Discover Portugal
Discover Portugal Adventure
May 23-31, 2026
9 Days, 8 Nights
Up to 14 people max
Lisbon – Santarem – Tomar – Lousa – Coimbra – Bussaco – Porto
What You’ll Experience In Portugal
Portugal is known for its vibrant cities with rich history and culture, mild Mediterranean climate, delicious food and wine, and beautiful landscapes. Get your yoga and walking shoes on as we will travel through various regions throughout our 9 day urban and rural journey of Portugal. On this Discover Portugal Adventure, you’ll explore the unique cultural heritage, visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites (yes, that’s plural), and admire the spectacular and ancient architecture. Get lost among enchanting, ancient alleyways, explore by foot, kayak, and bicycle on this discovery adventure in beautiful, sunny Portugal.
You’ll start your Portugal discovery adventure in Lisbon, where gastronomy is celebrated, and you’ll see the contrasts of tradition and modern influences. Starting on our Food, Culture, and History Walking Tour, you’ll spend a day exploring Sintra and the surrounding area. Spend a day exploring the wonders of Sintra and surrounding area and learn why it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the country. It’s a fairytale city straight from a storybook. Experience a traditional Fado music performance and see why it’s one of Portugal’s iconic treasures with its soulful melodies and emotional depth.
Then we’ll venture toward Central Portugal, visiting an olive oil farm and touring the towns of Santarem and Tomar. Shifting gears while in Lousa, you’ll appreciate the peace and quiet of being in the countryside with a slower pace while staying at Quinto do Areal Yoga Retreat Center. While there, there will be downtime for lounging by the pool, having a massage, wandering the farm, and taking exciting excursions. Hiking through the beautiful mountains to the ancient Schist Village of Talasnal, you will marvel at the 13th-century refurbished stone houses, the views, and enjoy a bread baking workshop with the locals. Take deep breaths while enjoying more nature time kayaking down the gentle Mondego River and a relaxing picnic. On a day-long journey, walk part of the Camino de Santiago, a historic route many pilgrims and travelers have walked for centuries, pass through a tranquil waterfall and step back in time seeing preserved ancient Roman ruins. In Coimbra, visit one of the oldest universities in Europe, founded in 1290, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It houses, what is considered, the most beautiful library in the world.
We will then travel North, ending our adventure in Porto, one of Portugal’s most captivating cities, famous for its historic charm, stunning architecture, and, of course, its world-renowned Port wine. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we will wind our way through the labyrinth of narrow streets and centuries-old buildings, each telling its own story.
How You’ll Feel When You Return Home
You’ll return home from this adventure in sunny Portugal with a full heart, fondly remembering the warm hospitality of the friendly local people who shared their culture and traditions. You’ll feel delighted having explored the urban and rural areas of Portugal, and awed by the inspiring, beautiful landscapes and cityscapes.
Accomodations
LISBON (2 Nights)
Vila Galé Opera Lisboa
4 STAR
The charming city hotel is situated directly in Lisbon’s tourist center. The hotel is set directly over the Tagus River and the lively Docas area.
- Free Wifi
- Laundry Service
- Restaurant
Bar
Gym
Interior and Exterior Pool
Satsanga Spa***
Reception 24h
Meeting Rooms
LOUSA – 4 NIGHTS
Quinto do Areal
This Historic Farm and Retreat Center is hidden away in central Portugal. It sits in a peaceful valley in the mountain range of Serra da Lousa surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. The perfect place to embrace the joy of living in a simple way, close to nature in the beautiful countryside with farm to table outdoor dinning, downtime to relax by the pool and have a massage.
PORTO- 2 NIGHTS
Vila Galé Porto Ribeira 4*
4 Stars
Vila Gale Porto Ribeira is a charming hotel located in Porto on the river Douro, a short walk to town. Porto Airport is 8 mi away.
Free Wifi
Laundry Service
Restaurant
Bar
Reception 24h
Meeting Rooms
Discover Portugal Adventure Itinerary
Lisbon – Santarem – Tomar – Lousa – Coimbra – Bussaco – Porto
Day 1 – Lisbon
May 23, 2026
1:30-5:00pm Food, Culture & History Walking Tour Lisbon City Center
5:30-6:45pm Free Time
7:00-9:00pm Welcome Dinner
Fly into Lisbon and get ready to discover Portugal! We’ll meet up at the hotel for our introduction to the country’s capital. Lisbon is a city of contrasts and remarkable stories. This food tour will take you to the heart of the capital to explore its most emblematic neighborhoods. We’ll start in the downtown area, the most central and dynamic area, rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake with an innovative geometric layout. We will also venture through Chiado, the beating heart of Lisbon’s cultural scene. This vibrant area is where writers, artists, and intellectuals congregated. This neighborhood is the perfect example of the combination of traditional and modern with centuries-old bookstores, theaters, and specialty stores that keep alive. Last, but not least, we head up to Bairro Alto, a place known for its bohemian atmosphere and vibrant nightlife. During the day, its narrow streets hide a more traditional Lisbon with small taverns and family-run restaurants where Portuguese Gastronomy is celebrated. You’ll experience the authentic side of Portugal as you listen to fascinating stories and taste traditional delicacies that are a huge part of Portuguese culture.
Day 2 Lisbon- Sintra
May 24, 2026
8:00-9:30am Breakfast Buffet
9:30- 10:00am Drive to Sintra
10:00-11:30am Explore Sintra
11:30-1:00pm Hiking Tour in Pena Park and Visit to Peña National Palace
1:00-2:30pm Lunch at a local restaurant
2:30-4:30pm Visit to Quinta da Ragaleira and Sintra Historic Center
4:30-5:15 Drive to Guincho with stop at Cabo da Roca
5:15-6:00pm Yoga in Nature Session at Guincho
6:00pm- 7:00pm Drive to Lisbon through Cascais.
7:00-8:00pm Free Time
8:30-10:30pm Dinner with Fado Show
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and gear up for a day of exploration. We travel to the land of fairy tales, where you will visit the Quinta da Regaleira and Pena National Palace. The project reflects its owner’s fascination with secret societies and symbolism, making the space a veritable labyrinth of hidden meanings. The famous initiation Well, with its spiral staircase, hides references to alchemy and freemasonry. The Pena Palace, with its bright colors and exuberant architecture, is one of the most impressive palaces built in Europe. Built in the 19th Century by order of King Fernando II, inspired by the romantic castles of Bavaria, became the summer residence of the Portuguese Royal Family. After the establishment of the Republic in 1910, it was turned into a museum and is now one of the greatest icons of European Romanticism. Situated at the top of the mountain, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. At Cabo da Roca, the most western point of continental Europe, poet Luis de Camoes wrote that “the land ends and the sea begins” here. With imposing cliffs above the Atlantic, it offers a unique atmosphere with more breathtaking views. In Belem, we will visit the Jeronimos Monastery, one of Portugal’s most important monuments. It was built to celebrate the Age of Discovery and the riches that were brought back from faraway lands. It is the final resting place of famous Portuguese people, like Vasco da Gama, the navigator who discovered the route to India.
Experience Portugal’s musical heritage come to life with the traditional music known as Fado. This national art form has become strongly embedded in Portuguese culture and provides insight into the heart of the Portuguese people.
Day 3 – Santarem and Tomar
May 25
8:00-9:00am Breakfast Buffet
9:00-10:30am Drive to Santarem
10:30-12:30pm Visit to Olive Oil Farm & Tasting
12:30-1:00pm Drive to Tomar
1:00-2:00pm Explore Tomar and Lunch (on your own)
2:00-4:00pm Convent of Christ and Tomar Historic Guided Tour
4:00-5:00pm Drive to Quinta do Areal Retreat Center
5:00-5:45pm Settle into your Rooms
5:45- 6:45pm Yoga Class
7:00- 8:30pm Welcome to Quinta do Areal Dinner
Enjoy a sustaining breakfast and pack up as we leave Lisbon and journey to the heart of the Ribatejo region. Your adventure begins at an authentic olive oil farm, where you’ll discover the ancient art of producing this precious liquid gold. During the visit, you’ll get to taste the high-quality olive oils, all characterized by their unique flavors and methods that make Portuguese olive oil so special. You’ll also gain insight into the importance of olive oil in Portuguese gastronomy and culture, a staple ingredient that has been cherished for centuries. Next, we head to Tomar, a captivating city with a rich cultural heritage, including the famous Convent of Christ, one of Portugal’s most important monuments and a World Heritage Site. Its unique architecture, influenced by Romanesque, Gothic, and Manueline styles, is a true reflection of the country’s rich history and culture. As you walk through its grand halls and cloisters, you’ll feel transported to a time of knights, explorers, and grand ambitions. After exploring the convent, we discover Tomar’s historic center, with its picturesque streets and charming squares, which still retain the charm of a medieval town. Strolling along the cobbled streets, you’ll pass by traditional houses, lively cafés, and local shops that bring the town’s history to life. This journey promises an immersive experience where the past and present blend seamlessly, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Portugal’s cultural and historical treasures.
Day 4- Lousa
May 26, 2026
8:00-9:00am Yoga Class
9:00-10:00am Breakfast at Quinto do Areal
10:00- 2:30pm Guided hike to Talasnal, Schist Villages, Bread Making Workshop, Picnic Lunch
2:30- 5:45pm Pool Time, Massage
5:45-6:45pm Yoga Class
7:00-8:30pm Dinner at Quinto do Areal
Start the day with an energizing yoga class, followed by a delicious breakfast, we will then venture off the beaten track on a hike from Quinto do Areal, winding through fields and forested hills, high up in the Serra da Lousa mountains, leading towards the Schist stone villages of Talasnal. Along the way, the timeless beauty of the mountains creates a deep sense of connection to rural, unspoiled Portugal. These Schist villages were all built sometime in the 12th and 13th centuries. Over the last several years, these 27 villages and their mountain ranges have been restored and are impressive sights, gaining a resurgence of interest, now one of Portugal’s best-kept secrets. We will visit the Talasnal, referred to as the “love mountain” village, which is one of the most beautiful and most visited of the Schist Villages, it’s also one of the biggest and most heavily restored. As you walk through many winding alleys and stairways, by stone houses and interesting shops of local artisan products, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding valley. At Talasnal, you will be welcomed into the tradition of bread baking, learning the old ways by hand and sharing stories around the warmth of a wood-fired oven. You will learn and share in the simple experience of life in the Sierra da Lousa. We will enjoy our picnic lunch with stunning views. Upon our return, enjoy an afternoon to relax by the pool, get a massage, and have some quiet time. Yoga and dinner complete the day.
Day 5 – Lousa – Conimbriga – Coimbra
May 27, 2026
8:00-9:00am Breakfast at Quinto do Areal
9:00-9:30am Drive to Conimbriga
9:30-10:30am Guided Hike from Poco to Conimbriga along Camino de Santiago/ Rota Carmelita with Rio de Mouros Waterfall
10:30-11:30am Conimbriga Roman Ruins and Museum Guided Tour
11:30-12:00pm Drive to Coimbra
12:00-1:00pm Explore Coimbra and Lunch (on your own)
1:00-4:00pm Coimbra University and Historic Guided Tour & Ice Cream at Doppo Gelaterie
4:15-5:00pm Drive back to Quinto do Areal
5:45-6:45pm Yoga Class
7:00-8:30pm Dinner at Quinto do Areal
After breakfast, we will take an all-day journey beginning with a walk that follows part of the Camino de Santiago and the Rota Carmelita, historic routes that have been used by pilgrims and travellers to reach spiritual destinations for centuries. On the way, we pass through the River of Mouros waterfall, a beautiful natural spot, where the soothing sound of cascading water and the lush greenery create a perfect moment of tranquility. Conímbriga is one of the best-preserved Roman archaeological sites in Portugal, showing the influence of the Roman Empire with mosaics, thermal baths, ruins of houses, and an impressive system of aqueducts, which demonstrate the engineering prowess of the Romans on the Iberian Peninsula. Walking through these ruins feels like stepping back in time, offering a glimpse into daily life in a thriving Roman city nearly 2,000 years ago. Then, we’ll visit Coimbra, the city of students. The University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in Europe, founded in 1290, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Joanina Library, with its gilded woodwork and thousands of ancient books, is considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, a true treasure of knowledge and art. Beyond its historical significance, the university’s vibrant student traditions, from the black academic robes to the festive serenades, make Coimbra a city unlike any other in Portugal. For a sweet break, there’s nothing better than an ice cream from Doppo Gelaterie, a local favorite. Stretch it out Yoga and delicious Farm to Table Dinner complete our day.
Day 6 – Lousa
May 28, 2026
8:00-9:00am: Yoga Class
9:00-10:00am: Breakfast at Qunto do Areal
10:00- 3:00pm: Kayaking Excursion and Picnic Lunch
3:00-5:45pm Enjoy Pool Time, Massage
3:30-5:00pm: Optional Biking Excursion
5:45-6:45pm Yoga Class
7:00-8:30pm Dinner at Quinto do Areal
Start the day with an energizing yoga class, followed by a delicious breakfast, we then experience central Portugal’s natural beauty with a relaxed kayaking trip down the River Mondego, the longest river that flows entirely within Portugal. Perfect for all skill levels, this gentle adventure with an expert guide takes you down this gentle flowing river, passing through rolling hills, lush forests, and peaceful countryside that feels worlds away from the rush of everyday life. With plenty of spots to swim, picnic, and soak in the scenery, it’s an unforgettable way to connect with the heart of Portugal and a perfect rural break between city explorations. Upon our return, enjoy an afternoon to relax by the pool, get a massage, or have some quiet time. Tom will lead an optional hilly bike ride for those wanting a little more of a lower-body workout. Yoga and dinner complete the day.
Day 7 – Bussaco and Gaia
May 29, 2026
8:00-9:00am Yoga Class
9:00-10:00am Breakfast & Pack Up
10:00 – 11:00 Drive to Bussaco National Forest
11:00 – 13:30 Bussaco Palace & Gardens Guided Tour with Picnic Lunch
1:30 – 3:00pm Drive to Porto
3:00 – 5:00pm Visit to WOW Museum (Wine, Cork or Chocolate Experience)
5:00 – 5:30pm Drive to Hotel
5:30 – 7:00pm Check-in and Free Time
7:00-7:15pm Drive to the Restaurant (Dinner on your own tonight – join group reservation or place of your choosing)
7:15- 9:00pm Dinner at Ribeira (not included)
After yoga and breakfast, we say goodbye to Quinto do Areal Retreat Center and journey to the majestic Bussaco Palace, one of Portugal’s finest examples of Neo-Manueline style. Built at the end of the 19th century as a royal hunting palace, it is surrounded by the stunning Bussaco National Forest, a centuries-old park originally planted by the Carmelite monks, who preserved this natural refuge and turned it into one of the richest ecosystems in the country. Walking through its winding trails, you’ll find rare plant species, serene lakes, and hidden chapels that add to the mystical atmosphere of this enchanting place. The visit is followed by a stop at Bairrada, a region famous for its wine tradition. Here, vineyards stretch across rolling hills, producing exceptional sparkling wines that pair perfectly with the region’s rich gastronomy. Then, we’ll head towards Porto, where we will visit the WOW – World of Wine, in Vila Nova de Gaia, one of Porto’s most important cultural centers. Overlooking the Douro River, this vast cultural and gastronomic district is housed in beautifully restored wine cellars, blending history with modern innovation. This innovative museum complex offers experiences dedicated to three essential products of Portuguese identity: Port Wine, Cork, and Chocolate. The Port Wine Experience takes visitors on a journey through the history, production, and aging process of this world-renowned fortified wine, with guided tastings that highlight its different styles and complexities. The Cork Museum showcases Portugal’s leadership in cork production, revealing how this sustainable material is harvested and transformed into everything from wine stoppers to cutting-edge fashion and design. Meanwhile, the Chocolate Story explores Portugal’s role in bringing cocoa to Europe during the Age of Discoveries, unveiling the secrets of chocolate-making through interactive displays and delicious samples. The visit is an immersive journey through Portuguese traditions and expertise, offering a deeper appreciation for the country’s industries and their global impact.
Day 8 – Porto
May 30, 2026
8:00-9:30am Breakfast at the Hotel
10:00 – 1:00pm History Walking Tour Porto City Center
1:00 – 2:00 Explore Porto and Lunch (on your own)
2:00 – 3:00pm Douro River Cruise -6 Bridges
3:00 – 7:00pm Free Time (enjoy wine tasting, exploring Porto, or relaxing by the river)
7:15 – 9:30pm Farewell Dinner
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at our hotel and prepare to explore the beautiful city of Porto. Porto is one of Portugal’s most captivating cities, famous for its historic charm, stunning architecture, and, of course, its world-renowned Port wine. We will explore the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a labyrinth of narrow streets and centuries-old buildings, each telling its own story. One of the city’s most fascinating landmarks is São Bento Station, an architectural masterpiece where over 20,000 azulejos (traditional Portuguese tiles) bring to life scenes from Portuguese history. This history includes everything from legendary battles to peaceful rural landscapes, transforming an ordinary train station into a visual storytelling experience.
Down by the Douro River, the Ribeira district, with its colorful houses and quaint riverside cafés, is one of Porto’s most picturesque neighborhoods. Here, we will take a memorable River Cruise – 6 Bridges, a boat trip that crosses the six bridges connecting Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia. As you drift along the river, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the city’s grand architecture, including the iconic Luís I Bridge, with its towering iron arches, and the sleek, modern curves of the Arrábida Bridge.
Porto isn’t just a city; it’s a living canvas of history, culture, and tradition. Whether you’re wandering its cobbled streets, savoring a glass of rich Port wine by the river, or soaking up the city’s vibrant atmosphere, Porto offers an experience that’s as rich as its past. This timeless city will leave you enchanted, with each corner revealing something new and exciting about its unique blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy.
We end the day with our sweet Farewell Dinner, recalling our treasured time together on this Discovery of Portugal Adventure.
Day 9 – Porto
May 31, 2026
Rise and shine for breakfast at the Hotel, pack up
Departure according to your flight schedule and a goodbye to gorgeous Porto
Click here to book this amazing retreat!