Portugal Tour

Tour Description

Get a taste of the highlights of Portugal. The trip begins in the country's main city Lisbon. It was from this place that navigators set off to discover the world and today visitors start their journey here to discover Portugal. After visiting the sights synonymous with the Age of Discovery, wander the winding narrow streets of the Alfama district, where laundry and bird cages hang from colorful balconies. Continue onwards through beautiful coastlines and countryside, visiting castles, cathedrals, monasteries, manor houses and churches along the way. Experience the tastes of the country including the famous port wine.

Highlights

Lisbon tour including Monastery of Jeronimos and the Tower of Belem
Visit to Sintra, a World Heritage site
See the tomb of Prince Henry the Navigator
Visit the Shrine of Fatima
Tour the university town of Coimbra
Explore the famous Port Wine Cellars
Wine estate visit

Lisbon - 2 nights

Day 1: Arrive Lisbon

This morning arrive at Lisbon airport where you will be met by your tour escort. On our way to the hotel we will enjoy a tour of Lisbon; a city of old history and heritage. See such sights as the Monastery of Jeronimos, the Tower of Belem and the evocative Monument to the Discoveries. We arrive at the hotel and you are free for the balance of the afternoon. Tonight we will gather for a welcome dinner.

Day 2:

This morning we will set out to explore the World Heritage site of Sintra. Visit the medieval Vila Palace built as a summer residence by the Portuguese Royalty. Here you will see an excellent display of the famous Portuguese glazed tiles. We return to Lisbon by traveling along the Estoril and Cascais Coastline with views of the Atlantic Ocean. The afternoon is free for you to explore Lisbon.

Fatima- 1 night

Day 3:

This morning we depart for the walled city of Obidos and one of the best examples of Portuguese medieval architecture. Enjoy the diversity of the handicrafts available and taste the famous ginginha (bitter cherry liqueur). We continue on to Alcobaca. The imposing monastery dates from the 12th century and where the famous tombs of King Pedro I and Ines de Castro can be found. Our day continues with a stop in Batalha and the Monastery of Santa Maria de Victoria and the tomb of Prince Henry the Navigator, promoter of maritime discoveries. Our final stop of the day will be at the Marian Shrine of Fatima.

Porto - 2 nights

Day 4:

Enjoy a tour of the university town of Coimbra. The university sits on the highest hill overlooking the houses on the banks of the Mondego River. Visit the Baroque Library, considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. Walk through the medieval area passing the Old Cathedral and the Church of Santa Cruz. We will then drive to Porto where you will enjoy a tour of the city and some free time to explore the famous Port Wine Cellars and before arriving at your hotel.

Day 5:

Today enjoy a full day excursion in the Douro Valley another World Heritage site. Visit Mateus Manor House an 18th century Baroque estate with formal gardens. See the steep valleys of the Douro where the vines grow for the famous Port Wine and stop to visit an estate where you will learn about the Douro and the Port Wines as well as enjoying a tasting of what the vineyard produces.

Algarve- 3 nights

Day 6:

This morning board the Alfa fast train to Faro where you will enjoy your last three nights relaxing on the Algarve coastline.

Day 7:

Enjoy the pristine beaches and quaint villages of the Algarve coastline

Day 8: