Wonders of Portugal

This morning, you will be picked up from a centrally located hotel in Lisbon. Begin your journey to the majestic and romantic Pena Palace, an astonishing fairy-tale castle perched atop one of Sintra’s highest peaks. At the end of the morning, enjoy some free time to stroll through the charming streets of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape.

Continue to Colares, a demarcated wine region known for its exceptional table wines, before heading to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe. Travel along the scenic coastline, passing Guincho Beach and Hell’s Mouth do Inferno), and enjoy the spectacular ocean views en route to the elegant seaside town of Cascais for a brief visit.

Return to Lisbon along the Estoril Coast, with panoramic views of the Casino and its lush gardens. Meals: L

Accommodation at the Olissippo Marquês de Sá, Lisbon, or similar

Leaving Lisbon, travel north to Óbidos, a postcard-perfect medieval town encircled by ancient walls, where whitewashed houses adorned with wrought-iron balconies showcase traditional craftsmanship. Continue to Alcobaça to visit its Monastery Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Portugal’s finest examples of Gothic architecture.

Lunch is served in Nazaré, one of Portugal’s most colorful fishing villages. When possible, continue to Sítio, where you can enjoy stunning views of the beach and ocean beyond.

In the afternoon, visit the Batalha Monastery, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its magnificent Gothic design and exquisite stained-glass windows.

End the day at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, one of the world’s most important pilgrimage centers. Visit the Basilica, where the tombs of Lúcia, Francisco, and Jacinta rest, and the Chapel of Apparitions, the spiritual heart of the shrine. When possible, attend mass before returning to Lisbon through the scenic agricultural plains. Meals: B, L

Accommodation at the Olissippo Marquês de Sá, Lisbon, or similar

After breakfast, depart for Évora, a city rich in history, culture, and tradition. Cross the Tagus River and travel through a picturesque landscape of olive groves, cork oaks, and vineyards before arriving in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Wander the cobbled streets of this whitewashed town and visit its most important landmarks, including the Roman Temple, the Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral, Saint Francis Church with its famous Chapel of Bones, and the historic University of Évora. At the local market, discover the ingredients that define Portugal’s celebrated cuisine, and browse local handicrafts made of cork, ceramic, and copper.

After lunch, travel to Azeitão to visit one of Portugal’s oldest and most renowned wine cellars. Conclude the visit with a tasting of Moscatel de Setúbal, the region’s signature dessert wine. Return to Lisbon in the late afternoon. Meals: B, L