Portugal at Its Best: from Lisbon to Porto

Our Portugal Gay Tour starts in Lisbon, heralded as Europe’s second-oldest capital and the sole European capital blessed with sunsets over the sea. Our representative will pick you up from the airport/train station and take you to our hotel. After our meeting we’ll have a wonderful welcome dinner.

After our first breakfast together, we’ll explore the Lisbon’s highlights. Lisbon stands out as one of Europe’s most soulful and enchanting capitals, perched on a series of hills that offer scenic panoramas from every vantage point. Lisbon is a vivacious and dynamic city, boasting an insatiable passion for art, revelry, and nightlife. We’ll also enjoy a workshop on making Pasteis de Bacalhau (codfish pastries), a traditional Portuguese dish made of potato puree, onion, parsley and steamed codfish.

After resting a bit in our rooms, we’ll gather for dinner. Overnight accommodation at the hotel.

Sintra, adorned with mystical hills hosting fairytale palaces and opulent villas, has enchanted visitors for centuries. Our exploration begins in the old town, a UNESCO heritage site, where we’ll marvel at the National Palace. This sixteenth-century royal residence seamlessly blends medieval, gothic, manueline, renaissance, and romantic architecture—an exemplar of organic design. Our journey continues to Quinta da Regaleira, a magnificent palace ensconced in extraordinary gardens, offering a surreal fusion of history and fantasy—a true spectacle.

Then we move to Óbidos, a town whose entire expanse has been declared a national monument. Regarded as one of Europe’s most romantically medieval villages, Óbidos enchants with its cobblestone streets adorned by vibrant houses embellished with geraniums and bougainvillea. The Gothic doorways, windows, whitewashed churches, and dazzling tiles create an enchanting tapestry, all enclosed within the protective walls of a 12th-century castle.

Nazaré unfolds as Portugal’s quintessential fishing village, internationally acclaimed for hosting the world’s largest waves, transforming it into a renowned surfing mecca. Nestled in the country’s heart, Nazaré preserves ancient fishing traditions, with sun-dried fish and colorful boats adorning the shoreline. Prepare for a memorable lunch experience against this picturesque backdrop.

Then we visit the Convent of Christ in Tomar, an historical site that showcases the grandeur of medieval architecture. Originally built as a Templar stronghold, the convent features intricate Manueline details and a majestic cloister. We’ll explore its rich history and marvel at its impressive structure and design. Overnight in the lively Coimbra.

Foremost, Coimbra garners acclaim for its University, the oldest in Portugal, founded in 1290, and standing as one of Europe’s venerable institutions. Evolving into “the city of students” over the centuries, Coimbra was once the capital of Portugal (1139 to 1256) and remains one of the nation’s most historically significant cities. Adorned with centuries-old monuments tracing the diverse chapters of architectural history, the university and its surroundings have earned the prestigious designation of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After visiting the magnificent University building, on the road to Aveiro we’ll stop in the Bussaco Park, a lush forest known for its stunning natural beauty and historical significance. The park is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including rare plant species and exotic trees. It also features enchanting walking paths, serene lakes, and picturesque viewpoints.

After recharging our batteries in the forest, we’ll head to Aveiro. Known as the “Venice of Portugal,” Aveiro is a charming coastal town famous for its picturesque canals, colorful moliceiro boats, and Art Nouveau buildings. Here, we’ll embark on a scenic moliceiro boat trip, offering us a privileged perspective of the city.

Then we’ll get ready to reach Porto.

Porto unfolds as a cosmopolitan masterpiece, seamlessly blending the ancient with the contemporary. Bestowing its name upon both Portugal (Portucale) and the world-renowned wine it produces, Porto isn’t just a city; it’s a living legend. Recognized as the European and World Best Destination for 2022, Porto showcases a harmonious fusion of monuments crafted by world-renowned architects spanning eras, featuring splendid baroque carvings.

As Portugal’s second-largest metropolis, Porto stands as one of Europe’s most charismatic cities, earning the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Renowned for its wine-making tradition, magnificent Baroque architecture, distinctive local cuisine, and breathtaking vistas, Porto captivates with its multifaceted charm. Here we’ll join a Mini Douro river cruise to witness the city from a privileged perspective.

A visit to a Porto cellar is a must, offering an immersive experience into the city’s rich wine culture. We’ll attend a Fado show, the quintessential Portuguese dance, adding an element of enchantment to your evening. Porto serves as a wellspring of inspiration, and its vibrant gay scene contributes to the city’s lively and inclusive atmosphere. Get ready for an extraordinary exploration of tradition, taste, and trendsetting in this dynamic city!

This morning awaits us a very special visit: the first capital of Portugal and the birthplace of the nation in the 12th century. Its historic medieval center was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.

Its historic center is scattered with ancient noble palaces, an old Gothic monastery, and a castle with massive fortifications dating back to the tenth century. It’s an unmissable stop to deeply explore the north of Portugal.

After visiting the city and having some free time for lunch, we’ll return to Porto where everyone can decide whether to go shopping, wandering around the city, or relax at the hotel. In any case, get ready for our last extraordinary dinner where we’ll have the chance to toast to the next tour together with our new friends.

As our Portugal gay tour concludes, it’s time to bid farewell and anticipate our next adventure together. Fancy a tour in Morocco? Today we are headed to Casablanca where our Morocco gay tour starts! Come with us!