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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Lisbon, Porto & the Douro Valley

Eight-day escorted rail tour from Lisbon through Porto to Douro Valley

Illustration of Lisbon, Porto & the Douro Valley

Great Rail Journeys operates an eight-day escorted holiday through Portugal, departing London Gatwick and ending in Porto. The tour opens with four nights in Lisbon, where you receive a guided tour of the city's historic streets, squares, and the Bairro Alto district, with free time to explore further. Day trips by regional train take you to the hilltop palaces and Moorish fortress of Sintra and the coastal town of Cascais with its beaches and marina. The journey then moves to Porto via a three-hour scenic train ride that passes through Coimbra and Aveiro before reaching the Atlantic coast. From Porto's three-night base, a rail excursion carries you into the UNESCO World Heritage Douro Valley, where terraced vineyards frame the river. At Pinhão you board a boat tour and later visit Quinta de São Luiz vineyard for a guided tour and port wine tasting. A Tour Manager leads the group throughout; breakfasts and three dinners are included, and all rail and coach transfers are arranged.

What to know before you look closer

  • Palace entrance fees in Sintra are paid locally and not included in the package price
  • Group size is capped at 40; some free days (Days 3, 4, 7) are unsupervised and you explore independently
  • The from-price of GBP 1,399 covers the package; flights are included but optional extras such as flight upgrades and London hotels cost extra

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Lisbon

    Arrival in Lisbon

    Your holiday starts at London Gatwick where you meet the Tour Manager before boarding a flight directly to Lisbon. On arrival, transferred by coach to the hotel with four nights to explore the city. Set in the heart of Lisbon's Old Town, the hotel is conveniently close to the public elevator designed by Gustav Eiffel, giving easy access to the Bairro Alto. Tonight, first dinner together at a local restaurant. Note: For departure 29th April, stay at the Turim Europa Hotel in Lisbon.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: Lisbon

    Guided tour of Lisbon and an afternoon to explore

    Explore the historic heart of Lisbon on a guided tour by coach and on foot. The tour starts at Rossio Square, Lisbon's central plaza and social hub, continuing through the city's narrow streets to the district of Belém. The afternoon and evening are free to sightsee, visit viewpoints, or soak up Lisbon's atmosphere.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3railovernight: Lisbon

    Sintra's vibrant palaces

    Take the train to Sintra, a historic city with a Moorish castle and palaces nestled in forested hills. Sintra was the summer residence of Portugal's royal family for over 600 years. A Day Pass includes travel on Sintra's shuttle bus to the different palaces. Palace entrance fees are payable locally. Return to Lisbon with the group or at your own pace using the Day Pass. Evening at leisure.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4railovernight: Lisbon

    The coastal town of Cascais

    A rail trip to the coastal resort of Cascais, known for its golden beaches and pretty marina. The route follows the coast passing the resort of Estoril. Free time to explore Cascais – stroll cobbled streets, walk along the seafront, relax on the beach, or visit the Museum Quarter. Travel back to Lisbon by train in the afternoon; evening free to dine independently.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5railovernight: Porto

    Arrival in historic Porto

    A three-hour rail trip to Porto, showcasing beautiful vistas of the Portuguese countryside and cities like Coimbra and Aveiro, before following the Atlantic coast. Three nights at an elegant three-star hotel, centrally located. After free time for lunch, a guided city tour in the afternoon discovering Porto's important landmarks and heritage. Dinner at a local restaurant this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6railovernight: Porto

    The picturesque Douro Valley and Quinta de São Luiz

    Rail journey into the stunning Douro Valley – a UNESCO World Heritage region – through terraced vineyards and lush vegetation. Destination is Pinhão, a pretty town surrounded by rolling hills and historic port wine estates. A one-hour boat tour along the Douro, sailing towards Romaneira then downstream past several quintas. Free time over lunch. Later, visit Quinta de São Luiz by coach for a vineyard tour and port wine tasting. Travel back to Porto by coach; free evening.

    Meals: Breakfast

  7. Day 7overnight: Porto

    At leisure in Porto

    Free day to discover Porto independently. Options include visiting medieval Ribeira, riding historic trams (Eléctrico), or travelling across the Douro to Vila Nova de Gaia where the first port wine houses were established in the 17th century. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  8. Day 8

    Homeward bound

    After breakfast, a coach takes the group to Porto's airport for the flight back to London Gatwick. On arrival, free to continue the journey home.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Train to Sintra to explore the royal summer palaces and Moorish fortress set in forested hills; Day Pass includes shuttle bus to the different palaces
  • Day 4Rail journey along the Portuguese coast to Cascais; free time to walk cobbled streets, stroll the marina, and relax on golden beaches
  • Day 5Three-hour train journey to Porto following the Atlantic coast past Coimbra and Aveiro; arrival at the elegant harbour city for a guided tour of its landmarks
  • Day 6Rail into the UNESCO Douro Valley to Pinhão; one-hour boat tour on the Douro past quintas, followed by vineyard tour and port wine tasting at Quinta de São Luiz

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 7 nights' 3-star hotel accommodation
  • Standard class rail travel
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Return flights from London Gatwick to Lisbon, Porto to London Gatwick (Manchester departures available)
  • Breakfast each day
  • 3 dinners
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys includes all rail and coach travel throughout the tour in Standard Class, plus return flights from London Gatwick to Lisbon and Porto to London Gatwick.
What trains will I travel on?
Regional rail services to Sintra and Cascais from Lisbon; a three-hour rail journey from Lisbon to Porto; and a scenic rail trip into the Douro Valley to Pinhão.
Is it escorted or independent?
It is escorted; a UK Tour Manager accompanies the group from London to London. However, several days (Sintra, Cascais, and a full day in Porto) offer free time to explore independently.
What meals are included?
Breakfast every day, plus three dinners at local restaurants. Other meals are at your own cost.
How many nights do I spend in hotels?
Seven nights: four nights in Lisbon at the Turim Restauradores Hotel (three-star) and three nights in Porto at the Grande Hotel do Porto (three-star).
What is not included?
Palace entrance fees at Sintra, travel insurance, optional flight upgrades, UK rail connections to London Gatwick, and most lunches and snacks.

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