Luxury holidays in Portugal

Portugal Vineyards, medieval towns, quiet beaches and the warm rhythms of Portuguese life

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Portugal with True Travel

Portugal’s enduring taste for the good life

Since the Golden Age of Sail, Portugal has been charming visitors with its wine-rich Douro Valley, historic hilltop towns and suave cities, Lisbon and Porto. Use the country’s 300 days of sun to explore its Mediterranean coastline – think lazy lagoons, dramatic cliffs and inviting beaches – road trip along its wine route and sample local dishes and delicacies in traditional tasquinhas (Portuguese restaurants) in the medieval town of Monsaraz. Or take a trip to its trio of archipelagos Madeira, Cape Verde and the Azores – prime territory for ultimate adventure and relaxation.

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Specialist Tip

Portugal is ideal for a road trip or train journey combining city culture with rural wine regions and coastal wilderness. Explore Lisbon and Porto, then head to the Douro Valley or the quiet beaches of the Alentejo.

Liberty Gilmour, Head of Europe

Journeys we love

Luxury Portugal holidays

Each of our journeys starts from a conversation. Every detail, from the route to the hotels, is built and rebuilt around you until it fits. To provide you a taste of what True Travel can create, our team of global destination specialists have created a selection of suggested journeys, from our recent travels. Get in touch to start planning your next adventure.

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Portugal

Portugal: Lisbon, Alentejo & Comporta

Portugal unfolds through a 8 day journey from Lisbon’s historic streets into the quieter landscapes of the Alentejo and the Atlantic coast of Comporta. Begin in the capital, exploring its…

EXPLORE PORTUGAL

Places in Portugal

Our Favourite Places Alentejo Alentejo is Portugal's largest region, and arguably its least discovered, a rare thing in a country that draws crowds elsewhere. It begins at the Comporta coastline, where wide sandy beaches run for kilometres, then rolls inland into a patchwork of vineyards and cork farms that stretch to the horizon. Spend a few days driving between the two and you get a real sense of scale, somewhere that still feels genuinely rural rather than curated for visitors.

HOW WE TRAVEL DIFFERENTLY

True Experiences in Portugal

Explore a selection of our hand-picked experiences our Travel Designers can build into your holiday, from a foodie tour of Lisbon to stargazing in a dark sky reserve.

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Portugal

Wine tasting and vineyard tour

Explore Portugal’s wine country on a private vineyard tour and tasting, meeting local producers and discovering the landscapes, traditions and flavours behind the country’s distinctive wines.

Portugal

Stargazing from a dark sky reserve

Head into one of Portugal’s dark sky reserves for an evening of stargazing, where low light pollution offers exceptional views of the Milky Way and night sky.

Portugal

foodie tour of Lisbon

Explore Lisbon through its food, visiting local markets, bakeries, cafés and traditional restaurants with a knowledgeable guide. Taste Portuguese specialities while discovering the stories and influences behind the city’s cuisine.

Portugal Accommodation

A Taste of Where We Stay

Sometimes the place you stay is an experience in its own right. A family estate nestled in the vineyards of Alentejo to a boutique hotel in Lisbon’s cultural centre can become one of the defining moments of a journey. We know the properties that offer this kind of experience, as well as the hotels and lodges that simply get everything right. Discover our hand-picked luxury accommodation in Portugal.

Bairro Alto Hotel

Occupying a prime position between the historic Bairro Alto and Chiado districts, Bairro Alto Hotel places guests at the heart of Lisbon's cultural and culinary scene. From its rooftop terrace, views stretch across the city's terracotta rooftops towards the River Tagus, while downstairs, acclaimed dining celebrates modern Portuguese flavours. Combining classic Lisbon character with thoughtful design and an excellent location, it is an ideal base for exploring the city on foot.

São Lourenço do Barrocal

Surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and rolling countryside in Portugal's Alentejo region, São Lourenço do Barrocal is a beautifully restored estate that has been in the same family for more than 200 years. Thoughtfully reimagined while preserving its agricultural heritage, it offers an authentic connection to the landscape through its winery, farm-to-table dining and outdoor experiences. Whether exploring the estate on horseback, cycling quiet country roads or simply enjoying the slower pace of life, it is a wonderful introduction to one of Portugal's most captivating regions.

The Largo

Hidden within a collection of beautifully restored historic buildings on Porto's São Domingos Square, The Largo offers an intimate stay in one of the city's most atmospheric neighbourhoods. Steps from the Ribeira waterfront and Porto's historic centre, it is perfectly placed for exploring the city's cafés, galleries and wine cellars on foot. Excellent dining, thoughtful service and a strong connection to local craftsmanship give the hotel a distinct sense of place, making it an ideal choice for those looking to experience Porto beyond the usual highlights.

True Travel Journal

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From finding the right guide to unlocking hidden doors along Rome’s cobbled streets, to knowing which room offers a front-row view of Patagonia’s mountains at first light, or where to find Kyoto’s best counter seat, our journals are filled with the kind of insight that comes from years of travelling, planning and exploring.

Explore destination guides, travel news and stories from our specialists’ travels around the world, from new hotels and destinations to the experiences worth seeking out. Discover fresh ideas and insider knowledge to inspire your next trip.

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What our guests say

From the travel and transfers to the lodging, it was the most magical and perfect trip that we will remember for the rest of our lives. The hotels were beautiful and luxurious, with the most amazing staff. Every day was 10/10, and the trip was so well balanced with adventure and relaxation.

Amy, UK

It was one of the best trips I've ever done, and 95% of that was down to True Travel and their team. The organisation was perfect, as was each destination and guide. I hope I can travel again with them soon.

Fatima, Spain

True Travel arranged all our internal flights and transport, which ran like clockwork. Each accommodation was lovely, as was being able to explore Ecuador's varied regions and amazing people, culture and animals. As usual, True Travel delivered a seamless trip.

Jane, UK

My sister and I spent 12 days in Cambodia, planned by True Travel. Everything went perfectly. We stayed in four different amazing locations, had wonderful guides and drivers, and did so many different activities. The team at True Travel were really easy to deal with and great at communicating.

Jill, USA

Best trip ever. This trip was awesome. We were treated like royalty. We were taken care of from beginning to end. We saw everything we expected and then some. The accommodations were fabulous. I could go on forever, but just to say everything was planned to perfection to the finest detail. I hope to use them again and will recommend True Travel to everyone. A trip we'll never forget.

Jean, USA

The True Travel team provided excellent service throughout, from initial planning and finalising the details to support during the trip. They were extremely knowledgeable about Australia, including off-the-beaten-path destinations, boutique hotels and restaurants. Their local partner was always on hand to help with any issues or changes. Using True Travel meant I could relax and enjoy the trip without worrying about the logistics or small details.

Liza, USA

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Quick Answers

Common Questions

What currency is used in Portugal?

The Euro (EUR) is the currency, and ATMs are widely available in Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve, so there’s little need to arrange currency before you travel. Contactless card payment is standard for almost every transaction, including small purchases at a pastelaria.
What language is spoken in Portugal?

Portuguese is the national language, and while English is spoken confidently in Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve’s tourist areas, it’s worth knowing that Portuguese and Spanish, though related, are genuinely distinct languages, and defaulting to Spanish with a Portuguese local can come across as a mild, if unintentional, slight. A simple attempt at Portuguese, even imperfect, is far better received than assuming Spanish will do.
Why does Portugal use a different time zone from Spain despite being neighbours?

Portugal operates on Western European Time (WET, UTC+0) in winter and Western European Summer Time (WEST, UTC+1) in summer, aligning with the UK rather than the Central European Time used across the border in Spain. This means Portugal and Spain, despite sharing the Iberian Peninsula, are a full hour apart for most of the year, which is worth checking specifically if your itinerary crosses between the two.
Can I drink the tap water in Portugal?

Yes, tap water throughout Portugal is safe to drink, including in Lisbon, Porto and rural areas. This holds true across the country, so bottled water is a matter of preference rather than necessity.
Should I carry cash or are cards widely accepted?

Cards, particularly contactless, are accepted almost everywhere in Portugal’s cities and larger towns, though small family-run tascas and market stalls occasionally still prefer cash. A modest amount of Euros is worth carrying for these smaller, more traditional establishments.
Is tipping expected in Portugal?

Tipping isn’t obligatory, and rounding up a bill or leaving small change for good service is genuinely appreciated rather than expected. This is a considerably lighter tipping culture than in the US, closer to a thank-you gesture than a required part of the transaction.
What plug sockets are used in Portugal?

Portugal uses Type C and Type F sockets, the standard European two-pin design, running at 230V. This is a widely recognised shape covered by virtually any universal travel adapter.
Are Lisbon's hills and cobblestones really as challenging as people say for walking?

Yes, Lisbon’s famously steep hills combine with traditional calçada portuguesa cobblestones that become genuinely slippery when wet, making comfortable, sturdy shoes far more important here than in most European city destinations. Heels or smooth-soled shoes, however smart they look, are worth reconsidering for a day spent exploring Lisbon or Porto on foot.
What should I know about fado music etiquette if I attend a performance?

Fado, Portugal’s traditional melancholic musical form, is typically performed in an atmosphere of genuine, attentive silence rather than background music to talk over, and continuing conversation loudly during a performance is considered noticeably disrespectful. Waiting for a natural pause between songs before ordering or speaking to your table shows the audience is genuinely listening rather than merely present.
What local etiquette or customs should I know before visiting Portugal?

The Portuguese are generally more reserved than their Spanish neighbours, and a measured, less effusive manner in daily interactions reflects genuine cultural temperament rather than coolness or disinterest. Ordering coffee has its own local vocabulary worth knowing, since asking for “uma bica” gets you an espresso in Lisbon, while the same drink is called “um cimbalino” in Porto, a small but genuine regional distinction locals appreciate visitors noticing.

Portugal Vineyards, medieval towns, quiet beaches and the warm rhythms of Portuguese life

Portugal’s enduring taste for the good life

Portugal With Us

Luxury Portugal holidays

Portugal: Lisbon, Alentejo & Comporta

Places in Portugal

True Experiences in Portugal

Wine tasting and vineyard tour

Stargazing from a dark sky reserve

foodie tour of Lisbon

A Taste of Where We Stay

Bairro Alto Hotel

São Lourenço do Barrocal

The Largo

Read all about it