The Best of Portugal
The Best of Portugal
The Best of Portugal
11 Days Starting and ending in Lisboa
Visiting: Lisboa, Porto, Vilar Seco, Évora, Lagos
Tour operator:
Tour code:
33347
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 30
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Tour Overview
Adventure into a memorable tour around picturesque Portugal and spend eleven days discovering its most important cities and authentic villages, natural beauty, and rich history. Begin the journey in Lisbon, drive through spectacular landscapes, and visit Portugal´s magnificent towns and villages. Admire Obidos, surrounded by medieval walls, Alcobaca with the first and largest gothic church in Portugal, and the inspiring Sanctuary of Fatima. Explore stunning Oporto, Portugal´s second city, famous for its meaningful history and tasty wine. Let lively Lisbon impress your eyes and visit the magnificent cities and world-famous landmarks that surround it. Discover Evora with its ancient traditions and finish the tour with a relaxing day in Algarve, followed by an unforgettable drive back to Lisbon. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Lisbon: Portugal’s capital city is an adventure in itself, offering cultural gems such as fado, culinary treats like pasteis de Belem, and romantic city views. Fatima: This fascinating religious pilgrimage spot welcomes up to six million visitors a year. Sintra: The UNESCO World Heritage Site is perhaps one of the most stunning places in all of Europe. Explore its colourful castle, impressive architectural gems, and verdant surroundings. Evora: Visit this beautiful medieval town offering centuries of history and charm. Lagos: The perfect combination of history, magnificent beaches, and cliffs make Lagos a great destination for any type of tourism.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival Lisbon – Obidos – Alcobaca – Nazare – Batalha – Fatima (195 Km 3Hrs)
Location: Lisboa
Accommodation Name: Santa Maria
Begin your adventure with a pick-up at Marques de Pombal Square in Lisbon, at 8:30 hrs (we recommend to arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the indicated) to start the journey. Driving through landscapes rich in windmills and fruit trees, we arrive at Obidos, the beautiful city surrounded by medieval walls. Admire the harmony of the architecture, the diversity of the handicrafts and indulge in the famous “ginginha” (bitter cherry liqueur). Afterwards, visit fascinating Alcobaca and admire the first and largest gothic church in Portugal, hosting the tombs of the doomed lovers Pedro and Ines de Castro. Then, stop in Nazare, a typical fishing village and seaside resort immersed in tradition and legend. We continue to Batalha to visit the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitoria, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture in Portugal. Here we find the tomb of Henry the Navigator, the mastermind behind Portugal’s era of maritime discoveries. Today´s adventure ends in mesmerising Fatima, where we have the opportunity to attend the candle-lit procession.
Overnight in Fatima.
Day 2 : Fatima – Coimbra – Aveiro – Oporto (225Km – 2.45 Hrs)
Location: Porto
Accommodation Name: Sheraton
Enjoy a tasty breakfast at the hotel before heading towards Coimbra. Visit the University, one of the oldest in the world, with its magnificent baroque library and its unique atmosphere characterized by ancient traditions and customs such as the black student capes and the melancholic Fado music. Stop at Santa Clara Church, where you can find the tomb of Queen Santa Isabel, the protagonist of the “miracle of the roses”. In the city centre, there is a chance to admire Coimbra’s exclusive ceramics. In the afternoon, we continue to Aveiro, a city of charming canals, known as the “Venice of Portugal”, where you will have time to see the graceful “moliceiro” vessels and taste the local sweet delicacy “ovos moles”. Afterwards, drive to Oporto to check in and get ready for a new adventure.
Overnight in Oporto area hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis.
Day 3 : Oporto – Guimaraes – Braga – Oporto (140Km – 2Hrs )
Location: Porto
Accommodation Name: Sheraton
Begin your day with a tasty breakfast at your hotel in Oporto, the second city of Portugal and a UNESCO classified World Heritage site. It is a charming living amphitheatre inviting us to make a morning visit to discover the riverside area, old houses, palaces, and churches that history has made eternal. Before starting a new adventure, indulge in a glass of the world famous Port wine. We continue to Minho, the northwest region of Portugal that offers natural green sceneries and sparkling Vinho Verde (green wine). Start in Guimaraes, the cradle of the Nation and birthplace of the first king of Portugal. Visit the Sacred Hill, crowned by the Castle, as well as the Palace of Dukes of Braganca with its original buildings dating back to the 15th century. Drive to Braga known as the “Portuguese Rome” for its concentration of religious architecture, including the oldest cathedral in the country and the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, with its famous baroque stairway and gardens. Then, return to Oporto to rest and prepare yourself for more surprises.
Overnight in Oporto area hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis.
Day 4 : Oporto
Location: Porto
Accommodation Name: Sheraton
Indulge in a delicious breakfast and spend the rest of the day free at leisure.
Overnight in Oporto area hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis.
Day 5 : Oporto – Amarante – Vila Real – Lamego – Urgeirica (235Km – 3Hrs )
Location: Vilar Seco
Accommodation Name: Hotel da Urgeirica
Have breakfast at the hotel and prepare yourself for another memorable day in Portugal. Depart to Amarante, a pretty town known for its fascinating natural features and mouthwatering sweets. In addition, the charming city is very proud of its St Goncalo, a famous promoter of love and marriage, celebrated on the first Saturday of June. Stroll the charming streets of Amarante, relax by the river, and explore the bustling market where you can find a diversity of local products. Afterwards, drive to tranquil Vila Real. Luxuriate in the peaceful vibe while visiting Vila Real´s main attractions. Let the gardens of the Mateus estate amaze your eyes with their beautiful facades still depicted on the well-known Portuguese rosé wine bottles. Continue your adventure driving through the vineyards and the breathtaking landscapes of the Douro Valley. Stop in Lamego and sample some of the local delicacies, including the local ham and the famous “Bola de Lamego”, a mouthwatering loaf baked in the oven with smoked ham. Continue through the mountainous hinterland to the centre of the Dao vineyards, arriving in Viseu, a city connected to Portugal’s oldest hero, Viriato, a well-known Lusitanian chief. In the shadow of the Cathedral, narrow streets and doorways with coats of arms carved in granite make up the ancient town of Viseu. We tour the centre, see its busy commercial zone, and leave for Urgeirica to check-in and rest.
Overnight in Urgeirica area hotel on a bed-and breakfast basis.
Day 6 : Urgeirica – Bussaco – Tomar – Lisbon (310Km – 3.5Hrs)
Location: Lisboa
Accommodation Name: Sana Malhoa
Delight in a tasty breakfast at the hotel. Then, drive through the heart of Portugal to beautiful Bussaco. This city is a breath of fresh air for all nature lovers. With its luxuriant forest hosting a selection of rare trees and plants of exotic beauty as well as a charming and romantic hotel that used to be a royal hunting lodge, Bussaco promises to impress you. After getting in touch with nature, we continue our tour, going to breathtaking Tomar. The development of this lovely place is closely interlinked with the Order of the Templars, which received these lands in 1159 as a reward for the assistance given to Dom Afonso Henriques (the first King of Portugal) in the Christian reconquers of the country. It was Dom Gualdim Pais, the first Grand Master of the Order in Portugal who founded the castle and the remarkable Convent of Christ inside. Enlarged and altered over the centuries and classified as a World Heritage site by UNESCO, the complex displays the influences of various architectural styles and it is the centrepiece of the city. We continue our journey to Lisbon.
Overnight in Lisbon area hotel on a bed-and breakfast basis.
Day 7 : Lisbon – Sintra – Cabo Da Roca – Cascais – Estoril – Lisbon (95Km – 2Hrs)
Location: Lisboa
Accommodation Name: Sana Malhoa
After a delectable breakfast, leave Lisbon, heading to mesmerising Sintra for a day of unforgettable beauty. Visit the charming Palace of Sintra, walk through this stunning town before going to the westernmost point of mainland Europe, Cabo da Roca to admire the breathtaking views. Afterwards, we drive along the coast passing one of the most famous surfing beaches, the incredible Hell’s Mouth, cosmopolitan Cascais, and the gardens of Estoril Casino. This superb day ends when you return to Lisbon to spend another relaxing night at your selected hotel.
Overnight in Lisbon area hotel on a bed-and breakfast basis.
Day 8 : Lisbon – Evora (135Km – 1.5Hrs)
Location: Évora
Accommodation Name: Vila Galé Évora
Start your day with a tasty breakfast at your selected hotel. Then, we leave Lisbon, crossing the bridge over the river Tagus and driving through a beautiful and bucolic landscape of olive trees, cork oak trees and vineyards. We arrive in marvellous Evora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that will conquer your heart. Go back in time while exploring Evora´s narrow streets and visiting the Roman Temple, the Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral, St. Francis Church with its “Chapel of Bones” and the University. We stop at the local market to see the richness of the products used in preparing the mouthwatering dishes of Portugal. Throughout the visit, we also get to admire the diversity and authenticity of local handicrafts with cork, ceramic and copper objects. Enjoy a delicious lunch and some free time to explore the city on your own. We suggest you indulge in gourmet standard wine, cheeses and olive oil. In the evening, go to your selected hotel and rest because a new memorable day will follow.
Overnight in Evora area hotel on a bed-and breakfast basis.
Day 9 : Evora – Beja – Silves – Lagos (245Km – 3Hrs)
Location: Lagos
Accommodation Name: Marina Club
Enjoy a rich breakfast at the hotel, preparing for a new surprise. Relax or explore the inspiring streets of Evora on your own, before driving towards Beja to admire the highest tower in a Portuguese medieval castle. We catch a glimpse of the impressive tower dominating the town and continue the journey. Crossing the low mountain range, we reach the outstanding region of Algarve. Admire the vast fields of orange trees and stop in gorgeous Silves. Known for its interesting history and for formerly hosting a famous cork industry, the captivating town is dominated by its red sandstone castle dating back to Moorish times. We continue driving, heading towards Lagos while catching sight of Portugal´s dazzling landscapes. Reach Lagons, check-in, and spend the rest of the day unwinding or exploring the interesting surroundings.
Overnight in Lagos area hotel on a bed-and breakfast basis.
Day 10 : Lagos – Ponta Da Piedade – Sagres – Lagos (70Km 1.5 Hrs)
Location: Lagos
Accommodation Name: Marina Club
Enjoy a delightful breakfast at your hotel before continuing your adventure in Portugal. We drive to Ponta da Piedade to admire the magnificent views over the Atlantic Ocean and cliffs, whose shapes have been sculpted by the erosive action of both the sea and time. Continue to Sagres, a fishing port, for a visit to the fortress that was the mythical “navigation school” forever linked to the presence of Prince Henry the Navigator. Proceed along the cliffs to Cabo de Sao Vicente, the most south-western point in mainland Europe. The city of Lagos, a cosmopolitan town with a marina and fishing port is home to some of the most delicious Algarve dishes, such as the fish and shellfish cooked in a “cataplana” copper pan, as well as tasty sweets such as the famous marzipan, almond and fig cakes. Return to the hotel, where an afternoon at leisure invites you to take a dip in the sea.
Overnight in Lagos area hotel on a bed-and breakfast basis.
Day 11 : Lagos – Setubal – Serra Da Arrabida – Departure Lisbon (320 Km – 3.5 Hrs)
Location: Lisboa
Indulge in a tasty breakfast before bidding farewell to Algarve. The return trip to Lisbon takes you through the city of Setubal, a major port and industrial centre on the north bank of the Sado estuary. Then comes a scenic route over the Arrabida Mountain Range. Catch a glimpse of the Natural Park, admiring the amazing scenery, unique vegetation and the sweeping views of the Troia Peninsula. Crossing the Tagus River bridge, we arrive in Lisbon and drop you off at the indicated location.
Breakfast included
What's Included
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Licensed Guide
Operated with English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese-speaking licensed guide on a shared basis.
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Hotel Accommodation
10 nights’ hotel accommodation.
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Daily Breakfast
10 Breakfasts.
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Shared Transportation
Shared transportation in an air-conditioned bus during the activities.
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Entrance Fees and Activities
All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: Batalha Monastery, Coimbra University, Palacio da Bolsa in Oporto, Sao Francisco Church in Oporto, Gardens of Palacio Mateus, Convent of Christ in Tomar, Palace of Pena in Sintra, Chapel of Bones.
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Operated with English Spanish French and Portuguese - speaking licensed guide on a shared basis.
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10 nights’ hotel accommodation
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10 Breakfasts
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Shared transportation in an air-conditioning bus during the activities
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All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: Batalha Monastery Coimbra University Palacio da Bolsa in Oporto Sao Francisco Church in Oporto Gardens of Palacio Mateus Convent of Christ in Tomar Palace of Pena in Sintra Capel of Bones
What's Not Included
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Airport Transfers
Arrival airport transfer/departure airport transfer.
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Personal Expenses
Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, laundry, drinks and meals not stated explicitly in the programme, including drinks during meals.
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Tips and Porterage
Tips and porterage.
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City Tax
City tax not included, payable on the spot.
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Unmentioned Entrance Fees
Entrance fees not mentioned in the included items.
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Additional Charges
Any charges not mentioned in the included items.
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International Flights
International flights.
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Travel Insurance
All types of travel or personal insurance.
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Arrival airport transfer/departure airport transfer
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Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks laundry drinks and meals not stated explicitly in the programme including drinks during meals
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Tips and porterage
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City tax not included payable on the spot
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Entrance fees not mentioned in the included items
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Any charges not mentioned in the included items
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International flights
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All types of travel or personal insurance.
Mode of Transport
Travel in shared transportation with an air-conditioned bus during the activities, ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey throughout the tour.
Accommodation
Enjoy 10 nights of comfortable hotel accommodation, including stays at Santa Maria in Fatima, Sheraton in Oporto, Hotel da Urgeirica in Urgeirica, Sana Malhoa in Lisbon, Vila Galé Évora in Evora, and Marina Club in Lagos.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
Travel is provided in shared transportation with an air-conditioned bus during the activities, ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey throughout the tour.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will enjoy 10 nights of comfortable hotel accommodation, including stays at Santa Maria in Fatima, Sheraton in Oporto, Hotel da Urgeirica in Urgeirica, Sana Malhoa in Lisbon, Vila Galé Évora in Evora, and Marina Club in Lagos.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes daily breakfast for 10 days.
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Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour?
Yes, all entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary are included. This includes visits to Batalha Monastery, Coimbra University, Palacio da Bolsa in Oporto, Sao Francisco Church in Oporto, Gardens of Palacio Mateus, Convent of Christ in Tomar, Palace of Pena in Sintra, and the Chapel of Bones.
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Is there a guide provided during the tour?
Yes, the tour is operated with a licensed guide who speaks English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese on a shared basis.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
No, arrival and departure airport transfers are not included in the tour package.
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What personal expenses are not covered by the tour package?
Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, laundry, drinks and meals not stated explicitly in the program, including drinks during meals, are not covered by the tour package.
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Are tips and porterage included in the tour package?
No, tips and porterage are not included in the tour package.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, all types of travel or personal insurance are not included in the tour package.
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What is the pick-up location and time for the tour?
The pick-up location is Marques de Pombal Square in Lisbon, and the pick-up time is at 08:30. It is recommended to arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the indicated time.
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What activities are planned for the free day in Oporto?
On the free day in Oporto, you can spend the day at leisure, exploring the city on your own or relaxing at your hotel.
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What can I expect to see in Evora?
In Evora, you will explore narrow streets, visit the Roman Temple, the Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral, St. Francis Church with its 'Chapel of Bones,' and the University. You will also visit the local market and admire local handicrafts.
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How does Today Voyages work?
We are an Online Travel Agency, specialized in Group Vacations and Private Vacations. We have been in business for over 30 years through our sister company Go West Tours and, throughout the years, have developed an extensive network of trusted professionals around the world and a structured methodology to screen our suppliers. Today Voyages offers a selection of tours that are designed, managed and operated by our network of trusted Tour Operators and DMCs. Our database is connected with our partners so that when you make a booking with us this will immediately be received and processed by the Tour Operator.
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Where should I buy the flights to reach my destination?
Today Voyages does not sell flights directly. None of our tours come with flights included. Why? Because we prefer to give full flexibility to our valued customers to select the airlines and the booking platform they prefer. As soon as your flight is booked and confirmed, we invite you to update your flight plan within your Today Voyages booking confirmation page by entering your flight number, departure and arrival times, as well as your Passport information (if needed). None of these fields are mandatory but we highly encourage you to provide as much information as possible. This will allow us to provide you with the excellent service you are looking for.
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What is an additional excursion or tour optional?
Certain tours might show a selection of additional excursions/optional activities that you may want to add to our standard itinerary. These services are priced separately and can be added to the cart before completing the booking. We believe these optional services to contribute to making your vacation unforgettable; however, you are in no way obliged to purchase them. All our tours are awesome with our without optional services!
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What is the difference between Group Vacations and Private Vacations?
If you purchase one of our Group vacation packages, you will be escorted by a professional tour guide and will be traveling with other like-minded travelers you may not know. The group size depends on the tour you select. If you purchase one of our Private vacation packages, you will be traveling only within your group of friends. You may or may not be escorted by a professional tour guide; this depends on the type of private tour you are interested in.
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When and how will I receive the travel documents (vouchers)?
If you book one of our Group or Private tours, you will receive your travel documents via email approximately 20 days prior to travel date. If you reserve one of our Vacation Rentals, you will hear back from the property manager via email a few days prior to checking-in. We recommend checking your emails on a regular basis as this is our most reliable method of communication. If you have questions or need additional support, you can always chat with us or email us directly.
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What happens if a Group tour does not get confirmed?
It is very simple... you will be offered an alternative departure date or be refunded the full amount you pre-paid. No questions asked!
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What happens after I book?
The majority of our tours are confirmed at the time of booking. This means that, after submitting the payment online, you will receive an order confirmation email; make sure to save this email and to note down your confirmation number for any future communication with us. Some tours may be sold on a 'on request' basis. This means that for these tours we reserve the right to check the availability of your spot(s) with the Tour Operator before confirming the tour to you. As soon as you submit the payment online for a 'on request' tour you will receive an email notification that confirms your order request. Within 72 hours, you will receive either a confirmation email or a denial email. Do not worry... we will do everything we can to confirm your tour!
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Free Date Changes
Today Voyages allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 65 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Today Voyages requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of today voyages charges.
Up to 60 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.