Experience Portugal with Madeline – Happiest Sober

Your journey begins in Porto, a city of timeless charm and rich history. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and take some time to relax or explore the area at your own pace.

In the evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a delightful welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Savor traditional Portuguese cuisine, such as bacalhau (salted cod) or francesinha, while enjoying the warm hospitality of Porto. It’s the perfect way to meet your group and set the tone for the adventure ahead.

Included:

• Welcome Dinner

Important Info:

• Please ensure that your flight allows for you to arrive in the early afternoon so that you can be at the hotel in time for a group meeting followed by a welcome dinner in the evening. More information on the hotel location and meeting timer will be provided once the trip is confirmed

Start the day with a guided orientation tour of Porto, wandering through its winding streets lined with colorful azulejos (ceramic tiles). Stroll along the Ribeira district, a UNESCO-listed waterfront, and cross the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge for breathtaking views of the Douro River. Visit landmarks such as São Bento Station, known for its stunning tilework, and the historic Livraria Lello, one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores.

After some free time for lunch, explore some more before immersing yourself in Portuguese gastronomy during a traditional cooking class. Under the guidance of a local chef, learn to prepare classic dishes like caldo verde and pastéis de nata (and then of course enjoy eating them). In the evening we’ll enjoy a well earned Mocktail in a scenic location.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Guided Porto Orientation Tour
• Portuguese Cooking Class (includes Dinner)

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Porto, where you can wander through the famous Bolhão Market, shop for handmade ceramics, or take in the views from Clérigos Tower. After lunch, embark on a scenic drive to Coimbra, a city steeped in academic tradition and home to one of the oldest universities in Europe.

Check into your hotel and take the rest of the day at your leisure – perhaps exploring the medieval streets, relaxing at a café, or enjoying the peaceful atmosphere along the Mondego River.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Scenic Drive Porto to Coimbra

Begin the day with a guided tour of Coimbra’s historic center, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with student life. Visit the renowned University of Coimbra, with its grand Baroque library and sweeping views over the city.

Later, embark on a tranquil boat trip along the Mondego River, soaking in the picturesque scenery and learning about the city’s history from a new perspective. The afternoon is free for you to explore – whether you choose to visit the botanical gardens, enjoy a riverside lunch, or wander through hidden alleyways. In the evening, experience the soul-stirring sounds of Fado during a live performance, a perfect way to end the day in this culturally rich city.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Mondego River Boat Trip
• Traditional Fado Performance

Venture into Portugal’s countryside as you travel to the enchanting schist village of Piódão, nestled within the Serra do Açor mountains. With its stone houses, narrow alleys, and dramatic landscape, Piódão feels like stepping into a fairy tale.

Take a short guided tour to learn about the village’s history and unique architecture, then enjoy time at your leisure to explore or have lunch at a traditional tavern. You might want to hike a scenic trail, visit the tiny chapel, or simply soak in the peaceful atmosphere. By late afternoon, return to Coimbra for a relaxed evening.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Day Trip to Piódão with Guided Tour

After breakfast, set off on a morning transfer to Lisbon, Portugal’s lively capital. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a free afternoon to explore at your own pace. You might stroll through the historic Alfama district, ride the famous yellow tram through the city’s hills, or unwind at a riverside café with a pastel de nata and an espresso. As evening falls, discover Lisbon’s buzzing nightlife, from traditional fado houses to rooftop bars with panoramic city views where we will take some time to rest and enjoy a Mocktail.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Transfer to Lisbon

Spend the day discovering Lisbon’s highlights on a guided tour. Visit the grand Praça do Comércio, admire the intricate details of Jerónimos Monastery, and see the iconic Belém Tower. Stop by the lively Time Out Market for a taste of Lisbon’s best eats, or indulge in a famous pastéis de Belém from the original bakery.

In the evening, celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner at a scenic restaurant overlooking the city or the Tagus River. Savor delicious Portuguese flavors while reminiscing about your favorite moments from the trip.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Lisbon Guided Tour
• Farewell Dinner

Enjoy a final breakfast in Lisbon before checking out of the hotel. Depending on your flight time, you might squeeze in a last-minute stroll through the city or pick up some souvenirs before heading to the airport. As you depart, take with you the memories of Portugal’s stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality.

Included:

• Breakfast