Portugal
Itinerary
USA - Porto
Today depart the U.S. on an international flight to Portugal. (in-flight meals)
Arrival in Porto
Arrive in Porto and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Portugal’s second largest city. In the evening, meet your Tour Manager and fellow travelers and enjoy a Welcome Drink and orientation meeting on the sensational journey that lies ahead, followed by a Welcome Dinner. (D)
Porto
Today, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Porto with a local guide. Take a panoramic drive to the mouth of the Douro River, and visit the Church of Sao Francisco and the Stock Exchange, renowned for its exquisite neoclassical façade and ornate gilded Arabian Hall. Finish the tour with a visit to a Port Wine Cellar for a tasting. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure or, choose to participate in the optional Douro River Cruise with dinner. Cruise along the colorful river valley, viewing the city from a new perspective. Pass by the numerous port wine cellars and under the magnificent bridges crossing the valley. Aft erwards, a meal of local specialties in a typical restaurant with drinks is included. (B)
Coimbra - Tomar
This morning, depart Porto and drive south to Coimbra, the third-largest city in Portugal. Visit the university of Coimbra, among the oldest universities in Europe, with more than 700 years of history. Continue your journey to Tomar, one of Portugal’s historical jewels. Upon arrival, visit the hilltop Convent of Christ with its famous Manueline window. Tonight, dinner is at your hotel. (B, D)
Fatima - Lisbon
This morning drive to Lisbon. Stop in Fatima, one of the most important Catholic shrines in the world dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Its Sanctuary welcomes millions of pilgrims from all over the world. Fatima’s fame is due to the Apparitions of Our Lady of the Rosary that appeared to three shepherd children in 1917. Here, visit the great Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary built in neoclassical style, flanked by colonnades linking it with the extensive convent. Continue your journey to Lisbon, one of the oldest cities in Europe, over 2,000 years old, and capital of Portugal since 1147. Tonight, attend the optional Fado Dinner. Travel to one of Lisbon’s oldest districts and join one of the popular performances of local songs and traditional dances accompanied by a gentle guitar playing Portuguese melodies. Enjoy dinner with wine before a brief drive through the illuminated city. (B)
Lisbon
Today’s tour of Lisbon highlights the variety of heritage and styles that make it one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. You begin with a view of the treasured 16th century Belem Tower, a monument to Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Aft erward, visit the Cathedral of Lisbon and enjoy the elegant Liberdade Avenue. Take a walk along the winding cobblestone streets to Alfama, the old Fisherman’s Quarter, nestled between the Grand Castle and the River Tagus. The afternoon is at leisure or, join the optional tour to quaint Sintra, the “Glorious Eden” of Lord Byron, and ancient summer retreat of the royal court, highlighted by lavish romantic castles and stunning monuments. Visit the Sintra Royal Palace, a 15th-century royal residence, containing one of the largest tile collections in Portugal. Then enjoy some free time in the Village Historical Center before returning to Lisbon. (B)
Evora
This morning, head to Evora. Take a guided tour and discover the town’s massive walls and Roman Temple, early Gothic Cathedral, and Sao Francisco Church that is famous for its Ossuary chapel, whose walls are decorated with thousands of human bones and skulls. Head on to see Evora’s main square, the Praça do Giraldo, and the cobbled streets of this former Royal town. Later, return to Lisbon. Tonight, enjoy a delectable farewell dinner with your fellow travelers. (B, D)Depart Portugal
After breakfast and check-out, board your private motor coach for your transfer to the airport and your return flight home. (B)Accommodations
Porto, Portugal
Infante Sagres
Tomar, Portugal
Hotel Dos Templarios
Lisbon, Portugal
Hotel da Baixa
Accommodations
Porto, Portugal
Infante Sagres
Tomar, Portugal
Hotel Dos Templarios
Lisbon, Portugal
Hotel da Baixa