Picture Perfect Portugal

Welcome to Portugal! Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Porto using your CosmosGO app. This evening, meet your Tour Director and travel companions at the welcome meeting.

On the included sightseeing tour of Porto, a local guide will show you the highlights of this city, built along the banks of the Douro River, close to its estuary. Look out for the painted tiles decorating the city, the colorful houses along the riverbanks, the Porto wine cellars, the cheerful souvenir shops, and much more. Don't miss the opportunity to join the optional excursion to visit a family-owned cork factory and discover Porto's ancient cork and cooperage heritage. (B)

Today's exploration starts with a stop in Viana do Castelo, rich in palaces, churches, monasteries, and monumental fountains. Continue to the border town of Valenca do Minho, featuring a fortress facing the border with Spain marked by the Minho River. You may want to walk across the bridge to touch on Spanish soil and realize that you are on a different time zone! Next is Ponte de Lima, a charming town boasting an ancient Roman bridge, still perfectly maintained. Today's Distance: 137 mi/ 220 km (B)

Two of the main highlights of this picturesque city, set in a green hilly landscape, are the cathedral (Se), and the Bom Jeusu do Monte sanctuary. The Se is the oldest in Portugal and major religious reference point throughout centuries. Thus comes the popular saying "older than the Braga Se", to denote something that is extremely old. The Sanctuary is a magnificent Baroque style complex with a stairway leading to the top with granite fountains on each landing. Free time today to discover independently. (B)

Perching on top of a headland, Vila Real preserves stately houses adorned with coats of arms, Manueline windows and traditional wrought iron balconies. Spend time visiting the old town and indulge in a tasting experience of the famous Douro Valley wines before reaching Guarda, the highest city in Portugal.

Set over 3000 ft. above sea level on the slopes of the Serra da Estrela, Guarda was founded in 1199 by King Dom Sancho I, and it is considered a true stronghold of a rich historical past, presenting several layers of History including a fascinating Jewish legacy. This city played a significant role in the defense line of the Portuguese border in the Middle Age and continues to be a charming city that holds a strong identity. Today's Distance: 174 mi /280 km (B/D)

Join a sightseeing tour of Coimbra with a Local Guide, unveiling the must-sees of one of the most ancient university cities in Europe. Fatima is one of the most visited Marian shrines in the world. It became one since the Virgin Mary repeatedly appeared to three shepherd children in 1917, culminating in her revelation of the Three Secrets of Fátima. Today's Distance: 162 mi/ 260 km (B)

Arrive in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, and enjoy a guided sightseeing tour including the monument dedicated to Henry the Navigator, who made Lisbon the 15th-century “Mistress of the Seas.” Also see the Belem Tower, the Moorish Citadel, and other highlights. Today's Distance: 99 mi/ 160 km (B)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)