Custom Tours in France, Spain and Portugal

Highlights of Portugal

Please note! A tour following the itinerary below is scheduled once a month. To guarantee departure the program requires a minimum of 4 travelers.The maximum number of travelers on this tour is 12. For details and pricing, please email us or call us at 1-800-906-6117.

Day 1 - Lisboa, Estoril, Cascais, Roca Cape, Sintra, Lisboa: In the morning you'll head to the elegant coast of Estoril and Cascais, the charming areas of exiled kings and 20th century spies. On the way to Estoril you'll see the Tagus River and the Atlantic Ocean, ending at westernmost point of continental Europe - the Roca Cape. Next you'll go to Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with palaces, stories and legends. After visiting the Pena National Palace, you'll enjoy your first gastronomic and wine experience (lunch included).

Next, visit the Lisbon, the Portuguese capital, also called "the City of Seven Hills." The city's history goes back to the nation's birth (12th century), through the age of the Portuguese Discoveries (16th century) - exemplified by the glorious Jerónimos Monastery and the quaint Tower of Belém - all the way to the modern 21st century present in the busy downtown quarter of the Baixa.

Accommodation in Lisbon: Pestana Palace Hotel - Located in Lisbon city but only a short drive from the Estoril Coast and its beaches, the hotel incorporates a nineteenth century palace, now fully restored to its former glory and classified as a National Monument. The Pestana Palace looks over an inner private park lush with many subtropical trees and plants and enjoys panoramic views over the Tagus River.

Day 2 - Lisboa, Évora, Marvão, Belmonte: After breakfast, depart from Lisbon towards the Alentejo region, where you'll visit one of the most interesting cities of this region: Évora, a World Heritage City. You'll hear about Portuguese history and see the traditional houses with their white-washed façades. Free time for lunch in Evora (not included).

Then, it's time to go on to the memorable village of Marvão. This small town stands at more than 800 meters high and is surrounded by the old castle walls built from the 13th to the 17th centuries. You'll also pass through the beautiful and ancient Portuguese village of Castelo de Vide. This will be completely different scenery from the other days of this tour. Bring your camera along, or you'll regret it forever... For an idyllic ending of the day in Belmonte, you'll stay at the Pousada do Convento de Belmonte (dinner included).

Accommodation in Belmonte: Pousada do Convento de Belmonte - Very near Belmonte, where Pedro Álvares Cabral (Brazil discoverer) was born, the Belmonte Pousada results from the reconstruction of the ruined Convent of Nossa Senhora da Esperança, where there is also a small 13th Century chapel. The Belmonte Pousada preserves all the historical architecture of the convent, including an amphitheatre in the woodlands.

Day 3 - Belmonte, Lamego, Wine Estate in Regua, Solar de Mateus, Amarante: You'll start the day with a visit to Belmonte, a beautiful small village where one of the oldest Jewish communities in Portugal still survives. Belmonte is also the birthplace of the navigator who discovered Brazil, Pedro Álvares Cabral. After a visit to the castle and the narrow streets of the Jewish quarter, you'll continue your journey to the Douro region, where wine production is an important part of the local economy.

The first stop will be the historical town of Lamego, including the "Nossa Senhora dos Remedios" sanctuary's belvedere. Next you'll visit one of the many wine estates in this area, where you'll have the opportunity to learn about the production methods and to enjoy a wine tasting at the end of the visit. This will be also the perfect place for another wonderful gastronomic experience (lunch included).

The tour will continue towards Vila Real for a visit to "Solar de Mateus," a traditional building decorated in delicate Baroque style. The construction of this manor house was made possible by the wealth acquired from the production of port wine. Continue to Amarante, where you'll stay on in another charming hotel, Casa da Calçada, which belongs to the prestigious "Relais & Chateaux" hotel chain. Amarante has an impressive but yet romantic small historical center, perfect for an evening promenade. Tonight you'll also have dinner at this hotel's restaurant for another excellent gourmet experience (dinner included).

Accommodation in Amarante: Casa da Calçada - Located near the old bridge over the River Tamega, in the historic heart of the small town of Amarante, Casa da Calçada is an impressive refined hotel set in a 16th century palace, former residence of the Counts of Redondo. Magnificent gardens, gold colored walls, and elegant lounges with comfortable seating, welcome guests as they arrive. Rich colors and objets d'art enhance the quiet atmosphere of luxurious comfort. The rooms, all uniquely decorated, are equipped with modern accessories to provide the utmost of comfort. A glamorous restaurant offers typical and selected regional cuisine, in a warm and calm environment. The leisure room and the bar, with its spectacular terrace with views on the vineyards that surround the hotel, are the perfect places for relaxing, drinking or chatting, before or after your meal.

Day 4 - Amarante, Braga, Ponte de Lima, Viana do Castelo, Guimarães: After a visit to the historical center of Amarante, you´ll continue towards Braga, formerly an important religious capital. You'll visit the sanctuary of "Bom Jesus of Braga" with its magnificent Baroque staircase. The next destination will be the lovely scenic town of Ponte de Lima. Strolling through the town center you'll come across traces of the town's wealthy past. Here you will have free time for lunch. You may want to enjoy a glass of the unique locally produced Green Wine (Vinho Verde).

On to Viana do Castelo, the capital of Minho region. Enjoy a lovely panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean and a visit to the Santa Luzia Belvedere. You'll have time to explore the rich historical center of the town and see some of the beautiful local embroidered goods. The day will end at Guimarães, the cradle of Portuguese nationality, with more than 800 years of history. In Guimarães, dinner (included) will feature the cuisine of northern Portugal.

Accommodation in Guimarães: Pousada de Sta. Marinha - Near the historical centre of Guimarães, set on a hill overlooking the city, is the majestic Santa Marinha Pousada, the XII century Augustin convent, which after being rebuilt and restored, received the National Architectural Prize in 1985. Penha Park, the small gardens and the interior corners with granite fountains, the rich Portuguese glazed tiles, the cloisters, the balconies and terraces over the city will, together with the magnificent cuisine and wines, make you wish to stay for a very long time.

Day 5 - Guimarães, Porto: In the morning, you'll tour Guimarães before going on to Porto. Here, during a visit to the port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, you'll hear about the process of creating port, which is quite involved. Free time for lunch in Vila Nova de Gaia.

After lunch, you'll tour the historical center of Porto, including important monuments like St. Francis Church, with its splendid interior covered in gold and the elegant Stock Exchange, a reflection of 19th century tastes. On to the traditional commercial street of Porto - the pedestrian street of Santa Catarina. If shopping is not in your plans, find a table at the Majestic Café, where elegance is expressed in every detail. For the perfect conclusion to the day, you'll take a cruise on the Douro River, the best place to see Porto. At the end of the afternoon, you´ll be welcomed at your hotel. In the evening, you'll be taken to a local restaurant for dinner (included).

Accommodation in Porto: Infante de Sagres - The Hotel Infante de Sagres is located near Porto's most famous thoroughfare, the Avenida dos Aliados, and right in the heart of the city`s main shopping and banking districts. A first choice among visiting royalty and other dignitaries, it offers an unparalleled level of service for guests staying in its 73 rooms, which are all equipped with satellite TV, mini-bar, stylish traditional furniture and double-glazed windows.

Day 6 - Porto, Coimbra: During the morning, you'll have free time for to visit a museum or perhaps do some shopping in Porto. After lunch, you'll move on to the city of Coimbra, one of the most important former capitals of Portugal. The pleasant city center overlooking the Mondego River gives Coimbra a particular charm. You'll have a special visit to an extraordinary masterpiece of the 18th century: the library of Coimbra's University. You'll also visit the church of Santa Cruz with its tomb of Afonso Henriques, the first Portuguese king, and its beautiful façade. At night, you'll go to a very nice restaurant in Coimbra (dinner included).

Accommodation in Coimbra: Quinta das Lágrimas - This 18th century palace surrounded by magnificent gardens still vibrates with the memory of the famous romance between Prince Pedro and Inês de Castro. Today, this property has been transformed into a superb hotel, beautifully decorated in the traditional colors of Portugal. Enjoy the charm of its elegant guest rooms with inlaid furniture and savor the innovative cuisine prepared with the finest local produce.

Day 7 - Coimbra, Fátima, Batalha, Alcobaça, Óbidos, Lisboa: Today, you'll head south to visit Fátima, one of the most important shrines of the Catholic Church. Then you'll go on to Batalha for a visit of the monastery church. Free time for lunch in Batalha.

After lunch, it's a short drive to Alcobaça, famous for its 12th-century monastery. This monastery is not only a beautiful example of Gothic architecture, but it also contains magnificent stone monuments in memory of King Don Pedro I and Dona Inês de Castro (characters of a true romantic Portuguese story from the 14th century, very similar to "Romeo and Juliet"). On the way to Lisbon you will visit Óbidos, a medieval walled village with narrow streets, whitewashed houses embellished with flowers and windows adorned with wrought iron.

All good things must come to an end, so you will return to the capital - Lisbon. At night you can join the optional Portuguese farewell dinner, where you'll hear genuine Portuguese Fado music in one of the best restaurants of Lisbon.

General Conditions: Minimum 4 travelers - maximum 12 per group. This tour is operated in English only.

Included

Not included

Optional Fado night on Day 7: Includes transportation, guide escort, dinner with drinks included and Fado show at Casa de Linhares or similar

Please note! U.S. travelers need to add the following to the above itinerary: One day for the international flight to Lisbon, two hotel nights (one before and one after the tour) and one additional day for the return to the U.S. The two extra hotel nights are not included in the package but we can arrange them for you. Additional pre- and post-travel packages can also be added as needed.

Price - Start Dates - Questions: Please contact us for details.

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If you prefer a custom tour, please tell us where and when you want to travel and we will create a tailor-made tour that fits your specific interests, schedule and budget.

Your tailor-made package will include ground transportation, guided tours and hotel rooms.

The price of your program will depend on your needs (scheduled group tours, private guides...) and the number of participants in your group, the length of the trip, the category of hotels, the number of places visited, the time of year, etc.

We will do all the bookings and pay each individual provider on your behalf. In other words, you go and have fun and we'll take care of the details for you.

Mateus Gardens

Romanesque church,
Coimbra

Bon Jesus Sanstuary
Braga

Billboard for
Sandeman port wine

Pilgrims on their knees
in Fatima

Porto