Picture Perfect Portugal

Picture Perfect Portugal

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8 Days From

$1476

$1287

Picture Perfect Portugal

8 Days Starting in Porto, Portugal and ending in Lisbon, Portugal

Visiting: Porto, Viana do Castelo, Braga, Coimbra, Lisbon

Tour operator:

Cosmos

Tour code:

6860-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $1476 $1287 Operator discount: -$189 -13%

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

There is still much to discover about Portugal and its treasures. On this affordable Portugal tour, take in the famous highlights of the main cities, but also indulge in the less known destinations to get a real feel of the traditions, culture, and way of life of this country. Starting in Porto and ending in Lisbon, discover the northern pearls of Viana do Castelo, and Ponte de Lima and from the fortress of Valenca do Minho, walk across the bridge over the River Minho to touch on Spanish soil. See the perfectly preserved Roman bridge of Ponte de Lima and get to know Braga on the guided sightseeing tour. Taste the wines of the Douro Valley and enjoy the green landscapes of the Serra de Estrela. Discover the university city of Coimbra on a guided tour and learn how the rural village of Fatima has become a major Catholic pilgrim destination. Explore the capital city Lisbon with a Local Guide; there are so many things to see, specialties to taste, musicians to listen to, that you may wish to come back to start this affordable Portuguese adventure all over again!

Highlights

  • Explore the vibrant city of Porto, with its colorful houses and famous wine cellars along the Douro River.

  • Visit Viana do Castelo, known for its palaces, churches, and monumental fountains.

  • Discover the fortress town of Valenca do Minho, located on the border with Spain.

  • Walk across the ancient Roman bridge in the charming town of Ponte de Lima.

  • Admire the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary and the historic cathedral in Braga.

  • Experience the rich history and stunning views in Guarda, the highest city in Portugal.

  • Tour the ancient university city of Coimbra and the renowned Marian shrine in Fatima.

  • Enjoy a guided tour of Lisbon, featuring the Belem Tower and the Moorish Citadel.

Places You'll See

Tryp Centro

B&B Hotel Braga Lamacaes

Versatile

Coracao De Fatima

Roma

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Porto,Portugal

Paul Allen

Location: Porto

Accommodation Name: Tryp Centro

Welcome to Portugal! Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Porto using your CosmosGO app. This evening, meet your Tour Director and travel companions at the welcome meeting.
ARRIVE IN PORTO, PORTUGAL Welcome to Portugal! Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Porto using your CosmosGO app. This evening, meet your Tour Director and travel companions at the welcome meeting.

Day 2: Porto

Paul Allen

Location: Porto

Accommodation Name: Tryp Centro

Meals Included: Breakfast

On the included sightseeing tour of Porto, a local guide will show you the highlights of this city, built along the banks of the Douro River, close to its estuary. Look out for the painted tiles decorating the city, the colorful houses along the riverbanks, the Porto wine cellars, the cheerful souvenir shops, and much more.
PORTO On the included sightseeing tour of Porto, a local guide will show you the highlights of this city, built along the banks of the Douro River, close to its estuary. Look out for the painted tiles decorating the city, the colorful houses along the riverbanks, the Porto wine cellars, the cheerful souvenir shops, and much more. (B)

Day 3: Porto,Viana Do Castelo,Valenca Do Minho,Ponte De Lima,Braga

Location: Viana do Castelo

Accommodation Name: B&B Hotel Braga Lamacaes

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today’s exploration starts with a stop in Viana do Castelo, rich in palaces, churches, monasteries, and monumental fountains. Continue to the border town of Valenca do Minho, featuring a fortress facing the border with Spain marked by the Minho River. You may want to walk across the bridge to touch on Spanish soil and realize that you are on a different time zone! Next is Ponte de Lima, a charming town boasting an ancient Roman bridge, still perfectly maintained. Today’s Distance: 135 mi/ 218 km
PORTO–VIANA DO CASTELO–VALENCA DO MINHO–PONTE DE LIMA–BRAGA Today’s exploration starts with a stop in Viana do Castelo, rich in palaces, churches, monasteries, and monumental fountains. Continue to the border town of Valenca do Minho, featuring a fortress facing the border with Spain marked by the Minho River. You may want to walk across the bridge to touch on Spanish soil and realize that you are on a different time zone! Next is Ponte de Lima, a charming town boasting an ancient Roman bridge, still perfectly maintained.
Today’s Distance: 135 mi/ 218 km (B)

Day 4: Braga

Location: Braga

Accommodation Name: B&B Hotel Braga Lamacaes

Meals Included: Breakfast

Two of the main highlights of this picturesque city, set in a green hilly landscape, are the cathedral (Se), and the Bom Jeusu do Monte sanctuary. The Se is the oldest in Portugal and major religious reference point throughout centuries. Thus comes the popular saying "older than the Braga Se", to denote something that is extremely old. The Sanctuary is a magnificent Baroque style complex with a stairway leading to the top with granite fountains on each landing. The day is at leisure today to discover independently.
BRAGA Two of the main highlights of this picturesque city, set in a green hilly landscape, are the cathedral (Se), and the Bom Jeusu do Monte sanctuary. The Se is the oldest in Portugal and major religious reference point throughout centuries. Thus comes the popular saying "older than the Braga Se", to denote something that is extremely old. The Sanctuary is a magnificent Baroque style complex with a stairway leading to the top with granite fountains on each landing. The day is at leisure today to discover independently. (B)

Day 5: Braga,Vila Real,Guarda

Location: Braga

Accommodation Name: Versatile

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Perching on top of a headland, Vila Real preserves stately houses adorned with coats of arms, Manueline windows and traditional wrought iron balconies. Spend time visiting the old town and indulge in a tasting experience of the famous Douro Valley wines before reaching Guarda, the highest city in Portugal. Set over 3000 ft. above sea level on the slopes of the Serra da Estrela, Guarda was founded in 1199 by King Dom Sancho I, and it is considered a true stronghold of a rich historical past, presenting several layers of History including a fascinating Jewish legacy. This city played a significant role in the defense line of the Portuguese border in the Middle Age and continues to be a charming city that holds a strong identity.Today’s distance: 172 mi /277 km
BRAGA–VILA REAL–GUARDA Perching on top of a headland, Vila Real preserves stately houses adorned with coats of arms, Manueline windows and traditional wrought iron balconies. Spend time visiting the old town and indulge in a tasting experience of the famous Douro Valley wines before reaching Guarda, the highest city in Portugal. Set over 3000 ft. above sea level on the slopes of the Serra da Estrela, Guarda was founded in 1199 by King Dom Sancho I, and it is considered a true stronghold of a rich historical past, presenting several layers of History including a fascinating Jewish legacy. This city played a significant role in the defense line of the Portuguese border in the Middle Age and continues to be a charming city that holds a strong identity.
Today’s distance: 172 mi /277 km (B,D)

Day 6: Guarda,Coimbra,Fatima

Location: Coimbra

Accommodation Name: Coracao de Fatima

Meals Included: Breakfast

Join a sightseeing tour of Coimbra with a Local Guide, unveiling the must-sees of one of the most ancient university cities in Europe. Fatima is one of the most visited Marian shrines in the world. It became one since the Virgin Mary repeatedly appeared to three shepherd children in 1917, culminating in her revelation of the Three Secrets of Fátima. Today’s Distance: 157 mi/ 252 km
GUARDA–COIMBRA–FATIMA Join a sightseeing tour of Coimbra with a Local Guide, unveiling the must-sees of one of the most ancient university cities in Europe. Fatima is one of the most visited Marian shrines in the world. It became one since the Virgin Mary repeatedly appeared to three shepherd children in 1917, culminating in her revelation of the Three Secrets of Fátima.
Today’s Distance: 157 mi/ 252 km (B)

Day 7: Fatima,Lisbon

Location: Lisbon

Accommodation Name: Roma

Meals Included: Breakfast

Arrive in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, and enjoy a guided sightseeing tour including the monument dedicated to Henry the Navigator, who made Lisbon the 15th-century “Mistress of the Seas.” Also see the Belem Tower, the Moorish Citadel, the impressive Black Horse Square, and other highlights.Today’s Distance: 79 mi/ 127 km
FATIMA–LISBON Arrive in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, and enjoy a guided sightseeing tour including the monument dedicated to Henry the Navigator, who made Lisbon the 15th-century “Mistress of the Seas.” Also see the Belem Tower, the Moorish Citadel, the impressive Black Horse Square, and other highlights.
Today’s Distance: 79 mi/ 127 km (B)

Day 8: Lisbon

Location: Lisbon

Accommodation Name: Roma

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
LISBON Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is provided in various cities including Porto, Braga, Guarda, Fatima, and Lisbon.

  • Sightseeing Tour of Porto

    An included sightseeing tour of Porto with a local guide is provided.

  • Sightseeing Tour of Coimbra

    A sightseeing tour of Coimbra with a local guide is included.

  • Guided Sightseeing Tour of Lisbon

    A guided sightseeing tour of Lisbon is included, featuring major landmarks.

  • Meals

    Breakfast is included daily, with an additional dinner on Day 5.

  • Transport

    Explore Portugal with included sightseeing tours and local guides, covering cities like Porto, Braga, and Lisbon, with comfortable travel between destinations.

What's Not Included

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities and excursions are not included in the tour price.

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from Portugal are not included.

Accommodation

Porto:Tryp Centro
Braga:B&B Hotel Braga Lamacaes
Guarda:Versatile
Fatima:Coracao de Fatima
Lisbon:Roma

UNESCO Sites

Historic Centre of Porto|University of Coimbra (See only)

Meals

7 Breakfasts, 1 Dinners

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    You will stay at a variety of accommodations throughout the tour, including Tryp Centro in Porto, B&B Hotel Braga Lamacaes in Braga, Versatile in Guarda, Coracao de Fatima in Fatima, and Roma in Lisbon.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Breakfast is included daily throughout the tour, and there is an additional dinner provided on Day 5.

  • What is the significance of Fatima in the tour?

    Fatima is one of the most visited Marian shrines in the world, known for the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to three shepherd children in 1917. The tour includes a visit to this renowned spiritual site.

  • Will there be any wine tasting opportunities during the tour?

    Yes, there is an opportunity to indulge in a tasting experience of the famous Douro Valley wines during the visit to Vila Real.

  • What are some of the historical highlights of Braga that I will see?

    In Braga, you will have the opportunity to see the oldest cathedral in Portugal, known as the Se, and the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary, a magnificent Baroque style complex.

  • Is there a guided tour of Lisbon included in the itinerary?

    Yes, the tour includes a guided sightseeing tour of Lisbon, where you will see major landmarks such as the Belem Tower, the Moorish Citadel, and the monument dedicated to Henry the Navigator.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1961

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.

Reviews of this operator

Mrs Susan Hyland  

We have just returned from a Cosmos…

28-Sep-2022

We have just returned from a Cosmos tour- Gourmet Tuscany. We stayed in Montecatini Terme and traveled from there to many wonderful places, in towns and the fabulous Tuscan countryside. We visit Vineyards for wine tastings, farms for cooking lessons and lunches and dinners in authentic Italian restaurants. All assisted by a friendly, informative tour director. First class holiday

Trustpilot
Rick  

Excellent in every respect

08-Dec-2022

I recently did a 2-week "best of Italy" tour with this company. Our guide, Daniella, was fantastic, the itinerary was excellent and they catered for my rather difficult dietary requirements really well. Really happy and will certainly book with them again

Trustpilot
John Lomanno  

A wonderrful experience

09-Nov-2022

WE saw so much. The tour director Mladin was very knowledgeable and made the experience so enjoyable. The bus driver Paul was so nice and helpful. A couple of the hotels had no refrigerators to keep the water cold. We had to carry our own luggage to and from the rooms. There should have been porters to help us. Over all we had a great time.

Trustpilot
Bruce  

Old South &Florida tour

27-Oct-2022

Great organisation, tour guide(Kris) and driver(Tony) who went extra mile and good group of people from all over world. The hotels were excellent in New Orleans and Nashville and very good in other cities. The itinerary was well thought out with visits to Gracelands and Grande ole Oprey topping the bill. We added 3extra nights in New Orleans (giving us 6nights) which was absolutely fab and would advise anyone doing this tour that they consider some extra nights to see and do as much as you can

Trustpilot
Francine Ramos  

The tour director expertise and…

18-Dec-2022

The tour director expertise and personality made the trip all the more pleasant. No stress. The local guides as well added to the beauty of this trip. They were knowledgeable and personable. I also have to mention the travelers (the group of 21). The people were friendly an accommodating. This is my third trip with this tour company and I will continue to travel with this company due to excellent planning and customer service. Thank you

Trustpilot

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Operator discount: -$189

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Operator discount: -$253

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Operator discount: -$253

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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