From devouring four pastéis de nata a day to uncovering its timeless charm, my journey proved why Portugal is a country that constantly demands a return.
From devouring four pastéis de nata a day to uncovering its timeless charm, my journey proved why Portugal is a country that constantly demands a return.
I met my friend Nathalie from Belgium in Panama back in 2019 on a solo trip. Since then, we've become travel partners, exploring corners of the world together. When October rolled around and we started planning our next adventure, Portugal kept coming up. Neither of us had been, and we both craved something that blended culture, coastline, and good food. We decided on a 9-day Contiki trip, and honestly, I wasn't sure what to expect. I'd done Contiki before in Europe, but Portugal felt different somehow. More mysterious. More relaxed. I needed to experience it for myself.
What I found was a country that rewards those who slow down. We explored the bigger cities like Lisbon and Porto, wandered through smaller towns along the way, and soaked up the free spirit of surf culture across Portugal's azure coastline. But the real revelation? The food. The pastéis de nata alone. I ate at least three or four a day. They're everywhere, warm from the oven, with that caramelized top and creamy custard centre. And the bacalhau (salt cod) melted in my mouth like nothing I'd tasted before. Paired with what might be the best wine I've ever had from Europe? I was in heaven.
Here's something that surprised me: I typically don't spend a lot of time in capital cities. They can feel overwhelming, too touristy, too rushed. But Lisbon completely changed my mind. The city is remarkably walkable, filled with fantastic food markets tucked into unexpected corners. I found myself wishing we had more time there. And a day trip to nearby Sintra felt like stepping into a fairytale kingdom, with its whimsical palaces and misty forests. That combination of urban energy and nearby enchantment is something I hadn't anticipated.
One piece of insider knowledge our Contiki Tour Manager shared has stuck with me: pack your patience when dining out. In Canada, we expect the bill the moment we finish eating. In Portugal, dining is meant for relaxing and enjoying. Our tour manager warned us to expect wait times of around 45 minutes for the bill. At first, this felt strange. But we quickly embraced it, ordering another glass of incredible wine and letting conversation flow. Once you understand this cultural rhythm, it transforms how you experience the country.
Our group maxed out at 24 people, which meant we actually got to know everyone. Nathalie and I made instant friends from Canada, Europe, U.S., and Australia. That's the magic of Contiki for travelers between 18 and 35. It's perfect for first-timers to Portugal or first-time solo travelers who want built-in community without sacrificing adventure.
What I know now is that Portugal isn't a one-and-done destination. There are so many layers to uncover. River cruises along the Douro Valley offer a completely different perspective. The Azores and Madeira islands have incredible hiking that I'm already planning for my next trip back. And for clients with extra time, adding a few days in Spain or Morocco makes perfect sense, given the proximity.
Portugal got under my skin in the best way. For young adults looking to explore Europe with a group of like-minded travelers, Contiki's 'Portugal Highlights' trip is something I recommend with complete confidence. I've lived it. I've tasted it. And I cannot wait to help my clients experience it for themselves.
