Epic Portugal Complete

Arrive in Lisbon, and Our driver will pick you up from the airport. Check in, freshen up, and relax at your hotel. In the evening, take the opportunity to explore the city on your own. You can head out to a local restaurant in the area, enjoy a leisurely walk in the historic Alfama district, and perhaps even listen to live Fado music in one of the charming venues. It's a great way to get a feel for the city's atmosphere.

Here's what you can expect during this tour:
1. Park and National Palace of Pena
Your tour begins with a journey to Sintra, where you will visit Pena Park. This beautiful park features a variety of trails, trees, and other plants, providing a lush and picturesque backdrop.
You will then continue to the romantic and colorful Pena National Palace (Palacio da Pena), which is perched at the top of Sintra Mountain. This 19th-century palace is a masterpiece of architecture and design. You'll have the opportunity to explore the palace and see its intricate details, including the Great Triton, inspired by Manueline art, the bedrooms of the king and queen, and the stunning Arab Room.
2. Centro Historico de Sintra
After your visit to the Pena National Palace, your guide will lead you to the historical center of Sintra. Here, you'll have some free time to explore the town at your own pace. You can visit the Sintra National Palace (at your own expense), where Portuguese royalty spent their summer months during the 15th and 16th centuries. Alternatively, you can enjoy local pastries like travesseiros and queijadas at a cafe (at your own expense).
3. Cabo da Roca
Your tour will then take you through Sintra Natural Park, offering scenic views. You'll make a stop at Cabo da Roca, which is the westernmost point of Europe. Here, you can take in the breathtaking landscape and capture some photos.
4. Centro Historico de Cascais
Next, you'll pass by the famous Guincho Beach, known as a surfer's paradise, and Boca do Inferno, a dramatic cliff formation at Hell's Mouth. Your journey continues to Cascais, a charming coastal town.
In Cascais, you'll have free time for lunch and the chance to explore the historic center of the town. Stroll through narrow alleyways, see traditional Portuguese white houses, or even relax at the beach.
As you drive back to Lisbon, you'll soak up the scenic views along the Atlantic coast, passing by the town of Estoril.

Here's a breakdown of what to expect during your tour:
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1. Basilica de Nossa Senhora do Rosario de Fatima
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Your tour starts in central Lisbon, where you'll meet your guide and board an air-conditioned minivan.
Journey north to the town of Fátima, a once-quaint village that has become a significant Christian pilgrimage site. Learn about the three shepherd children who claimed to see Our Lady of Fátima in 1917.
Explore the Sanctuary of Fatima, a basilica that draws millions of religious pilgrims annually who come to pay their respects to the shrine.
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2. Batalha Monastery
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Your next stop is the 14th-century Batalha Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ornate gothic architecture. Discover the royal burial site at the basilica's Founder's Chapel, where notable figures like King João I, Queen Philippa of Lancaster, and Prince Henry the Navigator are interred.
Note that you will visit the main church area, which is free of charge. To explore the entire structure, including the cloisters, an additional fee is required and must be paid directly to the local ticket office.
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3. Miradouro da Nazaré
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Take a brief stop to enjoy the old town of Nazaré, known for miracles, visions, and providing one of the best views of the Portuguese coastline.
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4. Praia da Nazare
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Enjoy a short break for lunch in Nazaré, a charming fishing town where you can choose from various restaurants and cafes (lunch is at your own expense). Nazaré is a popular summer retreat for the Portuguese and offers insights into local life.
Make a quick stop at the Nazaré cliffs to appreciate the breathtaking ocean views.
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5. Obidos Village
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Your final destination is the medieval village of Óbidos, founded in 208 BC. It is often referred to as the "wedding present town" since it was a gift from King Dinis to Queen Isabel on their wedding day in 1282.
Explore Óbidos with your guide, visit one of the local wine shops to sample Ginja liqueur (a cherry-flavored spirit), and enjoy free time to wander through the village's medieval fortress, narrow streets, colorful houses, and picturesque Gothic doorways and windows adorned with flowerpots and beautiful tiles.
You can also grab a snack or browse the artisan shops offering handmade ceramics.
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Finally, you'll return to Lisbon, concluding your tour.

Here's what you can expect:
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Morning: Bus Ride from Lisbon to Porto
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In the morning, you'll depart from Lisbon and embark on a scenic bus ride to Porto. The journey offers an opportunity to enjoy the changing landscapes as you travel between these two iconic Portuguese cities.
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Afternoon: Self-Check-In to Hotel
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Upon arrival in Porto, you will have some free time to make your way to your hotel and complete the check-in process. Make sure to get settled into your accommodation and freshen up.
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Evening: Sunset Cruise along the Douro River
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In the evening, you will head to the Douro River for a relaxing sunset cruise. This two-hour cruise will provide you with breathtaking views of both Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia as the sun sets over the river.
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You'll board one of the 15-meter sailboats, which can accommodate 12 or 18 people. Please note that the distribution of clients on the boats is random, and preferences cannot be specified at the time of booking. Groups will not be split.
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As you cruise along the Douro River, you will have the opportunity to pass by several iconic monuments and landmarks in both Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. It's a fantastic way to admire the cities from a different perspective and to enjoy the serene beauty of the river at sunset.

Here's what you can expect during your tour:
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1. Porto (Pass By)
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Your expert guide will pick you up from your hotel or a designated meeting point in Porto.
As you make your way to the Douro region, your guide will provide insights into Portuguese history, cultural facts, and the development of Portuguese heritage.
About halfway through the drive, there will be a short stop for a coffee break.
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2. The Douro Valley
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You'll arrive in the Douro Region, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning valley, the oldest demarcated wine region, and its unique vineyard landscapes along the Douro River. This region sets the perfect backdrop for a day of wine tastings.
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3. Sabrosa
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In Sabrosa, your first visit of the day will be to one of the wineries. Here, you'll learn about the wine production and the history of the Douro Region and its wines.
You'll have the opportunity to taste different wines before enjoying a complete traditional Portuguese meal, including an appetizer, main dish, dessert, and wine pairings with Douro red or white wine.
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4. São Cristóvão do Douro
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After lunch, your journey continues along the winding roads of the Douro Valley towards Pinhão.
There will be a quick photo stop at one of the most impressive viewpoints in the region. You can take in the breathtaking views and capture some memories to share on social media.
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5. Pinhão
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It's time to set sail on a 50-minute scenic cruise along the Douro River. The cruise departs from Pinhão and takes you on a traditional Rebelo boat, offering stunning views of the valley and the vineyards.
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6. N222 (Pass By)
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You'll also have the opportunity to drive along the N222, a road recognized as one of the most beautiful in the world. This road takes you through the heart of the Douro wine region, providing incredible views along the way.
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7. Folgosa
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Your wine tour continues with a visit to another renowned winery. The winery's expert guide will walk you through the estate, explaining the winemaking process from the vineyard to the bottle.
The tour concludes with a magnificent tasting of three different types of wines.

Here's a breakdown of what you can expect during your tour:
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1. Porto (Pass By)
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Your expert guide will pick you up from your hotel or a designated meeting point in Porto.
As you make your way to the Minho Region, your guide will provide insights into Portuguese history, cultural facts, and the development of Portuguese heritage.
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2. Bom Jesus Funicular
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Your first stop is the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary. Famous for its religious significance and stunning architecture, this site is known for its iconic staircase and a vertical tram that's a remarkable piece of 19th-century engineering.
You'll explore the church built by Carlos Amarante, which features an Italian-inspired neo-classical design blending beautifully with the northern Portuguese landscape. The staircase leading to the top is adorned with symbolic fountains, allegorical statues, and Baroque-style decorations, offering themes like Stations of the Cross, the Five Senses, and more.
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3. Se de Braga
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Your next stop is the Braga Cathedral (Se de Braga), which holds a significant place in history as the first Portuguese cathedral. It was constructed several decades before the founding of the country. This cathedral is a jewel of the city, and it began to be built at the end of the 11th century.
Explore the cathedral, which includes the Chapel of Kings, where D. Henrique and D. Teresa, the parents of the first king of Portugal, are buried.
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4. Braga
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It's time for a break, and you'll either enjoy a delicious traditional Portuguese meal with drinks included
You can also sample the famous "Vinho Verde" wine, known for its unique characteristics.
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5. Guimarães
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After lunch, your tour takes you on a short drive to Guimarães, often considered the birthplace of Portugal because Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, was born here.
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6. Guimarães Castle
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Visit Guimarães Castle, which is linked to legends, poetry, and the beginnings of Portuguese history. This was the place where the nucleus of the future nation of Portugal developed. Count Henry ordered the construction of a larger and more solid castle in circa 968, and this castle played a significant role in defending the region from attacks by Vikings and Moors.
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7. Igreja de Sao Miguel do Castelo
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Visit the small church of S. Miguel do Castelo, believed to have been built in the 12th century by Count Dom Henrique (Henry of Burgundy). According to tradition, this is where he baptized his son, the 1st King of Portugal, Dom Afonso Henriques.
This Romanesque-style church is known for its simplicity in terms of decoration and holds the burials of significant figures from Portugal's founding period.
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8. Centro Historico de Guimaraes
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Finally, explore the historical center of Guimarães. This area within the city walls is associated with the formation and identity of Portugal and has been classified as a World Heritage site for its originality and authenticity in restoration.
You'll discover a harmonious and well-preserved heritage, with graceful iron verandas, granite balconies, and more, making you feel as if you've stepped back in time to a medieval setting.

In the morning, you will depart from Porto and take a bus transfer to Lisbon. The journey will provide you with the opportunity to enjoy the scenic landscapes as you travel back to the capital city.
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Trip Ends
Once you arrive in Lisbon, your guided tour concludes. You will be free to continue your travels, explore Lisbon further, or make any necessary arrangements for your onward journey.