The simplest way is to fly into Lisbon and out of Porto. If you need to fly back out of the capital then we can of course add a return train back to Lisbon.

It is possible to take this trip at pretty much any time of year but for the best balance of temperatures, rainfall and visitor numbers, we advise you plan to travel from late March through to June and then late September through October.

Peak season is from mid-July to the end of August. September in the Douro can be busy as it is harvest time, but it's an exciting and photogenic time to be amid the vines.

As part of our vacation service to you, we provide a travel app which is packed with our favourite sightseeing options and places to eat. This helps take the stress out of planning your time, knowing that we've been there, done that and eaten the pasteis de nata. Think of it as your bible as you travel around, a friend always there to send you off in the right direction and smooth the way for you.

If you get into any bother, which you'd be hard pushed to do in Portugal, then our team is always on hand to help. In the first instance that is your hosts and guides, our extended Pura Aventura family in Portugal. But you have a 24/7 emergency contact for our team here should you ever need it.

The hotels we use in the cities are all within a short walk of a wide choice of restaurants and the heart of the city. We look for quiet and comfy rooms, good service, a sense of place and a bit of personality. We like some luxury touches, but not necessarily luxury for the sake of luxury.

Please get in touch for full details.

For sure. From start to finish, this trip takes you deep into the heart of Portugal's engaging and varied culture in both the cities and in the Douro Valley. We are sure to include time with our local guides at key moments in the journey.

Not at all, no. Your hosts and guides all speak good English and you'll have little problem in somewhere so geared towards tourism as Lisbon and Porto are.

Yes, as long as we retain the essence of this trip through the pacing and content. We can add in a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon for example. This trip also combines well with our walking vacations, if you want to explore the countryside on foot. There's one on the undiscovered trails of the north from Porto, and another in the Alentejo south from Lisbon. Equally, you might head up into Spain directly north of Porto and explore from there. Just let us know if you have any ideas or questions.