Best of Portugal
Best of Portugal
$3225
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Portugal with the "Best of Portugal" tour, exploring the vibrant cities of Lisbon, Évora, Porto, Coimbra, and Tomar. Discover the stunning Algarve region, the historic towns of Lagos, Castelo de Vide, Viseu, Nazaré, and Óbidos, and marvel at iconic landmarks like the Hieronymite Monastery, the Convent of Christ, and Batalha's Gothic Monastery. Experience the rich culture and history of Portugal with guided tours, local experiences, and a visit to a traditional stud farm in Alentejo. Enjoy the flavors of Portugal with daily breakfasts, select dinners, and a special lunch, all while traveling in comfort with an expert Travel Director and luxury transportation. Conclude your adventure with a visit to an organic vineyard, supporting sustainable practices. This cultural exploration promises a blend of history, gastronomy, and breathtaking landscapes, making it a perfect getaway for those seeking to immerse themselves in the heart of Portugal. ...more ...less
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Lisbon, Évora, Porto, Coimbra and Tomar
- Discover the Algarve, Lagos, Castelo de Vide, Viseu, Nazaré and Óbidos
- Visit the Hieronymite Monastery in Lisbon, the cathedral in Évora, the Palace Gardens at Palacio de Mateus, the Stock Exchange Palace, Arabian Hall and a local port wine cellar in Porto, the University Library of Coimbra, the Convent of Christ in Tomar and Batalha's Gothic Monastery
- View the Castle of Guimarães and the Shrine at Fátima
Make Travel Matter®
Lisbon: Bid farewell to your Portuguese adventures at the award-winning organic vineyard Vale da Capucha which prides itself in producing organic and biodynamic wines. Your experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Be My Guest
Panoias-Ourique: Visit a family ranch and learn about Portugal's Lusitano horse. Hear an ancenstral story of unrequited love that defined the character (and color) of the ranch before sitting down to a home-cooked lunch with Tiago and Vera in the heart of the Alentejo region.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Lisbon
Location: Lisbon
Accommodation: Turim Av Liberdade
Accommodation Name: Turim Av Liberdade
Meals Included: Dinner
A sea of pastel pinks, yellows and blues dot the seven hills of the romantic Portuguese capital, which you will have an opportunity to explore today before meeting your fellow travelers and Travel Director for dinner and an orientation drive past some of the city's most iconic sights.
Day 2: Discover Colorful Lisbon Dive Into Culture
Location: Lisbon
Accommodation: Turim Av Liberdade
Accommodation Name: Turim Av Liberdade
Meals Included: Breakfast
Delve into Lisbon's centuries-old seafaring heritage today, paying tribute to the brave men who set off from these shores to discover the ‘New World’. With our Local Specialist, see the shimmering white Monument to the Discoveries, the iconic suspension bridge spanning the Tagus, and Belém Tower, built as a fortress protecting the city of Lisbon. Dive Into Culture on a sightseeing tour of the UNESCO-listed Hieronymite Monastery, an exquisite testament to 16th-century Manueline architecture and art. There’s time to join an Optional Experience to the historic towns of Cascais and Sintra, before perhaps enjoying a traditional Portuguese dinner amidst the soulful and touching sounds of the Fado this evening.
Day 3: Journey To The Algarve Region Connect With Locals
Location: The Algarve
Accommodation: Real Bellavista
Accommodation Name: Real Bellavista
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We journey across the Tagus this morning and drive south towards the Serra da Arrábida Mountains and to the golden pastures of the Alentejo. The hearty aroma of Portuguese chicken fills the air at our Be My Guest experience as we Connect With Locals over a traditional lunch at a stud ranch, where Lusitano horses were reared at the pleasure of King João VI in the 18th century. Our journey continues further south, bound for the sun-kissed shores of the Algarve – our home for the next two nights.
Day 4: Cliffs, Beaches And More In The Algarve
Location: Algarve
Accommodation: Água Hotels Riverside
Accommodation Name: Real Bellavista
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, visit the resort town of Lagos – once the home of Henry the Navigator. Later, stop in Albufeira for an orientation walk and free time to enjoy the beach.
Day 5: Onwards To Elegant Évora
Location: Évora
Accommodation: M'ar de Ar Muralhas
Accommodation Name: M'ar de Ar Muralhas
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journeying north, we travel to the ancient Alentejo city of Évora. Join your Local Specialist for a visit to the elaborate cathedral, Roman temple and the Chapel of Bones. Then, spend the rest of your day delving into the medieval history of this enchanting city. Trace centuries of history along its city walls, kick back with a bica and bolo in Praça do Giraldo or perhaps join an Optional Experience to the medieval village of Monsaraz. This evening we dine at our hotel.
Day 6: Venture Past Mountains To Viseu
Location: Viseu
Accommodation: Grão Vasco
Accommodation Name: Grão Vasco
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our first stop today is in the quaint hilltop town of Castelo de Vide with its charming white façades, narrow alleys and fascinating Jewish Quarter. Travel north towards the Serra de Estrela mountains and arrive later in Viseu, set high on a plateau near the famous Dão vineyards. Explore the city's rich art and architectural history, and see the 12th-century Sé, standing imposingly on a hill overlooking much of the city.
Day 7: Through The Douro Valley To Porto
Location: Porto
Accommodation: Neya
Accommodation Name: Turim Oporto
Meals Included: Breakfast
Vineyard-clad hills provide an enchanting backdrop for our journey today through the Douro Valley, where Port wine is produced. We explore the magnificent gardens at the Baroque-style Palácio de Mateus, depicted on the label of the distinctive Mateus Rosé wine bottles. We continue via Guimarães for views of its impressive 10th-century castle, before arriving in the riverside town of Porto where we will spend the next two nights.
Day 8: Explore Vibrant Porto Dive Into Culture
Location: Porto
Accommodation: Neya
Accommodation Name: Turim Oporto
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join a Local Specialist today for a sightseeing tour in Porto, which takes you past baroque churches and along the winding cobblestone lanes that tumble down towards the Douro River. See the remarkable bridges that span the river and the Gothic Church of St. Francis. Visit the Stock Exchange Palace with its splendid Arabian Hall inspired by Granada's Alhambra, then Dive Into Culture and into the centuries-old tradition of local port production at a tasting in a port cellar. Spend the rest of the afternoon strolling through the historic center of Porto admiring the azulejo-clad façades, or visit Livraria Lello, the city's oldest bookstore.
Day 9: On To Coimbra And Pilgrimage To Fátima
Location: Coimbra
Accommodation: Fátima
Accommodation Name: Santa Maria , Fátima
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Soak up the grand atmosphere of one of Europe's greatest and oldest universities with a Local Specialist, then stroll through the ancient streets and squares of Coimbra, before journeying to the Templar city of Tomar. We join a Local Specialist to visit the Convent of Christ, originally built as a Templar stronghold in the 12th century. Later, we arrive in the pilgrimage center of Fátima, visited by millions of Catholic pilgrims, where three young shepherds famously saw apparitions of the Virgin Mary.
Day 10: Experience Village Life Returning To Lisbon
Location: Lisbon
Accommodation: Smy Lisboa, Neya Lisboa
Accommodation Name: Smy Lisboa, Olissippo Oriente
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
En route to Lisbon, with a Local Specialist we stop at the imposing monastery of Batalha – a UNESCO World Heritage site and the best example of late Gothic architecture in Portugal. Our next stop is the fishing village of Nazaré, before we visit the medieval walled city of Óbidos with its whitewashed houses and cobblestone streets. Celebrate our last evening in Portugal over dinner in a family-run vineyard, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Toast to an incredible journey over organic wine and locally sourced flavors.
Day 11: Farewell Lisbon
Location: Lisbon
Meals Included: Breakfast
Say a fond adeus to your fellow travelers at the end of an unforgettable Portuguese holiday.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation is provided in carefully selected hotels that are tried and trusted.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour package.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered in the tour.
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Daily breakfast and up to half of your evening meals are included.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
The tour includes must-see sightseeing and surprise extras.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Travel is provided in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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Optional Experiences and free time
The tour offers optional experiences and free time for personal exploration.
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On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
If necessary, hotels of similar standard and location may be used.
What's Not Included
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Insurance
Travel insurance is not included in the tour package.
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International Travel
International travel to and from the tour destination is not included.
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Dive Into Culture
- Lisbon: Visit the Hieronymite Monastery, a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome and exquisite example of Manueline architecture.
- Porto: Savor the flavors of Portugal's centuries-old Port heritage and gain insights into its local production at a tasting in a Port cellar.
Mode of Transport
Travel in luxury with an air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable journey across Portugal's stunning landscapes and vibrant cities.
Accommodation
Stay in cherry-picked hotels like Turim Av Liberdade in Lisbon, Real Bellavista in the Algarve, and M'ar de Ar Muralhas in Évora, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your journey in Portugal.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to the Hieronymite Monastery in Lisbon, which is an exquisite example of Manueline architecture. In Porto, you will have the opportunity to taste and learn about Portugal's centuries-old Port wine heritage at a local port cellar.
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What is the 'Be My Guest' experience on this tour?
The 'Be My Guest' experience takes place in Panoias-Ourique, where you will visit a stud farm, hear a tragic story of unrequited love, and enjoy a traditional home-cooked lunch with Tiago and Vera in the beautiful Alentejo region.
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How does the tour support sustainable travel practices?
The tour supports sustainable travel practices by visiting the award-winning organic vineyard Vale da Capucha in Lisbon, which produces organic and biodynamic wines. This experience supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. ...more ...less
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What are some of the key historical sites visited during the tour?
Key historical sites visited during the tour include the Hieronymite Monastery in Lisbon, the cathedral in Évora, the Palace Gardens at Palacio de Mateus, the Stock Exchange Palace and Arabian Hall in Porto, the University Library of Coimbra, the Convent of Christ in Tomar, and Batalha's Gothic Monastery. ...more ...less
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi available in most countries, or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar 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 trafalgar 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
Best of Portugal
11 Days Starting and ending in Lisbon, Portugal
Visiting: Lisbon, The Algarve, Algarve, Évora, Viseu, Porto, Coimbra
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PORTZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
25 - 50
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians