Duration: 9 Days
Experience the best of Portugal and take in the important cities of Lisbon and Porto, typical towns and villages, and the stunning northwest coastline. Throughout this tour, you’ll visit the must-see attractions, including the 16th-century Jeronimos Monastery. Often regarded as Lisbon’s most important landmark, it was traditional for Portuguese seafarers to pray in the chapel before their departure to the unknown.
You’ll visit the Sanctuary of our Lady of the Rosary in Fátima, a pilgrimage site where apparitions of the Virgin Mary were reported by three local children in 1917; the 700-year-old university in Coimbra; the Arabian Hall in the Stock Exchange in Porto, and the Ossuary Chapel in Evora, with its bone- and skull-covered walls. For this exceptional escorted tour of Portugal, Globus has arranged some special treats so that you can savour Portuguese cuisine and wine. Enjoy a port-wine tasting at one of the local wine cellars in Porto, an olive-oil tasting in Belmonte (birthplace of Pedro Alvares Cabral, discoverer of Brazil), and tapas with wine at the Quinta da Aveleda winery. All of this and much more awaits you on this wonderful Portuguese Escape!
Please note: Itinerary is based on 2024, and is subject to change. Full details will be confirmed in 2024.
Welcome to Lisbon! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travelling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Lovely Lisbon
LISBON Guided sightseeing includes Jeronimo's Monastery and its Cloister and a photo stop at Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT The stunning capital city of Portugal is a treasure trove of historic and architectural masterpieces. Lisbon is home to the 16th-century Monastery of Jeronimos, with its 30.5 metre (100-foot) facade featuring images of St. Michael the Archangel and Our Lady of Belem. See the 16th-century Belem Tower, which served as a fortress but also as an embarkation point for sailors and was their last sight of land before the start of their journey. Lisbon's Monument to the Discoveries pays homage to great Portuguese explorers with a spectacular carved prow of an ancient ship.
Sea, Surf & Sanctuaries
OBIDOS Walking orientation of the medieval town.
NAZARE Free time to browse.
ALCOBACA Visit the Church of Santa Maria Monastery.
FATIMA Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary en route to Tomar. (B,D) 137mi/220 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY LIVES The monastery of Alcobaca is a unique masterpiece of Gothic Cistercian art. See the tombs of King Pedro I and his Castillan lover, Ines de Castro, and hear about the heartbreaking tale of these ill-fated lovers. The king never stopped loving Ines even after she was murdered, and during his life he commissioned matching tombs that sit together so that they can look at each other as they rise from their graves.
Academic Honours
TOMAR Visit the Convent of Christ.
COIMBRA Visit the University.
Scenic drive en route to Porto. (B) 124 mi/ 200 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION The University of Coimbra is distinguished as the oldest university in Portugal and one of the oldest in the world, it is also one of the best known and internationally celebrated. With a history of more than seven centuries, the students at Coimbra University dress in the traditional black capes with ribbons in varying hues as was the tradition when the school was founded in 1290.
Panoramas & Port Wine
PORTO Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a panoramic drive to the mouth of the Douro River and the cathedral. Visit the Arabian Hall in the Stock Exchange. Globus Local Favourite Port wine tasting at a local cellar. Free time this afternoon. (B)
LOCAL FAVOURITE
LOCAL TASTES The grapes from the vineyards in the Douro Valley surrounding Porto provide the main ingredient for one of the world's most recognised fortified wines. Visit a local wine cellar and taste centuries of tradition in a glass of Port wine in the city that bears its name. Saude!
Tapas & Tastings
GUIMARAES Orientation walk through the medieval centre
PENAFIEL Globus Local Favourite Visit the gardens of the Quinta da Aveleda winery and Portuguese tapas tasting. Scenic drive through the port wine vineyards en route to Viseu.
VISEU Dinner with regional specialties and wine at a local restaurant. (B,D) 149 mi/ 240 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE
HISTORY & HERITAGE The history of the Quinta da Aveleda estate spans the centuries and generations who have preserved the Portuguese traditions of wine making and proud legacy of the Guedes family. The architectural heritage of this cherished estate is only matched by its wines, produced, and nurtured as the largest Vinho Verde exporter and family-owned winery.
Bottles & Corks
BELMONTE Visit the Jewish Museum and enjoy a olive-oil tasting.
CASTELO DE VIDE Walk through the Jewish Quarter with free time to browse.
EVORA Visit a traditional cork factory. (B,D) 236mi/380 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LOCAL TASTES Discover the tradition and taste of authentic Portuguese olive oil in a 20th-century olive-oil-factory-turned-museum in Belmonte. See the machinery which farmers used to transform olives into oil and taste the delicious fruits of their labours. Perhaps take home a gift of wine, olive oil, or jam to commemorate your visit. Later, visit a Cork Factory in Evora to learn about this traditional artisanship of Portugal.
Gothic Grandeur
EVORA Guided walking tour includes the Gothic cathedral, the Sao Francisco Church, and the Ossuary Chapel. Free time for lunch.
LISBON Farewell dinner at the hotel. (B,D) 93 mi / 150 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Walk back in time to the Roman era of Evora - a city with roots firmly planted in the 16th century in the home of Portuguese kings. See the white houses, architectural tiles, and embellished balconies with a stroll through the Gothic sites of the cathedral, church, and chapel.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
