Portugal
From world-renowned Port wine, to handmade tiles exclusive to Portugal, to the city of Fatima, a religious epicenter for pilgrims, it is an authentic European country–but with fewer crowds! Portugal’s temperate climate makes it an enjoyable place to visit year-round. Whether you are wandering through historic city squares admiring the ornate architecture, or experiencing traditional Fado music and Flamenco dancing as you cruise the Douro River, Portugal has something to satisfy the desires of any traveler!
Tours & Packages
- Destinations: Portugal
- including closed packages
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Highlights
- Porto
This beautiful coastal city boasts colorful, historic buildings and extravagant bridges. Its namesake Port wine is made here, housed in various cellars along the Douro River. After a day of tasting and touring, experience some of Porto’s diverse nightlife! Spend time relaxing on the serene beaches, or cruise along the Douro River and dive deeper into the wine region.
- Lisbon
Portugal’s seaside capital exhibits a perfect blend of old and new. The medieval architecture and vintage trams found in this City of the Sea will surely enchant any traveler! Climb the Torre de Belem, a fort built on the Tagus River during the reign of Manuel I. Constructed from limestone, the exterior includes intricate details and watchtowers. In 1983, the Torre de Belem received the title “Cultural Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO. Experience the modern elements of Lisbon with a visit to the Parque das Nacoes (Park of Nations). The area was designed to establish Portugal as a modern, forward-thinking democracy. Here, you can find Lisbon's Oceanarium, the second largest aquarium in Europe, where ocean habitats from around the world coexist in one environment.
- Wine tasting
No trip to Portugal is complete without a tour and tasting of its famous wine! Fortunately, there are plenty of wineries scattered across multiple regions, so you will have ample opportunities to stop and sample the local wine. Our Best of Portugal tour includes a visit to a wine cellar and tasting, so you get a first-hand experience of the art of Portuguese wine-making. Or, venture on your own and discover amazing wine cellars where passionate wine-makers will tell you their unique stories. Visit Croft Port, a wine cellar with more than 400 years of history and producer of the first pink port wine in the world! Stroll through the Burmester Wine Cellars, located near the bottom deck of the Dom Luis I Bridge. After a tour and tasting, take a relaxing cable car ride for a birds-eye-view of your surroundings. Don’t forget your camera!
- Fado music
Fado music originated in Lisbon, Portugal and dates back nearly 2 centuries. You can listen to this soulful music in cafes, pubs, and restaurants throughout the country. “Fado” (which literally translates to “fate”) beautifully expresses stories of daily hardship in a melancholic tune. There are two genres of Fado music, with Lisbon Fado being the most popular. Casa de Linhars and O Faia are two restaurants in Lisbon that are renowned for their Fado music.
- Sanctuary of Fatima
The Sanctuary of Fatima, located in the city of Fatima, is comprised of two chapels and a basilica. It is the fourth-largest Catholic pilgrimage site in the world, and draws between 5 – 6 million visitors every year. The grounds mark the approximate location where three shepherd children, Lucia Santos and Jacinta and Francisco Marto, saw apparitions of an angel and the Virgin Mary. During the Marian apparitions of 1917, the Virgin Mary revealed 3 secrets to the children, the third of which was not revealed until 1960. On October 13, 1917 the sun “danced,” fulfilling Mary’s promise to the children that she would perform a miracle. More than 70,000 people witnessed the phenomenon. Today, the Sanctuary of Fatima serves as a reminder of the incredible events that took place there more than 100 years ago.
This beautiful coastal city boasts colorful, historic buildings and extravagant bridges. Its namesake Port wine is made here, housed in various cellars along the Douro River. After a day of tasting and touring, experience some of Porto’s diverse nightlife! Spend time relaxing on the serene beaches, or cruise along the Douro River and dive deeper into the wine region.
Portugal’s seaside capital exhibits a perfect blend of old and new. The medieval architecture and vintage trams found in this City of the Sea will surely enchant any traveler! Climb the Torre de Belem, a fort built on the Tagus River during the reign of Manuel I. Constructed from limestone, the exterior includes intricate details and watchtowers. In 1983, the Torre de Belem received the title “Cultural Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO. Experience the modern elements of Lisbon with a visit to the Parque das Nacoes (Park of Nations). The area was designed to establish Portugal as a modern, forward-thinking democracy. Here, you can find Lisbon's Oceanarium, the second largest aquarium in Europe, where ocean habitats from around the world coexist in one environment.
No trip to Portugal is complete without a tour and tasting of its famous wine! Fortunately, there are plenty of wineries scattered across multiple regions, so you will have ample opportunities to stop and sample the local wine. Our Best of Portugal tour includes a visit to a wine cellar and tasting, so you get a first-hand experience of the art of Portuguese wine-making. Or, venture on your own and discover amazing wine cellars where passionate wine-makers will tell you their unique stories. Visit Croft Port, a wine cellar with more than 400 years of history and producer of the first pink port wine in the world! Stroll through the Burmester Wine Cellars, located near the bottom deck of the Dom Luis I Bridge. After a tour and tasting, take a relaxing cable car ride for a birds-eye-view of your surroundings. Don’t forget your camera!
Fado music originated in Lisbon, Portugal and dates back nearly 2 centuries. You can listen to this soulful music in cafes, pubs, and restaurants throughout the country. “Fado” (which literally translates to “fate”) beautifully expresses stories of daily hardship in a melancholic tune. There are two genres of Fado music, with Lisbon Fado being the most popular. Casa de Linhars and O Faia are two restaurants in Lisbon that are renowned for their Fado music.
The Sanctuary of Fatima, located in the city of Fatima, is comprised of two chapels and a basilica. It is the fourth-largest Catholic pilgrimage site in the world, and draws between 5 – 6 million visitors every year. The grounds mark the approximate location where three shepherd children, Lucia Santos and Jacinta and Francisco Marto, saw apparitions of an angel and the Virgin Mary. During the Marian apparitions of 1917, the Virgin Mary revealed 3 secrets to the children, the third of which was not revealed until 1960. On October 13, 1917 the sun “danced,” fulfilling Mary’s promise to the children that she would perform a miracle. More than 70,000 people witnessed the phenomenon. Today, the Sanctuary of Fatima serves as a reminder of the incredible events that took place there more than 100 years ago.Fast Facts
Already booked on one of our packages to Portugal? See everything you need to know before you go.
| Overview | Capital: Lisbon |
| Entry requirements | U.S. citizens must have a passport which is valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date. U.S. passport holders do not need a visa to enter Portugal for stays up to 90 days. You should have at least 2 blank visa pages in your passport to be stamped upon arrival. See the U.S. Dept. of State website for more information. If you do not hold a U.S. passport, please see the entry requirements. More information about passport, visa & entry requirements. |
| Health Precautions & Vaccinations | Immunizations are not currently required for travel to Portugal. However, you may wish to consult your personal physician regarding any concerns, or for health recommendations. |
| Weather | The weather in Portugal can be described as warm, temperate Mediterranean climate as influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and northern Africa. Portugal is also one of the warmest and has the highest rainfalls in Europe. In the northern part of the country, the weather is cool and rainy while in the south, weather is warm and sunnier. The average weather in Porto during summer, from June to mid-September is in the high 70’s. From mid-September to November, the weather is mild and rain becomes more visible. The wettest period is from November to March. During winter, from December to February, the average temperature is in the 50’s while the average temperature during the spring, from March to May is in the 60’s. |
| What to wear | Since weather can be unpredictable and to be sure you are comfortable during your trip and prepared for all types of weather possibilities, we suggest that you carry a small folding umbrella or a poncho and take with you a light jacket or sweater. If you have two pairs of comfortable (broken in, not brand new) walking shoes, by all means, take both pairs. Packing to dress in layers is another way to prepare for a variety of weather conditions. Finally, remember that comfort and convenience should dictate your wardrobe for the tour, and casual clothes are in order for most every occasion as you travel. |
| Tipping | A small gratuity to your guides and drivers will be greatly appreciated by them. The recommended amount is 4 Euros per person for the local guide and 2 Euro per person per day for the driver on optional day tours. We also recommend to tip the transfer personnel 4 Euro per person per transfer. Please note that gratuities should be in Euros cash. In general, tipping is, of course, a personal matter and an expression of your satisfaction with services provided to you. |
| Money & Credit Cards | The currency in Portugal is the Euro. Hotels and some stores accept major credit cards. Credit cards are the most convenient way to pay for items you purchase as you travel. Be sure to call your credit card providers to let them know you will be traveling abroad, the places you’ll be visiting and the dates of your trip. This is important for your own protection. Some hotels will be able to exchange your cash for local currency. You may also use the ATM machines to get cash in local currency. Traveler’s checks are no longer widely accepted. If you intend to use traveler’s checks, please verify that they are accepted in the countries visited on this tour. Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card abroad. |
| Shopping | Shop for wine, olive oil, azulejos (colorful ceramic tiles), earthenware, faience (particularly from Coimbra), leather goods (including shoes), antiques, gold and silver filigree (particularly from Minho Province and Oporto), cataplanas (clamshell-shaped copper pans for cooking shellfish and stews), lace, Madeiran embroidery, cork items, Portuguese guitars, and Arraiolos rugs. |
| Electricity & Power Adapters | 230 volts. Plugs C & F. You will need a voltage converter and plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit. Learn more about electrical standards around the world. |
| Cell Phones & Internet | Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? See our blog posts on using your cell phone abroad and the top 5 ways to get Internet abroad. |
| Photography | Cameras and video recorders are allowed almost everywhere, and in fact, you will want to take plenty of pictures of the magnificent panoramas you’ll encounter as you travel. Photography is generally permitted everywhere except at airports and military installations. Memory cards for digital cameras will also be readily available, especially in major cities. |
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