What does the Contiki Portugal Highlights tour include?

The nine-day tour covers Lisbon, Porto, smaller towns, and the Atlantic coastline with groups of maximum 24 travelers, combining sightseeing with social connection and cultural immersion.

What are the must-try foods in Portugal?

Bacalhau (salted cod) and Pastéis de Nata (custard tarts) are national icons; Portuguese seafood and wine are exceptional throughout the country.

How long do restaurant meals take in Portugal?

Expect to wait approximately 45 minutes for the bill, as dining is treated as an occasion to linger rather than a quick transaction.

Is Lisbon worth visiting as a capital city?

Yes; Lisbon is entirely walkable, filled with food markets and street stalls, and has an unexpected energy that appeals even to travelers who typically avoid capitals.

What day trips are recommended from Lisbon?

Sintra, a hilltop town with colorful palaces and lush forested hills, is a popular day trip that feels like a fairytale kingdom.

Is Portugal worth a return visit?

Yes; the mainland offers more than one trip can hold, and island territories like the Azores and Madeira add entirely different dimensions worth exploring.

Autumn Fiske's Portugal Journey: Wine, Pastéis, and Slow Dining

I met my friend Nathalie from Belgium in Panama back in 2019 on a solo trip. Since then, we've become travel partners, exploring corners of the world together. When October rolled around and we started planning our next adventure, Portugal kept coming up. Neither of us had been, and we both craved something that blended culture, coastline, and good food. We decided on a 9-day Contiki trip, and honestly, I wasn't sure what to expect. I'd done Contiki before in Europe, but Portugal felt different somehow. More mysterious. More relaxed. I needed to experience it for myself.

What I found was a country that rewards those who slow down. We explored the bigger cities like Lisbon and Porto, wandered through smaller towns along the way, and soaked up the free spirit of surf culture across Portugal's azure coastline. But the real revelation? The food. I cannot overstate this. The pastéis de nata alone changed me. I ate at least three or four a day, every single day. They're everywhere, warm from the oven, with that caramelized top and creamy custard center. And the bacalhau (salt cod) melted in my mouth like nothing I'd tasted before. Paired with what might be the best red wine I've ever had from Europe? I was in heaven.

Here's something that surprised me: I typically don't love spending a lot of time in capital cities. They can feel overwhelming, too touristy, too rushed. But Lisbon completely changed my mind. The city is remarkably walkable, filled with fantastic food markets and stalls tucked into unexpected corners. I found myself wishing we had more time there. And a day trip to nearby Sintra felt like stepping into a fairytale kingdom, with its whimsical palaces and misty forests. That combination of urban energy and nearby enchantment is something I hadn't anticipated.

One piece of insider knowledge our Contiki Tour Manager shared has stuck with me: pack your patience when dining out. In Canada, we expect the bill the moment we finish eating. In Portugal, dining is meant for relaxing and enjoying. Our tour manager warned us to expect wait times of around 45 minutes for the bill. At first, this felt strange. But we quickly embraced it, ordering another glass of that incredible wine and letting conversation flow. Once you understand this cultural rhythm, it transforms how you experience the country.

Our group maxed out at 24 people, which meant we actually got to know everyone. Nathalie and I made instant friends from Canada, Europe, and Australia. That's the magic of Contiki for travelers between 18 and 35. It's perfect for first-timers to Portugal or first-time solo travelers who want built-in community without sacrificing adventure.

What I know now is that Portugal isn't a one-and-done destination. There are so many layers to uncover. River cruises along the Douro Valley offer a completely different perspective. The Azores and Madeira islands have incredible hiking that I'm already planning for my next trip back. And for clients with extra time, adding a few days in Spain or Morocco makes perfect sense, given the proximity.

I'll be honest: I miss those pastéis de nata and that wine more than I expected. Portugal got under my skin in the best way. For young adults looking to explore Europe with a group of like-minded travelers, Contiki's Portugal Highlights trip is something I recommend with complete confidence. I've lived it. I've tasted it. And I cannot wait to help my clients experience it for themselves.

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