Portugal

PORTUGAL IN DEPTH

11 days from Lisbon to Lisbon

Day 1 Arrive in Lisbon, Portugal

Free time to rest or start exploring the Portuguese capital. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (Dinner)

Day 2 Lisbon

Lisbon was the center of Europe’s longest-lived overseas empire. Portugal’s imperial ambitions date back to Prince Henry the Navigator’s 15th-century discoveries in West Africa. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide features a drive through the Baixa quarter’s main squares. Then, enjoy a walk through the cobblestone alleys of quaint ALFAMA, the popular quarter of the seamen and Fado singers. Drive along the grand Avenida da Liberdade up to Pombal Square. Stop for pictures of Belem Tower, guarding the mouth of the Tagus, and visit JERONIMOS MONASTERY with the tomb of Vasco da Gama. Afternoon and evening at leisure. Exciting optional excursions to Sintra and the royal palace of Queluz, and dinner at a typical taverna with Fado-style entertainment are available. (Breakfast)

Day 3 Lisbon–Obidos–Alcobaça–Nazaré–Fatima–Tomar

First stop on your northbound journey is medieval Obidos. Go back in time as you pass the main gate in the impressive perimeter wall and walk along the narrow streets. Continue to Alcobaça to visit the CHURCH OF SANTA MARIA MONASTERY, built in the 12th century for 999 Cistercian monks. See the elaborate tombs of King Pedro I and his Castilian lover, Inês de Castro, and hear how she was murdered at the order of Pedro’s father. The fishing harbor of Nazaré is the perfect place for a leisurely lunch break. In the afternoon, mix with the pilgrims at the country’s hallowed national shrine, Fatima’s SANCTUARY OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY. Overnight in Tomar, the historic seat of the mighty Order of the Knights of Christ. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 4 Tomar–Conimbriga–Coimbra–Oporto

Visit the hilltop CONVENT OF CHRIST with its famous Manueline Window. Further north, the ROMAN RUINS OF CONIMBRIGA are eloquent testimony to centuries of Roman influence. Tour the excavations, admire the well-preserved mosaics, and visit the excellent MUSEUM. Continue to Coimbra, strategically situated on a hill overlooking the Mondego River. After a visit to the gilded baroque LIBRARY of its 700-year-old university, drive by ancient Buçaco Forest on your way to Oporto, Portugal’s second-largest city. Tonight, why not join an optional dinner at one of Oporto’s fine restaurants? (Breakfast)

Day 5 Oporto

Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a panoramic drive to the mouth of the Douro River, the soaring cathedral, the richly decorated CHURCH OF SAO FRANCISCO, and the STOCK EXCHANGE with its contemporary ARABIAN HALL inspired by Granada’s Alhambra. Next, visit a PORT WINE CELLAR where the famous wine produced from grapes of the Douro Valley is aged in huge vats. Afternoon at leisure. An optional boat ride combined with a visit to the House of Music is available. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 6 Oporto–Guimaraes –Vila Real–Viseu

Head inland to Guimaraes, often referred to as the “Cradle of Portugal” because of its association with the country’s first king, Alfonso Henriques. Enjoy a walk through the medieval center, before continuing to Vila Real, former capital of Portugal’s northeastern region of Trás-os-Montes. Just outside the town, visit the splendid park and manor of PALACIO DE MATEUS, whose picture graces the label of the excellent Mateus rosé wine. From here, a scenic road through the Port wine vineyards leads to Viseu, believed to have been the home of Lusitanian leader Viriate, who resisted the Roman conquest. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 7 Viseu–Belmonte–Castelo de Vide–Evora

This morning, your first stop is in Belmonte, today a symbol of Jewish awakening, for a visit the JEWISH MUSEUM. Also enjoy an OLIVE OIL TASTING. Afternoon break in Castelo de Vide, an enchanting small town. Time to walk through the Jewish quarter with its white-washed houses and to take pictures of the 14th-century castle. Continue to Evora, the cultural center of southern Portugal and a former royal residence. This evening, dinner at a local restaurant is included. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 8 Evora–Algarve

A massive wall surrounds Evora’s medieval center, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Follow your Local Guide on a walking tour through its narrow alleys to the Roman Temple, the early gothic CATHEDRAL, Portas de Moura Fountain, and SAO FRANCISCO CHURCH. Visit the OSSUARY CHAPEL, whose walls are covered with thousands of human bones and skulls. Next, proceed across the arid Alentejo plain to the Algarve, Portugal’s most popular vacation area. Tonight, why not try one of the seafood restaurants for which the Algarve is famous? (Breakfast)

Day 9 Algarve. Coastal Excursion

Today you may prefer to relax, explore this beautiful resort at your own pace, or join the included excursion along the enchanting southern coastline. History comes alive as you reach the wind-swept PROMONTORY OF SAGRES, where Henry the Navigator lived and planned his overseas expansion. Only a few miles away is Cape St. Vincent, the southwestern corner of continental Europe, a dramatic cliff defying the waves of an ever-angry Atlantic Ocean. Time in pretty Lagos before returning to your hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 10 Algarve–Lisbon

Take the scenic route over the Serra da Arrábida and savor sweeping views of the Tróia Peninsula. Catch glimpses of the castle at Sesimbra, which recall fierce medieval battles between Christians and Moors. After crossing the Bridge of April 25th, you’re back in Lisbon. Why not join an optional dinner to celebrate the success of an exciting touring adventure? (Breakfast)

Day 11 Lisbon

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

Included Features

Lisbon

Welcome dinner; guided sightseeing, visit the Alfama quarter and Jeronimos Monastery

Obidos

Walking tour of the medieval town

Alcobaça 

Visit the Church of Santa Maria Monastery

Nazaré 

Lunch break

Fatima 

Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary

Tomar

Visit the Convent of Christ

Conimbriga 

Visit of the Roman ruins and the museum

Coimbra

Visit the University Library

Oporto

Guided sightseeing, visit the Church of Sao Francisco and the Arabian Hall in the Stock Exchange; wine tasting in a Port wine cellar

Guimaraes

Walk through the medieval center

Vila Real

Visit the Palacio de Mateus

Belmonte

Visit the Jewish Museum; olive oil tasting

Castelo de Vide 

Walk through the Jewish quarter

Evora

Guided walking tour, visit the gothic cathedral, the Sao Francisco Church, and the Ossuary Chapel; dinner at a local restaurant

Algarve

Excursion to the Promontory of Sagres, Cape St. Vincent, and Lagos

 

Accomodations

Meals

Full buffet breakfast daily; 6 three-course dinners, including a welcome dinner in Lisbon and a special dinner with wine in Evora

SUPERIOR HOTELS - (D) Deluxe (SF) Superior First-Class (F) First-Class

LISBON Mundial (F), TOMAR Dos Templarios (F), OPORTO Tiara Park Atlantic (SF), VISEU Grao Vasco (F),EVORA M’AR De AR Muralhas (F), ALGARVE Tivoli Carvoeiro (F) at Carvoeiro

Dates & Prices

Popular Departure - due to itinerary and time of year, this departure historically sells out quickly. Early booking is encouraged.