This 11-day escorted round-trip from Lisbon, staying in 4 star accomodations, is the ideal all-round introduction to Portugal.
Set out from Lisbon bound for the medieval city of Obidos, where you can sample the famous cherry liquor, and Alcobaca, home to the largest gothic church in Portugal. Stop at Batalha to visit the tomb and monastery of Henry the Navigator before staying overnight in Fatima. Your next stop is Coimbra, famed for having one of the world’s oldest universities, with a magnificent baroque library and a great reverence for its traditions and culture. Go on to visit Aveiro, a city of channels known as ‘Portugal’s Venice’, before overnighting in Oporto.
Featured on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, Oporto boasts a rich heritage of wine, religion and discovery, all yours to explore over a full day’s sightseeing that includes its most picturesque churches and monuments. Spend another night here before setting out for the Minho region. Visit the birthplace of Portugal’s first king, try some of the region’s famous ‘green wine,’ and be awed by the diverse religious architecture of Braga, home to the oldest cathedral in Portugal. And if you have ever wondered why the rooster or Galo is such a famous Portuguese symbol, the charming town of Barcelos has your answer.
Your next day is devoted to the romance of everyday life, starting with the hometown of Sao Goncalo, famed promoter of love and marriage. The local monastery houses his tomb, and his local market is still a popular place to find fresh produce, poultry and clothing. Afterwards, you’ll wander the gardens of Mateus, before going in search of samples in the Port wine regions of the Douro Valley. Your final day takes you back to Lisbon, passing through the exotic trees and plants of Bussaco. Discover the hidden Templar history of Tomar, not that you’ll have to look too hard. Much of the original 12th century architecture remains, and is another UNESCO World Heritage site.
With two nights back in Lisbon, you’ll take a day trip to explore the palaces and gardens of Sintra and Estoril. This is also a day for exploring Portugals’ sparkling coastline, where it’s easy to contemplate the vast influence this country once had on world exploration and trade. Set out from Lisbon and discover the charms of Evora, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city notable for unique structures including Saint Francis Church and the eerie Chapel of Bones. Sampling the local wine and cheese is highly recommended before staying overnight and having the next morning free to explore. Head south to Beja, where medieval castles tower over the historic streets. Then cross the mountains to Algarve, a region of orange groves with castles of its own dating back to Moorish times. Enjoy the sands of Praia da Rocha before overnighting in Lagos.
Located on Portugal’s southern tip, Ponta de Piedade offers dramatic views over the Atlantic. Follow the cliffs to the fishing port of Sagres and Cabo Sao Vincente, the most south-westerly point of Europe. Take some time to explore Lagos on your own, perhaps taking a swim before returning inland. The trip back to Lisbon takes you via Setubal and the Arrabida mountain range, one of Portugal’s most impressive natural parks known for its limestone formations and a wide variety of animal and plant life.