Portugal Holidays

See a slice of Algarve life away from the coast on a tour through unspoiled rural landscapes dotted with traditional villages. You’ll start by soaking up the cool clean air and stunning views in one of the highest parts of the Serra do Caldeirão mountains, before making for various villages known for their handicrafts. You’ll visit Querença, set on a hilltop that marks the transition between the inland barrocal zone and the mountains. It’s a picturesque spot, with steep cobbled streets lined by small whitewashed houses known for their blue-trimmed doors and windows and ornate chimneys. Your next stop is Salir, the site of a late Islamic castle that’s now a romantic ruin in a dramatic setting. The last port of call is Alte, a typical Algarve village tucked away in a valley in the Serra do Caldeirão, where you can admire quaint cottages with lattice chimneys, check out the blue-and-white-tiled church and dip your toes into spring-fed pools.

• Duration: full day
• Time 7.15am
• Departures on Wednesday from Algarve resorts except Sagres & Quinta do Lago
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
Entrance fees and meals are not included.

Enjoy a skillfully curated selection of the Algarve’s natural and manmade delights on a private tour by Land Rover Jeep. This fascinating day begins at Porches Pottery, founded in 1968 by two artists - one Irish, the other Portuguese - who were determined to show that handcrafted ceramics still had a place in the modern world. Here, you’ll be able to watch its talented artisans at work, and perhaps pick up one of the workshop’s beautifully hand-decorated pieces as a stylish souvenir. From here, you’ll make your way to Benagil, Carvoeiro and Algar Seco, where you will be able to check out the amazing sea caves carved out of the limestone cliffs over the centuries. Afterwards, you’ll stroll the cobbled streets of Ferragudo, a traditional fishing village at the mouth of the Arade river. The last visit is to a winery, where you can have a guided tour and sample some of the wines produced in the region.

• Duration: Full day
• Start time: 8.45am
• Departures on Monday to Friday from Algarve resorts except Sagres & Quinta do Lago
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
This private tour doesn’t include a guide.

See a side of the Algarve that many visitors miss on a private tour with a delightfully foodie theme. Setting off in style in a Land Rover Jeep, you’ll head inland to São Brás de Alportel, a typically sleepy Algarve village of low whitewashed houses. The surrounding area is home to plantations of cork oaks, and you’ll visit a factory where the raw bark is prepared and treated for use. From here, you’ll stop off at a bakery renowned for its delicious traditional products, such as carob bread, almond cakes and honey cakes, and have a taste of carob liqueur. At the fascinating little São Brás Ethnographic Museum, you’ll be able to check out displays devoted to everything from local traditional costumes to the history of the cork industry, before heading to Salir to explore the ruins of its ancient castle. The final stop is at a large organic farm, where you’ll learn how they make their popular preserves and sample some of them.

• Duration: full day
• Start time: 7.50am
• Departures on Monday and Friday from Algarve resorts except Sagres & Quinta do Lago
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
Entrance fees and meals are not included, and nor is a guide.

Quinta dos Vales is not just one of the best wineries in the region, it’s also a cultural centre and colourful outdoor sculpture park. On this visit, you’ll be given a fascinating overview of Portugal’s wine industry, which includes a tour of the cellars. You’ll learn about the different varieties of grapes that grow here, such as Touriga Nacional, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Aragonez and Viognier, and taste some of the highly regarded still and sparkling wines that are made from them. You’ll also discover some of the 100-plus sculptures that are dotted around the estate’s 44 hectares. Most of these are designed by owner Karl Heinz Stock and realised by local craftspeople in everything from fibreglass to Alentejo marble. Look out for the delightful and eye-catching “Dance of the Bears”, a project that brought together 26 painters and mosaic artists from around the world.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 9am to 6pm
• Departs Monday to Saturday
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
Transfers are not included. Participants must be over 18.

Explore the Algarve’s fascinating past on a full-day guided adventure to some of its most scenic places. You’ll visit the dramatically located castle at Silves, a former capital blessed with a wealth of historical architecture. From here, you’ll continue up into the Serra de Monchique to enjoy the verdant landscapes, the cool mountain air, the sense of peace and the breathtaking views from the summit of Fóia, the highest point in the Algarve. Your next port of call is Lagos, a coastal city with a rich seafaring history that’s known for its walled old town, where you’ll have time to see the glossy modern marina, the 17th-century fort and the fabulous baroque interior of Santo António church, among other highlights. The day concludes with a stop at Sagres and its unusual sea fort, and windswept Cabo de São Vicente with its tiny lighthouse, the most south-westerly point of Europe.

• Duration: full day
• Start time: 7.15am
• Departures on Tuesday and Friday from Algarve resorts except Sagres & Quinta do Lago\ • Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
Entrance fees and meals are not included.

Madeira is on the migratory route of just under 30 species of whales and dolphins, as well as being home to a resident population of sperm whales, and there are few experiences to match the thrill of seeing them in their natural environment. On this two-and-a-half-hour adventure, you’ll have an excellent chance of spotting some of these captivating creatures, along with a host of other marine life including turtles. Starting with a short introductory talk, you’ll head out to sea on a trio of nippy semi-rigid boats with Rota dos Cetáceos’ team of marine biologists, keeping your eyes peeled for the tell-tale glimpse of a fin, tail or blow. In this, you’ll be assisted by lookouts on land who have up-to-the-minute information as to likely locations. It’s a brilliant way to spend a morning or afternoon that will appeal to families with older children as well as couples.

• Duration: 2½ hours
• Time: June to September 9am to 11.30am, 12.30pm to 3pm or 4pm to 6.30pm; October to May 9am to 11.30am or 1.30pm to 3pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
The species you’re likely to see depends on the time of year, so do your research if there’s a particular one you’re keen to spot. Transfers are not included.

A walk beside one of the many man-made irrigation channels, or levadas, that crisscross the interior is a quintessential Madeira experience and a great way to explore the island’s spectacular scenery. This gentle morning stroll is the perfect introduction to this unique way of hiking, which takes you along a particularly beautiful stretch of the 100-year-old Serra do Faial. The 5.5km walk starts in Vale do Paraíso - which translates as Paradise Valley - and ends in the pretty village of Rochão. Along the way, you’ll have time to see how generations of farmers have carved out terraced fields from the steep hillsides, admire some glorious gardens and enjoy the panoramic views over Camacha, also known as “the village of basket makers”. It’s a brilliant way to get some exercise without even noticing, and is suitable for all ages.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 8.30am to 11am
• Departs on Tuesday and Friday
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
The 5.5km walk is graded as easy and is suitable for all. Wear suitable clothing plus walking shoes or boots.

The paths that follow the vast network of irrigation channels known as levadas, created over the centuries by Madeira’s farmers, have rightly become popular with those looking to immerse themselves in the island’s most impressive landscapes. This 11km walk, which takes about four hours, kicks off at Paul da Serra, a high plateau where you’ll find extensive areas of rare subtropical laurel forest that UNESCO describes as of “outstanding universal value”. From here, you’ll head downhill towards Rabaçal guesthouse, a popular pitstop that seems almost lost amid the surrounding scenic grandeur, and on to Risco waterfall. You’ll continue on down to the Levada do 25 Fontes, reaching a small lake at the bottom of a cliff fed by 25 natural cascading springs. Picking up another track towards the finish, you’ll pass through a tunnel that carries water to the south side of the island.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 8.15am to 12.15pm
• Departs on Tuesday and Thursday
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
The 11km walk is graded as moderate. Wear suitable clothing plus walking shoes or boots.

Stretch your legs and discover Madeira’s rugged north on a levada walk that features an appealing blend of glorious landscapes and picturesque villages. You’ll set off from Queimadas, in the heart of a protected ancient laurel forest, to trek beside the 18th-century Levada da Serra de São Jorge, from whose heights you’ll be able to drink in the magnificent views over the villages below. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for local birds such as firecrests, long-toed pigeons and even buzzards. Passing cascades and cutting through small tunnels, you’ll arrive at one of the island’s beauty spots: the waterfall of Caldeirão Verde, the “green cauldron”. It’s the perfect venue for a picnic, far from the bustle of modern life. From here, you’ll continue on through pastureland to Santana, a village known for its unusual colourful triangular thatched cottages.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 8.15am to 12.45pm
• Departs Friday
• Year round
• Group experience

Good to know
The 13km walk is graded as moderate. Wear suitable clothing plus walking shoes or boots.

Sample the delights of traditional island hospitality with an evening of good food, wine and music. You and your fellow diners will head to a typical Madeiran restaurant where you’ll enjoy a three-course meal of local specialities. After a light starter - tomato and onion soup, perhaps, or caldo verde - you’ll have a chance to try one of the islanders’ favourite dishes, Espetada, a skewer of tender marinated beef cooked over hot coals or wood chips. It’s usually accompanied by milho frito (fried corn) and bolo do caco, a type of bread roll made with sweet potato and served with garlic butter. During the meal, there’ll be local wines to sip and savour and live music provided by a folkloric group playing traditional instruments such as the guitar-like rajão and the colourful jangling brinquinho.

• Duration: evening
• Start time: 7am
• Departs on Friday
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Madeira has a rich tradition of hand embroidery, which brings together influences from across Europe to exquisite effect. One of the most highly regarded makers on the island is Bordal, founded around 60 years ago, at whose small factory you can spend a few hours learning the history and techniques of this exacting craft. You’ll discover how each piece begins with a unique design hand-drawn on tracing paper, and how the design is transferred to the fabric using tiny perforations and a sponge soaked in special blue ink. From here, the marked-up fabric is passed on to the skilled embroiderers to do their delicate stitchwork - satin stitch, pulled thread fillings, appliqué and the like - before the workshop completes the process with cutwork, washing and ironing. You’ll end the session with a real insight into the amount of hard work that goes into creating every beautiful tablecloth, pillowcase and handkerchief.

• Duration: half day
• Departs on Thursday
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
This isn’t a hands-on experience, but Bordal makes kits for beginners who want to try doing Madeiran embroidery for themselves. Transfers are not included.

Madeira’s namesake fortified wines can trace their development back to the 15th century, and learning about their unique history and ageing process from one of its best-known makers is something that wine lovers are sure to appreciate. At Blandy’s Wine Lodge, the heart of a family-run wine business established in 1811, you’ll get a fascinating insight into the difference between Madeira and other fortified wines as you tour the different areas of the establishment. You’ll tour the warehouse, filled with wooden barrels, where the finest vintages are aged to perfection by the traditional “canteiro” method. You’ll visit the museum, whose collection of artefacts includes letters from Sir Winston Churchill, coins from Blandy’s bank and a 17th-century wooden trough where grapes were once trodden. The visit ends with an enjoyable guided tasting so you can appreciate the end product for yourself.

• Duration: half day
• Departs on Monday to Saturday
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
At the tasting, children will be given the choice of a bottle of water or fruit juice. Transfers are not included.

Get off the beaten track on an expedition by 4x4 to the undeveloped north of the island. On this day-long trip, you’ll travel through some spectacular verdant landscapes dotted with picturesque hamlets surrounded by orchards and vineyards. The imaginative itinerary takes in several small towns and villages known for everything from their dramatic settings to their distinctive local culture: São Vicente with its volcanic caves, Ponta Delgada, sleepy São Jorge, Faial and Poiso. You’ll have time to explore Santana, whose distinctive triangular thatched stone houses are a photographer’s delight, and walk through the UNESCO-listed laurel forest at Queimadas Park keeping a lookout for endemic species such as the Madeiran long-toed pigeon. It’s perfect for anyone who is looking to discover the authentic way of life on the island, and enjoy some of its most unspoiled landscapes.

• Duration: full day
• Start time: 8.45am
• Departs on Friday
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
The trip is suitable for all ages.

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of southern Madeira with a memorable trip by open-top 4x4. The day begins with a scenic drive up to Paul da Serra, the largest and highest plateau on the island, from where there are incredible vistas. The plateau is home to extensive areas of laurisilva, the indigenous subtropical laurel forest that’s so special it’s UNESCO-listed. From here, the route continues down to Ponta do Pargo on the westernmost point of Madeira - the ideal place to put a lighthouse - and along the coast to fishing villages such as Paul do Mar and Jardim do Mar, both magnets for intrepid surfers. Passing by Calheta, one of the few sandy beaches in Madeira, you’ll conclude the day’s activities with a stop at pretty Ponta do Sol, famous as the sunniest spot on the island and the place where the best bananas are grown.

• Duration: full day
• Start time: 8.45am
• Departs on Sun
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Spend a whole day on a voyage along the Douro River from pretty Porto to Pinhão, a village surrounded by verdant rolling hills. Pass by vines growing on terraces cut into the steep hillsides and characterful villages where white buildings are topped with terracotta roofs. You’ll pass through locks where the river is dammed and rises into the hills, and have plenty of time to take in the stunning valley landscapes from the open-air deck. Following your arriving in Pinhão, you’ll return to Porto by train or bus.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 8.30am to 11.30pm
• Departs Monday to Friday
• Operates April to October
• Group experience

Good to know
Breakfast and lunch are included. Transfers are not included; meet at 8.30am at Douro Acima Pier in Ribeira do Douro for check-in and boarding.

One of the best ways to get to know a place is by trying the local produce. Wander through the streets of Porto and get a taste of the city at five different culinary venues. Begin with coffee and a pastry from a highly rated coffee shop before trying a typical Portuguese appetizer – codfish cakes – accompanied by a chilled Vinho Verde. You’ll also sample cured cheeses and meats and a bifana (grilled pork sandwich) before concluding the trip in the best possible way: at a port wine tasting with a local producer.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 10am to 1pm or 3pm to 6pm
• Departs Monday to Saturday
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Good to know
Transfers are not included; the meeting point is C’alma Speciality Coffee Room, Rua de Passos Manuel 44. Please advise us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking.

Step aboard a traditional rabelo boat and sail along a particularly peaceful part of the Douro River, drifting past terracotta-roofed towns and satisfyingly neat rows of vines carved into steep hillside terraces. Your two-hour river cruise will show you the ancient vineyards and farms of this UNESCO World-Heritage landscape, and a free audio guide will be available for those who’d like to find out more about the locations and buildings. There will be time for a picnic and Port wine tasting, as well as sunbathing and swimming if conditions allow.

• Duration: 2 hours
• Time: 10.45am to 12.45pm or 3pm to 5pm
• Daily departures from Pinhão
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
Transfers are not included. Guests must arrive at Magnífico Douro Pier at least 10 minutes before departure for check-in procedures and briefing.

Set sail along a particularly peaceful part of the Douro River on a private cruise aboard a traditional rabelo boat. This is a charming way to explore this UNESCO World-Heritage landscape, with plenty of space and seclusion as you glide past small towns and vineyards carved into the steep-sided valley. Your private river cruise will introduce you to the ancient vineyards and farms that line the river, and a free audio guide will be available so you can discover more about what you’re seeing. There will be time for a picnic and Port wine tasting, as well as sunbathing and swimming if conditions allow, to round off a tranquil couple of hours.

• Duration: 2 hours
• Time: 10.45am to 12.45pm or 3pm to 5pm
• Daily departures from Pinhão
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
Transfers are not included. Guests must arrive at Magnífico Douro Pier at least 10 minutes before departure for check-in procedures and briefing.

Porto has a different pace to most European cities and is best explored on foot. On this four-hour walking tour, you’ll have plenty of time to discover the city’s lesser-known spots and learn about local stories. It’s an ideal experience for those who’d like to learn more about the local lifestyle, history and architecture, giving you an insight into the people and traditions of the region.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 9am to 1pm or 2pm to 6pm
• Daily departures from Porto
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
Transfers, entrance fees and meals are not included.

Portugal’s capital is one of Europe’s most enchanting cities, and you’ll be introduced to its great monuments on this insightful half-day tour. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays a visit to the Palace of Ajuda is a highlight, where you’ll get to explore its ornate Neoclassical rooms and hilltop botanical gardens. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, you'll visit the Royal Treasure Museum instead and take in the sparkling jewels from throughout Portugal's history. We’ll then continue to one of the most traditional quarters of Lisbon: Alfama, where you’ll experience one of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritages. UNESCO established this list to protect important cultural representations. In Lisbon, this is Fado, and there are traditional Fado houses (small eateries or larger restaurants where singers perform emotional, nostalgic songs) on every corner.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 9am
• Daily departures 
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
Meals and entrance fee to the Palace of Ajuda are not included.

This tiny archipelago sits on the migratory path of a handful of whale species (including sei, blue and fin) making it the perfect destination for a spot of wildlife watching. The morning’s adventure begins at Ponta Delgada harbour where you’ll meet the marine biologist and guides who will be leading the trip and have a quick brief before setting off. Three hours will be spent in search of life under the waves.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 8.30am to 1pm\ • Departs daily
• Operates April to October
• Group experience

Good to know
Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, and species of whale that may be spotted depends on the time of year.

Travel east to the characterful village and surrounding countryside on this 4 x 4 adventure. En route, you’ll pause at a handful of viewpoints, including Miradouro de Santa Iria which has spectacular vistas along the island’s rugged north coast, and Miradouro Salto do Cavalo which overlooks the world-famous Furnas Valley. On the way down to Nordeste itself, visit Ribeira dos Caldeiroes National Park, before heading to a local restaurant for lunch. On your way back to Ponta Delgada, pass through the verdant forests of Serra da Tonqueira and learn about the plight of the endemic Priolo bird, and visit Povoação, the oldest settlement on the island.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 9am to 4.30pm
• Departs daily
• Operates April to October
• Group experience

The dual-toned crater lakes of Sete Cidades are the largest jewel in Sao Miguel’s dazzling natural crown and on this half day tour, you’ll be taken to the best viewpoints and have the chance to explore the local village of the same name. We’ll also take you to a local pineapple plantation where these tropical fruits are grown in unique, non-tropical conditions.

• Time: half day
• Departs daily
• Operates April to October
• Group experience

Good to know
Entrance fees are not included.

Your adventure into the heart of Sao Miguel begins at Pico da Barrosa, the island’s second highest peak. On a clear day, there are breathtaking views out over the Atlantic and down to Lagoa do Fogo, the flooded caldera of the island’s youngest volcano. Following the descent, head to Caldeira Velha with its hot spring pools and waterfalls (entrance fee not included). Before returning to Ponta Delgada, make a stop in the traditional town of Ribeira Grande which has a charming historic centre where narrow streets are lined by 17th and 18th-Century buildings.

• Duration: half day
• Departs daily
• Operates April to October
• Group experience

Good to know
Entrance fees are not included.

Enjoy a day of exceptional views, traditional village scenes and stunning landscapes on this exploration of the north-eastern reaches of Sao Miguel. The first stop is Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, a magical world of emerald forest trails, vibrant flowers and beautiful waterfalls. Continue along the north coast, stopping at various viewpoints such as Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego and Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada along the way. Return to the capital via the south coast and the town of Povoacao, the island’s first settlement.

• Duration: full day
• Departs daily
• Operates April to October
• Group experience

Sao Miguel’s Furnas Valley is a world of geothermal wonders where fumaroles bubble, hot springs steam and traditional meals are cooked by the powers of nature. En route from Ponta Delgado, visit Vila Franca, the island’s former capital which has views out over a pretty islet of the same name; be sure to try the traditional sweet pastry, Queijada da Vila Franca. On arrival in the Furnas Valley, you’ll learn about another local delicacy, Cozido das Furnas, a dish cooked underground by geothermal springs. You’ll then head up to the viewpoint at Pico de Ferro for fantastic Furnas Valley views before visiting the Gorreana Plantation and its factory for a spot of tea tasting. The final stop on the tour will be the Miradouro de Santa Iria viewpoint where you can look out over the spectacular north coast.

• Duration: full day
• Departs daily
• Operates April to October
• Group experience

Good to know
Lunch will be the famous Cozido das Furnas served at a local restaurant. Entrance fees are not included.

The natural landscapes and vibrant culture of Terceira are the focus on this full-day adventure. The tour starts with a visit to the Pico das Cruzinhas viewpoint for views over the town of Angra do Heroísmo towards Monte Brasil, a volcanic peninsula and island icon. You’ll then travel along the south coast stopping off for a view of the Cabras Islets and the village of Porto Judeu that’s home to one of Terceira’s many Holy Spirit Chapels. Pass by Salga Bay, Ponta das Contendas and Mos Bay on the way to San Sebastião village, one of the island’s earliest settlements, and the town of Praia da Vitória. The next couple of stops are perhaps the most striking; the Serra do Cume Viewpoint has panoramic views over Terceira’s patchwork landscape of agricultural fields while the Algar do Carvao is a jaw-dropping walk-in volcanic vent.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 9am to 4pm
• Departs daily
• Operates April to October
• Group experience

Good to know
Entrance fees are not included.

Explore the Azores only UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angra do Heroísmo, on foot with a knowledgeable guide. The city has a maze of streets lined with eye-catching architecture such as the Baroque-era Convent of São Gonçalo and the Cathedral of Angra do Heroísmo. The tour continues on to Caminho da Esperança, home to the Italian-esque Teatro Angrense, and the yellow and while Capitães Generais Palace. Later, visit verdant botanic gardens, Angra’s town hall and a historic grocery store that’s been passed through many generations of the same family. The final stop is the waterfront Pátio da Alfândega, the heart of maritime trade in the Azores during 16th, 17th and 18th Centuries.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 9am to midday
• Departs daily
• Operates April to October
• Group experience

Good to know
Entrance fees are not included.

The Azores archipelago sits on the migratory route of a whole host of marine species including sperm, sei and fin whales, as well as the giants of the sea: the blue whale. Head out on a semi-rigid boat out on to the Atlantic waters in search of these majestic creatures, as well as different varieties of dolphins. Although never guaranteed, the chances of a spotting are high and the guides know the best places to go.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 9am to midday
• Departs daily
• Operates April to October
• Group experience

Good to know
Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, and species of whale that may be spotted depends on the time of year.