Compare Portugal in Depth by Globus vs Highlights of Portugal by Exodus Travels
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 11 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 2,499 | $ 2,545 |
| Price Per Day | $ 227 | $ 318 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | No | No |
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| Meals Included | N/A | All breakfasts, one lunch and one wine tasting included. Portugal is known for excellent wines and delicious regional cuisine that uses a lot of natural resources and produce. All meals have strong links to the land and sea, often prepared following old recipes. We can try a variety of traditional specialities during the trip and the local leader can always recommend good restaurants. Portugal has some of the best fish in the world. Salt cod is a staple here, eaten all kinds of ways, from baked with cream and potatoes to grilled with salad. The Douro and Alentejo regions are also well-known for an endless number of meat dishes, which include roasted goat with rice and potatoes, porco preto (black pork cooked confit-style), posta mirandesa (veal steak) and cozido à portuguesa (boiled meat, sausages and cabbage). Finally, we can’t leave Portugal without trying pastel de nata, the quintessential Portuguese custard tart originating in Lisbon. Please note, vegetarian meals are available on request although options may be limited. |
| Description | What shoes should you pack for walking on sunshine? The pair best suited for 1,000 miles of shoreline and 300 days of sunlit skies per year. With its refreshing Atlantic breezes and live-life-to the-fullest Mediterranean ways, the sun-drenched country of Portugal invites you to dip your toe—and entire body—into a sea of relaxation. This rejuvenating tour of Portugal leads you past rolling olive farms, through scenic cork groves, and down winding Moorish alleyways to the country’s signature delights. In its coastal villages and medieval towns, grilled seafood fills the tables, sweet port fills the glasses, and the soulful sounds of fado music fill the air. From the granules of golden sand to the rich nuggets of history, this enlightening tour of Portugal introduces you to the brightest sights of the country as you make a loop from lively Lisbon and back. |
Once a powerful kingdom that dominated the world sea routes, Portugal today is one of the most welcoming and peaceful countries in Europe, though the legacy of its former wealth can still be found in its historic cities. Starting from colourful Porto, the second city and a Unesco site, our journey follows the verdant valleys and rolling hills of the Douro wine region, before heading to the lesser-known interior, where we visit Coimbra, the Unesco Batalha monastery, medieval Óbidos and magnificent Sintra before reaching Lisbon, one of the most enchanting capital cities in the world.Journey from Porto to Lisbon via the Douro Valley and cultural highlights of Portugal |
Day 1: ARRIVE IN LISBON, PORTUGAL
Welcome to Lisbon! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (Dinner)
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Day 2: LISBON
Lovely Lisbon LISBON Guided sightseeing includes Jeronimos Monastery and cloister and a photo stop at Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. (Breakfast)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOTS 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.
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Day 3: LISBON–OBIDOS–NAZARÉ–ALCOBAÇA–FÁTIMA–TOMAR
Sea, Surf & Sanctuaries OBIDOS Take an orientation walk of the medieval town.NAZARÉ Free time to browse.ALCOBAÇA Visit the Church of Santa Maria Monastery.FÁTIMA Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary en route to Tomar. (Breakfast,Dinner)130 mi / 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.
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Day 4: TOMAR–COIMBRA–PORTO
Academic Honors TOMAR Visit the Convent of Christ.COIMBRA Visit the University. Scenic drive en route to Porto. (Breakfast) 155 mi / 250km
TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURE & 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.
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Day 5: PORTO
Panoramas & Port Wine PORTO Guided sightseeing includes a panoramic drive to the mouth of the Douro River and the cathedral. Visit the Church of São Francisco and the Arabian Hall in the Stock Exchange. Enjoy a [LF] Port wine tasting at the famous Sandeman & Co Port Wine Cellar. Free time this afternoon. (Breakfast)
LOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES You’re invited to the home of the most internationally recognized Porto wines at the magnificent Sandeman Wine Cellars. Here, taste centuries of tradition in a glass of Port wine in the city that bears its name. Saúde!
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Day 6: PORTO–GUIMARAES–PENAFIEL–VISEU
Tapas & Tastings GUIMARAES Orientation walk through the medieval district.PENAFIEL [LF] Visit the gardens of the Quinta da Aveleda winery and enjoy Portuguese tapas tasting. Take a scenic drive through the port wine vineyards en route to Viseu.VISEU Dinner with local specialties and wine at Forno da Mimi restaurant. (Breakfast,Dinner)149 mi/ 240 km
LOCAL FAVORITEHISTORY & 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.
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Day 7: VISEU–BELMONTE–CASTELO DE VIDE–EVORA
Bottles & Corks BELMONTE Visit the Jewish Museum. Enjoy an [LF] olive oil tasting.CASTELO DE VIDE Walk through the Jewish quarter with free time to browse.EVORA [LF] Visit a traditional cork factory. (Breakfast,Dinner) 236 mi / 380 km
LOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES Discover the tradition and taste of authentic Portuguese olive oil in a 20th-century olive-oil-factory-turned-museum in Belmonte. See the machinery which farmers used to transform olives into oil and taste the delicious fruits of their labors. Perhaps take home a gift of wine, olive oil, or jam to commemorate your visit. Later, visit a Cork Factory in Evora to learn about this traditional artisanship of Portugal.
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Day 8: EVORA–ALGARVE
Gothic Grandeur EVORA Guided walking tour includes the Gothic cathedral, the Sao Francisco Church, and the Ossuary Chapel. Free time for lunch.ALGARVE Free time late afternoon and evening (Breakfast) 162 mi / 260 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.
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Day 9: ALGARVE. COASTAL EXCURSION
Cliffs & Coastlines ALGARVE Join an excursion to the Promontory of Sagres, Cape St. Vincent, and Lagos. (Breakfast)81 mi / 130 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHTPICTURE PERFECT Take in the breathtaking views of the sweeping southern coastline of Portugal in Algarve. Stand on the Promontory of Sagres and Cape St. Vincent to gaze at the glorious beaches, postcard-perfect fishing ports, and towering cliffs along the sea.
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Day 10: ALGARVE–AZEITÃO–LISBON
Peninsula Miles & Painted Tiles ALGARVE Depart with a scenic drive along the Serra da Arrábida with views of the Tróia Peninsula.AZEITÃO Visit a traditional tile workshop.LISBON Enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel. (Breakfast,Dinner) 180 mi / 290 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHTART & ARTISTRY Enter a world of authentically handmade Portuguese tiles at the São Simão Arte workshop and gallery in Azeitão. It is here that distinguished antique collector Antonio Soares Franco creates his ceramic masterpieces by hand in the style of his ancestors.
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Day 11: LISBON
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
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Day 1 Start Porto
This trip starts in Porto at our hotel in the Ribeirinha district, close to the historic centre and on the banks of the scenic Douro River. Time permitting, we will familiarise ourselves with the hotel, and there will be a welcome briefing in the evening.
Day 2 Morning guided sightseeing in the Unesco-listed historic centre; port tasting; free time for optional activities and transfer to Douro Valley
Today starts with a guided tour through the historic centre of Porto, a Unesco World Heritage site. As we amble along the ancient streets and medieval lanes, we visit important monuments, including São Bento Station, a neoclassic jewel. In the buzzing, colourful squares and traditional, unique cafes, we discover the authentic heart of the city. We conclude our guided visit in Ribeirinha, the picturesque riverside area, where we enjoy a tour of the historic port wine cellars, ending with a short wine tasting. The afternoon is free for individual sightseeing. City highlights include Porto Cathedral; Saint Francis Church; Livraria Lello (one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world) and Clérigos Church and Tower. Later, we transfer by private bus to the Douro Valley (approximately 90 minutes).
Day 3 Optional Douro River cruise; enjoy lunch and wine tasting at a winery with river and vineyard views; transfer to Coimbra
Today we explore the heart of the Douro Valley, the first officially designated wine region in the world, renowned for excellent port wine and pretty landscapes of steeply terraced riverside vineyards. In the morning, you have the option to enjoy a leisurely boat cruise along the Douro River. Later, we enjoy a delicious lunch with an included wine tasting in an 18th-century estate surrounded by terraced vineyards that climb high above the dramatic confluence of the Douro and Tedo rivers. In the afternoon, we transfer by private bus to Coimbra (approximately two hours) in the central region of Portugal.
Day 4 Visit Coimbra and its university; then to Batalha and its Unesco monastery.
Known as the City of Students, Coimbra has a history closely linked to the Unesco-listed University of Coimbra, which was founded in 1290 and is the second oldest in Europe. The city is divided into two distinct areas, the baixa (downtown) by the river, where most of the commercial activity is concentrated, and the alta (upper town), home to the oldest and most important buildings, including Sé Velha (Old Cathedral), Sé Nova (New Cathedral) and the university. We visit the most important areas and sites this morning during a guided tour. There will be free time in the afternoon for independent sightseeing before we transfer (approximately one hour) to the peaceful little town of Batalha, the setting of the most important battle in Portugal, the Batalha de Aljubarrota (1385). This battle secured Portuguese independence from Castile, and to honour it, King João I constructed the Mosteiro da Batalha, the finest monastery in Portugal. We visit this Portuguese gothic masterpiece that combines various influences from its lengthy construction, which lasted several reigns. We will have the opportunity to visit the outstanding interior, including the Founders’ Chapel with its fine stained-glass windows, cloisters, the Unfinished Chapels with their Manueline and Flemish gothic features and the Chapter House.
Day 5 Head to Nazaré beach; transfer to Óbidos
Our first stop today is the seaside town of Nazaré, home to some of the largest surfing waves in the world. There will be time for a stroll, lunch and free time to soak up the lovely atmosphere of this coastal village. Then we move to Óbidos, our base for the night. This small, fortified village resembles a medieval film set. It has been carefully preserved by the inhabitants, who take pride in maintaining the architectural image of the village, characterised by narrow winding streets, whitewashed houses and impressive fort walls, perfect to enjoy after day-trippers have left. We stay overnight in Óbidos.
Day 6 Transfer to Lisbon; guided tour of the Belém neighbourhood
Today we head to Lisbon, one of the most vibrant capital cities in the world (transfer 1 hour). This morning we take a guided tour of the Belém neighbourhood, home to the Unesco-listed Monastery of Jeronimos and the bakery serving the original pasteis de Belém (custard tarts). Historically, Belém was the location of Lisbon's shipyards and docks which helped to bring incredible wealth to the country through the trading routes established from the 16th century. The remainder of the afternoon is free for relaxation or further independent sightseeing.
Day 7 Guided sightseeing in Lisbon
Today we continue to explore the second-oldest capital in Europe (after Athens) on a guided tour. Lisbon was once home to the explorers Vasco da Gama, Magellan and Prince Henry the Navigator. Today, it is one of the most sought-after destinations, offering delicious food, ancient monuments, quirky cafes, charming neighbourhoods, and views over the Tejo river. Lisbon is known as the City of Seven Hills, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a few steep climbs and steps during today’s walking tour. We start with an optional ride on the famous Lisbon tram, which takes us to the elegant area of Graça. We then descend on foot through Alfama, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Lisbon, with its maze of colourful alleyways, old buildings and breath-taking viewpoints. We conclude our busy guided tour in Rossio, the heart of the city. The rest of the day is free for further independent sightseeing.
Day 8 The trip ends in the morning
Our Highlights of Portugal trip ends after breakfast. However, with so much to see and do in Lisbon, we recommend adding some extra days after the tour to truly appreciate the many attractions this city offers. Speak to your sales representative to book.
