Compare Country Roads of Portugal - Small Group by Insight Vacations vs Portugal by Rail by Great Value Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4 | Great
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| Duration | 12 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 4,195 | $ 1,481 |
| Price Per Day | $ 350 | $ 212 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes | N/A |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Airfare included |
| Activities | N/A |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description | 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. |
Welcome to Portugal! Get ready for an exciting 7 days of culture, history, sightseeing, and more! Your adventure begins in Porto! Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal after Lisbon and is a significant urban area along the Iberian Peninsula. Main attractions here include the Porto Cathedral, Crystal Palace Gardens, Avenida dos Aliados, and many others. Porto is famous for its port wine, so be sure to try a glass (or several!) From Porto, a three-hour train ride will bring you to Lisbon. Portugal's capital city is full of stunning scenery and lively culture. Explore the different neighborhoods, including Alfama, Belem, and Sintra. Visit St. George's Castle and the Jerónimos Monastery. Tram 28 is your best bet for getting around the city and up the hills, so be sure to grab a map and check it out! |
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
Day 1 Welcome to Porto!
Upon arrival, you'll be transferred from the airport to your hotel. Check in, freshen up, and explore the area near your hotel!
Day 2 Porto
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before embarking on a half-day sightseeing tour of Porto! Discover the beautiful attractions Porto has to offer, including the Church of São Francisco! Explore independently in the afternoon, perhaps taking a stroll through the Ribeira district. See if there's anything playing at the Casa da Música tonight!
Day 3 Porto
Today, you're free to explore Porto independently! We recommend taking the tram to Foz, the mouth of the Douro River. Here, explore Avenida da Boavista and take a rest in the gardens of Serralves. Another option is to explore Cordoaria and its many gardens and sculptures. Lello Bookshop is nearby and inspired some of the Harry Potter stories! Tonight, find a waterfront restaurant in the Ribeira district and sample some Port wines!
Day 4 Porto - Lisbon
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before your transfer arrives to take you to the train station! The ride will take approximately three hours. Upon arrival in Lisbon, you'll be transferred to your new hotel. Get settled and start exploring!
Day 5 Lisbon
After breakfast, you'll experience a half-day tour of Lisbon! Discover the main attractions of this colorful city, and pinpoint what you'd like to explore further. Tonight, venture to the Praça do Comércio to find a bite to eat and shop for souvenirs!
Day 6 Lisbon
Today, we recommend exploring Lisbon independently via their famous tram! You'll pass by tourist-friendly attractions including Alfama and St. George's Castle. Belem is another waterfront area that begs to be explored! Find a restaurant here to indulge in a delicious dinner on your final night.
Day 7 Depart Portugal
Enjoy your final breakfast. You'll be transferred from your hotel to the Lisbon airport from your flight home!
