Essence of Portugal: An 8-Day Small Group Journey

Essence of Portugal: An 8-Day Small Group Journey

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8 Days From

$2161

Essence of Portugal: An 8-Day Small Group Journey

8 Days Starting and ending in Lisbon, Portugal

Visiting: Lisbon, Évora, Coimbra, Porto

Tour operator:

Omega Tours

Tour code:

1839

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 6

Physical rating:

All Ages / Not applicable

Age range:

4-99

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

From: $2161

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

Embark on the "Essence of Portugal: An 8-Day Small Group Journey" and immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Portugal. This tour offers guided visits to the vibrant cities of Lisbon, Évora, Coimbra, and Porto, where history and modernity blend seamlessly. Experience the charm of Aveiro with a traditional Moliceiro boat ride and savor the exquisite wines of Montemor. Discover Porto's storied past at the Porto Across the Ages Museum and indulge in a Porto wine tasting. Enjoy a soulful Fado show with dinner in Porto and explore the medieval town of Óbidos and the stunning Batalha Monastery. With luxury accommodations, daily breakfast, and private airport transfers, this journey promises an unforgettable exploration of Portugal's cultural and historical treasures.

Highlights

  • Guided visits in Lisbon, Évora, Coimbra, and Porto

  • Wine tasting in Montemor

  • Moliceiro boat experience in Aveiro

  • Visit to the Porto Across the Ages Museum

  • Porto wine tasting

  • Fado show with dinner in Porto

  • Sightseeing tour of ancient Olissipo in Lisbon

  • Visit to the Batalha Monastery and the medieval town of Óbidos

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Welcome To Lisbon

Location: Lisbon

Accommodation Name: VIP Grand Lisboa Hotel & Spa, Lisbon, or similar

Meals Included: Dinner

Arrive at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Join your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant across the Tagus River, where you’ll have the chance to get to know your fellow travelers.

Day 2 : Lisbon Sightseeing

Location: Lisbon

Accommodation Name: VIP Grand Lisboa Hotel & Spa, Lisbon, or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, embark on a morning city sightseeing tour of ancient Olissipo. Drive through its main squares and avenues, including Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, the Monument to the Discoverers, Marquis of Pombal Square, and Liberty Avenue. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore the nostalgic corners of the Alfama Quarter, where the old city is nestled next to its castle, featuring colorful buildings along narrow, winding “Ruas” filled with charming “tabernas.” The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy this magnificent city. Accommodation at the hotel.

Day 3 : Lisbon, Montemor & Evora

Location: Évora

Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn, Evora, or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel before departing for Montemor-o-Novo, a charming town celebrated for its rich history and stunning natural surroundings. Known for its vineyards and wineries, enjoy a visit to a local winery where you will taste the region's exquisite wines. Next, continue to Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and historical significance. Accompanied by your Local Expert, explore the magnificent Roman Temple, the hauntingly beautiful Chapel of Bones (entrance included), and the grand Évora Cathedral. Stroll through the picturesque streets lined with whitewashed houses and vibrant squares, soaking in the unique atmosphere of this enchanting city.

Day 4 : Evora, Tomar & Coimbra

Location: Coimbra

Accommodation Name: Hotel NH Coimbra Dona Inês, Coimbra, or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Tomar, a city steeped in history and mystery, once a stronghold of the Knights Templar. Your visit will highlight the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its stunning Manueline architecture and intricate designs. Enjoy free time to wander the ancient streets, visit historic churches, and immerse yourself in the captivating stories of this enchanting town.

Afterward, continue to Coimbra, where you will meet your local guide for a tour of this historic city, renowned for its prestigious university—one of the oldest in Europe—along with its charming medieval streets and picturesque riverfront.

Day 5 : Coimbra, Aveiro & Porto

Paul Allen

Location: Porto

Accommodation Name: BessaHotel Boavista, Porto, or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Aveiro, often called the "Venice of Portugal" for its charming canals. Enjoy a ride on a moliceiro, a traditional, colorful boat that once navigated Aveiro's waterways.

Next, head to Porto, where you will begin with a visit to the museum "Porto Across the Ages," a captivating experience that traces the city’s rich history, from its medieval beginnings to its modern-day vibrancy. Interactive exhibits and multimedia displays bring Porto’s fascinating past to life.

After the museum, visit one of Porto’s famous wine cellars for a guided tour. Learn about the intricate process behind port wine production and what sets these world-renowned wines apart. The tour concludes with a tasting session, where you can savor the complex flavors and aromas of a fine selection of port wines.

Day 6 : Porto Sightseeing

Paul Allen

Location: Porto

Accommodation Name: BessaHotel Boavista, Porto, or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Start the day with a guided sightseeing tour of Porto. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Porto Cathedral, the historic Stock Exchange building, and the beautiful Santa Clara Church.

The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore Porto at your own pace.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional fado show with dinner, a special opportunity to share this soulful Portuguese music experience with your fellow travelers.

Day 7 : Porto, Batalha, Obidos & Lisbon

Location: Lisbon

Accommodation Name: VIP Grand Lisboa Hotel & Spa, Lisbon, or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for the Batalha Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline architecture.

After some leisure time to explore, continue to Óbidos, a charming medieval town in Portugal’s central region. Óbidos is famed for its well-preserved castle and historic center, featuring narrow cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses adorned with vibrant flowers, and traditional tile work. The town is enclosed by imposing 14th-century walls, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Later, depart for Lisbon, where you will enjoy a typical Portuguese dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 8 : Lisbon Departure

Location: Lisbon

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure. Upgrade your tour to 14 days to extend your journey through Spain, ending in Madrid. Please contact us for more information.

What's Included

  • • Accommodation in selected 4-star hotels

  • • English-speaking Tour Director throughout the journey

  • • Daily breakfast

  • • Transportation by luxury coach

  • • Private airport transfers as per itinerary

  • • Guided visits in Lisbon, Évora (including Capela dos Ossos ticket), Coimbra, and Porto

  • • Welcome and farewell dinners in Lisbon, featuring typical local cuisine

  • • Wine tasting in Montemor

  • • Moliceiro boat experience in Aveiro

  • • Visit to the Porto Across the Ages Museum

show more

What's Not Included

  • • International or domestic airfare

  • • Gratuities to guides and drivers

  • • Travel insurance

  • • Additional meals when not mentioned on the itinerary

  • • Entrance fees to monuments or museums when not mentioned on the itinerary

  • • Local city tax for overnight stays

  • • Visas required for entry into the country as necessary

  • • Anything of a personal nature or that is not mentioned in included

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with transportation by luxury coach, complemented by private airport transfers as per the itinerary, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey across Portugal's stunning landscapes and historic cities.

Accommodation

Stay in selected 4-star hotels throughout your journey, including the VIP Grand Lisboa Hotel & Spa in Lisbon, Hilton Garden Inn in Evora, and BessaHotel Boavista in Porto, ensuring comfort and quality during your exploration of Portugal.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes accommodation in selected 4-star hotels throughout the journey.

  • Is there a tour guide available throughout the trip?

    Yes, an English-speaking Tour Director will be with you throughout the journey.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Daily breakfast is included, along with welcome and farewell dinners in Lisbon and a dinner with a Fado show in Porto.

  • What kind of transportation is used during the tour?

    Transportation is provided by a luxury coach, and private airport transfers are included as per the itinerary.

  • Is there any wine tasting included in the tour?

    Yes, there is a wine tasting experience in Montemor and a Porto wine tasting session included in the tour.

  • What unique experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a Moliceiro boat experience in Aveiro, a visit to the Porto Across the Ages Museum, and a traditional Fado show with dinner in Porto.

  • Are there any guided city tours included?

    Yes, guided visits are included in Lisbon, Évora, Coimbra, and Porto.

  • Is customer service support available during the tour?

    Yes, 24-hour customer service support is available throughout your tour.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    No, solo travellers are required to book a Single (Private) room.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 2005

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    Yes, please enquire for details, we'll be happy to assist wherever we can.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Electronic Vouchers. These will be provided and attached to your booking (within the Documents section) aprox. 2 weeks prior to travel.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    No, unfortunately that is not possible on our trips.

Reviews of this operator

Katherine Lagermann (Google Reviewer)  

Incredible tour! This tour option...

18-Nov-2024

Incredible tour! This tour option had a few scheduled tours, but also a lot of time for independent exploration on our own. We felt it was a perfect balance. If you are not the kind of person that likes to be shepherded from place to place on a tight schedule, this is a perfect option. The hotels we stayed at were beautiful, clean, and comfortable. We opted to extend our tour by two extra nights, and while we were not able to stay in the same hotel our whole trip due to booking, the transfer process was still very convenient, and we even got a room upgrade at our second hotel. We would definitely travel with omega tours again!

Janifer Harland (Google Reviewer)  

Easy booking, nothing was a...

28-Oct-2023

Easy booking, nothing was a problem, prompt reply to emails. We did the Pearls of Puglia Tour. Fantastic region to explore, tour guide Sabrina was excellent and our other local guides were also great.

Joe F  

Excellent Service!

01-Mar-2020

Received excellent service and suggestions for a tour we planned for our son and daughter when they toured the Amalfi Coast in August. Hotels were all in great locations close to the action and all excellent 4 or 5 star. Would definitely use or recommend Omega tours to friends or family.

K Ruff (Google Reviewer)  

We used Omega Tours for...

09-May-2024

We used Omega Tours for a trip to Rome & the Amalfi Coast. Michael Rizzo did an outstanding job and answered all of my never ending questions. Planning and arrangements were easy with lots of suggestions and good advice. The drivers they arranged were on time, friendly and informative. The tours that they arranged were on time and the guides were well versed, our only issue was with one of the guides which isn’t a reflection on Omega. The hotels that were selected were very nice. The communication with Omega was good including when we needed some information while on the trip. I would definitely recommend them.

Zeke and Sheree Sanchez (Google Reviewer)  

We totally enjoyed our tour...

15-Jun-2024

We totally enjoyed our tour and it was certainly more than we expected. Our tour guide and our driver were excellent. Our hotels were great and Connie Astarita, our travel agent was outstanding. We will definitely recommend your company to our friends as we have already done so.

Pinx O  

I had wonderful time

04-Oct-2022

Just came back from my 11 days Portugal tours I booked through Omega tours. And I had wonderful time. I joined a small group tours, which is really great. The tour guide Myriam is one of the best tour guide I ever had. I always travel solo( and sometimes join a group tours )and tried to travel every year if I can . I am surely looking forward to booked more tours with you.

Linette Logie (Google Reviewer)  

Was pleasantly surprised that there...

02-Jul-2023

Was pleasantly surprised that there were only 4 people on the Best of Portugal tour. Our guide Cristina was fabulous and was a wealth of information on everything Portugal. A great experience overall and would highly recommend.

Guido P  

Had a great time and an amazing experience!

01-Mar-2020

Had a great time and an amazing experience. The touring company was excellent, punctual with clean buses and friendly and well informed tour guides. Hotels were nice, clean with good location, great service and good breakfast. We are recommending it to everyone and hoping one day we can repeat it.

Adair R  

Very pleased with this well organized tour of Italy

30-Apr-2022

Very pleased with this well organized tour of Italy. A great balance of sightseeing and free time. Exceptional local guide and driver. I’m not sure I would consider the hotels chosen to be 4 star - with the exception of Hotel St Martin in Rome which was great - but the others were very clean and well located. Would definitely choose Omega tours again when booking group travel.

Lisa M  

Most beautiful trip I've ever taken.

07-Jun-2022

Most beautiful trip I've ever taken. Having all my hotels and pickup and drop- offs taken care of by Omega Tours made this trip so easy to enjoy! Michael was amazing. He was always available to answer all of our questions and he made sure we had everything we needed in order to travel internationally during a crazy pandemic!

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Omega Tours allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Omega Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform omega tours, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Omega Tours requires a minimum deposit of 500 CAD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

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

    Up to 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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