Portugal Real Food Adventure, featuring Galicia

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
Portugal Real Food Adventure, featuring Galicia
Portugal Real Food Adventure, featuring Galicia
Portugal Real Food Adventure, featuring Galicia
Portugal Real Food Adventure, featuring Galicia
Portugal Real Food Adventure, featuring Galicia
Portugal Real Food Adventure, featuring Galicia
Portugal Real Food Adventure, featuring Galicia
Portugal Real Food Adventure, featuring Galicia
Portugal Real Food Adventure, featuring Galicia
Portugal Real Food Adventure, featuring Galicia
Portugal Real Food Adventure, featuring Galicia
Portugal Real Food Adventure, featuring Galicia
Portugal Real Food Adventure, featuring Galicia
Portugal Real Food Adventure, featuring Galicia
8 Days
From AUD $4445
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(20 reviews)

Portugal Real Food Adventure, featuring Galicia

Portugal Real Food Adventure, featuring Galicia

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
Duration

8 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Uncover the flavours of Galicia and Portugal on this eight-day adventure full of culinary delights, local wines and European hotspots.

Highlights

  • Explore the Coa Valley, the centre of a rewilding project, and enjoy a night in a gorgeous historical guesthouse where you’ll join your hosts for a home-cooked meal of fresh, local produce.
  • Learn how to make the iconic Portuguese tart (pasteis de nata) with a cooking class in the Belem area of Lisbon, after visiting one of the most popular bakeries and enjoying your fill of this delicious sweet treat.
  • Meet local producers along the way, including an olive oil producer where you can taste-test everybody’s favourite cooking staple. Sample Douro Valley wines and Porto’s fortified namesake.
  • Take in the renowned riverside district in Porto, the colourful coastal hotspot of Lisbon and the rolling hills of the lush Douro Valley on the quintessential tour of Portugal.
  • Sample iconic foods of the region – francesinha, cured meats, cheese, pasteis de nata (Portuguese custard tarts) and canned fish – with local producers and a local leader who knows all the best spots.

Trip Details

Duration

8 days

Transportation

Private Vehicle,Public bus,Metro,Tram

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Santiago de Compostela, Portugal

Finishes

Lisbon, Portugal

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Santiago de Compostela
Hola! Welcome to Santiago de Compostela – the capital of northwest Spain’s Galicia region. If you arrive early, maybe walk the streets of the Old Town, known for its distinctive Romanesque, gothic and Baroque buildings. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. After, maybe get to know your fellow travellers with an optional dinner of traditional Galician favourites. For seafood lovers, try the pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus).

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Porto
This morning, you’ll head to a local market in Santiago de Compostela – one of the city’s most popular attractions (alongside the cathedral). Follow your leader as they share tastes of local delicacies around the market. If you like, you can grab some extras for the public bus journey this afternoon, travelling over the border into Portugal. Arrive in the charming city of Porto in the late afternoon – known for its medieval riverside district with colourful houses bordering the Douro River, this is one of the country’s most romantic cities. Tonight, you’ll head out for an included dinner of a plant-based version of Porto's favourite dish, the francesinha.

Included Activities:

  • Santiago de Compostela - Market visit and tasting tour

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Porto
Taste your way around Porto this morning, exploring its majestic bridges, cobbled streets, merchants’ houses and cafes. From the grand fountain in Praca dos Leoes, head to a local café for coffee and pastel de nata (the famed Portuguese custard tart). Walk through the Clerigos, S. Bento and Se quarters before popping into a bar for a cachorrinho (a spicy bread and sausage mouthful) accompanied by a cold beer. Continue through the Ribeira District, sampling local specialties like bacalhau (dried, salted cod) and a glass of rosé. Round out your explorations with a sip of the city's namesake drop (port) and a selection of petiscos (Portuguese tapas). The afternoon is free for you to explore at your leisure. Maybe pull up a chair in one of Porto's atmospheric tavernas and order another glass of port.

Included Activities:

  • Porto - City Tasting Tour

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Douro Valley - Coa Valley
Take a scenic drive by private vehicle this morning to the Douro Valley. Arrive at Quinta da Pacheca (winegrowers since 1738) for a picnic and wine tasting. Over a couple of glasses of local wine (and a port, of course), you’ll share an assortment of olives, sausages, dried fruits, traditional salads, regional cheeses, apple tartlets and more. Travel on to the Coa Valley – known for the combined efforts of passionate locals to rewild the area, starting with the reintroduction of ancient cow breeds. Here, you’ll stay in an historic guesthouse atop a hill, overlooking the village and surrounding fields. Tonight, enjoy a home-cooked dinner of the best local produce.

Included Activities:

  • Douro Valley - Wine Tasting & Lunch
  • Coa Valley - Home-cooked dinner

Accommodation:

  • Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Alentejo Farmstay
Relax into the day with no plans until a late morning departure. You might like to explore Castelo Rodrigo (the surrounding village) or go for a hike in the countryside. Then hit the road for the Alentejo region – surrounded by wheat fields dotted with grazing cows. Stop at Castelo Branco to stretch your legs and spend some time exploring the historic town. Maybe grab some lunch and people-watch or walk around the Jardim do Paco Episcopal (a popular baroque garden). Continue to your farm stay in Alentejo – this area is renowned for its cork plantations, vineyards and the coveted Azaruja sausage made from black Alentejo pigs. You’ll be greeted with a local tipple and a tour of the farm, which has been in the family for the last six generations. You’ll see what’s it like to live at the farm, before some free time to settle in, take a swim in the pool or amble around the property, enjoying the peace and quiet.

Included Activities:

  • Alentejo - Farm and dinner

Accommodation:

  • Farmstay (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Lisbon
Say goodbye to the farm and head to a local olive oil producer for a tasting (a bottle of this locally produced oil makes an excellent souvenir!). Continue to Lisbon, popular for its pastel-coloured buildings and the Sao Jorge Castle. Enjoy some free time when you arrive to find some lunch, then head out on a leader-led orientation walk to get your bearings and see the city’s highlights. As you make your way, take a moment to try some ginjinha, a sweet cherry liqueur that originated in Lisbon. Afterwards, make a detour to Loja das Conservas, a quirky deco store selling canned fish from 17 different national canned fish outlets for you to taste and explore! Tonight, you’re free to explore the city’s nightlife or find a great spot for dinner – your leader will have some great recommendations for local restaurants or where to find the best live fado show (a genre of Portuguese soul music that originated in Africa and has evolved to suit the streets of Lisbon).

Included Activities:

  • Lisbon - Orientation walk - Leader led
  • Alentejo - Local producer visit and olive oil tasting
  • Lisbon - Canned fish tasting at Loja das Conservas

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Lisbon
This morning, visit the local market Mercado da Ribeira – a vibrant food market offering fresh produce, local delicacies and artisanal goods. This afternoon, after some free time for lunch, you’ll visit one of the city's iconic eateries, Pasteis de Belem, for pastel de nata – established in 1837, these are arguably the country's best! First made in the 16th century by nuns, this mixture of crispy pastry and creamy filling is Portugal’s best-known dessert. This afternoon, you’ll head for a cooking class where you can learn how these golden treats are made! Tonight, maybe head out for an optional farewell dinner with your group.

Included Activities:

  • Lisbon - Pasteis de Nata tasting and cooking class in Belem
  • Lisbon - Market Visit

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Lisbon
Today, there are no activities planned and your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to spend more time in this gorgeous city, just speak to your booking agent.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $4,445
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 8 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Uncover the flavours of Galicia and Portugal on this eight-day adventure full of culinary delights, local wines and European hotspots.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 24 Apr 2026

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
5.0
Rich
Traveled, October 2023

11/05/2023

We had an amazing trip with great people, Loved the cooking class and the Douro Valley tour. Our leader Adrian was superb at offering great insights and options. We recommend this trip to anyone wishing to learn more about the Portugal and Galicia.

5.0
Kim
Traveled, October 2023

10/20/2023

The Portugal Real Food Adventure featuring Galicia with Elena was great fun. Good food and wine along with many belly laughs. What more can you ask for?

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989