Portugal

Lisbon, the sun-drenched capital, spreads across seven hills laced with the rattling Tram 28. Explore the Moorish Alfama district, the Manueline masterpiece of Jerónimos Monastery and the riverside Belém Tower, then taste the original pastéis de nata nearby. Just west, Sintra hides fairytale palaces like the colorful Pena Palace and the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira.

Porto, in the north, drapes over the Douro River, its Ribeira quarter and Dom Luís I Bridge leading to the port lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia. From here the Douro Valley unfurls in terraced vineyards. The Algarve in the south lures with dramatic sea caves at Benagil, golden cliffs and fishing towns like Lagos. Portuguese cuisine centers on the sea: grilled sardines, bacalhau (salt cod) in countless forms, seafood cataplana, and of course custard tarts, all paired with vinho verde, Douro reds or a glass of tawny port.

Tours in Portugal are relaxed, flavorful and full of local character, with hosts eager to share their traditions.

• Vintage tram and tuk-tuk rides through Lisbon's hills
• Port wine tastings in the Gaia cellars and Douro vineyards
• Boat trips to the Benagil sea caves along the Algarve
• Day trips to Sintra's palaces and the coast at Cascais
• Fado dinners and pastel de nata tasting walks

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–October) offer warm, sunny days ideal for sightseeing and the Douro grape harvest. Summer (June–August) is hot and lively, perfect for the Algarve beaches but busy in Lisbon and Porto. Winters are mild along the coast, making Portugal a pleasant year-round destination.