The official language of Portugal is Portuguese, which is also the fifth most spoken language in the world. Some useful Portuguese phrases to help you have meaningful connections with Portuguese locals include "por favor" which means "please", "Bom Dia", which means "Good Day/Morning", "Boa Tarde", meaning "Good Afternoon", "Obrigado/a" means "I am well thank you", however, this changes according to your gender. If you're female, say "Obrigada" and if you're a male, say "Obrigado".

Lisbon, Portugal's capital, enchants visitors with its rich history, impressive architecture and balmy weather.
Porto is famous for its Port win. This picturesque city is also known for its charming historic center where houses are adorned with elaborate tiles.
Sintra is a fairytale town with extravagant palaces and stunning gardens, like the Pena National Palace.
For golden beaches, dramatic cliffs and 300 days of sunshine a year, head to the coastal region or Faro and Algarve.

Portugal's official currency is the Euro (€). Exchanging your home currency to Euros can be done at banks, exchange bureaus, or ATMs around Portugal. When purchasing local currency, we recommend you to request notes of smaller denominations such as €50, €20 and €10, as many local stores and restaurants may not be willing to accept the higher ones.

In Portugal, tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. When travelling with Insight Vacations, certain tips and gratuities are included in your tour package. Baggage handling at hotels, service charges and tips for hotel waiting staff (for included meals) will be taken care of by your Travel Director. There are a few instances where individual tipping is welcome, such as tipping your tour guides or local hosts, hotel services and when you're dining at restaurants on your own.

Portugal in Spring (March to May) offers mild temperatures, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds, ideal for exploring cities. Summer (June to August) is peak tourist season, boasting sunny days perfect for beach vacations along the Algarve coast or island hopping in Madeira. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, visit Portugal in early summer or late spring. Fall (September to November) brings pleasant weather for wine harvest festivals. Winter in Spain (December to February) is mild and cool.

Traditional Portuguese food like Pastéis de Nata (Portuguese custard tarts), Polvo à Lagareiro (oven-baked octopus), and Caldeirada de Peixe (Portuguese seafood stew) are tantalising. Bacalhau, or salted cod, Bacalhau à Brás (cod fish cakes) and Bacalhau com Natas (cod with cream) are staples. Francesinha, a hearty Portuguese steak sandwich smothered in sauce. Portugal's food celebrates seafood, spices, and centuries-old recipes you will experience with Insight Vacation's exceptional dining.

Among the most famous Portuguese wine is Port wine, a fortified wine hailing from the Douro Valley. This sweet and robust wine comes in varieties including Tawny, Ruby, and Vintage Port. The Douro region is also celebrated for its exceptional red wines, known for their depth and complexity. Other popular Portuguese wines include Vinho Verde, a crisp and refreshing white wine, and Madeira, a fortified wine with a unique aging process.