Best of Portugal

This morning, you will be picked up from a centrally located hotel in Lisbon or at a central meeting point. Please ensure that you are in Lisbon the day before the tour starts. If you need assistance booking a hotel, we are more than happy to help.

From Lisbon, the tour will head to Óbidos, surrounded by medieval walls, windmills, and fruit trees. Discover its unique architecture and crafts, and taste the famous bitter cherry liqueur.

Next, visit Alcobaça, home to Portugal’s first and largest Gothic church and the burial site of Inês de Castro. Continue to the traditional fishing village and seaside resort of Nazaré. En route to Fátima, stop in Batalha to see the famous monastery and tomb of Henry the Navigator. In the evening, attend the candle-lit procession in Fátima. Overnight in Fátima.

Accommodation at Hotel Sainte-Marie, Fátima, or similar

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Coimbra to visit one of the oldest universities in the world, featuring a magnificent baroque library. See St. Clara Church, where Queen St. Isabel is entombed.

In the afternoon, visit Aveiro—known as the “Venice of Portugal” for its canals and graceful boats. Continue to Porto for your overnight stay. Meals: B

Accommodation at Hotel Vila Galé, Porto, or similar

After breakfast, your guide will lead you through Porto’s historic riverside district, filled with old houses, palaces, and churches.

Continue to Minho, the lush northwest region of Portugal known for its “green wine.” Stop in Guimarães—the birthplace of Portugal’s first king—and explore the medieval historic center, the Sacred Hill, the Castle, and the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança.

Then, visit Braga, often called the “Portuguese Rome,” home to the country’s oldest cathedral and the stunning Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary. Stop in Barcelos, known for its handicrafts and the legend of the Galo de Barcelos, the iconic Portuguese rooster. Return to Porto for the night. Meals: B

Accommodation at Hotel Vila Galé, Porto, or similar

Enjoy a leisurely day in picturesque Porto. Explore at your own pace or relax at your hotel. Optional activities include a Hop-On Hop-Off City Bus Tour or an evening of live Portuguese Fado music. Meals: B

Accommodation at Hotel Vila Galé, Porto, or similar

After breakfast, depart for Amarante, a charming town known for its romantic traditions and lively market. Continue to Vila Real to visit the gardens of the Mateus Manor.

Travel through the demarcated Port Wine region, admiring the terraced vineyards and breathtaking landscapes. Stop in Lamego, beneath the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, and sample local delicacies. Proceed to Viseu, a mountain city known for its beautiful cathedral and bustling town center. Arrive in Urgeiriça for the night. Meals: B

Accommodation at Hotel Urgeiriça, Urgeiriça, or similar

After breakfast, visit Bussaco and its lush forest of exotic trees. Continue to Tomar, a city closely tied to the history of the Knights Templar. Visit the Castle and the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its blend of architectural styles. Return to Lisbon for an overnight. Meals: B

Accommodation at Olissippo Marquês de Sá, Lisbon, or similar

After breakfast, head to Royal Sintra to tour the town and visit the Sintra Palace. Continue to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, for breathtaking views.

Along the coast, pass the famous surfing beach, the dramatic Hell’s Mouth do Inferno), the cosmopolitan town of Cascais, and the gardens of Estoril Casino. Return to Lisbon for overnight. Meals: B

Accommodation at Olissippo Marquês de Sá, Lisbon, or similar

After breakfast, depart Lisbon for Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include the Roman Temple, the Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral, St. Francis Church with its haunting “Chapel of Bones,” and the historic University. Explore the market for lunch and local crafts before enjoying free time in the afternoon. Overnight in Évora. Meals: B

Accommodation at Hotel Vila Galé Évora, Évora, or similar

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning in Évora before departing for Beja to see Portugal’s highest medieval tower. Continue to Silves, famous for its striking red sandstone castle.

End the day in Lagos, a vibrant coastal town with golden beaches, rugged cliffs, and a charming old quarter filled with history, great food, and lively nightlife. Overnight in Lagos. Meals: B

Accommodation at Hotel Vila Galé Lagos, Lagos, or similar

After breakfast, travel to Ponta da Piedade for stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Continue to Sagres to visit the fortress that once housed the legendary School of Navigation.

Return to Lagos early in the afternoon, leaving time to explore on your own or relax on the beach. Overnight in Lagos. Meals: B

Accommodation at Hotel Vila Galé Lagos, Lagos, or similar

After breakfast, travel north to Lisbon, bidding farewell to the Algarve’s golden coastline. Stop in Setúbal, a bustling port city with a vibrant atmosphere, then drive through the scenic Serra da Arrábida, a National Park known for its lush mountains and panoramic views. Arrive in Lisbon in the late afternoon. If you require hotel arrangements, we’ll be happy to assist in organizing your stay. Meals: B