Magical Portugal: Lisbon to Porto
October 21-28, 2026
Full Price: COMING SOON
Activity Level — Moderate
Travelers should be able to walk quite a bit without assistance.
Trip Overview
Join us on an eight-day, women only, small group adventure to Portugal.
From the sun-dappled streets of Lisbon to the dreamy Douro Valley, your trip highlights the best of Portugal.
Get ready to discover the enchanting landscapes of lush Sintra and the historic charm of seaside Cascais.
Solo traveler? No worries. This tour is popular with solo women explorers who want to meet new travel buddies.
This journey is about the good things in life: friendship, fun, and food.
Leave the logistics to us and prepare to be impressed.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS
Learn all about wine and olive oil in the Douro Valley
Immerse yourself in the charm of Cascais, a beach town
Follow your local guide on a foodie tour in Lisbon
Dig into a perfect picnic in lovely Sintra
Explore Porto’s street art with a local guide
Cook like a local in Lisbon with a chef
Discover the National Palace in lush Sintra
Ride a tram in sunny Lisbon
Check into dreamy hotels in Lisbon and Porto
Delight in a boat ride on the serene Douro River
Hop in a Jeep to see the best of the Douro Valley
Make your own Portuguese tile
Learn about the sustainable aquaculture practices
Meet other bold women who love travel as much as you do!
Activity Highlights
Connecting with other Bold Spirit women
Pre-trip planning meetings with your Bold crew
Historical sites
Lisbon foodie walking tour
Cooking class
Sintra picnic
Tile class
Street art Porto experience
Local expert guides
DETAILED Itinerary
Day 1: Your Adventure Begins
Plan to be at the hotel no later than 3:00PM.
Settle into your hotel room and freshen up before meeting the rest of the Bold Spirit Travel crew in the lobby for our afternoon orientation.
Later, you will get the lay of the land on a guided foodie walking tour through downtown Lisbon. Explore the neighborhoods of Chiado, Bairro Alto, Rossio, and Alfama.
Along the way, enjoy a progressive meal through six tasting stops, sampling Portuguese delicacies that tell the story of Lisbon’s rich (and often underrated) culinary heritage. Each bite connects us to local tradition, culture, and craft.
The experience wraps up with a cocktail and conversation on lively Pink Street — the perfect toast to our first day together.
Meals: Orientation drink, Walking food tour dinner
Hotel: The Editory Riverside Hotel or similar
Day 2: Craft, Coastline, & Culinary Tradition
You’re officially out of office and starting to feel those vacay vibes.
After breakfast, we will explore the scenic and soulful Setúbal Peninsula, where wild landscapes meet deep-rooted tradition. This day is all about slowing down, savoring authentic flavors, and connecting with local craftsmanship.
Our first stop is a family-run cheese farm where you’ll discover the process behind one of Portugal’s most iconic regional cheeses. The visit ends with a delicious tasting of freshly made products — from cheeses to fruit preserves and other local specialties.
Later, travel along one of Portugal’s most stunning coastal roads, with sweeping views of Arrábida Natural Park — where lush green cliffs meet turquoise waters. Along the way, we’ll make scenic stops to fully appreciate and photograph this special area.
Enjoy a seaside lunch in the serene Portinho da Arrábida.
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Portugal’s centuries-old tile-making tradition during a hands-on workshop at a local atelier. Follow the process from shaping to firing and paint your own tile — creating a one-of-a-kind keepsake crafted by you.
Returning to Lisbon, explore the monumental district of Belém, steeped in history and grandeur. Stroll through its gardens and admire the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower, and the Monument to the Discoveries. Conclude the visit with a walk across the MAAT rooftop, taking in the stunning views from this modern architectural landmark.
Dinner on your own this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: The Editory Riverside Hotel or similar
Day 3: A Taste of Lisbon
Begin your day by meeting your chef-host at a traditional Lisbon market. As you browse fresh produce, spices, and local staples, you’ll learn about Portuguese ingredients and seasonal specialties.
In the kitchen, you'll prepare a traditional three-course meal in a hands-on cooking class— from rustic soups and regional mains, to beloved Portuguese desserts.
Gather around the table and enjoy the fruits of your labor for a shared lunch.
The afternoon is yours to explore Lisbon on your own, go shopping, or treat yourself to a nap!
Dinner on your own this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: The Editory Riverside Hotel or similar
Day 4: The Palaces of Sintra
After breakfast, your private driver and guide will meet the group at the hotel for a full-day adventure to one of Portugal’s most
magical regions — Sintra.
Just 40 km from Lisbon, Sintra is a place straight out of a storybook — with misty forests, whimsical palaces, and lush gardens woven into a landscape that has inspired poets, royals, and dreamers for centuries.
Begin your day with a guided visit to the National Palace of Sintra, a blend of Gothic and Manueline architecture with a rich royal history.
Wander the narrow cobbled streets of Sintra’s old village with your guide. Soak in the charm, browse small artisan shops, and stop for a tasting of the village’s famous travesseiros or queijadas, paired with coffee or tea.
Pause for a beautifully prepared picnic lunch in a scenic setting.
Later, follow the Atlantic coastline toward Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe.
Arrive in Cascais, a charming seaside town once favored by royalty. Take a short stroll through its sun-drenched squares and harbor before driving through Estoril, a town steeped in 20th-century intrigue, glamour, and wartime tales.
It’s a short ride from Cascais back to Lisbon for the night.
Dinner on your own this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: The Editory Riverside Hotel or similar
Day 5: Next Stop, Porto!
Alas, it's time to say goodbye to Lisbon and head north.
Relax in your private, air-conditioned vehicle as we make our way toward Porto.
We will stop along the way for a very special seaside lunch.
All abroad the boat as we visit to a local oyster nursery nestled in the tranquil lagoon. Learn about the sustainable aquaculture practices of the region, followed by a fresh, sea-inspired lunch in this serene setting. (If you do not eat seafood or oysters, don’t worry, there is an alternative menu.) End your lunch with a tasting of the region’s most beloved sweet: ovos moles, a silky egg and sugar confection wrapped in delicate rice paper.
Before departing, enjoy a stroll through Aveiro, often called the “Venice of Portugal” for its charming canals and colorful moliceiro boats. Admire the historic center, known for its elegant Art Nouveau architecture, before heading north to Porto.
Check into your hotel room and enjoy the rest of the evening to relax and get to know Porto,
Dinner on your own this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: The Editory Artist Hotel or similar
Day 6: Porto Up Close
It’s time to get to know Porto a bit better.
Porto is best known for its port wine and stunning baroque architecture, but there’s so much more to discover. Beyond the postcard views, the city bursts with creativity.
This morning you’ll set out for a guided street art walking tour with a local artist.
Get to know artwork by notable local artists such as Costah, Arisca, and BerriBlue. Your guide will share the stories behind each piece, as told by the artists themselves—from bold public murals to subtle paste-ups and tile-based interventions.
We will wrap up this unique tour just in time for lunch. You have the whole afternoon to explore Porto, grab lunch, go shopping, taste port wines, and do some more sightseeing. You might pop into the Mercado do Bolhão (marketplace) and the many shops surrounding it.
Dinner on your own this evening in Porto.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: The Editory Artist Hotel or similar
Day 7: Douro Valley Discovery
Pack your day bag, we’re off on a road trip to the peaceful Douro Valley.
Follow the curve of the river deep into Portuguese wine country. Pause at a traditional padaria to sample fresh local baked goods and meet the women keeping these culinary traditions alive.
Climb into Jeeps with your Bold Spirit crew and get ready for an adventure! We’ll head off the beaten path to hidden viewpoints that beg for photos—think sweeping river views and rolling hills blanketed in vineyards.
Stop to explore the world of Douro olive oil with a guided visit. Learn more about how oil is made and get a chance to taste local flavors.
For lunch today, we’ll stop at a vineyard for an intimate wine tasting and meal with a view. Toast to a great trip and new Bold Spirit friends.
Conclude your perfect Douro day with a private cruise on the Douro River aboard a traditional Rabelo boat — a tranquil and symbolic farewell to this land of deep roots and flowing waters.
In the evening, we’ll head back to Porto.
Dinner is on your own.
Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Lunch
Hotel: The Editory Artist Hotel or similar
Day 8: Farewell For Now
It’s hard to believe, but our adventure wraps up today.
Before we part ways, be sure to swap contact info with your new travel friends—you never know where your next reunion might be!
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we’ll say our goodbyes before heading off to the airport or train station.
Your tour leaders will be happy to help arrange a taxi at the front desk.
And if your schedule allows, consider staying a little longer to soak up more of Porto’s charm—you won’t regret it.
Meals: Breakfast
This itinerary can be modified at the discretion of the Bold Spirit Travel tour leader. If part of the trip has to be changed, we will replace the experience with something equally awesome. We promise!
What’s Included:
7 nights at beautiful hotels in dreamy locations (based on double occupancy – we will pair you with a roommate, you can stay with a friend, or you can choose a private upgrade for an extra fee)
An English speaking Bold Spirit facilitator accompanying you every step of the way
All meals as indicated in the detailed itinerary
Land transfers in private vans
A small group experience—only 12-15 Bold Spirit women travelers on each trip
Local expert bilingual guides in each destination
All equipment needed for activities
Luggage transfers from hotel to hotel
A packing list to get you ready for this Bold Spirit adventure
A pre-tour Zoom call to meet other travelers
A WhatsApp group to stay in touch and share photos
What’s Not Included:
Round-trip airfare
Gratuities for you tour leaders and drivers
Airport transfers (it’s easy to take a taxi to the hotel from the airport)
Cost for additional activities
Meals not outlined in the detailed itinerary
Alcoholic beverages unless otherwise specified (some meals include wine)
Personal expenses such as souvenirs
Travel insurance
Optional private room upgrade
Early hotel check in
Telephone charges
Room service/minibar
Laundry
What to Bring on This Adventure:
Comfortable walking shoes and sandals
Day pack or bag
Reusable water bottle
You will receive a detailed packing list upon registering
Staying in Touch with New Bold Spirit Friends
For each Bold Spirit group we will set up a WhatsApp so you can stay in touch with the inspiring women you meet on your trip and share photos. We also use this group to communicate with you during the trip.
Travel Insurance
Insurance is strongly recommended for your Bold Spirit trip.
We highly recommend that you obtain adequate coverage for cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage and personal effects.
Your deposit and final trip balance can then be recovered via a claim to your insurance provider in the event that you must cancel your adventure due to unforeseen circumstances.
Check out insurance options at Tinleg, Squaremouth, GlobeHopper Senior, Patriot, and WorldTrips.
Other Considerations
Our itinerary is subject to change based on availability and unforeseen conditions.
The minimum group number for this trip to run is six participants.
Payment dates:
Deposit: $700 upon registering
2 subsequent payments
Bold Spirit Travel is not responsible if you cannot enter Portugal due to lack of entry requirements.
Refund amounts are determined as follows:
Upon registration: non-refundable deposit *
120+ days before trip: Full refund minus non-refundable deposit
120–90 days before trip: 50% of balance minus non-refundable deposit
90 days or fewer before trip: No refund
*We use your deposit to secure your hotel room and guides. This is why it is not refundable. Please get travel insurance to cover this cost if you think you may need to cancel the trip for some reason (see above).
Private Rooms:
A note about the private upgrade: We know that some women need their own space. We pay the same amount for the room whether there are 2 people in it or just 1. When you get the private upgrade, you are paying for the other 1/2 of that room. This is why it costs more.
We are happy to pair guests with a roommate, which allows you to save money and make a friend. We have limited private rooms so please select that option when you register. Thanks for understanding.
Minimum Requirement:
Bold Spirit Travel requires a minimum number of guests in order to confirm a trip departure. A trip will be officially confirmed once the minimum guest count has been met (6 guests).
Bold Spirit Travel reserves the right to cancel any trip that does not meet the required minimum attendance. In such cases, all payments made to Bold Spirit Travel will be fully refunded.
Guests are advised not to book airfare or other travel arrangements until their trip has been confirmed. Bold Spirit Travel cannot be held responsible for any personal expenses, including airline tickets, incurred as a result of changes to itineraries or trip cancellations.
Arrival in Portugal:
We recommend you fly into Lisbon and out of Porto. Both have international airports.
You could also fly in and out of Lisbon, and take a train from Porto to Lisbon at the end of the tour.
Ask us for more on travel logistics.
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