Portugal

The Best of Portugal: From the Age of Exploration to Today

Program No. 20983RJ
Discover the unique history of Portugal from a local perspective as you examine its architecture, heritage, universities and traditions of port wine on expert-led walks.

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At a Glance

In a land known for its explorers, make your own discoveries in Portugal on this journey to medieval monasteries, fertile vineyards and cities that are equal parts history and modern energy. This program combines field trips led by local experts with some time for independent exploration.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 2-3 miles per day, many cobblestones, steep slopes and uneven terrain, stairs without railings.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Examine architectural treasures of the Age of Discovery in Lisbon and enjoy a lively evening of music at a Fado house.
  • Set off on a trip to one of the world’s oldest universities, the University of Coimbra, founded in 1290.
  • Taste and learn about port wine at the vineyards of the Alto Douro Wine Region.

General Notes

Program includes independent time to explore the city and several meals on your own. Group Leaders will provide directions for self-directed excursions. Suggestions for free-time activities provided in preparatory materials.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Isabel Burnay
Isabel Burnay is an experienced group leader with more than 25 years in educational travel. In addition to her specialized knowledge leading groups in Portugal and beyond, she is constantly taking culture, history, and other courses to update her knowledge and stay in touch with the latest trends in the educational travel world. Isabel has worked for local as well as international travel companies leading groups from the five continents. She is fluent in Portuguese, English, Spanish, French, and Italian.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Adriana Alves
Adriana Alves View biography
Adriana Alves earned her master's degree in strategic management of travel destinations. Adriana is an energetic and knowledgeable group leader who delights in sharing her experiences as well as cultural, historical information on Portugal with Road Scholar participants. She is fluent in English and her native Portuguese.
Profile Image of Isabel Burnay
Isabel Burnay View biography
Isabel Burnay is an experienced group leader with more than 25 years in educational travel. In addition to her specialized knowledge leading groups in Portugal and beyond, she is constantly taking culture, history, and other courses to update her knowledge and stay in touch with the latest trends in the educational travel world. Isabel has worked for local as well as international travel companies leading groups from the five continents. She is fluent in Portuguese, English, Spanish, French, and Italian.
Profile Image of Luisa Gomes
Luisa Maria Gonçalves Gomes View biography
Luisa Gomes graduated with a degree in Tourism from the Superior School of Tourism of Lisbon and has been working as a National leader since 1992. Her interests range from art history and languages to geography and religious studies. She continues to take many courses at various universities and cultural centers in Lisbon to further her knowledge. Luisa is fluent in French, English, and loves to travel throughout her home country, bringing her course work and expansive knowledge to every program she leads.
Profile Image of Ana Maria Mayordomo Cunha
Ana Maria Mayordomo Cunha View biography
Ana Maria was born in Porto to a Spanish mother and a Portuguese father. She has lived most of her life in Lisbon. Ana Maria has been a yoga teacher since 2003, and was for a time the head of the travel department of the Portuguese Yoga Confederation, organizing group travel to Spain, Italy, Peru, the UK, India and Egypt. She has been involved with Road Scholar as a Group Leader and as a speaker. Her interests include trekking and sustainability/environmental protection initiatives.
Profile Image of Mary-Anne de Freitas
Mary-Anne de Freitas View biography
Mary Anne de Freitas is an experienced group leader and international courier with over 18 years in the travel industry, leading groups in Portugal and overseas. In addition to her master's in tourism management and planning as well as other education in tourism, she regularly participates in conferences to update her knowledge on the latest trends in the travel industry. She has worked for both local and international travel companies. Mary Anne is fluent in Portuguese, English, Dutch and French.
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Year
2024
  • 2024
  • 2025
Date and Direction
Jun 01 - Jun 10 (Lisbon to Porto)
  • May 11 - May 20 (Lisbon to Porto)
  • May 18 - May 27 (Lisbon to Porto)
  • May 25 - Jun 03 (Lisbon to Porto)
  • Jun 01 - Jun 10 (Lisbon to Porto)
  • Jun 08 - Jun 17 (Lisbon to Porto)
  • Jun 15 - Jun 24 (Lisbon to Porto)
  • Aug 31 - Sep 09 (Lisbon to Porto)
  • Sep 07 - Sep 16 (Lisbon to Porto)
  • Sep 14 - Sep 23 (Lisbon to Porto)
  • Sep 21 - Sep 30 (Lisbon to Porto)
  • Sep 28 - Oct 07 (Lisbon to Porto)
  • Oct 05 - Oct 14 (Lisbon to Porto)
  • Oct 12 - Oct 21 (Lisbon to Porto)
  • Oct 19 - Oct 28 (Lisbon to Porto)
  • Oct 26 - Nov 04 (Lisbon to Porto)
  • Nov 02 - Nov 11 (Lisbon to Porto)
  • Nov 09 - Nov 18 (Lisbon to Porto)
  • Nov 16 - Nov 25 (Lisbon to Porto)
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
2024
  • 2024
  • 2025
Jun 01 - Jun 10 (Lisbon to Porto)
  • May 11 - May 20 (Lisbon to Porto)
  • May 18 - May 27 (Lisbon to Porto)
  • May 25 - Jun 03 (Lisbon to Porto)
  • Jun 01 - Jun 10 (Lisbon to Porto)
  • Jun 08 - Jun 17 (Lisbon to Porto)
  • Jun 15 - Jun 24 (Lisbon to Porto)
  • Aug 31 - Sep 09 (Lisbon to Porto)
  • Sep 07 - Sep 16 (Lisbon to Porto)
  • Sep 14 - Sep 23 (Lisbon to Porto)
  • Sep 21 - Sep 30 (Lisbon to Porto)
  • Sep 28 - Oct 07 (Lisbon to Porto)
  • Oct 05 - Oct 14 (Lisbon to Porto)
  • Oct 12 - Oct 21 (Lisbon to Porto)
  • Oct 19 - Oct 28 (Lisbon to Porto)
  • Oct 26 - Nov 04 (Lisbon to Porto)
  • Nov 02 - Nov 11 (Lisbon to Porto)
  • Nov 09 - Nov 18 (Lisbon to Porto)
  • Nov 16 - Nov 25 (Lisbon to Porto)
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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10 days
9 nights
17 meals
8 B 3 L 6 D
DAY
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
DAY
2
Arrive Lisbon, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Lisbon
D
HF Fenix Urban

Activity note: Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m. The official start of the program is at 6:00 p.m. with orientation in the hotel meeting room.

Afternoon: Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

DAY
3
Portuguese History, Cascais, & the Coast of Lisbon
Lisbon
B,L
HF Fenix Urban

Activity note: Today's coach journey is approximately 65 miles and we will be travelling all day, with stops at sites like Queluz and Cascais. You will encounter winding or hilly roads as well as cobblestone streets and sidewalks.

Breakfast: At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet featuring a selection of bread and pastries, cereal, yogurt, fruit, and cold cuts, plus coffee, tea, juice, water.

Morning: To begin our day, we'll board a motorcoach and visit the Palace of Queluz. Built in the 18th century, it was used by the royal couple Pedro III and Maria I as a retreat; following Pedro's death, Maria's mental state deteriorated, and she would use the palace to hide from the outside world. Here, we'll observe the Rococo architecture and impressive gardens. We’ll then drive along the coast to the elegant town of Cascais. From there, continue the drive to Lisbon, back to the city center for lunch.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: After lunch join your Group Leader on an orientation walk of downtown Lisbon. At 6:00 PM a historian will give a lecture on the History of Portugal. In the Middle Ages, Portugal was the vanguard of the "Age of Discovery" due to its success in maritime exploration. Navigators including Vasco da Gama and Bartolomeu Dias helped to establish Portugal as the first world power through its discoveries of India, Japan, and Brazil – the latter of which was a Portuguese colony for three centuries – and subsequent intercontinental trade. The country's economic fortune began to decline in the 17th century, culminating in Brazil's 1822 declaration of independence followed by Portugal's transition to a parliamentary monarchy.

Dinner: On your own to explore local cuisine in Lisbon.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
4
Lisbon City Tour
Lisbon
B,D
HF Fenix Urban

Activity note: The morning in Lisbon will require moderate walking and extensive standing. On some visits, you will encounter cobblestone streets and sidewalks, and steps without railings. Comfortable and sturdy footwear is required

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We'll go out on an expert-led field trip in Lisbon this morning, starting at the Tiles Museum where we’ll learn about one of the great symbols of the city – the beautifully decorated “azulejos” – and trace their history from the 15th century through to modern day. Later we will visit the Lisbon's Belém neighborhood from where the Portuguese navigators set sail on their expedition and "discovery" of India. While here, a local expert will expand upon Portugal’s seafaring history with mention of great Portuguese navigators. We will stop at the Monument of the Discoveries from where the Belem Tower and the Church of Jeronimos (both UNESCO World Heritage sites) can be seen.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy local cuisine.

Afternoon: Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Your leader can help giving suggestions.

Dinner: We'll head to a traditional fado house, where we'll dine as we listen to a form of traditional Portuguese guitar music marked by its "saudade," or longing. In 2011, the genre was placed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Evening: We'll return to the hotel around 10:30pm after listening to more of the fado performance. If you wish to stay for the full performance, you can take a taxi back to the hotel. Please ask your Group Leader for more details.

DAY
5
Obidos, Alcobaca Monastery and Figueira da Foz
Figueira da Foz
B,D
Sweet Atlantic Hotel and Spa

Activity note: Today's coach journey is approximately 136 miles and we will be travelling all day, with stops at sites between Lisbon and Figueira da Foz. Extensive walking and standing (2-3 miles, approx. 1-3 hours, at an even pace). On many visits, you will encounter cobblestone streets and sidewalks, and steps without railings. Comfortable and sturdy footwear is essential.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: This morning we will depart Lisbon and drive north. Our first stop is the historic walled fortress city of Obidos. Afterwards, we will make our way to the Alcobaca Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Lunch: On your own in Alcobaça.

Afternoon: We will continue our drive north to Figueira da Foz to check in at the hotel. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a lecture about contemporary Portugal.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
6
The University of Coimbra, meet locals
Figueira da Foz
B,D
Sweet Atlantic Hotel and Spa

Activity note: Today's coach journey is approximately 54 miles. Extensive walking and standing (2-3 miles, approx. 1-3 hours, at an even pace). You will encounter cobblestone streets and sidewalks, and steps without railings. Comfortable and sturdy footwear is essential.

Breakfast: At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet featuring a selection of bread and pastries, cereal, yogurt, fruit, and cold cuts, plus coffee, tea, juice, water.

Morning: We will transfer to Coimbra where we will have a visit and private presentation of the University of Coimbra, Afterwards, enjoy a guided walking discovery of Coimbra's old town followed by a musical performance with opportunity to chat with the musicians.

Lunch: On your own to explore local cuisine.

Afternoon: We will return to Figueira da Foz. From the hotel we will start a short walk with a local to learn about life in a small town in Portugal. Later we will rejoin locals for a chat.

Dinner: After the chat with locals enjoy dinner in downtown.

DAY
7
Montemor o Velho and Porto
Porto
B,L
Hotel Dom Henrique Downtown

Activity note: The drive from Figueira da Foz to Porto with a stop at Montemor o Velho is 99 miles, arriving in Porto late afternoon. Extensive walking and standing (2-3 miles, approx. 1-3 hours, at an even pace). You will encounter cobblestone streets and sidewalks, and steps without railings. Comfortable and sturdy footwear is essential.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will begin with a visit to a local school to learn about education in Portugal. Afterward, we will continue to Montemor o Velho, where you will enjoy a guided visit.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We will depart for Porto, the spectacular capital of northern Portugal and a city famous for its nearby vineyards. Enjoy a walk with your leader through downtown Porto. We will then check in at the hotel.

Dinner: On your own to explore local cuisine.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
8
The Douro Valley
Porto
B,L,D
Hotel Dom Henrique Downtown

Activity note: Today's coach journey is approximately 177 miles and we will be travelling all day, with stops at sites between Porto and the Douro Valley. Extensive walking and standing (2-3 miles, approx. 1-3 hours, at an even pace). On many visits, you will encounter winding or hilly roads as well as steps without railings. Comfortable and sturdy footwear is essential.

Breakfast: At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet featuring a selection of bread and pastries, cereal, yogurt, fruit, and cold cuts, plus coffee, tea, juice, water.

Morning: We will depart on an exploration of the Douro Valley. Our first stop will be in Quinta da Aveleda where there will be a guided visit to its gardens followed by a tasting of their wines. Then proceed to a vineyard for lunch and a visit.

Lunch: At a wine estate in the heart of the Douro Valley.

Afternoon: We will return to Porto through the town of Régua.

Dinner: Enjoy a farewell dinner with the group and share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends!

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
9
Discovering Old Porto
Porto
B,D
Hotel Dom Henrique Downtown

Activity note: This morning is spent in the historic center of Porto. Extensive walking and standing (2-3 miles, approx. 1-3 hours, at an even pace). On many visits, you will encounter cobblestone streets and sidewalks, and steps without railings. Comfortable and sturdy footwear is essential.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Enjoy a guided tour of Old Porto. The city is one of the most beautiful in Europe and it still retains its charm and beauty. We will explore the tiles at São Bento station and its old streets and squares. Afterward, we will enjoy a river cruise.

Lunch: On your own to explore local cuisine.

Afternoon: Take the afternoon to pack or to discover more of the city on your own. Later in the afternoon, you will meet with your group leader for a program wrap up session.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
10
Program Concludes
Porto
B

Activity note: Hotel check-out by Noon. Airport transfers beginning at approximately 3:00 a.m. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet, flight times permitting. This concludes our program.

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!






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