Essentials of Portugal

Welcome to Lisbon, the sunniest city of Europe, well known by the city of the 7 hills.

Meet your local assistant. Transfer to your hotel.

Dinner on your terms.  Overnight in the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

This morning we visit the lovely bay-side town of Belém, world renowned for its historic walking areas, magnificent Church and Cloisters of the Jerónimos (entrance in supplement) and famous Belem Tower (exterior). Of course we can’t leave this area without tasting the FAMOUS “pastel de belém,” a wonderful custard tart pastry from the Belem Pastry (Take-away included).

Lunch on your terms. 

In the afternoon, we will go to the typical neighborhood of Alfama, with its winding streets and flowered balconies. Climb to the Belvedere of Santa Luzia from where we have one of the most beautiful panoramas on Lisbon. Continuation of the visit with Rossio and the “Praça do Comercio”, downtown and business. Free time to walk and discover this bright city.

Dinner on your terms. Overnight in the hotel.

Breakfast in the hotel.

After breakfast our day begins with an exhilarating sightseeing tour of the “Sunny Coast“, the cosmopolitan Estoril and Cascais.   The colourful Bay of Cascais is both a traditional fishing village and a lively resort with bars, nightclubs and restaurants. We continue on to the Cabo da Roca cliff, which is the most westerly point of continental Europe.

Lunch on your terms.

A scenic drive takes us to the medieval village of Sintra (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Lord Byron called Sintra “the most delightful village in Europe.” Enjoy a walking tour of the village. Here we visit the Pena Palace (entrance in supplement) the colourful palace of the top of the Hill of “Serra de Sintra”.

Continuation to your hotel in the Center Region.

Dinner on your terms. Overnight in the hotel.

Excursion to the fortified medieval town of ÓBIDOS with its typical narrow streets and ramparts that encircle the city. Tasting of the famous Ginjinha (cherry liqueur) (included).

Continue to NAZARÉ, a picturesque fishing village, at the foot of a steep cliff. The most typical and colorful beach of Portugal will seduce you with its ancestral traditions where women dressed in black wear up to seven petticoats.

Lunch on your terms (we recommend a fish dish).

Leisure time to stroll along this beautiful beach. Climb to the “Sítio” to admire the landscape.

Departure for ALCOBAÇA where is one of the most beautiful Cistercian abbeys of Portugal, which was one of the richest and most powerful of the country. You will discover the church of the monastery and the moving love story of Pedro and Ines (entrance in supplement).

Back to the hotel. Dinner on your terms.  Overnight.

Today we have a full day to discover Portugal’s second largest city : PORTO. This is the city that originated and named Porto Wine and Portugal, famed for its riverside hills, medieval alleys, Parisian-style plazas, historic monuments, churches and enchanting atmosphere. We’ll tour the city and visit the impressive gothic church of Sao Francisco (entrance in supplement), as well as the Stock Exchange Palace (entrance in supplement) and its famous Arab Room which is used for personalities. 

Lunch on your terms.

After we’ll walk along the historical center of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Pass the beautiful cathedral (exterior) and visit the São Bento Station, well worthy of a visit with the huge entrance hall covered with some twenty thousand pictorial tiles. The work of Jorge Colaço, they feature historical and ethnographic images. In the end of your day visit a wine cellar and enjoy a Port wine tasting (in supplement).  Back to your hotel. Dinner on your terms. Overnight in the hotel.

Today we’ll venture to the countryside in Portugal’s beautiful northern district to the town of Barcelos, known as the origin of the most famous symbol of Portugal, the colourful ceramic cockerel.  Visit a local artisan. From here we’ll continue on to Braga, one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal and visit the Bom Jesus sanctuary (included) and the famous stairway, one of country’s best-know sites.  Look forward to leisure time for sightseeing, shopping and lunch in this beautiful city. 

Lunch on your terms. 

Continue on to the charming town of Viana do Castelo with its beautiful setting on the north bank of the Lima River estuary. Known for its opulent mansions in the Manueline, Renaissance and Baroque styles and nearby beaches we’ll enjoy the afternoon in the pedestrians-only historic center before returning to Porto for an evening at leisure. 

Dinner on your terms. Overnight in the hotel.

Today we travel to the city of AVEIRO to capture the essence of this “picture-book” destination, with its colourful gondola-shaped boats, natural lagoons, elegant 19th century architecture and traditional cobblestone passageways. Known as “The Portuguese Venice” due to its system of canals and boats, the quality of life is very high in Aveiro. It is a special place where old meets new. Walking tour of the village. Enjoy a mini boat Tour on tradicional “Moliceiro” (entrance in supplement).

Lunch on your terms.

In the afternoon we travel to Coimbra, a charming university town, known as Portugal’s Oxford (the university library is one of the masterpieces of baroque art). We’ll have the opportunity to visit the main buildings of Portugal’s oldest university (subject to availability) and walk along the maze of narrow streets.

Road to your hotel in center region. Dinner on your terms. Overnight in the hotel.

Breakfast.

Transfer to Lisbon airport.