Duration: 11 Days
This Best of Portugal journey reveals a nation’s proud history, warm-hearted locals and soul-warming cuisine. Starting in Lisbon, you’ll travel north and south to explore a Templar stronghold, watch thoroughbreds perform at an Alentejo farm and visit the Algarve. Day 1
Welcome to Lisbon
A sea of pastel pinks, yellows and blues dot the seven hills of the romantic Portuguese capital, which you will have an opportunity to explore today before meeting your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and orientation drive past some of the city's most iconic sights.
Day 2
Discover Colorful Lisbon Dive Into Culture
Delve into Lisbon's centuries-old seafaring heritage today, paying tribute to the brave men who set off from these shores to discover the ‘New World’. With our Local Specialist, see the shimmering white Monument to the Discoveries, the iconic suspension bridge spanning the Tagus, and Belém Tower, built as a fortress protecting the city of Lisbon. Dive Into Culture on a sightseeing tour of the UNESCO-listed Hieronymite Monastery, an exquisite testament to 16th-century Manueline architecture and art. There’s time to join an Optional Experience to the historic towns of Cascais and Sintra. In the evening, perhaps enjoy a traditional Portuguese dinner amidst the soulful and touching sounds of the fado.
Day 3
Journey to the Algarve Region Connect with Locals
We journey across the Tagus this morning and drive south towards the Serra da Arrábida Mountains and to the golden pastures of the Alentejo. The hearty aroma of Portuguese chicken fills the air at our Be My Guest experience as we Connect With Locals over a traditional lunch at a stud ranch, where Lusitano horses were once reared at the pleasure of King João VI in the 18th century. Our journey continues further south, bound for the sun-kissed shores of the Algarve – our home for the next two nights.
Day 4
Cliffs, Beaches and More in the Algarve
The dramatic cliffs and beautiful beaches of the Sagres Peninsula provide a stunning backdrop for our morning coastal drive. Admire spectacular views across Baleeira Beach, before continuing along the coast to Cape St. Vincent, the site of many sea battles centuries ago. We end our excursion with a visit to the resort town of Lagos – once the home of Henry the Navigator.
Day 5
Onwards to Elegant Évora
Journeying north, we travel to the ancient Alentejo city of Évora. Join your Local Specialist for a visit to the elaborate cathedral, Roman temple and the Chapel of Bones. Then, spend the rest of your day delving into the medieval history of this enchanting city. Trace centuries of history along its city walls, kick back with a bica and bolo in Praça do Giraldo or perhaps join an Optional Experience to the medieval village of Monsaraz. This evening we dine at our hotel.
Day 6
Venture Past Mountains to Viseu
Our first stop today is in the quaint hilltop town of Castelo de Vide with its charming white façades, narrow alleys and fascinating Jewish Quarter. Travel north towards the Serra de Estrela mountains and arrive later in Viseu, set high on a plateau near the famous Dão vineyards. Explore the city's rich art and architectural history, and see the 12th-century Sé, standing imposingly on a hill overlooking much of the city.
Day 7
Through the Douro Valley to Porto
Vineyard-clad hills provide an enchanting backdrop for our journey today through the Douro Valley, where Port wine is produced. We explore the magnificent gardens at the Baroque-style Palácio de Mateus, depicted on the label of the distinctive Mateus Rosé wine bottles. We continue via Guimarães for views of its impressive 10th-century castle, before arriving in the riverside town of Porto where we will spend the next two nights.
Day 8
Explore Vibrant Porto Dive Into Culture
Join a Local Specialist today for a sightseeing tour in Porto, which takes you past baroque churches and along the winding cobblestone lanes that tumble down towards the Douro River. See the remarkable bridges that span the river and the Gothic Church of St. Francis. Visit the Stock Exchange Palace with its splendid Arabian Hall inspired by Granada's Alhambra, then Dive Into Culture and into the centuries-old tradition of local port production at a tasting in a port cellar. Spend the rest of the afternoon strolling through the historic center of Porto admiring the azulejo-clad façades, or visit Livraria Lello, the city's oldest bookstore.
Day 9
On to Coimbra and Pilgrimage to Fátima
Soak up the grand atmosphere of one of Europe's greatest and oldest universities with a Local Specialist, then stroll through the ancient streets and squares of Coimbra, before journeying to the Templar city of Tomar. We join a Local Specialist to visit the Convent of Christ, originally built as a Templar stronghold in the 12th century. Later, we arrive in the pilgrimage center of Fátima, visited by millions of Catholic pilgrims, where three young shepherds famously saw apparitions of the Virgin Mary.
Day 10
Experience Village Life Returning to Lisbon
En route to Lisbon, we stop at the imposing monastery of Batalha – a UNESCO World Heritage site and the best example of late Gothic architecture in Portugal. Our next stop is the fishing village of Nazaré, before we visit the medieval walled city of Óbidos with its whitewashed houses and cobblestone streets. Celebrate our last evening in Portugal together at a Farewell Dinner in an family ran vineyard, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Toast to an incredible journey over organic wine and locally sourced flavors.
Day 11
Farewell Lisbon
Say a fond adeus to your fellow travelers at the end of an unforgettable Portuguese holiday. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
- 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
- 3 Dinner (D)
- Panoias-Ourique: Saddle up for a superb stud farm visit, the tragic story of unrequited love and a traditional home-cooked Be My Guest lunch with Tiago and Vera in Portugal's beautiful Alentejo.
- Lisbon: Visit the Hieronymite Monastery, a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome and exquisite example of Manueline architecture.
- Porto: Savor the flavors of Portugal's centuries-old Port heritage and gain insights into its local production at a tasting in a Port cellar.
- Lisbon: Explore with your Local Specialist, from the Lower Town, beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paco. Visit the Belém Quarter to see the modern Monument to the Discoveries and the medieval Belém Tower.
- Algarve: Explore the history of the Algarve in depth.
- Évora: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site with your Local Specialist and see the famous Roman Temple. Witness the fascinating cathedral and its mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
- Castelo de Vide: See the traditional cobblestone streets and whitewashed homes of Castelo de Vide.
- Casa de Mateus: Admire the Baroque architecture of Mateus Palace and its gardens.
- Douro Valley: Marvel at the extensive terraced vineyards as you travel through the Douro Valley.
- Guimaraes: See Guimarães Castle and the Palace of Dukes before walking through the medieval squares of central Guimarães.
- Porto: See the Clérigos Tower, Avenida dos Aliados and the Palácio da Bolsa former stock exchange.
- Coimbra: With a Local Specialist, visit the University and witness the triumphal arches, painted ceilings, and walls of ancient tomes in the Joanina Library.
- Tomar: Dominating the town is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Templar Castle and the Convent of Christ. During your visit with a Local Specialist, see the Manueline Window and follow the story of the mysterious Knights Templar.
- Fátima: Join the faithful at one of the world's holiest sites and pay homage at the Chapel of the Apparitions or see the basilica.
- Batalha: See the Monastery of Batalha, with included entry to the cloisters and chapels.
- Nazaré: Enjoy time at leisure on Portugal's Costa de Prata.
- Obidos: Stroll along the cobblestone streets and view the traditional azulejos of medieval Óbidos, perhaps stopping in a local shop to try the regional cherry liqueur, Ginja.
- Lisbon: Bid farewell to your Portuguese adventures at the award-winning organic vineyard Vale da Capucha. This family-ran farmhouse prides itself in producing organic and biodynamic wines.
- : Explore Lisbon, Coimbra, Tomar, Évora and Porto with a Local Specialist
- : Discover the Algarve, Lagos, Castelo de Vide, Viseu, Nazaré and Óbidos
- : Visit the Hieronymite Monastery in Lisbon, the cathedral in Évora, the Palace Gardens at Palacio de Mateus, the Stock Exchange Palace, Arabian Hall and a local port wine cellar in Porto, the University Library of Coimbra, the Convent of Christ in Tomar and the Gothic Monastery at Batalha
- : View the Castle of Guimarães and the Shrine at Fátima
- : An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- : Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- : All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- : All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- : Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- : Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- : Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- : Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- : Optional Experiences and free time
Start Date: 2023-09-27
End Date: 2023-10-07
twin
Adult Price: $4350
Child Price: $3990
twinShare
Adult Price: $4350
Child Price: $3235
triple
Adult Price: $4320
Child Price: $3960
single
Adult Price: $5510
Start Date: 2023-09-29
End Date: 2023-10-09
twin
Adult Price: $4250
Child Price: $3890
twinShare
Adult Price: $4250
triple
Adult Price: $4220
Child Price: $3860
single
Adult Price: $5410
Start Date: 2023-10-04
End Date: 2023-10-14
twin
Adult Price: $4250
Child Price: $3890
twinShare
Adult Price: $4250
triple
Adult Price: $4220
Child Price: $3860
single
Adult Price: $5410
Start Date: 2023-10-06
End Date: 2023-10-16
twin
Adult Price: $4250
Child Price: $3890
twinShare
Adult Price: $4250
triple
Adult Price: $4220
Child Price: $3860
single
Adult Price: $5410
Start Date: 2023-10-11
End Date: 2023-10-21
twin
Adult Price: $4250
Child Price: $3890
twinShare
Adult Price: $4250
triple
Adult Price: $4220
Child Price: $3860
single
Adult Price: $5410
Start Date: 2023-10-13
End Date: 2023-10-23
twin
Adult Price: $4250
Child Price: $3890
twinShare
Adult Price: $4250
triple
Adult Price: $4220
Child Price: $3860
single
Adult Price: $5410
Start Date: 2023-10-18
End Date: 2023-10-28
twin
Adult Price: $4250
Child Price: $3890
twinShare
Adult Price: $4250
triple
Adult Price: $4220
Child Price: $3860
single
Adult Price: $5410
Start Date: 2023-10-20
End Date: 2023-10-30
twin
Adult Price: $4250
Child Price: $3890
twinShare
Adult Price: $4250
triple
Adult Price: $4220
Child Price: $3860
single
Adult Price: $5080
Start Date: 2023-10-27
End Date: 2023-11-06
twin
Adult Price: $3875
Child Price: $3515
twinShare
Adult Price: $3875
triple
Adult Price: $3845
Child Price: $3485
single
Adult Price: $4935