PORTUGAL
IN DEPTH
11 DAYS FROM $1,835 US Details below or
click here for more information INQUIRY FORM
This vacation shows you all of Portugal without any rush, thanks to the well-planned 2-night stopovers in Lisbon, Oporto, and the Algarve. Start and end in Lisbon, and see the interior and almost the entire coastline of Portugal. Guided sightseeing tours in Lisbon, Oporto, and Evora allow you to see many of the must-see sights, including Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon. Built in 1502 and now regarded as Lisbon’s most important landmark, it was traditional for Portuguese seafarers to pray in the chapel before their departure to the unknown. In Evora, visit the Ossuary Chapel, with its walls covered with thousands of human bones and skulls.
Enjoy the Roman ruins of Conimbriga, tour the excavations, view the well-preserved mosaics, and visit the excellent museum. Spend time in the Algarve, Portugal’s most popular vacation area, where you can relax and explore this beautiful resort at your own pace. From here, take an excursion to the Promontory of Sagres, where Henry the Navigator lived and planned his overseas expansion. For those interested in food and wine, you’ll have an opportunity to enjoy an olive oil tasting in Belmonte (birthplace of Pedro Alvares Cabral, discoverer of Brazil) and a wine tasting at a port wine cellar in Oporto.
All of this and much more await you on this wonderful vacation to Portugal—a trip of a lifetime!
Day 1 Arrive in Lisbon, Portugal
Free time to rest or start exploring the Portuguese capital. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (Dinner)
Day 2 Lisbon
Lisbon was the center of Europe’s longest-lived overseas empire. Portugal’s imperial ambitions date back to Prince Henry the Navigator’s 15th-century discoveries in West Africa. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide features a drive through the Baixa quarter’s main squares. Then, enjoy a walk through the cobblestone alleys of quaint ALFAMA, the popular quarter of the seamen and Fado singers. Drive along the grand Avenida da Liberdade up to Pombal Square. Stop for pictures of Belem Tower, guarding the mouth of the Tagus, and visit JERONIMOS MONASTERY with the tomb of Vasco da Gama. Afternoon and evening at leisure. Exciting optional excursions to Sintra and the royal palace of Queluz, and dinner at a typical taverna with Fado-style entertainment are available. (Breakfast)
Day 3 Lisbon–Obidos–Alcobaça–Nazaré–Fatima–Tomar
First stop on your northbound journey is medieval Obidos. Go back in time as you pass the main gate in the impressive perimeter wall and walk along the narrow streets. Continue to Alcobaça to visit the CHURCH OF SANTA MARIA MONASTERY, built in the 12th century for 999 Cistercian monks. See the elaborate tombs of King Pedro I and his Castilian lover, Inês de Castro, and hear how she was murdered at the order of Pedro’s father. The fishing harbor of Nazaré is the perfect place for a leisurely lunch break. In the afternoon, mix with the pilgrims at the country’s hallowed national shrine, Fatima’s SANCTUARY OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY. Overnight in Tomar, the historic seat of the mighty Order of the Knights of Christ. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 4 Tomar–Conimbriga–Coimbra–Oporto
Visit the hilltop CONVENT OF CHRIST with its famous Manueline Window. Further north, the ROMAN RUINS OF CONIMBRIGA are eloquent testimony to centuries of Roman influence. Tour the excavations, admire the well-preserved mosaics, and visit the excellent MUSEUM. Continue to Coimbra, strategically situated on a hill overlooking the Mondego River. After a visit to the gilded baroque LIBRARY of its 700-year-old university, drive by ancient Buçaco Forest on your way to Oporto, Portugal’s second-largest city. Tonight, why not join an optional dinner at one of Oporto’s fine restaurants? (Breakfast)
Day 5 Oporto
Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a panoramic drive to the mouth of the Douro River, the soaring cathedral, the richly decorated CHURCH OF SAO FRANCISCO, and the STOCK EXCHANGE with its contemporary ARABIAN HALL inspired by Granada’s Alhambra. Next, visit a PORT WINE CELLAR where the famous wine produced from grapes of the Douro Valley is aged in huge vats. Afternoon at leisure. An optional boat ride combined with a visit to the House of Music is available. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 6 Oporto–Guimaraes –Vila Real–Viseu
Head inland to Guimaraes, often referred to as the “Cradle of Portugal” because of its association with the country’s first king, Alfonso Henriques. Enjoy a walk through the medieval center, before continuing to Vila Real, former capital of Portugal’s northeastern region of Trás-os-Montes. Just outside the town, visit the splendid park and manor of PALACIO DE MATEUS, whose picture graces the label of the excellent Mateus rosé wine. From here, a scenic road through the Port wine vineyards leads to Viseu, believed to have been the home of Lusitanian leader Viriate, who resisted the Roman conquest. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 7 Viseu–Belmonte–Castelo de Vide–Evora
This morning, your first stop is in Belmonte, today a symbol of Jewish awakening, for a visit the JEWISH MUSEUM. Also enjoy an OLIVE OIL TASTING. Afternoon break in Castelo de Vide, an enchanting small town. Time to walk through the Jewish quarter with its white-washed houses and to take pictures of the 14th-century castle. Continue to Evora, the cultural center of southern Portugal and a former royal residence. This evening, dinner at a local restaurant is included. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 8 Evora–Algarve
A massive wall surrounds Evora’s medieval center, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Follow your Local Guide on a walking tour through its narrow alleys to the Roman Temple, the early gothic CATHEDRAL, Portas de Moura Fountain, and SAO FRANCISCO CHURCH. Visit the OSSUARY CHAPEL, whose walls are covered with thousands of human bones and skulls. Next, proceed across the arid Alentejo plain to the Algarve, Portugal’s most popular vacation area. Tonight, why not try one of the seafood restaurants for which the Algarve is famous? (Breakfast)
Day 9 Algarve. Coastal Excursion
Today you may prefer to relax, explore this beautiful resort at your own pace, or join the included excursion along the enchanting southern coastline. History comes alive as you reach the wind-swept PROMONTORY OF SAGRES, where Henry the Navigator lived and planned his overseas expansion. Only a few miles away is Cape St. Vincent, the southwestern corner of continental Europe, a dramatic cliff defying the waves of an ever-angry Atlantic Ocean. Time in pretty Lagos before returning to your hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 10 Algarve–Lisbon
Take the scenic route over the Serra da Arrábida and savor sweeping views of the Tróia Peninsula. Catch glimpses of the castle at Sesimbra, which recall fierce medieval battles between Christians and Moors. After crossing the Bridge of April 25th, you’re back in Lisbon. Why not join an optional dinner to celebrate the success of an exciting touring adventure? (Breakfast)
Day 11 Lisbon
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
INCLUDED FEATURES
Lisbon
Welcome dinner; guided sightseeing, visit the Alfama quarter and Jeronimos Monastery
Obidos
Walking tour of the medieval town
Alcobaça
Visit the Church of Santa Maria Monastery
Nazaré
Lunch break
Fatima
Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary
Tomar
Visit the Convent of Christ
Conimbriga
Visit of the Roman ruins and the museum
Coimbra
Visit the University Library
Oporto
Guided sightseeing, visit the Church of Sao Francisco and the Arabian Hall in the Stock Exchange; wine tasting in a Port wine cellar
Guimaraes
Walk through the medieval center
Vila Real
Visit the Palacio de Mateus
Belmonte
Visit the Jewish Museum; olive oil tasting
Castelo de Vide
Walk through the Jewish quarter
Evora
Guided walking tour, visit the gothic cathedral, the Sao Francisco Church, and the Ossuary Chapel; dinner at a local restaurant
Algarve
Excursion to the Promontory of Sagres, Cape St. Vincent, and Lagos
Headsets throughout the tour
INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.
MEALS
Full buffet breakfast daily; 6 three-course dinners, including a welcome dinner in Lisbon and a special dinner with wine in Evora
SUPERIOR HOTELS - (D) Deluxe (SF) Superior First-Class (F) First-Class
LISBON Mundial (F), TOMAR Dos Templarios (F), OPORTO Tiara Park Atlantic (SF), VISEU Grao Vasco (F), EVORA M’AR De AR Muralhas (F), ALGARVE Tivoli Carvoeiro (F) at Carvoeiro
Optional Excursions
Important Note: the following list of optional excursions are examples only for this vacation as they are the excursions that are being offered for this vacation in the current travel year. These optional excursions might or might not be offered next year, as well as new optional excursions might be offered. Information about what optional excursions will be offered for your vacation will be available later this year into next year. If no example excursions are listed, please check back later.
Here's a list of optional excursions you can enjoy during your vacation. Whether it's a special dinner, a local show or a special behind-the-scenes glimpse into an historical site, optional excursions are a wonderful way to enrich your vacation even further. Plus, they give you flexibility. We include the must-see sites and experiences, and we also understand that people take interest in different activities and may want to craft a more personal vacation by hand-picking optional excursions that appeal to them.
Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, days of operation, group interests, and general feasibility for your vacation. The approximate value listed gives you a good, general idea of what you can expect to pay but may vary once you are on your vacation. Some information provided might be in a foreign currency.
CITY: Algarve
Dinner on the Algarve
Enjoy beautiful views of the Portuguese coastline. Later savor a delicious three-course dinner with drinks included at a typical southern Portuguese restaurant.
Approximate value: EUR €41 per person
CITY: Lisbon
Excursion to Sintra and Queluz
Enjoy one of the most beautiful landscapes on the Iberian Peninsula, while driving along the scenic ocean road to the picturesque fishing village of Cascais and fashionable Estoril. Later, visit the World Heritage Site of Sintra and its ROYAL PALACE with a local expert.
Approximate value: EUR €42 per person
Night Tour
Treat yourself to a Portuguese dinner with drinks at a typical restaurant. Enjoy after-dinner entertainment with songs and dances, Fado-style. Unforgettable views of the illuminated city finish your day with a flourish.
Approximate value: EUR €54 per person
Dinner by the Tagus
Drive to the pier where you will board the ferry for a pleasant crossing on the river Tagus, to a restaurant for a dinner in a typical Portuguese environment. Return to the hotel by coach and over the spectacular suspension bridge.
Approximate value: EUR €46 per person
CITY: Oporto
Oporto Dinner
Feel the northern atmosphere in a real traditional Portuguese restaurant located in a picturesque neighborhood. Drinks are included.
Approximate value: EUR €36 per person
Contemporary Oporto
Depart from Ribeira Pier on a traditional rabelo boat for a 50-minute cruise, which includes one drink, on the Douro River. Later, take a guided visit of the Casa da Musica (House of Music), a unique architectural wonder that opened its doors to the public on April 15th, 2005.
Approximate value: EUR €29 per person
Departures:
March - October
Prices From$1,835 US approx per person double occupancy
Many other tours of
Spain and
Portugal and combinations including Morocco and France available
Contact us for more information
More Tours and Cruises Available For more information please complete the INQUIRY
FORM
