Explore Vibrant Portugal From Douro to Lisbon

On the first day of our tour, we set off early from Madrid to explore the captivating Castile region. Our first visit is the Mirador de los Cuatro Postes, where you'll be treated to stunning views of the ancient walls of vila. Continuing on our journey, we pause at Ciudad Rodrigo, a picturesque town near the Portuguese border. Here, we wander its medieval streets to appreciate the impressive cathedral and city walls steeped in history.As the afternoon progresses, we head to Porto. To introduce you to this vibrant city, we embark on a 50-minute cruise along the Douro River aboard a traditional Rabelo boat, providing a unique perspective of Portos charming riverside. Afterwards, you might choose to explore the bustling medieval Ribeira district. Here, narrow streets are adorned with historic merchant houses and cosy cafs offering local delights. Later, we'll make our way to the hotel to unwind.Please note, if passenger numbers on the Madrid-Porto stretch are low, this segment may be taken by plane, in which case our stop at Ciudad Rodrigo would be omitted. Be aware that fellow travellers might join or leave the tour at different stages, potentially altering the group dynamic; however, the group size will always remain within limits. 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.

Today, we will explore the breathtaking landscapes of northern Portugal. Our adventure begins with a leisurely walk through Braga, recognised as the religious heart of Portugal, where you'll encounter its historic cathedral. Next, we'll take the world's oldest cable car up to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus, enjoying the stunning panoramas it offers. For those interested, a descent down the remarkable staircase is highly recommended.Our journey then takes us to Guimares, famously known as Portugal's first capital. Here, you can admire the impressive Palace of the Dukes. After indulging in lunch amidst lovely vineyards, we'll head into the Douro Valley, passing through Sabrosa, the birthplace of the famed explorer Magellan. In Pinho, we'll visit its charming train station, adorned with traditional tiles. From here, enjoy a one-hour cruise along the Douro River, showcasing the region's stunning vistas. (Please note, from November to March, the cruise will be substituted with a scenic drive featuring viewpoints along the Douro River.)Our day concludes with a drive to Coimbra, where we'll arrive in the evening. Dinner will be included as part of your experience.

Our journey today takes us through some of Portugal's most captivating destinations. We begin by exploring Coimbra, renowned for its historic university and narrow, steep streets. As we head south, we'll visit the Batalha Monastery, an extraordinary medieval royal mausoleum where the entrance is already sorted for you. We'll then enjoy lunch and a leisurely walk in Nazar, a charming fishing village that also serves as a delightful seaside resort. Here, we'll take an elevator up to the old part of the city the tickets are included providing stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Our final stop before reaching Lisbon is the enchanting town of bidos, with its quaint whitewashed streets beautifully adorned with flowers. We aim to arrive in Lisbon around 7:30 p.m.

Today, we begin with a guided tour of Lisbon, a city known for its picturesque alleys, distinctive tiles, and the captivating "saudade" atmosphere, all enhanced by the striking Atlantic light. We'll explore the historic Belem district, famed as the departure point for Portugal's pioneering navigators of the 15th century. The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wishperhaps wander through the Bairro Alto with its stunning panoramic viewpoints or opt for an excursion to the nearby towns of Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril. In the evening, reconvene at the lively Restauradores Square, bustling with vibrant bars and cafs, before we head back to the hotel.

On your final day in Lisbon, after breakfast, we conclude our journey, leaving you with a treasure trove of lasting memories. Should you wish to delve further into the city's rich history and vibrant culture, we recommend extending your stay with additional nights in this captivating capital.