Highlights of Portugal

Arrival
Welcome to Lisbon - the fabulous capital of Portugal! Upon arrival, you are met by your private driver, who transfers you to the hotel for the check-in.

The rest of the day is free so you can start exploring the magnificent city center on your own, dine in one of the local restaurants or take a good rest in your comfortable room.

Exploring the Highlights of Lisbon
After breakfast you meet your guide and enjoy a panoramic walking sightseeing tour of Lisbon.

During the tour you see the most famous attractions, including Restauradores Square with the Obelisk commemorating the Restoration of Portugal’s independence from Spain in 1640.

You take a funicular up to the Bairro Alto and admire the view of the Mouraria district and the Sao Jorge Castle, the charming neighbourhood of Chiado abundant in old cafés, shops and theaters.

Then you proceed to Baixa including Rossio Square, where you learn how the city was destroyed in 1755 by a massive earthquake, and then totally rebuilt to become the city of today. Continue to Alfama Lisbon’s oldest district to admire Se Cathedral - the city’s oldest church and Commerce Square before returning back to the hotel and have the rest of the day free.

After the tour, you return to your hotel and have the rest of the day free. In the evening you may join an optional tour.

Optional tour: Fado show with dinner.

The Belem Quarter & Cascais Tour
Embark on a journey exploring the highlights west of Lisbon. Begin with a hotel pick-up  and head to the iconic Belém Quarter, where you’ll see the Belém Tower, Monument of the Discoveries, and Jerónimos Monastery from the outside.

Enjoy a traditional Pastel de Belém at the famous local bakery (at your expense) before continuing to the dramatic cliffs of Cabo da Roca — the westernmost point of continental Europe.

Then, visit the charming coastal town of Cascais, where you'll have a bit of free time. On your return to Lisbon, stop for an interior visit to the elegant Ajuda Palace before being dropped off at your hotel.

A perfect blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty.

Lisbon's Fishing Culture
In the morning after breakfast prepare for an exciting day of exploring Portugal’s traditional fishing heritage - an integral part of the culture which is often missed by tourists.

Together with your guide-driver, you head for Fonte da Telha Beach to visit an old fishing village. Here you learn about local fishermen' traditional way of life and the different fishing techniques which they are used to apply. You continue traveling along the coast to the Arrabida Mountain Range to view the spectacular Sado estuary which is considered to be one of the most beautiful bays of the world.

You then are transferred to the city of Setubal, a home to Livramento Market famous for a huge assortment of local seafood. As the highlight of the tour, you have lunch at a traditional family-run fisherman´s restaurant and enjoy a delicious typical Mediterranean meal.

After the tour, you return to your hotel in Lisbon and have the rest of the day free.

Departure
In the morning following breakfast you check out and start another day of exploring Portugal. 

Arrival 
Upon arrival, you check in and have the evening at leisure.
 

Exploring Coimbra & Departure to Porto
Following breakfast you check out from the hotel. Together with your guide you go on a sightseeing tour of Coimbra highlights.

Coimbra, located in the heart of Portugal, was the medieval capital for more than 100 years and is the oldest university city in Portugal. Monumental, inspiring and surprisingly charming, the city faces the Mondego River, crowned by the University and its stunning baroque library.

In the afternoon, your driver takes you to the train station where you take a train to Porto.

Arrival & Port Wine Tasting
Welcome to Porto - the most romantic coastal city of Portugal!

Upon arrival, your driver meets you at the train station and transfers you to the hotel. You drop off your luggage and together with a guide start a welcome walking tour from Palacio da Bolsa to Luis I Bridge. As a highlight of your introduction to Porto, you walk to a winery for port wine tasting.

After the introductory walk, you return to your centrally located hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free.

Exploring the Highlights of Porto
After breakfast you meet your guide who takes you on an exhilarating walking tour of Porto's main landmarks. Located along the Douro river estuary in northern Portugal, Porto encompasses one of the oldest European town centers which is in fact registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The first stop of your tour is the iconic Lello Bookshop, the oldest bookshop in Portugal. During the tour you also admire the most iconic city monuments, including the railway station of Sao Bento, the Porto Cathedral and San Francisco Church. 

After the tour you return to your hotel and have the rest of the day free.

Day Trip to the Douro Valley
Following breakfast, you meet your guide-driver who takes you on a full day tour to the breathtaking Douro Valley Wine Region - a famous UNESCO Heritage Site recognized as the best river destination of Europe.

The tour starts in the historical city of Amarante, where you see the impressive Bridge and Sao Goncalo Church. Afterwards, you make a stop in Regua - the center of the Port wine region. As a highlight of the tour you are taken to wine tasting at Quinta Do Seixo from Sandeman, renown for its amazing view from the top of the mountain to the vineyards. Here you are treated to a wine tasting and lunch.

Your route then takes you along one of the most beautiful roads of Portugal to the small town of Pinhão, where you see beautiful blue tin-glazed ceramic tilework called Azulejos at the famous railway station. After the tour you are transferred to your hotel in Porto and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Braga & Guimaraes Old Town Sightseeing Tours
After breakfast your guide and driver take you to Minho - the greenest region of Portugal, famous for its amazing landscapes, wonderful cultural heritage, and authentic handicrafts, which make Minho a region with a very unique personality full of traditions.

Upon arrival in the capital of the region - the ancient city of Braga, you visit its 11th century Braga Cathedral (entrance tickets are included) and admire the impressive Sanctuary of Bom Jesus.

You then take a trip to the cradle of Portugal - the medieval city of Guimaraes, where you explore its UNESCO-listed Old Town and visit its famous Palace of the Dukes (entrance tickets are included). After the tour you are transferred to your hotel in Porto. The rest of the day is free.

Departure
This is the last day of your amazing tour of Portugal! After breakfast, your driver transfers you to the airport for your flight back home. We wish you a safe flight and hope to work on your future trips!

Recommended extension: If you would like to extend your Portuguese vacation, continue exploring its wonders with our Extension to Algarve, Portugal's stunning southern region. Contact your specialist for details.