Portugal Round Trip |
12 days / 11 nights
Lisbon - Sintra - Estoril - Lisbon - Obidos - Alcobaça - Nazaré - Batalha - Porto - Coimbra - Fatima - Evora - Beja - Silves - Lagos - Sagres - Cabo São Vicente - Lagos - Lisbon
Day 1 Lisbon
Arrival at the airport of Lisbon where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Lisbon.
Day 2 Lisbon
Enjoy a full-day guided tour of Lisbon – a city built on top of seven hills, from the highest where stands the Castle St.Jorge, you have an absolutely marvellous view over the Town and The Tagus River. Once the starting-point for world discovery, it is still today a city with a bustling life, famous with its medieval quarter and the legendary yellow trams. During the tour we will visit Parque Eduardo VII, Rossio square, the main boulevard Av. Da Liberdade, Praça do Comércio, Alfama old district and the famous Belém-Quarter. Included, and unmissable, is the interior visit of Jerónimos Church “Santa Maria” masterpiece of Portuguese 16th century Manueline style. Later, enjoy dinner and fado show in a traditional restaurant.
Day 3 Lisbon - Sintra (40 km/1h) - Estoril (20 km/30 min) - Lisbon (30 km/1h)
In the morning start the trip visiting the city of Sintra, known and loved because of its climate and various palaces. During monarchy Sintra was the summer residence for Portuguese kings. A visit to the National Palace, the royal summer residence until 1910 is a must. Outside and part of the palace two conically shaped chimneys tower into the sky, forming the most distinctive landmark on the Sintra skyline. After this visit, we drive to Cascais and Estoril, once called Portuguese Riviera, today the Portuguese jet set choose this area to have their residences. Return to Lisbon and overnight.
Day 4 Lisbon - Óbidos (90 km/1,30h) - Alcobaça (40 km/1h)- Nazaré (15 km/30 min) - Batalha (40 km/1h)
Departure from Lisbon and first stop at Óbidos, a small medieval town, famous with its narrow white streets surrounded by the castle walls. Time for a sightseeing of the village centre and the castle, as well as a visit to the small local typical stores. Proceed to Alcobaça for visit of the famous Monastery of Santa Maria d'Alcobaça, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which shelters the magnificent tombs of King Pedro and Queen Inés de Castro. Free time for lunch and continue to Nazaré, formerly a picturesque fishing village known for women who wore seven skirts at the same time and men who defied the turbulent Atlantic Ocean. Proceed to The Monastery Santa Maria da Vitória, commonly known as Batalha, jewel of Portuguese Gothic architecture, an impressive monument built in fulfillment of an oath made by King D.João I, father of Henry the Navigator. After visiting the monastery, free time and accommodation. Overnight in Batalha.
Day 5 Batalha - Porto (200 km/3h)
After breakfast depart to Porto, the largest city in the North of Portugal and considered the economic and cultural heart of the entire region. Prepare for a guided tour of Porto, visiting Palácio da Bolsa, the city’s calling card. Here one can only be awed by the intricate work of the Arabian Room, continue with the Baroque church of St. Francis, and cross the remarkable bridge of the famous architect Gustave Eiffel across the Douro river. Then proceed to the city of Vila Nova de Gaia, on the left bank of the Douro River, where is located most of the world’s supply of Port wine. Whilst in Porto, one has simply to visit one of the many Port Wine Cellars that made this a famous region throughout the world. After you taste the delicious nectar of the Douro-Valley, walk through the Ribeira-Quarter, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, with its colorful painted houses and many restaurants and bars. Overnight in Porto.
Day 6 Porto and Douro Wine Region (130 km/3h)
A day tour dedicated to the Douro Wine Region, considered for one of the World’s best wine regions. The destination of the tour will be Pinhão, one of the most enchanting routes in Portugal. See the old train station in Pinhão and visit one of the most famous port wine vineyards to learn how is made and to taste it. Return to Porto and enjoy free time in the afternoon.
Day 7 Porto - Coimbra (120 km/2h) - Fátima (90 km/1,30h)
After breakfast leave Porto and continue to Coimbra, first stop of the day. The picturesque small city was once capital of the Portuguese Kingdom and is one of the oldest cities of Portugal and a home of the first University of the country. Drive to Fátima - the most important pilgrimage center, where it is believed that 3 shepherd children had various sightings of the Virgin in 1917. During the main pilgrimages in May and October up to million of people visit the sanctuary. Enjoy free time to visit the Sanctuary of Fátima, the main basilica. Overnight in Fátima.
Day 8 Fátima - Évora (200 km/3,30h)
After breakfast leave Fátima and continue trip to Évora. In the narrow streets of the whitewashed town of Évora, walk along the time visiting some of the most important monuments: the Roman Temple, the Romanesque-gothic Cathedral, Saint Francis Church with the “Bones Chapel“, and the University. At the market you will see and feel the richness of product used to prepare one of the most elaborated and appreciated gastronomies of Portugal. Along the visit you will also admire the diversity and authenticity of local handicraft with cork, ceramic and copper objects. In the afternoon, free time for a better discover of the city. Overnight in Évora.
Day 9 Évora - Beja (80 km/1,30h) - Silves (130 km/2,30h) - Lagos (40 km/1h)
Leaving Évora and drive to Algarve - the southern region of Portugal. On the way, a short stop in Beja, a town with whitewashed houses and 13-century castle. After that, proceed to Algarve and visit the first city - Silves, in moorish times the capital of the Algarve. Here visit the castle which dates from this period and affords magnificent views over the surrounding countryside and see the gothic cathedral. Travel to the historical seaport town of Lagos – see the old slave market, the statue of Prince Henry and enjoy free time to explore. Overnight in Lagos.
Day 10 Lagos - Sagres (32 km/1h)- Cabo São Vicente - Lagos (40 km/1h)
After breakfast, commence with the visit of Sagres. With its beautiful beaches, massive cliffs, important history, high winds, warm weather and 16th century fortress, this small city is a unique and awe-inspiring travel destination. A place which Henry the Navigator proclaimed “the end of the Old World”. Proceed along the cliffs to Cabo São Vicente, the most southwestern point in Europe, where can be admired spectacular views. Return to the hotel and afternoon at leisure in Lagos. Overnight.
Day 11 Lagos - Lisbon (300 km/5h)
After breakfast, departure to Lisbon. Free afternoon for shopping and leisure. Overnight in Lisbon.
Day 12 Lisbon
Transfer to Lisbon airport.