Delve into a fascinating adventure on this Portuguese Escape, 9-Day guided tour. Begin your journey in Lisbon and continue to Obidos, Nazaré, Alcobaça, Fátima, Tomar, Coimbra, Porto, Guimaraes, Viseu, Belmonte, Castelo de Vide and Evora. Medieval architecture, religious sites, wine regions, historic towns, fada and more are among the highlights on this vacation.
These fascinating Portugal vacations feature many thrilling highlights for guests. Wine lovers will relish the visits to vineyards. Those with an appreciation of religious and spiritual travel will enjoy exploring the Jewish Museum, Jeronimos Monastery and Fátima’s Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary. Admire the views on your scenic drive along ancient Buçaco Forest. Visit 700 year old University of Coimbra. Witness the famous Manueline Window as you explore the Convent of Christ on its hilltop perch. Stroll through the Jewish quarter with its white-washed houses and medieval synagogue in Castelo de Vide. An olive oil tasting, port wine and delicious tapas are among the epicurean delights you'll enjoy. The friendly and experienced guides escorting your tour will provide meaningful insight into all of the fascinating people, places and things you'll access on your memorable trip.
11 Days • fr. $1,699
Welcome to Lisbon! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.
Dinner
Hotel Novotel Lisboa
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, and stop for pictures of Belem Tower and the Monument of the Discoverers. Also visit Jeronimos Monastery with the tomb of Vasco da Gama. An interesting optional excursion to the royal palace of Queluz is available for purchase, as well as dinner at a typical taverna with Fado-style entertainment.
Breakfast
Hotel Novotel Lisboa
Stop in medieval Obidos and go back in time as you pass the main gate in the impressive perimeter wall and walk along the narrow streets. Then on to the fishing harbor of Nazaré, the perfect place for a leisurely break.
Continue to Alcobaça to visit the Church of Santa Maria Monastery, built in the 12th century for 999 Cistercian monks. See the elaborate tombs of King Pedro I and his Castilian lover, Inês de Castro. In the afternoon, mix with the pilgrims at the country’s hallowed national shrine, Fátima’s Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary. Overnight in Tomar.
Breakfast, Dinner
Dos Templarios
In Tomar, the historic seat of the mighty Order of the Knights of Christ, visit the hilltop Convent of Christ with its famous Manueline Window. Continue to Coimbra, strategically situated on a hill overlooking the Mondego River. After a visit to the 700-year-old UNIVERSITY, drive by ancient Buçaco Forest on your way to Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city. Tonight, why not relax during an optional cruise on the Douro River, followed by dinner at one of Porto’s fine restaurants?
Breakfast
NH Collection Porto Batalha
Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a panoramic drive to the mouth of the Douro River, the soaring cathedral, and the Stock Exchange with its contemporary Arabian Hall, inspired by Granada’s Alhambra. Of course, a Port wine taasting has been included at one of the local cellars to sample the delicious wine produced from grapes of the Douro Valley.
Breakfast
NH Collection Porto Batalha
Enjoy a walk through the medieval center of Guimaraes, often referred to as the “Cradle of Portugal” because of its association with the country’s first king, Alfonso Henriques. Next, taste Portuguese tapas at the Quinta da Aveleda Winery and visit its splendid gardens. From here, a scenic road through the port wine vineyards leads to Viseu, where dinner at a local restaurant awaits!
Breakfast, Dinner
GRAO VASCO
This morning, stop in Belmonte, today a symbol of Jewish awakening, for a visit to the Jewish Museum. Also enjoy an olive oil tasting, for which the area is famous. Enjoy an 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, visit a cork factory and learn about the many ways this material can be used.
Breakfast, Dinner
M'Ar de Ar Muralhas
A massive wall surrounds Evora’s medieval center, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Follow your Local Guide on a walking tour through its narrow alleys to the Roman Temple, the early gothic Cathedral, Portas de Moura fountain, and Sao Francisco Church. Visit the Ossuary Chapel, with walls covered with thousands of human bones and skulls. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner with your traveling companions.
Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel Novotel Lisboa
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Breakfast
All rates listed are per person based on double occupancy and are subject to change without notice. Your land package pricing will be confirmed and guaranteed once your deposit is received and applied to the booking, except where price increases may result from increases in government taxes or fees. Room configurations are subject to availability. Guests added to your party after the booking are priced at the prevailing rate at the time they are added.