Highlights of Portugal

Welcome to Portugal! Stretching along the banks of the River Douro, Porto is one of Portugal's most romantic cities. Known for majestic bridges, a medieval riverside district with its cobbled streets, merchants’ houses and cafes, Porto is also well known for one more thing; surprise surprise – Porto is the birthplace of the fortified wine, port. Today, there’s an important welcome meeting at 6 pm where you’ll meet your group leader and fellow travellers. After your meeting, why not get the crew together and head out to an optional dinner – your group leader will know of some great spots to go.

Take a leader-led orientation walk with your group this morning to get your bearings. One of the best ways to get to know Porto is through its port wine, so you’ll get a chance to test out Portugal’s famed wine on an included wine tasting. Otherwise, the day is free to do as you please. The city's World Heritage-listed Ribeira district is packed with twisting alleys, staircases and baroque churches, and is great to explore on foot. Perhaps check out Livraria Lello is a stunning neo-Gothic bookstore famed for its sweeping crimson staircase, ornate woodwork, and magical atmosphere that feels lifted from a storybook. For a sensational view of the whole town head to the Torre dos Clerigos (Clerigos Tower), or head down Allies Avenue to see the French-inspired buildings. Oh, and in the evening, why not book yourself on a Rio Duoro cruise on one of the historic 'rabelo' boats to see the city from the water. (B)

Take a train to Coimbra this morning and head out on an orientation walk with your group to learn about the river-side city that was once the capital of the country. Wander through the lanes and square of the Old Quarter and be sure to pass by the University of Coimbra – the oldest in Portugal. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy as you please, maybe head back to the university and visit its library – but you’ll need to pre-book in advance! Tonight, meet up with your group again for a Fado show. Coimbra’s version of Fado is linked to the academic traditions of its university and the music is characterized by sombre tunes and lyrics. (B)

Hop on a public bus and head to Nazare today, the coastal town known for its fishing culture and traditions. Head out on an orientation walk with your group and visit the fishermen’s district to see the open-air museum of historic boats – Barcos Salvas Vidas – and the open-air dried fish museum – Seca do Peixe. After, take the funicular to O Sitio to see Nazare from a different angle at the Suberco viewpoint, the upper part of the town high above the sea. You’ll also get to check out the Sanctuary of our Lady of Nazareth and the Ermida da Memoria. Tonight, watch the sunset cast glows on the white-washed town and head out for a seafood dinner. (B/D)

Head to Obidos today, a historic town north of Lisbon. Your leader will bring your group on an orientation walk to learn about this charming medieval town that feels like stepping back in time. Wander its cobblestone streets to check out its whitewashed houses, churches and monuments, and the castle perched behind the castle walls. Try out the town’s signature ginjinha – sour cherry liqueur – at a tasting with the group. later in the afternoon continue to Lisbon, (B)

Explore the capital of Portugal this morning on an orientation walk with your group. Lisbon is known for its architecture, seafood and non-stop nightlife. There are some great modern and ancient art museums to check out, like the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum and the National Museum of Contemporary Art. Get a real taste of local cuisine with a stop at a local shop for pasteis de nata with your group – Portuguese custard tarts. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own leisure, maybe take a day trip to Sintra – a royal sanctuary full of pastel coloured Romanticist buildings. Tonight, you could experience Portugal’s way of life by enjoying a glass of wine and some local bites while watching the sun set on the city’s terracotta rooftops with your group at one of the many scenic restaurants – your leader can point you in the right direction. (B)

With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave at any time. That doesn’t mean your Portuguese adventure has to come to an end! If you wish to spend more time in Lisbon, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). (B)