Compare Highlights of Portugal by Exodus Travels vs Spa Indulgences by Sagres Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 2,545 | Check price |
| Price Per Day | $ 318 | Check price |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Luxury |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | No | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | All breakfasts, one lunch and one wine tasting included. Portugal is known for excellent wines and delicious regional cuisine that uses a lot of natural resources and produce. All meals have strong links to the land and sea, often prepared following old recipes. We can try a variety of traditional specialities during the trip and the local leader can always recommend good restaurants. Portugal has some of the best fish in the world. Salt cod is a staple here, eaten all kinds of ways, from baked with cream and potatoes to grilled with salad. The Douro and Alentejo regions are also well-known for an endless number of meat dishes, which include roasted goat with rice and potatoes, porco preto (black pork cooked confit-style), posta mirandesa (veal steak) and cozido à portuguesa (boiled meat, sausages and cabbage). Finally, we can’t leave Portugal without trying pastel de nata, the quintessential Portuguese custard tart originating in Lisbon. Please note, vegetarian meals are available on request although options may be limited. |
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| Description |
Once a powerful kingdom that dominated the world sea routes, Portugal today is one of the most welcoming and peaceful countries in Europe, though the legacy of its former wealth can still be found in its historic cities. Starting from colourful Porto, the second city and a Unesco site, our journey follows the verdant valleys and rolling hills of the Douro wine region, before heading to the lesser-known interior, where we visit Coimbra, the Unesco Batalha monastery, medieval Óbidos before reaching Lisbon, one of the most enchanting capital cities in the world.Journey from Porto to Lisbon via the Douro Valley and cultural highlights of Portugal |
Indulge Yourself in Portugal in this 9 night itinerary. Enjoy chocolate massage, Fado, and a Thermal Circuit in the Azores. Renew Body and Mind on this SPA rich itinerary. |
Day 1 Start Porto
This trip starts in Porto at our hotel in the Ribeirinha district, close to the historic centre and on the banks of the scenic Douro River. Time permitting, we will familiarise ourselves with the hotel, and there will be a welcome briefing in the evening.
Day 2 Morning guided sightseeing in the Unesco-listed historic centre; port tasting; free time for optional activities and transfer to Douro Valley
Today starts with a guided tour through the historic centre of Porto, a Unesco World Heritage site. As we amble along the ancient streets and medieval lanes, we visit important monuments, including São Bento Station, a neoclassic jewel. In the buzzing, colourful squares and traditional, unique cafes, we discover the authentic heart of the city. We conclude our guided visit in Ribeirinha, the picturesque riverside area, where we enjoy a tour of the historic port wine cellars, ending with a short wine tasting. The afternoon is free for individual sightseeing. City highlights include Porto Cathedral; Saint Francis Church; Livraria Lello (one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world) and Clérigos Church and Tower. Later, we transfer by private bus to the Douro Valley (approximately 90 minutes).
Day 3 Optional Douro River cruise; enjoy lunch and wine tasting at a winery with river and vineyard views; transfer to Coimbra
Today we explore the heart of the Douro Valley, the first officially designated wine region in the world, renowned for excellent port wine and pretty landscapes of steeply terraced riverside vineyards. In the morning, you have the option to enjoy a leisurely boat cruise along the Douro River. Later, we enjoy a delicious lunch with an included wine tasting in an 18th-century estate surrounded by terraced vineyards that climb high above the dramatic confluence of the Douro and Tedo rivers. In the afternoon, we transfer by private bus to Coimbra (approximately two hours) in the central region of Portugal.
Day 4 Visit Coimbra and its university; then to Batalha and its Unesco monastery.
Known as the City of Students, Coimbra has a history closely linked to the Unesco-listed University of Coimbra, which was founded in 1290 and is the second oldest in Europe. The city is divided into two distinct areas, the baixa (downtown) by the river, where most of the commercial activity is concentrated, and the alta (upper town), home to the oldest and most important buildings, including Sé Velha (Old Cathedral), Sé Nova (New Cathedral) and the university. We visit the most important areas and sites this morning during a guided tour. There will be free time in the afternoon for independent sightseeing before we transfer (approximately one hour) to the peaceful little town of Batalha, the setting of the most important battle in Portugal, the Batalha de Aljubarrota (1385). This battle secured Portuguese independence from Castile, and to honour it, King João I constructed the Mosteiro da Batalha, the finest monastery in Portugal. We visit this Portuguese gothic masterpiece that combines various influences from its lengthy construction, which lasted several reigns. We will have the opportunity to visit the outstanding interior, including the Founders’ Chapel with its fine stained-glass windows, cloisters, the Unfinished Chapels with their Manueline and Flemish gothic features and the Chapter House.
Day 5 Head to Nazaré beach; transfer to Óbidos
Our first stop today is the seaside town of Nazaré, home to some of the largest surfing waves in the world. There will be time for a stroll, lunch and free time to soak up the lovely atmosphere of this coastal village. Then we move to Óbidos, our base for the night. This small, fortified village resembles a medieval film set. It has been carefully preserved by the inhabitants, who take pride in maintaining the architectural image of the village, characterised by narrow winding streets, whitewashed houses and impressive fort walls, perfect to enjoy after day-trippers have left. We stay overnight in Óbidos.
Day 6 Transfer to Lisbon; guided tour of the Belém neighbourhood
Today we head to Lisbon, one of the most vibrant capital cities in the world (transfer 1 hour). This morning we take a guided tour of the Belém neighbourhood, home to the Unesco-listed Monastery of Jeronimos and the bakery serving the original pasteis de Belém (custard tarts). Historically, Belém was the location of Lisbon's shipyards and docks which helped to bring incredible wealth to the country through the trading routes established from the 16th century. The remainder of the afternoon is free for relaxation or further independent sightseeing.
Day 7 Guided sightseeing in Lisbon
Today we continue to explore the second-oldest capital in Europe (after Athens) on a guided tour. Lisbon was once home to the explorers Vasco da Gama, Magellan and Prince Henry the Navigator. Today, it is one of the most sought-after destinations, offering delicious food, ancient monuments, quirky cafes, charming neighbourhoods, and views over the Tejo river. Lisbon is known as the City of Seven Hills, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a few steep climbs and steps during today’s walking tour. We start with an optional ride on the famous Lisbon tram, which takes us to the elegant area of Graça. We then descend on foot through Alfama, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Lisbon, with its maze of colourful alleyways, old buildings and breath-taking viewpoints. We conclude our busy guided tour in Rossio, the heart of the city. The rest of the day is free for further independent sightseeing.
Day 8 The trip ends in the morning
Our Highlights of Portugal trip ends after breakfast. However, with so much to see and do in Lisbon, we recommend adding some extra days after the tour to truly appreciate the many attractions this city offers. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Day 1: Arrive In Porto
Private transfer to your hotel
Check in at The Yeatman
Day 2: Spa Day!
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
We suggest Vinosource Facial Treatment, The Barrel Bath: Red Wine Extract, Merlot Wrap, or a Merlot Friction Scrub
We chose the Yeatman because of their award-winning Vino-therapy.
Have you heard about Vino-therapy?
While using wine as medicine is not a new concept or discovery, rubbing the raw ingredients into your skin is, and it is said to be the best way to get health benefits. Vino-therapy or wine therapy takes the health benefits of wine to a new level and in a rather unique way. Instead of drinking wine, you slap them on your face or rub them on your skin or even reduce them to a pill form so you can swallow without having to spin in dizziness.
Wine therapy and wine facials improve blood circulation. It also reduces wrinkles and revitalizes skin. Wine may be used in conjunction with Ayurvedic cream or regular cream depending on one’s skin type. Whether you rub or knead those raw wine ingredients including whole grapes gently into your face (wine facial) or body (pulp-friction massage), the results are incomparable. Because of their herbal base, wine therapy is helpful in curing infections. You can expect to have a clear, unblemished skin after regular facial or therapy sessions over a few weeks.
A Price Fixed dinner with Wine Pairing transfer in/out included
Day 3: Douro Valley Tour
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Private Full Day Douro Valley Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting
Today you will travel to the stunning Douro Valley. Indulge in the world-renowned wineries of Portugal’s Douro Valley, visit stunning wineries nestled into the valley,each with their own sweeping views and high-end wines. Learn about the vast array of varietals grown and fermented here, including Portugal’s legendary Port wine. A river cruise is also included. Enjoy a private wine tasting from the family owned winery estates before retiring back to your Hotel. Includes Private Round Trip Transfers from/to Hotel
Day 4: Arrive In Lisbon
Meals: Breakfast
Check out of Yeatman
Private Transfer from the Yeatman to OPO Airport
Flight To Lisbon
Private Transfer from Airport to Epic SANA
Check in at EPIC SANA Lisboa Hotel
Day 5: Spa Day!
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
We suggest a Chocolate Massage
High-end spas all around the world have introduced the latest in skin care - chocolate spa treatments! From soothing chocolate massages and body wraps to indulgent chocolate facials and invigorating chocolate body scrubs, suddenly chocolate is everywhere. Using cocoa-based creams, lotions, and oils, you can now choose to get your chocolate fix without the calories.
Fado Dinner Live Show
This evening enjoy a special program. A Fado dinner live show in one of the best restaurants in the Alfama neighborhood, where the Fado music born.
Day 6: Lisbon Tour
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Private Full Day Lisbon City Tour
Today you will have a private full-day tour of Lisbon, the tour is a mix of walking and driving. You will begin your tour by visiting “Baixa” area of Lisbon, where you will enjoy the local shops, restaurants and cafes. Lunch is served in a traditional restaurant. After a traditional lunch, we visit the Belem area of Lisbon, where you will find Lisbon’s iconic monuments and enjoy the typical "nata”, a pastry that is now world famous and considered one of Lisbon’s calling card.
Day 7: Arrive In Sao Miguel
Meals: Breakfast
Check out of Epic SANA Lisboa
Private transfer from Hotel to Airport
Flight to Sao Miguel (not included)
Private transfer from Airport to Hotel
Check in at Furnas Boutique Hotel
Day 8: Sete Cidades Tour
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Private Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo Full Day Tour
Today you will discover one of the seven wonders of Portugal, "Sete Cidades". You will depart from Ponta Delgada towards Vista do Rei viewpoint. On the way you will have the opportunity to visit and discover some smaller lagoons such as Lagoa das Empadadas and Lagoa do Canário, before you get to the viewpoint where you can view the magnificent Lagoa das Sete Cidades. After driving along the dirt road that surrounds the rim of the volcanic structure, you will descend to the Sete Cidades village and have a short stop near the church of São Nicolau. Enjoy Lunch at a local traditional restaurant. Them you will visit pineapple plantation. Prior to returning to Ponta Delgada, we will have the opportunity to visit Lagoa do Fogo or (Fire Lake), undoubtedly one of the biggest nature attractions of the Azores. *Note Visits to Sete Cidades and Lagoa Do Fogo will be dependent on weather conditions.
Day 9: Spa Day!
Meals: Breakfast
We suggest Thermal Circuit “Quente das Quenturas”, Azores in color, or Furnas Power
Sulfur helps to protect your body against toxins in the environment. In addition, people with arthritis may find pain relief from taking a soothing bath in hot sulfur springs. Sulfur is shown to lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
During a hot spring bath, the body absorbs trace amounts of minerals such as carbon dioxide, sulfur, calcium, magnesium, and lithium. These trace minerals help provide healing effects to different organs and systems in the body. These seemingly subtle health benefits include increased immunity due to stimulation of the immune system; physical and mental relaxation; endorphin production; as well as gland function normalization.
Day 10: Fly Home
Meals: Breakfast
Check out of Furnas Boutique Hotel
Private transfer from Hotel To Airport
