Compare Portugal in Depth by Globus vs Country Roads of Portugal - Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 11 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 2,499 | $ 3,350 |
| Price Per Day | $ 227 | $ 279 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| 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. | Tantalize your senses during this 11-day guided tour through Portugal. In Lisbon, a Local Expert will show you the historic downtown and the finest square in the city, Terreiro do Paço. From the hilltop perch of Monsaraz, see across the Spanish plains to Alqueva Lake — and meet a local boat captain, who will regale you with tales of water adventures during a cruise on its calm waters. In Tomar, see the Templar Castle, and explore its awe-inspiring rotunda with a Local Expert. Indulge in a farm-to-table dinner in Douro Valley’s renowned winery Quinta da Roêda that will feature locally sourced ingredients, and taste a port produced onsite. Stroll Portugal’s second city, Porto, a World Heritage town, and relax in your five-star hotel in the city’s picturesque historic district. |
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: Welcome to Lisbon
On arrival at Lisbon International Airport, there are complimentary transfers to your hotel at 09:30, 12:30 and 15:30. Settle in and relax before joining your Travel Director at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. Enjoy the opportunity to mingle with your fellow travellers during a pleasant evening of good food and wine.
Altis Grand Hotel, Lisbon.
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: Lisbon and the Age of the Great Discoveries
Your guided sightseeing with a Local Expert takes you along the spacious avenues of the Lower Town and across the tree-shaded squares. Pass beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paço. See the ancient Belem Tower and marvel at the Monument to the Discoveries. Explore Lisbon with Insight Choice. Choose to discover more of Belém Quarter as you enjoy a taste of Pastéis de Belém from the patisserie that has been using the same secret recipe for almost 200 years, and visit Jerónimos Monastery. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience that actively supports the integration of refugees and immigrants into the local society. Explore the intricate staircases and hidden alleyways of the Mouraria quarter alongside a recent migrant, your Local Expert. With free time in the afternoon, perhaps join an Optional Experience to the Royal Portuguese Riviera to explore the glamorous resort of Cascais, the wealthy playground of Estoril and visit one of the Royal summer palaces?
Altis Grand Hotel, Lisbon.
Breakfast
Day 3: The Algarve
Cross the River Tagus and head for the sun-drenched southern coast to reach Lagos, a fishing port nestled in the bay of Meia Praia. After free time to explore, continue to your resort hotel set within a magnificent 360-acre estate. Simplicity is in the soul of Algarve cuisine, along with seafood so fresh it still tastes of the sea. A short walk away specialised Portuguese seafood restaurants hug the coastline, overlooking the Atlantic.
Ria Park Hotel & Spa, Algarve.
Breakfast
Day 4: Everlasting Évora Relaxed Start
Journey to the medieval walled city of Évora where cathedrals, churches, aqueducts and ancient castle walls all serve to create the feeling that this beautiful city is a living, breathing museum to Portugal's rich past. Join your Local Expert to explore the highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the Roman Temple and visit the Capela dos Ossos, an extraordinary 17th century chapel comprising the skulls and bones of 5,000 bones. Visit the cathedral with its attractive mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. With the rest of the afternoon at leisure, you may wish to continue to stroll through Évora’s unique historical centre, or the serene city park, following the aqueduct inside the city walls?
M'Ar de Ar Aqueduto, Évora.
Breakfast
Day 5: Monsaraz and Évora Relaxed Start
Travel to the striking white village of Monsaraz, situated on an imposing hilltop, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. From the castle ruins, admire the spectacular views across to the dry Spanish plains, contrasting with the blue of Europe's largest artificial lake. Join a local boat captain for a leisurely cruise on the tranquil waters of Lake Alqueva. Relax and enjoy calming waters, picturesque views and tales of river life. Sit down to a delicious Highlight Lunch at local restaurant Sem Fim, once an olive mill. Enjoy a wide range of tasty tapas dishes showcasing the local cuisine, and soak up the vibrant; cheerful atmosphere. Return to Évora where the evening is at your leisure to explore this beautifully preserved regional capital.
M'Ar de Ar Aqueduto, Évora.
Breakfast, Lunch with Wine
Day 6: Fatima and on to Tomar
Continue to Fátima, Portugal’s most renowned place of pilgrimage. See the basilica or perhaps visit the Chapel of the Apparitions, which commemorates the appearance of the Virgin Mary to three young shepherds in 1917. Journey to Tomar and visit one of Portugal’s historical jewels, the Templar Castle and Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With your Local Expert, explore the octagonal Templars' Rotunda in the cloister and glimpse the day-to-day life of a warrior monk in the domestic areas. Outside on the battlements, the Manueline Window is a national masterpiece. You also visit the Synagogue of Tomar, one of the best preserved medieval synagogues in Portugal, housing a small Jewish museum.
Hotel dos Templários, Tomar.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 7: Coimbra, the Douro and Pinhão Relaxed Start
In Coimbra, your Local Expert will show you the highlights of the Old Town, including the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit its impressive baroque university library, one of the finest in the world. Your journey continues past verdant hills and lush vineyards, along the tranquil waters of the Douro river. Enjoy a wonderful Farm-to-Table Dinner, freshly prepared from locally sourced ingredients at Quinta da Roêda, renowned as the “Jewel of the Douro”. Home to one of the most distinguished port houses, taste a variety of wines produced by the Croft family.
Vintage House Hotel, Pinhão.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 8: Guimarães and Porto Relaxed Start
Journey to Guimarães to admire the views from the ruined castle and explore the cobbled streets and cosy squares. Next, continue on to Porto, Portugal’s second city, a World Heritage town and where Portugal originates. Explore Porto with Insight Choice. Choose to join your Local Expert and visit the São Bento Railway Station, with a walk along the architecturally impressive Dom Luis I Bridge. Alternatively, explore the Clerigos Tower, Liberdade Square and the nearby Atlantic beaches, also led by a Local Expert. In the evening you are at leisure to enjoy your boutique, five-star hotel, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, in the heart of Porto’s historic district. The decor is a mix of classic and contemporary and each room is individually decorated with original artwork. Alternatively, why not join an Optional Experience to see the pastel-painted houses in Porto's Ribeira district before cruising on a traditional Rabelo boat and finishing off the evening with a Portuguese dinner in the comfort of your riverside restaurant?
Pousado do Porto Rua Das Flores.
Breakfast
Day 9: Porto, Grande Dame on the Douro Relaxed Start
With a full day free to enjoy at your own pace, why not take a stroll to admire the multi-coloured houses and churches covered in beautiful glazed tiles. Perhaps choose to visit medieval Braga? In the evening, bid adeus to your Travel Director and fellow travellers with a mouth-watering Celebration Dinner with wine, at an authentic Porto restaurant.
Pousado do Porto Rua Das Flores.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 10: Óbidos and onto Lisbon
Pass cork oak forests and orchards as you journey to the fortified town of Óbidos. Walk inside its walls to explore the craft shops, art galleries and flower-laden houses that line the narrow, medieval streets. This afternoon your travels continue to the Portuguese capital, Lisbon.
Dom Pedro Lisboa, Lisbon.
Breakfast
Day 11: Depart Lisbon
After breakfast, your departure transfer arrives at Lisbon International Airport at 07:00 or 09:30.
Breakfast
