Portugal: Lisbon, Porto & the Douro Valley

Olá! And welcome to Portugal. Our adventure begins with a short Group Meeting at 6PM. This evening, we’ll get our first taste of delicious Portuguese cuisine during our official (and included) Welcome Dinner.

Bom dia! Ready the cameras, because today’s guided walking tour begins at Porto’s historic city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From there, we’ll visit the Porto Cathedral, gaze over the Douro River, stop by Batalha Palace, and browse the lively Santa Catarina Street. Today’s included lunch is a simple and savory francesinha sandwich – famous in Porto. This afternoon we’ll enjoy skip-the-line passes to the stunning Livraria Lello bookshop, known as the inspiration for the Hogwarts library in Harry Potter. Afterwards, we’ll tour the neoclassical facades of Liberdade Square, behold the massive spire of Clerigos Church, and end our day with the colourful vibrance of Ribeira Square. Tonight, we’re free to enjoy dinner at our leisure or join an optional group dinner (not included).

After breakfast, we’ll take a private transfer to historic Guimarães and nearby Braga, the “birthplace of Portugal.” Begin with a tour of Guimarães Castle, constructed on a hilltop in the 10th century, then visit the ornate Ducal Palace, built in the 15th century by one of the richest and most powerful families on the Iberian Peninsula. After an included lunch and another short transfer, we’ll discover the lush central square of Braga and its cathedrals which form the triangle of faith, devotion, and pilgrimage. We’ll visit the Bom Jesus Sanctuary, notable for its stairway containing 17 landings adorned with symbolic fountains, statues, and Baroque-style decorations. This evening, we return to Porto for some free time.

Rise and shine! After breakfast, transfer to the enchanting Douro Valley, famous for its spectacular scenery and legendary vineyards. We’ll start in Amarante, where the houses take riverside living to a whole new level, before we visit the 16th century Church of Sao Goncalo Monastery. After an lunch and wine pairing, we’ll explore vineyards on inclined terraces, then stop at one of the best wineries for a delicious tasting where we’ll gain insight into this verdant region’s history. This afternoon, step aboard a traditional Portuguese wooden rabelo boat for a 2-hour private river cruise. Tonight, we’ll feast on local cuisine at an included group dinner at our hotel.

After breakfast we’ll depart the hotel to cook with ‘The Countess’ at her estate, the stunning Hotel Rural Casa Viscondes Varzea. Savour stories of Maria Manuel Cyrne’s rich history while learning to use ancient cookware on wood-burning stoves. After our lesson, an included lunch will be served with a wine pairing in one of the dining rooms or al fresco on the patio. Later, we’ll return to the hotel for a relaxing afternoon of free time and an included dinner at our hotel.

Up and at ‘em! After breakfast, we’ll see the charming countryside via our private transfer to the coastal village of Nazaré, famous for its massive waves. Notably, the HBO docu-series 100 Foot Wave is set in Nazaré. After exploration and an included lunch, we’ll transfer to the cute medieval village of Óbidos, known for its whitewashed houses adorned with blooms of bougainvillea flowers. Upon arrival, we’ll indulge in a cherry liquor tasting, then stroll through the old streets and visit the castle. Later, we’ll continue with a 1-hour transfer to Lisbon, where we can stretch our legs on an orientation walk followed by a group dinner accompanied by a Fado show, a haunting and distinctive style of music that originated in Lisbon’s rustic neighbourhoods.

Good morning, Lisbon (or as they say, Lisboa). After a hearty breakfast, we’ll embark on a tour of this picturesque city’s most iconic historical sites such as Rossio Square, the Lisbon Cathedral, St. George’s Castle, the Jeronimos Monastery, Belem Tower, and the Monument to the Discoveries. Along the way, we’ll indulge in stunning panoramic views of the city from the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte lookout. After a break for lunch (not included), we’ll reconvene for a 2-hour private cruise of the city’s illustrious harbour. Tonight, we’re free to spend the evening at our leisure, or you’re welcome to join the group for an optional dinner.

The beauty of Portugal’s coastline is on full display today! During a quick morning transfer, we’ll stop at the resort town of Estoril, admire 17th century fortresses, stroll along the Tamariz Beach promenade, meander through the luxurious town of Cascais, and explore the westernmost point of the continent at Cabo da Roca. After a lunch break, we’ll forge onward to Sintra to witness one of Portugal’s most stunning architectural masterpieces, the Palacio da Pena. Here, we’ll marvel at the one-of-a-kind beauty and grandeur of this colourful castle and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight, we’ll give our adventure its own fairy-tale ending at an included Farewell Dinner near the hotel.

There are no activities planned today until your complimentary departure transfer. Safe travels home!