Country Roads of Portugal - Small Group
Country Roads of Portugal - Small Group
$4825
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Country Roads of Portugal - Small Group" tour and explore the rich tapestry of Portugal's history and culture. This journey takes you from the vibrant streets of Lisbon to the serene landscapes of the Douro Valley. Discover the architectural wonders of Tomar, the medieval charm of Óbidos, and the spiritual aura of Fátima. Enjoy guided tours through UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Jerónimos Monastery and the University of Coimbra. Delight in authentic dining experiences, including a farm-to-table dinner in Pinhão and a tapas lunch in Monsaraz. With a focus on sustainable travel, this tour offers a unique opportunity to appreciate Portugal's diverse heritage while supporting local communities. Join us for an unforgettable adventure through Portugal's picturesque landscapes and historic towns. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Lisbon
Location: Lisbon
Accommodation: Corinthia Hotel, Lisbon., Dom Pedro Lisboa, 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 travelers 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., Dom Pedro Lisboa, Lisbon.
Accommodation Name: Corinthia, Lisbon
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your guided sightseeing with a Local Expert takes you along the avenues of the Lower Town and past tree-shaded squares. See the ancient Belém Tower and marvel at the Monument to the Discoveries. Explore more of the Belém Quarter as you visit the Cloister of Jeronimos Monastery and enjoy a taste of Pastéis de Belém from the patisserie that has been using the same secret recipe for almost 200 years. 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., Real Marina Hotel &Spa.
Accommodation Name: Ria Park Hotel & Spa, Algarve
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cross the River Tagus and head towards the sun-drenched southern coast to reach Lagos, a fishing port nestled in the bay of Meia Praia. After some free time to explore, continue to your resort hotel, set within a magnificent 360-acre estate. Simplicity is at the heart of Algarve cuisine, with seafood so fresh it still tastes of the sea. Just a short walk away, specialized Portuguese seafood restaurants line 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 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 center, or the serene city park, following the aqueduct inside the city walls.
Day 5: Monsaraz And Évora Relaxed Start
Location: Monsaraz, 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: Alentejo, Fátima, 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, Douro Valley
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
Location: Guimarães, Porto
Accommodation: Pousada do Porto Rua Das Flores., NH Collection Porto Batalha.
Accommodation Name: Pousada do Porto Rua Das Flores
Meals Included: Breakfast
The mountain ranges of Northern Portugal accompany your morning journey to Guimarães, known as the birthplace of Portugal. Here, you can take in views from the Visigoth castle before wandering the cobbled streets and charming squares that exude medieval character. Continue to Porto, a city steeped in history whose central district is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Porto seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. Accompanied by your Local Expert, visit the São Bento Railway Station, renowned for the hand-painted azulejo tilework depicting scenes of Portugal’s past, and stroll across the Dom Luís I Bridge, a masterpiece of engineering that offers spectacular views of the Douro River. For a different perspective, consider joining an Optional Experience to explore the pastel-hued houses of the Ribeira district, cruise aboard a traditional Rabelo boat, and savor traditional flavors at a riverside restaurant.
Day 9: Porto, Grande Dame On The Douro Relaxed Start
Location: Porto, Braga
Accommodation: Pousada do Porto Rua Das Flores., NH Collection Porto Batalha.
Accommodation Name: Pousada do Porto Rua Das Flores
Meals Included: Breakfast
With a full day free to enjoy at your own pace, why not take a stroll to admire the multi-colored houses and churches covered in beautiful glazed tiles. Perhaps choose to visit Braga, the capital of baroque.
Day 10: Ancient Óbidos And Lisbon
Location: Óbidos, Lisbon
Accommodation: Dom Pedro Lisboa, Lisbon.
Accommodation Name: TURIM Marquês, 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. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a delightful dinner, raising a glass to the unforgettable moments shared on your tour.
Day 11: Depart Lisbon
Location: Lisbon
Accommodation Name: on
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to Lisbon International Airport.
What's Included
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Guided Sightseeing
Enjoy guided sightseeing with a Local Expert in various locations including Lisbon, Évora, Coimbra, and Porto.
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Visit several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Tomar Castle, Jerónimos Monastery, and the University of Coimbra.
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Local Expert Tours
Explore historical and cultural sites with the guidance of Local Experts in cities like Tomar, Évora, and Coimbra.
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Wine Tasting Experience
Participate in a wine tasting session at Casa Relvas, focusing on sustainable wine production.
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Lake Alqueva Cruise
Enjoy a tranquil cruise on Lake Alqueva with a local boat captain.
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Personal Radio Headsets
Receive personal radio headsets to ensure you don't miss any commentary during visits to famous highlights.
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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
All hotel and restaurant tips are included, along with taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
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Luggage Handling
Your bags will be carried for you and promptly delivered to your hotel door.
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Complimentary Wi-Fi
Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi on the coach and in hotels where available.
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Airport Transfers
Transfers are available at scheduled times for flights that match the itinerary start and end dates.
What's Not Included
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Airfare
International and domestic airfare are not included and must be arranged by travelers.
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Meals not specified
Any meals not specifically listed as included in the itinerary are the responsibility of the traveler.
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Optional excursions
Optional excursions and activities not listed in the itinerary are available at an additional cost.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included but is highly recommended for all travelers.
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, minibar, and room service are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style and comfort aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom, ensuring a relaxing journey through Portugal's stunning landscapes.
Accommodation
Experience comfort and luxury at the Corinthia Hotel in Lisbon, Ria Park 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 Pousada do Porto Rua Das Flores in Porto.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Lunch (L)
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.
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 wine tasting session at Casa Relvas in Évora, a tranquil cruise on Lake Alqueva with a local boat captain, and a visit to the Templar Castle and Convent of Christ in Tomar. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to explore the University of Coimbra's impressive baroque library and enjoy a Farm-to-Table lunch in the Douro Valley. ...more ...less
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What is the significance of the sites visited in Tomar?
In Tomar, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tomar Castle and the Convent of Christ, which are significant for their historical connection to the Knights Templar. The tour includes exploring the octagonal Templars' Rotunda and the cloisters, as well as viewing the Manueline Window, a masterpiece of Gothic artistry. You will also visit the Synagogue of Tomar, one of Portugal's best-preserved medieval synagogues, which serves as a symbol of the Jewish communities in Portugal. ...more ...less
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What dining experiences are offered during the tour?
The tour offers several authentic dining experiences, including a Welcome Dinner in Lisbon, an Alentejo Highlight Lunch at Sem Fim in Monsaraz, and a Farm-to-Table dinner in Pinhao. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a dinner in Lisbon devoted to regional cooking, and a delightful dinner on the final evening of the tour. ...more ...less
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How does the tour contribute to sustainable tourism?
The tour includes a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Casa Relvas in Évora, where you will learn about sustainable wine production practices. The Relvas family has implemented innovative water management systems to reduce water consumption by 30% and has engaged in reforestation efforts and providing scholarships to local children, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. ...more ...less
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What are some of the top-rated highlights of the tour?
Top-rated highlights of the tour include a guided journey through Lisbon's Belém Quarter, exploring the coastal town of Lagos, visiting the Roman Temple and Chapel of Bones in Évora, and enjoying views from the Visigothic castle ruins in Guimarães. You will also experience a panoramic drive through Porto and a walk through the picturesque streets of Óbidos. ...more ...less
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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
Reviews of this operator
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Book with Confidence
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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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Terms and Conditions
Country Roads of Portugal - Small Group
11 Days Starting and ending in Lisbon, Portugal
Visiting: Lisbon, Lagos, Évora, Monsaraz, Alentejo, Fátima, Tomar, Coimbra, Douro Valley, Guimarães, Porto, Braga, Óbidos ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SE928ZN20
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
