This is Portugal

Atmospheric narrow streets and iconic yellow trams; dark port houses, one of the oldest wine-growing regions, golden beaches and an addictively easygoing vibe – Lisbon and Porto promise good times only

What's included

Accommodation in twin rooms
All activities mentioned on the itinerary
7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
Stay in hand-picked 3-5 star hotels
Private minibus, boats & 4x4s
Arrival airport transfer
Experienced Pack Leader with you throughout the trip
Max 14 travellers per group

Flashpackers must provide evidence that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their adventure. Remember, flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a twin room. If you'd like to upgrade to a single room, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.

About your trip

Medieval streets and iconic yellow trams, port houses, golden beaches perfect for surfing, one of the oldest wine-growing regions in the world (who knew?); Portugal is so much more than a whirlwind city break or a slow week in the Algarve.

On this local-led immersion there’ll be port tastings and dinner at one of Porto’s oldest port houses. A backstreet walking tour through narrow alleyways full of history and architecture. A private Portuguese cooking class. There’ll be wine tasting in the Douro Valley, surfing on the Atlantic coast and a 4×4 adventure across Sintra Natural Park – a world of forested hills hiding otherworldly castle palaces. Lisbon will be your final stop, where an exclusive sunset boat trip awaits, signalling the end to an all-encompassing adventure that’s seen you experience something different with people just like you.

Watch the adventure

Welcome to Porto

Take a private airport transfer to central Porto, a picturesque city with medieval architecture and red-roofed buildings cascading down to the Douro River
Get a feel for Porto’s charm as you wander past live musicians and buzzing bars before hopping on a water taxi to reach the city’s famous port houses
Enjoy a privately guided tour of Fonseca port house, one of Porto’s most renowned and historic port houses, before sampling their best port wines

Flavour immersion

Journey through Porto’s historic centre, seeking out spots often missed by regular tourists
Take a chef-led culinary workshop, discovering the secrets of Portuguese cuisine as you prepare some classic pestiscos (savoury tapas-style dishes) for lunch
Learn how to make pastel de nata, a delicately spiced custard tart traditional throughout Portugal, and other traditional dishes

Douro Valley indulgence

Explore the Douro Valley, one of the world’s oldest (and best) wine-growing regions, and visit a modern quinta to learn about wine production techniques
Enjoy a hearty Douro lunch before moving on to your next picturesque hotel
Relax at your characterful Douro Valley hotel with dinner against a backdrop of rolling hills

Medieval wanderings

Journey to Óbidos, a gorgeous medieval city of whitewashed houses and pretty baroque churches, set within a classic crenelated wall
Explore the labyrinthine cobblestoned streets, walk the ramparts to the hilltop castle and sample the local cinnamon cherry liqueur, ginja, served in a chocolate cup
Transfer to your coastal-chic hotel just outside the city for a relaxed evening by the pool

Beach life & surfing

Embrace beach life with a private surf lesson for your group, led by an expert instructor; cheer each other on as you learn to paddle out and pop up
Spend the rest of the day at leisure with your new Flash Pack friends; your Pack Leader will have all the tips for making the most of your time here

4x4 forest adventures

Tackle the rugged terrain and silent forests of Sintra-Cascais Natural Park on a 4×4 excursion, stopping off to explore the rich Moorish architecture of Palácio de Monserrate
Stop for lunch at a traditional Portuguese tasca, a family-run eatery serving a classic repertoire of dishes
Continue your journey towards the golden streets of Lisbon, travelling along the dramatic Cascais coastline past soaring cliffs and roaring surf

Alternative Lisboa

Get to know the capital on a walking tour of Lisbon, taking in the narrow alleys of pastel-hued Mouraria – the neighbourhood where Fado music was born – and dazzling views from Alfama’s viewpoints
Embark on a private yacht cruise along the Tagus River as the city sits ablaze with the colours of sunset behind you
Enjoy a farewell dinner at a revered local restaurant, raising a toast with your group to the amazing adventure you’ve shared

Tchau, Portugal

Bid farewell to your Flash Pack friends, and the charming streets of Lisbon, as you make your own way to the airport for your onwards journey
Arrive home with a newfound appreciation for this wonderland of cuisine and natural beauty. Feeling sated (it’s time to find your nearest wine and pastel de nata supplier) and relaxed; there’s no better feeling than truly getting to know a new destination, is there?

Where you'll be staying

We often feature these unique hotels on this trip, with final options confirmed a month before departure. We work with these or similar hotels to ensure a stylish and comfortable stay every time.

Pestana Pousada Flores, Porto

Located on one of Porto’s most beautiful streets; Pestana Pousada is housed in a beautifully restored building. It boasts elegant rooms, an indoor pool and lots of cosy corners surrounded by rock walls to relax with a drink.

Quinta de Casaldronho, Douro Valley

Set at the heart of the Douro region and boasting views over the river, Quinta de Casaldronho is a contemporary, minimalist wine hotel. Think floor to ceiling windows, an outdoor pool surrounded by vineyards and, of course, a selection of local wines.

Immerso Hotel Ericeira

Nestled outside of Lisbon in a lush landscape near world-class surf spots, Immerso offers sleek rooms, a spa, infinity pool, and farm-to-table dining. Perfect for unwinding or chasing waves, here is where coastal beauty meets sophisticated relaxation.

Praise for our Pack Leaders

Meet Eva, Pack Leader in Portugal

Adventure FAQs

Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code

Fly into Porto Airport, also known as Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO). Fly out of Lisbon Airport (LIS).

What time should my flight arrive (time for the welcome meeting)?

Ideally before 1 pm. The welcome meeting and dinner will be from 4 pm onwards starting at the hotel, which is located approximately 20 minutes away from the airport.

What time should my flight depart on the last day?

There are no activities planned for the last day, so you can leave any time you wish. The airport is approximately 15 minutes away from your final hotel. Your Pack Leader can help you book your transfers the night before if needed.

Are airport transfers included?

If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you’ve booked yourself a pre-night at the same hotel the adventure starts from, your airport arrival transfer will be included. Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and in groups depending on flight times, so you may have to wait in the airport for a short while.

However, if you’ve booked alternative pre-trip accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport, you’ll have to arrange your own arrival transfer.

Please also note: in order to secure your place on the private transfer, you’ll need to provide your flight details to our Customer Experience team no later than 30 days prior to your adventure’s departure date. You’ll get automated email reminders about this, but the team won’t be chasing you. That’s why it’s key to get this information over in good time. If the details are provided later than 30 days pre-departure, you’ll have to arrange your own arrival transfer.

Departure transfers are typically not included due to travellers leaving at varying times. That said, your Pack Leader will happily help arrange departure transfers for you if required.

Are tips included?

Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:

Pack Leader: 10 USD per day
Drivers: 5 USD per day
Local tips: your Pack Leader will be able to advise on how much to tip local guides, restaurants, etc. Some Pack Leaders will collect a tipping kitty at the welcome meeting to take care of local tips.

However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.

Do I need a visa?

Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.

You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.

Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.

What vaccinations and medication will I need?

While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalised medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.

1. Consult with a healthcare professional

We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.

2. Up-to-date medical advice

UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialised health information.
Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.

3. Government travel advice

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.

4. Medication tips

If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.

We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.

How much should I budget per day for extras?

We recommend budgeting around 35 GBP per day.

What fitness levels do I need for this trip?

We recommend having a read through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness. Overall, the trip is relatively relaxed so no real level of fitness is needed. However, there is a good amount of walking (at your own pace).

Will the itinerary change?

Please be aware that the itinerary, activities, and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.

Do I have to share a room?

Please be aware that room arrangements for this trip are organised based on same-sex sharing in twin rooms, unless you have purchased the single supplement.

If you prefer a single room, please note that it incurs an extra cost and must be booked in advance, subject to availability. You can add a single supplement during the booking process or by getting in touch with our Customer Experience team.

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