Lisbon

Cidade Baixa - Spend a day exploring Lisbon, a city that was nearly destroyed by the 1755 earthquake, the largest ever recorded in Europe. The reconstruction led to the creation of the first anti-seismic buildings, with a grid of straight, perpendicular streets centered around Rua Augusta. These streets were named after various trades and artisans of the time, such as cobblers and goldsmiths.

Alfama - Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest district, characterized by its narrow streets and alleys, which served as a defensive system during the Arab period from the 8th to the 12th century. After the Christian reconquest, the Arab inhabitants were relocated to Bairro da Mouraria. Alfama is the birthplace of Fado, the most iconic Portuguese music genre, born from the melancholy and longing known as saudade.

Torre de Belem - Belém, once an independent city until 1945, was a holy site from which sailors embarked on voyages to discover the New World. Here, you can learn about Portugal’s golden age from the 16th to the 18th centuries by visiting the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belem Tower, and the Monument to the Discoveries, a modern monument resembling a stylized caravel.

Palacio de Belem - A visit to the century-old Pasteis de Belem factory is a must. Despite its success, the factory has maintained its unique charm and continues to sell its famous Portuguese pastries.

Overnight in Lisbon

Lisbon - Sintra - Cascais - Estoril - Lisbon

Centro Historico de Sintra - On the second day of our seven-day private tour in Portugal, we visit Sintra, a paradise for Portuguese aristocracy. Explore the charming narrow streets and local shops, and don’t miss the famous sweets at Piriquita pastry shop, including Queijadas de Sintra and Travesseiros de Sintra.

Park and National Palace of Pena - Choose which palace to visit, with options including Quinta da Regaleira, a 19th-century palace rich in Masonic symbolism; the Moorish Castle, a testament to the Islamic presence in the region; or the fantastical Palácio da Pena, a romantic 19th-century reconstruction by artist D. Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg Gotha.

Farol do cabo da Roca - Cabo da Roca, also known as the “Snout of the Rock” or the “Promontory of the Moon,” is a stunning geological formation. Mentioned by Portuguese poet Camões in “Os Lusíadas,” it is part of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and offers ecological trails for exploration.

Cascais Marina - Explore Cascais, a former fishing village turned cosmopolitan beach resort on the Atlantic Ocean.

Casino Estoril - Estoril is famous for its casino, the largest in Europe, and for being the place where Ian Fleming wrote the first James Bond novel, “Casino Royale,” during World War II. Return to Lisbon along the scenic coastal road “Marginal.”

Overnight in Lisbon

Lisbon - Fatima - Coimbra - Oporto

Museu do Santuario de Fatima - On the fourth day, we leave Lisbon and visit Fatima, where you can attend a mass at the Chapel of the Apparitions, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, or the Basilica of Santissima Trindade, a modern church designed by Greek architect Alexandros Tombazis.

University of Coimbra - In Coimbra, visit the University of Coimbra, the oldest in Europe, and its stunning Joanine Library, built in the 18th century. The library’s ceiling frescoes and portraits are masterpieces of art.

Old Cathedral of Coimbra (Se Velha de Coimbra) - Explore Coimbra’s downtown, situated between the Mondego River and the University. This area is rich in culture, with charming narrow streets, cafes, pastry shops, and restaurants. Continue to Oporto.

Overnight in Oporto

Oporto

Porto City Hall - Begin your day in Oporto at Avenida dos Aliados, the city’s focal point, and visit the imposing Oporto Municipal Council building.

Livraria Lello - Visit the Lello Bookstore, a must-see for literature and architecture lovers, especially “Harry Potter” fans. The bookstore’s staircase is said to have inspired J.K. Rowling, who lived in Porto while writing “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.”

Sao Bento Railway Station - Sao Bento’s train station features 20,000 tiles by artist Jorge Colaco, depicting Portugal’s history. Visit the Oporto Cathedral, a Roman-Gothic structure with a medieval rosacea and a lateral galilee decorated with tiles.

Igreja de Sao Francisco - The Church of San Francisco, originally Romanesque, was transformed into Gothic and later Baroque styles. Its three naves are covered with gilded carvings, and it houses the Tree of Jessé, a polychrome wood sculpture.

Churchill’s - Visit Gaia to explore the cellars where Port wine is aged. Learn about the winemaking process and taste this unique wine.

Overnight in Oporto

Oporto - Lamego - Douro Valley - Oporto

Sao Goncalo Church - In Amarante, explore the historical center with its Romanesque architecture and visit the Church and Convent of São Gonçalo. Don’t miss the local S. Gonçalo sweets, known for their phallic shape and humorous tradition.

Pinhao Railway Station - Visit the Pinhao Railway Station, known for its tiles depicting the Douro region’s landscape and wine production.

Quinta do Tedo - Visit a local winery in the Douro Valley, the oldest wine region in the world, to learn about winemaking and taste some of the best wines.

Overnight in Oporto

Casal de Loivos Viewpoint - Enjoy the best view of the Douro Valley.

Oporto - Aveiro - Nazare - Obidos - Lisboa

Aveiro - On the seventh day, return to Lisbon, stopping in Aveiro, known as the “Portuguese Venice.” Take a boat ride on a “Moliceiro” to explore the city’s canals and learn about its history.

Aveiro Railway Station - Visit the Aveiro market, a wrought iron and glass structure, and admire the Art Nouveau buildings that showcase the city’s wealth.

Nazaret - Artesanato e design de Autor - Nazaré is a picturesque village with a rich history and architectural heritage. It is famous for the Nazaré Cannon, which produces phenomenal waves, and for the “seven skirts” tradition of local women.

Castelo de Obidos - In Obidos, a UNESCO World Heritage site, walk through the narrow streets lined with traditional shops and white-painted houses. The village was a wedding gift from King D. Dinis to Queen D. Isabel and has a rich history.

Overnight in Lisbon

Lisbon - Evora -Lisbon

Centro Historico de Evora - Travel to Evora, a city with a rich history and numerous aristocratic mansions. Visit the ancient Temple of Diana, the Evora Cathedral, and the Agua da Prata aqueduct.

Capela dos Ossos - The Church of San Francisco and its Bones Chapel, decorated with the bones of 500 monks, is a must-see. The chapel’s entrance bears the inscription, “We bones, here we are, for yours we will wait.”

Ervideira - Visit a winery in the Alentejo region, known for its unique wines. Learn about the winemaking process and taste some of the best wines.

Corticarte - Arte em Cortica - Visit a cork factory to learn about cork production. Portugal produces 55% of the world’s cork, used for various purposes, including wine stoppers.

• On-board WiFi
• All taxes, fees and handling charges included
• Expert driver/guide provided
• Personal accident insurance covered
• Transport in a comfortable private vehicle

• Meals
• Hotels
• Admission Fees