PART I – Days 1-2 : Porto

• Sunset Douro River Cruise: Set sail across the Douro aboard a traditional rabelo boat for a sunset cruise beneath Porto’s iconic bridges, admiring the architecture connecting the two riverbanks, the old town’s typical houses, and the lively energy of the Ribeira district. These flat-bottomed wooden boats once carried heavy barrels of Port wine down the river from the valley vineyards to the aging cellars in Gaia — a piece of living history still gliding across the water today.
• Guided Walking Tour — Porto’s Soul: From sweeping views over the Douro atop the Luís I Bridge to the 20,000 hand-painted tiles of São Bento Station narrating the story of Portugal, we will wander through the vibrant energy of Bolhão Market, uncover Porto’s “Unconquered” spirit at City Hall, spot the world’s narrowest “Hidden House,” and stroll medieval streets from the Sé Cathedral through the Jewish Quarter — all the way down scenic hillside alleys to the lively riverside of Ribeira.cal architecture, lively tavernas, and unique shops, providing a captivating glimpse into Athenian life.

Day 1: Overnight flight to Lisbon
Day 2: Morning arrival in Lisbon, connecting flight to Porto
1 night in a hostel in Porto
Private transport

PART II – Days 3-4 : Natural Park of Serra da Estrela

Agrotourism Activities

• Bread Museum — A Hands-On Taste of Tradition: Uncover the ancient art of bread-making at the Bread Museum, a landmark of Portuguese museology and the largest complex in the world dedicated to this theme. This is not a museum to simply look at — it’s one to feel, to listen to with your hands, to taste with your eyes, and to learn from with your soul. Home to 12,000 years of human history told through the most universal of foods, here time slows down, echoing the footsteps of those who once sowed, harvested, kneaded, and baked. The old mills tell their own stories, revealing the timeless act of bread-making as one of civilization’s greatest and most essential gestures.
• Cheese-Making Workshop: Get your hands into Serra da Estrela’s most cherished tradition — working in pairs, students craft their own fresh sheep’s milk requeijão from scratch, connecting with local culture through taste, technique, and time-honored methods, before gathering around the table for a shared traditional dinner.
• Estrela UNESCO Global Geopark Excursion
  -Penhas Douradas & Vale do Rossim: A short hike to one of the range’s most rewarding viewpoints, followed by a refreshing stop at the crystal-clear waters of Vale do Rossim lake.
  -Sabugueiro: Portugal’s highest village, tucked into the mountainside.
  -Lagoa Comprida: Serra da Estrela’s largest and most impressive lake.
  -Torre: Standing at the highest point in continental Portugal.
  -Zêzere Glacial Valley: Carved by ancient ice, with the option to visit the Interpretative Centre for an educational session with the Geopark team.
  -Burel Factory (Manteigas): A hands-on look at the region’s centuries-old wool-making tradition.
  -Casais de Folgosinho: Some of the most striking flat, open landscapes hidden within the mountains.
  -Folgosinho: A tiny village with over 2,000 years of history, explored on foot and ending with sunset views from a quartz castle.

2 nights in a hostel in Gouveia, in the Serra da Estrela region
Private transport

PART III – Days 5-6 : Sintra and its beaches

• Sunset Walk to Azenhas do Mar: Perched dramatically on a cliffside above the Atlantic, Azenhas do Mar is a cascade of whitewashed houses tumbling down the rock face toward the sea, with a natural seawater pool carved into the cliffs below. Once a humble fishing village, its name comes from the old “azenhas” (water mills) that once dotted this stretch of coast, harnessing the sea’s own rhythm. As the sun sinks into the Atlantic, the cliffs turn gold and the whitewashed walls glow pink and orange — a quietly spectacular, far-from-the-crowds moment to end the day.
• Praia da Adraga Excursion: A dramatic cliffside walk leads to Praia da Adraga — one of Portugal’s most breathtaking beaches, where towering sea rocks, wave-carved caves, and even dinosaur footprints etched in stone turn a simple hike into a journey through millions of years of natural history.
• Surf Lesson at Praia Grande: One of Portugal’s top surf spots for good reason — Praia Grande’s wide sandy beach and consistent Atlantic swells have even hosted world-class bodyboarding championships, making it the perfect (and perfectly forgiving) classroom for first-timers, set against a dramatic backdrop of cliffs near Sintra.

2 nights in a hostel in Praia das Maçãs (Sintra)
Private transport

PART IV – Days 7-8 : Lisbon

• Cascais: A scenic pause in this charming seaside town. Once a royal summer retreat, Cascais today blends cobblestone streets, pastel façades, and golden beaches with a laid-back coastal energy.
• Belém Tower: Standing guard at the mouth of the Tagus River, Belém Tower has watched over Lisbon’s harbor since the early 1500s, built to defend the city and greet ships of the Age of Discoveries as they set sail for Brazil, India, and beyond. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its intricate Manueline stonework — carved with ropes, armillary spheres, and exotic motifs — reflects Portugal’s golden era as a maritime superpower.
• Lisbon Walking Tour: Explore some of the city’s most iconic areas, from Parque Eduardo VII, Marquês de Pombal, and Avenida da Liberdade, finishing in Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods of Mouraria, Alfama, and the Castle area — with stunning viewpoints overlooking the city and the Tagus River along the way.
• Taste the Pastel de Nata: Sample Portugal’s most iconic treat — a delicate custard tart first created before the 18th century by monks at the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon, and now beloved by Portuguese communities and food lovers around the world.
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1 night in a hostel in Lisbon
Private transport
Day 8: International return flight from Lisbon to Montreal

• Preps

  Travel documents

  A valid passport that expires at least 3 months after the date of your return flight back home.
  Starting in 2027, Canadian citizens must have an ETIAS authorization before traveling to Portugal
  The ETIAS is not a visa for Europe but a visa waiver program designed to bolster the EU’s external borders and enhance security within the Schengen Area.
  Once issued, the ETIAS permit is valid for 3 years and allows for multiple trips to Greece and other Schengen countries, with each visit not exceeding 90 days.
  To ensure timely approval of your ETIAS permit for the trip, it is recommended to apply at least 4 days before departure.
  The online ETIAS application system is not yet operational, but it will enable applicants to apply directly through the platform.
  Fees: Applicants under 18 or over 70 years old are exempt from fees. Otherwise, a payment card will be needed to pay the €7 fee or its equivalent in Canadian dollars.
  To stay updated on the launch of the online application process, please regularly visit the website:

  https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias

  Luggage

  The least amount of luggage possible. We recommend bags that are practical and easy to carry. One large bag and a small day back-pack is ideal.

  Health

  We recommend you consult your local medical travel clinic (or doctor) a few months before leaving in order to ensure you have the necessary vaccines. Your medical insurance card might not cover costs incurred due to injuries or health costs when you are abroad. If you need to travel with medication of some kind, please bring a doctor’s prescription.

  Safety

  We recommend you bring a concealed belt that can hold your important documents, credit cards and currencies. It is illegal to take any objects found in archeological sites or any natural resources from any of the national parks, ecological reserves, protectorates or any other sites visited.

  Payment Terms

  October 10, 2026: $610 ($500 deposit + $110 insurance fee)
  November 14, 2026: $1,400
  December 12, 2026: $1,400
  February 16, 2027: To be determined based on the number of travelers.

  PAYMENT  METHOD

  1. INTERAC  EMAIL TRANSFERS  –
  Proceed with the the interact email transfer after signing up online. Please include the students’s name in the wire message.
  The email to send the transfer: finance@alyraexpeditions.com
  Question: which destination?
  Answer: portugal

  Cancellation / Modifications By The Traveler

  In case of cancellation, the Traveller, even in cases of events outside of their control. The minimum cancellation fees are as follows:

  • a) 121 days or more prior to departure: 1st deposit 
  • b) 91 to 120 days prior to departure: 50% of trip package
  • c) 46 to 90 days prior to departure:75% of trip package
  • d) 45 days or fewer prior to departure: 100% of package

• These prices include

  • The international flights from Montreal;
  • Alyra’s CO (Creative Organizer) accompanying the group 24/7;
  • Local transportation;
  • Lodging: multiple occupancy for students;
  • Lodging: single occupancy for supervisors;
  • Food: 3 meals a day (local authentic food will be served);
  • Potable water during the trip;
  • Non-alcoholic drinks and potable water during meals;
  • Activities/visits mentioned with local guides (when mentioned);
  • Tips to local guides, drivers, restaurants, etc.;
  • Entrance tickets for museums, parks, sites, etc mentioned in the itinerary ;
  • 0.01% for the OPC’s FICAV (Consumer Protection Office) tax;
  • Insurance Package with Manulife: Youth Exclusive plan – Medical, Interruption and Cancelation coverage.

• These prices do not include

  • Visa expenses (for non-canadian passports);
  • Souvenirs/gifts you decide to buy;
  • Laundry and any other personal expenses.