Enchanting Portugal Lisbon to Porto Journey

Welcome to your adventure in Lisbon! Upon arrival, we will provide a seamless transfer to your hotel, where youll have some free time to settle in and explore at your leisure. In the afternoon, you'll find important information regarding the start of your journey on the noticeboards in the hotel reception area. Please be aware that during the tour, fellow travellers might join or leave at different stages, although the group size will consistently adhere to the maximum limit. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

In the morning, we will set off on a sightseeing tour of Lisbon, exploring the Portuguese capital known for its seven hills, quaint alleyways, and iconic tiles. This city is imbued with the unique spirit of "saudade" and bathed in the beautiful Atlantic light. Our tour includes a visit to the historic Belem neighbourhood, the launching point for the great Portuguese explorers of the 15th century. In the afternoon, you will have free time to stroll through the Bairro Alto and enjoy its scenic views. If you fancy, you could opt for a trip to the charming towns of Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril. As the day winds down, we'll make our way back to the hotel from Restauradores Square, a vibrant area filled with lively bars and cafs.

Today, we journey north through Portugal, starting with a visit to Ftima, renowned as a significant pilgrimage destination. Our exploration continues to Porto, the country's vibrant second city. After lunch, we indulge in a 50-minute cruise on a traditional 'Rabelo' boat along the Douro River, offering a unique vantage point of Porto's stunning riverside scenery. Post-cruise, you will have the freedom to wander through the enchanting medieval Ribeira district, characterised by its narrow streets, historic merchant houses, and inviting cafs, before regrouping at the hotel for the evening.

On our fourth day, we'll delve into the captivating landscapes of northern Portugal. Our journey begins in Braga, famously referred to as Portugal's religious capital. Here, we'll explore its historic cathedral before ascending to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus on the world's oldest cable car, offering us stunning panoramic views. We suggest taking the impressive staircase for your descent, if you wish.Next, we'll head to Guimares, notable for being the first capital of Portugal. Discover the grandeur of the Palace of the Dukes in this historic town. After a delightful lunch surrounded by picturesque vineyards, we'll drive into the Douro Valley. On our route, we'll pass through Sabrosa, the birthplace of the famous explorer Magellan.Upon reaching Pinho, we'll admire the charming train station, renowned for its traditional tiles. We then embark on a one-hour river cruise along the Douro, showcasing the region's striking beauty. For travellers joining us between November and March, this cruise is replaced with a scenic drive, complete with stops at various viewpoints along the river. Our day concludes as we continue to Coimbra, where we'll arrive in the evening, ready to enjoy a delicious dinner included in the itinerary.

On our fifth day, we delve into the rich culture of Coimbra, Portugal's third-largest city, renowned for its historic university and maze of charming, steep streets. Heading south, we'll visit the awe-inspiring Batalha Monastery, a stunning medieval structure and royal mausoleum (entrance fee included). After exploring Batalha, we'll continue to Nazar, a traditional fishing village and popular seaside resort, perfect for lunch and a leisurely walk. While at Nazar, we will ascend to the old city on the famous lift (tickets included), providing spectacular ocean views. As we journey back towards Lisbon, a stopover in bidos awaits. This enchanting town captivates visitors with its quaint whitewashed streets, lavishly adorned with flowers. We anticipate arriving back in Lisbon at around 7:30 in the evening, concluding our day filled with unforgettable experiences.

After breakfast, our journey concludes. We hope you leave with cherished memories of your time with us in Portugal.