Portugal

Portugal offers charm in spades with its bijou villages, mountaintop palaces, walled towns and of course its Port wine. It is a fascinating destination that blends the charm of ancient towns and city centres with a selection of golden sandy beaches in the Algarve, swept clean each day by the Atlantic tides.

Portugal’s medieval capital for over a century, Coimbra is an animated city steeped in history. Visit the university’s beautiful Baroque library Biblioteca Joanina, or explore the awe-inspiring architecture of ancient monasteries and towering cathedrals. Browse the bustling markets, sample tantalising street food and lose yourself in its atmospheric cobbled laneways.

Portugal’s southernmost region, the Algarve spans a vast coastal playground of sun-soaked beaches, crashing surf, wind-swept bluffs and hidden islets. Hike the cliffs of Cabo São Vicente, the Algarve’s quintessential seaside enclave, taking in endless ocean vistas as you make your way to a dramatic precipice guarded by the town’s iconic lighthouse.

The enchanting Douro Valley is one of the world’s best unsung wine destinations. Explore this hidden gem winding your way through terraced vineyards carved into the steep hillsides. Follow the Douro River upstream from Porto and pause for an overnight stay at a local vineyard, meeting the family winemakers and sampling their finest drops.

Famous for its decorative ceramic tiles, or azulejos, Lisbon’s National Tile Museum shows off some of the best. View its most prized masterwork, a sprawling mural depicting the city before the great earthquake of 1755, and try your hand painting a tile under the supervision of an expert artisan before baking it in the kiln. A fitting memento of your visit.

Satisfy your inner epicurean on an evening of culinary indulgence, beginning your tour with a Portuguese aperitif before exploring the famed Mercado da Ribeira market. Sample some of Portugal’s finest cheeses and smoked hams from Manteigaria Silva and enjoy petiscos (Portuguese tapas), with tantalising samples on offer from some of the region’s top restaurants.

12 days from $10,925 pp Arrive Lisbon (3N) – Évora (2N) – Coimbra (2N) – Douro Valley (2N) – Depart Porto (2N) Storied cities, sun-drenched scenes and friendly locals are just part of the reason Portugal is one of Europe’s hottest destinations right now. Among its vibrant cities, whitewashed villages and Moorish walled towns, admire architectural tributes to the country’s most celebrated navigators, savour hearty Portuguese cuisine and see what makes the perfect port.

Our complete range of tailor-made journeys can be viewed on our website and all can be personalised to your individual requirements. Visit www.abercrombiekent.com.au to find out more.