Sitting snugly in the crevice between Spain and the warm tides of the Atlantic, Portugal has all the vibrancy of its neighbour to the east but with its own rich tapestry of history, culture and distinct flair. Boasting the oldest borders in Europe, this is where Christopher Columbus spent several years honing his navigational skills before setting off to discover the New World.
On this discovery of Portugal, you’ll delve into the well-known cities of Lisbon and Porto but also discover the cobblestoned gems of villages and dramatic cliffs of the Azores.
Your Amaco ‘The Jewels of Portugal’ Small Group Tour and Conference begins in Lisbon, Europe’s second-oldest capital. Lisbon is an effortlessly elegant city, full of old-world charm. Winding streets with rows of ceramic coated houses in warm shades of orange, yellow and rust red, washing strung from wrought iron balconies and window boxes overflow with flowers.
The coastal city is built on seven hills, each offering spectacular views. Amongst the highlights is Belem–an undisputed heart stealer. The stunning Monasterio dos Jeronimos sets the tone for the extraordinary whimsical architecture you’ll encounter throughout your journey.
You’ll set sail to Cascais before heading to the Sintra Mountains and the pretty as a picture Sintra town. You’ll visit The Pena Palace, standing on the foundations of a Moorish 10th-century castle. It’s a fairytale concoction of onion domes and towers of pinks and lemons—considered the greatest expression of 19th-century romanticism in Portugal. It’s a must-see on any Portugal itinerary.
Leaving the coast behind, you’ll head north and inland through lush countryside and the medieval mall of Obidos, which has ancient walls and whitewashed houses. Ginja is the toast choice here – a local cherry liqueur served in edible chocolate cups.
Then it’s the infamous Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the heart of Portugal’s wine country. Known for its terraced vineyards that cascade down the hillsides, granite bluffs and whitewashed quintas (estates), the Douro River meanders through the valley. This is the heart and soul of Portugal’s exquisite port wine country.
Following the Douro River, it’s back to the coast and the northern Portuguese city of Porto. Rising from the banks of the Douro River, Porto is a hilly, historic mix of bridges, baroque churches, and narrow medieval alleys. You’ll discover its history and cultural treasures amongst the soaring bell towers and beaux-arts buildings, all piled on top of one another.
The city buzzes with atmosphere, and you’ll have time to delve into the region’s cuisine, sampling delicious pestos, amêijoas, and freshly baked pastéis, all washed down with a local port.
For those with a little more time your journey continues with our Post Tour extension to the Azores Islands. Considered the ‘Hawaii of Europe, ‘ your first glimpse of the Portuguese archipelago will leave you speechless.
This enchanting Portuguese-owned archipelago, located in the Atlantic Ocean, is a hidden gem of natural beauty and cultural diversity. Comprised of nine volcanic islands with a distinctly different identity that sets them apart from the mainland, you’ll spend days exploring the cobblestoned towns and breathtaking landscapes.
We hope you can join us as we travel through Portugal and the Azores in September 2025.
The all-inclusive nature of our travel package means that not only is the cost of the carefully selected best accommodation already covered, but so are all the entrance fees and touring costs. We also incorporate many specially arranged activities that are not available to the general public. The travel package also includes all breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, with us taking great care to ensure those with special dietary requirements are well looked after.
Our staff expertly curates the itineraries, meticulously crafting every detail to ensure… it’s not just a conference—it’s an experience!
Register your ‘Expression of Interest’ today to ensure that you’re the first notified when registrations for this tour open.
Do not hesitate to give us a call. One of our expert team is available and would be happy to answer any questions you have.
1300 668 149 or +61 3 9545 0906