Day 1 – Arrival in Lisbon, Portugal

Upon arrival will be transferred to your hotel in Lisbon. Free time to rest or to start exploring the Portuguese capital.

Day 2 – Lisbon

After breakfast, a visit to beautiful Lisbon is the cards. 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 Tejo River, and visit Jeronimos Monastery with the tomb of Vasco da Gama. Onwards to visit the Royal Palace of Queluz. In the evening enjoy a Fado dinner at a local restaurant. Fado is the soul music of Portugal. For more on that please click here.

Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 3 – Lisbon – Obidos – Alcobaça – Nazare – 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 900 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.

Included: Breakfast

Day 4 – Tomar – Conimbriga – Coimbra – Porto

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 Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city. On this night, why not enjoy an optional dinner at one of Porto’s fine restaurants?

Included: Breakfast

Day 5 – Porto

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. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon. An optional boat ride combined with a visit to the House of Music are suggested.

Included: Breakfast

Day 6 – Porto – Guimaraes – Vila Real – Viseu

In 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. Next, taste Portuguese tapas with wine at the Quinta da Aveleda winery and visit its splendid gardens. From here, a scenic road through the port wine vineyards leads to Viseu. Suggest perhaps dinner at Forno da Mimi restaurant. As your guide about setting up reservations. Perhaps the whole group will join.

Included: Breakfast

Day 7 – Viseu – Belmonte – Castelo de Vide – Evora

This morning, stop in Belmonte, today a symbol of Jewish awakening, for a visit of the Jewish Museum. Suggest enjoying olive oil tasting, for which the area is famous. Afternoon break in Castelo de Vide, with time to walk through the Jewish quarter with its white-washed houses and its medieval synagogue. Before arriving in Evora, the cultural center of southern Portugal and a former royal residence. Arrive in Evora and take a walk around Giraldo square. Enjoy a leisurely drink or snack.

Included: Breakfast

Day 8 – Evora – Algarve

A massive wall surrounds Evora’s medieval center, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through Evora’s narrow alleys to the Roman Temple, the early Gothic cathedral, Portas de Moura Fountain, and Sao Francisco Church. Visit the Ossuary Chapel, with its walls 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, suggestions include trying one of the seafood restaurants for which the Algarve is famous.

Included: Breakfast

Day 9 – Algarve Costal Excursion

Highlight today is a visit to 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 in Lagos.

Included: Breakfast

Day 10 – Algarve – Azeitao – 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 and stop in Azeitao. Enjoy a wine tasting at Quinta da Bacalhoa. After crossing the Bridge of April 25th, you’re back in Lisbon. Tonight we suggest you enjoy  a spectacular panoramic view at Varanda restaurant while having a cocktail and a special farewell dinner with wine privately or pre-planned with your traveling companions.

Included: Breakfast

Day 11 – Lisbon

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Transfer to the airport is included.