From Lisbon to the Douro Valley

Arrival at Lisbon Airport and meet-and-greet with our representative. After a warm welcome, we board our private vehicle and head to the hotel. Once you have settled in, we take an orientation walk through the the city centre: the Baixa district, Praça do Comércio, the Rossio area… Lisbon slowly reveals itself with its yellow trams, tiled façades and steep streets running up and down towards the Tagus River. As evening falls, the city lights up: historic cafés, terraces overlooking the river and the sound of fado escaping from traditional taverns. It is the perfect moment to enjoy a first Portuguese dinner.

After breakfast at the hotel we head to the Belém district, a symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. We see from the outside the Jerónimos Monastery, a masterpiece of Manueline style, and the Belém Tower, which once guarded the Tagus as ships set sail for distant routes. The Monument to the Discoveries completes this historic riverside landscape. There will be time, if you wish, to taste the famous ‘pastéis de Belém’, one of the country’s most iconic pastries. Back in the centre we explore areas such as Bairro Alto and Chiado, full of life, cafés, bookshops and viewpoints over Lisbon’s rooftops. Afternoon and evening at leisure: you may dine with city views, listen to fado in a traditional restaurant or simply stroll along the banks of the Tagus.

After breakfast we leave Lisbon for Sintra, a town of palaces and gardens listed as a World Heritage Site. Its lush vegetation and colourful palaces create an almost fairy-tale atmosphere. Depending on the chosen option, you may visit the interior of the National Palace of Sintra or the hilltop Pena Palace with its striking colours (optional entrances). Narrow streets, traditional pastry shops and souvenir stores complete the experience in the historic centre. We then continue towards the coast, stopping at Cabo da Roca (if logistics allow), the westernmost point of mainland Europe, where the Atlantic crashes against the cliffs. Afterwards we reach Cascais, a former fishing village turned elegant seaside resort, and Estoril, famous for its casino and sophisticated seaside ambience. Return to Lisbon in the afternoon and free time to keep enjoying the city at your own pace.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we leave Lisbon and start our journey north. Our first stop is Óbidos, a walled town of white houses and colourful flowers, where cobbled streets and ramparts create a perfect medieval scene. We continue to Nazaré, a traditional fishing town known for its beaches and, in winter, for some of the biggest waves in the world. The viewpoint over the beach offers spectacular views of the Atlantic. We then head to Batalha to see from the outside its impressive Gothic monastery, a symbol of Portuguese history. Later we arrive in Fátima, one of the most important Marian sanctuaries in the world and a major pilgrimage site. There is free time to visit the esplanade, the basilica and the areas for prayer and reflection. At the end of the day we reach Coimbra, a university city with a young atmosphere and streets full of history.

Breakfast at the hotel. We devote the morning to getting to know Coimbra better: views over the Mondego River, sloping streets and stairways, and at the top the famous University of Coimbra (optional entrance). The student atmosphere and historic buildings give this city a very special character. We then continue to Aveiro, known as the “Portuguese Venice” for its canals and traditional moliceiro boats. We take an orientation walk in the centre and there is free time to try ‘ovos moles’, a typical local sweet. In the afternoon we arrive in Porto. After check-in we stroll through the Ribeira district along the Douro River, where colourful houses, traditional boats and bridges create one of Portugal’s most iconic postcards.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we explore Porto at a more relaxed pace. On our panoramic city tour we may include sights such as the Cathedral (Sé), São Bento station with its famous tiles, Avenida dos Aliados and several viewpoints dominating the city and the river. Optionally, you can take the classic six-bridges cruise on the Douro, a relaxing way to see the city from the water. On the other side of the river, in Vila Nova de Gaia, are the Port wine cellars. We recommend an optional visit with tasting to learn about the history of this unique wine and sample a few varieties. Afternoon and evening at leisure in Porto to keep exploring its streets, cafés and restaurants.

Breakfast and departure towards the Douro Valley, one of Europe’s most beautiful terraced vineyard landscapes. As we drive along, the river winds between hills covered with vines. Towns such as Peso da Régua or Pinhão offer viewpoints and small train stations decorated with tiles depicting harvest scenes. Depending on the chosen option, lunch, a visit to a local quinta (wine estate in the valley) and wine tasting can be included. The combination of scenery, wine and tranquillity makes this one of the most memorable days of the trip. In the afternoon we return to Porto. Last night in the city to say goodbye to Portugal with a dinner by the river or in a typical tavern.

Breakfast at the hotel (depending on flight schedule) and free time until the transfer. At the agreed time, transfer to Porto Airport (or Lisbon, depending on group flight operation) for your return flight home. End of our services, hoping that each city and landscape will remain in your memory of Portugal.