From Lisbon starts the discovery of the marvels of Portugal by visiting the most scenic and historical parts of the country. Moving from the South to the North, we shall explore the birthplace of Portugal, ancient castles, historical towns and ruins from Roman times abound. Not to mention colourful villages, religious shrines, World heritage sites, going through dramatic landscapes: breath-taking ocean’s views, river panoramas, emerald field, famous vineyards and verdant mountains.
A little journey steeped in astounding Portugal, a country of constant surprises!
Overnight flight to Lisbon.
Lisbon
Arrival transfer from airport to your hotel in Lisbon. Welcome dinner at the hotel and two nights’ accommodation in Lisbon in a four stars hotel well located, near to the city’s attractions.
Lisbon
Breakfast at hotel.
The day starts visiting the quaint Alfama, the former Moorish quarter, with its narrow and twisting streets, cobblestone alleys and small whitewashed houses. Moving to the historical Belem district, known for its renowned role in the Era of the Discoveries, where we will see the Tower of Belem, Monument to the Discoveries, and the unique Manueline architecture of Jeronimos Monastery.
Afternoon at leisure.
Lisbon – Óbidos – Fátima –Coimbra
Breakfast at the hotel.
This morning’s departure from Lisbon starts with a scenic drive north to Óbidos, an enchanting medieval walled village with small whitewashed houses, then on to Nazaré, a picturesque fishing village, and Batalha, a spectacular 14th century Gothic-style limestone monastery, one of the greatest examples of the Manueline style of architecture. Moving to Fatima, a world-famous pilgrimage center and then proceed north to the old university town of Coimbra. One night accommodation and dinner in a modern, four stars hotel, located in the centre of the city, in which tasting the excellence of Portuguese local cuisine.
Coimbra – Porto
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning tour spent to discover Coimbra, known to be one of the oldest University City in Europe. Starting from Praça do Comercio, the town’s old market place, now one of the most impressive squares in Portugal and proceeding the tour by visiting the old university, located on the highest point of the upper town, partly rebuilt in the 17th and 18th centuries, and the sumptuous Old Library whose walls and ceilings are decorated with paintings by Antonio Simões Ribeiro.
We shall proceed to Oporto, by Buçaco forest route.
Two nights’ accommodation in Oporto in a four stars hotel, located a few minutes walking to the main attractions of the city.
Oporto
Breakfast at the hotel.
Afterwards, enjoy Oporto by visiting the "Stock Exchange Palace" famous for its Arab Hall, the Cathedral and a Port Wine Cellar for a delightful wine tasting. Free afternoon to explore on your own the old part of town, including the recently restored river-front area.
Oporto – Viseu
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning departure from Oporto through a landscape speckled with granite houses. We shall pass through the vineyards of the Douro region admiring the suggestive panorama, until next stop: Amarante and Vila Real for a visit to the Mateus Manor house. Moving on to Lamego for a short visit and proceeding to Viseu, city of warriors and painters.
One night accommodation with dinner included, in a four stars hotel, located in the centre of the town.
Viseu – Belmonte – Évora
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning departure to Évora, via the Estrela Mountain range, stopping at the interesting little town of Belmonte, dominated by a 13th century castle that was transformed into a fortified manor house in the 15th century. Continue to the pretty town of Castelo de Vide, with its Roman origin and its sizeable Jewish presence in the middle ages. Arrive at Évora for one night accommodation plus dinner in a four stars hotel located in the historical centre.
Évora – Tavira
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning city sightseeing, discovering the World Heritage little town, by visiting Giraldo Square, St. Francis Church with its beautiful but eerie Chapel of Bones, the Cathedral in Gothic style dating from the XII and XIII centuries and the ”Diana” Roman temple. In the afternoon, departure towards the Algarve, and two nights’ accommodation in an elegant, four stars hotel situated in the centre of the city.
Tavira
Breakfast at the hotel.
Full day reserved for leisure time to enjoy Tavira and its environs. There’s a possibility to take an optional tour to visit this historic and picturesque town, or head to the nearby beaches.
Tavira – Lisbon
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning departure from Tavira to Lisbon, via Setúbal route a historic fishing port with an attractive old town. We shall also make a stop at the castle town of Sesimbra. Passing through the Arrábida hills, a beautiful protected area covered with rich Mediterranean vegetation that offers beautiful landscapes.
After we cross the 25 de Abril Bridge, we arrive in Lisbon for one night accommodation in a four stars hotel, situated in the city centre, near to many restaurants, pub and bars.
Departure from Lisbon
Breakfast at the hotel.
Time for a final goodbye to new-found friends, your transfer to the airport will be outside the hotel.
We hope you make a safe journey home.
