Best of Portugal | Guided Small Group Tour | 11 Days

DAY 1:                                LISBON – TOMAR – ALCOBAÇA – BATALHA – FATIMA

Make your own way to Marques de Pombal terminal for a 9:00am departure (unless otherwise mentioned on your voucher). Travel through scenic landscapes dotted with windmills and orchards to Tomar, a city deeply connected to the Knights Templar. Visit the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich history and architectural splendour. Continue to Alcobaça to admire its Gothic church and the romantic tombs of King Pedro and Inês de Castro. Then, head to Batalha to visit the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and the resting place of Prince Henry the Navigator. Conclude the day in Fátima, home to the renowned Marian Shrine, with the possibility of attending the Candle Procession. Overnight in Fatima.

DAY 2:                                 FATIMA – COIMBRA – PORTO

After breakfast, depart for Coimbra, a city steeped in academic tradition. Visit its historic University, including the breathtaking Joanina Library, a baroque masterpiece, and learn about the traditions of its students. Stop by the Church of Santa Clara, where Queen Saint Isabel, known for the Miracle of the Roses, is entombed. Continue to the vibrant city of Porto. Wander its lively streets, admire the Ribeira district along the Douro River, and immerse yourself in its rich heritage and famous Port wine. Overnight in Porto. (B)

DAY 3:                                 PORTO – GUIMARAES – BRAGA – PORTO

Explore Porto’s treasures, from its riverside charm to its impressive monuments, including the Stock Exchange Palace and the Church of São Francisco. Head to Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal, where the medieval castle and the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança take you back in time. In Braga, discover the “Portuguese Rome,” with its splendid cathedral and the iconic Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, featuring its baroque stairway and tranquil gardens. Overnight in Porto. (B)

DAY 4:                                 PORTO – VIANA DO CASTELO – PORTO
Depart for Viana do Castelo, a picturesque city where history and scenic beauty merge. Visit the Basilica of Santa Luzia, offering panoramic views over the city and the Lima River. Stroll through the historic centre, characterised by its cobblestone streets, traditional buildings, and lively squares. Take time to explore the shops showcasing local crafts, such as the famous filigree jewellery, and enjoy the vibrant riverside promenade. The charming ambiance of Viana invites you to immerse yourself in its unique blend of maritime heritage and cultural richness. Return to Porto for the evening. Overnight in Porto. (B)

DAY 5:                                PORTO – AMARANTE – CASA DE MATEUS – DOURO VALLEY – VISEU

Begin the day in Amarante, known for its scenic beauty and the legacy of São Gonçalo. Visit Casa de Mateus in Vila Real, an iconic manor house surrounded by exquisite gardens. Travel through the breathtaking Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stopping in Régua for a delightful lunch. Continue to Pinhão, the heart of the Port wine region, where the landscape of terraced vineyards is unforgettable. End the day in Viseu, a historic city tied to the legend of Viriato, the Lusitanian leader. Explore its charming old town and vibrant commercial streets. Overnight in Viseu.

DAY 6:                                 VISEU – AVEIRO – NAZARÉ – ÓBIDOS – LISBON

Travel to Aveiro, the “Venice of Portugal,” with its picturesque canals and colourful “moliceiro” boats. Savour the city’s traditional sweet, “ovos moles.” Continue to Nazaré, a traditional fishing village renowned for its giant waves, maritime charm, and vibrant atmosphere. Take a stroll along its beachside promenade and admire the colourful fishing boats. Finally, explore Óbidos, a stunning medieval town surrounded by well-preserved walls, where you can wander its narrow cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed houses adorned with bougainvillaea. Don’t forget to taste the famous cherry liqueur, “ginjinha,” served in a chocolate cup. Return to Lisbon in the evening. Overnight in Lisbon. (B)

DAY 7:                                 LISBON – SINTRA – CABO DA ROCA – CASCAIS – ESTORIL – LISBON

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure towards to Sintra for a luxury day. Visit the palace of Sintra and walk through this charming village. Enjoy an amazing view from the westernmost point of Europe (Cabo da Roca). Along the coast we pass by one of the most famous surfing beaches, the incredible Boca do Inferno, the cosmopolitan Cascais and the gardens of Estoril Casino. Return to Lisbon. Overnight in Lisbon. (B)

DAY 8:                                 LISBON – EVORA

Enjoy a full-day tour of Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage town rich in culture, history and tradition. Travel from Lisbon through scenic landscapes of olive trees, cork oaks and vineyards. Explore Évora’s highlights, including the Roman Temple, Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral, Saint Francis Church with the Chapel of Bones, and the historic University. Visit the local market to discover regional ingredients and traditional handicrafts such as cork, ceramics and copper. After lunch (lunch not included), enjoy free time to wander the city. Overnight in Evora. (B)

DAY 9:                                  EVORA – BEJA – SILVES – LAGOS

Breakfast at the hotel and morning at leisure in Évora. Then, drive south, passing Beja where the highest tower of Portuguese Medieval castles dominates the town and the region. Continue to Silves, known for its red sandstone castle dating back to Moorish times. Continue to the golden sands of the Algarve passing by Praia da Rocha, to Lagos for overnight. Overnight in Lagos. (B)

DAY 10:                             LAGOS – PONTA DA PIEDADE – SAGRES – CABO SAO VINCENTE – LAGOS

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit ‘Ponta da Piedade’ and admire the magnificent view over the Atlantic Ocean, and cliffs, shaped and sculpted by the erosive action of both the sea and time. Continue to Sagres, a fishing port, for a visit to the fortress where the mythical “navigation school” was linked with the presence of Prince Henry, the Navigator during the first days of Atlantic navigation and the discovery of the African coast. Proceed along the cliffs to Cabo São Vincente, the most southwestern point in Europe before returning to the city of Lagos, a cosmopolitan town with a marina and fishing port, where you can taste the delicious Algarve dishes, such as the fish and shellfish cooked in a copper pan (cataplana), and the fine sweets such as the famous marzipans, almond and fig cakes. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore the city or take a dip in the sea. Overnight Lagos. (B)

DAY 11:                             LAGOS – SETUBAL – SERRA DA ARRABIDA – LISBON

After breakfast, depart Lagos. The return trip to Lisbon will take you by the city of Setubal, a major port and industrial centre on the north bank of the Sado estuary and through the scenic route over the Arrábida Mountain Range, an area preserved as a Natural Park, with amazing scenery, unique vegetation, and sweeping views of the Tróia Peninsula. Arrive back in Lisbon. End of services. (B)

ACCOMMODATION (OR SIMILAR):

FATIMA: Aurea Fatima Hotel or Hotel Lux Fatima

PORTO: Hotel Vila Gale or Hotel Ipanema Porto

VISEU: Hotel Montebelo Principe Perfeito

LISBON: Hotel Olissipo Marques de Sa

EVORA: Evora Olive Hotel

LAGOS: Hotel Marina Club

INCLUDES:

• 10 nights accommodation in 4* hotels
• Guided with multilingual guide
• Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
• Meals as per itinerary
• Sightseeing tours in Tomar, Alcobaca, Batalha, Coimbra, Porto, Guimaraes, Braga, Viana do Castelo, Vila Real, Sintra, Evora and Sagres
• Entrance fees to: Batalha Monastery, University of Coimbra, Palácio da Bolsa (Porto), St. Francisco Church (Porto), Gardens of Palácio de Mateus, Convento f Christ (Tomar), Palace of Pena, Chapel of Bones (Evora), São Francisco Church (Évora), Évora Cathedral, São Vicente Fortress (Sagres).Exclusions:

EXCLUDES:

• Entrances other than the ones mentioned
• Porter fees
• Meals other than breakfast
• Personal expenses

THINGS TO NOTE:

• Accommodation is subject to change without notice. Every effort is made to avoid hotel changes, but should a mid-tour hotel change become necessary after this list has been printed, contact details of the new hotel will be supplied to you by your Tour Director.
• Hotel rooms may not be available for check-in before 2:00pm. Hotel taxes, service charges and tips for baggage handling are not included in the tour price.
• Tour can be a combination of regular tours, therefore coach changes may be required. The same people may not be travelling throughout the tour.