On this 7-day best of Portugal tour, you will experience both style and delight on the antique streets along with the spirited ambiance of the Iberian culture. Red-tiled roofs contrast with the whitewashed walls of homes nearly five centuries old. The rich ruby hues of traditional port wine will glow against the limestone walls of a seasoned cellar as dramatic towers and radiant churches represent the golden days of exploration when Portugal ruled the maritime trading routes. From castle grounds...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Lisbon – Arrive in the Capital of Portugal for a Half-Day Introductory Tour
Lisbon is a city of water and knolls that spread along the banks of the River Tagus, and perch on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean along a set of seven hills. The sunlight casts a golden shadow over the 16th-century Jerónimos Monastery, which was erected in honor of the country’s Age of Discovery. The structure represents wealth and exploration, and remains a symbol of Vasco de Gama’s voyage to India in 1498, as the spices brought back by da Gama funded the construction.
Whitewashed homes with red-tiled roofs ascend the hills beneath the dramatic crenulated towers and battlements of St. George’s Castle. Moors erected the castle over the foundations of an Iron Age stronghold in the 12th century, and the edifice continues to offer an unparalleled panorama of the city. Your private transfer will greet you at Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport upon your arrival and escort you to your luxurious hotel in the heart of the Old Quarter. The narrow lanes of cobblestone create a welcoming maze of shops, homes, cafes, and restaurants.
As you wander, the aroma of simmering, slow-cooked meat will blend with the enticing scent of prawns cooked over an open grill and dressed with citrus. The chalk-white dome of the Church of Santa Engrácia soars above the rooftops of the Alfama neighborhood filling your view. Construction began on the edifice in the 17th century but was not completed until nearly 285 years later. The church gallery contains monuments to the heroes of the country, such as Henry the Navigator and Pedro Álvares Cabral. Tombs of contemporary political and cultural heroes stand beneath the marvelous cupola.
What's Included:
Day 2
Lisbon – Relish the History, Beauty, and Prestige of Lisbon at your Leisure
Day 3
Coimbra – Enjoy the Scenery at Cascais and Sintra before Reaching Coimbra
Day 4
Pinhao – Explore Coimbra at Leisure and Drive to Pinhao in Douro Valley
Day 5
Pinhao – Discover the Port Wine of Douro Valley with a Full Day Wine Tour
Day 6
Porto – Transfer to Porto for an Encompassing Tour of the Historic City
Day 7
Porto – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Enjoy the flavors of Portugal during a private wine tasting tour of the celebrated varietals cultivated in the Douro Valley, including the renowned Port
- Visit the meandering trails and stunning lookout of Cabo da Roca on the edge of the European continent
- Indulge in the charming seaside resort ambiance and historical streets of Cascais, situated on tranquil bay that connects to the Atlantic Ocean
- Discover the splendor of Lisbon during a private tour that will uncover the vibrant ceramic tile art and grandeur remaining from the “Golden Age of Discovery”
- Stroll through Portugal’s oldest university and traverse the antique neighborhoods filled with narrow cobbled lanes in the town of Coimbra
- Embrace the grandeur as you tour the rooms and salons of the Palacio da Bolsa in Porto
- Relax in style at a historical estate that overlooks the Douro Valley
- Relish the wondrous mixture of antique charm and contemporary luxury in your handpicked accommodations across Portugal
Detailed Description
Portugal has sent explorers to the far reaches of the globe for more than half a millennium, and their sailors have returned to their shores with treasures from far away lands that have in turn shaped local style and culture. Your 7-day tour of Portugal will offer you insight into the past and present lives of Lisboetas in Lisbon to Tripeiros in Porto. Your journey will begin with your arrival at Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado International Airport, and your private transfer will escort you to your fabulous hotel at the heart of Old Town. Settle in a bit, and then meet your guide to explore the various neighborhoods of Lisbon to catch the unique flavor of the city set beneath the soaring walls of the Castle of St. Jorge.
Wake the next morning to venture out into the city to explore the splendors of the past and the wonders of contemporary lifestyle at your leisure. Traverse the Jerónimos Monastery to view the 15th-century design and the tomb of Vasco de Gama. Wander the galleries of the Museu Nacional de Arte Antia to view the national collection of artifacts returned from the former colonies in Africa and Asia. Depart from Lisbon the next day and set out for Coimbra. En route, you will stop at the seaside town of Cascais to enjoy the breeze, the view, and the remarkable history. Continue to the viewpoint at Cabo da Roca to reach the edge of the European continent before arriving at the beautiful estate connected to Coimbra. Travel next to discover the splendors of Coimbra’s cobbled streets and the allure of the riverside. Visit the old university and the 12th-century Monastery of Santa Cruz as you take it all in.
Move on from Coimbra to the enchanting hillsides over the Douro River Valley and the town of Pinhao. Enjoy the remainder of the day as you relax at a chateau surrounded by vineyards. Take to the valley the next day with a private wine tour to sample the stunning Port and selected varietals cultivated around the banks of the Douro River, including a visit to one of the oldest vineyards in the region. The following morning, transfer to Porto for a full day tour of the narrow cobbled streets and bridges that traverse the banks of the Douro River. The city has a unique pride that complements the grand architecture that decorates the hills. Conclude the next day as you travel to Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport for your flight home.
Starting Price
$2,300 per person (excluding international flights)
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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