Country Roads of Portugal, a Women-Only Tour
From CAD $7434
Guarantee
Group Tour
Easy
Rating
(3 reviews)
Tantalize your senses during this 11-day guided women-only tour through Portugal. On this small group tour, a Local Expert will show you Lisbon's historic downtown and Belem Quarter. From the hilltop perch of Monsaraz, see across the Spanish plains beyond Alqueva Lake — and meet a local boat captain, who will regale you with tales of water adventures during a cruise on its calm waters. In Tomar, choose to explore the Templar Castle's awe-inspiring rotunda with a Local Expert, or visit the Synagogue of Tomar during a guided walk through the city's cobblestone streets. Indulge in a Farm-to-Table dinner in the Douro Valley that will feature locally sourced ingredients, and taste a port produced onsite. Taste port wine at Antonia Adelaide Ferreira’s cellars, and stroll through Porto, a World Heritage town, before relaxing in your five-star hotel in the city’s cultural center.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Lunch (L)
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Tomar: Explore Tomar’s Templar Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, first built in the 12th century and later expanded by the Order of Christ. As you move through the complex, you’ll see the Charola, a circular chapel linked to the order’s early ceremonies, along with the defensive structures that shaped the hilltop site.
- Tomar: Walk through Tomar’s center to the 15th-century synagogue, one of the few surviving examples of its kind in Portugal. This former place of worship now houses a small collection related to the Jewish community that lived in the town before the expulsion.
Authentic Dining
- Lisbon: Join your Travel Director at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant and the opportunity to mingle with your fellow travelers.
- Monsaraz: Enjoy a memorable Alentejo Highlight Lunch at local restaurant Sem Fim, once an olive mill. Indulge in dish-after-dish of the tastiest tapas in a vibrant setting.
- Lisbon: Shared experiences and memories are often the foundation for special bonds and friendships. Toast your travels with wine and good cheer during your dinner at a restaurant in Lisbon, devoted to the enjoyment of regional cooking.
Insight Choice
- Tomar: Explore Tomar’s Templar Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, first built in the 12th century and later expanded by the Order of Christ. As you move through the complex, you’ll see the Charola, a circular chapel linked to the order’s early ceremonies, along with the defensive structures that shaped the hilltop site.
- Tomar: Walk through Tomar’s center to the 15th-century synagogue, one of the few surviving examples of its kind in Portugal. This former place of worship now houses a small collection related to the Jewish community that lived in the town before the expulsion.
Insight Experiences
- Monsaraz: Join a local boat captain for a tranquil cruise on Lake Alqueva. Relax and enjoy calming waters, picturesque views and tales of river life.
Make Travel Matter
- Évora: Take part in a wine tasting that introduces Alentejo varieties grown on the Relvas family estate. As you taste the wines, you’ll hear how the family manages its vineyards with reduced water use, reforests areas with native species and supports local education through scholarships in the surrounding villages. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Top Rated Highlights
- Lisbon: Explore Lisbon with a Local Expert, focusing on the Baixa district rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake and the broad Pombaline layout that shaped the Lower Town. Continue through the Belém Quarter to view landmarks linked to Portugal’s maritime era, including the Monument to the Discoveries and the Belém Tower, both positioned along the Tagus.
- Évora: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site guided by your Local Expert and see the famous Roman Temple. While sightseeing, witness the fascinating cathedral and be charmed by its mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
- Monsaraz: Surrounded by cork oaks and vineyards, wander through the castle ruins to admire the incredible view over the Spanish plains that contrast with the blue of one of Europe's largest artificial lakes.
- Fátima: You’ll visit the Sanctuary of Fátima, centered on the reported apparitions of 1917. The site brings together major places of worship such as the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary and the Chapel of the Apparitions, set around a vast open square used for major pilgrimages.
- Coimbra: Explore Coimbra with a Local Expert in a city that served as Portugal’s early capital. The walk brings you through steep lanes linked to the old royal palace, past long-standing student cafes and towards the upper town where academic life has shaped the streets for centuries.
- Coimbra: Visit the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with roots in the 1200s. Inside the baroque library, you’ll stand among carved shelves and painted ceilings built to protect rare volumes, including works central to Portugal’s early scientific and literary study.
- Guimaraes: Wander through Guimarães’ medieval center, where narrow lanes link small squares shaped around the original castle and palace. The quarter holds stone-fronted houses, arcades and courtyards that reflect the town’s role in Portugal’s early formation, with buildings that have remained in use for centuries.
- Obidos: Walk inside Óbidos’ medieval walls, you’ll follow a street pattern that reflects its origins as a Roman settlement later granted as a royal wedding gift in the 13th century. You’ll move through lanes lined with whitewashed houses and small churches, and sample ginja, the local cherry liqueur traditionally served in small cups.
Women-Only
- Lisbon: Portugal offers endless opportunities for the curious traveler. Delve into the culinary world over a Pastéis de Belém cooking class with a professional chef. In this hands-on class, learn how to make the famous and delicious Portuguese pastry and gain insights into the secret behind its crunchy puff pastry. Conclude your class by tasting your creation, paired with coffee, tea or juice.
- Douro Valley: Savor local flavors over a Farm-to-Table meal at Quinta da Pacheca. Learn about the esteemed winemaker Maria Pimental, who holds the distinct honor of being among the first woman winemakers in the Douro. Well-known for her work as a professor at Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Maria was influenced by her grandfather, who established wineries and served as president of the Port Wine Institute until 1976. When her grandfather passed in 2000, Maria returned to her home to help her family with the harvest. She then began working at Quinta da Pacheca as its winemaker, a position she holds proudly to this day.
- Porto: Delve into the history of Port wine and immerse yourself in the story of winegrower Antónia Adelaide Ferreira at Ferreira Cellars. Embark on a guided tour starting at the House of Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira, where hundreds of vats and casks age the wine. Then, explore the Vintage Museum and garden before tasting White, Ruby and Tawny Port wine. You’ll be captivated by the tale of “Ferreirinha,’’ who helped the Douro region to develop, modernise and thrive.
Trip Details
Product Code: 20862
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Women Only
Tour Operator:
Insight Vacations (CA)
Supplier Code: 426.1667A
Starts: Lisbon, Portugal
Finishes: Lisbon, Portugal
Duration: 11 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $7434 ($676 /day)
Itinerary
On arrival at Lisbon International Airport, there are complimentary transfers to your hotel. Settle in and relax before joining your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. Enjoy the opportunity to mingle with your fellow travelers during a pleasant evening of good food and wine.
Accommodation: Corinthia, Lisbon, Dom Pedro Lisboa, Lisbon
Meals: Dinner
Your guided sightseeing tour with a Local Expert takes you along the spacious avenues of the Lower Town and across tree-shaded squares. Pass beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paço. See the ancient Belém Tower and marvel at the Monument to the Discoveries. Explore more of the Belém Quarter as you learn how to make the iconic patisserie Pastéis de Belém. This evening, perhaps gain further insight into Portuguese culture over an optional meet-and-greet with a Fado singer followed by dinner and a Fado show.
Accommodation: Corinthia, Lisbon, Dom Pedro Lisboa, Lisbon
Meals: Breakfast
Cross the River Tagus and head for the sun-drenched southern coast to reach Lagos, a fishing port nestled in the bay of Meia Praia. After free time to explore, continue to your resort hotel set within a magnificent 360-acre estate. Simplicity is in the soul of Algarve cuisine, along with seafood so fresh it still tastes of the sea. A short walk away specialized Portuguese seafood restaurants hug the coastline, overlooking the Atlantic.
Accommodation: Ria Park Hotel & Spa, Algarve, Real Marina Hotel &Spa
Meals: Breakfast
Journey to the medieval walled city of Évora where cathedrals, churches, aqueducts and ancient castle walls all serve to create the feeling that this beautiful city is a living, breathing museum to Portugal's rich past. Join your Local Expert to explore the highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the Roman Temple and visit the Capela dos Ossos, an extraordinary 17th century chapel comprising the skulls and bones of 5,000 bones. Visit the cathedral with its attractive mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. With the rest of the afternoon at leisure, you may wish to continue to stroll through Évora’s unique historical center, or the serene city park, following the aqueduct inside the city walls.
Accommodation: M'Ar de Ar Aqueduto, Évora
Meals: Breakfast
Travel to the striking white village of Monsaraz, situated on an imposing hilltop, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. From the castle ruins, admire the spectacular views across to the dry Spanish plains, contrasting with the blue of Europe's largest artificial lake. Join a local boat captain for a leisurely cruise on the tranquil waters of Lake Alqueva. Relax and enjoy calming waters, picturesque views and tales of river life. Sit down to a delicious Highlight Lunch at local restaurant Sem Fim, once an olive mill. Enjoy a wide range of tasty tapas dishes showcasing the local cuisine and soak up the vibrant; cheerful atmosphere. Return to Évora where the evening is at your leisure to explore this beautifully preserved regional capital.
Accommodation: M'Ar de Ar Aqueduto, Évora
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a visit to Casa Relvas for a wine tasting, featuring uniquely Portuguese grape varietals like Touriga Nacional. Despite the dry climate of the Alentejo region, this family-run estate produces exceptional wine through innovative water-saving techniques. Continue your journey to Fátima, Portugal's most renowned pilgrimage site. Here, you may visit the basilica or the Chapel of the Apparitions, commemorating the Virgin Mary's appearance to three young shepherds in 1917. Journey across central Portugal’s rolling hills to explore Tomar with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Convento do Cristo with a Local Expert, where you’ll admire the octagonal Templars' Rotunda and the Manueline Window, and learn about the daily life of a warrior monk. Alternatively, join a guided city tour and visit the Synagogue of Tomar, one of the best-preserved medieval synagogues in Portugal, as your Local Expert reveals the town’s rich architectural and cultural history.
Accommodation: Templários, Tomar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
In Coimbra, your Local Expert shows you the highlights and insights of the Old Town, including the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the impressive baroque university library, one of the finest in the world. Your journey continues past verdant hills and lush vineyards, along the tranquil waters of the Douro River. Visit Quinta da Pacheca where Maria Pimental, one of the first woman winemakers in the Douro, makes incredible wine. Gain insights into the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley, a premier wine region with a growing presence of female winemakers.
Accommodation: Douro Palace Resort & Spa, Douro Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
The mountain ranges of Northern Portugal accompany your morning journey to Guimarães, known as the birthplace of Portugal. Here, you can take in views from the Visigoth castle before wandering the cobbled streets and charming squares that exude medieval character. Continue to Porto, a city steeped in history whose central district is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. First, you’ll enjoy a visit to the renowned Caves Ferreira Cellars for a tasting of their celebrated Port wine. Afterwards, join your Local Expert to discover the São Bento Railway Station, renowned for the hand-painted azulejo tilework depicting scenes of Portugal’s past, and stroll across the Dom Luís I Bridge, a masterpiece of engineering that offers spectacular views of the Douro River. Tonight, you have the option to savor a 4-course dinner spread across four different spots in the city.
Accommodation: Mercure Centro Santa Catarina, Porto
Meals: Breakfast
With a full day free to enjoy at your own pace, take a stroll to admire the multi-colored houses and churches covered in beautiful, glazed tiles. Perhaps choose to visit Braga, the capital of baroque. For a different perspective in the evening, consider joining an Optional Experience to view the pastel-hued houses of the Ribeira district, cruise aboard a traditional Rabelo boat and savor traditional flavors at a riverside restaurant.
Accommodation: Mercure Centro Santa Catarina, Porto
Meals: Breakfast
Discover the charm of the fortified town of Óbidos. Step inside the medieval town's ancient walls to wander through cobblestone streets, then continue to Lisbon. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a delightful dinner, raising a glass to the unforgettable moments shared on your tour.
Accommodation: Corinthia, Lisbon
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, your departure transfer arrives at Lisbon International Airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Insight Vacations (CA)
Part of The Travel Company (TTC) family of brands, Insight Vacations began operations in 1978 and is based in Cypress, CA. Journeys are featured to destinations, such as the U.S. and Canada, Europe, Latin America, North Africa, Asia, the UK and Ireland. The company offers are a variety of tours under the classifications of Regional Journeys, Country Roads, Discovery Journeys, Easy Pace trips, and Special Interest tours. Insight is the ideal name for the tour operator, as the journeys provided by Insight Vacations allow travelers to gain further insight into whatever destination they wish to explore. For example, Discovery Journeys are the ideal choice for first-time visitors to Europe. Itineraries include Dine-at-Home or Farm-to-Table experiences so travelers can learn more about how locals live and dine. Regional Journeys allow trip-goers to see a specific location in Europe that they have always wanted to see – Poland, Switzerland, Italy, etc. The carefully planned trips enable customers to immerse themselves in one specific region or country and to become acquainted with its culture, traditions, and people. For anyone seeking travel off the beaten track, Insight Vacations offers Country Roads – trips that lead travelers off the well-tread tourist trail to explore hidden gems where visitors can savor the local produce with Farm-to-Table dining. Some trips are offered under the Easy Pace travel style – the ideal trip choice for trip-goers who wish to slow their pace during their vacation. During these tours, vacationers stay at least 3 nights at each destination, giving them some additional time to explore a place and enjoy it. Regardless of the travel style, many of the vacations offered by Insight Vacations begin with Relaxed Starts – giving travelers time to sleep in a little, spend more time at breakfast, or explore an area on their own. The tour company prides itself on providing business class tours that features luxury coaches with 40 seats. While most coach touring operators provide vehicles with 53 seats, Insight Vacations has re-configured its motor coaches to hold up to 40 guests. This gives passengers extra leg room while traveling and offers them more space and privacy.
In Business Since 1978
Reviews
Carl - Traveled, April 2024
Outstanding tour with lots of history, culture and culinary delights! Our tour director, Dom Nemer, was awesome. Our driver Antonio Ramerez was excellent.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/16/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2025
Greg was an excellent tour guide, very knowledgeable about the history of Ireland & Scotland. He made our trip amazing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/20/2025
Maria - Traveled, May 2025
I can't say enough about the trip, Greg and Raymond Larkin our driver. Greg and Raymond were a dynamic duo. They were so in sync with each other that we thought they worked together several times before. Safety was always a priority, and I would suggest this team be offered the opportunity to work together as much as possible. Greg was fantastic! He was professional, kind, courteous, and extremely knowledgeable on our touring countries. He made the trip fun, and it was evident that he put a lot of time and effort into preparing for the trip and making it an enjoyable experience for everyone. I would jump at the chance to tour again with him in the future.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/20/2025
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