Day 1, arrive in Lisbon, Sunday (WR)
You will be met and transferred to your hotel. The day is at leisure to begin exploring on your own. Later, gather with your tour director and your fellow travelers for a welcome reception.
Day 2, in Lisbon: Excursion to Sintra, Cabo Da Roca, Cascias, and Estoril, Monday (B)
This morning we depart on a full day private sightseeing tour to Sintra, Cascais, Estoril and Cabo da Roca. Sintra boasts a historic Centre that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. After our visit of the Sintra National Palace, we continue to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost cape in Continental Europe. Thereafter, we travel to Cascais, a picturesque fishing town with some quirky museums, beautiful gardens and a lively fish market. Then we’re off to Estoril, a former fishing town turned cosmopolitan destination for well-heeled travelers. We return to Lisbon in the evening.
Day 3, in Lisbon, Tuesday (B)
This morning we stroll through Baixa, Lisbon’s historic heart and commercial center. We then drive to Belem to view Belem Tower and the Discovery Monument. The Vasco de Gama tomb in the Jeronimos Monastery is next on our journey. We pay a visit to the 16th century Queluz Royal Palace and view the Discoveries Monument, erected to celebrate the courage and bravery of the Portuguese navigators who crossed the world and discovered new lands. After our tour, we visit the Mercado de Campo de Ourique, a unique local market. The evening is at leisure.
Optional tour: Faia at Caso de Fados
Day 4, to Fatima, Wednesday (B)
After breakfast, we leave Lisbon and depart towards the north. Our first destination is Obidos, a charming village of white houses on a hill, surrounded by fourteenth century’s walls. Here we stop for a tasting of cherry liquor. We proceed to Nazara after the tasting. Nazara is a popular tourist attraction and picturesque village located on the Atlantic coast. Our next stop is the Monastery of Batalha, a Dominican Convent. We finish the day in Fatima, a Catholic pilgrimage destination and home to sacred sites and religious artifacts.
Day 5, to Coimbra, Thursday (B)
In the morning, we travel to Tomar for a half-day sightseeing tour and visit of the Luso-Hebrew Museum. We then proceed towards Buçaco to visit the famous Buçaco Forest and for an outside view of Buçaco Palace. In Coimbra, our half day sightseeing tour includes a visit to the University and Library.
Day 6, to Porto, Friday (B, L)
We continue to Aveiro and Costa Nova for an orientation tour and then travel through the Douro Valley, classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Traditionally, the wines from this region were transported down-river in flat-bottomed boats called “rabelos”. The wine was stored in barrels in cellars of the Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the river from Porto. After our lunch with wine tasting in the Douro Valley, we continue to Porto.
Day 7, in Porto, Saturday (B, D)
During our half day sightseeing tour of Porto, we visit the Palacio de Bolsa (the stock exchange palace), and end our tour in one of the famous wine cellars where we have another tasting. After this, we continue with a boat excursion, one of the most spectacular experiences in the city. Our afternoon is free, at leisure. In the evening gather with your fellow travelers and your tour director for our farewell dinner. (B, D)
Day 8, depart Porto, Sunday (B)
Breakfast followed by our transfer to the airport.
