August 3-9, 2026
August 3-9, 2026
Explore Portugal’s coast on a small-group journey from Lisbon to Porto and the Douro Valley with craft beer tastings, local food, and scenic Atlantic landscapes.
Great food, craft beverages, and welcoming local culture bring each stop to life.
Portugal has quietly become one of Europe’s most rewarding destinations for travelers who appreciate history, scenery, and the craft of making great food and drink.
Our journey begins in Lisbon, where historic neighborhoods overlook the Tagus River and modern breweries share the stage with centuries-old traditions. From there, we follow Portugal’s Atlantic coastline north, stopping in seaside towns and fishing villages before arriving in Porto, a city shaped by river views, lively markets, and a deep-rooted culture of food and drink.
Along the way we explore Portugal’s growing craft beer movement, taste regional specialties, and spend a full day in the spectacular Douro Valley, where terraced vineyards, winding river landscapes, and family-run estates define life in one of Europe’s most beautiful wine regions.
Traveling as a small group, this trip is designed to balance exploration with time to relax, enjoy great meals, and connect with the people and places that make Portugal so memorable.
This journey is hosted by Don Littlefield, president of Brews Cruise, who has spent nearly two decades introducing travelers to the culture behind craft beer around the world.
In Portugal, we partner with Yorick and Pascal and the team at Your Tours Portugal, one of the country’s most respected small-group tour companies. Their deep local knowledge and warm hospitality help transform this itinerary from a sightseeing trip into a truly personal experience.
I love visiting Portugal; I find it an interesting country, filled with great people who are a lot of fun. I hope you will join me on this adventure in August!
Guided Porto beer and food walking tour featuring local craft breweries and traditional bites
Behind-the-scenes visit and tasting at Lisbon’s Dois Corvos craft brewery
Tour of Portugal’s iconic Super Bock brewery, exploring the country’s brewing history
A hands-on Francesinha cooking workshop, learning to prepare Porto’s famous sandwich
Tastings of regional spirits at a traditional Portuguese distillery
A relaxed Douro Valley wine lunch showcasing regional flavors and vineyard views
A thoughtfully paced six-night small-group journey designed for connection and discovery
Three nights in Porto, allowing time to truly experience the city
A Douro River boat cruise through one of Europe’s most beautiful wine regions
Shared meals and tastings that bring travelers together throughout the journey
Comfortable hotels in Lisbon, Porto, and the Douro Valley
Our experience begins in Lisbon, where we settle in and explore the city’s historic districts before visiting one of the pioneers of Portugal’s craft beer movement. That evening we gather for a welcome dinner that introduces the flavors and relaxed hospitality that define the country.
The next day, we travel north along Portugal’s Atlantic coast, stopping in Nazaré, famous for its dramatic ocean views and legendary waves. In nearby Aveiro, we cruise the canals aboard a traditional Moliceiro boat before continuing to Porto.
With three nights in Porto, we have time to explore the city’s neighborhoods, markets, and food culture. A guided beer and food walking tour introduces us to both traditional dishes and Portugal’s emerging craft brewing scene, while a visit to the iconic Super Bock brewery provides insight into one of the country’s most influential beer producers. One afternoon, we step into the kitchen for a hands-on Francesinha workshop, preparing Porto’s most famous sandwich together.
From Porto, we travel inland to the spectacular Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape where vineyards cascade down steep hillsides toward the river below. Here we visit a distillery producing traditional Portuguese spirits, enjoy a multi-course regional lunch paired with Douro wines, and cruise along the river before visiting a historic wine estate.
Our final day takes us south again through historic towns including Viseu and Coimbra, with a craft beer lunch at Praxis Brewery before returning to Lisbon for a celebratory farewell dinner.
Each property has been selected for comfort, location, and the ability to support the relaxed pace of the journey.
Six nights accommodation
Private transportation throughout the trip
English-speaking guides and tour leadership
Craft brewery visits and tastings
Super Bock brewery tour
Francesinha cooking workshop and lunch
Distillery visit with tastings
Guided Porto beer and food walking tour
Douro Valley wine lunch
Douro River cruise
Visit to a Douro wine estate
Welcome dinner and farewell dinner
Several group lunches and tastings throughout the trip
This journey is designed for travelers who enjoy experiencing a destination through its culture, food, and local craft traditions. If you like the idea of exploring historic cities, visiting small producers, sharing memorable meals, and learning the stories behind what you’re tasting, this trip will feel like a natural fit.
It’s also ideal for people who appreciate the advantages of small-group travel. With a limited number of guests, the experience remains social and flexible, allowing for meaningful conversations, easier movement through cities, and access to places that larger tours simply can’t reach.
This trip tends to attract curious, easygoing travelers who enjoy a mix of guided experiences and independent time. You don’t need to be an expert in beer, spirits, or wine—just someone who enjoys discovering how local flavors connect to the history and character of a place.
A moderate level of mobility is helpful, as the journey includes walking through historic neighborhoods, uneven streets, and scenic viewpoints. The pace is comfortable and thoughtfully planned, but each day brings new places to explore.
Most of all, this trip is for travelers who believe the best journeys are shared—over great food, interesting drinks, and the stories that unfold when a small group of like-minded people explores a destination together.
Portugal’s Coastal Charms is designed as a small-group experience, which means space is intentionally limited. If this journey sounds like the kind of experience you’ve been hoping to find, now is the perfect time to take a closer look at the full itinerary.
Click below to explore the day-by-day details, see what’s included, and learn more about how the trip unfolds from Lisbon to Porto and into the Douro Valley.
When you’re ready, you’ll also be able to reserve your place on the trip, securing your spot alongside a small group of fellow travelers who share your curiosity for great destinations, great food, and great drinks.
We’d love to have you join us in Portugal.
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