Compare Premium Portugal by Intrepid Travel vs Portugal Vacation Package by Eco Trilha

Day 1 Lisbon

Welcome to Portugal! Your trip starts today with your arrival in Lisbon, Portugal’s joyful capital city. You will be picked up from the airport and taken to your centrally located hotel. In the evening, meet your tour leader and fellow travelling companions for a 6pm welcome meeting, where you will be given a briefing of what lies ahead on the tour. If you arrive with time to spare, perhaps head to one of many outdoor cafes to soak up the city’s energy. After your meeting, join your leader and small group for a welcome dinner at one of Lisbon’s magnificent restaurants. Going out to eat is one of Portugal’s great pleasures, and this evening your leader will introduce you to traditional Portuguese recipes and a local culinary scene that’s exploding with regional flavour.

Day 2 Lisbon

Lisbon is one of Europe’s great cities, famed for beautifully renovated buildings, grand boulevards and impressive castles and churches. Join a local guide for a walking tour through the city. First, take a ride on the historic Gloria cable car – this bright yellow funicular is one of Lisbon’s most photographed images. Then explore the trendy neighbourhood of Bairro Alto, the popular Chiado area and the narrow, cobbled streets of Alfama, dotted with hole-in-the-wall eateries and charming old homes. Pop into a local establishment to try a pastel de nata, a sweet and delicious custard tart and Portugal’s most famous pastry. Visit one of the most symbolic buildings in the city, Lisbon Cathedral. Hear how the cathedral was built on the site of an old mosque in 1150 by Lisbon’s first bishop, Gilbert of Hastings. It wouldn’t be a tour of Lisbon without stopping off to sample some ginjinha, Portugal’s iconic cherry liqueur. Finally, say goodbye to your local guide, then your leader will take you to the fantastic medieval citadel of Sao Jorge Castle and share stories of its history. Although much of the original castle has been destroyed, some sections of walls and 18 different towers remain today. Look down on a city swarming with endless angular white houses and buildings with distinct red terracotta rooftops. The afternoon is free to make further discoveries of Lisbon – perhaps roam through the delightful streets of distinct local neighbourhoods, visit Belem Tower, or the spectacular Monastery of the Jeronimos.

Day 3 Cascais / Cabo da Roca / Sintra / Coimbra

Head outside of the city for a full-day excursion from Lisbon to Coimbra. First drive to Sintra, a bewitching place set amidst lush vegetation and rugged, mystical hills. Your leader will explain how the cooler climate made Sintra a summer retreat for royalty, and why it has drawn and inspired many poets, writers and travellers for centuries, including Lord Byron. Spend some time exploring Sintra’s colourful Pena Palace before continuing to Cabo da Roca (approximately 1 hour), a cape which forms the westernmost extent of mainland Portugal and continental Europe. Then, head to the cosmopolitan town of Cascais. Once a quiet fishing village, later Cascais became a residence of the Portuguese royal court in the 19th century and is now a glamorous holiday destination. Take some time to explore the fabulous little restaurants and try some local delicacies before making the journey to Coimbra with a late arrival.

Day 4 Coimbra

Sitting dignified on the banks of the River Mondego, Coimbra was once the medieval capital of the county, and its royal heritage can be felt in its ancient streets and buildings. Get to know the city as your leader guides you through the lanes and squares of the Old Quarter. The real star of the show is Coimbra’s prestigious university – one of the oldest in the world. This evening, immerse yourself in Portugal’s cultural heritage by heading to an included traditional Fado music show. Portugal’s version of the blues is hauntingly beautiful and hearing it performed live is an experience to remember. Your leader can recommend some superb spots to eat after the show.

Day 5 Douro Valley

Travel this morning from Coimbra to the Douro Valley. Famous not only for its sublime scenery, the Douro Valley is known for producing some of the world’s most wonderful wine. Today you will have the chance to find out why as you head out for a tasting tour at one of the region’s best wineries. You can’t spell Portugal without Port, and to taste this iconic fortified wine is to taste thousands of years of Portuguese history. Learn the story of its origins and the history of wine production in the area while discovering which locally produced vino is your tipple of choice. Sit down to a light picnic lunch of rustic regional specialities prepared with fresh local ingredients (and paired with more wine, of course!). Then continue on to your Feature Stay accommodation, tucked away between the rolling hills and terraced vineyards of the spectacular Douro Valley, boasting unbeatable views of the Douro River. On arrival, you may like to make the most of your hotel's scenic outdoor pools, or perhaps grab a meal on the terrace and soak in the scenery.

Day 6 Porto

This morning, enjoy a gentle boat ride on the Douro River, stopping by the lovely little riverside village of Pinhao.Make your way to Porto, a romantic city on the banks of the Douro River. On arrival, join your leader for an orientation walk of the city’s collection of twisting alleys, crisscrossing staircases and baroque churches. Pass majestic bridges, explore the riverside district’s cobbled streets, merchants’ houses and cafes. In the evening, head to the nearby city of Vila Nova de Gaia to end the day with some sunset drinks.

Day 7 Porto

Learn about the history of tiles in Portugal and Porto this morning with a tile - painting workshop. Steeped in centuries of tradition, hand-painted tiles can be seen on the facades of buildings and churches, telling the stories of Portugal’s past with vibrant colors and designs. Enjoy a free afternoon, perhaps head to one of the city’s riverfront cafes for a coffee and pastry overlooking the colourful rows of old houses, or take a walk around the World Heritage listed Ribeira district. Another option is to take the local train to the seaside city of Matosinhos where you can relax on the beach, dine at the fresh seafood restaurants or stroll along the promenade. Regroup in the evening for a final dinner at one of Porto’s excellent local restaurants.

Day 8 Porto

There are no activities planned for today, and as such, you are free to leave at any time. If you wish to spend some more time exploring Porto, we will be happy to arrange additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Day 1: Lisbon Airport (LIS)

Welcome to Lisbon! Arrive at any time. An arrival transfer is included from the airport to the hotel. There are no activities planned for this day. Check-in at the hotel from 2 pm. Lunch and dinner are not included—overnight in Lisbon.

Day 2: Lisbon – Sintra – Lisbon

Meeting point at the hotel lobby – 09h00 am. Sintra is 30 km from Lisbon, offering a foretaste of paradise. The soft climate ensures a permanent freshness and luxuriant vegetation that makes Sintra a deeply romantic and mysterious place. See the Town Palace, the Pena Palace (ticket entrance included). Visit Piriquita, the pastry of the famous queijada.

See the 16th-century Jeronimo’s Monastery (UNESCO); the Monument to the Discoveries, honoring intrepid Portuguese explorers and their patrons; and the impressive Belem Tower (tickets are not included). Visit an old patisserie that has managed to hold on to the secret recipe of Portugal. This pastry has existed for over 100 years. Enjoy a demonstration and tasting of the famous ‘pastéis de Belem.’

Lunch and dinner are not included — overnight in Lisbon.

Day 3: Lisbon – Nazaré – Fátima – Braga

Meeting point at the hotel lobby – 09h00 am.

Your day on Portugal’s “Silver Coast” begins in Nazaré. The picturesque village of Nazaré got its name from a statue of the Virgin Mary brought to town from Nazareth by a monk in the 4th century.

High above the town is Sitio, reached by a funicular that climbs 110m (360ft). All of Nazaré can be seen from here, and across the square is the 17th century Nossa Senhora da Nazare Church with two Baroque belfries and 18th-century tiles depicting Biblical scenes. It also contains a revered image of Our Lady of Nazareth taken down to the sea in a traditional procession every September.

Nazaré is famous for its women who wear skirts with seven petticoats. Women would sit on the beach waiting for their fishermen to sail home. To keep warm in the face of a cold sea wind while staying covered, they’d wear several petticoats to fold the layers around their backs and legs.

In 2011, Garret McNamara (Surfer) changed the history of Nazaré! McNamara was towed into a 78-foot monster swell off the coast of Nazaré, Portugal. At the time, it was the biggest wave ever ridden! And every winter, some of the best surfers move to the Portuguese coast.

Today Nazaré is the most famous fishing village in Portugal. It was always having drawn visitors to its beach and genuinely colorful life.

After lunch, we visit the pilgrimage town of Fatima. Join the faithful at one of the world’s holiest sites and pay homage at the Chapel of Apparitions. On May 13, 1917, three children were herding sheep. They saw an intense light, thinking it a bolt of lightning, they decided to run away, but another flash lit up the place, and on top of a small holm oak tree, where now stands the Chapel of Apparitions. They saw one Lady from whose hands hung a white rosary.

The Lady told the three children that it was necessary to pray and asked them to return to the same place for five consecutive months on the 13th day at the same hour. The Virgin is said to have revealed the Three Secrets of Fatima to the children.

The Sanctuary of Fatima is a pilgrimage place, motivated by Our Lady’s apparitions to the three shepherds.

Lunch and dinner are not included — overnight in Braga.

Day 4: Porto – Full Day

The meeting point will be at the hotel lobby – 09h00 am. The tour starts with a pleasant walking tour at the UNESCO World Heritage Historical Center, where you can admire magnificent monuments and sites — starting with the impressive settlement of over 20,000 blue tiles in São Bento Train Station.

Then, proceeding to the 12th century Porto’s Cathedral, where we’ll get to know even more about the city’s history and the History of Portugal. After that, we’ll be venturing down the alleys of the medieval district. We will continue to the commercial street “Rua das Flores,” live street artists and art-craft. We pass before the astonishing City Hall, up to the Clérigos Tower and its beautiful, noble quarter.

Being the most animated location in town, it’s where we will have lunch at a restaurant with local gastronomy.

In the afternoon, discover the city’s modern district, such as Boavista and its magnificent “Casa da Música.” A stylish and architectural city landmark. It is proceeding to meet the river and crossing the Douro river’s riverside to Vila Nova de Gaia. Here you will be presented with a guided visit to a traditional Wine Cellar “Cave” and taste. This rich, sophisticated, and worldwide renowned fortified wine – the Port Wine (standard two great wines).

We are still having the flavor of this nectar on our tongues. It’s time to enjoy the 6 Bridges Boat Cruise on the River Douro (duration: 1 hour). Aboard a traditional “Rabelo” boat, experience the panoramic views of the surrounding hills. At the red-tiled rooftops of the medieval houses, as well as the famous bridges of the city.

Dinner is not included — overnight in Braga.

Day 5: Douro Valley – Full-Day

The meeting point will be at the hotel lobby – 09h00 am. You’ll start the day by visiting a wine producer, where you will learn more about the worldwide renowned, vibrant, and complex Port wine, tasting it in a secure environment.

Then, you will be driven beside the Douro Valley breath-taking landscapes, the scenery of astounding beauty that will lead you to the heart of the region.

It’s time, then, to lunch in a traditional restaurant. You will be taken to contemplate the Douro Valley’s natural loveliness through panoramic roads and beautiful landscapes over the Douro River.

We will still visit a second winery to taste their wines and learn more about other wine producer techniques in the Douro Valley. Dinner is not included — overnight in Braga.

Day 6: Braga – Half Day

Meeting point at the hotel lobby – 09h00 am. After breakfast, we have a small briefing about Bom Jesus do Monte Shrine. Ascent will be made on the lift; this is the first funicular of the Iberian Peninsula. This lift uses the system water balance, and it is currently the world’s oldest in-service use of this ecological system. The cabins have a water tank, full when you are at the top level and emptying at the bottom. The difference in weight allows the obtained displacement; the amount of water is calculated depending on the passengers’ number. The descent of the mount will be made on foot. Then, we will visit the cathedral and downtown. Duration: 1/2 day.

Day 7: Oporto Airport (OPO)

Transfer to the airport. Check-out at the hotel until 11 am. There are no activities planned for this day. Lunch and dinner are not included.