

Day

Highlights

Overnights

Day 1:

Arrival in Porto & Welcome Port Tasting Stay at Pousada Do Porto 4*

Porto

Day 2:

Porto Tuk Tuk Tour

Porto

Day 3:

Day Trip to Braga and Guimarães or Day Trip to Aveiro

Porto

Day 4:

Train to Coimbra, Stay In Solar Luxury Coimbra 4*

Coimbra

Day 5:

Train to Tomar, Stay In Estalagem de Santa Iria Hotel & Spa 4*

Tomar

Day 6:

Train to Lisbon & Fado Dinner Show, Stay In 1908 Hotel 4*

Lisbon

Day 7:

Lisbon’s Essential Walking Tour

Lisbon

Day 8:

Day Trip to Sintra & Cascais

Lisbon

Day 9:

Day Trip to Évora, City Tour W/Private Guide

Lisbon

Day 10:

Train to Faro, Stay In 3HB Faro 5*

Faro

Day 11:

Cataplana Cooking Class

Faro

Day 12:

Train to Lagos, Stay in Casa Mãe 5*

Lagos

Day 13:

Lagos Food and Market Walking Tour

Lagos

Day 14:

Departure 

Day 1

Arrive in Porto & Welcome Port Tasting at Pousada do Porto 4*

As your flight approaches Porto, take in stunning views of the city’s vibrant landscape. Soon, you’ll be wandering its charming streets, brimming with culture and authenticity. Upon arrival, your chauffeur will escort you to your hotel.

Pousada do Porto, located on Rua das Flores, is a luxury hotel housed in a historic building. Combining modern elegance with authentic charm, it’s perfectly situated for exploring the city’s top attractions.

In the evening, indulge in a welcome Port tasting at Calém Lodge, a delightful introduction to Porto’s rich and authentic flavours.


Overnight: Porto



Day 2

Porto Tuk Tuk Tour

Embark on a private Tuk Tuk adventure through Porto, where your knowledgeable driver will bring the city’s rich history and vibrant culture to life. This eco-friendly tour uses a silent, fully electric Tuk Tuk, offering a sustainable and enjoyable way to explore. Starting at Ponte do Infante, your journey will take you past iconic landmarks such as Campanhã Train Station, the magnificent Luís I Bridge, and the charming Ribeira Quarter. Admire architectural treasures like Palácio da Bolsa and conclude your experience in the tranquil surroundings of the Crystal Palace Gardens.

These are just a few of the highlights awaiting you on this unforgettable journey through Porto!


Overnight:  Porto

Meals included: Breakfast


Palacio-da-Bolsa-Porto-Portugal-by-train.jpg


Day 3

Day Trip to Braga and Guimarães

Embark on a captivating day trip to Braga and Guimarães, two of Portugal’s most historic cities. Begin in Braga, a vibrant city in the northwestern region of Portugal, renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively atmosphere. As one of Portugal’s oldest cities, Braga boasts over 2,000 years of history, having been founded by the Romans in the 1st century BC and later becoming a significant religious centre during the Christianisation of the Iberian Peninsula.

After exploring Braga, continue your journey to Guimarães, where you’ll enjoy a traditional lunch (included). Following lunch, take a guided tour of the city and its iconic castle. The historic centre of Guimarães, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a treasure trove of narrow cobblestone streets, beautifully preserved medieval buildings, and charming squares.

Or

 Day Trip to Aveiro

Meet your driver outside your hotel for a journey to Aveiro, often called the 'Venice of Portugal.' This delightful coastal city is celebrated for its picturesque canals, vibrant moliceiro boats, and exquisite Art Nouveau architecture. Your experience includes a private guided walking tour, a tasting of the traditional ovos moles, a 45-minute moliceiro boat ride, and a delicious lunch.


Overnight: Porto

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch



Day 4

Train to Coimbra
Stay In Solar Luxury Coimbra 4*

Today, you’ll travel to Coimbra, a city set along the picturesque Mondego River and perched on a hill steeped in history. Coimbra is home to Portugal’s oldest university and a wealth of religious monuments dating from the 12th to the 18th century. One of its standout attractions is the Biblioteca Joanina, a breathtaking Baroque-style library with gilded shelves housing over 300,000 volumes. Despite its rich history, Coimbra maintains a vibrant energy, thanks to its large student population who bring life to its lively bars well into the night. While in Coimbra, don’t miss the chance to experience Fado de Coimbra, a distinctive style of fado uniquely crafted by the city’s students.

Tonight, you’ll stay at Solar Luxury Coimbra, a remarkable accommodation that preserves the building’s original and ancient architecture.


Overnight:  Coimbra

Meals included: Breakfast



Day 5

Train to Tomar
Stay In Estalagem de Santa Iria Hotel & Spa 4*

Today, you’ll take the train to Tomar, one of Portugal’s last Templar towns. Explore this charming city and its UNESCO World Heritage site, the Convent of Christ, founded in the 12th century by the Knights Templar. After visiting the Convent, wander through Mata Nacional dos Sete Montes, a serene park that connects the Convent to the heart of Tomar. For a peaceful retreat, take a stroll through Mouchão Park, where you can relax under the shade of ancient oak trees.

Tonight, enjoy your stay at the Estalagem de Santa Iria Hotel & Spa, an iconic retreat located on the islet of Parque do Mouchão by the Nabão River. This beautifully refurbished lodge offers a perfect blend of luxury and comfort in the heart of Tomar. For an extra touch of relaxation, indulge in the hotel’s Spa facilities.


Overnight: Tomar

Meals included: Breakfast



Day 6

Train to Lisbon & Fado Dinner Show
Stay In 1908 Hotel 4*

Welcome to Lisbon, one of the trendiest cities in the world! Upon arrival, your private chauffeur will escort you to the chic 1908 Lisboa Hotel.

Housed in an award-winning, beautifully restored 1908 building, the hotel masterfully combines classic Portuguese architecture with a modern flair, reflecting Lisbon’s unique blend of history and contemporary charm.

This evening, immerse yourself in Lisbon’s culture with a traditional fado dinner show, savoring authentic local cuisine accompanied by the hauntingly beautiful music that defines the city’s soul.


Overnight: Lisbon

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner



Day 7

Lisbon’s Essential Walking Tour

Spend the afternoon exploring Lisbon’s history and culture on a guided walk through its iconic neighbourhoods. This tour takes you to Chiado, Bairro Alto, Baixa Pombalina, and Alfama, where you’ll delve into the city’s rich history, architecture, and gastronomy at the heart of this ancient metropolis.

Your local guide will also share insider tips on the best shops, restaurants, and nightlife spots. No tour of Lisbon would be complete without a ride on the city’s famous tram, followed by a coffee and a pastry at a charming local café.


Overnight: Lisbon

Meals included: Breakfast



Day 8

Day Trip to Sintra & Cascais

Today, you’ll explore Sintra and its stunning surroundings, known for breathtaking views and rich history. Highlights of your visit include the UNESCO-listed Pena Palace, a masterpiece of 19th-century Romanticism, and the Moorish Castle, an 8th-century fortress offering panoramic views stretching from Sintra to the ocean. Your tour includes entry to Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and the Moorish Castle, ensuring you experience the best of Sintra’s treasures.

After discovering Sintra and its wonders, you’ll head to Cascais, a charming coastal town once favoured by the Portuguese royal family. Its seaside residence attracted European nobility, transforming the town into a vibrant summer retreat. Your journey concludes in Estoril, part of the Cascais municipality, famed for its connection to the James Bond novel Casino Royale and its glamorous casino.


Overnight: Lisbon

Meals included: Breakfast



Day 9

Day Trip to Évora
City Tour W/Private Guide

Évora, home to ancient Neolithic monuments and Portugal’s only Roman temple, is a city steeped in history. Founded by the Romans, later fortified by the Moors, and chosen as the residence of Portuguese kings in the 15th century, Évora is now an open-air museum adorned with historic monuments and numerous churches.

Today, your private guide will lead you through the city’s main highlights, including the Roman Temple, the grand Cathedral, and the hauntingly unique Chapel of Bones.


Overnight: Lisbon

Meals included: Breakfast



Day 10

Train to Faro
Stay In 3HB Faro 5*

Bid farewell to Portugal’s capital and journey to Faro, the vibrant capital of the southern Algarve region and a key gateway to this stunning area. Faro offers a wealth of attractions, from Roman ruins and Baroque churches to a striking Rococo palace. It is also part of the Ria Formosa Natural Reserve, a haven of lagoons and islands featuring golden sandy beaches.

Tonight, you’ll stay at 3HB Faro, the city’s first 5-star hotel, known for its urban chic design and welcoming atmosphere. The hotel’s architecture is inspired by the Algarve region, perfectly blending classic charm with contemporary elegance.


Overnight: Faro

Meals included: Breakfast



Day 11

Cataplana Cooking Class

Today, immerse yourself in a hands-on culinary experience, learning to prepare a three-course meal from scratch, including one of the Algarve’s most iconic seafood dishes—Cataplana! Guided by a private chef, you’ll savour every step of this gastronomic journey, culminating in enjoying the delicious dishes you create.

Begin your day at the renowned Faro market, where you’ll shop for fresh, local ingredients alongside the chef. Along the way, learn about the history of the cataplana, the Algarve’s legendary seafood specialty. Next, dive into your cooking class, with the chef providing expert guidance as you prepare and enjoy your creations.

As a token of your experience, you’ll receive a certificate and get to keep your apron as a souvenir!


Overnight: Faro

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch



Day 12

Train to Lagos
Stay in Casa Mãe 5*

Today, you’ll take a train to a new destination: Lagos, one of the Algarve coastline’s most picturesque towns. Renowned for its stunning beaches, dramatic grottoes, and sandstone cliffs, this seaside gem of around 22,000 residents combines natural beauty with a vibrant nightlife. Formerly known as Lacobriga, Lagos boasts over 2,000 years of history and has been shaped by numerous civilizations, including Romans, Visigoths, Byzantines, and Moors, who renamed it Zawaia—the origin of the Portuguese word lago (lake).

Tonight, you’ll stay at Casa Mãe, a beautifully refurbished seaside estate offering boho-chic, minimalist, and vintage-inspired aesthetics. All that’s left is for you to choose your favourite room!


Overnight: Lagos

Meals included: Breakfast



Day 13

Lagos Food and Market Walking Tour

Join our Classic Food Tour and visit four different restaurants and taverns in the Algarve, where you’ll sample around 10 of Portugal’s most traditional dishes. Dining in the Algarve is an unforgettable experience! Explore the region’s charming streets, uncover its hidden secrets, and soak in its rich history through stories from the past, visits to authentic locales, and opportunities to connect with the real Algarve.

This small-group shared tour offers a unique way to taste and discover the Algarve, with plenty of time to savour the flavours, capture photos, and create lasting memories.


Overnight: Lagos

Meals included: Breakfast



Day 14

Departure

After breakfast, your private chauffeur will transfer you to the airport for your departure. Take with you the unforgettable memories of Portugal—a perfect mix of rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning coastal landscapes.

Promise yourself “I’ll be back” – as we will be waiting for you for your next adventure!


Meals included: Breakfast

Inclusions:

Accommodation:

  • Pousada do Porto 4* - Porto
  • Solar Luxury Coimbra 4* - Coimbra
  • Estalagem de Santa Iria 4* - Tomar
  • Hotel 1908 4* - Lisbon
  • 3HB Faro 5* - Faro
  • Casa Mãe 5* - Lagos

Meals:

  • Breakfast
  • 1 Dinner
  • 2 Lunches

Activities:  All activities mentioned in the package

Guides:  Guided tours will be with experienced professionals

Transfers: Private airport transfers with meet and greet

Transportation: Private transportation between activities and all train tickets

Itinerary: Highly personalised itinerary planning with tips

Help and advices: Expert Advice and help during your stay by our travel team (during office hours)

T&C:

  • Activities are subject to changes and can be replaced to a similar one in case of no availability;
  • Hotels & room types are subject to availability and to price changes. In case a particular hotel or room type is fully booked for your desired dates, we will replace it with a hotel/room type of equal or higher value and quality level.
  • Before final confirmation, we will provide you with all the details and the trip price will be adjusted accordingly.

Price Excludes:

  • Flights

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