Portugal Tour Packages

1. About Portugal
2. Best Budget Portugal Tour Packages
3. Essential Tips To Know Before Travelling To Portugal
4. Portugal At A Glance
5. Top Reasons To Visit Portugal
6. Top Things To Do In Portugal
7. Best Time To Visit Portugal
8. Shopping In Portugal
9. Foods To Try Out In Portugal
10. Art and Culture In Portugal

Portugal’s history is over 400,000 years when Homo heidelbergensis inhabited what we know as present-day Portugal. The provinces of Gallaecia in the north and Lusitania in the south developed due to the conquest of the Iberian Peninsula by the Romans, which went on for about two centuries and eventually led to the creation of Portugal.

While Europe was in its Age of Discovery, Portugal attained its world power status, which took place during the 15th and 16th centuries. As the Battle of Alcacer Quibir happened in 1578 in Morocco, the evidence of military decline became more prominent. As a result, Portugal’s independence for 800 years came to a brief halt. From the mid-19th century to the late 1950s, about two million Portuguese migrated to the United States and Brazil, leaving Portugal behind.

• Portugal’s cobblestone streets and hilly areas can often create a slightly unsteady and wobbly situation for your feet. Bring comfortable footwear so that your feet don’t hurt after a day of sightseeing.
• Learn a couple of Portuguese words and phrases before your trip. While English is spoken in most of the country’s major areas, some remote regions may not have many English-speaking citizens.
• Beware of thieves and pickpockets in Portugal, and never leave your personal items unattended, regardless of whether you’re exploring a place or dining somewhere.
• Carry a few Euros before leaving for Portugal to cover small expenses and to be used in smaller family-run places. But cards are definitely accepted across the country.
• While tipping is mostly optional in Portugal, it is polite to round up the bill or pay a couple of Euros to your server for good service.
• Portugal has warm weather. Remember to stay hydrated, wear sunglasses, and put on sunscreen while exploring the country.
• Carry some toilet paper in your bag if you’re travelling to Portugal during peak season or during a festival, as you cannot be sure if it will be available in public toilets.

• Famous tourist attractions include Belem Tower, Castelo de S. Jorge, and Jeronimos Monastery.
• Things To Do – Hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, surfing.
• Famous Food – Francesinha, sardinas sssadas, pastel de nata, bacalhau a bras.
• Places To Visit – Lisbon, Porto, Madeira.
• Souvenirs To Buy – Portuguese ceramics, embroidery, cheese, and port wine.

For some people, mentioning Portugal alone is enough to grab one of our Portugal tour packages. However, if you need more persuading, let us tell you that we have more than a handful of convincing reasons why Portugal should be right up there on your list of must-visit destinations. Here they are:

Portugal is considered one of the friendliest countries in the world; the people here are known to look out for one another. Their welcoming, polite, and down-to-earth nature, coupled with their strong sense of community, makes them some of the loveliest people you will ever come across, which is something you can witness in person as you grab one of GT Holidays’ Portugal tour packages.

Going to Europe may seem like an expensive affair, and while it’s true in most cases, Portugal is comparatively affordable and wouldn’t burn a hole in your wallet. Free walking tours are ubiquitous in major cities. In fact, you could also score a port tasting experience for a nominal fee in a place like Porto.

Portugal has pleasant and welcoming weather throughout the year. The average temperature stays at 24°C in summer and 10°C in winter.

Portugal is home to over 100 beaches, making it ideal for beach lovers. For those of you planning to visit the country with your spouse, Portugal will welcome you to its beaches with sunsets that are orange and pink, making for the most unbelievable postcard moments.

From fine dining scenes to street food, Portugal’s cuisine is eclectic and tempting. Food is an integral part of life throughout the country, and not only will you find huge portions being served at the eateries, but the meals are also affordable.

When you visit a decent local restaurant, you will surely find a table with garlic butter, fresh bread, cheese, olives, and more. Every street seems to have a pastry shop, and the market culture is still prevalent, abounding in fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish.

Stepping into Portugal almost feels like walking into a fairytale due to the number of ancient castles that can be found in the country. The fortresses, palaces, and castles that Portugal is home to please the child in you.

Wine production is a rich tradition in Portugal, and Portuguese wine is recognised around the world for its astounding flavours and impressive quality. The Douro Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and among the oldest wine regions in the world.

As you browse our fantastic Portugal tour packages, you may wonder about the best time to visit Portugal. The thing about this country is that with all the seasons you experience, each one brings something new and exciting, which is why you should confirm your plans based on what you’re looking for from your holiday.

For example, if you’re from India, you’re probably accustomed to a lot of sunshine. Luckily for our sunshine-loving travellers, the capital of Portugal is among the sunniest places in Southern Europe, with about 3,000 hours of sun every year.

Let us now get into the details of what every season in Portugal entails, shall we?

Portugal’s spring temperature ranges between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius. While March gets around six hours of sunshine, it increases to 10 hours by May. This is usually the country’s shoulder season, with the number of tourists decreasing by 30%. Therefore, if you’re hoping for cheaper flight tickets and budget accommodations, this is when you should fly to Portugal.

Portugal’s spring season has little rainfall, and since the weather can fluctuate during this period, make sure to carry a mix of clothes to suit both cold and warm weather.

The country’s summers are pretty long, with the average temperature remaining between 20 and 22 degrees Celsius and the maximum temperature reaching 30 degrees Celsius on certain days. July to August can be hot and windy, with a little rain.

As peak summer embraces Portugal, you can witness over 11 hours of sunlight in the country. This is usually the ideal time to partake in all outdoor activities, including exploring the beaches. Remember to carry sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and light clothes if you travel at this time using our Portugal tour packages.

When autumn enters Portugal, the temperature ranges between 15 to 27 degrees Celsius. There is an increase in the level of precipitation during this time. The country doesn’t have too many festivals going on during the fall, but Porto does have certain party festivals where musicians belonging to various genres perform every day.

While autumn is another shoulder season for the country, tourists still prefer to visit since the weather is not too hot and the waters are perfect for surfing and swimming. Whether you want to walk around the castles and museums or stroll along the beaches and enjoy the picturesque landscapes, the autumn season is perfect.

Winter temperatures range from 8 to 15 degrees Celsius. Although the temperature doesn’t go lower than 8 degrees Celsius at this time, you may feel slightly colder due to the heavy rainfall that accompanies the winter season in the country.

The amount of sunlight during peak winter season is less than six hours, with November being the wettest month. Since rainfall is possible at any given time, carry an umbrella and a raincoat whenever you’re out.

Looking for fun things to do with your family in Portugal? Or perhaps your heart wishes to get some adrenaline rush through many outdoor activities? We have got you covered with our Portugal tour packages.

The Belem Tower, also known as the Tower of Saint Vincent, is a symbol and reminder of Portugal being a colonial and maritime power in early modern Europe. It was constructed when the Portuguese Renaissance was at its peak and presents a shining example of the Manueline style of architecture that Portugal is known for. The tower was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. This beautiful building was made using the exclusive Lioz limestone, famed for its quality and beauty.

Praça do Comercio is a vast plaza in Lisbon facing the harbour. It is one of the biggest plazas in Portugal and is famous for the statue of King Joseph I erected in the middle of the building. Following the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, the plaza underwent complete remodelling as the Pombaline Downtown was rebuilt under the orders of the 1st Marquis of Pombal, Sebastiao Jose de Carvalho e Melo.

It was declared a National Monument of Portugal just a while before the Portuguese Republic was established. A fun fact to note is that the plaza houses Martinho da Arcada, the city’s oldest cafe.

The Jeronimos Monastery, also known as the Hieronymites Monastery, is among the most vital examples of the Portuguese Gothic Manueline style of architecture, widely seen in Lisbon’s capital. It was built in the early 1500s, close to the launch point of Vasco da Gama’s first journey. In 1983, the structure became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The National Museum of Ancient Art houses more than 40,000 art pieces, including paintings, ceramics, textiles, sculptures, furniture, prints, and goldware. It is one of the most visited spots in the country.

Founded in 1884, the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga (as it is known in Portuguese) or MNAA, was established to display the collections of the royal family of Portugal and the National Academy of Fine Arts. Within the museum, you can find art pieces belonging to artists such as Giambattista Tiepolo, Domingos Sequeira, Hans Holbein the Elder, Raphael, Hieronymus Bosch, and more.

Portugal’s many national parks offer a variety of hiking trails. The Sintra trail, for example, is particularly loved by tourists due to its sea cliffs and lush green mountains. As you go deeper into your hike, you will encounter palaces and castles, giving you your fairy tale moment.

Lisbon has plenty of areas where you can indulge in rock climbing. The Parque Natural da Arrabida, for instance, is a national park that has a wide array of climbing routes of varying difficulties, depending on your taste and experience level.

Portugal has an almost endless array of beaches, and surfing is one of the most popular watersports travellers can experience during their trip. Praia de Carcavelos is a beach where you can head for this activity.

With so many beaches available, it’s only natural to want to kayak in Portugal. The Galapinhos Beach is often one that tourists pick due to its enchanting blue waters.

As you make good use of our Portugal tour packages while walking around the stunning beaches and admiring its beautiful architecture, your shopaholic heart is bound to wish to spend some moments checking out the country’s markets and stores. From handmade items and traditional goods to delicious food items, there are many products you can get for yourself and your loved ones back home from Portugal.

Together, let’s explore a couple of the must-buy items from Portugal and some of the most popular shopping destinations in the country, yes?

Once you visit Portugal through our Portugal tour packages, you will notice that food forms a significant part of the country’s culture and is slowly making its name globally as a gastronomical entity. Portuguese ceramics are among the most famous souvenirs to buy in the country.

In addition to intricately designed bowls, mugs, and spoon rests Portuguese ceramic tiles are widely visible on benches, churches, bars, homes, and fountains. Back in the day, Portuguese tiles were available in white, green, yellow, and blue hues, and by the 17th century, they grew into the signature blue and white by which we identify the Portuguese tiles today.

Portugal is the largest cork producer in the world, with the Alentejo region producing almost half the world’s supply. Therefore, Portugal offers various cork products, including umbrellas and shoes, wallets, handbags, fans, necklaces, and other souvenirs.

A cork item makes a fabulous, sustainable, and long-lasting gift for your friends and family. Since these products are waterproof and lightweight, you won’t have to worry about them adding to your luggage weight.

The skills and craftsmanship of Portugal’s artisans can also be seen in the country’s linen and hand-embroidered items. The Portuguese island of Madeira houses more than 3,000 embroiders and is associated with an embroidery history of over 150 years. Portugal supplies some of the biggest retail stores in the world.

From scarves, accessories, and clothes to tableware and towels, intricate embroidery is present on numerous products found in Portugal’s stores, all of which you can buy as you roam around the country using our Portugal tour packages.

The patterns and details in several other souvenirs found in Portugal are also seen in the country’s jewellery, making it wonderful to gift to the ones you love. Gold and silver filigree jewellery is popular among tourists and among the oldest jewellery-making techniques in the world, having been practised in Portugal since the 16th century.

Portugal is a dream come true for cheese lovers, with dozens of local varieties that you can take home as souvenirs. The country has cheese derived from cows, goats, and sheep, and downtown Lisbon is the area that sells various local cheeses.

Remember when we said that Portugal has a wine to go with almost every dish? With 14 different wine regions in the country, you can expect to find a wide range of wines, from sweet to zingy and zesty.

The Douro Valley, situated in the north of Portugal close to Porto, is a famous wine-producing region owing to the variety of grapes that grow there and the traditional wine-making processes followed. When you’re in the region, be sure to grab a bottle of port wine.

With grilled sardines being some of the most beloved things to eat in Portugal, it’s pretty natural for canned sardines to be on this list of things to buy while you’re in the country. You will stumble upon numerous stores in Lisbon that keep canned sardines stored in huge quantities, beautifully wrapped in old designs that make the package look like a vintage souvenir you absolutely must have.

• Centro Vasco da Gama: For clothes, shoes, jewellery, beauty products, and household items.
• Avenida da Liberdade: For jewellery, high-end leather products, and designer items.
• Amoreiras Shopping Center: For a variety of high-end brands and boutiques.
• Mercado da Figueira: For gourmet foods and goods.
• Centro Comercial Colombo: For jewellery, clothes, beauty products, and books.
• LX Market: For vintage and local designer clothes, handmade jewellery, secondhand items, and fresh produce.

• Before buying, always check the expiry dates of Portuguese food items such as cured meats, pastries, wines, and canned sardines.
• Try to buy from the local markets, shops, and stores in Portugal, which helps the country’s local vendors. The local sellers at such markets are mostly friendly, hospitable, and eager to help customers.
• Not all the items available in the country’s street shops and stalls are made in Portugal. Remember to check the authenticity of the products before buying them. Many items sold at such markets, such as paper products, ceramics, and jewellery, are often imported to Portugal from other places.
• Read the border control regulations to learn about the rules for importing items like plant materials, fruits, and foods.
• We suggest you not buy Portuguese tiles from the Feira da Ladra flea market in Lisbon. They are illegally chipped off various structures, making them illegal to buy and sell.

When you think of European food, what are some of the thoughts that come to your mind? Perhaps you think of French cuisine or Italian food items upon hearing the phrase European dishes. We’re here to tell you that once you try the food of Portugal when you visit the country with our Portugal tour packages, your definition of European food will be redefined forever.

Connected to its rich cultural history, the food of Portugal is a gastronomical treat that remains mysterious even to this day. If you’re accustomed to powerful and big flavours combined with local ingredients, much like the dishes that are a part of Indian cuisine, then Portuguese food will surely make a place in your heart. Let our Portugal tour packages help you experience Portuguese cuisine, where warm bread is always on the table, fresh fish to consume, and wine for almost every type of meal.

Francesinha, which translates into ‘little Frenchie’, is a staple dish of Portugal and is almost considered to be the queen of all sandwiches. Created using bread, steak, ham, and linguica sausage, the melted cheese on top of the sandwich adds to its taste and gooeyness.

The sandwich also has a tomato and beer sauce, which lends it the spicy flavour so many people love. Certain eateries in Portugal serve the dish with fries on the side and a fried egg on top. Daniel David de Silva, who derived the inspiration from France’s croque monsieur, invented the sandwich in the 1950s.

One cannot possibly visit Portugal without eating grilled sardines. Sardinas Assadas is the country’s ultimate comfort food. After the fish is seasoned well with salt and grilled for almost 10 minutes on both sides, it maintains its succulent interior while the exterior becomes crispy and smoky.

Sardines are usually served on bread with peppers, potatoes, and an occasional tomato salad. This dish is usually common in the summer when sardine season is in the country. This Portuguese food is also a cultural symbol of the Feast of St. Anthony.

Pastel de nata is a Portuguese egg custard tart. It is undoubtedly the country’s most famous dessert and a must-have when travelling around Portugal with our Portugal tour packages. It is often paired with a cup of espresso and is perfect as a snack or breakfast item.

Puff pastry shells are filled with yellow egg yolk custard, which usually contains a sprinkle of powdered sugar or cinnamon. The custard is a delicious mix of sugar and lemon. For the best version of this dessert, make sure to have it at the Pasteis de Belem in Lisbon.

Bacalhau, the Portuguese word for salted cod, is ubiquitous in the country, which is excellent news for seafood-loving tourists. Of all the numerous Portuguese recipes, this is the one you should most certainly try – it consists of shredded bacalhau, thinly chopped and fried potatoes, and chopped onions.

The last element that goes into binding this concoction together is a small amount of scrambled egg. While the usual topping for this dish includes parsley and olives, there are other alternatives present too across the restaurants in the country.

Caldo Verde, which means ‘green broth,’ is a beloved Portuguese soup. Its green hue comes from the mixed greens sliced up in very particular ways and added to the soup. This comforting and hearty dish contains kale, potatoes, garlic, onion, and chorizo or linguica sausage.

The soup is often consumed as a starter or a lighter dinner later at night. While the methods of preparation and spices vary throughout the country, the foundation of the dish remains the same.

If you have never tried duck before, you must try arroz de pato, or duck rice, one of the country’s many popular dishes.

Boiled and shredded duck is the star of this creation, which is added to a bed of rice, prior to which the rice is cooked in garlic, onions, and duck broth. The mixture is then baked for a while at the end of which chorizo sausage is added as garnish. The dish is often served with orange slices.

Alheira de Mirandela isn’t just a dish but a piece of Portuguese history. It is a type of sausage whose origins took place in the Jewish community of Mirandela in the 15th century. The sausage was made to resemble chorizo, stuffed with game meats, poultry, and a mix of bread. This enabled the Jews to appear to be consuming pork while they weren’t actually doing so, as it went against their cultural beliefs.

This dish is developed by smoking sausage over oak wood, which lends it its unique taste. Both roasted and grilled versions of the dish are available, and it’s usually served with vegetables or potatoes. Some places also serve it with French fries and a fried egg.

Almost every tavern in Portugal has a dish named polvo à lagareiro that is ready to be served to its customers after being cooked well.

The dish is essentially boiled and baked octopus served with potatoes mixed with garlic and an olive oil sauce. Did you think we were kidding about Portugal being a haven for seafood lovers? Oh no, we weren’t, and you will find that out for yourself when you tour the country with our Portugal tour packages.

Portuguese paintings flourished, and fine art became prominent in Portugal in the 15th century. A couple of the most brilliant pieces from this time can be found at the National Museum of Ancient Art in Lisbon. Towards the end of the 15th century, as Portuguese art grew in popularity, Flemish paintings were imported. Soon enough, the Portuguese art style known as Manueline was born.

Portugal has also cemented its name in contemporary and modern art through artists such as Paula Rego, who was regarded as the pre-eminent woman artist to leave her impact in the late 20th and early 21st century. Art galleries and museums are present all across the country, with Lisbon having them in the highest numbers. Connoisseurs of art can visit these artistic destinations by booking one of our Portugal tour packages.

When it comes to sports, football is super important and beloved, with the country’s national team among the most popular and efficient in Europe and worldwide. Two of the most famous footballers of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Figo, hail from Portugal. Athletics has always been vital to Portugal, and they have displayed some extremely remarkable feats and performances in various sports, including kayaking, kite surfing, sailing, and windsurfing.

The music scene in Portugal is pretty diverse and vibrant. Globally, Portugal is renowned for Fado, a type of music genre that originated in the 1820s. Through this genre, artists narrate various life stories.

The popularity of regional folk music is still very much visible, and it has been updated and modernised with time. Some of the other styles of music seen in the country are metal, hip-hop, and rock. A couple of Portuguese folk dances to know about are Corridinho and Fandango.

The people of Portugal are usually quite conservative and traditional, but they are also polite, friendly, and extremely pleasant. When you meet a Portuguese person for the first time, they may seem slightly reserved while also being warm. However, once you get to know them, handshakes transform into kisses on the cheek. Some of the Portuguese titles with which people greet each other are ‘senhor’ and ‘senhora’.

If you get invited to someone’s home in Portugal for a meal, remember to bring flowers and sweets for the hosts as it’s usually the custom to do so.