Essence of Portugal

Say olá to Portugal's sunny capital upon arrival at the airport, where you'll be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Lisbon effortlessly blends traditional culture with striking modern architecture. Explore its charming neighbourhoods, taste local specialties, or venture to one of the popular beaches that are accessible from the city. This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers before spending the rest of the night at leisure. Stay Three Nights: Lisbon Avani Avenida Liberdade or similar

Discover the wonders of Lisbon. Explore the city's hilly streets, jump aboard an iconic tram for a scenic journey and finish at Belém Tower, a symbol of Portugal's Age of Discoveries, for a picturesque look into Lisbon's maritime history. Belém is also renowned for being the home of the Portuguese tart, which was invented at the famous Pastéis de Belém in 1837. It's here in Belém you can enjoy your special Insider Experience.

Tonight, join a fado Welcome Dinner. Savour the rich flavours of Lisbon with a delicious dinner while witnessing a powerful fado performance, traditional folk music originating from Lisbon's neighbourhoods. (B/D)

Insider Experience - Portuguese Tart Making Class At a local bakery, discover the art of making the world-famous Pastel de Nata (Portuguese tarts). Master the culinary skills required to make this sweet pastry with a hands-on lesson led by a local baker. While you bake, learn about the history behind the Pastel de Nata, before the best part: tasting your efforts.

Set off on a full-day tour to the charming towns of Sintra and Cascais today. Begin in World Heritage-listed Sintra, a picturesque town stolen from the pages of a fairytale. Set in the foothills of Portugal's Sintra Mountains, this was once the summer retreat for Lisbon's nobility and royalty. Now, visitors and locals alike make the journey to Sintra to visit the famous Pena Palace, which is perched atop a hill and boasts stunning panoramas of the surrounds. Admire the palace's vivid colours, decorative terraces and Romanticist architecture, before exploring its famous gardens.

Continue to Cascais, a coastal resort town flaunting gold, sandy beaches, a popular marina and well-preserved medieval buildings. Enjoy time to explore at your leisure. You might like to sprawl out on one of Cascais' postcard-perfect beaches, peruse a museum, or enjoy a bite to eat at a local restaurant. (B)

Spend the day further exploring Portugal's picturesque towns and cities. In Óbidos, one of Europe's best-preserved medieval villages, step back in time to an era of knights and folklore as you explore the medieval walls and castle. Continue to Nazaré, renowned worldwide for its big-wave surfing. Stroll through the cobblestone lanes, enjoy people-watching at a local café, or relax at the beach.

Conclude your day in Coimbra, a historic riverfront city home to Portugal's oldest university, founded in 1209. Check in to your hotel before enjoying the remainder of your day at leisure. Stay: NH Coimbra Dona Ines or Tivoli Coimbra or similar (B)

Explore Portugal's version of Venice when you visit Aveiro this morning. Board a traditional Moliceiro boat and set off on a canal cruise across the city's historic waterways. Afterwards, explore the vibrant Beira Mar neighbourhood, the oldest area in Aveiro, and discover colourful houses plastered with azulejos tiles, as well as the city's bustling fish market. Your journey continues to the riverside city of Porto. Stay Two Nights: Mercure Porto Centro Santa Catarina or similar (B)

Begin your day with a walking tour of Porto, learning about the city's rich history and architecture as you navigate the hilly terrain. Prepare for an exciting Insider Experience before spending the remainder of your day at leisure. (B/L)

Insider Experience - Exclusive Wine Tasting at a Local Quinta Immerse yourself in local cuisine, wine and culture when you take part in an exclusive wine tasting experience at a private quinta. Accompanying delicious local wines is a memorable Farewell Lunch hosted by the quinta owners to celebrate your time here.

Your Portugal adventure comes to an end today with a transfer to the airport for your onward journey. Not ready for your adventure to end? Join our 8-day Douro Discovery for a captivating cruise along Portugal's famed Douro River. (B)