Portugal

Why Choose an Escorted Holiday to Portugal?

Portugal tends to surprise first-time visitors. People expect beaches and wine; they find a country with a rich maritime history, extraordinary azulejo tile architecture, one of the most distinctive urban landscapes in Europe in Lisbon, and a food culture that takes its ingredients seriously. Getting around independently is possible, but the context behind what you are seeing - the connection between the Age of Discoveries, the Moorish legacy, the melancholy musical tradition of fado - is genuinely enriched by a guide who knows the country well.

For our British passengers, Portugal is one of the most comfortable European destinations. English is widely spoken, the climate is generous, and the country is compact enough that a well-planned tour can move between Lisbon, the Douro wine country and Porto without feeling rushed. Our Indian passengers particularly appreciate the mild temperatures, the good availability of vegetarian food in cities, and the strong Indian historical connection: Goa was a Portuguese territory until 1961, and that thread of shared history makes Portugal feel slightly familiar in an unexpected way.

Indian-Friendly Features on Our Portugal Tours

• Indian dinners included on most multi-day tours, typically three or more evenings
• Vegetarian options available throughout, with good availability in Lisbon and Porto
• No beef or pork compulsory in any included meals
• Midlands, Leicester and London pick-up points for all UK departures
• Goa historical connection woven into tour commentary where relevant - popular with many of our Goan-origin passengers

Best Time to Visit Portugal

March to May offers warm spring weather, green countryside and modest crowds. The Alentejo and Douro Valley are especially beautiful in April and May.

June to August is peak summer. The Algarve coast is hot and popular; Lisbon and Porto are busy but manageable. Temperatures can reach 35°C inland.

September and October are excellent. The summer crowds thin out, the Douro grape harvest runs in September, and the weather remains warm well into October.

November to February is mild by UK standards, particularly in the south. Lisbon and Porto are largely crowd-free and hotels are at their most affordable.

Popular Destinations Within Portugal

Lisbon - one of Europe's most distinctive capitals. Hilltop neighbourhoods, yellow trams, extraordinary miradouros (viewpoints), the Torre de Belém on the waterfront and the Jerónimos Monastery. Built for walking, once you accept the hills.

Sintra - a UNESCO-listed town 30 minutes from Lisbon, filled with Romantic palaces and castles tumbling through forested hillsides. The Pena Palace alone is worth the trip.

Porto - the northern city that gave its name to port wine. The riverside Ribeira district, the Livraria Lello bookshop, historic wine cellars across the water in Vila Nova de Gaia, and a food scene that has become one of the best in Europe.

The Douro Valley - a steep river valley lined with terraced vineyards, producing some of the world's great fortified wines. Spectacular to see and an excellent reason to add a night or two outside the cities.

The Algarve - southern coastline with dramatic cliff formations, sandy beaches and a relaxed pace. Best combined with cultural stops further north on a longer itinerary.

Évora - a walled Roman city in the Alentejo, with a Roman temple standing intact in the town centre and some of the best preserved medieval architecture in the country.

Practical Information

• Currency: Euro (€)
• Language: Portuguese; English widely spoken in tourist areas and cities
• Time zone: Western European Time (GMT in winter, GMT+1 in summer)
• Electricity: Type F plugs (230V). A European adapter is needed for UK devices.
• Tipping: Included in your Star Tours holiday price
• India bookings: Call our India line free on 1800 123 181 181 (10am-7pm)
• ABTA & ATOL: All our Portugal holidays are fully protected