13 Days in Portugal

From the northern city of Porto, through the Portuguese capital, Lisbon to the sunny cliffs of the Algarve, venture along Portugal’s stunning shoreline. Discover the charms of Portuguese Riviera. In Evora, step inside a medieval city with Roman ruins. Enjoy a leisurely 3-night stay in the Algarve region. Explore the soft sandy beaches and classic fishing villages. Take advantage of a free day to soak in the Portuguese sunshine and savor local flavors. Visit the charming town of Silves with its Moorish inspired architecture and “red” castle. Encounter picturesque resort towns, winding cobblestone streets, oceanfront promenades, and quaint villages of perfection.

June 13 – June 25, 2024

From $3,399CAD Double
From $4,199CAD Single

Itinerary

Day 1: Overnight Flight
Ancient castles and Roman ruins, groves of orange and almond trees, quiet whitewashed villages, and welcoming locals – Portugal is waiting for you.

Day 2: Porto, Portugal - Tour Begins
Arrive in Porto, a former industrial city steeped in history. Porto’s Baroque and modernist architecture blend to create an artistic heritage that's earned a UNESCO designation. Here, you’ll find quiet cafés perfect for sipping a glass of port wine and watching the world go by. You may choose to venture out and head toward the Douro River, where so much of the history of this city started.

Day 3: Porto
Get to know this captivating city with a walking tour led by a local expert. Take in the grandeur of Praça da Liberdade Square, Sao Bento Train Station and its iconic azulejo tiles. End your walking tour with a visit to the Palacio da Bolsa, the Stock Exchange Palace, to see the legendary Arab Room. The afternoon is yours. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

Day 4: Porto - Vila Nova de Gaia - Porto
Cross the bridge into the neighboring city of Vila Nova de Gaia and follow in the footsteps of Portugal's wine merchants. Embark on a brief cruise along the bridges of Porto. Later, tour a local wine cellar and savor the taste of a vintage in this world-renowned wine city. The afternoon is yours to explore Porto. Maybe visit the Livraria Lello, considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world or stop by a local restaurant to try a famous local delicacy, the francesinha: a multi-tiered sandwich topped with savory sauce and a fried egg.

Day 5: Porto - Aveiro - Lisbon
This morning, say goodbye to Porto. En route to the capital, enjoy some free time to experience the city of Aveiro. This enchanting city is known for its canals and its egg-yolk desserts, loved by the Portuguese, and has a rich history and heritage fueled by its canals and Atlantic Ocean. Take some time to enjoy lunch on your own before leaving for Lisbon. Settle into your hotel before joining your fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 6: Lisbon
Choose how you want to explore Lisbon today, because it’s your choice! Discover the art and tradition of the Portuguese sidewalks during a locally led walking tour -OR- venture with your Tour Manager on foot and discover the city through the lens of the country's most loved fish, bacalhau (salted codfish). After, travel to Belem where you’ll see the iconic Belem Tower (UNESCO) and the Monument to the Discoveries. Witness the façade of the 16th-century Jeronimos Monastery* (UNESCO) and learn about the importance of this iconic monastery. Tonight, you may choose to join an optional tour to listen to local artists perform traditional Fado music, a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage highlight.

Day 7: Lisbon - Evora
Today, you’ll make your way through Portugal’s charming countryside. Visit a family-owned cork factory, where you’ll learn about the product’s importance to the local economy and why Portugal is the world’s top cork producer. Your journey then takes you to Evora (UNESCO) – the “Museum City of Portugal.” A traditional Alentejo lunch will be waiting for you, accompanied by Cante Alentejano music (UNESCO). In the afternoon, take time to explore this medieval walled city and see its well-preserved Roman temple up close.

Day 8: Evora - Lagos
Journey to the stunning coasts of the Algarve - the southernmost region of Portugal. On the way, indulge in full-bodied wines from the Alentejo region during a winery tour, tasting, and light lunch. Then, explore the historic resort town of Lagos, where Moorish and Renaissance influences meet towering seaside cliffs. Many celebrated voyagers began their explorations from this bustling port city.

Day 9: Lagos
It's your day to experience the Algarve on your own. Geraniums, camellias, and oleanders grow alongside fig, orange, and almond trees, while brightly colored fishing boats bob in the sea. Protected by hills to the north and warmed by the sea, the Algarve’s mild climate and beautiful beaches attract visitors from all over the world. You may choose to join an optional boat tour** today that gets you closer to some of the most famous coastal scenery in Portugal.

Day 10: Lagos - Silves - Lagos
This morning, venture to Silves. Allow your senses to take over when you see the contrast of dark red castle walls with the whitewashed buildings as you climb the hills of this sleepy town, once the capital of Moorish Portugal. During your stop, explore the town at your own pace or choose to climb up to the castle and see for yourself one of the best-preserved examples of Moorish defensive architecture in Portugal. Venture into a local farm nestled among rich landscapes, to learn secrets of regional bread and fruits and sample the results with a savory lunch featuring freshly prepared Algarve seasonal and local specialties. Continue down the coast to discover the importance the canning industry held in the Algarve. After, return to Lagos for an evening at leisure.

Day 11: Lagos - Setúbal - Cascais
En route to the Portuguese Riviera, make a stop in Setúbal a colorful industrial city and one of southern Europe's best-kept secrets. See the Mercado (Farmers Market) do Livramento up close. It's considered one of the best fish markets in the world, and it’s also rich with displays of fresh fruits and vegetables. Then, head to the Portuguese Riviera. Mansions scattered throughout Cascais and Monte Estoril all hint at this area’s history as a haven for exiled European royals and nobility.

Day 12: Cascais - Obidos - Sintra - Cascais
Explore the picture-perfect city of Obidos, where white-washed houses sit snug within medieval city walls. Continue on to Sintra (UNESCO), a breathtaking hub that served as the summer residence of Portuguese kings for six centuries. Then, it’s your choice! Explore this quaint hilltop village and wander through the winding streets lined with cork products and pastries -OR- venture into the National Palace of Sintra and learn about its 1000-year old history. On your return to Cascais, stop to admire the stunning Cabo da Roca, the western most point of continental Europe. Bid Portugal goodbye during dinner in Cascais and celebrate the end of your unforgettable journey.

Day 13: Cascais - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today.

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