11 days Country Roads of Portugal
Portugal's great discoveries brought trade and wealth which left their mark throughout the Kingdom. Witness this legacy, from the sunny beaches of the Algarve to the vineyards of the Douro Valley.
| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Welcome to Lisbon | On arrival at Lisbon Portela Airport, there are complimentary transfers to your hotel at 09:30, 12:30 & 15:30 hours. Settle in and relax. Later, join your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception and the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over a pleasant evening of dinner and wine. Hotel: Altis Grand, Lisbon (Superior Rooms) Meals: Dinner with Wine |
| 2 | Lisbon and the Age of the Great Discoveries | Your guided panoramic sightseeing takes you along the spacious avenues of the Lower Town and across the tree-shaded squares. Pass beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paco, the finest square in the city, named after the palace which was destroyed in the terrible earthquake of 1755 (along with much of the rest of the city). Visit the Belem Quarter from where sailing ships set forth to discover unknown lands. Enjoy a taste of Pastéis de Belém from the patisserie that has been using the same, secret recipe for almost 200 years. See the modern Monument to the Discoveries and the more ancient Belém Tower, erected to protect Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which you visit. With free time in the afternoon, perhaps take the funicular railway up into the steep alleyways of the old town or explore the terraces of the Alfama district? Hotel: Altis Grand Hotel (Superior Rooms), Lisbon. Meals: Buffet Breakfast |
| 3 | The Algarve | Cross the River Tagus and head for the sun-drenched southern coast to reach Lagos, a fishing port nestled on the bay of Meia Praia. After free time to explore, continue to your resort hotel set within a magnificent 360-acre estate. Simplicity is in the soul of Algarve cuisine, along with seafood so fresh it still tastes of the sea. The small coastal towns and fishing ports house a rich variety of restaurants and your Travel Director knows the best! Why not join an Optional Experience to experience the natural beauty of the region, with a boat cruise and visit to one of the nearby coastal towns? Hotel: Ria Park Hotel & Spa, Almancil, Algarve. Meals: Buffet Breakfast |
| 4 | Relaxed Start - Everlasting Évora | Journey to the medieval walled city of Évora where cathedrals, churches, aqueducts and ancient castle walls all serve to create the feeling that this beautiful city is a living, breathing museum to Portugal's rich past. Join your Local Expert to explore the highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the Roman Temple and visit the Capela dos Ossos, an extraordinary 17th century chapel comprising the skulls and bones of 5,000 bodies. Visit the cathedral with its attractive mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. With the afternoon at leisure, you may wish to continue to stroll through Évora’s unique historical centre, or the serene city park, following the aqueduct inside the city walls? Hotel: M’Ar De Ar Aqueduto, Évora. Meals: Buffet Breakfast |
| 5 | Relaxed Start - Monsaraz and Évora | Travel to the striking white village of Monsaraz, situated on an imposing hilltop, surrounded by cork oaks and vineyards. From the castle ruins, admire the spectacular views across to the dry Spanish plains, contrasting with the blue of one of Europe's largest artificial lakes. Meet a local boat captain and hear tales of life upon the water during your leisurely cruise. Sit down to a delicious Highlight Lunch in a local restaurant that was formerly an olive oil mill. Savour the local cuisine as your menu is typical of the local Alentejo region and accompanied with wine. Return to Évora where the evening is at your leisure to explore this beautifully preserved regional capital. Hotel: M’Ar De Ar Aqueduto, Evora. Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Lunch with Wine |
| 6 | Scenic drive to Óbidos, Fátima and Tomar | Pass cork oak forests and expansive rice fields as you journey to the fortified town of Óbidos. Walk inside its walls to explore the craft shops, art galleries and flower-laden houses that line the narrow, medieval streets. Continue to Fátima, Portugal’s most renowned place of pilgrimage. See the basilica or perhaps visit the Chapel of the Apparitions, which commemorates the appearance of the Virgin Mary to three young shepherds in 1917. Proceed to Tomar and visit one of Portugal’s historical jewels, the Templar Castle and Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With your Local Expert, explore the octagonal Templars' Rotunda in the cloister and glimpse the day-to-day life of a warrior monk in the domestic areas. Outside on the battlements, the Manueline Window is perhaps the finest example in the country. You also visit the Synagogue of Tomar, one of the best preserved medieval synagogues in Portugal, housing a small Jewish museum. Hotel: Hotel Dos Templários, Tomar. Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with Wine |
| 7 | Coimbra, the Douro and Pinhao | In Coimbra, your Local Expert will show you the highlights of the Old Town, including a visit to the impressive Baroque university library. Journey through the rolling vine-laden hills and along the left bank of the Douro to arrive at Quinta de Marrocos, the home of the Sequeira family for the past 4 generations. Learn about the family’s passion for wine making as you join them for a wonderful Farm-to-Table Dinner, freshly prepared from locally sourced ingredients and of course accompanied by wine from the estate. Hotel: Vintage House, Pinhão, Douro Valley. Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with Wine |
| 8 | Guimarães and Porto | Journey to Guimaraes, known as the Cradle of Portugal. From the ruined castle there are wonderful views and down in the historic heart lies a web of washing-hung alleyways, cobbled streets and cosy squares with tiny bars and cafes. Continue towards the bright lights of Porto, situated on the Douro and celebrated as the Port wine capital of the world. These famous Port wines are housed in the Vila Nova de Gaia wine stores. Walk along corridors of casks and get to know your tawnys and vintages during a tasting. In the evening you are at leisure to enjoy your boutique, five-star hotel, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, in the heart of Porto's historical district. The decor is a mix of classic and contemporary and each room is individually decorated with original artwork. Hotel: Hotel Infante Sagres, Porto. Meals: Buffet Breakfast |
| 9 | Porto, Grande Dame on the Douro | With a full day free to enjoy at your own pace, why not take a stroll to admire the multi-coloured houses, churches covered in beautiful glazed tiles and the iconic bridges? For a different perspective and excellent views of the city, perhaps embark on a relaxing Douro cruise? In the evening, bid adeus to your Travel Director and fellow travellers with a mouth-watering Celebration Dinner with wine, at an authentic Porto restaurant. Hotel: Hotel Infante Sagres, Porto. Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with Wine |
| 10 | Return to Lisbon. | Enjoy a relaxed start in Porto before travelling to Lisbon, arriving at your hotel in the early evening. Hotel: Dom Pedro Lisboa. Meals: Buffet Breakfast |
| 11 | Depart Lisbon | After breakfast, your departure transfers arrive at Lisbon Portela Airport at 7:00 and 9:30. Buffet Breakfast |