Travel has been part of Tara’s story from the very beginning. Growing up, she spent her childhood on long road trips across the United States; those experiences sparked an early love for exploring new places. Even then, she knew travel would always play a role in her life.
That early passion eventually led her to a career as a travel consultant, and more than 20 years later, it continues to shape the way she works with her clients. Tara still finds excitement in discovering new destinations, experiencing different cultures, trying local cuisine, and connecting with people along the way.
Today, she brings that same enthusiasm, along with decades of industry experience, into every trip she plans. Whether it’s a beach escape, a romantic getaway, a family holiday, a cruise, a destination wedding, or an adventure somewhere new, Tara focuses on creating travel experiences that reflect each client’s vision.
In this blog, Tara shares insights from her journey through Portugal. Keep reading for her firsthand impressions and what travellers can expect when visiting Portugal.
Q&A with Tara
Q: What inspired you to visit Portugal?
A: Portugal has become an increasingly popular destination for travellers, offering a blend of cuisine, wine, culture, architecture, and rich history. I wanted to experience it firsthand so I can better guide my clients and help ensure they have the best possible experience when visiting Portugal.
Q: How long was your trip, and which destination did you visit?
A: The five-day tour with Intrepid included visits to Lisbon, Coimbra, the Douro Valley, and Porto. My itinerary allowed limited time in both Lisbon and Porto, so I chose to extend my stay with additional pre- and post-tour nights to explore these destinations more thoroughly.
Q: What were your favourite cities or regions in Portugal and why?
A: I enjoyed every destination on the itinerary, though Porto and the Douro Valley were definite highlights. Porto stood out for its vibrant atmosphere—the riverside boardwalks, the stunning views of colourful buildings lining the waterfront, and the striking variety of bridges, each with its own unique design. The boardwalk offered a perfect setting to relax and people-watch, and one of my favourite experiences was enjoying dinner on an outdoor patio with sunset views and live music. I particularly enjoyed simply wandering the streets.
Experiences such as the Seven Bridges cruise, the Gaia cable car, and walking across the bridge at sunset were all highlights, each offering a unique perspective and exceptional views of this beautiful city. Visiting over a weekend also allowed me to experience a local market, which added to the city’s charm.
Despite some rainy weather that limited plans such as a vineyard picnic and time on our hotel’s rooftop terrace, the Douro Valley was equally memorable. The rolling hills, sweeping valley views, and picturesque vineyards were truly impressive, especially in the fall when the landscape was alive with colour. A highlight was visiting a local winery, where we learned about Port wine production and enjoyed a tasting—an experience that brought the region’s rich winemaking heritage to life.
Q: Were there any hidden gems or lesser-known spots that stood out to you?
A: I was there during the World Series, and I found it very difficult to find somewhere to watch the games. It was not easy to find North American sporting events. When I asked, most people didn’t even know what the World Series was. After much searching, I found an amazing place called Spot Lisboa. The staff was amazing! They played the games for us and even stayed open past closing when the game went into extra ends. They said that they play most North American sporting events. If you’re a sports fan and find yourself in Lisbon wanting to watch a game, head to Spot Lisboa.
Q: What were some of the must-see attractions and experiences you’d recommend?
A: Lisbon
I loved riding Tram 28, weaving through the city’s narrow streets and taking in the diverse views across its neighbourhoods. It functions much like a hop-on, hop-off experience, making it both scenic and practical. I would recommend completing the full route first to get a sense of the city’s layout, and then using it more selectively to explore specific areas in greater depth.
I would highly recommend a walking tour of Lisbon, along with visits to the Cathedral and the Fortress, to appreciate the city’s rich history and architecture. A day trip to Sintra is also a must, featuring the fairytale-like Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca, and the charming seaside village of Cascais.
Douro Valley
I loved our time in the Douro Valley, where the scenery was truly spectacular. I would highly recommend an overnight stay to fully appreciate the region’s beauty and atmosphere, along with one or two winery visits and tastings to experience its renowned wine culture. We also enjoyed a short cruise along the Douro River, which was a particularly memorable and relaxing way to take in the landscape.
Porto
Would highly recommend a walking tour. It really helped give me a sense of the city and the layout. For amazing views of the city, take the 7 Bridges Cruise, ride on the Gaia cable car or take a walk along the top of the Dom Luís I bridge.
Q: What kinds of activities did you enjoy most during your trip?
A: I thoroughly enjoyed our walking tour of Lisbon, which not only covered key sights across the city but also included food tastings along the way. We stopped at a variety of cafés and restaurants to sample traditional Portuguese specialties.
We also had the opportunity to learn about the history of Fado music and its connection to the University of Coimbra, followed by a memorable live Fado performance. If you are travelling to Portugal, a Fado concert is a must.
One of the highlights of the trip was spending the evening with my Intrepid group in Coimbra—sharing dinner and drinks while taking in the stunning views of the city from our hotel’s rooftop terrace.
After exploring the fortress, we sat and enjoyed the sunset with a local beer and some snacks. Great way to relax and enjoy the views after a day of sightseeing.
A few of us also chose to book a Pastéis de Nata cooking class, which turned out to be a fun and memorable experience with fellow travellers. We enjoyed learning how this iconic Portuguese treat is made and left with a recipe to recreate it at home. I even purchased the traditional tins and am looking forward to trying my hand at baking them myself one day.
Q: What were some of your favourite meals or food experiences?
A: Pastéis de Natas are iconic Portuguese egg custard tarts. You’ll find them just about everywhere, including on hotel breakfast buffets. We enjoyed them at every opportunity we could. I found them best served warm, and our tour guide recommended a light sprinkle of cinnamon—which, I agree, made them even more delicious.
Port Wine – I really enjoyed learning about the different styles of Port wine and sampling them. I had no idea they came in a range of varieties, including white, red, and ruby. I was also surprised to discover a green Port, which I found particularly enjoyable. For those who enjoy cocktails, it also makes an excellent Port & Tonic.
Ginja is a sour cherry liqueur. It is considered a classic Portuguese drink, frequently enjoyed by locals and tourists. Many places will serve it with a cherry in the bottom or a chocolate cup.
Francesinha, which our tour guide told us was a heart attack on a plate, but delicious. I was one of the only “brave” ones on the trip to try it. I’m glad I did, as it was absolutely worth it. A francesinha is a famous indulgent sandwich from Porto, typically made with veal steak, chouriço and linguiça sausage, and ham, all topped with melted cheese and a rich hot tomato and beer-based sauce.
Arroz de Marisco is a traditional Portuguese seafood and rice dish, often compared to paella. However, unlike Spanish paella, the Portuguese version is typically much more saucy and brothy, resembling a rich seafood risotto or stew. It is traditionally prepared with Carolino rice, along with shrimp, clams, and mussels. Our tour guide advised that the portion sizes are quite generous and best suited for sharing. I tried it in the seaside town of Cascais and shared it with two other travellers. Even with three of us sharing—and very full—we still had leftovers.
Q: Where did you stay and what did you think of the accommodations?
A: As this departure was specifically designed for travel agents, Intrepid included a mix of their Original, Comfort, and Premium hotel categories. While some properties offered a more elevated experience with added touches—such as a welcome Ginja drink—all of the hotels were clean, well located within easy walking distance of key attractions (with the exception of the Douro Valley property), and included a hearty breakfast. Service throughout was consistently excellent.
Q: What surprised you most about Portugal?
A: What surprised me most was the number of hills and stairs throughout the cities. During my visit, particularly in Lisbon, I found myself climbing thousands of steps while exploring. It definitely gave me a good cardio workout! Coimbra and Porto also involved a significant amount of uphill walking.
As I moved through each destination, it became clear that Portugal can present challenges for travellers with mobility limitations, as well as for families using strollers. While certainly not impossible to navigate, it would require more planning and reliance on taxis or public transit to get around comfortably. There would also be some sites that would be limited as the historic sites like the fortress don’t offer elevators or ramps due to the historic nature and construction.
Q: What type of traveller would you say this trip is best suited for?
A: The Intrepid trip I took is an excellent option for travellers looking to gain a well-rounded introduction to Portugal and experience a variety of destinations within a single journey. It is also well-suited to those who prefer small-group travel, with the convenience of logistics such as transportation, accommodation, and select meals taken care of. I particularly valued the expertise of the tour leader and local guides, whose insights greatly enhanced the overall experience.
In general, Portugal is an outstanding destination for food and wine enthusiasts, as well as lovers of architecture, history, and active travel. Culinary experiences range widely—from local hidden gems to Michelin-starred dining and exceptional winery visits. Architecturally and historically, the country offers many castles, cathedrals, fortresses, and more across its regions. For active travellers, beyond the walkable cities, both the coastline and the Douro Valley provide excellent opportunities for hiking, walking trails, and cycling routes.
Q: What was the most memorable moment of your trip?
A: I can’t point to a single moment, but the most memorable part of the trip was my time in Porto. I loved the city’s atmosphere—the vibrant street art, the iconic train station and even the famous McDonald’s, the Seven Bridges cruise, and wandering the riverfront boardwalk. Some of my favourite moments were taking in the views at different times of day, especially watching both sunset and sunrise along the water.
If Portugal is on your travel list, or if you’re considering a destination that blends culture, history, food, and scenic landscapes, Tara can help you plan a trip tailored to your travel style. With firsthand experience in the destination, she can offer practical insight and help design an itinerary that makes the most of your time away—whether that includes a guided tour, independent exploration, or a combination of both.
Reach out to Tara to start planning your next journey.
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