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Portugal

Portugal Holiday Packages & Tours at -45%

Our recommendation to visit Portugal

-45%

From £ 1,279

£ 699

Per night: £ 100

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    Fatima
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    Lisbon
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    Nazarè
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    Obidos
+ 2 more
  • Accommodation
  • All flights
  • All transfers
  • Breakfast only
  • Activities
Isabel, Travel Expert

Isabel
Travel crafter

Our classic tour of Portugal's vibrant cities and cultural heritage, including Lisbon, Porto, Fatima and the flamboyant architecture of Sintra.

Live your dream trip then do it again!

Our recommendation to visit Portugal and neighboring countries

Holidays to Portugal

Multi country trips including Portugal

Fantastic Portugal Tours and Holiday Packages

Visit the birthplace of maritime exploration with one of our Portugal tours. With cobblestone villages, medieval castles, and stunning beaches, there’s something for everyone. Once the richest land and largest overseas empire in Europe, it’s now a modern, vibrant destination.

Learn more about the storied history, bustling culture, and famous wines. Choose from several tour options, generally including flights, tours, hotels, and transfers. Let Exoticca help you to venture beyond your comfort zone to fulfill your travel hopes and wishes. Vamos!

Trips to Portugal from the UK

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Our Portugal tours from the UK introduce you to this incredible country on the far side of the Atlantic. Its position on the coast has influenced its culture, food, and history as one of the major seafaring powers.

This southwestern European nation located mainly on the Iberian peninsula has much to offer. It shares a border with Spain to the north and east, with the rest of the country exposed to the Atlantic ocean.

The stunning capital city is vibrant Lisbon, regularly rated among the most beautiful in the world. Pretty Porto has six impressive bridges, while the northern coast is rocky and often cold.

The sparsely inhabited, mountainous interior is wild, adding to the country’s remarkable scenic diversity. The famed southern Algarve region presents pristine beaches with iconic limestone grottos and formations. They provide captivating views and backdrops for your holiday snaps.

Portugal trips from the United Kingdom lift off from London and Dublin. Consider an overnight stay in the capital to break up connecting travel plans. Exoticca plans every detail of your itinerary, leaving you free to experience this exotic land.

 

Top points of interest in Portugal

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Our Portugal vacation packages include several extraordinary sights. At Exoticca, we understand that a seamless blend of planned activities and free time results in memorable vacations. 

Make the most of the free days to immerse in the local culture for memories that last a lifetime. We assess a few famous and captivating spots in this diverse country.

Lisbon

The coastal capital, epic Lisbon is a great place to kick off one of our Portugal tours. It’s known for its colonialist history, ornate architecture, romantic fado music, pleasant year-round weather, and spectacular vistas.

This rich and varied tourist destination has a historic old center with cobbled streets, steep inclines, and gorgeous views. The unique atmosphere and mix of Roman and Moorish influences provide the backdrop for the various districts. 

With a population just over half a million, it’s comparatively small, retaining much of its old world charm. Called the “city of seven hills,” you can visit the prominent and ancient St George’s Castle, Jeronimos Monastery, and the fabled Belem Tower.

Lisbon also offers several museums showcasing the city’s legendary history, art, culture, and music. The city also boasts the largest indoor aquarium on the continent, with over 450 species, mostly in a large central tank.

Azores

The Azores are a volcanic archipelago of nine islands in the mid-Atlantic ocean, nearly 900 miles west of Lisbon. Fishing villages punctuate the dramatic landscape while cows chew the cud in green meadows. Most islands have impossibly blue caldera lakes. 

Sporadic development means a diverse population and variable culture. The islands offer many hiking trails around volcanoes, canyoning, and hot springs to soothe tired muscles. Ponto do Pico is the tallest mountain in the country, and ensures you don’t miss the superb wine.

The archipelago is one of the best places to spot a wide range of whales and dolphins. A brief three-hour trip promises sightings of several leviathan species. You could even spot blue whales, the largest animal on earth.

Algarve

The Algarve is Portugal’s most southerly region, known for its sandy Atlantic beaches and whitewashed fishing villages. It’s a 125-mile (201 km) stretch of beach with several towns with bouncing nightlife. There’s a significant expat scene, and many locals speak English.

Visit the epic Benagil sea caves and match your excursion with a dolphin-watching trip. Take a kayak or SUP tour if you’re feeling energetic. You could also spend an afternoon on an old pirate ship, cruising the coast and walking the plank.

Visit the Zoomarine Amusement park and aquarium, clamber around rock formations, and chill on the beach. Explore the Ria Formosa lagoon by boat, kayak, or via hiking trails. Many tourists focus their Portugal tours on the extraordinary Algarve.

Madeira

This autonomous region is an archipelago of four islands in the north Atlantic ocean. It’s 320 miles (515 km) west of the Moroccan coast and about 250 miles (402 km) north of the Canary islands. 

Known as the “Pearl of the Atlantic,” the main island is volcanic, lush, and fertile, with a rugged interior, seaside cliffs, and pebble beaches. The capital Funchal boasts botanical gardens, a harbor, wine farms, and cellars. It’s also the birthplace of soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo!

The São Tiago Fortress, built in the 17th century, now hosts the contemporary art museum. Don’t miss the Funchal Cathedral, one of the few remaining structures from the early years of colonization, completed in the late 1500s. 

Famed for its wine and sub-tropical climate, the inland landscape features soaring peaks and insta-friendly observation decks. 

Porto

Many begin their Portugal tours in the bustling second city in the north. Porto is smaller and more compact than the capital, with half the population. 

The Sao Bento Train Station is one of the most beautiful in the world, displaying stunning tiles that tell the story of the country’s history, royalty, and wars.

Many tourists opt for a Douro river cruise to understand the layout of Portugal’s second-largest city. The Clerigos Church bell tower is one of the most iconic sights in the city. Views from the top are breathtaking.

The Livraria Lello is a quaint bookshop that many claim was JK Rowling’s inspiration for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter world. 

One of the oldest wine-growing regions in the world, the renowned Douro Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover more about port or Douro wine at local vineyards. Sample the sweet dessert wine and more after a walk through the Cálem Cellars.

Portugal off the beaten path

Our team of experts combine local and international perspectives to make sure we provide a quintessential Portugal experience. We ensure your safety and comfort but also wish to provide a unique and fulfilling adventure that lives up to dream vacation status.

Off-the-beaten-path Portugal tours visit Sintra on the Portuguese Riviera, with palaces, mansions, and 19th-century gardens. Catholic devotees may be interested in a day trip to Fatima, a spiritual city with an iconic sanctuary.

There’s historic Coimbra, the “city of knowledge” with one of the oldest Universities in the world. It’s a former capital and was once a Roman settlement. In the interior, Monsanto is a typical local village thrust into the spotlight after filming the Game of Thrones prequel there.

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Let our team at Exoticca take charge of your planning for all-inclusive trips to Portugal. We have decades of travel experience and liaise with our international partners to offer the most affordable luxury options.

Flights, hotel, tours & transfers all inclusive

Our all-inclusive Portugal holiday packages cover flights, transfers, hotels, tours, and even some meals. We negotiate directly with hotel chains and airlines to secure affordable rates for our customers.

We check out the hotels and test-drive our tour itineraries, ensuring we can deliver on our promises.

Portugal trips partially or fully guided

While we offer group tours on our Portugal trips, customers can choose a private option. We provide guided, escorted, semi-escorted, and independent choices. It allows you to relax and recharge, disconnect from the daily grind, and reconnect to what's meaningful.

The guided tours offer an authentic experience, allowing you to discover more about this thrilling destination. Knowledgeable local guides use their understanding of the language and culture to provide an educational and memorable experience.

Crafted by our own travel experts

At Exoticca, our experts understand that uncertainty and confusion can temper the thrill of international travel. We take the guesswork out of Portugal tours with comprehensive itineraries that outline all your activities. 

We are passionate about seeing the world and share your enthusiasm. We know that foreign trips can be stressful, and it's our mission to set your mind at ease. We put our personal experiences to work, ensuring you get the most out of your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best month to visit Portugal?

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Peak season is June to August, but tourists can laze on the beach from April until September. The country is a long way south, so it has hot, dry summers while spring and fall are warm. Winter is cold and rainy but also produces awe-inspiring waves at terrifying Nazaré.

How many days do you need in Portugal?

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Any trip to the country should be at least one week long to get an idea of the culture and traditions. While it’s a comparatively small country, it’s jam-packed with things to do, so we recommend longer if you have the time.

What is the best way to see Portugal?

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Some think car rentals give you more freedom, while others point to public transport. In the cities, the metro or rapid transit is your best option. You can use buses and trains in the countryside, but the options may be limited. 

Where should I go for my first time in Portugal?

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While it depends on your personal preferences, most appreciate the fantastic capital Lisbon and the second city Porto. If you're looking for beaches, you can’t go wrong with the famed Algarve or the stunning Azores. Research the country in advance to make sure you don’t miss anything.

What is the biggest attraction in Portugal?

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Saint George’s Castle (Castelo de São Jorge) in Lisbon is the biggest attraction in the country, with more than two million annual visitors.

Exoticca Travel Stories

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Portugal Travel advice

Portugal tourist attractions

More information about Portugal

Located in southwestern Europe and home to a sweeping Atlantic coastline of more than 800 kilometres, Portugal is a thrilling travel destination, whether you are planning a city-break, a sightseeing tour or an all-inclusive beach holiday. Although it shares the Iberian Peninsula with Spain, Portugal has its own unique history and culture, which is sure to surprise and enchant anyone who takes a trip to Portugal. 

As well as the western part of the Iberian Peninsula, the Azores Archipelago and the island of Madeira are also part of Portugal, one of the oldest European nations. Boasting a diverse landscape, a tour of Portugal will take you from windswept Atlantic beaches to the verdant mountains of the north and the near-desert landscape of the Alentejo region. On a holiday to Portugal, you can go surfing, explore hilltop villages, soak up the nightlife in the cities or simply kick-back on the golden sand beaches of the Algarve.  

The historic capital of Lisbon is famed for its landmarks and vintage tram system, but other notable cities to discover on a tour of Portugal include ancient Porto, the university city of Coimbra, spiritual Fatima, coastal Faro and Funchal, which is the capital of Madeira. Portugal’s most famous beach destination is the Algarve, situated in the south of the country, with towns such as Lagos and Albufeira establishing themselves as some of the best-loved beach holiday destinations in Portugal. 

Portuguese is the official language and Portugal is well-known for its fascinating cultural heritage and world-class gastronomy. Portugal is proud of its gastronomic heritage and any trip to Portugal is sure to be filled with mouth-watering delights, such as the creamy Pastel de nata, velvety Port wine from the Douro Valley and some of the best seafood in the world, fresh from the Atlantic Ocean. Needless to say, all foodies should travel to Portugal!

The home of the melancholic melodies of Fado, iconic azulejos glazed tiles and festivals such as Santo António, São Pedro and São João, Portugal’s rich cultural heritage is ever-present, whether you’re admiring the hand-embroidered skirts of Nazare’s fishermen or deciphering the stories painted onto the azulejos tiles of the breathtaking Chapel of Souls in Porto. 

History of Portugal

As one of the oldest nations in Europe, Portugal is a treasure trove of historic landmarks that tell the stories of the events, cultures and traditions that shaped this fascinating country. The territory of Portugal has been inhabited since prehistoric times, firstly by Celtic peoples, followed by Ancient Greeks, Romans, Visigoths and the Moors. As a result of the early Christian Reconquest, Portugal was first founded as a nation in the year 868. The early history of this nation is still evident in a number of ancient sites such as the prehistoric rock art of the Coa Valley, the medieval Castle of Moors in Sintra and the Roman architecture of Evora. Travelling to Portugal is a journey through a diverse and eventful history. 

Perhaps the most famous era in the country’s long heritage is between the 15th and 18th centuries, a period dubbed the ‘Age of Discovery’. During these centuries  Portugal rose to prominence as a great maritime and commercial empire. After discovering the Atlantic archipelagos of the Azores, Madeira and Cape Verde, Portuguese explorers ventured as far afield as Africa, Asia and South America, colonising countries such as Brazil and sending missionaries as far afield as China and Japan. In 1498 the great explorer Vasco da Gama became the first European to reach India by sea, a source of immense pride to the Portuguese people and marking the beginning of a very prosperous time in the nation’s history and the beginning of the Portuguese Renaissance. 

If you visit Portugal you’ll find many of the most elegant and opulent landmarks can be traced back to this period in the countries history. The Belem Tower in Lisbon is an ornate symbol of Portugal’s maritime prowess, once acting as the ceremonial gateway to the city during the height of Portugal’s trading empire. If you visit Portugal you’ll be able to trace the impact of this era in the grand squares, opulent palaces and historic trading ports found throughout the country.

A number of events contributed to the end of Portugal’s prosperous ‘Age of Discovery’ such as the devastating Lisbon earthquake of 1755, the Napoleonic Wars and the independence of Brazil in the early 19th-century. Revolution came to Portugal in 1910 when the monarchy was deposed and replaced by the democratic Portuguese First Republic. An authoritarian regime, known as the Estado Novo was later established in 1933 and endured until 1974 when democracy was finally restored after the Carnation Revolution. This was the end of Portugal’s colonial legacy as almost all the overseas territories were granted independence, ending one of the longest-lived empires in history. 

Nature in Portugal

Portugal has a Mediterranean climate, despite its location on the Atlantic Ocean, and is one of the warmest countries in Europe, with mild winters and long, hot summers. The best time to visit Portugal depends on your intentions, as the summer might be too hot for sightseeing but perfect for lounging on the idyllic beaches of the Algarve region. Of course, the further south you travel, the warmer and drier the weather will become. 

Portugal is awash with natural beauty, from the towering mountains of Geres to the verdant Azores Islands and the turquoise waters of the Algarve, boasting a rich and diverse array of landscapes. As a meeting point between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, it also boasts rich biodiversity, in both flora and fauna. Some of Portugal’s best-known species include the fearsome Portuguese Man O’War and the beautiful Iberian Lynx. Portugal also plays host to a large number of migratory birds, found in abundance around the marshes of the Algarve and the Douro River Valley.

If you travel to Portugal you’ll find plenty of areas of outstanding natural beauty if you venture from the usual cities and beach destinations. The Serra da Estrela Natural Park is one of the most spectacular, home to the Serra da Estrela Mountain, reaching 1,993 metres above sea level. It is also the only place in Portugal where you can go skiing, as in the winter months this immaculate landscape is blanketed in a thick covering of white snow, perfect for winter sports enthusiasts. This natural park is also excellent for trekking, horse-riding or mountain biking and has 375km of marked trails to suit all levels. 

The Peneda-Geres National Park is another highlight to include on a trip to Portugal. The largest national park in the country, this haven of untouched wilderness is situated in northern Portugal. Here, walking and hiking trails lead you through forests, beside picturesque rivers, past waterfalls and up granite mountains. 

Another must-see natural attraction to visit on a tour of Portugal is Cabo de Sao Vincente, the most southwesterly tip of Europe. This rocky peninsula boasts breathtaking views out into the depths of the Atlantic Ocean and evokes memories of the Portuguese maritime explorers of days gone by, who would have passed this landmark on their way to discover unknown lands.

Culture of Portugal

With centuries of history, Portugal has a distinct and colourful national culture. Some of the most characteristic cultural treasures to discover on a holiday to Portugal include the moving musical tradition of Fado, born out of the old fishing songs of yesteryear, fortified Port wine and a number of delicate handicrafts such as embroidery and bobbin lace. 

Portugal is a Roman Catholic country, and although religion is no longer at the forefront of society in Portugal, there are still countless annual festivals in honour of various saints and important religious events. Pilgrimage is also a long-standing part of Portuguese culture, with thousands making the devoted walk to the Sanctuary Of Our Lady Of Fatima every year. In fact, if you see walkers by the side of the road wearing yellow jackets, you can safely guess that they are on their way to the holy city of Fatima, a place of supreme importance to followers of the Catholic faith, and a fascinating place to visit if you are travelling to Portugal. 

Portuguese people are known for their warm hospitality towards visitors, so don’t be surprised if you are offered a drink within mere moments of meeting a new Portuguese friend! Having a busy social life is of great value in Portuguese culture and whether you’re spending an evening bar-hopping in Lisbon or enjoying a romantic meal at a beach-side taverna in the Algarve, you’ll always find groups of Portuguese families or friends, eating, drinking and enjoying each other’s company late into the evening. In fact, it’s said that a night out in Portugal only ends when the sun comes up!

Port wine has been produced in Portugal since the 17th-century from grapes grown in the fertile Douro Valley before being transported upriver to the charming city of Porto. Here, countless wine cellars keep the wine in barrels, where the ageing process takes at least two years. This is a proud part of Portuguese culture and all the port in the world is produced in Porto. You cannot travel to Portugal without sampling these delicious tipples, be it velvety port wine or refreshing vihno verde, literally green wine, made from young grapes.

Just as important as Portugal’s wine-making heritage is the nation’s fierce love of gastronomy. A mouth-watering national cuisine, Portuguese food is some of the best in Europe. Whether you’re a fan of sweet pastries or prefer a fresh catch of cod, a firm favourite on Portuguese menus, Portugal doesn’t disappoint with its culinary culture. Portuguese cuisine is simple, yet delicious and with such a bountiful ocean and fertile countryside, produce is almost always fresh and delicious. Portuguese gastronomy is sure to be the star attraction of the trip to Portugal, especially if you consider yourself a foodie. 

Travel to Portugal to experience a vibrant country, filled with diverse sights and landscapes, the result of centuries of cultural heritage. On a holiday to Portugal, you can kick-back on sunkissed beaches, explore rugged landscapes, sample some of the finest wines on earth or take in the sights of the major cities. There’s something for everyone to explore on a package tour of Portugal.

  • Entry requirements

    Portugal requires that all foreigners have a minimum term of validity left on their passport or visa, depending on their nationality. Please check your official state department/foreign office website for more information.

  • Visa

    No visa is required.

  • Time zone

    UTC.

  • Currency

    Euro.

  • Language

    Portuguese.

  • Tourist Office website

  • Electricity

    230 V. No adapter required.

  • Other useful information

    The price of petrol is much higher than in Spain.

  • Health

    There are no mandatory vaccinations for travellers from EU countries.

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