Highlights
Portugal a small country, but rich in history, and culture. This 6-day self drive starting from Lisbon and travel north to the north vineyards of the Douro Valley. Lisbon sits on the right bank of the extensive Tagus estuary, the capital of Portugal a cosmopolitan city. Its exceptional light that enchants writers, photographers and filmmakers, the typical neighborhoods that rise in the hills and from where stands the ocher color of the roofs, the vibrancy of the tiles of the facades and the tortuous alleyways of the old districts give the peculiar atmosphere of city between northern Europe and the southern Mediterranean. Explore the culture, history, and local gastronomy as you travel throughout the coutry. Not to miss the finest attractions Portugal has to offer. Short visit to walled town of Obidos or Coimbra Porto is one of the oldest European centres, and its medieval centre was proclaimed a World Heritage Site. A beautiful city filled with charm ancient architecture and nestled in the leading wine region of Douro Valley. Amazing cuisine combined with wine makes this area of Portugal a new food destination.
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Itinerary - click for more
Day 1: Porto Arrival Porto airport. Meet and greet by our representative and transfer to your hotel. Balance of day at leisure. Overnight in Lisbon.
Day 2: Porto Breakfast at the hotel. With a magnificent location near the mouth of the Douro and an architectonic ensemble of exceptional value, the historic center of Porto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will visit1 the 12th century Cathedral (visit to the cloisters is not include), the Church of São Francisco, whose interior is covered with gold, is one of the most remarkable examples of Portuguese Baroque. Also discover other important places, such as the Lello Bookstore, the Majestic Café and the magnificent São Bento Station. Free time for lunch. We leave in the direction of the Serralves Park which extends, from the House of Serralves, on 18 hectares which include gardens, forests, a rose garden and a romantic lake which are a real refuge for who wants to flee the confusion of the city. The day ends with a visit to a Port Wine Cellar to taste this fortified wine and with a 50-minutes boat trip on the Douro river. Return to the hotel. Overnight in Porto.
Day 3: Porto, Viana Do Castelo, Braga, Cuimaraes, Porto Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Viana do Castelo, a seaside town, at the mouth of the Lima River, famous for its craftsmanship and for the colors of its regional costumes. At the top, overlooking the city, stands the shrine of Santa Luzia. Direction Braga, one of the oldest Christian cities in the world with a vast religious heritage, as are the sanctuaries that make up the triangle of faith: the Cathedral and the Sanctuaries of Bom Jesus and Sameiro. Continuation to Guimarães, considered as the cradle of Portugal, because it was born Afonso Hen-riques who will become the first king of this country. Associated with the formation and identity of Portugal, the historic center of Guimarães located within the walls has been declared World Heritage by UNESCO, based on the values of originality and authenticity that have guided its renovation. Return to Porto. Overnight in Port
Day 4: Porto, Coimbra, Fatima, Lisbon Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. We descend to Coimbra, the city of students, so called to host one of the first universities in Europe and the largest in the country. Stroll in the oldest part of Coimbra, made of narrow and steep streets that lead to the top of the hill. Continuation to Fátima, place of faith and a pilgrimage world center. Overnight in Lisbon.
Day 5: Lisbon Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to the district of Castelo, to visit2 the Castle of São Jorge, located on the highest hill of Lisbon, one of the most emblematic monuments of the capital. Then we will descend the old district of Alfama, characterized by its white houses, labyrinthine streets, inner courtyards and dead ends. Free time for lunch. We leave to Belém, where monuments referring to the Maritime Discovery era in the 15th and 16th centuries were erected, such as the Belém Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries and the Jerónimos Monastery. Visit to the National Coaches Museum, containing one of the most important and rich collections of coaches in the world. Return to the hotel.
Overnight in Lisbon
Day 6: Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, Estoril, Lisbon Breakfast at the hotel. Departure from the hotel towards Sintra, a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover the charms and history of the town that enchanted kings and poets. Visit to the romantic National Pena Palace. If weather permits, we will then stop at the westernmost point of mainland Europe, Cabo da Roca. On the way to Cascais along the coast, be dazzled by the seascape. In Estoril, place where Ian Fleming got the idea for the James Bond character, we highlight the gardens of one of the largest Casinos in Europe. Return to the hotel. Overnight in Lisbon.
Day 7: Lisbon, Obidos, Alcobaca, Nazare, Batalha, Lisbon Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to the charming village of Óbidos. Travel back in time to this walled medieval town and admire its Gothic churches and narrow, winding streets. We continue to Alcobaça, to visit the church of the monastery of Santa Maria, the largest in the country, known for its medieval architecture. The lunch break will be at the picturesque fishing village of Nazaré, where we can enjoy the beautiful bay. Nazaré is also known for having a sea with big waves, which is the joy of surfers. We will resume our visit with a trip to Batalha, to visit the church of the Dominican monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória. This monastery, like the one in Alcobaça, has received the attention of UNESCO. Return to Lisbon. Overnight in Lisbon.
Day 8: Lisbon, Evora, Estremoz, Lisbon Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Évora, a World Heritage Site: bright, surrounded by ramparts, it houses a superb monumental complex including the Roman Temple of Diana, the imposing Cathedral, the Church of São Francisco and its mysterious Chapel of Bones. Visit to a wine estate with wine tasting. Departure to Estremoz, knowned as “the white city” due to its block of houses of this color, but also to be one of the largest exporters of white marble in the world. Return to Lisbon.
Overnight in Lisbon.Day 9: Lisbon After breakfast, depart for airport. Return rental car Lisbon Airport. ***end of services***
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