Lisbon, Porto and the Duoro Valley
8 days/7 nights
The Golden Age of Sea Travel can be felt everywhere in Portugal. The Portuguese were shipbuilders. By the 16th century they had the biggest and most powerful high-seas fleet in Europe. Vasco da Gama trail-blazed the way to India. Ferdinand Magellan was the first to circumnavigate the earth. These maritime adventurers have inspired us to create our own Age of Discovery and travel to Portugal over and over.
Pre- and post-tour suggestions to The Algarve, Spain or Marrakech, Morocco
Please inquire about 2023 pricing
8 days/7 nights
The Golden Age of Sea Travel can be felt everywhere in Portugal. The Portuguese were shipbuilders. By the 16th century they had the biggest and most powerful high-seas fleet in Europe. Vasco da Gama trail-blazed the way to India. Ferdinand Magellan was the first to circumnavigate the earth. These maritime adventurers have inspired us to create our own Age of Discovery and travel to Portugal over and over.
Pre- and post-tour suggestions to The Algarve, Spain or Marrakech, Morocco
Please inquire about 2023 pricing
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Please join Tour Director Sandy Gregory for this wonderful adventure through Portugal, or contact us to help you create your own independent travel experience with our Concierge Travel Services.
Suggested time to travel: April/May and Sept/Oct |
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Portugal Tour:
3 nights Lisbon 3 nights Porto 1 nights Lisbon Pre- or post-tour suggestions to: • The Algarve • Spain • The Camino de Santiago • Marrakech, Morocco |
DAY 1: ARRIVE LISBON |
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Your greeter will be waiting for you at baggage claim to transport you from the airport to our hotel.
Our hotel is located in a newly renovated 18th century building. It is surrounded by historic Lisbon sites, Commerce Square and Rossio, and a short walk from Chiado and the Tagus waterfront. Each of the air conditioned rooms feature high-speed WiFi, a large HD Smart TV and a private bathroom with a power shower and complementary toiletries. All units have been decorated with historical inspiration from the Portuguese aristocracy.
Orientation to Lisbon
Tonight: Included Welcome dinner
Overnight in Lisbon, 3 nights with breakfast
Our hotel is located in a newly renovated 18th century building. It is surrounded by historic Lisbon sites, Commerce Square and Rossio, and a short walk from Chiado and the Tagus waterfront. Each of the air conditioned rooms feature high-speed WiFi, a large HD Smart TV and a private bathroom with a power shower and complementary toiletries. All units have been decorated with historical inspiration from the Portuguese aristocracy.
Orientation to Lisbon
Tonight: Included Welcome dinner
Overnight in Lisbon, 3 nights with breakfast
DAY 2: A DAY IN LISBON |
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A Day Tour through the Alfama and Belem
We’ll begin our morning at the Alfama. With a history that dates back to the Moors, Alfama is characterized by narrow, cobblestone streets that wind past dozens of quaint shops and cozy little restaurants, all of which are housed within historic yet well-preserved architecture. Alfama is Lisbon at its best, where past and present intersect in prefect harmony. We are then on to Jeronimos Monastery, the Tower of Belem and Monument to the Discoveries. And of course, no trip to Lisbon is complete without tasting the famous Pasteis de Belem pastry.
The rest of the day and evening is your to enjoy at your leisure.
Tonight you might think about going to a Fado performance. Melancholy by nature, Fado is traditional folk music that includes instruments like guitars and mandolins with one Fadista singing poetic lyrics related to darker elements of love, death and sadness.
Overnight in Lisbon
We’ll begin our morning at the Alfama. With a history that dates back to the Moors, Alfama is characterized by narrow, cobblestone streets that wind past dozens of quaint shops and cozy little restaurants, all of which are housed within historic yet well-preserved architecture. Alfama is Lisbon at its best, where past and present intersect in prefect harmony. We are then on to Jeronimos Monastery, the Tower of Belem and Monument to the Discoveries. And of course, no trip to Lisbon is complete without tasting the famous Pasteis de Belem pastry.
The rest of the day and evening is your to enjoy at your leisure.
Tonight you might think about going to a Fado performance. Melancholy by nature, Fado is traditional folk music that includes instruments like guitars and mandolins with one Fadista singing poetic lyrics related to darker elements of love, death and sadness.
Overnight in Lisbon
DAY 3: DAY TRIP TO SINTRA |
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Today we're off to Sintra, where will spend some time in the beautiful Pena Palace. The palace is a hedonistic mix of vividly painted terraces, decorative battlements and mythological statues, all of which stand at stark contrast to the lush greens of the forests that encircle the castle. We're then on to Quinta da Regaleira. This palace could have been the inspiration for the castle in Disney’s the Beauty and the Beast. Through clever architecture, tapping into a multitude of mystical beliefs throughout time and many different cultures, this estate conjures up an atmosphere of enchantment. We’ll have some time to stroll the town before we enjoy lunch in Sintra.
The afternoon is yours to explore more of Lisbon.
Tonight: Included Foodie Tour of Lisbon.
Tonight, we're out on the town to gain an understanding of Portuguese culinary traditions, complete with tastings of local specialties and wines. With delicious food and drink around every corner, Lisbon’s a hot destination for foodies. We’ll stroll the streets and slip in to places you might not otherwise visit to enjoy the places the locals go. It's fun!
Overnight in Lisbon
The afternoon is yours to explore more of Lisbon.
Tonight: Included Foodie Tour of Lisbon.
Tonight, we're out on the town to gain an understanding of Portuguese culinary traditions, complete with tastings of local specialties and wines. With delicious food and drink around every corner, Lisbon’s a hot destination for foodies. We’ll stroll the streets and slip in to places you might not otherwise visit to enjoy the places the locals go. It's fun!
Overnight in Lisbon
Add an a day to your tour to obidos and FATIMA
Add another day to your trip and spend a day exploring the Atlantic Coast, including Óbidos and Fatima. This journey takes you into the rolling hills of the Portuguese countryside and on to the coast.
We'll depart Lisbon and take a 1 hour drive to Obidos, one of the most picturesque locations in Portugal. Obidos radiates Portuguese charm, from the narrow cobbled streets, the quaint houses, through to the imposing medieval castle, which once guarded the region
We're then on to experience life as a religious pilgrim with a visit to the Sanctuary of Fátima, one of Christianity’s most important sites. You’ll learn about the visitations of the Virgin Mary to 3 local children as you view the stained glass art, the statue of Our Lady of Fatima, and more. Next, you’ll discover the stunning 14th-century Batalha Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Feel the ocean breezes as you travel along the Atlantic coast enroute to Porto.
We'll depart Lisbon and take a 1 hour drive to Obidos, one of the most picturesque locations in Portugal. Obidos radiates Portuguese charm, from the narrow cobbled streets, the quaint houses, through to the imposing medieval castle, which once guarded the region
We're then on to experience life as a religious pilgrim with a visit to the Sanctuary of Fátima, one of Christianity’s most important sites. You’ll learn about the visitations of the Virgin Mary to 3 local children as you view the stained glass art, the statue of Our Lady of Fatima, and more. Next, you’ll discover the stunning 14th-century Batalha Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Feel the ocean breezes as you travel along the Atlantic coast enroute to Porto.
DAY 4: TO PORTO |
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This morning we'll be transferred to the train station to take the 2.5 hour train to Porto.
Our 5-star hotel is in one of the most prestigious areas of Porto, the Ribeira historic district. The rooms are created out of old houses, with varying sizes, with an atmosphere that is at once vintage and contemporary, luxurious and romantic.
After your orientation, you'll have the afternoon to enjoy the city.
Tonight: Included port tasting and dinner. The city is proud of its heritage and Port production is still the heartbeat of modern life. All of the major Port producers continue to age their wines within the vast cellars of the district.
Included dinner
Overnight in Porto, 3 nights with breakfast
DAY 5: A DAY IN PORTO |
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Morning walking tour of Porto.
Ribeira is one of the oldest districts in Porto dating back to the Middle Ages. Situated on the northern bank of the Douro River, this area is characterised by narrow, winding streets and crammed with restaurants and cafes all housed in the traditional architecture. It wouldn’t be a Porto tour without a visit to the ornate Lello Bookstore and the celebrated blue and white tiles of São Bento Station.
From the Ribeira District, we’ll head to the iconic Ponte Luis I Bridge that spans the Douro River; connecting Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. This feat of engineering has stood since 1886 and was created by a partner of Gustave Eiffel; the wrought iron work resembles the detail used in the famous tower.
We'll finish our tour with a relaxing boat ride along the shore to get a unique perspective of this colorful city.
The rest of the day and evening is at your leisure.
Overnight in Porto
Ribeira is one of the oldest districts in Porto dating back to the Middle Ages. Situated on the northern bank of the Douro River, this area is characterised by narrow, winding streets and crammed with restaurants and cafes all housed in the traditional architecture. It wouldn’t be a Porto tour without a visit to the ornate Lello Bookstore and the celebrated blue and white tiles of São Bento Station.
From the Ribeira District, we’ll head to the iconic Ponte Luis I Bridge that spans the Douro River; connecting Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. This feat of engineering has stood since 1886 and was created by a partner of Gustave Eiffel; the wrought iron work resembles the detail used in the famous tower.
We'll finish our tour with a relaxing boat ride along the shore to get a unique perspective of this colorful city.
The rest of the day and evening is at your leisure.
Overnight in Porto
DAY 6: A DAY OF VIEWS AND VITNERS IN THE DUORO VALLEY |
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Just an hour and a half away from Porto, you can find the Douro Valley, where wine estates spread along the riverbanks as their vineyards climb up the terraced hills. We’ll spend a relaxing day stopping for breathtaking panoramic views, taste the local wines and enjoy an included gourmet Michelin star lunch on the river.
We'll be back in Porto at the end of the day.
Dinner is on your own tonight
Overnight in Porto
We'll be back in Porto at the end of the day.
Dinner is on your own tonight
Overnight in Porto
DAY 7: BACK TO LISBON |
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Today we are back from Porto to Lisbon via train. We'll spend our last evening with a rooftop toast to Portugal before enjoying our included Farewell Dinner.
Included Farewell Dinner
Overnight in Lisbon
Included Farewell Dinner
Overnight in Lisbon
DAY 8: FLIGHTS OUT OR CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY ONE OF OUR SUGGESTED OPTIONS |
Included transfers to the Lisbon Airport for flights out or on to one of our suggested excursions below:
POST-TOUR OPTION TO THE ALGARVE
It's an easy trip from Lisbon to the Algarve, with its beaches, incredible rock formations, charming towns, exquisite fishing villages, important historical sites, picturesque medieval castles, vibrant nightlife and delicious cuisine. The southernmost region of Portugal is the perfect place to relax and unwind. There are beaches for every taste. Enjoy the sand sunbathing and relaxing, hire a kayak or a paddleboard or hike the hilly landscape and discover magnificent viewpoints. There are also hotels for every budget.
Spend a few days exploring this magnificent part of Portugal. Let us create a custom itinerary for your interests and budget. Think about:
Albufeira is a former fishing village, and now a popular resort town with whitewashed and tiled houses, restaurants, bars, hotels and gift shops. Private transfer to the Albufeira in the Algarve.
Market Tour and Cooking Lesson. Meet your private driver at the hotel lobby and leave towards Olhão. Private Cataplana cooking class with lunch: The market in Olhão is famous not only in the Algarve but all over Portugal and even internationally for the abundance of fresh fish and quality products. When locals or visitors spend a few days in the Algarve, this market is always a must-see spot, for people like us who are true foodies and cannot miss a market. Your chef for the day will meet you right there at the market and together you will explore the flavors and ingredients you would like to buy for lunch. A short 10 min walk from the market is the chef’s favorite kitchen where together you will all prepare and cook the fresh ingredients you just bought and turn it into a delicious traditional three-course meal (appetizer, main, and dessert) that you will be able to enjoy on the rooftop terrace or in the beautiful dining room if it is too hot outside (your pick!).
Loulé, a traditional Portuguese market town. The picturesque neo-Arab covered market sells regional handicrafts, souvenirs, wines, spices, fresh fruit and vegetables, fish and much more.
Kayaking to Benagil, a picturesque cave with golden colored walls and beautiful archways.
Enjoy the rock formations of the Praia dos Três Irmãos. This beach is framed by limestone cliffs with rocky outcrops that divide it into little sandy bays, each with its own rock arches, sea stacks and caves.
Explore the charming and historically important Lagos Old Town. Visit the Mercado de Escravos, the first slave market in Europe, the Baroque church of Saint Anthony, which has one the finest wood carvings in Portugal, the charming Forte da Bandeira, Lagos’s Castle and see the remains of the ancient city walls.
Travel to “the end of the world”, the Cape of Saint Vincent the westernmost point of the Algarve, full of history and myths.
Silves, one of the oldest cities in Portugal and the ancient capital of the Kingdom of the Algarve, is a delightful town located in the Monchique Mountains. Explore Silves Castle, an imposing red brick Moorish castle, and then head up to the foothills of Serra de Monchique enroute to the highest peak in the Algarve, Mount Fóia.
Algarve to Lisbon. Work your way back up to Lisbon by enjoying the coast. Experience the best of the Setúbal Peninsula wine region en route to Lisbon. Setúbal boasts of many important Portuguese natural heritage sites including: the Tejo estuary, the Serra da Arrábida nature park, Meco Beach, Espichel Cape and Sesimbra Castle. You’ll savor regional pastries, explore quaint little towns, see lush farmlands and majestic mountains, and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch (not included) in the quaint village of Sesimbra. And most importantly, you’ll visit the famed wineries producing the region’s beloved Moscatel de Setúbal, a deliciously sweet yet little-known fortified wine, along with other reds and whites (1 winery visit with wine tasting). Arrive in Lisbon at the end of the day.
Spend a few days exploring this magnificent part of Portugal. Let us create a custom itinerary for your interests and budget. Think about:
Albufeira is a former fishing village, and now a popular resort town with whitewashed and tiled houses, restaurants, bars, hotels and gift shops. Private transfer to the Albufeira in the Algarve.
Market Tour and Cooking Lesson. Meet your private driver at the hotel lobby and leave towards Olhão. Private Cataplana cooking class with lunch: The market in Olhão is famous not only in the Algarve but all over Portugal and even internationally for the abundance of fresh fish and quality products. When locals or visitors spend a few days in the Algarve, this market is always a must-see spot, for people like us who are true foodies and cannot miss a market. Your chef for the day will meet you right there at the market and together you will explore the flavors and ingredients you would like to buy for lunch. A short 10 min walk from the market is the chef’s favorite kitchen where together you will all prepare and cook the fresh ingredients you just bought and turn it into a delicious traditional three-course meal (appetizer, main, and dessert) that you will be able to enjoy on the rooftop terrace or in the beautiful dining room if it is too hot outside (your pick!).
Loulé, a traditional Portuguese market town. The picturesque neo-Arab covered market sells regional handicrafts, souvenirs, wines, spices, fresh fruit and vegetables, fish and much more.
Kayaking to Benagil, a picturesque cave with golden colored walls and beautiful archways.
Enjoy the rock formations of the Praia dos Três Irmãos. This beach is framed by limestone cliffs with rocky outcrops that divide it into little sandy bays, each with its own rock arches, sea stacks and caves.
Explore the charming and historically important Lagos Old Town. Visit the Mercado de Escravos, the first slave market in Europe, the Baroque church of Saint Anthony, which has one the finest wood carvings in Portugal, the charming Forte da Bandeira, Lagos’s Castle and see the remains of the ancient city walls.
Travel to “the end of the world”, the Cape of Saint Vincent the westernmost point of the Algarve, full of history and myths.
Silves, one of the oldest cities in Portugal and the ancient capital of the Kingdom of the Algarve, is a delightful town located in the Monchique Mountains. Explore Silves Castle, an imposing red brick Moorish castle, and then head up to the foothills of Serra de Monchique enroute to the highest peak in the Algarve, Mount Fóia.
Algarve to Lisbon. Work your way back up to Lisbon by enjoying the coast. Experience the best of the Setúbal Peninsula wine region en route to Lisbon. Setúbal boasts of many important Portuguese natural heritage sites including: the Tejo estuary, the Serra da Arrábida nature park, Meco Beach, Espichel Cape and Sesimbra Castle. You’ll savor regional pastries, explore quaint little towns, see lush farmlands and majestic mountains, and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch (not included) in the quaint village of Sesimbra. And most importantly, you’ll visit the famed wineries producing the region’s beloved Moscatel de Setúbal, a deliciously sweet yet little-known fortified wine, along with other reds and whites (1 winery visit with wine tasting). Arrive in Lisbon at the end of the day.
SPAIN |
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Click here for details about our suggested nine day Spain itinerary to Barcelona, Granada, Ronda, Seville, Cordoba and Madrid
MARRAKECH, MOROCCO |
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Click here for details about our suggested four day excursion to Marrakech, Morocco
POST-TOUR OPTION TO THE ALGARVE
.Day 1. Private transfer to the Albufeira in the Algarve.
Day 2. Market tour in Olhao
Meet your private driver at the hotel lobby and leave towards Olhão
Private Cataplana cooking class with lunch: The market in Olhão is famous not only in the Algarve but all over Portugal and even internationally for the abundance of fresh fish and quality products. When locals or visitors spend a few days in the Algarve, this market is always a must-see spot, for people like us who are true foodies and cannot miss a market. Your chef for the day will meet you right there at the market and together you will explore the flavors and ingredients you would like to buy for lunch. A short 10 min walk from the market is the chef’s favorite kitchen where together you will all prepare and cook the fresh ingredients you just bought and turn it into a delicious traditional three-course meal (appetizer, main, and dessert) that you will be able to enjoy on the rooftop terrace or in the beautiful dining room if it is too hot outside (your pick!).
Transfer back to hotel.
Day 3. A day at leisure in Albufeira
Day 4. A day in the Algarve
Full-day English-speaking private driver/guide at disposal in the Algarve (Sagres and Lagos).
Day 5. Algarve winetasting entroute back to Lisbon
Work your way back up to Lisbon by enjoying the coast. Experience the best of the Setúbal Peninsula wine region en route to Lisbon. Setúbal boasts of many important Portuguese natural heritage sites including: the Tejo estuary, the Serra da Arrábida nature park, Meco Beach, Espichel Cape and Sesimbra Castle. You’ll savor regional pastries, explore quaint little towns, see lush farmlands and majestic mountains, and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch (not included) in the quaint village of Sesimbra. And most importantly, you’ll visit the famed wineries producing the region’s beloved Moscatel de Setúbal, a deliciously sweet yet little-known fortified wine, along with other reds and whites (1 winery visit with wine tasting). Arrive in Lisbon at the end of the day.
Day 2. Market tour in Olhao
Meet your private driver at the hotel lobby and leave towards Olhão
Private Cataplana cooking class with lunch: The market in Olhão is famous not only in the Algarve but all over Portugal and even internationally for the abundance of fresh fish and quality products. When locals or visitors spend a few days in the Algarve, this market is always a must-see spot, for people like us who are true foodies and cannot miss a market. Your chef for the day will meet you right there at the market and together you will explore the flavors and ingredients you would like to buy for lunch. A short 10 min walk from the market is the chef’s favorite kitchen where together you will all prepare and cook the fresh ingredients you just bought and turn it into a delicious traditional three-course meal (appetizer, main, and dessert) that you will be able to enjoy on the rooftop terrace or in the beautiful dining room if it is too hot outside (your pick!).
Transfer back to hotel.
Day 3. A day at leisure in Albufeira
Day 4. A day in the Algarve
Full-day English-speaking private driver/guide at disposal in the Algarve (Sagres and Lagos).
Day 5. Algarve winetasting entroute back to Lisbon
Work your way back up to Lisbon by enjoying the coast. Experience the best of the Setúbal Peninsula wine region en route to Lisbon. Setúbal boasts of many important Portuguese natural heritage sites including: the Tejo estuary, the Serra da Arrábida nature park, Meco Beach, Espichel Cape and Sesimbra Castle. You’ll savor regional pastries, explore quaint little towns, see lush farmlands and majestic mountains, and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch (not included) in the quaint village of Sesimbra. And most importantly, you’ll visit the famed wineries producing the region’s beloved Moscatel de Setúbal, a deliciously sweet yet little-known fortified wine, along with other reds and whites (1 winery visit with wine tasting). Arrive in Lisbon at the end of the day.
POST-TOUR OPTION TO THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO
The Camino de Santiago
The Camino de Santiago has been traversed for thousands of years by saints, sinners, generals, misfits, kings, and queens. Pilgrims make their way to the tomb of St. James in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, North-West of Spain.
The Camino Portugues Way is a great option for pilgrims looking for a more rural walking experience on the Camino de Santiago. It is the second most popular Camino route but it doesn’t get as many pilgrims as the famous Camino Frances.
Keeping the Atlantic Ocean as your companion, the Camino Coastal Route starts in Porto and will take you to charming seaside towns and villages in Northern Portugal before crossing the River Minho by ferry to A Guarda in Galicia to finish your walk in Santiago.
Today, everyone has their own personal “Buen Camino”, and we see the scallop shell at every turn, guiding us on milestone markers and wearing them on our backpacks. The Way was an unforgettable experience combining the religious traditions and icons built here from the 9th century and the nature and beauty God created. There are many Camino routes that lead to Santiago, and it is easy to follow on your own. If you might be interested in doing The Way, contact us and we can help you with the logistics and hotels.
The Camino de Santiago has been traversed for thousands of years by saints, sinners, generals, misfits, kings, and queens. Pilgrims make their way to the tomb of St. James in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, North-West of Spain.
The Camino Portugues Way is a great option for pilgrims looking for a more rural walking experience on the Camino de Santiago. It is the second most popular Camino route but it doesn’t get as many pilgrims as the famous Camino Frances.
Keeping the Atlantic Ocean as your companion, the Camino Coastal Route starts in Porto and will take you to charming seaside towns and villages in Northern Portugal before crossing the River Minho by ferry to A Guarda in Galicia to finish your walk in Santiago.
Today, everyone has their own personal “Buen Camino”, and we see the scallop shell at every turn, guiding us on milestone markers and wearing them on our backpacks. The Way was an unforgettable experience combining the religious traditions and icons built here from the 9th century and the nature and beauty God created. There are many Camino routes that lead to Santiago, and it is easy to follow on your own. If you might be interested in doing The Way, contact us and we can help you with the logistics and hotels.