Country Roads of Portugal - Classic Group

Country Roads of Portugal - Classic Group

tourhub | Insight Vacations | Country Roads of Portugal - Classic Group | W928ZM19
tourhub | Insight Vacations | Country Roads of Portugal - Classic Group | W928ZM19 | Map
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11 Days From

$3275

Country Roads of Portugal - Classic Group

11 Days Starting and ending in Lisbon, Portugal

Visiting: Lisbon, Lagos, Évora, Tomar, Coimbra, Porto

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

Tour code:

W928ZM19

Specialist Group:

Family/Kids

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

0-0

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

History, Religion and Spiritual

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking, Wine Tasting

From: $3275

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

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

Tour Overview

Tantalize your senses during this 11-day guided tour through Portugal. In Lisbon, a Local Expert will show you the historic downtown and the finest square in the city, Terreiro do Paco. From the hilltop perch of Monsaraz, see across the Spanish plains to Alqueva Lake — and meet a local boat captain, who will regale you with tales of water adventures during a cruise on its calm waters. In Tomar, see the Templar Castle, and explore its awe-inspiring rotunda with a Local Expert. Indulge in a farm-to-table dinner in the Douro Valley that will feature locally sourced ingredients, and taste a port produced onsite. Stroll Portugal’s second city, Porto, a World Heritage town, and relax in your five-star hotel in the city’s picturesque historic district.

Highlights

  • content:

    Top Rated Highlights

    • Lisbon: Explore with your Local Expert, from the Lower Town, beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paco. Visit the Belém Quarter to see the modern Monument to the Discoveries and the medieval Belém Tower.
    • Lisbon: Visit the cloisters of Jerónimos Monastery with its beautiful Manueline architecture, reflecting Portugal's trade over the centuries and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    • Lagos: Explore this coastal town nestled on Meia Praia, with your Travel Director.
    • Évora: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site guided by your Local Expert and see the famous Roman Temple. While sightseeing, witness the fascinating cathedral and be charmed by its mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
    • Évora: With your Travel Director explore the ancient city of Évora and visit the fascinating Capela dos Ossos, meaning the Chapel of Bones, a chapel decorated with human remains.
    • Monsaraz: Surrounded by cork oaks and vineyards, wander through the castle ruins to admire the incredible view over the Spanish plains that contrast with the blue of one of Europe's largest artificial lakes.
    • Fátima: Join the faithful at one of the world's holiest sites and pay homage at the Chapel of the Apparitions and see the basilica.
    • Coimbra: Guided by your Local expert, head through Old Town and pass by the Old Cathedral and the Almedina neighbourhood.
    • Coimbra: With a Local Expert, visit the University and witness the triumphal arches, painted ceilings, golden flourishes and walls of ancient tomes.
    • Guimaraes: Enjoy views from the Visigothic castle ruins and explore a maze of medieval streets in the Old Quarter.
    • Porto: Enjoy a panoramic drive through historic avenues and past exquisite tiled facades.
    • Obidos: Lead by your Travel Director, walk through the picturesque narrow streets up to the main square of this ancient walled town.

  • content:

    Make Travel Matter

    Évora: During a wine tasting session, appreciate the delicate yet complex nuances of Alentejo wine, and learn how the Relvas family has been managing to keep low water consumption, reforestation of indigenous trees, and providing scholarships to children of the village. This experience advances United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and production. With a 30% reduction in water use and innovative water management systems in place, they have been integrating science technology to ensure genuine production processes in all their activities.

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    Authentic Dining

    Lisbon: Join your Travel Director at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant and the opportunity to mingle with your fellow travellers.

    Monsaraz: Enjoy a memorable Alentejo Highlight Lunch at local restaurant Sem Fim, once an olive mill. Indulge in dish-after-dish of the tastiest tapas in a vibrant setting.

    Pinhao: Enjoy a wonderful Farm-to-Table dinner, freshly prepared from locally sourced ingredients.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Welcome To Lisbon

Location: Lisbon

Accommodation: Corinthia Hotel, Lisbon.

Accommodation Name: Corinthia, 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 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 Hotel, Lisbon.

Accommodation Name: Corinthia, Lisbon

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your guided sightseeing with a Local Expert takes you along the spacious avenues of the Lower Town and across the 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 enjoy a taste of Pastéis de Belém from the patisserie that has been using the same secret recipe for almost 200 years, and visit the Cloister of Jeronimos Monastery. This evening, gain further insight into Portuguese culture with an Optional Experience dinner.

Day 3: The Algarve

Location: Lagos

Accommodation: Ria Park Hotel & Spa, Algarve.

Accommodation Name: Real Marina Hotel & Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast

Cross the River Tagus and make your way to the sun-drenched southern coast, arriving in Lagos, a charming fishing port nestled along the bay of Meia Praia. After some free time to explore, continue to your resort hotel, beautifully situated near the Ria Formosa National Park. Algarve cuisine is defined by its simplicity, with seafood so fresh it still tastes of the sea. Just a short stroll away, you'll find an array of specialised Portuguese seafood restaurants hugging the coastline, offering a true taste of the region.

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 16th-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: Lunch

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 one of the largest artificial lakes. 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 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: Tomar

Accommodation: Hotel dos Templários, Tomar.

Accommodation Name: Hotel dos Templários, Tomar

Meals Included: Dinner

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, Lunch

In Coimbra, your Local Expert will show you the highlights of the Old Town, including the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit its 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. Enjoy a wonderful Farm-to-Table lunch, freshly prepared from locally sourced ingredients, with a port wine tasting.

Day 8: Guimarães And Porto

Paul Allen

Location: Porto

Accommodation: Pousado do Porto Rua Das Flores.

Accommodation Name: 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. Next, continue on to Porto, Portugal’s second city, a UNESCO World Heritage town and where Portugal originates. Join your Local Expert and visit the São Bento Railway Station, with a walk along the architecturally impressive Dom Luís I Bridge. In the evening you are at leisure to enjoy your boutique, five-star hotel, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, in the heart of Porto’s historic district. The décor is a mix of classic and contemporary and each room is individually decorated with original artwork. Alternatively, why not join an Optional Experience to see the pastel-painted houses in Porto's Ribeira district before cruising on a traditional Rabelo boat and finishing off the evening with a Portuguese dinner in the comfort of your riverside restaurant?

Day 9: Porto, Grande Dame On The Douro Relaxed Start

Paul Allen

Location: Porto

Accommodation: Pousado do Porto Rua Das Flores.

Accommodation Name: NH Collection Porto Batalha

Meals Included: Breakfast

With a full day free to enjoy at your own pace, why not 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. This evening, toast to your travels during dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 10: Ancient Óbidos And Lisbon

Location: Lisbon

Accommodation: Dom Pedro Lisboa, Lisbon.

Accommodation Name: Corinthia, Lisbon

Meals Included: Dinner

Discover the charm of the fortified town of Óbidos. Step inside the medieval town's ancient walls to wander through cobblestone streets, then continue to Lisbon. Perhaps choose to join an Optional Experience seafood dinner across the Tagus River.

Day 11: Depart Lisbon

Location: Lisbon

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to Lisbon International Airport.

What's Included

  • Personal radio headsets

    Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.

  • Hotel and restaurant tips

    Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.

  • Baggage handling

    We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.

  • Insight Flourish

    From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

    Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

  • Transfer services

    If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

What's Not Included

  • International flights

    International flights to and from the start and end points of the tour are not included.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

  • Optional experiences

    Costs for optional experiences and excursions not included in the tour itinerary.

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, minibar, and room service are not included.

  • Meals not mentioned

    Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • Visa fees

    Any applicable visa fees are not included.

Dining Summary

  • 1 Dinner with Wine (DW)
  • 10 Breakfast (B)
  • 2 Lunch (L)
  • 2 Dinner (D)

Additional Included Highlights

  • Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
  • Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
  • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
  • From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
  • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
  • If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Insight Experiences

  • Monsaraz: Join a local boat captain for a tranquil cruise on Lake Alqueva. Relax and enjoy calming waters, picturesque views and tales of river life.

Travel Director

  • "I love taking guests to Monsaraz because It's one of the many villages lost in time. It's not easy for guests to find on their own and they feel like they're visiting a secret paradise."

Well-being

  • Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
  • Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach featuring double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and personal radio headsets for guided tours, ensuring a comfortable and connected journey throughout Portugal.

Accommodation

Experience luxury and comfort at the Corinthia Hotel in Lisbon, the Real Marina Hotel & Spa in Algarve, M'Ar de Ar Aqueduto in Évora, Hotel dos Templários in Tomar, Douro Palace Hotel Resort & Spa in Douro Valley, and NH Collection Porto Batalha in Porto.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a variety of unique experiences such as a tranquil cruise on Lake Alqueva with a local boat captain, a wine tasting session at Casa Relvas focusing on sustainable practices, and a visit to the Synagogue of Tomar, one of the best-preserved medieval synagogues in Portugal.

  • Are there any special dining experiences during the tour?

    Yes, the tour offers several special dining experiences including a Welcome Dinner in Lisbon, an Alentejo Highlight Lunch at Sem Fim in Monsaraz, a Farm-to-Table dinner in Pinhao, and a Celebration Dinner in Porto.

  • What are some of the historical sites visited on this tour?

    The tour visits several historical sites including the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon, the Roman Temple and Capela dos Ossos in Évora, the Templar Castle and Convent of Christ in Tomar, and the University of Coimbra.

  • What is the significance of the visit to Évora?

    In Évora, you will explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site with highlights such as the Roman Temple, the Capela dos Ossos, and the cathedral, which showcases a mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The visit also includes a wine tasting session that supports sustainable practices.

  • What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides transportation in a luxurious, air-conditioned coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. The coaches are sanitized before the start of the tour and physical distancing measures are implemented.

  • Is there any free time during the tour to explore on your own?

    Yes, there are several opportunities for free time during the tour, such as in Lagos, Évora, and Porto, allowing you to explore these locations at your own pace.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1978.

  • 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.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • 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.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

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Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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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People that have booked this tour have also searched for the following:

Tours in Portugal Sightseeing tours History tours Wine Tasting tours Walking tours Religion and Spiritual tours

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