The Best of Portugal

Adventure into a memorable tour around picturesque Portugal and spend eleven days discovering its most important cities and authentic villages, natural beauty, and rich history. Begin the journey in Lisbon, drive through spectacular landscapes, and visit Portugal´s magnificent towns and villages. Admire Obidos, surrounded by medieval walls, Alcobaca with the first and largest gothic church in Portugal, and the inspiring  Sanctuary of Fatima. Explore stunning Oporto, Portugal´s second city, famous for its meaningful history and tasty wine. Let lively Lisbon impress your eyes and visit the magnificent cities and world-famous landmarks that surround it. Discover Evora with its ancient traditions and finish the tour with a relaxing day in Algarve, followed by an unforgettable drive back to Lisbon.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Lisbon: Portugal’s capital city is an adventure in itself, offering cultural gems such as fado, culinary treats like pasteis de Belem, and romantic city views.

Fatima: This fascinating religious pilgrimage spot welcomes up to six million visitors a year.

Sintra: The UNESCO World Heritage Site is perhaps one of the most stunning places in all of Europe. Explore its colourful castle, impressive architectural gems, and verdant surroundings.

Evora: Visit this beautiful medieval town offering centuries of history and charm.

Lagos: The perfect combination of history, magnificent beaches, and cliffs make Lagos a great destination for any type of tourism.

Day 1: ARRIVAL LISBON – OBIDOS – ALCOBACA – NAZARE – BATALHA – FATIMA (195 km- 3hrs)

Begin your adventure with a pick-up at Marques de Pombal Square in Lisbon, at 8:30 hrs (we recommend to arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the indicated) to start the journey. Driving through landscapes rich in windmills and fruit trees, we arrive at Obidos, the beautiful city surrounded by medieval walls. Admire the harmony of the architecture, the diversity of the handicrafts and indulge in the famous “ginginha” (bitter cherry liqueur). Afterwards, visit fascinating Alcobaca and admire the first and largest gothic church in Portugal, hosting the tombs of the doomed lovers Pedro and Ines de Castro. Then, stop in Nazare, a typical fishing village and seaside resort immersed in tradition and legend. We continue to Batalha to visit the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitoria, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture in Portugal. Here we find the tomb of Henry the Navigator, the mastermind behind Portugal’s era of maritime discoveries. Today´s adventure ends in mesmerising Fatima, where we have the opportunity to attend the candle-lit procession.

Overnight in Fatima. 

Day 2: FATIMA – COIMBRA – AVEIRO – OPORTO (225km – 2.45 hrs)

Enjoy a tasty breakfast at the hotel before heading towards Coimbra. Visit the University, one of the oldest in the world, with its magnificent baroque library and its unique atmosphere characterized by ancient traditions and customs such as the black student capes and the melancholic Fado music. Stop at Santa Clara Church, where you can find the tomb of Queen Santa Isabel, the protagonist of the “miracle of the roses”. In the city centre, there is a chance to admire Coimbra’s exclusive ceramics. In the afternoon, we continue to Aveiro, a city of charming canals, known as the “Venice of Portugal”, where you will have time to see the graceful “moliceiro” vessels and taste the local sweet delicacy “ovos moles”. Afterwards, drive to Oporto to check in and get ready for a new adventure. 

Overnight in Oporto area hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

Day 3: OPORTO – GUIMARAES – BRAGA – OPORTO (140km – 2hrs )

Begin your day with a tasty breakfast at your hotel in Oporto, the second city of Portugal and a UNESCO classified World Heritage site. It is a charming living amphitheatre inviting us to make a morning visit to discover the riverside area, old houses, palaces, and churches that history has made eternal. Before starting a new adventure, indulge in a glass of the world famous Port wine. We continue to Minho, the northwest region of Portugal that offers natural green sceneries and sparkling Vinho Verde (green wine). Start in Guimaraes, the cradle of the Nation and birthplace of the first king of Portugal. Visit the Sacred Hill, crowned by the Castle, as well as the Palace of Dukes of Braganca with its original buildings dating back to the 15th century. Drive to Braga known as the “Portuguese Rome” for its concentration of religious architecture, including the oldest cathedral in the country and the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, with its famous baroque stairway and gardens. Then, return to Oporto to rest and prepare yourself for more surprises. 

Overnight in Oporto area hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

Day 4: OPORTO

Indulge in a delicious breakfast and spend the rest of the day free at leisure.

Overnight in Oporto area hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

Day 5: OPORTO – AMARANTE – VILA REAL – LAMEGO – URGEIRICA (235km – 3hrs )

Have breakfast at the hotel and prepare yourself for another memorable day in Portugal. Depart to Amarante, a pretty town known for its fascinating natural features and mouthwatering sweets. In addition, the charming city is very proud of its St Goncalo, a famous promoter of love and marriage, celebrated on the first Saturday of June. Stroll the charming streets of Amarante, relax by the river, and explore the bustling market where you can find a diversity of local products. Afterwards, drive to tranquil Vila Real. Luxuriate in the peaceful vibe while visiting Vila Real´s main attractions. Let the gardens of the Mateus estate amaze your eyes with their beautiful facades still depicted on the well-known Portuguese rosé wine bottles. Continue your adventure driving through the vineyards and the breathtaking landscapes of the Douro Valley. Stop in Lamego and sample some of the local delicacies, including the local ham and the famous “Bola de Lamego”, a mouthwatering loaf baked in the oven with smoked ham. Continue through the mountainous hinterland to the centre of the Dao vineyards, arriving in Viseu, a city connected to Portugal’s oldest hero, Viriato, a well-known Lusitanian chief. In the shadow of the Cathedral, narrow streets and doorways with coats of arms carved in granite make up the ancient town of Viseu. We tour the centre, see its busy commercial zone, and leave for Urgeirica to check-in and rest.  

Overnight in Urgeirica area hotel on a bed-and breakfast basis.

Day 6: URGEIRICA – BUSSACO – TOMAR – LISBON (310km – 3.5hrs)

Delight in a tasty breakfast at the hotel. Then, drive through the heart of Portugal to beautiful Bussaco. This city is a breath of fresh air for all nature lovers. With its luxuriant forest hosting a selection of rare trees and plants of exotic beauty as well as a charming and romantic hotel that used to be a royal hunting lodge, Bussaco promises to impress you. After getting in touch with nature, we continue our tour, going to breathtaking Tomar. The development of this lovely place is closely interlinked with the Order of the Templars, which received these lands in 1159 as a reward for the assistance given to Dom Afonso Henriques (the first King of Portugal) in the Christian reconquers of the country. It was Dom Gualdim Pais, the first Grand Master of the Order in Portugal who founded the castle and the remarkable Convent of Christ inside. Enlarged and altered over the centuries and classified as a World Heritage site by UNESCO, the complex displays the influences of various architectural styles and it is the centrepiece of the city. We continue our journey to Lisbon.

 Overnight in Lisbon area hotel on a bed-and breakfast basis.

Day 7: LISBON – SINTRA – CABO DA ROCA – CASCAIS – ESTORIL – LISBON (95km – 2hrs)

After a delectable breakfast, leave Lisbon, heading to mesmerising Sintra for a day of unforgettable beauty. Visit the charming Palace of Sintra, walk through this stunning town before going to the westernmost point of mainland Europe, Cabo da Roca to admire the breathtaking views. Afterwards, we drive along the coast passing one of the most famous surfing beaches, the incredible Hell’s Mouth, cosmopolitan Cascais, and the gardens of Estoril Casino. This superb day ends when you return to Lisbon to spend another relaxing night at your selected hotel. 

Overnight in Lisbon area hotel on a bed-and breakfast basis.

Day 8: LISBON – EVORA (135km – 1.5hrs)

Start your day with a tasty breakfast at your selected hotel. Then, we leave Lisbon, crossing the bridge over the river Tagus and driving through a beautiful and bucolic landscape of olive trees, cork oak trees and vineyards. We arrive in marvellous Evora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that will conquer your heart. Go back in time while exploring Evora´s narrow streets and visiting the Roman Temple, the Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral, St. Francis Church with its “Chapel of Bones” and the University. We stop at the local market to see the richness of the products used in preparing the mouthwatering dishes of Portugal. Throughout the visit, we also get to admire the diversity and authenticity of local handicrafts with cork, ceramic and copper objects. Enjoy a delicious lunch and some free time to explore the city on your own. We suggest you indulge in gourmet standard wine, cheeses and olive oil. In the evening, go to your selected hotel and rest because a new memorable day will follow. 

 Overnight in Evora area hotel on a bed-and breakfast basis.

Day 9: EVORA – BEJA – SILVES – LAGOS (245km – 3hrs)

Enjoy a rich breakfast at the hotel, preparing for a new surprise. Relax or explore the inspiring streets of Evora on your own, before driving towards Beja to admire the highest tower in a Portuguese medieval castle. We catch a glimpse of the impressive tower dominating the town and continue the journey. Crossing the low mountain range, we reach the outstanding region of Algarve. Admire the vast fields of orange trees and stop in gorgeous Silves. Known for its interesting history and for formerly hosting a famous cork industry, the captivating town is dominated by its red sandstone castle dating back to Moorish times. We continue driving, heading towards Lagos while catching sight of Portugal´s dazzling landscapes. Reach Lagons, check-in, and spend the rest of the day unwinding or exploring the interesting surroundings. 

Overnight in Lagos area hotel on a bed-and breakfast basis.

Day 10: LAGOS – PONTA DA PIEDADE – SAGRES – LAGOS (70km 1.5 hrs)

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at your hotel before continuing your adventure in Portugal. We drive to Ponta da Piedade to admire the magnificent views over the Atlantic Ocean and cliffs, whose shapes have been sculpted by the erosive action of both the sea and time. Continue to Sagres, a fishing port, for a visit to the fortress that was the mythical “navigation school” forever linked to the presence of Prince Henry the Navigator. Proceed along the cliffs to Cabo de Sao Vicente, the most south-western point in mainland Europe. The city of Lagos, a cosmopolitan town with a marina and fishing port is home to some of the most delicious Algarve dishes, such as the fish and shellfish cooked in a “cataplana” copper pan, as well as tasty sweets such as the famous marzipan, almond and fig cakes. Return to the hotel, where an afternoon at leisure invites you to take a dip in the sea. 

Overnight in Lagos area hotel on a bed-and breakfast basis.

Day 11: LAGOS – SETUBAL – SERRA DA ARRABIDA – DEPARTURE LISBON (320 km – 3.5 hrs)

Indulge in a tasty breakfast before bidding farewell to Algarve. The return trip to Lisbon takes you through the city of Setubal, a major port and industrial centre on the north bank of the Sado estuary. Then comes a scenic route over the Arrabida Mountain Range. Catch a glimpse of the Natural Park, admiring the amazing scenery, unique vegetation and the sweeping views of the Troia Peninsula. Crossing the Tagus River bridge, we arrive in Lisbon and drop you off at the indicated location. 

Breakfast included

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Portugal. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.