Portugal from South to North for Water Lovers
From the turquoise blue of the Algarve to the crystal waters of Ria d'Aveiro, navigate through the heart of water-filled Portugal.
Duration
16 days
From
€2,500/pers.
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Style
Itinerant travel
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, senior
The spirit of travel
A private and flexible trip tailored to your wishes, to explore Portugal's natural and cultural heritage while enjoying the crystal-clear waters of the ocean, coastal lagoons and mountain rivers.
Each experience is guided by passionate and experienced guides, offering unforgettable moments of exchange and discovery. You will also benefit from suggestions and free time to explore historic cities and villages along the coast.
At the end of your journey, an original guided tour of Porto will immerse you in its authentic atmosphere, punctuated by tastings typical of the region.
A 100% customizable program: adaptable according to your wishes, your budget and the duration of your stay. The stages are flexible, with no fixed duration, for optimal immersion.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1-4: Step 1: Explore the Algarve from East to West and navigate along its coast
Freely explore the Algarve from East to West and discover its spectacular landscapes, between history, traditions and unspoiled nature.
History and heritage : If you are passionate about castles, villages and historic towns, do not miss Castro Marim, Vila Real de Santo António, Cacelha Velha, Tavira, Faro and Silves.
Wild nature : For an immersion in preserved landscapes, explore the Ria Formosa Natural Reserve or venture westwards, between Lagos and Cape Saint-Vincent.
Paradisiacal beaches : Lovers of fine sand and turquoise waters, follow the coast between Faro and Lagos to discover beaches of exceptional beauty.
Exclusive sea experience : Embark on a private cruise along the Lagos coast to Ponte da Piedade, an unmissable site with its caves and amazing rock formations, evoking figures like the Titanic, the elephant or the cathedral. Weather permitting, a swimming break in the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic awaits you.
Kayaking adventure : Extend the experience by exploring marine caves by kayak, a unique opportunity to contemplate rock formations from a new angle and live an unforgettable moment in the heart of the Algarve landscapes.
Day 5-7: Stage 2: Exploration of Arrábida Natural Park and cruise in the bay
Algarve → Parc naturel de Arrábida
Freely visit the Arrábida Natural Park and Setúbal, then embark on a cruise along Arrábida Bay.
A spectacular natural setting
Near Lisbon, at the mouth of the Rio Sado, Arrábida Natural Park stretches across a mountainous massif plunging into the Atlantic. The alternation between the blue of the ocean and the green of the mountain offers a unique panorama. The beaches of Figueirinha, Galápos and Galapinhos are ideal for relaxation.
Exploration and heritage
Hiking trails allow you to fully enjoy the surrounding nature. Additionally, a sea excursion is recommended to observe dolphins.
Also take advantage of your free time to discover Setúbal, Fort São Filipe and Sesimbra Castle.
Private experience: cruise and swimming
Navigate the crystal-clear waters of the Arrábida coast, with stops in the bays of Galapos, Galapinhos, Portinho da Arrábida, Alpertuche and Sesimbra.
Swimming break on the wild beach of Ribeira do Cavalo.
Admiration of the Serra do Risco cliff, a protected area.
Exploration of two sea caves, with snorkeling equipment available
Encounter with dolphins
The Arrábida coast is a true paradise for dolphins, which may appear throughout the cruise to accompany your discovery.
Day 8-10: Stage 3: Discovery of Óbidos and navigation on the lagoon
Parc naturel de Arrábida → Óbidos
Freely explore the exceptional medieval village of Óbidos and its surroundings, then let yourself be carried away by a sunset cruise on the Óbidos lagoon.
Exceptional architectural and historical heritage
This region is brimming with unmissable cultural treasures:
Óbidos, one of the most beautiful fortified medieval villages in Portugal.
Batalha and Alcobaça monasteries, true masterpieces of Portuguese architecture.
Tomar, historic city and former Seat of the Order of the Templars, where the castle and convent deserve a visit.
Nazaré, famous fishing town with picturesque streets, world-renowned for its giant waves reaching up to 30 metres in winter, attracting the most daring surfers.
Private experience: sunset navigation
End your day with an unforgettable experience on the Óbidos lagoon.
Late afternoon cruise, gliding slowly over calm waters.
Soothing atmosphere, lulled by the song of birds and the gentle lapping of water.
Enchanting landscape, enhanced by the captivating colours of the sunset.
Day 11-13: Stage 4: Discovery of Aveiro, Serra do Arestal and navigation on the Ria
Explore freely Aveiro and its Ria, enjoy the beaches of Costa Nova and Barra, then venture into the Serra do Arestal for a private hiking trip along streams and waterfalls.
Aveiro, between lagoon and ocean
Discover Aveiro, one of the most beautiful cities on the Portuguese coast, renowned for its vast lagoon (Ria d'Aveiro) and its picturesque canals lined with Art Nouveau facades. Just a few kilometers away, relax on the white sand beaches of Barra and Costa Nova. The latter is famous for its brightly striped houses, typical of the Ria waterfront.
Hiking in Serra do Arestal
30 minutes from Aveiro, change scenery by heading to the lush mountains of Serra do Arestal:
Cascades da Cabreia and Frágua da Pena, perfect spots for a refreshing break.
Vouga, Lordelo and Gresso rivers, with their crystal-clear and invigorating waters.
Village of Amiais, built in granite, with its water mills, community areas and traditional granaries.
Private experience: guided hiking in nature
Accompanied by an expert guide, walk along dirt paths bordering waterways, dotted with water mills and filled with the sound of birdsong and cascading water. A gourmet break by a waterfall will allow you to taste some local specialties.
Private experience: sailing on the Ria d'Aveiro
Board with a local skipper on a private solar boat, for an immersion in the heart of the Ria d'Aveiro:
Discovery of the lagoon's ancestral traditions.
Tasting of sparkling wine and local delicacies on board.
Silent navigation through marshy waters, habitat of many migratory bird species: pink flamingos, herons, storks…
Day 14-15: Step 5: Unusual Discovery of Porto and Tasting of Famous Port Wine
Explore Porto in an original way and let yourself be seduced by its exceptional wines.
A city with unique heritage
The second most populated city in Portugal, Porto is famous for its wine, its emblematic bridges, its architecture blending tradition and modernity, as well as its historic center listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Browse its must-sees:
The Ribeira waterfront, one of the most picturesque places in the city.
Rua das Flores and Saint Catherine Street, rich in shops and history.
Bolhão market, symbol of Porto's soul.
The cathedral, a witness to Porto's fascinating history.
Beyond iconic sites, lose yourself in its secret alleyways, where old and new blend with authenticity. Porto is a surprising city, a must-see despite its dynamism and tourist crowds.
Private experience: visit off the beaten path
Accompanied by an English-speaking guide passionate about the city, embark on an immersive exploration of popular Porto. Through his inexhaustible knowledge of the city, you will discover surprising anecdotes about the history and local life.
Private experience: immersion in the world of Port Wine
Meet a local producer of Port wines and table wines during an exclusive visit to his cellar. He will tell you, in an entertaining and memorable way, the story and manufacturing process of this emblematic fortified wine.
The discovery ends with a refined tasting of exceptional Ports, where you will appreciate grand vintage years.
Day 16: End of the journey
End of your stay following the crystalline waters from Southern to Northern Portugal.
Departure from Porto.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- The flight ticket
- Meals
- Transfers or Car Rental
- Travel Insurance / Health Insurance / Repatriation Insurance
- Extras / Tips / Personal expenses
- Cancellation Insurance/Trip Interruption/Baggage Loss and Assistance
- Everything that is not included
Included
- 15 Nights in charming 3* and 4* hotels and apartments
- 7 private experiences with English-speaking, Spanish-speaking or local guides
- 1 mountain picnic
- Supply of mandatory safety equipment for maritime experiences
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travellers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada travelling to Portugal for a tourist stay. As entry rules may change, we recommend that you verify this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport and ID card
Portugal is a member state of the European Union and part of the Schengen area. Nationals of the EEA may enter Portugal with a valid passport or national identity card. The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Swiss and Canadian nationals must carry a valid passport for the entire duration of their stay.
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area and Switzerland benefit from free movement within the Schengen area and may stay in Portugal without time restrictions for tourism purposes.
Canadian nationals benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays in the Schengen area. This exemption allows a stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period across all Schengen countries.
The authorities may request:
an outbound travel document (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
a travel insurance policy covering your stay period.
ETIAS (European travel authorisation)
Once it comes into effect, Canadian nationals will be required to obtain an ETIAS authorisation (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) before travelling to the Schengen area, including Portugal.
This electronic authorisation, valid for three years or until your passport expires, must be obtained online before departure. It is not required for nationals of the EEA and Switzerland.
We recommend that you verify the effective date of this system with the official authorities before your departure.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid travel document (passport or ID card depending on nationality) covering the duration of the stay.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorisation may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travellers concerned should contact the Portuguese embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly advised to be insured for repatriation assistance and foreign medical expenses.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer'Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend taking out one of these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these formulas, the policy detailing all coverage and claim declaration procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout the duration of their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Portugal is a member of the European Union and the Schengen area. You can travel there with a valid identity card or passport. The currency is the euro. No special formalities are required upon arrival. Please check the rules applicable to your nationality with the Portuguese consular authorities before booking your trip.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a bespoke quality trip, expect between 150 and 260 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (100-350 euros return) are additional. Portugal offers excellent value for money in Europe.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to suit your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and set off with complete peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your entire trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage which protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Algarve
Experience Designer, Portugal, based in Aveiro
Portugal reveals itself when you take the time to meet the people who bring it to life. It's these simple, sincere and passionate exchanges that I love to create for travelers.
— Emeline
