Our Portugal tours from the UK introduce you to this incredible country on the far side of the Atlantic. Its position on the coast has influenced its culture, food, and history as one of the major seafaring powers.

This southwestern European nation located mainly on the Iberian peninsula has much to offer. It shares a border with Spain to the north and east, with the rest of the country exposed to the Atlantic Ocean.

The stunning capital city is vibrant Lisbon, regularly rated among the most beautiful in the world. Pretty Porto has six impressive bridges, while the northern coast is rocky and often cold.

The sparsely inhabited, mountainous interior is wild, adding to the country’s remarkable scenic diversity. The famed southern Algarve region presents pristine beaches with iconic limestone grottos and formations. They provide captivating views and backdrops for your holiday snaps.

Portugal trips from the United Kingdom lift off from London and Dublin. Consider an overnight stay in the capital to break up connecting travel plans. Exoticca plans every detail of your itinerary, leaving you free to experience this exotic land.

Our Portugal vacation packages include several extraordinary sights. At Exoticca, we understand that a seamless blend of planned activities and free time results in memorable vacations. 

Make the most of the free days to immerse in the local culture for memories that last a lifetime. We assess a few famous and captivating spots in this diverse country.

Lisbon

The coastal capital, epic Lisbon is a great place to kick off one of our Portugal tours. It’s known for its colonialist history, ornate architecture, romantic fado music, pleasant year-round weather, and spectacular vistas.

This rich and varied tourist destination has a historic old center with cobbled streets, steep inclines, and gorgeous views. The unique atmosphere and mix of Roman and Moorish influences provide the backdrop for the various districts. 

With a population just over half a million, it’s comparatively small, retaining much of its old world charm. Called the “city of seven hills,” you can visit the prominent and ancient St George’s Castle, Jeronimos Monastery, and the fabled Belem Tower.

Lisbon also offers several museums showcasing the city’s legendary history, art, culture, and music. The city also boasts the largest indoor aquarium on the continent, with over 450 species, mostly in a large central tank.

Azores

The Azores are a volcanic archipelago of nine islands in the mid-Atlantic ocean, nearly 900 miles west of Lisbon. Fishing villages punctuate the dramatic landscape while cows chew the cud in green meadows. Most islands have impossibly blue caldera lakes. 

Sporadic development means a diverse population and variable culture. The islands offer many hiking trails around volcanoes, canyoning, and hot springs to soothe tired muscles. Ponto do Pico is the tallest mountain in the country, and ensures you don’t miss the superb wine.

The archipelago is one of the best places to spot a wide range of whales and dolphins. A brief three-hour trip promises sightings of several leviathan species. You could even spot blue whales, the largest animal on earth.

Algarve

The Algarve is Portugal’s most southerly region, known for its sandy Atlantic beaches and whitewashed fishing villages. It’s a 125-mile (201 km) stretch of beach with several towns with bouncing nightlife. There’s a significant expat scene, and many locals speak English.

Visit the epic Benagil sea caves and match your excursion with a dolphin-watching trip. Take a kayak or SUP tour if you’re feeling energetic. You could also spend an afternoon on an old pirate ship, cruising the coast and walking the plank.

Visit the Zoomarine Amusement park and aquarium, clamber around rock formations, and chill on the beach. Explore the Ria Formosa lagoon by boat, kayak, or via hiking trails. Many tourists focus their Portugal tours on the extraordinary Algarve.

Madeira

This autonomous region is an archipelago of four islands in the north Atlantic ocean. It’s 320 miles (515 km) west of the Moroccan coast and about 250 miles (402 km) north of the Canary islands. 

Known as the “Pearl of the Atlantic,” the main island is volcanic, lush, and fertile, with a rugged interior, seaside cliffs, and pebble beaches. The capital Funchal boasts botanical gardens, a harbor, wine farms, and cellars. It’s also the birthplace of soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo!

The São Tiago Fortress, built in the 17th century, now hosts the contemporary art museum. Don’t miss the Funchal Cathedral, one of the few remaining structures from the early years of colonization, completed in the late 1500s. 

Famed for its wine and sub-tropical climate, the inland landscape features soaring peaks and insta-friendly observation decks. 

Porto

Many begin their Portugal tours in the bustling second city in the north. Porto is smaller and more compact than the capital, with half the population. 

The Sao Bento Train Station is one of the most beautiful in the world, displaying stunning tiles that tell the story of the country’s history, royalty, and wars.

Many tourists opt for a Douro river cruise to understand the layout of Portugal’s second-largest city. The Clerigos Church bell tower is one of the most iconic sights in the city. Views from the top are breathtaking.

The Livraria Lello is a quaint bookshop that many claim was JK Rowling’s inspiration for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter world. 

One of the oldest wine-growing regions in the world, the renowned Douro Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover more about port or Douro wine at local vineyards. Sample the sweet dessert wine and more after a walk through the Cálem Cellars.

Portugal off the beaten path

Our team of experts combine local and international perspectives to make sure we provide a quintessential Portugal experience. We ensure your safety and comfort but also wish to provide a unique and fulfilling adventure that lives up to dream vacation status.

Off-the-beaten-path Portugal tours visit Sintra on the Portuguese Riviera, with palaces, mansions, and 19th-century gardens. Catholic devotees may be interested in a day trip to Fatima, a spiritual city with an iconic sanctuary.

There’s historic Coimbra, the “city of knowledge” with one of the oldest Universities in the world. It’s a former capital and was once a Roman settlement. In the interior, Monsanto is a typical local village thrust into the spotlight after filming the Game of Thrones prequel there.

Peak season is June to August, but tourists can laze on the beach from April until September. The country is a long way south, so it has hot, dry summers while spring and fall are warm. Winter is cold and rainy but also produces awe-inspiring waves at terrifying Nazaré.

Any trip to the country should be at least one week long to get an idea of the culture and traditions. While it’s a comparatively small country, it’s jam-packed with things to do, so we recommend longer if you have the time.

Some think car rentals give you more freedom, while others point to public transport. In the cities, the metro or rapid transit is your best option. You can use buses and trains in the countryside, but the options may be limited. 

While it depends on your personal preferences, most appreciate the fantastic capital Lisbon and the second city Porto. If you're looking for beaches, you can’t go wrong with the famed Algarve or the stunning Azores. Research the country in advance to make sure you don’t miss anything.