All the ways you’ll experience the Insight difference when you travel to Portugal

A glorious destination, Portugal should be high on everyone’s travel bucket list. And why not travel to Portugal in style with Insight for the ultimate vacation. To tempt you further, here are just some of the ways you will experience the Insight difference in Portugal.

Often overlooked in favour of its neighbors Spain and France, Portugal deserves a place at the top of your travel destination list. Packed full of ancient castles and centuries-old cities, it is a must visit destination for lovers of history and architecture. And, with a coastline that extends for 586 miles, you will never be short of beautiful beaches and ocean views. Home to hundreds of award-winning wines and a delicious fusion of cuisines, you can be sure that if you travel to Portugal you will leave your taste buds dancing and yearning for more.

This beautiful country is also the home of port wine, a fortified wine produced in the Douro Valley of northern Portugal. Typically a sweet red wine, often served with desert most commonly drunk at Christmas, this is one of Portugal’s biggest and most popular exports. Enjoying a tasting is one of the great Portugal experiences.

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Home to Lisbon, Porto and Évora, Portugal is a city lovers delight. And at Insight we know that there is no better way to explore a destination than with a local. This is the opportunity to see the great Portugal attractions, through the insightful lens of those that know them best.

In Lisbon, Portugal’s effervescent capital and a truly multicultural city, join a fascinating MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. In the Mouraria quarter, narrow alleyways and intricate staircases weave through a vibrant and welcoming community with an intriguing history. Considered Lisbon’s most multiethnic neighborhood, migrants make up around 30 percent of the local Mouraria community, with over 50 different nationalities living together side by side.

Here you will embark on a memorable exploration of this colorful neighborhood with your guide, themselves a recent immigrant. You will share in their stories, learn all about the neighborhood’s rich cultural history which has been shaped over centuries by its multiethnic makeup. You will also have the opportunity to learn how the community supports the active integration of refugees.

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From the main sights to more off-the-beaten-track locations, with Insight you can enjoy truly unique experiences that connect you to the heart of your destination. Tour the sights with local experts, enjoy VIP access and be invited into local communities. And with so many things to do in Portugal, know that we have selected the very best.

Travel to Portugal with Insight and at the impressive Lake Alqueva you will join a local boat captain for a unique tour. Europe’s largest artificial lake, stunning blue tranquil waters stretch as far as the eye can see. The Captain will be your guide and will regale you with tales of river life as you relax and enjoy the calming waters. Following this unique insight into local life, you will be treated to a traditional tapas lunch at an old olive mill, showcasing delicious local cuisine.

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Food and wine provides the ultimate way to immerse yourselves in local culture. And the delights that await you in Portugal will not be forgotten in a hurry. Taking its culinary influences from far and wide, dishes vary greatly from region to region leaving a surprise around every corner. And to dine with Insight means getting right into the heart of the offerings.

Taste the famous traditional pastéis de Belém in Lisbon, from the patisserie that has been using the same secret recipe for almost 200 years. Join a delicious and fascinating MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® farm-to-table dinner at Quinta da Roêda, home to one of the most distinguished port houses. Here you will taste a variety of wines produced sustainably by the Croft family, followed by a delicious meal freshly prepared from locally sourced ingredients. And in Porto, sample a selection of famous port wines with a tasting at Vila Nova de Gaia wine stores.

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Travel to Portugal with Insight and prepare to experience some fabulous hotels. Each is perfectly located for you to make the most of your destination.

The 5-star Dom Pedro is located in the heart of Lisbon with stunning river views. Explore Portugal’s effervescent capital with ease, with the sights on your doorstep. In the UNESCO World Heritage Centre of Évora enjoy two nights at the boutique 5-star M’Ar de Ar Aqueduto, housed in a 16th century palace. Relax in historic surroundings and enjoy their luxurious spa.

And in Porto, the Pousada do Porto Rua Das Flores is your base for two glorious nights. This boutique, five-star hotel is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World and located in the heart of Porto’s historic district. Relax in comfort and style, with the sights just a step away.

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The perfect way to travel to Portugal and explore in style, with our tours averaging 33 people, and our smaller group tours capped at just 24, you can enjoy all the benefits of premium guided travel with all the benefits of a small group. This means more unique experiences, local dining opportunities and stylish boutique hotels. You will also benefit from a more personalized service from your Travel Director and enjoy extra space when traveling. All combining to offer you the ultimate vacation.

Read more: 5 benefits of traveling on an Insight small group tour

This article was created in partnership with Visit Portugal