Country Roads of Portugal, a Women-Only Tour
Country Roads of Portugal, a Women-Only Tour
Country Roads of Portugal, a Women-Only Tour
11 Days Starting and ending in Lisbon, Portugal
Visiting: Lisbon, Lagos, Évora, Fátima, Coimbra, Porto
Tour operator:
Tour code:
XE928M20
Specialist Group:
Women Only
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Portugal with the "Country Roads of Portugal, a Women-Only Tour." This immersive experience offers a blend of cultural exploration, culinary delights, and scenic beauty. Begin in Lisbon, where you'll enjoy a welcome dinner and explore the city's historic sites. Travel through the sun-drenched Algarve, the medieval charm of Évora, and the picturesque village of Monsaraz. Discover the spiritual significance of Fátima and the historical treasures of Tomar. In Coimbra, visit the renowned university before heading to the lush Douro Valley for wine tasting. Explore the vibrant city of Porto, with its rich history and exquisite cuisine. Conclude your adventure in the enchanting town of Óbidos before returning to Lisbon. With a focus on shared experiences and local insights, this tour promises unforgettable memories and new friendships.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Lisbon
Location: Lisbon
Accommodation: Corinthia, Lisbon, Dom Pedro Lisboa, Lisbon
Accommodation Name: Corinthia, Lisbon, Dom Pedro Lisboa, Lisbon
Meals Included: Dinner
On arrival at Lisbon International Airport, there are complimentary transfers to your hotel. Settle in and relax before joining your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. Enjoy the opportunity to mingle with your fellow travellers during a pleasant evening of good food and wine.
Day 2: Lisbon And The Age Of The Great Discoveries
Location: Lisbon
Accommodation: Corinthia, Lisbon, Dom Pedro Lisboa, Lisbon
Accommodation Name: Corinthia, Lisbon, Dom Pedro Lisboa, Lisbon
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your guided sightseeing tour with a Local Expert takes you along the spacious avenues of the Lower Town and across tree-shaded squares. Pass beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paço. See the ancient Belém Tower and marvel at the Monument to the Discoveries. Explore more of the Belém Quarter as you learn how to make the iconic patisserie Pastéis de Belém. This evening, perhaps gain further insight into Portuguese culture over an optional meet-and-greet with a Fado singer followed by dinner and a Fado show.
Day 3: The Algarve
Location: Lagos
Accommodation: Ria Park Hotel & Spa, Algarve, Real Marina Hotel &Spa
Accommodation Name: Ria Park Hotel & Spa, Algarve, Real Marina Hotel &Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cross the River Tagus and head for the sun-drenched southern coast to reach Lagos, a fishing port nestled in the bay of Meia Praia. After free time to explore, continue to your resort hotel set within a magnificent 360-acre estate. Simplicity is in the soul of Algarve cuisine, along with seafood so fresh it still tastes of the sea. A short walk away specialised Portuguese seafood restaurants hug the coastline, overlooking the Atlantic.
Day 4: Everlasting Évora Relaxed Start
Location: Évora
Accommodation: M'Ar de Ar Aqueduto, Évora
Accommodation Name: M'Ar de Ar Aqueduto, Évora
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey to the medieval walled city of Évora where cathedrals, churches, aqueducts and ancient castle walls all serve to create the feeling that this beautiful city is a living, breathing museum to Portugal's rich past. Join your Local Expert to explore the highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the Roman Temple and visit the Capela dos Ossos, an extraordinary 17th century chapel comprising the skulls and bones of 5,000 bones. Visit the cathedral with its attractive mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. With the rest of the afternoon at leisure, you may wish to continue to stroll through Évora’s unique historical centre, or the serene city park, following the aqueduct inside the city walls.
Day 5: Monsaraz And Évora Relaxed Start
Location: Évora
Accommodation: M'Ar de Ar Aqueduto, Évora
Accommodation Name: M'Ar de Ar Aqueduto, Évora
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel to the striking white village of Monsaraz, situated on an imposing hilltop, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. From the castle ruins, admire the spectacular views across to the dry Spanish plains, contrasting with the blue of Europe's largest artificial lake. Join a local boat captain for a leisurely cruise on the tranquil waters of Lake Alqueva. Relax and enjoy calming waters, picturesque views and tales of river life. Sit down to a delicious Highlight Lunch at local restaurant Sem Fim, once an olive mill. Enjoy a wide range of tasty tapas dishes showcasing the local cuisine and soak up the vibrant; cheerful atmosphere. Return to Évora where the evening is at your leisure to explore this beautifully preserved regional capital.
Day 6: On To Fátima And Tomar Relaxed Start
Location: Fátima
Accommodation: Hotel dos Templários, Tomar
Accommodation Name: Hotel dos Templários, Tomar
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit Casa Relvas for a wine tasting. Despite the dry climate of the Alentejo region, they have been producing exceptional wine using innovative techniques to reduce the use of water. Journey to Fátima, Portugal's most renowned place of pilgrimage. See the basilica or perhaps visit the Chapel of the Apparitions, which commemorates the appearance of the Virgin Mary to three young shepherds in 1917. Continue to Tomar and visit one of Portugal’s historical jewels, the Templar Castle and Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With your Local Expert, explore the octagonal Templars' Rotunda in the cloister and glimpse the day-to-day life of a warrior monk in the domestic areas. Outside on the battlements, the Manueline Window is a national masterpiece. You also visit the Synagogue of Tomar, one of the best preserved medieval synagogues in Portugal, housing a small Jewish museum.
Day 7: Coimbra And The Douro Valley Relaxed Start
Location: Coimbra
Accommodation: Douro Palace Hotel Resort & Spa, Douro Valley
Accommodation Name: Douro Palace Hotel Resort & Spa, Douro Valley
Meals Included: Breakfast
In Coimbra, your Local Expert shows you the highlights and insights of the Old Town, including the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the impressive baroque university library, one of the finest in the world. Your journey continues past verdant hills and lush vineyards, along the tranquil waters of the Douro River. Visit Quinta da Pacheca where Maria Pimental, one of the first woman winemakers in the Douro, makes incredible wine. Gain insights into the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley, a premier wine region with a growing presence of female winemakers.
Day 8: Guimarães And Porto Relaxed Start
Location: Porto
Accommodation: Pousada do Porto Rua Das Flores, NH Collection Porto Batalha
Accommodation Name: Pousada do Porto Rua Das Flores, NH Collection Porto Batalha
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey to Guimarães to admire the views from the ruined castle and explore the cobbled streets and cosy squares. Continue to Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage town and where Portugal originates to explore with Insight Choice. Choose to join your Local Expert and visit the São Bento Railway Station. Alternatively, enjoy a panoramic drive through the city led by a Local Expert. As evening descends, you are at leisure to enjoy your boutique, five-star hotel in the heart of Porto’s historic district. Sample the flavours of the region during a Caves Ferreira Visit and Port Tasting, gaining insight into winegrower Antónia Adelaide Ferreira. Afterwards, consider joining an Optional Experience to see the narrow façades of Porto's Ribeira district before cruising on a traditional Rabelo boat and dining at a riverside restaurant.
Day 9: Porto, Grande Dame On The Douro Relaxed Start
Location: Porto
Accommodation: Pousada do Porto Rua Das Flores, NH Collection Porto Batalha
Accommodation Name: Pousada do Porto Rua Das Flores, NH Collection Porto Batalha
Meals Included: Breakfast
With a full day free to enjoy at your own pace, take a stroll to admire the Multi-coloured houses and churches covered in beautiful, glazed tiles. Perhaps choose to visit Braga, the capital of baroque. In the evening, enjoy a mouth-watering dinner with exquisite wine at an authentic Porto restaurant.
Day 10: Ancient Óbidos And Lisbon Relaxed Start
Location: Lisbon
Accommodation: Dom Pedro Lisboa, Lisbon
Accommodation Name: Dom Pedro Lisboa, Lisbon
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey to the fortified town of Óbidos and walk within its walls, exploring the narrow, medieval streets where houses are covered with flowers. Your travels continue to the Portuguese capital, Lisbon.
Day 11: Depart Lisbon
Location: Lisbon
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, your departure transfer arrives at Lisbon International Airport.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes complimentary transfers from Lisbon International Airport to your hotel. Travel across Portugal in comfort, visiting key locations such as Lisbon, Algarve, Évora, Tomar, Coimbra, Douro Valley, Guimarães, Porto, and Óbidos, with a return to Lisbon.
Accommodation
Stay in luxurious accommodations such as the Corinthia and Dom Pedro Lisboa in Lisbon, Ria Park Hotel & Spa in Algarve, and M'Ar de Ar Aqueduto in Évora. Enjoy the comfort of Hotel dos Templários in Tomar, Douro Palace Hotel Resort & Spa in Douro Valley, and Pousada do Porto Rua Das Flores in Porto.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of unique experiences such as a Pastéis de Belém cooking class in Lisbon, a tranquil cruise on Lake Alqueva in Monsaraz, a wine tasting session at Casa Relvas in Évora, and a visit to the Templar Castle and Convent of Christ in Tomar. Additionally, there is a Port wine tasting at Ferreira Cellars in Porto and a Farm-to-Table meal at Quinta da Pacheca in the Douro Valley.
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What is the significance of the wine tasting session in Évora?
The wine tasting session in Évora is part of a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, where you learn about the innovative techniques used by Casa Relvas to produce exceptional wine while reducing water usage. This experience supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
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What can I expect during the visit to the Douro Valley?
In the Douro Valley, you will visit Quinta da Pacheca, where you will learn about the region's wine production and the role of female winemakers like Maria Pimental. The visit includes insights into the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley, known for its premier wine production.
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How does the tour incorporate local culture and history?
The tour incorporates local culture and history through guided visits to significant historical sites such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Évora, the Templar Castle and Convent of Christ in Tomar, and the São Bento Railway Station in Porto. Additionally, there are opportunities to explore the culinary traditions of Portugal, such as learning to make Pastéis de Belém and enjoying regional dishes during meals.
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What are some of the highlights of the Porto visit?
In Porto, highlights include a guided tour of the São Bento Railway Station, a panoramic drive through the city, and a visit to Ferreira Cellars for a Port wine tasting. You will also have the opportunity to explore the historic district and enjoy a Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations 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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