Treasures of Portugal

Welcome to Portugal! This vivacious southwestern European country is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and Spain on the other, and offers an exquisite coastline, unique cities, a wealth of history, and incredible architecture. We begin our small group tour in Porto, a fascinating city that lies along the banks of the Douro River.

Located on the northern coast of Portugal, Porto is its second largest city and well known for its port wine production. From wandering its winding streets to savouring local delicacies in waterfront cafes, we'll experience an irresistible blend of tradition, culture and modern flair in this truly unforgettable Portuguese adventure.

We don't want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don't, we recommend you arrive at your starting destination by 5.30pm.

At 6.30pm, join your fellow travellers and tour leader in the lobby for introductions and a welcome drink. Then take an orientation walk of the surrounds followed by dinner at local restaurant.

Our half day guided city tour of Porto begins after breakfast this morning. We'll admire the façade of the Carmo Church and Clérigos Tower, learning about their distinct architecture and the part they have played in the intriguing history of the city. We'll also visit the Stock Exchange Palace and marvel at the beautiful neoclassical style building from both inside and out.

Next, we'll take a cruise along the Douro River and pass under each of Porto's six bridges. We then pay a visit to a local wine cellar to learn how authentic port is made and enjoy a tasting before continuing our walking tour, crossing the iconic iron Dom Luís I Bridge.

The remainder of the day is at leisure to get acquainted with the city further on our own. A short distance from the town centre of Porto is the exhilarating ‘WOW – The Cultural District'. The panoramic views of the River Douro this district has to offer (along with the wine) is truly stunning. Consider exploring one of its seven museums, numerous shops and twelve restaurants and bars at your own pace.

It's time to awaken our inner wine connoisseur as we make our way to the lush Vinho Verde Region. Get your cameras and palette ready as we drive past rolling hills and picturesque vineyards to sample the crisp, refreshing wines this beautiful region has to offer.

Special Experience: Explore the stunning vineyards and immaculately manicured gardens of the Vinho Verde Region during a wine tasting and guided tour. We then make our way to the charming city of Amarante, where we'll see the stunning Saint Goncalo's Monastery. This grand structure, begun in 1543 AD and completed over a century later, towers over the peaceful, flowing waters of the Tâmega, exuding a sense of timeless beauty. Whether you're an architecture aficionado or history enthusiast, there's plenty to marvel at here, from the intricate stone carvings to the serene riverside setting. Take a moment to savour a delicious lunch at a local café, before we head back to Porto, relaxed and ready for an afternoon of leisurely exploration at your own pace.

Rise and shine! It's time to make our way to the opulent city of Guimarães, often revered as the cradle of Portugal. We'll wander through its narrow cobblestone streets and admire its marvellous medieval architecture. Our walking tour today will lead us to the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, a grand residence steeped in regal splendour. With its imposing towers and intricate tapestries, this palace offers a fascinating glimpse into Portugal's royal past. After our Palace visit, make your way to the charming cafés for some lunch around the lively squares just waiting to be explored.

Braga, one of Portugal's eldest cities, is our next destination today. Step back in time as we marvel at the striking baroque monuments and the iconic Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary, perched high above the city on a short panoramic city tour.

End your day at leisure people-watching in the bustling Praça da República, soaking in Braga's charm before excitedly planning your return visit perhaps? Weave through the narrow streets lined with lively cafés and boutique shops, where locals greet you with warm smiles. Hungry? Why not taste some local delights like the famous papas de sarrabulho or mouthwatering bacalhau dishes.

Buckle up for an exhilarating day as we make our way to our first stop this morning – Ovar! Together with our local tourism expert, we'll discover striking azulejo-clad façades and delve into the history of tile-painting.

Referred to as the Portuguese Venice, next we make our way to Aveiro. Set on the shores of the Ria de Aveiro, this Portuguese city is known for its many meandering canals. We'll hop aboard iconic moliceiro boats for a laid-back glide on the serene waters, admiring the vibrant Art Nouveau buildings along the banks. After, indulge in local flavours during your free time at lunch. We'll then embark on a guided walking tour to marvel at Aveiro's cultural gems.

Descending a steep hill to meet the river Mondego is the charming city of Coimbra, which is our final stop this evening. Best known for its prestigious university—one of Europe's oldest—this vibrant locale brims with centuries of history.

Tonight, we'll settle into Coimbra's inviting surrounds with a group dinner, savouring regional delicacies while a Fado performance fills the air with soulful melodies.

Today's adventure promises a feast for the eyes, imagination and the heart—prepare to fall in love with Coimbra's spellbinding allure. We'll start the day with a guided tour that reveals the secrets of this historical university town, exploring the majestic University grounds to admiring the mesmerising architecture of its centuries-old cathedral.

Special Experience: Discover the Shale Villages, visiting local shops and connecting with the locals before enjoying a traditional lunch.

Challenging Day: Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

Get ready to explore Nazaré, a picturesque fishing village renowned for its towering waves that attract fearless surfers from around the globe. On a short orientation tour this morning, we'll stroll along the waterfront, soaking up local lore and panoramic ocean views, before we settle in for a mouthwatering Portuguese feast that will delight your taste buds.

In the afternoon we'll continue to the town of Óbidos, where we have the opportunity to taste the local cherry liquor, Ginjinha, an iconic Portuguese liquor made by infusing sour cherries in the traditional local brandy called ‘Aguardente'. It's a spirited delight you won't want to miss!

We'll arrive in Lisbon this evening, a city buzzing with life and character. After we check in, the evening is all yours to discover its vibrant streets. Marvel at the grand Gothic cathedrals alongside striking modern architecture or simply admire terracotta rooftops lining the winding lanes. Soak up the heady mix of tradition and trendiness and sip a refreshing sangria while overlooking the Tagus River. Once you feel Lisbon's pulse, you'll know exactly why it's such an unforgettable must-visit!

After breakfast this morning we make our way to Sintra, a town just outside of Lisbon and home to the incredible National Palace of Sintra. Exploring the Palace, we'll see the distinct mix of medieval, Gothic, Manueline and Renaissance architecture which has remained relatively untouched since the mid-16th century. The National Palace of Sintra was used by the Portuguese Royal family until the end of the monarchy in 1910 and offers visitors a glimpse back through time.

Cascais is the perfect midday stop on our journey back to Lisbon, offering a delightful blend of seaside charm and scenic squares lined with palm trees. After a short orientation tour, you'll have free time for lunch and to meander through the quaint lanes of this easy-going coastal town. Next, we'll venture to Estoril, renowned for its golden beaches and glitzy casino history.

When we arrive back in Lisbon, the remainder of the day is yours to wander the romantic streets, visit museums or simply enjoy a relaxed waterfront stroll.

After breakfast, we set out on a panoramic tour through Lisbon's charming historical centre, soaking up centuries of stories enroute. Admire the grandiose Monument of Discoveries before we head to the awe-inspiring Jerónimos Monastery. Prepare to be wowed by ornate stone carvings of mythical sea creatures and swirling vines. Built in honour of Portugal's Age of Discovery, Jerónimos Monastery is a glorious testament to the city's rich maritime heritage and Manueline architecture.

Next, we'll venture downtown for a lively walking tour, culminating at Rossio Square, the heart of this vibrant city. This will be an ideal spot to indulge in a leisurely lunch at your own pace. Whether you spend the rest of your day scouting out Portuguese souvenirs, people-watching by the grand fountains or sipping an espresso at a nearby café, Rossio Square has something to offer for everyone!

Special Experience: Get ready for an iconic double treat — a private tram ride through the winding streets of Lisbon while sampling the famous Portuguese Tarts. Today we're checking two quintessential Portuguese experiences off our bucket lists! We'll hop aboard Lisbon's iconic yellow tram, winding our way through both popular tourist quarters and tucked-away local districts. Retaining much of their 1930s character — think wood-panelled interiors and gleaming brass details —these historic trams are brimming with old-world charm. As we glide through the city's interlacing neighbourhoods, we'll savour the renowned Pastel de nata, Portugal's beloved custard tart. What a perfect way to wrap up our day!

This evening we'll join our new friends for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant where we reminisce on our favourite memories and experiences of Portugal together.

Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. We bid farewell to our fellow travellers and to the treasures of Portugal.