Portuguese Escape

Welcome to Lisbon!

At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.

Lovely Lisbon

This morning, discover the historic grandeur of Lisbon when you join your Local Guide for a fascinating sightseeing drive complete with photo stops at Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. See the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery with its 100-foot façade featuring images of St. Michael the Archangel and Our Lady of Belém. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to explore more of the city.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC SPOT: The stunning capital city of Portugal is a treasure trove of historic and architectural masterpieces. Lisbon is home to the 16th-century Monastery of Jerónimos, with its 100-foot façade featuring images of St. Michael the Archangel and Our Lady of Belém. See the 16th-century Belém Tower, which served as a fortress but also as an embarkation point for sailors and was their last sight of land before the start of their journey. Lisbon's Monument to the Discoveries pays homage to great Portuguese explorers with a spectacular carved prow of an ancient ship.

Sea, Surf & Sanctuaries

Depart Lisbon and start to discover some of Portugal's smaller gems. Stop in the medieval town of Obidos and join an orientation walk through some of its picture-perfect streets. Next, visit the charming coastal town of Nazaré, a magnet for surfers. Take a short drive to Alcobaça for some free time to visit the Church of Santa Maria Monastery. Later, en route to Tomar, stop at Fatima, one of the most important Marian shrines, and visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. 137mi/220 km.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LEGENDARY LIVES: The monastery of Alcobaça is a unique masterpiece of Gothic Cistercian art. See the tombs of King Pedro I and his Castillan lover, Ines de Castro, and hear about the heartbreaking tale of these ill- fated lovers. The king never stopped loving Ines even after she was murdered, and during his life he commissioned matching tombs that sit together so that they can look at each other as they rise from their graves.

Academic Honors

Today, three historic towns are on the menu. This morning, visit the stunning town of Tomar and discover the town's strong links to the Knights Templar when you visit the Convent of Christ. Later, continue to Coimbra and visit the University, one of the oldest in Europe, which gives it the nickname the “City of Knowledge.” Enjoy a scenic drive en route to Porto. 124 mi/ 200 km.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURE & TRADITION: The University of Coimbra is distinguished as the oldest university in Portugal and one of the oldest in the world, it is also one of the best known and internationally celebrated. With a history of more than seven centuries, the students at Coimbra University dress in the traditional black capes with ribbons in varying hues as was the tradition when the school was founded in 1290.

Panoramas & Port Wine

Uncover the beauty of the waterfront city of Porto when you follow your Local Guide on a sightseeing tour that features a panoramic drive to the mouth of the Douro River, plus a walk in the center including visits of the Church of São Francisco, and the Stock Exchange with its Arabian Hall. Enjoy a Port wine tasting at a local Port Wine Cellar. This afternoon, explore the city at leisure.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LOCAL TASTES: The grapes from the vineyards in the Douro Valley surrounding Porto provide the main ingredient for one of the world's most recognized fortified wines. Visit a local wine cellar and taste centuries of tradition in a glass of Port wine in the city that bears its name. Saúde!

Port & Petiscos

The treats keep coming today! Start with a visit of Guimaraes, discover why it is called the “Birthplace of Portugal” and enjoy an orientation walk through the medieval center. Continue to Penafiel, visit the gardens of the Quinta da Aveleda winery, and enjoy a Portuguese petiscos tasting. Later, enjoy a scenic drive through the port wine vineyards en route to Viseu. This evening, delve into some local specialties and wine with dinner at a local restaurant. 149 mi/ 240 km.

LOCAL FAVORITE - HISTORY & HERITAGE: The history of the Quinta da Aveleda estate spans the centuries and generations who have preserved the Portuguese traditions of wine making and proud legacy of the Guedes family. The architectural heritage of this cherished estate is only matched by its wines, produced, and nurtured as the largest Vinho Verde exporter and family-owned winery.

Castles & Corks

This morning, visit the charming town of Castelo de Vide, dominated by a well-preserved medieval castle, enjoy some free time to stroll in the historic Jewish Quarter and through the characteristic narrow streets. Reach Evora in the heart of Alentejo and visit a traditional cork factory. 236mi/380 km.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LOCAL CRAFTS: Known as the “cork capital of the world,” Portugal is the world's leading producer and exporter of cork, with the cork oak tree being native to the region of Alentejo. For hundreds of years, one of the best-known uses of cork has been for wine bottles, yet cork is much more versatile! After all, NASA has been using it as insulation for many years—not to mention Lady Gaga's cork ensemble by a Portuguese designer. From bags and keyrings to jewelry and shoes, a variety of cork products can be found in local shops. Learn all about this traditional artisanship when you visit a Cork Factory in Evora.

Gothic Grandeur

Discover what makes Evora special this morning when you follow your Local Guide on a guided walking tour through the narrow alleys to see the Roman Temple and visit the Cathedral, São Francisco Church, and the Ossuary Chapel. After some free time for lunch, drive to Lisbon. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner together with your travel companions. 93 mi / 150 km.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURE & TRADITION: Walk back in time to the Roman era of Evora – a city with roots firmly planted in the 16th century in the home of Portuguese kings. See the white houses, architectural tiles, and embellished balconies with a stroll through the Gothic sites of the cathedral, church, and chapel.

Safe travels until we meet again!

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.