Portugal Slowly

This small country has a history of over achieving with a former historical empire that stretched across the world, creating vast wealth for kings, traders and other ruthless conquerors. As a destination today you’ll find Portugal to be one of the more socially advanced nations in the world. This makes for a fascinating country to visit with castles, cod and cork; one of the world’s oldest universities; a great food culture; a world class wine producing region and a people that are genuinely warm and welcoming.

From grand cities to medieval villages and dazzling coastlines, witness the iconic imagery that defines this western European haven. Discover the birthplace of port and the treasures of the Douro Valley, take a step back in time at the ancient university of Coimbra, learn the secrets of Porto’s backstreets and get to sthe heart of glorious Lisbon. Read more from Approach Guides

Slow Down, Soak It In

Real Food Adventure Portugal and Galicia

Portugal Real Food Adventure with Galicia

Uncover the flavours of Galicia and Portugal on this eight-day adventure full of culinary delights, local wines and European hotspots. Take a tasting tour in the central markets of Santiago de Compostela and enjoy a francesinha dinner in Porto. Discover how centuries of invasion and trade have given Portuguese cuisine a mixture of Mediterranean, African and Middle Eastern influences. Sip port and local wines among the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley and roll up your sleeves for a cooking class at an Alentejo farm stay. Explore coastal Lisbon, rubbing shoulders with locals at a canned fish hotspot and tuck into a glass (or two) of ginjinha (wild cherry liqueur) and the famed Portuguese tarts.

For a fantastic immersion into the fabulous foods of the region, see the Real Food Adventure of Portugal and Galicia.

Portugal Slowly, On Your Own

Ways To Experience

• Let us make a private itinerary for you using trains and other ways to travel car free.
• Explore the cities of Portugal with your own guide for a day or two.
• Enjoy dining with a local in their home. Enjoy a meal and good company with at-home chefs who love hosting people from other countries.
• Sign up for a taste tour and cooking lessons.
• Small group active tours
• Self Guided Walking Tours

Main Sites to Explore

• Coimbra – This historic, cultured town was once the capital of Portugal and boasts the oldest university in the country
• Porto – A historic centre, charismatic locals, sumptuous food, and famous port: no one can resist the charms of this UNESCO World Heritage city
• Douro Valley – Admire steep terraced vineyards by the Douro River on an optional boat cruise
• Peneda-Gerês National Park – Protecting the ecosystem and a disappearing local way of life, this park will leave you speechless
• Santiago de Compostela – Combine artistic and spiritual delights when you visit this grand city, the final stop of the epic Camino de Santiago pilgrimage via the Portuguese route.
• Cape Finisterre – Stare into the horizon on this beautiful cape once believed to be the end of the known world
• Costa da Morte – Plunging cliffs, remote sandy beaches and rocky headlands; this is the stunning and treacherous ‘Coast of Death’
• Las Médulas– Marvel at the reddish mountains that once hid the most important gold mine in the entire Roman Empire
• Tavira – One of the most charming towns in the Portuguese Algarve set on the Rio Gilão

Tip: Not seeing what you’re looking for? We work with all the large tour and river cruise companies as well as our specialty operators.

Tavira

If you’re looking for a tantalizingly relaxed city getaway, Tavira should be on your holiday bucket list. From architecturally gorgeous churches to whitewashed houses and stretching beaches, you can take your time exploring this coastal city.

Every corner you turn in Tavira will unveil a new surprise and you can entertain yourself for hours simply walking through the streets. It’s one of those ideal places for getting lost and discovering little slices of local culture.

Sunbath at Praia da Ilha de Tavira with a good book, explore the castle with its Moorish influences and dine alfresco in the Praça da República. A stroll through the Jardim do Coreto is also a must for park-lovers, or those wishing to rest their feet for a spell amongst the flowers.

Tavira is a less hectic Portuguese city with a variety of sights and activities for the traveller who likes a bit of everything.