Many visitors to Portugal head straight to the beaches of the Algarve, overlooking the many historical and cultural highlights of this fascinatingly varied country. For the discerning traveller, however, there is so much to discover, including vibrant cities, majestic palaces and cathedrals, the beautiful Douro Valley and delicious produce, most famously port dessert wine. Today Portugal is a country of great contrasts; it’s modern in many ways yet still has one foot firmly set in its past. Full of history and appeal and spared from large-scale industrialisation, its well-preserved medieval towns with their tiny cobbled streets are delightful to explore.  Portugal’s landscapes are stunning. You’ll experience them in full – from coastal forests, wild seascapes, fertile fields and dramatic valleys to sweeping biscuit-coloured hillsides covered with olive trees, fragrant pine forests and lush meadows. Experience the best of Portugal on this tour, from the maritime heritage of Lisbon to the National Palace of Sintra and Coimbra’s ancient university. Plus Porto’s port lodges, the beautiful Douro Valley and the chic resort of Cascais.