Luxury Discover Lisbon and Porto: A Tale of Two Cities vacations

Discover Lisbon and Porto: A Tale of Two Cities

7 days From £2,850 pp

At a glance

? Don't forget that all of our itineraries are totally customized and so this is just an idea of what we can build for you.

Experience Portugal by exploring its two most celebrated cities, Lisbon and Porto.

Rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1755, Lisbon emerged as one of Europe’s most liveable capitals. Each neighbourhood tells a different story: medieval Alfama, with its fado houses where Portugal’s signature music was born in the 1820s; Bairro Alto, the centre of the city’s nightlife; and maritime Belém, once the departure point for voyages that changed the world.

Fado captures Lisbon’s spirit perfectly. This haunting style expresses saudade, and hearing it performed in an authentic casa de fado connects you directly to Portuguese culture.

Porto, by contrast, built its reputation on trade and has never lost that practical edge. The Romans named it Portus Cale, giving Portugal its name, and that history still echoes through the city. The UNESCO-listed Ribeira district, with its narrow medieval streets, leads to the Douro River, where port wine cellars hold vintages dating back centuries.

Port itself was created almost by accident, when 18th-century British merchants fortified the wine with brandy to withstand the journey home. Today, the tradition continues, and the azulejo tiles covering Porto’s buildings remain as practical as they are beautiful, serving both as weather protection and storytelling art.

The Perfect Pairing

The three-hour train ride between Lisbon and Porto reveals shifting Portuguese landscapes, but the real journey is found within the cities themselves. Lisbon’s international energy complements Porto’s strong sense of local identity. Both welcome LGBTQ+ travellers with genuine warmth, offering vibrant cultural scenes alongside centuries of history.

Together, Lisbon and Porto tell Portugal’s complete urban story – from maritime empire to modern European nation – in two unforgettable cities.

In detail

? Don't forget that most of our itineraries can be totally customized. Our expert team will be able to talk you through all the options.

Day 1: Lisbon

When you arrive at the airport your driver will meet you and take you to your hotel. Once you’ve settled in you’ll be heading out to enjoy dinner at Adega Machado in the Bairro Alto district. Here you’ll discover Portugal’s great tradition of Fado music.

Day 1: Lisbon

Day 2: Lisbon

Today you’ll embark on a guided walking tour of Lisbon. You’ll stroll through Praca do Comercio, Lisbon’s most iconic square. You’ll visit both the National Palace and the Gardens of Queluz – a remarkable example of the harmonious link between landscape and palatial architecture in Portugal.

At the Av Fontes pereira de Melo you’ll see the most photographed street art in Lisbon.

In the evening, dine at La Brasserie de L’Entrecote; a one of a kind restaurant inspired by the famous Cafe de Paris in Geneva.

Day 2: Lisbon

Day 3: Lisbon

Wake up bright and early and take a half hour train ride to Sintra, a beautiful small town. Here you’ll find a lot of striking architecture.

Although Sintra is small it boasts considerable cultural riches. You’ll want to visit the ancient walls of the Castelo dos Mouros, a castle built by the Moors around a thousand years ago. At the Palacio Nacional, you’ll discover a stunning residence inhabited by Portugal’s aristocracy during the golden age of exploration.

After a traditional Portuguese dinner you’ll return to Lisbon.

Day 3: Lisbon

Day 4: Porto

Take an early morning train to Porto. As its name suggests, Porto is a city known for its Port. When you arrive at the station your driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

You can explore the city at your own pace. You’ll no doubt want to visit Cais da Ribeira – a pier with lovely views and plenty of bars and restaurants. This would be a good time to sample some of the city’s famous port.

Day 4: Porto

Day 5: Porto

Take a trip to Ribeira Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Igreja do Carmo, a historic church that showcases Portugal’s unique tile art. Then, take a boat across the river for a tour of Porto’s famous port caves.

Day 5: Porto

Day 6: Porto

Head to the Vinicola Ramos Pinto winery for a tour of the vineyard and a wine and port tasting session. You may wish to purchase a bottle or two to take home.

If you have the time visit Farol Molhe do Douro. You’ll be greeted with beautiful views of the sea meeting the river, offering a quite reprieve from city life.

In the evening, head to A Bolina, a riverside restaurant serving traditional tapas.

Day 6: Porto

Day 7: Departure

Once you’ve done some last minute shopping your driver will transfer you to the airport for your return flight.

Day 7: Departure

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