Portugal
The Best of Portugal: From the Age of Exploration to Today
Program No. 20983RJ
Discover the unique history of Portugal from a local perspective as you examine its architecture, heritage, universities and traditions of port wine on expert-led walks.
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Participant Reviews
Based on 103 Reviews
SHOWING
I loved the trip. Paula was a terrific group leader
— Review left March 15, 2025
This was an unforgettable experience—my second with Road Scholar—and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Portugal for the first time. The itinerary was thoughtfully designed, offering a perfect balance of structured activities and free time to explore at your own pace. From fascinating city walks and historical site visits to delightful winery tours and a scenic boat ride along the Douro River, every moment was enriching and well-paced.
Our tour guide, Isabel, was exceptional—her deep knowledge, boundless energy, and warm enthusiasm brought each destination to life. She was always organized, attentive, and eager to share insights that enhanced both my learning and enjoyment. Road Scholar once again delivered an outstanding journey, and I can’t wait for my next adventure with them!
— Review left March 12, 2025
Excellent program! Our guide, Luisa Gomez was remarkable, with energy, passion for her country and attention to detail for all of the participants to experience the best of Portugal. We enjoyed the food (as pescatarians) very much. The hotels were great. The people of Portugal were kind and welcoming. A lot of English is spoken everywhere, so we felt quite comfortable in interacting with the locals. The historical sites were amazing. We learned so much from the wonderful instructors and our guide. We made new friends. I have nothing negative to say about this program. It was a wonderful experience!
— Review left March 5, 2025
Our Portugal trip was delightful, well-led, well-paced, educational, and memorable.
— Review left December 2, 2024
This The was our first trip with Road Scholar. It was well organized and a lot of fun. We will be doing more trips with them.
— Review left November 27, 2024
If you haven't been to Portugal, start with this trip. It provided insight into the past, showed you how the past gave us today, and lecturers explained where Portugal was headed. A great experience!
— Review left November 25, 2024
My first adventure with Road Scholar was amazing! My sister and I traveled to Portugal in November. Although we have traveled quite a bit on our own, we decided to give RS a try. It was the best decision! Everything was very organized from the daily adventures, the food, the educational components- and our guide was knowledgeable and passionate about her country. I made some great friends from our travel group and look forward to keeping in touch with them. After only a day back home, my sister and I are already planning our next adventure with Road Scholar. I highly recommend!
— Review left November 20, 2024
This was my first trip with Road Scholar and would be an outstanding choice for a “newbie” or seasoned Road Scholar traveler. Our guide was outstanding and truly passionate about educating us about Portugal, and also created a sense of fun and adventure. Our group of 24 from 10 states in the US clicked well and we all enjoyed each other’s company. I enjoyed our 3 hotel destinations and our side trips were varied and interesting. It was nice to have a couple of free afternoons and dinners open to explore independently.
— Review left November 19, 2024
Beautifully curated program: well paced, informative, varied, organized, exciting, friendly, delicious food elegantly presented, a joy!
— Review left November 16, 2024
The trip to Portugal was educational and yielded insights into a number of historical events and facts. On top of that, the modern cities were a delight to explore.
— Review left November 8, 2024
The "Best of Portugal - Age of Exploration" trip was phenomenal. I learned so much and had a fabulous time visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites, enjoying the food/wine, the educational components, and experiencing the culture for the first time. The tour guide and program were outstanding and the travelers were so congenial. I had a blast and look forward to another Road Scholar trip in the future.
— Review left November 2, 2024
I cannot say enough about this program! Portugal has been on my travel wish list for such a long time, and my every hope and expectation for this tour was exceeded beyond belief. The historic sites, the food, the friendly Portuguese people, and our extraordinary guide made for a once in a lifetime experience. I can't wait to plan my next adventure with Road Scholar.
— Review left November 1, 2024
Informative trip from Lisbon the Porto- Portugal. If you get a chance I highly recommend Road Scholar.
— Review left October 24, 2024
It was a great program. The sites and information presented were very interesting. Rita the group leader was always there and ready to help. She also did a great job in adjusting meals for my dietary restrictions and other participants dietary preferences. The things I liked best is how well we all got along and that I traveled alone but never felt lonely.
— Review left October 22, 2024
We just completed the Best of Portugal trip. It was excellent. We had a great group of travelers and were lead by a terrific guide - Luisa Gomes. It included the large cities of Lisbon and Porto, the smaller seacoast town of Figueira da Foz and the mediaeval town of Obidos, among others. The unexpected highlights for us were a visit to an elementary school classroom while it was in session in Figueira da Foz, followed by a group discussion with many of the teachers, and a chance to hear from and engage with locals of the town. It was fun, educational, sobering, and thought provoking. The hotels were fine, the food authentic and the prices very affordable. There is not enough space to talk about all that we enjoyed. Our only disappointment was that the trip was too short.
— Review left October 20, 2024
If you're still hesitant about traveling again, especially solo, take the risk! My first Road Scholar trip was better than I ever imagined and I can't wait to take my next journey.
— Review left October 18, 2024
This was a well organized and interesting tour of Portugal! Our group leader was excellent as she was very knowledgeable, organized and always receptive to questions!
— Review left October 17, 2024
If visiting Portugal is on your bucket list, definitely check out this program. This trip was my best holiday ever. I felt that I got a wonderful immersion into the history, culture, and people of this charming, rich country and I'll always hold it close to my heart. Obrigado!
— Review left October 15, 2024
I could not imagine trying to travel on my own in a time when many sites are very busy with people from all over the world. Road Scholar got us to the front of every line and they moved us from planned event to planned event like clockwork. On our last day we reviewed everything we did - and almost could not believe it.
— Review left October 2, 2024
A variety of meaningful experiences in different regions of Portugal enabled deeper understanding of this country's culture and history. I enjoyed interacting with local residents while building appreciation for their rich heritage. Every day was full of fascinating adventures!
— Review left October 2, 2024
Our trip and tour of Portugal was amazing. We learned so much. Met wonderful people. Had a lot of fun. Had a perfect balance of structured and free time. We can't wait to take another Road Scholar trip.
— Review left September 11, 2024
Poetugal is an exciting and beautiful country. Isabel, our guide, was extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic and made out trip most enjoyable,
— Review left September 10, 2024
It was terrific. Beautiful sights, interesting lectures, great guides, food and weather were both fabulous! Thoroughly enjoyed the trip.
— Review left June 30, 2024
I highly recommend everyone experience at least one Road Scholar Program.
— Review left June 27, 2024
The The Best of Portugal: From the Age of Exploration to Today was delightful! It was my first Road Scholar tour, but it will not be my last. I enjoyed meeting people from around the country who had a similar passion for travel and learning about new cultures.
— Review left June 27, 2024
An unforgettable learning experience in Portugal.
Thanks, RS
— Review left June 13, 2024
Lovely introduction to Portugal! Now to see more.
— Review left June 5, 2024
An excellent program that offers a variety of experiences in different locations. Excellent local guides and presenters, excellent group leader, and well organized. Free time offered opportunities for independent exploration or down-time, depending on one's preferences.
— Review left June 4, 2024
Everything was excellent, especially Adriana, our tour guide. She was always well prepared. She communicated our schedule so well -enough to know, not overwhelming with details. Her upbeat personality and love for Portugal were contagious.
The variety of things we saw and did was wonderful! I enjoyed the history lectures and hearing from the three locals in the restaurant. Though seeing old places is interesting, it was really valuable to hear issues in Portugal today.
The hotels we stayed at were all excellent too. I spent the day the tour ended in Porto by myself. The desk people at Hotel Dom Henrique were so nice to keep my suitcase as I went to see a couple places.
Listening to Fado music was much better than I'd expected since it's described as melancholy in every description I'd read. I'm glad we heard it twice.
Being a former teacher, I really enjoyed our time at the school-seeing the enthusiastic students, then hearing from the teachers. Walking around and learning about the University of Coimbra was excellent, too.
If I'd change anything on the tour, I'd add going inside the Monastery of Jeronimos in Lisbon. I did that with my friend and sister and loved seeing it.
All the meals were outstanding. It was an ideal variety. my favorite was the salmon dinner, which I think was at the Sweet Atlantic Hotel. The wines were wonderful!
— Review left May 31, 2024
This trip was expertly led and facilitated by our local resident guide, Isabel. The content and pacing of the program was outstanding and comprehensive for a one week “ best of “ type tour.Sturdy ,comfortable shoes are a must as the sidewalks are tile covered and hilly!
— Review left May 27, 2024
This was a wonderful introduction to the charms of Portugal. Our tour leader, Isabel, did a splendid job of conveying her knowledge of and passion for her country, and kept everything moving smoothly with good humor. All the Portuguese people we encountered were genuinely warm and welcoming, the seafood, wines, and food in general all excellent (especially the Pasteis de Belem, egg custard pastries worthy of multiple samplings), our lecturers interesting. Highlights for us were the Tile Museum, the visit to wine estates in the Douro River Valley, the charming medieval village of Obidos, the visit to an elementary school, and the relaxed urban energy of Lisbon and Porto. I would be very happy to visit Portugal again!
— Review left May 2, 2024
Learn about the interesting country of Portugal. Nice pace, excellent guides
— Review left April 24, 2024
Portugal is a beautiful country. We enjoyed this incredibly well organized and managed educational adventure.
— Review left March 29, 2024
This is a fantastic program. Our guide Adriana was superb. There was plenty of time to learn about the country and the people. I enjoyed all the walking in the cities and on the side trips. It was fun to be able to talk with people who lived there as well as visiting a local school and talking with the children. The lecturers were all excellent and had extensive knowledge about the history of the country. The vegetarian food options were varied and the food in the local restaurants was excellent. There was a good mixture of city life as well as visits to local fishing villages and small towns.The balance between free time and lectures and side visits was well coordinated. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to learn more about Portugal and meet some of the people. I can easily understand why more people want to move there.
— Review left March 26, 2024
I found this to be a wonderful introductory program to Portugal. I definitely want to return to Portugal because of what I learned. It's a wonderful country!
— Review left March 14, 2024
A comprehensive, enjoyable and informative introduction to a fascinating country.
— Review left March 11, 2024
It was excellent! The host, hotel, food, wine, the things we did and friend were terrific.
— Review left January 26, 2024
Absolutely one of the best trips I’ve ever taken and I do travel a lot. Our tour guide , Paula was one of the best tour guides I’ve ever had. She is well informed and knew answers to all our inquiries. The accommodations were comfortable and clean and conveniently located. The food was outstanding. The other participants were knowledgeable and welcoming and very well educated. I need to improve my knowledge of European history! I am planning my next trip withRoad Scholar. Just enough free time and planned activities.
— Review left December 1, 2023
This was my first time travelling with Road Scholar and I very much enjoyed the trip. Our excellent guide, the wonderful meals, the tours and the connections with local people enhanced my experience. I would definitely recommend Road Scholar to other travellers.
— Review left November 25, 2023
The Tour of Portugal was our first Road Scholar trip and we were very pleased. It was very well-organized with a wonderful tour director. We learned a lot and thoroughly enjoyed the tour.
— Review left November 20, 2023
This was a great introduction to Portugal ... I want to return and explore this country further. It is so rich in history and culture, the people warm and engaging, the food and wine absolutely divine! :)
— Review left November 15, 2023
This was my first trip with Road Scholar and also first trip with a group. I chose Portugal trip to see what is like to travel with a group. I was very impressed with the whole organization of the trip, information, people and the provided opportunity to experience Portugal. I already signed up for 2 more trips in 2024.
— Review left November 1, 2023
This program was a great introduction to Portugal. We are much more knowledgeable about the history, the people and to some extent the politics of Portugal. Our group leader Ana was everything you could hope for and more.
— Review left October 21, 2023
Such a great trip to Portugal! Our group leader, Sandra was AMAZING! A well rounded trip with great food, lectures, exploration of history, culture, music, cities and landscape. Loved our group of fellow travelers.
Ellen and Jim
— Review left October 21, 2023
I feel confident when I book a tour with Road Scholar. It's always informative and very flexible. Learn as little or as much as you choose. The itineraries don't disappoint anyone on the trip. The group size is suitable, and the people on the tour are always the best.
— Review left October 19, 2023
I loved Road scholar, it was my very first guided tour. I highly recommend them. You are so well taken care of.
— Review left October 13, 2023
What a great introduction to Portugal. Our guide was warm and wonderful, as well as being incredibly informative!
— Review left October 12, 2023
This was my seventh Road Scholar trip and I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys learning about other cultures and appreciates the beauty of our world. The trip included just the right amount of history, local expertise, good food, beautiful surroundings and for us we had an amazing leader and a great group. We started as strangers and quickly became a friendly group of travel companions. It was a great trip!
— Review left October 10, 2023
Our trip was spectacular, in big part due to our amazing tour guide illeana. We were well informed about everything. The bus drivers were excellent, especially our last one , Nuno who drove us up to Porto on narrow ,windy roads with no guard rails.
Because the group was small,with only 21 people, it was easy to meet everyone, and we all got along. ILLEANA set the tone for fun and laughter.
The first hotel was comfortable, the rooftop bar was always crowded, and one coffee machine for the large groups was insufficient.
The hotel in Figuero de Foz had a very grumpy staff serving meals and the same coffee machine problem.
Our last hotel in Porto was fine, but again, with very large tour groups converging in one breakfast space and one coffee machine doesn’t suffice.
I was surprised that no one wore masks on the entire trip,from the planes,buses,hotels, airports, no masks.
Some highlights of the trip will last forever such as the Fado
Performances, the trip to see the school and children, the wineries and beautiful Porto.
My final recommendation , as I’ve said in other reviews, is that RS should try to choose hotels for us with safety bars in the showers and tubs, especially when seniors are concerned about falling. Tiles are very slippery, often no mats in tubs can make for dangerous conditions.
— Review left October 8, 2023
I highly recommend this wonderful introduction to Portugal, coordinated beautifully by our leader, Ana! This program is filled with a variety of experiences, interpreted by exceptionally good guides on location. As always with Road Scholar, the accommodations and meals are well chosen. We ate extremely well! As on previous Road Scholar trips we enjoyed our fellow travelers. My husband and I are glad we chose this trip, and it may be one of our RS favorites so far. Ready to sign up for another trip soon!
— Review left September 29, 2023
This is such a well-organized and presented trip to one beautiful country, the art, architecture, the urban and countryside scenery (and the delicious meal with plentiful wine) was all spectacular. And the bonus is, you meet people from all around the US and friendships develop!
— Review left September 25, 2023
Just returned from the Best of Portugal: From the Age of Exploration to Today. Excellent program! While you can't do everything in 9-10 days, we did a lot! I recommend this program, and I hope to participate in other Road Scholar programs (this was my first). Extremely well organized and led.
— Review left September 19, 2023
I highly endorse the Best of Portugal Program - every aspect was wonderful and I learned so much from scholars (to include our leader, Adriana) - the accommodations, meals and itinerary were excellent -
— Review left September 15, 2023
At least one person contracted COVID during our trip. I learned that I also had been infected with COVID at the end of this trip, and unknowingly transmitted it to my immune-deficient husband upon my arrival home. It looks us 4-6 weeks to recover, with medical intervention. Therefore, I'm seriously disappointed in the RS decision to discontinue vaccine requirement.
— Review left July 2, 2023
This trip to Portugal fulfilled a dream of learning more about this small but beautiful country. I highly recommend it those who are curious about this wonderful country
— Review left June 7, 2023
A truly life changing experience!
— Review left June 6, 2023
Overall very good trip. Excellent guide, variety of things to do and places to visit. Two suggestions. First I would suggest a change to the trip to Obidos and to the Alcobaca Monastery. Obidos is an interesting small town with a fortress, churches and many interesting shops, bookstores etc. Alcobaca though a pleasant town had none of what Obidos offered. We spent 1.5hrs in Obidos and then went to Alcobaca for lunch and free time before going touring the monastery. All participants I spoke to agreed that it would have been better to stay in Obidos longer, have lunch there and then drive straight to the tour of the monastery in Alcobaca. Second suggestion is not completely under your control but is in regard to options for lactose free desserts. Fruit was always the option and was a good choice. However it was always the same fruit - pineapple, melon, kiwi. Could they add some berries or other type of fruit for a little variety?
— Review left June 3, 2023
Wonder hostess and beautiful country. Now looking for trip for solo travel Jan or Feb to Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam but appear full
— Review left May 25, 2023
The best of Portugal trip was amazing! Loved the walkability, our most precious guide, the white glove treatment we received, the wonderful, wonderful places we saw. It is no small wonder that the majority of the 21 people on this tour had made multiple (double digit) trips with Road Scholar! Can easily recommend this company and this tour!
— Review left May 24, 2023
This program was a superb experience that revealed the beauty of Portugal and highlighted a variety of cultural, historic, and culinary attractions. The tour guides and presenters were engaging and thoughtful in sharing their expertise. Travel to 3 areas of the country was well coordinated. Overall a wonderful trip!
— Review left March 24, 2023
Great disappointment was on the bus more than exploring. The teacher/historian was a complete waste of time and many of us thought the same on his presentations.
— Review left March 21, 2023
Great trip. Comprehensive introduction to Portugal. Well organized and paced with just the right amount of time for individual exploration.
— Review left March 20, 2023
This was a well-managed, interesting, fun tour. The food was excellent, the hotels first class in the heart of the cities, the guide a delight, the sites visited each day were interesting, and the others in our group were friendly and thoughtful to one another. Highly recommended.
— Review left March 16, 2023
The Best of Portugal program was outstanding. There was a wonderful balance of scenic beauty, history, and culture that was never overwhelming and always engaging. There was just the right amount of free time to explore on our own in each city and a perfect balance in the types of activities and sights that we visited.
The hotels, food (and wine!), and transportation were of excellent quality.
Above all, our group leader Adriana Alves took this experience to the next level. Her humor and warmth, along with her remarkable knowledge, fostered a fun, relaxing and engaging environment that all of our group clearly enjoyed. This was our first RS trip, though we have travelled extensively on our own snd with other companies, and it will certainly not be our last!
— Review left March 7, 2023
If you want to understand the history of Portugal, see the history of Portugal and feel the history of Portugal, this is the program for you.
— Review left March 7, 2023
This program was a lovely experience for me as a solo woman traveler. Portugal is rich with history, culture, and is a very welcoming country. Road Scholar did a great job of introducing me to the country's highlights.
— Review left November 10, 2022
I have heard about Road Scholar programs for years--how well led they are, how educational they are. Our trip to Portugal was all that and more. I cannot recommend traveling wit. Road Scholar enough.
— Review left November 8, 2022
The Best of Portugal from the Age of Discovery to Today met my expectations and more! I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in this part of the world.
— Review left November 4, 2022
Overall, my recent Road Scholar trip to Portugal far exceeded my expectations. I enjoyed the sites and the various people we encountered, and our guide, Leonor, was top notch. She was highly informed, pleasantly approachable, and had a wonderful sense of humor. Food and accommodations were excellent.
I only wished that some attention was given to areas of Lisbon and Porto beyond the tourist sites. I would have appreciated seeing lower and middle class residential neighborhoods, by way of a bus tour perhaps.Where do the Africans live in Lisbon for example?
My other regret has to do with the two history lectures we sat through at the beginning of the trip, and the person who delivered the them. In sum, the lectures were terrible. He focused far too much on poetry, and the symbolism of the Portuguese flag and far too little on history per se. His lectures were poorly organized, and so focused on the early periods — navigational history in particular — that he never even got to the Salazar and post-Salazar periods in Portuguese history. Road Scholar would do well to replace him with a younger and more skilled lecturer.
— Review left November 3, 2022
We just returned from our trip to Portugal. It was our first international trip. We learned so much history of Portugal most people in the US don't learn unless they major in European history. We walked hills, we saw Castles, we saw gardens, we met Portuguese citizens, we took a boat ride on the Douro River, we drank at wineries, and we ate at many really nice restaurants.
Our group was great. 20 of us from different parts of the US.
Leonor was our guide and she was fantastic. She lives in Portugal, knows 4 languages fluently, she made everything flow so easily. She was very organized. We will definitely be booking another trip with Road Scholar! Loved it!
— Review left October 19, 2022
This was our 8th RS program. The variety of places/activities covered in such a short amount of time and the educational value were excellent. We enjoyed sharing the experience with our fellow Road Scholars. The Coimbra University library visit was breathtaking. Our guide Luisa contributed greatly to the overall success of the program. Often overlooked, Portugal is a gem. We highly recommend this program and give it five stars.
— Review left October 9, 2022
This was my first experience traveling with Road Scholar, but it won't be my last! I enjoyed exploring a new place with a foreign language where I had no anxiety about getting around. Our guide was warm and friendly and gave us so much information that you could not get from a travel book. We had group experiences as well as some free time to rest or explore on our own. The group came from all over the U.S. and it was wonderful getting to know them, as well.
— Review left October 4, 2022
This trip is wonderful, with a very full schedule across Portugal and yet enough down time to relax. Our guide Isabel was the best, very effective, efficient, knows all about Portugal and fed us the best meals! Our bus driver was also awesome, navigating some pretty tricky mountains with aplomb. There are a lot of highlights in this tour. There's just so much in Portugal to see. I highly recommend this tour as not only a way to see a lot of beauty and history, but to understand European perspectives on the world, Europe which has a much older culture overall than the USA.
— Review left September 21, 2022
This is my third tour with Road Scholar, and every one was a fantastic learning experience. I used to plan all my trips myself, but I’m finding as I get older, I appreciate the work being done for me. Road Scholar always throws in some special experiences that I would never have known about as an individual traveling alone, like being invited into the home or garden of a local person.
— Review left September 13, 2022
Our guide, Leonor, was superb. She is knowledgeable, intelligent, very capable and always helpful and available. All the places we went were worthwhile. But the whole was less than the sum of the parts. The trip did not allow sufficient time in Lisbon, a highly engaging city with much to do. I would recommend either expanding the trip's duration or going to Porto directly from Lisbon by plane or train or, if by bus, stopping at the University and driving past the Douro River.
Although we arrived in Lisbon early and did some of these things on our own, the superb Gulbenkiam museum can and should take close to a day, but was not covered; nor was the coach museum (also excellent) or other fine museums. Sintra is certainly worth a day. Tram 28 gives a good feel for Lisbon and should be included.
The walks were very good both in Lisbon and throughout the trip, largely due to Leonor's excellence. The garden walks near Porto are spectacular, especially at the former British ambassador's house and also at the port restaurant. The Lisbon Fava dinner was a highlight and excellent.
The university, especially the library, is outstanding. Ditto, the meeting with teachers at the school and the dinner with local people.
Times for lunches and general exploration were rushed. RS could gain time by getting back to hotels in the afternoons and starting dinner later.
The lecture on Portugal more or less covered everything, but was not better than average. It lacked cohesion and themes. It could have delved into how current attitudes are shaped by Portuguese history, especially the Portuguese treatment of people in its colonies and the Salazar experiences.
The hotels were fine. We had two excellent dinners at Hotel Mundial on our own, but the group dinner was lacking (a mixture of dried fish). Other meals were generally OK, but usually not more. This may be cost. Our being able to order on our own or having choices, perhaps paying more, would add benefit.
Bob Jablon
— Review left July 10, 2022
An excellent introduction to a beautiful and often overlooked country.
— Review left June 30, 2022
This trip was magnificent. Our guide, Isabel, was knowledgeable, patient, understanding and fun. It was obvious she loves her country. The food was excellent as was the wine. I particularly enjoyed the Tile Museum and Alcobaca. Each place we visited was full of history. Portugal has inspired me to read more about their country. What a place!
The hotels we stayed in were lovely and accommodating. It was an enjoyable trip and I look forward to my next Road Scholar adventure.
— Review left June 19, 2022
This Portugal program was richer than described and we enjoyed it immensely. It was our first road scholar program and we are now planning more.
— Review left June 18, 2022
This was a wonderful trip. Our group leader, Isabel was fabulous. She spoke perfect English, was very knowledgeable and obviously loved her country and wanted to share it. She had a sense of humor and kept us on track without being a task master. One afternoon when there was free time she volunteered a walking trip through Lisbon which was delightful, especially the pastel de nata she purchased for all of us.
Our group was very congenial both my husband and I enjoyed meeting everyone. We were from all parts of the US and learned a lot from each other. Hoping to travel again with Road Scholar.
— Review left June 15, 2022
Portugal was a welcoming adventure, from the winding streets of its medieval alleys to the amazing fresh foods on your table. It's history comes to life under the guidance of our educated and entertaining group leader.
— Review left June 2, 2022
This was a great trip with a wonderful tour leader! Portugal is an interesting and beautiful place to see, and it's satisfying to learn about its impactful history and to experience its beauty - cities and countryside - and some aspects of daily life. I learned a lot.
— Review left May 31, 2022
This was an excellent introduction to the lovely country of Portugal. We had a terrific guide, a young Portuguese woman who spoke excellent English and is very knowledgeable and passionate about the Country. The trip is well organized and executed. The hotels and meals were very good. We got to see enough of the big cities - Lisbon and Porto - to get a good feel from them, while wanting to return for another visit. The side trips were terrific and the local guides first rate. The day spent in the Douro Valley was enlightening. We had excellent weather the entire trip, which was the first nine days of May.
— Review left May 26, 2022
The trip was very enjoyable. Our guide, Isabel, was knowledgeable and charming. I would highly recommend this trip to others.
— Review left April 13, 2022
The Best of Portugal tour was outstanding. We got a very good overview of everything Portugal is known for. For many in my group, it was just enough to make them want to come back for closer investigation of other areas. The tour was packed full of activity but no so much so that there wasn't time to relax or to take time to investigate something special to you. This tour is highly recommended.
— Review left March 12, 2022
After a hectic 8 day program in Paris this was just what we needed to recharge our batteries. We loved traveling the countryside.
— Review left October 20, 2021
"The Best of Portugal: From the Age of Discovery to Today" is a fantastic introduction to Portugal and will whet your appetite for more!
— Review left October 5, 2021
Fantastic value. Have never eaten so well. Phenomenal in country guide who stayed with us the whole time. Great hotels. Not sure a high end luxury trip could do any better!
— Review left September 29, 2021
This is a gem of a program. Well organized, educational, varied and well worth the cost. I learned a lot about little Portugal's history and present. Road Scholar did a great job in organizing the program and the tour guide was excellent.
— Review left September 28, 2021
I would highly recommend this program. Portugal has many beautiful places to see and things to do. This was my first time to Portugal and I fell in love with the country. Road Scholar did an excellent job providing access to all the interesting monuments, castles and people. One of the highlights was dinner with a local family. The tour guide was excellent and provided the highest quality education. In this time of Covid road scholar did an great job with any testing requirement seamless. Don't wait to take this tour. YOU WILL NOT BE DISSAPPOINTED ! !
— Review left September 24, 2021
If you want to experience Portugal, it’s history and culture, this program is for you.
— Review left September 21, 2021
Portugal came across as a gentle interesting place. the people are welcoming. On arrival home one fellow rushed off the plane, pushed my wife aside and said " we are all going in the same place,---- one party occluded the transfer van at Dulles to get off first" These are not big deals but I cite to help understand my observations of the Portuguese people I observed and what I noticed. The history Art Douro valley old city areas are delightful
— Review left November 19, 2019
What a terrific trip! Adriana was wonderful throughout the trip -- she's outstanding and I have nothing but positive things to say about her. The trip was well paced, fun people, great guides, excellent lectures and panel. I enjoyed every single place we visited. This was a perfect trip experience. Thank you Road Scholar! Connie RC
— Review left June 29, 2019
I really enjoyed this program. All the guides were so knowledgeable and the sites we visited were very interesting.I learned a great deal about Portugal and this program has inspired me to continue a personal study of the country.
— Review left June 25, 2019
Portugal is a really interesting country, with great food and an interesting history and culture. Interesting cities to walk in.
— Review left June 18, 2019
We just got back from our trip " The Best of Portugal" . It was wonderful! It exceeded my expectations and I plan on booking another trip with Road Scholar immediately! I can't say enough good things about this tour.
— Review left June 6, 2019
A highly interesting program; fulfilled one of our life-long dreams; very highly recommended
— Review left May 26, 2019
What an incredible country. The guided tour was well organized, interesting, and informative. Time organization, accommodations and transportation were well done. Definitely worth the time and the money.
— Review left May 20, 2019
You may edit any of my prior comments as you may see fit.
— Review left May 13, 2019
Loved this trip. Our guide, Lenore, was full of most interesting information and kept giving up interesting tidbits all along the ways. At the end of everyday I thought 'this day is the best' only to be surpassed by the next day's amazing tour. I loved the drive into the Douro Valley to the various wineries, stunning scenery and great wine. The cities of Lisbon, Porto and Figuiero da Foz were great places to hang out each cluster of nights.
— Review left May 7, 2019
This is an excellent program with a lot of variety in the sites and locations visited. If you have time I recommend arriving early and staying a day or two later. Lisbon and Porto have lots to offer beyond what was experience wiht the scheduled program
— Review left April 7, 2019
This was a very interesting trip, especially since I had not been to Portugal before. We ended up with a great group of people - all very interesting to talk to and all a pleasure to be around. I am not one who needed special food, but it seemed the tour leader had no problems accommodating vegans, lactose intolerance, soy intolerance spread amongst four people.
— Review left March 31, 2019
Good trip with good people.
— Review left March 24, 2019
Before my Road Scholar trip to Portugal I knew very little about this lovely country.I came back absolutely charmed. Our tour guide's enthusiasm for her country was infectious. I am so happy to have chosen the "Best of Portugal".
— Review left March 18, 2019
