Easy Exploring: Portugal and the Canary Islands

A culinary and cultural journey through Atlantic coastlines and volcanic islands, featuring regional wines, exceptional cuisine, and effortless discovery. In Portugal, explore elegant riverside cities, world-renowned wine regions, and historic towns where centuries of history, architecture, and tradition come to life alongside exceptional local cuisine. The pace is unhurried, allowing time to truly enjoy regional flavors, guided tastings, and the atmosphere of everyday life. The journey then continues to the Canary Islands, where volcanic scenery, distinctive island wines, and a unique blend of Spanish and Atlantic culture create a striking contrast—bringing together two very different but beautifully connected worlds in one seamless, easygoing experience.

A Small Group Journey from Porto to Lanzarote

Tour Type

Easy Exploring

Tour Duration

12 Days

Lodging Comfort

Premier / Luxury

Activity Level

Easy

Sep 26-Oct 7
2027

Pricing

from $8590 per person /dbl occ
Single Supplement
 from $1795

Availability

Private Group - SOLD OUT

TOUR INFORMATION

Overview

Easy Exploring: Portugal & the Canary Islands is a relaxed journey through some of the Atlantic’s most captivating food, wine, and cultural landscapes. Begin in Porto, where riverside charm and the world-famous port wine cellars set the tone with guided tastings and historic city sights. Continue into the Douro Valley, a breathtaking wine region of terraced vineyards and timeless traditions. Travel south through Portugal’s historic heart, visiting Coimbra, Tomar, and Alcobaça, each rich in heritage, architecture, and local flavor, before settling into Lisbon for its vibrant neighborhoods, coastal light, and excellent cuisine. The journey then shifts to the Canary Islands, where Tenerife and Lanzarote offer striking volcanic scenery, distinctive island wines, and a unique blend of Spanish and Atlantic culture—all enjoyed at an easy, unhurried pace.

Itinerary & Map

Day 1 - Porto

Arriving in Porto today, you’ll settle into your 5-star hotel in the heart of the city, perfectly placed for exploring its riverside charm and historic atmosphere. As the afternoon light softens over the Douro, your journey begins with a relaxed orientation, offering a first taste of what lies ahead and a chance to ease into the rhythm of Portugal.

Later, you’ll head out for a memorable welcome evening in one of our favorite local restaurants — a warm introduction to Portuguese hospitality. Expect beautifully prepared regional dishes, thoughtfully paired with excellent local wines, setting the tone for the culinary and cultural discoveries that await throughout your journey.

Day 2 - Porto

After a relaxed breakfast, the morning unfolds at an easy pace as you set out to explore Porto’s atmospheric old town on foot. What begins as a walking tour soon turns into a delicious introduction to the city’s culinary soul, with stops along the way to sample local specialties and traditional drinks that bring Porto’s character vividly to life.

Crossing the river into Vila Nova de Gaia, you’ll step into the world of port wine — the city’s most iconic export — for a guided tasting that connects you directly to centuries of winemaking tradition. A leisurely tapas-style lunch follows, giving you time to linger and enjoy the views back across the water toward Porto’s terracotta rooftops.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own rhythm. Wander the cobbled streets, discover tucked-away neighborhoods, or simply soak in the energy of the riverside. For those who wish, a boat journey beneath Porto’s famous bridges offers a beautiful perspective of the city from the water. However you choose to spend it, Porto invites you to slow down, explore, and get pleasantly lost in its layers of charm.

Day 3 - The Douro Valley

Today unfolds in the breathtaking beauty of the Douro Valley, one of Europe’s most iconic wine landscapes. After breakfast, you’ll set out by private coach, following the winding river east through a series of quiet villages where life moves at an unhurried pace and vineyard-covered hills rise dramatically on either side.

A private boat journey along the Douro offers a truly unforgettable perspective — drifting between steep, terraced slopes where vines cling to the hillsides and the river carves its way through centuries of winemaking tradition. It’s a moment to simply relax, take it all in, and let the landscape speak for itself.

From here, the journey continues to the heart of the valley for a visit to one of Portugal’s most historic wine estates, established in the 16th century. Set among rolling vineyards, this is a place where heritage and craftsmanship come together in every glass. You’ll enjoy a guided tasting followed by a leisurely lunch, surrounded by the estate’s timeless setting.

As the afternoon softens, you’ll settle into this remarkable property for the night, giving you time to unwind and enjoy the atmosphere at your own pace. Later, dinner is served in the hotel’s elegant restaurant, showcasing regional flavors paired with local wines. The day ends quietly outdoors, overlooking the river — a peaceful moment in one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world.

Day 4 - Viseu and Coimbra

Today your journey continues south into the heart of central Portugal, where rolling landscapes give way to cities rich in history, character, and tradition. By mid-morning, you arrive in Viseu, a beautifully preserved hilltop city where medieval streets, elegant stone facades, and centuries-old architecture create an atmosphere that feels almost untouched by time. It’s a place best enjoyed slowly, wandering past traditional shops, Gothic details, and hidden corners that reveal the city’s layered past.

From here, the road leads to Coimbra, Portugal’s celebrated university city set along the banks of the Mondego River. After a relaxed local lunch, you’ll step into one of Europe’s oldest academic institutions, where centuries of scholarship and tradition still shape daily life. The highlight is the extraordinary university library, a masterpiece of baroque design that draws visitors from around the world and reflects Coimbra’s enduring cultural importance.

Later in the afternoon, you’ll settle into your nearby hotel and take time to unwind after a day filled with history and discovery. As evening falls, the group gathers once again for dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants — a warm, convivial introduction to Coimbra’s culinary scene and the perfect way to end a day spent moving through Portugal’s living history.

Day 5 - Tomar and Alcobaco

This morning, you’ll continue south through Portugal’s rich historic heart, where landscapes of gentle hills and traditional villages give way to some of the country’s most iconic heritage sites. Your first stop is Tomar, home to the extraordinary Castle of the Knights Templar — a powerful medieval stronghold founded in the 12th century, where stone walls, cloisters, and ramparts still echo the story of crusaders, faith, and frontier life. It’s a place that feels both commanding and deeply atmospheric, offering a vivid window into Portugal’s early history.

After time exploring, you’ll pause for a relaxed lunch at a traditional Portuguese restaurant, where regional dishes bring a welcome moment of rest and local flavor. From here, the journey continues to the magnificent Monastery of Alcobaça, one of Europe’s great monastic landmarks. Founded in the 12th century, its soaring Gothic architecture and vast cloisters speak to centuries of spiritual devotion, royal history, and artistic achievement, once rivaling the grand abbeys of Europe in both scale and influence.

By late afternoon, you arrive in Lisbon, your home for the next stage of the journey. After settling into your hotel, the evening is yours to enjoy a welcoming dinner at a nearby restaurant, followed—if you wish—by a gentle stroll through the city’s lively streets, where music, lights, and local life set the perfect tone for your arrival in Portugal’s captivating capital.

Day 6 - Lisbon

Today is dedicated entirely to discovering the beauty, rhythm, and character of Lisbon — a city that reveals itself best on foot, one neighborhood at a time.

The morning begins in the elegant Baixa district, the historic commercial heart of the city, where grand plazas, neoclassical facades, and bustling streets reflect Lisbon’s rebirth after the great earthquake of 1755. Lively cafés, traditional shops, and the scent of fresh seafood set the tone as the city eases into the day. From here, you climb into Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest and most atmospheric quarter, where narrow cobbled lanes wind upward between whitewashed houses, hidden courtyards, and timeless viewpoints. Along the way, iconic landmarks such as the Sé Cathedral and São Jorge Castle rise above the rooftops, offering glimpses into centuries of layered history.

By midday, the focus shifts from exploring to experiencing as you join a local cook for a hands-on introduction to Portuguese cuisine. Working with fresh regional ingredients and traditional techniques, you’ll prepare a meal that reflects the heart of Lisbon’s culinary identity — followed, of course, by a relaxed lunch shared together with carefully selected local wines.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Lisbon invites curiosity at every turn, whether you choose to explore its museums and boutiques, wander through its historic streets, or simply settle into a café and watch the city unfold around you. However you spend it, the spirit of Lisbon is never far away — vibrant, layered, and endlessly inviting.

Day 7 - Sintra

This morning, you’ll head west into the enchanting hills of Sintra, a place long favored by Portuguese royalty for its cooler climate, forested landscapes, and air of romantic mystery. Rising above the surrounding countryside, Sintra feels almost otherworldly — a lush retreat where winding roads lead to palaces, gardens, and villas painted in soft pastels and crowned by misty peaks.

Here, history and imagination intertwine. The elegant Sintra National Palace stands out with its distinctive chimneys and intricate tilework, reflecting centuries of Moorish and Manueline influence. Nearby, the whimsical Pena Palace rises dramatically above the treetops, its vivid colors and eclectic design offering sweeping views across the coastline. You’ll also explore the captivating Quinta da Regaleira, a richly symbolic estate filled with hidden tunnels, ornate gardens, and striking architectural detail — a place that feels more like a storybook than reality.

As the day draws to a close, you return to Lisbon for a final evening together in Portugal. A dinner awaits at one of our favorite local restaurants, where creative regional cuisine and excellent wines set the stage for a relaxed and memorable meal. With stories shared, glasses raised, and new friendships formed, the journey through Portugal leaves its mark — not as an ending, but as the gateway to what comes next, as your adventure continues onward to the volcanic beauty and island culture of the Canary Islands.

Day 8 - Tenerife

Today, your journey shifts from the historic heart of Portugal to the raw, volcanic beauty of Tenerife. An early morning departure from Lisbon carries you across the Atlantic to the Canary Islands, where the landscape quickly transforms into something otherworldly.

After arriving on the island, you’ll ease into the pace of Tenerife with a light local lunch before beginning your ascent into the dramatic interior. The road climbs through ancient pine forests that feel untouched by time, gradually revealing the vast volcanic world of Teide National Park. Here, you’ll step into a landscape unlike anywhere else in Europe — sculpted lava fields, surreal rock formations, and sweeping views that feel almost lunar in their stillness and scale. There is time to wander gently through this extraordinary terrain, with the option to ascend even higher toward the upper reaches of Mount Teide for a truly unforgettable perspective above the clouds.

As the afternoon light softens, the journey continues across the island toward the quieter northern coast, where lush green valleys meet the Atlantic. Settle into your coastal retreat and unwind over dinner, reflecting on a day that moves from ocean to volcano, from sky to stone — a powerful introduction to the islands’ striking natural contrasts.

Day 9 - Tenerife

Today reveals the soulful northern side of Tenerife — a region where lush landscapes, colonial history, and deep-rooted wine traditions come together in striking contrast to the volcanic south. The day unfolds at an unhurried pace, designed to let each place reveal its own character.

You’ll travel along the island’s green slopes, stopping in charming coastal villages and historic towns where time seems to move differently. One of the highlights is a visit to the legendary Dragon Tree of Icod de los Vinos — a living symbol of the island said to be over a thousand years old — followed by a journey into Tenerife’s wine heritage in the fertile northern valleys. Here, local wines are paired with regional flavors, offering a deeper understanding of how the island’s climate and culture shape every bottle.

The experience continues into San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a beautifully preserved colonial city and former capital, where pastel-colored streets, quiet courtyards, and elegant architecture invite a gentle stroll through history. As the afternoon light softens, you return to the coast, carrying with you a sense of Tenerife’s remarkable diversity — from ancient trees and vineyard slopes to UNESCO-listed streets and Atlantic horizons.

Day 10 - Lanzarote

Today begins with a dramatic farewell to Tenerife as you wind your way through the rugged Teno Mountains, a landscape of steep ridgelines and deep gorges where every turn reveals another breathtaking view. A pause in the tiny cliffside village of Masca offers a moment to take in the sheer scale of the scenery — one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Canary Islands.

From there, the journey shifts quickly and effortlessly to Lanzarote, a strikingly different island shaped by fire and time. After a short flight, you arrive into a world of black volcanic earth and sculpted horizons, where vineyards are planted directly into ash and lava. In La Geria, wine becomes something almost surreal — cultivated in crater-like hollows protected by stone crescents, producing wines that are as distinctive as the landscape itself. Here, you’ll enjoy a relaxed tasting and lunch surrounded by one of the most unusual wine regions in the world.

The afternoon brings you deeper into Lanzarote’s volcanic story, with an easy walk among ancient craters formed by powerful eruptions centuries ago. The terrain feels elemental and otherworldly, a place where nature’s force is still visible in every direction. As the day draws to a close, you continue to the coast and settle into Puerto del Carmen, where the Atlantic light softens over the shoreline — a calm and elegant ending to a day shaped by fire, wine, and extraordinary landscapes.

Day 11- Lanzarote

Today is a journey into the visionary world of César Manrique, Lanzarote’s most celebrated artist, whose work seamlessly blends architecture, nature, and volcanic landscape into something entirely unique. More than a sightseeing day, it is an immersion into how one man reshaped an island’s identity through creativity and respect for the land.

The morning unfolds in the island’s former colonial capital, where whitewashed streets and shaded squares offer a gentle introduction to Lanzarote’s quieter, historic side — paired with local flavors that reflect the island’s simple, honest culinary traditions. From here, the landscape begins to open and rise, leading you through small villages and up toward the dramatic northern cliffs.

At the edge of the island, the world drops away into sweeping Atlantic views from the Famara ridge and the iconic Mirador del Río, one of Manrique’s most inspired creations. Perched high above the sea, it feels as though the island itself is floating between sky and ocean. The experience continues at Jameos del Agua, an extraordinary space carved into a volcanic lava tube where nature and design exist in perfect harmony — a place that feels both ancient and otherworldly at once.

As the day winds down, you return to the coast with time to relax and take in the island’s slower rhythm — the sound of the ocean, the warmth of the light, and the lingering sense of having stepped inside the imagination of an artist who saw Lanzarote not as it was, but as it could be.

Day 12 - Adios

This morning brings your Easy Exploring journey to a gentle close. After a final relaxed breakfast by the Atlantic, there is time to take in the last moments of island light and ocean air — a quiet pause after days filled with flavor, discovery, and unforgettable landscapes.

When ready, a simple transfer carries you to the airport for your onward flight home or your next destination in Europe. You leave with a collection of vivid memories — volcanic horizons, historic cities, island wines, and the easy rhythm of life across Portugal and the Canary Islands.

Hotels

Due to availability at the time of booking, hotels listed may change to similar hotels

Porto - 5 Star Pestana Porta a Brasileira Hotel

One of the newest 5-star hotels located in downtown Porto, 4 minutes walking distance from the iconic Avenida dos Aliados and 12 minutes away from the Ribeira district. Built on the site of famous Porto’s A Brasileira Café, the first to serve coffee in a cup on the early 20th century and recognized with the slogan “the best coffee comes from A Brasileira". The new hotel has managed to preserve the building’s original architectural features. The 89 rooms and suites are distributed across several floors, each being thematically tied one of the spices or products imported during the Portuguese maritime expansion on the 15th and 16th centuries. 


Pinhao - 5 Star Quinta Da Pacheca Hotel

This stunning luxury property is surrounded by 140 acres of terraced vineyards, with excellent views overlooking the Douro River. With a warm and relaxing atmosphere, the Quinta da Pacheca estate is an intense and soulful hotel that surprises for its history, combined with an innovative and sophisticated style. The main building is a typical 18th-century house that was completely restored respecting its traditional architecture and original values. The common spaces and its fifteen unique rooms benefit now from a modern and avant-garde image, with sober and elegant features. This is a boutique hotel devoted to gastronomy and wine tourism, where well-being and comfort are omnipresent values and where vineyards and wine play a crucial role. Despite the master lines and exterior façades continuing to carry the weight of the years, the symbiosis between ancient and modern is perfect, and small details make of this hotel a real charm. The family spirit remains deeply pronounced, not only for the use of the furniture that belongs to the family but for the comfort and the elegant atmosphere recreated, that is just possible to feel when we are at home. Everything is spacious and full of light, and it is magical to look at the leaves falling, the vineyards changing colors, or the calm water of the river Douro while filling our thoughts with the wines of the Quinta, served by our courteous and friendly staff.

OR

Pinhao - 5 Star quinta sao jose do barrilario

Nestled in the heart of a peaceful valley, where time gently slows to honour the beauty of the river, lies Quinta São José do Barrilário — a place where history and tradition intertwine in quiet harmony. Here, every stone, every vine, and every whisper of the breeze tells a story shaped by centuries of devotion and heritage.  With a long-standing tradition in wine production, Quinta São José do Barrilário now embraces 15 hectares of vineyards, planted with the traditional grape varieties of the Douro Valley. 

Featuring 31 elegant rooms with breathtaking views over the Douro River, Hotel São José do Barrilário blends contemporary design with a warm and intimate atmosphere.

In an atmosphere of absolute tranquillity, the SPA at Quinta São José do Barrilário offers a unique wellness experience deeply connected to nature. Equipped with two treatment rooms, a sauna, a Turkish bath, sensory showers, and an indoor water circuit with breathtaking views over the Douro mountains, this haven invites you to fully immerse yourself in moments of relaxation, self-care, and deep serenity.

Join us on a journey through time, and uncover the deep roots that make this estate a treasure of the Douro Valley.


Coimbra - 4 Star Hotel Dona Ines

The hotel itself is a celebration of history, inspired by the love story of Inês de Castro and D. Pedro, Duke of Coimbra, and boasts a direct river view, inscription- and art-covered walls and natural light-filled spaces. Dona Inês hotel offers the opportunity to discover and feel a UNESCO World Heritage listed city. Within a 10-minute walk, guests are at Rua da Sofia, the heart of the city center famous for landmarks including Sé Velha (Old Cathedral), Igreja de Santa Cruz, Machado de Castro National Museum and Portugal dos Pequenitos, a family favorite. Down time at NH Coimbra Dona Inês hotel can be spent at the gym, lounging at the pool, getting a spa treatment and playing tennis or ping-pong. When it comes to dining, the day starts with a visit in the panoramic elevator to the breakfast buffet overlooking the pool and continues with lunch and dinner at A Garça featuring Mediterranean and Portuguese dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients. From the afternoon until late-night, Ego Lounge Bar offers light meals, snacks, wine and cocktails.


Lisbon - 4 Star Lisboa Plaza Hotel

Is situated just off the exclusive Avenida da Liberdade and is a place of shelter right in the heart of the historic center of the city. Owned and operated by the same family since its construction in 1953, the hotel is imbued with Portuguese décor and different ambiances. Designed to be a place of tradition in the hustle and bustle of Lisbon of the 1950’s, the Plaza reflects the city’s character. A rare combination of tradition, charm, and modern comfort.

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Food and Wine in Portugal

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What's Included

What´s Included

  • 2 nights at 5 Star hotel in Porto
  • 1 nights at 5 Star hotel in Pinhao
  • 1 night at 4 Star hotel in Coimbra
  • 3 nights at 4 Star hotel in Lisbon
  • Meals as specified: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners (All group meals include water and local wine)
  • Cooking Class
  • 2 wine tastings, at Porto and Regua
  • Walking tours with local guides as per itinerary
  • River cruise on the Douro River
  • Entrance fees to Coimbra Library, Tomar Castle, Alcoba Monastery, Quinta Regaleira Palace in Sintra
  • Transportation once the tour has begun (Does not include individual transportation for clients during walking tours, to/from restaurants, etc)
  • Professional local Go Get Lost guide throughout the itinerary
  • All gratuities for waiters, coach drivers, local guides in Porto and Lisbon, EXCEPT your primary local tour leader
  • Porterage in hotels
  • A lifetime of unforgettable memories!

What´s not Included

  • Airfare package
  • Airport transfers
  • Gratuity for primary local tour leader
  • Visa fees, if applicable
  • Meals not specified in itinerary
  • Any individual transportation needed by clients during walking tours, to/from restaurants, etc
  • Trip Cancellation/Interruption and Medical Insurance (strongly recommended), call for details
  • Single supplement charge
  • Items of a personal nature; phone calls, laundry, etc.

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