Day 1: Lisbon

Cidade Baixa - Day 1: Lisbon

To Towns in: Baixa, Lisbon, District of Lisbon, Central Portugal

This day is entirely dedicated to Lisbon, a city that was almost completely destroyed by the 1755 earthquake, the largest ever recorded in Europe. As a result, a new city was designed with the first anti-seismic constructions, featuring a grid of right-angled streets centered around Rua Augusta.

These streets were named after various crafts and trades of the time, including shoemakers, corraleiros, and goldsmiths.

Castelo de S. Jorge - To: Castle of S. Jorge, Lisbon, District of Lisbon, Central Portugal

The Castle of St. George is one of the few remnants of the Arab presence in Lisbon, having undergone several destructions and reconstructions since Roman times. Today, it is one of the most visited monuments in Lisbon. During the tour, there will be an opportunity to visit if desired, or alternatively, enjoy one of the best views in Lisbon from the Miradouro de Nossa Senhora do Monte.

Alfama - To at: Alfama, Lisbon, District of Lisbon, Central Region of Portugal

Alfama, the oldest district in Lisbon, was once a Medina with narrow streets and alleys, serving as a perfect defensive system during the Arab period in Portugal from the 8th to the 12th century. After the Christian reconquest, the Arab community was moved to Bairro da Mouraria. Alfama is rich in Portuguese authenticity. Fado, the most typical and charismatic Portuguese music, originated here amidst the Portuguese melancholy known as saudade.

Torre de Belem - To: Tower of Belém, Lisbon, District of Lisbon, Central Portugal

Belém, once an autonomous city until 1945, was a sacred place from where sailors departed to discover the new world, often attending solemn masses for protection. Here, the significance of the Portuguese golden age from the 16th to the 18th centuries is evident, with visits to the Jerónimos Monasteries, the Tower of Belém, and the Monument to the Discoveries, a modern monument resembling a stylized caravel setting sail in search of the unknown.

Palacio de Belem - To: Palace of Belém, Lisbon, District of Lisbon, Central Portugal

A visit to the Pasteis de Belém factory is also important, where this century-old pastry has maintained its unique place in selling this delightful Portuguese sweet.

Overnight in Lisbon

Day 2: Lisbon - Sintra - Cascais - Estoril - Lisbon

Centro Historico de Sintra - To: Historic Center of Sintra, Sintra, Sintra Municipality, District of Lisbon, Central Portugal

The second day of the seven-day private tour in Portugal takes us to Sintra, the paradise of the Portuguese aristocracy. Discover the charm of narrow alleys and typical regional shops, and visit Piriquita’s pastry shop for the famous “Queijadas de Sintra” and “Pillows of Sintra.”

Sintra National Palace - To: Park and National Palace of Pena, Sintra, Sintra Municipality, District of Lisbon, Central Portugal

The choice of which palace to visit is yours. The guide will suggest options such as Quinta da Regaleira, a 19th-century palace with impressive decoration rich in Masonic symbolism, the Castle of the Moors, a testament to the Islamic presence in the region, or the Palácio da Pena, a fantastic and revivalist reconstruction reflecting 19th-century romanticism, inspired by the passion and imagination of artist D. Ferdinand de Saxe-Coburg Gotha, consort of D. Maria II.

Cabo da Roca - To: Lighthouse of Cabo da Roca, Sintra, Sintra Municipality, District of Lisbon, Central Portugal

The geological formation of “Cabo da Roca” is known locally as “The Snout of the Rock,” or poetically as “Promontory of the Moon.” The beauty of this place is breathtaking.

With thousands of visitors each year, Cabo Roca was mentioned by the Portuguese poet Camões in “Os Lusíadas” as the place “where the land ends and the sea begins.” It is part of the Natural Park of Sintra-Cascais, and from there, visitors can follow the ecological trails of the Serra de Sintra.

Cascais Marina - To: Cascais Marina, Cascais, District of Lisbon, Central Portugal

Explore Cascais, a former fishing village transformed into a beautiful and cosmopolitan seaside resort along the Atlantic Ocean.

Duration: 1 hour

Casino Estoril - Passes by: Casino Estoril, Estoril, Cascais, District of Lisbon, Central Portugal

Estoril is famous for its casino, the largest gambling hall in Europe, and for being the place where Ian Fleming wrote the first James Bond novel, “Casino Royale,” during World War II. The return to Lisbon along the Marginal road offers stunning ocean views.

Overnight in Lisbon

Meals not included on this day.

Accommodation not included on this day.

Day 3: Lisbon - Fatima - Coimbra - Porto

Museu do Santuario de Fatima - To: Fátima Sanctuary Museum, Fátima, Santarém District, Central Portugal

On the third day, the journey leaves Lisbon for Fatima, where three places of interest can be visited, including the Chapel of the Apparitions, the first chapel built immediately after the apparitions, notable not for its size or grandeur, but for its central location in the Sanctuary.

Basilica de Nossa Senhora do Rosario de Fatima - To: Basilica of Our Lady of Fatima, Ourém, Santarém District, Central Portugal

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, built in 1928 in neo-baroque style, houses the tombs of the children and Sister Lucy, who died in 2005. The Basilica of the Holy Trinity, built in 2007, has more than 8,000 seats and covers 40,000 m². It was designed by Greek architect Alexandros Tombazis and is a modern and imposing church.

Duration: 1 hour

University of Coimbra - To: University of Coimbra, Coimbra, District of Coimbra, Central Portugal

The visit continues to Coimbra, starting at the University of Coimbra, the oldest in Europe. The Joanine library, built in the 18th century in the former prison of the University, is one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. Its decoration was completed near the end of the 18th century, with frescoes by Mestre António Ribeiro and Vicente Nunes, and a portrait of Dom João V by Italian Domenico Dupra.

Old Cathedral of Coimbra (Se Velha de Coimbra) - To: Sé Velha de Coimbra, Coimbra, District of Coimbra, Central Region of Portugal

The center of Coimbra, situated between the river Mondego and the University, offers a charming setting to relax and explore the narrow streets, alleys, and beautiful squares. Numerous cafes, bakeries, and restaurants can be found here.

Rich in culture and unforgettable gastronomy, this area has been the commercial center of the city for centuries, retaining its genuine atmosphere and unique personality. The journey then continues to Porto.

Overnight in Porto

Meals not included on this day.

Accommodation not included on this day.

Day 4: Porto

Porto City Hall - To: City Hall of Porto, Porto, District of Porto, Northern Portugal

The day is dedicated to visiting Porto, starting at Avenida dos Aliados, the city’s focal point, where everything happens, from demonstrations to celebrations, leading to the imposing Porto City Hall.

Livraria Lello - To: Livraria Lello, Porto, Distrito do Porto, Northern Portugal

The Lello Bookstore is a must-visit for literature and architecture enthusiasts, especially “Harry Potter” fans.

Its staircase is a major attraction, partly due to JK Rowling, who, despite never openly discussing her time in Portugal, married a Portuguese and lived in Porto when she began writing “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.”

Sao Bento Railway Station - To: Railway Station of São Bento, Porto, District of Porto, Northern Portugal

Another highlight is the São Bento train station, where 20,000 pieces by Portuguese artist Jorge Colaco offer a virtual journey through Northern Portugal, emphasizing the various civilizations and occupations. The Oporto Cathedral, a Roman-Gothic structure, began construction in the 12th century, with renovations in the 17th and 18th centuries. Inside, the medieval rosette from the 12th century stands out, while outside, the lateral galilee, created by Nicolau Nasoni in 1736, is decorated with tiles.

Igreja de Sao Francisco - To: Church of São Francisco, Porto, District of Porto, Northern Portugal

The Church of San Francisco, built in the 12th century, initially featured Romanesque architecture, later transformed into Gothic and then Baroque styles. Its three naves are covered with gold carvings, using over 300 kilos of gold dust. The Church’s Tree of Jesse, a polychrome wooden sculpture, is considered one of the best in the world.

Churchill’s - To: Churchill’s - Visitors Center, Vila Nova de Gaia, District of Porto, Northern Portugal

Visit Gaia, where Port wine is aged in numerous cellars. Explore one of these cellars, enjoy the atmosphere, and taste this unique wine while learning about the entire process, from vintage to final product.

Overnight in Porto

Meals not included on this day.

Accommodation not included on this day.

Day 5: Porto - Lamego - Douro Valley - Porto

Sao Goncalo Church - To: Church of São Gonçalo, Amarante, District of Porto, Northern Portugal

For those who appreciate old architecture, Amarante’s historical center offers numerous examples of Romanesque and medieval buildings. Along the S. Gonçalo bridge, enjoy the city’s tourist attractions: the Church and Convent of São Gonçalo and the Amadeu de Souza-Cardoso Museum.

While exploring the convent, especially on weekends, notice the stalls selling S. Gonçalo’s delicious sweets, known for their phallic appearance, which always spark curiosity and laughter.

The candy’s name also adds to the intrigue, as they are popularly called “quilhõezinhos de S. Gonçalo.” Tradition holds that during the S. Gonçalo festivities in June, boys offer these sweets to girls they wish to woo.

The Douro Valley - To: Railway Station of Pinhão, Pinhao, District of Vila Real, Northern Portugal

One of the most beautiful places in the Douro region is the Pinhão Railway Station, built in the 19th century. Its azulejos depict the landscape and life of the region’s people, showcasing Port wine production from harvest to grape stomping and wine transport in rabelo boats, which carry the wine to Porto or Gaia.

Quinta do Seixo - Sandeman - Stop at: Quinta do Seixo - Sandeman, Tabuaço,

A trip to the world’s oldest wine region wouldn’t be complete without visiting a local winery. Here, visitors can learn about winemaking and taste some of the world’s best wines, as recognized by Wine Spectator. By the end, visitors will understand the methods and different types of grapes and wines produced here.

Overnight in Porto

Meals not included on this day.

Accommodation not included on this day.

Day 6: Porto - Aveiro - Nazaré - Óbidos - Lisbon

Aveiro - To To In: Aveiro, Aveiro, District of Aveiro, Northern Portugal

On the sixth day, the journey returns to Lisbon, with stops in other cities like Aveiro, known as the Portuguese Venice. A boat trip in a Moliceiro is recommended to explore the 3 kilometers of canals that support the city, used for moliça (a seaweed used in agriculture and pharmaceuticals) and salt.

Nazaret - Artesanato e design de Autor - You are in: Nazaret, Nazaré, Distrito de Leiria, Central Portugal

Nazaré is a picturesque village with a rich past, well represented in its architectural heritage, with many churches and traditional houses creating a charming atmosphere. It is the first place of worship in Portugal.

In recent years, the Nazaré Cannon phenomenon, with its phenomenal waves, has made Nazaré famous worldwide. In 2013, American surfer McNamara broke the world record by surfing a wave about 30 meters high. Another curiosity is the “seven skirts” of Nazaré’s women, proudly displayed to visitors.

Obidos Village - To: Castle of Óbidos, Óbidos, District of Leiria, Central Portugal

In Óbidos (a UNESCO World Heritage site), visitors can step back in time while walking through the beautiful narrow streets lined with traditional shops and old white-painted houses. The village was a wedding gift from D. Dinis to his wife D. Isabel, becoming part of the Casa das Rainhas, which lasted until 1834. Most Portuguese queens passed through here, leaving significant contributions. D. Catarina ordered the construction of the aqueduct and fountains.

Overnight in Lisbon

Meals not included on this day.

Accommodation not included on this day.

Day 7: Lisbon - Évora - Lisbon

Centro Historico de Evora - To: Historic Center of Évora, Évora, District of Évora, Alentejo

The journey leaves Lisbon for Évora, home to some Portuguese kings and a convergence point for renowned artists, supported by the reigning dynasty in Portugal. The period of discoveries brought glory to Évora, creating favorable conditions for constructing numerous aristocratic mansions, including the Jesuit university.

From the ancient “Temple of Diana” next to the Cathedral of Évora, built during the Roman period, visitors can see the magnificent “Água da Prata” aqueduct, extending from the city outskirts. Some of its arches are still visible within the city, built in the 16th century to ensure water transportation.

Capela dos Ossos - Go To: Chapel of the Bones (Évora), Évora, Évora District, Alentejo

The highlight will be the Church of St. Francis, especially the Chapel of Bones, adorned with the skulls and bones of 500 monks, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The entrance bears the inscription “We bones, here we are, for you, let’s wait.”

Corticarte - Arte em Cortica - To: Cortiçar - Art in Cork, Azaruja, Évora District, Alentejo

Another option for the day is visiting a cork factory. Cork is the bark of a type of oak, known for its lightness, elasticity, and fire resistance. The bark grows annually, but it should only be removed every nine years, reaching up to 25 centimeters thick. It provides excellent protection for the tree against heat, cold, and fire. After removal, the tree forms a new trunk.

Portugal is responsible for 55% of the world’s cork production, valued for decorative cork coatings on walls and floors, and the manufacture of sporting goods. Cork is best known as a material for wine stoppers, allowing minimal oxygen contact with the wine, without harming the aging process.

Meals not included on this day.

Accommodation not included on this day.

Igreja de Sao Francisco - According to tradition, the Convent of São Francisco de Évora was the first house of the Franciscan Order in Portugal, founded in the 13th century. The original monastic church had three naves with interconnected chapels, according to the Rule of Saint Francis. Several important ceremonies were held in this building, such as the marriage of D. Pedro I with D. Constança Manuel. Some traces from this period remain, as seen in the crevices flanking the main portico. The church was remodeled at the end of the 15th century, resulting in the magnificent temple that stands today, one of the most impressive Portuguese churches.

• Private transportation
• On-board WiFi
• In-vehicle air conditioning

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.