Essence of Portugal: An 8-Day Small Group Journey

Arrive at Lisbon Airport and transfer to your hotel. In the evening, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant across the Tagus River, where you’ll have the chance to get to know your fellow travelers. Meals: Dinner. Accommodation at the VIP Grand Lisboa Hotel & Spa, Lisbon, or similar.

After breakfast, embark on a morning city sightseeing tour of ancient Olissipo. Drive through its main squares and avenues, including Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, the Monument to the Discoverers, Marquis of Pombal Square, and Liberty Avenue. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore the nostalgic corners of the Alfama Quarter, where the old city is nestled next to its castle, featuring colorful buildings along narrow, winding 'Ruas' filled with charming 'tabernas.' The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy this magnificent city. Meals: Breakfast. Accommodation at the VIP Grand Lisboa Hotel & Spa, Lisbon, or similar.

Breakfast at the hotel before departing for Montemor-o-Novo, a charming town celebrated for its rich history and stunning natural surroundings. Known for its vineyards and wineries, enjoy a visit to a local winery where you will taste the region's exquisite wines. Next, continue to Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and historical significance. Accompanied by your Local Expert, explore the magnificent Roman Temple, the hauntingly beautiful Chapel of Bones (entrance included), and the grand Évora Cathedral. Stroll through the picturesque streets lined with whitewashed houses and vibrant squares, soaking in the unique atmosphere of this enchanting city. Meals: Breakfast. Accommodation at the Hilton Garden Inn, Evora, or similar.

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Tomar, a city steeped in history and mystery, once a stronghold of the Knights Templar. Your visit will highlight the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its stunning Manueline architecture and intricate designs. Enjoy free time to wander the ancient streets, visit historic churches, and immerse yourself in the captivating stories of this enchanting town. Afterward, continue to Coimbra, where you will meet your local guide for a tour of this historic city, renowned for its prestigious university—one of the oldest in Europe—along with its charming medieval streets and picturesque riverfront. Meals: Breakfast. Accommodation at the Hotel NH Coimbra Dona Inês, Coimbra, or similar.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Aveiro, often called the 'Venice of Portugal' for its charming canals. Enjoy a ride on a moliceiro, a traditional, colorful boat that once navigated Aveiro's waterways. Next, head to Porto, where you will begin with a visit to the museum 'Porto Across the Ages,' a captivating experience that traces the city’s rich history, from its medieval beginnings to its modern-day vibrancy. Interactive exhibits and multimedia displays bring Porto’s fascinating past to life. After the museum, visit one of Porto’s famous wine cellars for a guided tour. Learn about the intricate process behind port wine production and what sets these world-renowned wines apart. The tour concludes with a tasting session, where you can savor the complex flavors and aromas of a fine selection of port wines. Meals: Breakfast. Accommodation at the BessaHotel Boavista, Porto, or similar.

Breakfast at the hotel. Start the day with a guided sightseeing tour of Porto. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Porto Cathedral, the historic Stock Exchange building, and the beautiful Santa Clara Church. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore Porto at your own pace. In the evening, enjoy a traditional fado show with dinner, a special opportunity to share this soulful Portuguese music experience with your fellow travelers. Meals: Breakfast. Accommodation at the BessaHotel Boavista, Porto, or similar.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for the Batalha Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline architecture. After some leisure time to explore, continue to Óbidos, a charming medieval town in Portugal’s central region. Óbidos is famed for its well-preserved castle and historic center, featuring narrow cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses adorned with vibrant flowers, and traditional tile work. The town is enclosed by imposing 14th-century walls, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Later, depart for Lisbon, where you will enjoy a typical Portuguese dinner at a local restaurant. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner. Accommodation at the VIP Grand Lisboa Hotel & Spa, Lisbon, or similar.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure. Upgrade your tour to 14 days to extend your journey through Spain, ending in Madrid. Please contact us for more information. Meals: Breakfast.