Lisbon | Roads of Portugal Small Group Tour

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Portugal's place in history as the home of the world's greatest explorers has brought the country many riches and a captivating history & culture. On our 9-day Roads of Portugal Small Group Tour,  you’ll discover Portugal’s precious regions from fairytale Lisbon to the famed wines of the Douro Valley.  

Day 1: Lisbon

Bem Vindo a Lisboa!    Your vacation begins today when you arrive at the airport of Lisbon and meet your driver who is waiting in the arrivals area and ready to bring you to your hotel in the centre of Lisbon.  Once you have checked in the remainder of today is yours to pass getting to know Portugal's capital and the largest city on your own.  

Day 2: Lisbon | Sintra, Cascais, Estoril

This morning you can enjoy a discovery tour of Lisbon which starts with a visit to the Belém Quarter.   Belém is located on the Tagus River and was once a major maritime port, a fact that still influences the district today.  The Jerónimos Monastery,  along with the Tower of Belém, one of the most visited sites in Lisbon. UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1983. There will be a photo stop next to the BelémTower before the tour carries on to Sintra.  Sintra is also a declared UNESCO World Heritage Site and here, you will have free time to learn more about this charming town.  Next stop on today's tour will be for some free time in Cascais.  Known for its sandy beaches, it also has an old town, home to the medieval Nossa Senhora da Luz Fort and the Citadel Palace, a former royal retreat.  And finally, drive through Estoril, the stylish and fashionable Portuguese beach resort that is situated on the beautiful coastline that extends to the west of Lisbon.   This evening is free to enjoy as you choose. (B) 

Day 3: Óbidos, Nazaré, Batalha, Fátima & Aveiro

Today we will head towards the north of Portugal. Our first stop is in Óbidos, a charming town to explore; there are narrow cobbled streets, traditional painted houses, and an imposing medieval castle. Later, we will continue to Nazaré, a fisherman’s village Nazaré’s major attractions are the waves and surfing, thanks to the "Nazaré Canyon", a submarine geomorphological phenomenon that allows the formation of perfect giant waves. We will visit the highest part of the town to enjoy the breath-taking view of the city. The next stop will be Batalha to see the famous local Monastery, one of the most exquisite works of Portuguese Gothic architecture and UNESCO World Heritage Site, built to celebrate Portugal’s victory in the infamous battle of Aljubarrota. Later, we will reach Fátima, the famous Marian worship shrine, with a stop at Aljustrel, to visit the houses in which the three little shepherds were born. The tour will then continue to Aveiro, known as the Venice of Portugal due to its channels and traditional boats crossing them. Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel and have some free time to enjoy the evening in Aveiro. (B)

Day 4: Lamego, Winery Estates & the Douro Valley

After breakfast, the tour sets off to explore the picturesque canals of the so-called Portuguese Venice while gliding through the city's streets. This unique and diverse city will surely captivate you! Later the journey continues to Lamego which sits nestled among the terraced slopes of the Douro valley port wine-growing region and overlooked by an ornate shrine, dedicated to Our Lady of Remedies.  You'll have time here to have lunch on your own in an excellent local restaurant, before, in the afternoon a visit to a winery estate in the Douro Valley.   Here you'll get familiar with the methods of producing the famous worldwide port wine (visit and wine tasting included). After the visit, you'll travel on to reach your hotel in Douro and an evening on your own. (B)

Day 5: Pinhão, Douro River & Guimarães

Today, we will head towards Pinhão, located in the heart of the Douro Valley Wine Region, and classified by UNESCO as Cultural Landscape, to enjoy a boat ride through the vineyards & wine estates of the Douro River  We will also visit the small local Train Station, remarkably decorated with a collection of beautiful tiles showing typical scenes of the Douro valley all related to port wine production. We will then leave towards the city of Guimarães, known as the birthplace of Portuguese nationality, to take a walk and see the historic city centre, UNESCO Cultural Heritage. We will then explore the medieval Castle of Guimarães (1st place among the seven wonders of Portugal) and the Dukes of Bragança Palace. At the end of the visit, you'll arrive at your hotel in Guimarães and some free time. (B)

Day 6: Guimarães, Braga & Porto

Often regarded as the religious centre of Portugal, Braga is a wonderful tourist destination combining history and culture, home to the oldest cathedral in Portugal and is our first stop this morning.  The sanctuary of  Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary can be reached on foot by car or by a curious 19th-century water-powered elevator (included).  After the visit to the Sanctuary, the tour continues to the historical city centre before travelling on to Oporto.  This is the second most important city in Portugal and on arrival we will have a panoramic sightseeing tour before arriving at your hotel (B) 

Day 7: Porto

Today is free to enjoy as you choose and we suggest that you try the famous “Francesinha” one of the typical dishes. Visit the “Majestic Café,” Clérigos’Tower, Lello’s bookstore, and Oporto’s Cathedral. Or you can choose to take an optional tour to Santiago de Compostela or visit Barcelos, Ponte de Lima and Viana do Castelo, a boat trip on the Douro river or a wine tasting of Porto in the wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. (B)

Day 8: Porto, Coimbra & Lisbon

This morning you'll say goodbye to Porto and travel towards Coimbra, where the first university of Portugal was established in 1290.  Here you'll have some time in the city centre before travelling on to reach Lisbon and check-in to your hotel for your final night in Portugal. (B) 

Day 9: Lisbon

Today marks the end of your Roads of Portugal.  At a time to suit your departing flight make your way to the airport to begin your journey home. Adeus!

Guaranteed departures!

Guaranteed departures: January 10; February 14; March 20; April 3 & 17; May 8 & 22; June 5 & 19; July 3 & 17; August 7 & 21; September 4 & 18; October 9 & 23; November 13 & December 11, 2020.