This is Portugal

Welcome to Porto, a picturesque city with well-preserved medieval architecture and red-roofed buildings cascading downhill towards the winding Douro River. Having checked into your boutique hotel and met your group, your adventure will begin in earnest this evening with a walk to the riverside, the oldest part of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll 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 other side of the river and the famed port houses. Here, you’ll go straight to Taylors, one of Porto’s most renowned and historic port houses, where a private guided tour through the houses’ beautiful hidden gardens and vast barrel rooms will take place. Afterwards, enjoy a port-paired dinner on a private terrace with sunset views of the city.

Today, you’ll start your exploration on foot. Together with your local Pack Leader, you’ll take a tour of the historic centre, seeking out spots often missed by regular tourists. Then your group will participate in a culinary workshop, using secret recipes and techniques passed down generation by generation (much to our benefit). With the help of a local chef, you’ll prepare some classic Portuguese pestiscos (savoury tapas-style dishes) for lunch, and learn how to make a traditional pastel de nata (custard tart). Fully sated, the rest of the afternoon is yours to explore the atmospheric architecture, wander along the river or relax back at your hotel.

The verdant rolling hills of the Douro Valley are calling. For so long overlooked in favor of the winelands of France and Italy, the world is finally waking up to the glories of one of the world’s oldest (and best) wine-growing regions. On this full-day tour, you’ll get a chance to experience modern wine production techniques as you visit one of the region’s newest quintas for a tour and tasting. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a hearty Douro lunch before boarding a traditional ‘rabelo’ boat for a cruise along the river; no longer fringed by ancient buildings but instead the endless greenery of vineyards and fields. Back on dry land, a delicious dinner awaits at your upscale valley hotel. A word of warning: luxe living in the Douro Valley can become something of an addiction.

Wake up to views across the valley and spend an easy morning relaxing at the hotel before your mid-morning transfer. So far you’ve hopped from city to winelands, now it’s time for Portugal’s dramatic coastline and a spot of surfing and yoga. A destination in itself, your boutique lodge is very much ‘the place to be’ thanks to its chic design, zen vibe and sweeping coastal views. Upon arrival, there’ll be time to freshen up before heading to the beach for your private sunset yoga session. With the sound of the waves crashing alongside you, you will literally be doing sun salutations as the sun sets, seemingly within touching distance.

Today is for embracing beach living and you’ll be taking a private surf lesson led by an expert instructor. You’ll be learning at a perfect spot for beginners, thanks to a consistent break and gentle waves. Cheer each other on as you attempt to stand (you’ll have it down in no time, we’re sure) and catch your breath on the golden sand as the day begins to warm up. All surfed out, you’ll have the rest of the day with your new friends to enjoy this coastal spot at leisure. Your Pack Leader will have all the tips for making the most of your time here. Nearby there are lots of hiking routes along dramatic cliffs for those of you wanting more adventure. Prefer to slow the pace a little? Your hotel pool might just be everything you need.

Sintra is calling. A Unesco World Heritage Site full of old palaces and opulent gardens, a ‘regular’ day here never feels quite enough. Luckily you’ll be seeing it from a completely unique perspective. You’ll start on foot in and around the picturesque town (think tiny cobbled alleys and bright colored buildings straight from a Disney film). Then it’ll be into your 4×4 vehicles for a chance to escape the crowds. You’ll visit the quieter Palácio de Monserrate with its rich Moorish architecture and fly through silent forests, before tackling rugged terrain on a dramatic route past the soaring cliffs and roaring surf of the Cascais coastline. You’ll stop for lunch at a traditional Portuguese tasca before rejoining your minibus and continuing your journey towards the golden streets of Lisbon.

No visit to Portugal would be complete without getting to know its capital and this morning’s walking tour will introduce you to the city’s most characterful districts. You’ll be transported back in time as you explore the medieval streets of picturesque Mouraria (birthplace of Portugal’s national music, fado), wander the ancient narrow alleys of pastel-hued Alfama and take in the dazzling views from hilltop Castelo de Sao Jorge. After lunch, you’ll have a few hours to relax and explore before your final Flash Pack treat. A series of tuk tuks will arrive to transport you to the docks for a private sunset yacht cruise along the Tagus River. Make a toast with your friends as the city sits ablaze with the colours of sunset behind you, and look forward to a final dinner at a revered local restaurant.

After breakfast at the hotel, your Portuguese adventure has sadly come to an end. It’s now over to you to make your own way onwards. Rediscovered a love for Europe? We’ve got plenty more opportunities for adventure, from snowy Finland to sun-scorched Turkey. Explore them all here.