The Best of Portugal Escorted Holiday

Welcome to Lisbon, capital of Portugal. Relax after check-in or spend time exploring the city’s colourful landscape. Later join your fellow travellers and Travel Director for an orientation drive through the city followed by a Welcome Reception.

See Lisbon’s landmarks including the Monument to the Discoveries, the suspension bridge spanning the River Tagus, the Belém Tower and the quaint Alfama district. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Hieronymite Monastery during your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist. Later in your free time perhaps join an Optional Experience to the historic towns of Cascais and Sintra.

Cross the River Tagus and drive south towards the Serra de Arrabida Mountains. Enjoy a Be My Guest lunch at a traditional Stud Ranch where the Lusitano horses are reared before arriving on the Algarve coast and the town of Vilamoura – your home for the next two nights.

This morning enjoy a scenic coastal drive to the Sagres Peninsula. Admire spectacular views across Baleeira Beach before continuing your journey along the coast to Cape St. Vincent for beautiful sea views from the south-western most point of Portugal. Visit the resort of Lagos, where Henry the Navigator lived.

This morning travel across the Serra de Caldeirao to Évora. Join your Local Specialist and visit the elaborate cathedral, Roman temple and the Chapel of Bones. Évora is one of Portugal’s most beautifully preserved medieval towns. Spend time this afternoon seeing the 14th century walls, winding lanes and other enchanting sights at your own pace or join an Optional Experience to the village of Monsaraz. Dine tonight at your hotel.

Continue north to Castelo de Vide and wander through narrow alleys and the town’s Jewish quarter. Cross the valley of the River Tagus towards the Serra de Estrela mountains. See the Roman tower in Belmonte. Arrive later at Viseu, a bustling town with historical buildings, set high on a plateau near the famous Dão vineyards.

Travel through the beautiful Douro Valley where port wine is produced. Explore the magnificent gardens at the Palacio de Mateus, depicted on the label of the distinctive Mateus wine bottles. Continue via Guimarães for views of the impressive castle. Tonight enjoy a Regional Dinner on the waterside of Oporto.

Your Local Specialist takes you on a sightseeing tour of Oporto. See the remarkable bridges across the Douro River and the Baroque Church of St. Francis. Visit Stock Exchange Palace with its splendid Arabian Hall and then experience a Cultural Insight into the traditions of the local wine produce at a tasting in a port cellar. Spend the afternoon relaxing or shopping for souvenirs.

Traverse the Buçaco National Park. In Coimbra see ancient streets and squares and visit the old university. In Tomar visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Convent of Christ, originally built as a Templar stronghold in the 12th century. Arrive later in the city of Fátima. Dine tonight in your hotel.

Visit the shrine where three young shepherds famously saw the apparition of the Virgin at the pilgrimage site of Fátima. Visit the monastery at Batalha – a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is the best example of late Gothic architecture in Portugal. Stop at the fishing village of Nazaré on the coast and visit the medieval city of Obidos. Tonight in Lisbon celebrate with your companions and Travel Director at a Farewell Dinner with wine.

Say a fond farewell to your fellow travellers at the end of a spectacular Portuguese holiday. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply.