Itinerary Details
Sunny Portugal featuring Porto
Day 1 Overnight Flight
Ancient castles and Roman ruins, groves of orange and almond trees, quiet whitewashed villages, and welcoming locals – Portugal is waiting for you.
Day 2 Porto, Portugal
Hotel: Porto Royal Bridges Hotel
Arrive in Porto, a former industrial city steeped in history. Porto’s Baroque and modernist architecture blend to create an artistic heritage that's earned a UNESCO designation. Here, you’ll find quiet cafés perfect for sipping a glass of port wine and watching the world go by. You may choose to venture out and head toward the Douro River, where so much of the history of this city started.
Day 3 Porto
Hotel: Porto Royal Bridges Hotel
Get ready for a full and intense day of discovery. Begin with a walking tour led by a local expert, exploring charming cobblestone streets and the vibrant atmosphere Porto is known for. As you make your way towards the Palácio da Bolsa, pass by the São Bento Railway Station, renowned for its azulejo (tile) panels depicting scenes from Portuguese history. At Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace), take in the grandeur of the Arab Room with its lavish Moorish-inspired decor. Stroll through the historic Ribeira District, a UNESCO World Heritage site, bursting with colorful building facades and lively riverside cafés. Next, cross the bridge into the neighboring city of Vila Nova de Gaia, tracing the historic paths of Portugal's esteemed wine merchants. Tour a traditional wine cellar, indulging in the rich flavors of vintage wines that have made this region famous worldwide. Cap off your day with a scenic cruise along the Douro River, passing under Porto's magnificent bridges and taking in breathtaking views of the city. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.(B, D)
Day 4 Porto
Hotel: Porto Royal Bridges Hotel
The day is yours to enjoy. Perhaps you’ll decide to visit Livraria Lello,* one of the world's most beautiful bookstores, or climb the Clérigos Tower for panoramic views of the city. Don’t miss a stop at a local restaurant to try the famous local delicacy francesinha, a multi-tiered sandwich topped with savory sauce and a fried egg. Alternatively, you might choose to join an optional excursion to the charming cities of Braga and Guimarães.(B)
Day 5 Porto - Aveiro - Lisbon
Hotel: Turim Marques Hotel
This morning, say goodbye to Porto. En route to the capital, enjoy some free time to experience the city of Aveiro. This enchanting city is known for its canals and its egg-yolk desserts, loved by the Portuguese, and has a rich history and heritage fueled by its canals and Atlantic Ocean. Take some time to enjoy lunch on your own before leaving for Lisbon. Settle into your hotel before joining your fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant.(B, D)
Day 6 Lisbon
Hotel: Turim Marques Hotel
Choose how you want to explore Lisbon today, because it’s your choice! Discover the art and tradition of Portuguese sidewalks during a locally led walking tour -OR- venture with your Tour Manager on foot and discover the city through the lens of the businesses and streets connected with the country's most loved fish, bacalhau (salted codfish). After, travel to Belem and see the iconic Belem Tower (UNESCO). See the façade of the 16th-century Jeronimos Monastery* (UNESCO) and learn about the importance of this iconic site. Tonight, you may choose to join an optional tour to listen to local artists perform traditional Fado music, a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage highlight.(B)
Day 7 Lisbon - Evora
Hotel: Vitoria Stone Hotel
Today, make your way through Portugal’s charming countryside. Visit a family-owned cork factory, where you'll learn about the product’s importance to the local economy and why Portugal is the world’s top cork producer. Your journey then takes you to Evora (UNESCO) – the “Museum City of Portugal.” In the afternoon, with your local expert, take time to explore this medieval walled city and see its well-preserved Roman temple up close.(B)
Day 8 Evora - Lagos
Hotel: Vila Galé Lagos
Journey to the stunning coasts of the Algarve – the southernmost region of Portugal. On the way, visit a local gin distillery. Learn how one man took homemade drink and implemented traditional Portuguese stills and local ingredients to craft a premium gin. Savor the flavors of these botanicals before continuing your journey south. This afternoon, keep the day balanced and fruity at a winery. Indulge in full-bodied wines from the Alentejo region during a winery tour, tasting, and light lunch before continuing on your drive. Later, switch the rich taste of local wine and spirits for salty ocean air in Algarve. This evening, explore the historic resort town of Lagos, where Moorish and Renaissance influences meet towering seaside cliffs. Many celebrated voyagers began their explorations from this bustling port.(B, L)
Day 9 Lagos
Hotel: Vila Galé Lagos
It's your day to experience the Algarve on your own. Geraniums, camellias, and oleanders grow alongside fig, orange, and almond trees, while brightly colored fishing boats bob in the sea. Protected by hills to the north and warmed by the sea, the Algarve’s mild climate and beautiful beaches attract visitors from all over the world. You may choose to join an optional boat tour** today that gets you closer to some of the most famous coastal scenery in Portugal.(B, D)
Day 10 Lagos - Portimão - Monchique - Lagos
Hotel: Vila Galé Lagos
This morning venture along the coast to discover the importance of the sardine canning industry in the Algarve. Then, continue to Monchique, a mountain village nestled within a rich landscape, to learn the secrets of regional bread and fruits. Sample them with a savory picnic lunch featuring freshly prepared Algarve seasonal and local specialties. Return to Lagos for an evening at leisure.(B, L)
Day 11 Lagos - Setúbal - Cascais
Hotel: Vila Galé
En route to the Portuguese Riviera, make a stop in Setúbal a colorful industrial city and one of southern Europe's best-kept secrets. See the Mercado (Farmers Market) do Livramento up close. It's considered one of the best fish markets in the world, and it’s also rich with displays of fresh fruits and vegetables. Then, head to the Portuguese Riviera. Mansions scattered throughout Cascais and Monte Estoril all hint at this area’s history as a haven for exiled European royals and nobility.(B)
Day 12 Cascais - Obidos - Sintra - Cascais
Hotel: Vila Galé
Explore the picture-perfect city of Obidos, where white-washed houses sit snug within medieval city walls, and toast with a ginjinha, a sour cherry liqueur served in a small chocolate cup. Continue on to Sintra (UNESCO), a breathtaking hub that served as the summer residence of Portuguese kings for six centuries. Then, it’s your choice! Explore the quaint hilltop village of Sintra and take some time to wander through its winding streets -OR- join a guided tour of the National Palace of Sintra, considered the best-preserved medieval palace in Portugal. Bid Portugal goodbye during dinner in Cascais, and celebrate the end of your unforgettable journey.(B, D)
Day 13 Cascais - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today.(B)
