Signature: Portugal's Porto, Douro Valley, & Lisbon

Welcome to Portugal. Your expedition begins as you touch down in Porto, one of the oldest settlement centres in Europe. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city’s UNESCO-designated historical centre. In the evening, meet your fellow travellers and National Geographic Expedition Leader for an introduction to your journey and a short presentation from the National Geographic Expedition Expert. Set off on foot across the river into Vila Nova de Gaia for a welcome dinner, accompanied by a curated sampling of local wines.

Included Experiences

• Arrival Transfer: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
• Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group: Your opportunity to meet your Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group. There will be an included group welcome dinner after the meeting.

Start the day with a walk to the Livraria Lello, widely considered to be one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, for an exclusive pre-opening tour with a specialist-bookseller. Peruse the stacks in quiet reverence amid the unique atmosphere of neo-gothic, art deco and art nouveau designs and the majestic central staircase. Next, board electric tuk-tuks for a guided exploration of UNESCO-listed Porto. Visit the awe-inspiring São Francisco Church, featuring over 200lbs (90.7kg) of gold leaf, the Romanesque Palácio da Bolsa and stop at the São Bento Railway Station to marvel at the dramatic azulejo tile panels. After lunch, the late afternoon and evening are yours to wander Porto’s winding streets at your own pace—perhaps stepping into the golden interior of the Church of Saint Francis, navigating the lively stalls of Bolhão Market, or simply lingering at a riverside café.

Included Experiences

• Livraria Lello Private Visit: Join an expert bookseller for a private, early-access tour of the legendary Livraria Lello before it opens for the day. Discover the stories behind this architectural masterpiece and enjoy the rare opportunity to explore its world-famous interior in a peaceful, intimate setting.
• Tuk Tuk Tour: Explore Porto’s UNESCO-listed treasures on a privately guided tuk tuk tour, offering a comfortable and stylish way to see the city’s most prestigious landmarks. Marvel at the opulent gold leaf of São Francisco Church and the Romanesque beauty of the Stock Exchange Palace before visiting the iconic São Bento Station.

Travel to the Douro Valley, soaking in the scenery of rolling hills and dramatic, terraced vineyards. Stop in the charming town of Amarante for a stroll along the Tâmega River, crossing the São Gonçalo Bridge on the way to the historic Confeitaria da Ponte for coffee and a taste of some of the local sweets. Continue to a family-owned vineyard and winery for a tasting paired with a lunch of local specialties, highlighting the robust flavours borne from this unique terroir. Enjoy a discussion about the pivotal role of Portuguese wines throughout history before returning to the hotel for the evening.

Included Experiences

• Confeitaria da Ponte: Experience a taste of Amarante’s history at Confeitaria da Ponte, the city’s premier destination for regional delicacies since 1930. Located directly across from the historic bridge, this iconic shop is renowned for the quality of its traditional sweets and its stunning riverside terrace, providing a perfect vantage point over the Tâmega River.
• Sapateiro Vineyard & Winery: Enjoy a visit to the Sapateiro winery to sample a selection of fine local wines paired with regional cheeses, meats, and fresh breads. This tasting offers a relaxed opportunity to experience the estate’s unique character and the traditional flavors of the area.

Set off from the hotel and take a scenic drive along the Douro River, stopping for a hands-on cooking class. Learn to prepare local dishes using fresh regional ingredients, and enjoy the delicious results as a farm-to-table lunch. Later, board a vessel for one of the most spectacular experiences in the area with a navigation along the emblematic Douro River. Feel the immense scale of the UNESCO-listed landscapes rising dramatically around you, revealing the heart, soul and magic of the valley.

Included Experiences

• Cooking Class: Immerse yourself in the culinary traditions of the Douro Valley with a hands-on cooking class focused on authentic regional recipes.
• Boat Cruise Douro River: Embark on a breathtaking journey through the heart of the Douro Valley, where every turn reveals stunning, UNESCO-listed landscapes. Experience the river’s timeless beauty on a cruise designed to showcase the most spectacular views in the region.

Bid the Douro Valley farewell and travel south towards Lisbon. The path is rich with history and storytelling, clearly seen in the city of Tomar, the former seat of the Order of the Knights Templar. Enjoy a guided walk and visit the Convent of Christ, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site and chief work of the Portuguese Renaissance. Continue in the afternoon to Portugal’s bustling capital, steeped in history and charm. In the evening, gather for dinner and a Fado performance, experiencing the deep, melancholic soul of Portugal through its music.

Included Experiences

• Tomar Walk with Convent of Christ: Explore the historic heart of Tomar on a guided walk that highlights the city's unique Templar heritage and architectural evolution. The experience features a visit to the magnificent Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning Manueline design and storied military history.
• Fado Night with Traditional Portuguese Meal: Sit down to a traditional meal and lend your ears to the sound of a performance by Portuguese folk music artists.

Be immersed in Lisbon's vibrant culture and history on a tour of the city's vibrant neighbourhoods and iconic monuments. Visit Jerónimos Monastery, built with the profits of the spice trade and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lunch is at a community restaurant which promotes the integration of refugees and immigrants through training–celebrating empowerment and diversity within Lisbon’s diverse communities. Continue to São Roque Church, whose chapels are extraordinary masterpieces then visit the Carmo Convent Archaeological Museum, a haunting reminder of the 1755 earthquake. The evening is free for dinner on your own.

Included Experiences

• Lisbon City Tour: Discover the historic streets of Lisbon on a guided tour that traces the city's maritime legacy and its pivotal role during the Age of Discovery.
• Jerónimos Monastery: Built with the riches of the spice trade, the Jerónimos Monastery is a pinnacle of Portuguese artistry and a landmark of global history. It holds the distinction of being among the first European sites recognized by UNESCO for its exceptional universal value.
• Mezze Restaurant: This venue promotes the integration of refugees and immigrants through training and employability. They value people's knowledge, experience and culture and these are the elements we use to facilitate inclusion and create more diverse, vibrant communities.
• São Roque Church Visit: Visit the Church of São Roque to witness one of the world’s most opulent displays of Baroque art and gold-leaf craftsmanship.
• Carmo Archaeological Museum Visit: Explore the evocative ruins of the Carmo Archaeological Museum, a roofless Gothic convent preserved as a striking memorial to the 1755 earthquake.

Head west to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Europe and an iconic landmark. Stand on the dramatic cliffs and marvel at the spectacular, windswept views of the expansive Atlantic — a powerful connection to the ocean that defined Portugal’s history. Continue to Sintra, a 19th-century resort town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your guided tour immerses you in the region's Romanticism, including visits to the colourful Pena Palace and the intriguing, eclectic architecture of Quinta da Regaleira. Back in Lisbon, gather with your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner, celebrating your exploration of Portugal’s historic and diverse past and present.

Included Experiences

• Cabo da Roca Visit: Photo stop where “a terra se acaba e o mar começa…” which means “Where the land ends and the sea begins”. It's the westernmost point of continental Portugal, as well as of continental Europe. Enjoy a panoramic view over the Serra de Sintra. Historical records indicate that there was a fort on Cabo da Roca in the 17th century that played an important part in guarding the entrance to Lisbon’s harbour, forming a defensive line along the coast, especially during the Peninsular Wars.
• Pena Palace and Park Guided Visit: Situated in the hills of Sintra, Pena Palace and its surrounding park are one of the greatest expressions of 19th-century romanticism in Portugal. With clear Manueline influence and Moorish architectural styles, the palace is built in a such a way as to be visible from any point in the park. Tour the Palace and park and learn about the Palace's origins and influences throughout Portuguese history.
• Quinta da Regaleira Visit: Explore the mystical estate of Quinta da Regaleira on a guided walk through its enigmatic gardens, hidden tunnels, and the iconic "Initiation Well."

Your expedition concludes today. Transfers are provided to the airport at any time during the day.

Included Experiences

• Departure Transfer: You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport at the end of your adventure.