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This Best of Portugal tour reveals a nation’s proud history, warm-hearted locals and soul-warming cuisine. Starting in Lisbon, you’ll travel north and south to explore a Templar stronghold, watch thoroughbreds perform at an Alentejo farm and visit the Algarve.
Locations Visited
Lisbon, Panoias-Ourique, The Algarve, Lagos, Albufeira, Évora, Castelo de Vide, Viseu, Guimaraes, Porto, Coimbra, Tomar, Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré, Obidos, Alentejo, Cape St. Vincent
Countries Visited
Portugal
Travel Style
Country Explorer
Accommodations
10
nights included
Age Requirements
Minimum age 5
Itinerary
COLLAPSE ALLEXPAND ALL
Day 1
Welcome to Lisbon
A sea of pastel pinks, yellows and blues dot the seven hills of the romantic Portuguese capital, which you will have an opportunity to explore today before meeting your fellow travellers and Travel Director for dinner and an orientation drive past some of the city's most iconic sights.
Accommodation
Turim Lisboa
Meals
Dinner
Day 2
Discover Colourful Lisbon
Delve into Lisbon's centuries-old seafaring heritage today, paying tribute to the brave men who set off from these shores to discover the ‘New World’. With our Local Specialist, see the shimmering white Monument to the Discoveries, the iconic suspension bridge spanning the Tagus, and Belém Tower, built as a fortress protecting the city of Lisbon. Dive into Culture on a sightseeing tour of the UNESCO-listed Hieronymite Monastery, an exquisite testament to 16th-century Manueline architecture and art. There’s time to join an Optional Experience to the historic towns of Cascais and Sintra, before perhaps enjoying a traditional Portuguese dinner amidst the soulful and touching sounds of the Fado this evening.
Accommodation
Turim Lisboa
Meals
Breakfast
Highlights
Lisbon City Tour
With your Local Specialist, visit the Belém Quarter to see the modern Monument to the Discoveries and the medieval Belém Tower.
Discover the Hieronymite Monastery
Visit the Hieronymite Monastery, a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome and exquisite example of Manueline architecture.
Day 3
Journey to the Algarve Region
Journey across the Tagus this morning and drive south towards the Serra da Arrábida Mountains and to the golden pastures of the Alentejo. The hearty aroma of traditional Portuguese cuisine fills the air at your Be My Guest experience. You'll connect with locals over lunch in the family home of a historic stud ranch, where Lusitano horses were reared for King João VI in the 18th century. Your Portugal trip itinerary continues further south, bound for the sun-kissed shores of the Algarve – your home for the next two nights.
Accommodation
Holiday Inn Algarve Albufeira
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Highlights
Meet Tiago and Vera for lunch on their ranch in the Alentejo region
Visit a family ranch and learn about Portugal's Lusitano horse. Hear an ancestral story of unrequited love that defined the character (and colour) of the ranch before sitting down to a home-cooked lunch with Tiago and Vera in the heart of the Alentejo region.
Day 4
Cliffs, Beaches and More in the Algarve
Today, visit the historic resort town of Lagos – once home to Henry the Navigator and a key port during the Age of Discovery. Later, stop in the lively coastal town of Albufeira and enjoy some free time to stroll through its charming streets, then enjoy some free time relaxing at the beach or exploring local cafes and shops.
Accommodation
Holiday Inn Algarve Albufeira
Meals
Breakfast
Highlights
Explore the Algarve
Explore the history of the Algarve in depth.
Day 5
Onwards to Elegant Évora
Journeying north, travel to the ancient Alentejo city of Évora. Join your Local Specialist for a visit to the elaborate cathedral, Roman temple and the Chapel of Bones. Then, spend the rest of your day delving into the medieval history of this enchanting city. Trace centuries of history along its city walls, kick back with a bica and bolo in Praça do Giraldo or perhaps join an Optional Experience to the medieval village of Monsaraz. This evening you dine at your hotel.
Accommodation
M'ar de Ar Muralhas Évora
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Highlights
Évora City Tour
Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site with your Local Specialist and see the famous Roman Temple. Witness the fascinating cathedral and its mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
Day 6
Venture Past Mountains to Viseu
The first stop today is in the quaint hilltop town of Castelo de Vide with its charming white façades, narrow alleys and fascinating Jewish Quarter. Travel north towards the Serra de Estrela mountains and arrive later in Viseu, set high on a plateau near the famous Dão vineyards. Explore the city's rich art and architectural history, and see the 12th-century Sé, standing imposingly on a hill overlooking much of the city.
Accommodation
Hotel Grão Vasco Viseu
Meals
Breakfast
Highlights
Explore Castelo de Vide
See the traditional cobblestone streets and whitewashed homes of Castelo de Vide.
Day 7
Through the Douro Valley to Porto
Vineyard-clad hills provide an enchanting backdrop for your journey today through the Douro Valley, where Port wine is produced. Explore the magnificent gardens at the Baroque-style Palácio de Mateus, depicted on the label of the distinctive Mateus Rosé wine bottles. Continue via Guimarães for views of its impressive 10th-century castle, before arriving in the riverside town of Porto where you will spend the next two nights.
Accommodation
Turim Oporto Hotel, Porto
Meals
Breakfast
Highlights
Palácio de Mateus Visit
Admire the Baroque architecture of Mateus Palace and its gardens.
Scenic drive through the Douro Valley
Marvel at the extensive terraced vineyards as you travel through the Douro Valley.
Visit the ''Birthplace of Portugal''
See Guimarães Castle and the Palace of Dukes before walking through the medieval squares of central Guimarães.
Day 8
Explore Vibrant Porto
Join a Local Specialist today for a sightseeing tour in Porto, which takes you past baroque churches and along the winding cobblestone lanes that tumble down towards the Douro River. See the remarkable bridges that span the river and the Gothic Church of St. Francis. Visit the Stock Exchange Palace with its splendid Arabian Hall inspired by Granada's Alhambra, then Dive into Culture and into the centuries-old tradition of local Port production at a tasting in a Port cellar. Spend the rest of the afternoon strolling through the historic centre of Porto admiring the azulejo-clad facades, or visit Livraria Lello, the city's oldest bookstore.
Accommodation
Turim Oporto Hotel, Porto
Meals
Breakfast
Highlights
Discover the flavours of Portugal's Port heritage
Savour the flavours of Portugal's centuries-old Port heritage and gain insights into its local production at a tasting in a Port cellar.
Porto City Tour
See the Clérigos Tower, Avenida dos Aliados and the Palácio da Bolsa former stock exchange.
Day 9
On to Coimbra and Pilgrimage to Fátima
Soak up the grand atmosphere of one of Europe's greatest and oldest universities with a Local Specialist, then stroll through the ancient streets and squares of Coimbra, before journeying to the Templar city of Tomar. We join a Local Specialist to visit the Convent of Christ, originally built as a Templar stronghold in the 12th century. Later, we arrive in the pilgrimage centre of Fátima, visited by millions of Catholic pilgrims, where three young shepherds famously saw apparitions of the Virgin Mary.
Accommodation
Santa Maria Hotel, Fatima
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Highlights
Coimbra University Visit
With a Local Specialist, visit the University and witness the triumphal arches, painted ceilings, and walls of ancient tomes in the Joanina Library.
Tomar Templar Castle Visit
Dominating the town is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Templar Castle and the Convent of Christ. During your visit with a Local Specialist, see the Manueline Window and follow the story of the mysterious Knights Templar.
Visit the Chapel of Apparations in Fátima
Join the faithful at one of the world's holiest sites and pay homage at the Chapel of the Apparitions or see the basilica.
Day 10
Experience Village Life Returning to Lisbon
En route to Lisbon, with a Local Specialist, stop at the imposing monastery of Batalha – a UNESCO World Heritage site and the best example of late Gothic architecture in Portugal. Our next stop is the fishing village of Nazaré, before we visit the medieval walled city of Óbidos with its whitewashed houses and cobblestone streets. Celebrate our last evening in Portugal over dinner in a family-run vineyard, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Toast to an incredible journey over organic wine and locally sourced flavours.
Accommodation
Olissippo Oriente Lisbon
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Highlights
Vale da Capucha Farewell Dinner
Bid farewell to your Portuguese adventures at the award-winning organic vineyard Vale da Capucha which prides itself in producing organic and biodynamic wines. Your visit supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Batalha Visit
Join a Local Specialist to see the Monastery of Batalha, with included entry to the cloisters and chapels.
Nazaré Visit
Enjoy time at leisure on Portugal's Costa de Prata.
Explore Óbidos
Stroll along the cobblestone streets and view the traditional azulejos of medieval Óbidos, perhaps stopping in a local shop to try the regional cherry liqueur, Ginja.
Day 11
Farewell Lisbon
Say a fond adeus to your fellow travellers at the end of an unforgettable Portuguese holiday.
Discover the Algarve, Lagos, Castelo de Vide, Viseu, Nazaré and Óbidos
Visit the Hieronymite Monastery in Lisbon, the cathedral in Évora, the Palace Gardens at Palacio de Mateus, the Stock Exchange Palace, Arabian Hall and a local Port wine cellar in Porto, the University Library of Coimbra, the Convent of Christ in Tomar and Batalha's Gothic Monastery
View the Castle of Guimarães and the Shrine at Fátima
What's Included
Travel Director
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Hotels
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised
Meals
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Sightseeing
Must-see sightseeing
Audio
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Transport
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Optionals
Optional Experiences and free time
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Trip Notes
A deposit must be paid at the time of booking.
Flights are not included but can be quoted by our Reservations team, who can also explain inclusions within the trip.
Full holiday amount to be paid no later than 60 days prior to departure for land only guided holidays or 90 days for guided holidays including train or cruise.
Subject to availability at time of booking and may be withdrawn at any time.
Terms & Conditions
Prices listed are land only & do not include airfare to and from the start/end of the tour.
Prices listed are per person, based on twin or multi-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can pair you with a same-sex roommate at no extra cost or you can upgrade to a single for an additional cost, based on availability. For departure points and stay longer accommodation options contact our travel experts for more details.
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For 'Costco Vacations of a Lifetime' itineraries the price shown is the final base price, exclusive to Costco members and already reflective of any special member savings. Additional, limited-time discounts are not applicable, other conditions apply. Please refer to Terms & Conditions
'Price with Current Deals' reflects current applicable 'Last Minute Deals.' Last Minute Deals are available on select departures only and only available to travellers departing from the UK; not combinable with any other promotional offers; full payment due at time of booking.
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