Itinerary Details
Portuguese Escape
Day 1 ARRIVE IN LISBON, PORTUGAL Welcome to Lisbon! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Day 2 LISBONLovely Lisbon LISBON Guided sightseeing includes Jeronimo’s Monastery and its Cloister and a photo stop at Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT The stunning capital city of Portugal is a treasure trove of historic and architectural masterpieces. Lisbon is home to the 16th-century Monastery of Jerónimos, with its 100-foot façade featuring images of St. Michael the Archangel and Our Lady of Belém. See the 16th-century Belém Tower, which served as a fortress but also as an embarkation point for sailors and was their last sight of land before the start of their journey. Lisbon’s Monument to the Discoveries pays homage to great Portuguese explorers with a spectacular carved prow of an ancient ship.
Day 3 LISBON–OBIDOS–NAZARÉ–ALCOBAÇA–FÁTIMA–TOMARSea, Surf & Sanctuaries OBIDOS Walking orientation of the medieval town.
NAZARÉ Free time to browse.
ALCOBAÇA Visit the Church of Santa Maria Monastery.
FÁTIMA Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary en route to Tomar.
(B,D) 137mi/220 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY LIVES The monastery of Alcobaça is a unique masterpiece of Gothic Cistercian art. See the tombs of King Pedro I and his Castillan lover, Ines de Castro, and hear about the heartbreaking tale of these ill- fated lovers. The king never stopped loving Ines even after she was murdered, and during his life he commissioned matching tombs that sit together so that they can look at each other as they rise from their graves.
Day 4 TOMAR–COIMBRA–PORTOAcademic Honors TOMAR Visit the Convent of Christ.
COIMBRA Visit the University.
Scenic drive en route to Porto. (B) 124 mi/ 200 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION The University of Coimbra is distinguished as the oldest university in Portugal and one of the oldest in the world, it is also one of the best known and internationally celebrated. With a history of more than seven centuries, the students at Coimbra University dress in the traditional black capes with ribbons in varying hues as was the tradition when the school was founded in 1290.
Day 5 PORTOPanoramas & Port Wine PORTO Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a panoramic drive to the mouth of the Douro River and the cathedral. Visit the Arabian Hall in the Stock Exchange. Port wine tasting at a local cellar. Free time this afternoon. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LOCAL TASTES The grapes from the vineyards in the Douro Valley surrounding Porto provide the main ingredient for one of the world’s most recognized fortified wines. Visit a local wine cellar and taste centuries of tradition in a glass of Port wine in the city that bears its name. Saúde!
Day 6 PORTO–GUIMARAES–PENAFIEL–VISEUPort & Petiscos GUIMARAES Orientation walk through the medieval center
PENAFIEL [LF] Visit the gardens of the Quinta da Aveleda winery and Portuguese petiscos tasting. Scenic drive through the port wine vineyards en route to Viseu.
VISEU Dinner with regional specialties and wine at a local restaurant.
(B,D) 149 mi/ 240 km
LOCAL FAVORITE
HISTORY & HERITAGE The history of the Quinta da Aveleda estate spans the centuries and generations who have preserved the Portuguese traditions of wine making and proud legacy of the Guedes family. The architectural heritage of this cherished estate is only matched by its wines, produced, and nurtured as the largest Vinho Verde exporter and family-owned winery.
Day 7 VISEU–BELMONTE–CASTELO DE VIDE–EVORABottles & Corks BELMONTE Visit the Jewish Museum.
CASTELO DE VIDE Walk through the Jewish Quarter with free time to browse.
EVORA Visit a traditional cork factory.
(B,D) 236mi/380 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LOCAL CRAFTS Known as the “cork capital of the world”, Portugal is the world’s leading producer and exporter of cork, with the Cork Oak tree being native to the region of Alentejo. For hundreds of years, one of the most known uses of cork is as a wine bottle seal, however it’s much more versatile and many articles such as bags, keyrings, jewelry and shoes made of cork can be found in local shops. Lady Gaga wore a dress made of cork and NASA has been using it as insulation for many years. Learn all about this traditional artisanship when you visit a Cork Factory in Evora.
Day 8 EVORA–LISBONGothic Grandeur EVORA Guided walking tour includes the Gothic cathedral, the Sao Francisco Church, and the Ossuary Chapel. Free time for lunch.
LISBON Farewell dinner at the hotel.
(B,D) 93 mi / 150 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Walk back in time to the Roman era of Evora – a city with roots firmly planted in the 16th century in the home of Portuguese kings. See the white houses, architectural tiles, and embellished balconies with a stroll through the Gothic sites of the cathedral, church, and chapel.
Day 9 LISBONSafe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
