Welcome to ART’s 2026 Portugal Trip: A golden thread through the heart of Portugal.
This journey winds through Portugal’s most evocative landscapes—vineyards, hilltop villages, ancient forests, and the quiet spaces in between.
Uncover layers of history shaped by explorers, mystics, and monarchs. From the maritime legacies of Magellan and da Gama to the hidden traces of the Knights Templar, every stop invites a deeper connection—with place, with culture, and with the spirit of travel itself.
Along the way, something golden unfolds, and it all begins in Lisbon.
Day 1.
Your centrally located hotel offers the ideal base for discovering Lisbon—a city of light, hills, and rhythm. Step outside into a mosaic of lively neighborhoods, historic trams, grand plazas, fine art, and unforgettable cuisine—all set to the sounds of soulful fado. Settle into your room, your home for the next four nights. In the evening, gather with fellow travelers for a wine and cheese reception, a preview of the days ahead, and a warm welcome. Together, we’ll depart for a traditional Fado dinner, where food, music, and mood offer a stirring introduction to Portugal.
Day 2.
Begin the day with a guided walking tour through the atmospheric districts that surround us: Chiado, Bairro Alto, Alfama, and Baixa—each one steeped in charm, stories, and shifting architecture. In the afternoon, we explore Belém, where Portugal’s Age of Discovery comes to life. With our local guide, visit the majestic Jerónimos Monastery, the iconic Belém Tower, and sample the city’s most beloved pastry, the Pastel de Belém. After a pause to refresh at the hotel, we’ll head out together for dinner.
Day 3.
After breakfast, we journey to Sintra, a fairytale town nestled in the forested hills. Our focus is the Quinta da Regaleira, an estate layered with symbolism and myth. Wander its lush gardens, climb turreted towers, and descend the spiraling Initiation Well—believed to echo the rites of the Knights Templar. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure—whether continuing to explore Sintra or relaxing with a view. Later, we return to Lisbon together before dinner.
Day 4.
This morning is yours. Stroll a museum, shop the boutiques, relax at a café, or simply enjoy the calm of our elegant hotel. In the afternoon, we head west to the seaside town of Cascais. There, we’ll explore its coastal charm and share our last meal together in view of the Atlantic.
Day 5.
This morning, we depart Lisbon by private van and make our way north into Portugal’s storied interior. Our destination is Tomar, a city steeped in medieval mystery and once home to the Knights Templar. Upon arrival, we’ll take a brief orientation walk to get our bearings and introduce you to the hotel and surrounding area. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace—wander the quiet streets, visit a local café, or simply rest and take in the slower rhythm of this historic town.
Day 6.
After breakfast, we set out on foot along a gentle hillside trail to the Convento de Cristo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former stronghold of the Knights Templar. Here, the layers of Portugal’s medieval history come vividly to life. We’ll continue to the Castelo de Tomar and the Church of Santa Maria do Olival, a sacred resting place for Templar knights and a quiet emblem of Tomar’s enduring spiritual legacy.
Following a free afternoon to rest or explore, we’ll gather again for dinner together.
Day 7.
Today invites you to explore at your own pace. Linger over coffee at a local café, visit the charming Matchbox Museum, or discover more about Saint Irene of Tomar, the town’s beloved patron. For those eager for something more, your guide will happily offer suggestions for hidden corners and unique experiences.
Day 8.
After breakfast, we depart Tomar by private coach and travel north to Porto, Portugal’s vibrant city along the Douro River. Upon arrival, we’ll drop bags at our hotel and set out on a guided walking tour through Porto’s historic old town—a mosaic of narrow streets, tile-clad churches, and bustling riverside quays. The afternoon is yours to relax or wander before reconvening for a group dinner.
Day 9.
Enjoy a quiet morning at your leisure before we embark on a carefully curated food tour around midday. Taste your way through Porto’s culinary heritage, from bustling markets and specialty shops to storied cafés and traditional kitchens. This evening, we’ll dine together, celebrating the unique flavors and warmth of the region.
Day 10.
Your final full day in Portugal is yours to savor. Shop for mementos, capture photographs, linger in a café, or simply find a moment to write and reflect on the journey you’ve taken. In the late afternoon, we’ll reunite for a scenic river cruise, seeing Porto’s beauty from a new perspective, before gathering for a farewell dinner—a golden final memory together.
Day 11.
After breakfast, it’s time to continue your journey, whether homeward or onward. We part as friends, carrying the stories, tastes, and moments of Portugal with us. Until we meet again…
What’s Included
Accommodation in 3 and 4-star hotels with breakfast.
All guided tours listed, including entrance fees and gratuities to guides.
10 dinners.
Private transportation through Portugal from the first to the last hotel.
Expert insights and guidance.
Services of local guides, travel coordinators, and more!
What’s NOT included
Air fare
Transfer from the airport to the first hotel and transfers out of the last hotel.
Any passport fees.
Trip, cancellation, or medical insurance policies.
Food and drinks, unless specified.
Informal group activities.
Pricing, Terms, and Conditions
$3,999 + Air per person,
based on double occupancy.
Optional single supplement: $1,250.
A $750 deposit is due on booking to hold your place. Tours are intentionally small, so space is limited.
Final payment is due January 15, 2026.
Please note the itinerary is subject to improvement and changes.