Picturesque Portugal

Pastel and azulejo-clad facades line Lisbon's narrow streets which ramble across and over its seven hills from St. George Castle to the Tagus River. Gaze over the Portuguese capital's terracotta rooftops, soaking up its small-town atmosphere before kicking off your adventure later this evening.

Tonight you'll join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner and sample some of the local favourites that you'll encounter throughout your journey across Portugal. (D) Stay: VIP Executive Zurique

Explore the Age of the Discoveries and Portugal's role as a global maritime power many centuries ago when you join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour. See the Hieronymite Monastery and the medieval quarter as well as views of the alabaster-white Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries before taking the rest of the day to explore on your own. Consider joining a Choice Experience to Portugal's Golden Triangle of Cascais, Estoril and Sintra to see some of the country's most extravagant palaces during your free afternoon.

This evening, perhaps join an optional traditional Portuguese dinner amidst the heart-wrenching, melancholic sounds of the fado. (B)

Que bom! A full free day in Lisboa to explore the enchanting Portuguese capital your way. The secret to living a long life lies in eating a big breakfast, but as you'll come to discover in Lisbon that may extend to a big lunch and dinner too.

Spend the day indulging in a culinary adventure on your own or choose an optional visit to the fishing village of Nazaré, set on a wide bay overlooking the Atlantic. This Choice Experience also includes a visit to Óbidos where you'll have time to explore the medieval walled city with its whitewashed houses and cobblestone lanes. Aside from its obvious charm and history that pre-dates the founding of Portugal, Óbidos is also home to the delightfully decadent Ginja cherry liqueur served up in tiny chocolate cups. Don't go home without a taste or two! (B)

Leave Lisbon behind, bound for the Templar city of Tomar for an orientation with your Travel Director, a beautiful reminder of Portuguese Renaissance. Continue to Fátima, a site of a celebrated religious miracle where three young shepherds are said to have seen an apparition of the Virgin Mary in 1917. Explore the Basilica and Sanctuary on your own before dinner at your hotel with your travel companions. (B/D) Stay: São José

Travel to Coimbra to explore the city your way before continuing to Porto. Arrive in time for a sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist of the city's UNESCO-listed medieval Ribeira Quarter, the port and the remarkable bridges that span the Douro River. With an evening to do as you wish, you may be tempted to head to the water's edge and one of the city's Port wine cellars for a tasting and insights into the centuries-old tradition of local Port production. (B) Stay: Gaia Residence

Savour a full day to go back in time and explore Porto's historic centre with its beautiful Baroque facades. You could choose instead to join a Choice Experience to Braga, Portugal's religious capital. A Local Specialist will reveal insights into Braga's historic centre and you'll have an opportunity to see Europe's largest and most magnificent sculpted Baroque staircase.

This evening, an optional cruise along the Douro, followed by a dinner of local specialities, is a fitting way to end your journey through Portugal. Watch the city light up as you enjoy a night cap and the fresh river breeze. (B)

It's time to say goodbye to Porto and hello again to Lisbon as your adventure comes full circle. You've uncovered Portugal's rich history, indulged in the unique flavours of the Atlantic, and created lasting connections with your fellow travellers. (B)