Cultural Tours
All Portugal
... the highlights
10 days/from 999€
An incredible Road Trip all over Portugal
Lisboa, Cascais, Lagos, Sagres, Évora, Santarém, Fátima, Tomar, Coimbra, Porto, Braga, Guimarães, Aveiro, Batalha, Nazaré, Óbidos, Sintra
PLACES TO VISIT
Day 1 - Lisboa. Cascais
First day. 9h 30m..
A nice and easy walking tour through the old Moorish narrow streets in one of the oldest neighborhoods of the city. It survived to the Earthquake of 1755 and it's the right place to find the true soul of portuguese neighbors.
Going down the slopes of the Cathedral to the River Tejo the view it's jus dazzling...
In the nineteenth and geometrical low Pombaline part of the city we realize the capacity of nation to reinvent itself in adversity.
Following from Lisbon historic center to Belém, by car, we'll have: the Monument to the Discoveries specially made to the World Exhibition of 1940; the Monastery of Jerónimos Order and the Belém Tower - a military fortress to protect the entrance of Lisbon coming from the Atlantic.
All this, in a modern city full of life and color, nowadays.
We're finishing the day. Overnight in Lisbon... but before that let's try the famous pastry of Belém in Lisbon's the famous Lisbon's Tart Cafe - Pastéis de Belém.
Although it has only been sold for 183 years, the recipe is over 200 years old or more...
and the captivating and glamorous village of Cascais. An excellent choice for walking on Portuguese pavement, breathing fresh air; enjoying the transparent sea, the bay, the fortress and the picturesque historic center.
Day 2 - Algarve: Lagos. Dona Ana Beach. Camilo Beach. Ponta da Piedade
Blue and Green Seas. Cliffs. Caves. Beach after beach of soft sand...Welcome to Algarve.
After lunch we explore the picturesque landscapes provided by the cliffs and the crystal clear waters of Dona Ana Beach and Camilo. Sandy coves tucked between brightly colored cliffs. Very interesting rock formations.
This adventure, along the Algarve coast line, would not be complete without a visit to Ponta da Piedade - a huge rock formation hollowed out by the sea.
The bold colors of the strangely shaped rock - yellow, ocre and red contrast with the crystal blue of the sea.
The lighthouse stands near the site of an
old coastal defense fortification.
But it is the sunset that most delights us over the waterline.
We returned to town for a wonderful dinner. We recommend the fish and the excellence of Portuguese wines.
Overnight in Lagos.
Day 3 - Algarve: Lagos. Sagres
Free morning.
The earthquake of 1755 caused great damage in the old town. However the streets and squares that we still find in Lagos have retained much of the charm of old times. Vibrant colors; narrow streets and beautiful terraces. the fort and town walls and other points of interest that remind us the presence of Henry The Navigator and the importance of this city during the Age of discoveries.
After lunch we'll visit Sagres - one of the most westerly points of Europe and the Algarve coast. Ponta de Sagres is like a giant finger of rock pointing to the ocean.
The Promontory Sacrum or Sacred Promontory - evoke the past of a place that is part of the history of the world, remembering Henry the Navigator and The Age of Discoveries and English pirates like Francis Drake.
The 16th-century Fortress; the giant Wind Rose, discovered in the early 20th century... What a fantastic afternoon!
Let's return to Lagos.
Day 4 - Évora. Santarém
We leave the Algarve coast towards another fantastic region of our country. Well Known for its wines, cheese and olives; cork and friendly people - Alentejo. Évora its capital and it's World Heritage Site.
In this city, we do an easy walking tour through the historic center: the houses with the typical color palette - white on the walls with blue and yellow stripes.
Before reaching the 12th century Cathedral and the Roman Temple of Diana, the arcades that flank Giraldo Square offer the visitors several terraces. In the Cathedral, it is advisable to go up to the terraces and see the vast Alentejo plain as a whole. Its green or golden colors, depending on the time of year and the cork oaks. Yes, the famous cork trees which give the raw material to the portuguese stoppers used all over the world. There is also the Church of São Francisco and the Bone Chapel to visit if you want to.
The next stop will be the city of Santarém. Leaving Alentejo...
Portas do Sol viewpoint over the waters of the Tejo River inspired writers in the past. It was also a point of observation and guard as Portugal was expanded its territory - south, fighting the Moors.
In this capital of the Portuguese Gothic, where the Portuguese navigator Pedro Álvares Cabral who reached Brazil by sea rests there is also to visit the Relic of the Shrine of the Eucharistic Miracle.
Our destination now is the Central Region of Portugal, with a two-night stay in the city of Fátima or in Tomar.
Day 5 - Fátima. Tomar
Starting at 9h 30m or 10 hours? The day has short distances.
We will be in Fátima. This city is more than a matter of faith. It is a personal experience in which peace and multiculturalism go hand in hand.
Here, we'll introduce you to one of the most well known and cherished Marion Shrines; also, to its protagonists The Seers of Fátima: Lúcia, Jacinta, Francisco. After this visit the places of Aljustrel and Valinhos: the birth place of the little shepherds and their houses and a site associated with the apparitions.
In the afternoon after having lunch already in the city of Tomar we can walk along the river banks of Nabão and Mouchão garden. In the center of this beautiful city, we will also have squares with colorful tiled facades and Art Nouveau buildings and the medieval Jewish neighborhood with a fully preserved 15th century Synagogue.
But the true soul of this city is the Templar heritage - mainly at the Castle and the a World Heritage site. The work carved on stone will remind us also about the Age of Discoveries and Prince Henry the Navigator; Manueline Art and the specificity of Portuguese Renaissance/Baroque architecture.
Returning to the city and hotel you chose: Fátima or Tomar.
Day 6 - Coimbra. Porto
The day begins, at the usual time, already in the City of Knowledge, as Coimbra is known, since the Middle Ages.
Bathed by the River Mondego is famous for its University and Joanine Library; the students in their black covers and serenades; the Santa Cruz Monastery - where the first King of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, rests; the New Cathedral; the Old Cathedral and the historic center.
UNESCO classified the University of Coimbra - the oldest in Portugal [1290] and one of the oldest in Europe; the Joanine Library and Alta de Coimbra; as well as Rua da Sofia, in 2013.
Arriving Porto. Let's do an easy walking tour. From Aliados avenue to Ribeira, you cannot miss the Cathedral; the Clérigos Tower; Santa Catarina Street and its Café Majestic; the famous São Bento Station and the not less famous Bookshop Lello wich inspired Harry Potter's author. From the Carmo Church we are not indifferent to the Lions Fountain. We cross the Luís I bridge, looking towards the waters of the Douro River and the Rabelo Boats.
Gaia awaits us with its magnificent Port Wine Cellars and the most appetizing Portuguese snacks called 'Petiscos' at the Gastronomic Market.
But it will be the riverside area of the city or “the Ribeira” as they call it - where the narrow and colorful houses descend from the top of the city, to the waters of the Douro - the most characteristic neighborhood and the one that makes the city go around in the world, in images .
Classified by UNESCO in 1996, the city of Porto and its harmonious historical set will present you with a river full of life, in its 850 kilometers of extension between Portugal and Spain and navigable, since the Roman Empire.
Two nights in Porto.
Day 7 - Free day
Free day to explore Porto or just to relax.
We suggest, however, a visit to Port Wine Cellars, with a wine tasting or a scenic boat trip on the Douro River.
Overnight: Porto.
Day 8 - Braga. Guimarães
The day begins in the beautiful city of Braga.
Visiting this city we'll find the oldest Cathedral in the country. Also, the flowering Central and Liberty Avenues and the Raio Palace will enchant you, with its intense blue tile facade. Its historical center is amazing and makes us travel in time, sometimes, to the period of the Roman Empire.
But the visit to Braga could not end without the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Braga where you can enjoy a wide view over this capital of the Minho region and surroundings.
In Guimarães we'll present you the birthplace of the Portuguese nation.
The squares of the historic center - Praça da Oliveira and Praça de Santiago - flanked by facades that resemble medieval times and a drink will serve to recapture the strength and spirit of our visitors.
We will climb to the highest part, where is the Guimarães Castle - originated on the orders of the famous Countess Mumadona to build a fortress to protect the monks who lived, in a nearby monastery; and later, with the parents of the first King of Portugal, became residence and here was born Afonso Henriques.
Next to the Castle, the São Miguel Church, where the first King of Portugal was baptized; the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança - a 15th century manor house with its collections of porcelain from the Indian Company, among other rarities.
Guimarães is charming, but your Hotel is in Porto.
Day 9 - Aveiro. Batalha. Nazaré
Aveiro - here we can breathe the 19th century bourgeois along the streets and boulevard next to the water canals. Aveiro is the portuguese capital of Art Nouveau.
Elegant, romantic and graceful, this city is full of character. Buildings are covered with typical tiles; the balconies show the ironwork; the glass in the windows and bold attract us.... But, the cherry on top of the cake, will be the water canals and the traditional boat ride in a Moliceiro boat. Aveiro is called the little Venice of Portugal.
While your boat ride we recommend trying the famous egg and sugar pastry Ovos Moles - from the ancient feminine convents in Aveiro.
In the village of Batalha you will find one of the most beautiful portuguese monuments - the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória - which presents itself as an authentic passport to travel through time: from the Middle Ages - with battles and conquests of the 14th century - to the Age of Discoveries.
What can we say about this fishermen village? Nazaré. Legends and pilgrimages since Middle Ages; adventure with big waves and world surf records; a dazzling view over the blue sea.
Overnight in Batalha or Nazaré.
Day 10 - Óbidos, Sintra
Last day of our Road Trip. Missing it already?
9h 30m as usual.
Óbidos is a medieval, romantic village city that developed between walls. Narrow streets and sidewalks; the white houses with blue or yellow stripes; geraniums and bougainvilleas... all this add color and charm to the storefronts, restaurants, cafes and terraces.
Though is very well known as Queen's Village or Literary Village the famous Main Gate of the Walls and no less famous cherry-based liquor Ginjinha - served in a chocolate cup - are the responsible ones to spread photos and the word about this village allover the world.
Sintra will surprise you with places where Man and Nature have been living in a perfect relation through the ages, preserving the magic of Sintra Hill.
Climbing the mountain by car we can see stunning green landscape and Pena Palace stands out, right in the middle, with its bold colors and Gothic/Renaissance decorative elements.
At the top of the hill, the Moorish Castle. There we advise you to take a deep breath and let yourself be inspired by the beauty of the surroundings.
One of the most romantic places in Portugal. Classified as World Heritage by UNESCO, in 1995.
After a break in the center of the romantic village let´s order the traditional pastry Queijada de Sintra. A nice way to say goodbye. This is end of a 10 days tour all over Portugal.
Lisbon is waiting for you.
PRICE
2 PERSONS- 3250€ | 3 PERSONS- 3750€ | 4 to 8 PERSONS- 999€ per person
CHILDREN up to 12 years - 100€
Additional information:
- Minimum of 2 adults to make the tour
- The duration of each day of guided tour is 8 hrs
Included
- Passenger and luggage transportation in SUV or Van, with AC
- 10 days of private tour with guide service in Portuguese, English or Spanish
- 1 free morning and 1 free day
- Daily bottle of water, 33 cl
- Travel insurance
- Beginning and end of the itinerary in Lisbon, Fátima, Nazaré, Óbidos, Tomar or Leiria.
- Pickup and drop off in Porto adds 250 euros (per group) to the prices presented.
Not Included
- Accommodation and meals
- Entrance fees to national monuments
- Personal expenses
- Everything not in the Included section
