Itinerary for: Best of Portugal 2010 (PORT)
- Algarve
- Lagos
- Evora
- Castelo de Vide
- Belmonte
- Viseu
- Palacio de Mateus
- Guimaraes
- Oporto
- Coimbra
- Conimbriga
- Tomar
- Fatima
- Batalha
- Nazare
- Obidos
- Lisbon
Day 1:
Welcome to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal! After check in there is time to relax or perhaps explore before meeting your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Corinthia
Day 2:
This morning we cross the River Tagus and and head towards the Serra de Arrabida Mountains. We drive via the port of Setubal and then continue on the road to the Algarve coastal region and Albufeira for our two night relaxing stay. (Buffet breakfast)
Hotel: Vila Sol Algarve
Day 3:
We drive to the Sagres peninsula where we admire the view across the wild beauty of Baleeira Beach and continue to Cape St. Vincent. Later we return to our hotel via the pretty resort of Lagos where Henry the Navigator set sail to discover the New World. Later we enjoy a special Highlight Dinner in a local restaurant. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight dinner)
Day 4:
This morning we journey across the Serra de Caldeirao and the towns of Castro Verde and Beja. Then to Evora, Portugal’s most important town in the Renaissance period. We visit the cathedral, the macabre Ossuary Chapel and the Roman temple. Later time to explore this unique walled town. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Albergaria Vitoria
Day 5:
First we drive to Castelo de Vide with time to wander through the narrow alleys and explore the Jewish quarter. Then across the valley of the River Tagus and towards the Serra de Estrela mountains and Belmonte with its old Roman tower. We continue to Viseu in the region of the famous Dao vineyards, where we stay tonight. (Buffet breakfast)
Hotel: Grao Vasco
Day 6:
Today our Tour Director reveals a Hidden Treasure to us all! We travel to the Douro Valley where the world famous port wines are produced. Then we visit the gardens of the Palacio de Mateus, depicted on the label of the distinctive Mateus wine bottles, before enjoying lunch in a traditional ‘quinta’. Later we travel via Guimares with its impressive castle and continue on to Oporto. (Buffet breakfast / 'Be My Guest' lunch)
Hotel: Vila Gale Porto
Day 7:
Our morning sightseeing shows us the remarkable bridges across the Douro River plus the Vila Nova de Gaia wine stores. We also see the baroque Church of St. Francis and visit the Stock Exchange with its Arabian Hall and then continue to a port cellar for wine tasting. This afternoon is at leisure. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 8:
We travel through the Buçaco National Park en route to Coimbra, where we see the ancient streets and squares and visit the Old University with an ornate baroque library. Next the old Roman town of Conimbriga and Tomar where we visit the Convent of Christ before arriving in the pilgrimage city of Fatima. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: De Fatima
Day 9:
First we visit the Basilica at the pilgrimage site where the three young shepherds saw the apparition of the Virgin. Then to the monastery at Batalha and the fishing village of Nazare on the coast. Finally, on to Lisbon pausing en route to visit medieval Obidos. This evening there is a chance to dine on local specialities. (Buffet breakfast)
Hotel: Corinthia
Day 10:
This morning on our guided tour we will see Vasco da Gama’s tomb inside the Hieronymite Monastery and admire views of the Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoverers. Later time at leisure to relax or maybe take an excursion to nearby pretty Cascais where you can find attractive ceramics and traditional fisherman’s sweaters. Tonight enjoy a Farewell Dinner with wine with your Tour Director and new-found friends. (Buffet breakfast / Farewell dinner)
Day 11:
This morning, after breakfast it is time to bid farewell to your Tour Director as your Portuguese tour comes to an end. There are airport transfers available to Lisbon Airport this morning at 07.00 and 09.30. (Buffet breakfast)
Free airport transfers:
Transfers on Day 1 at Lisbon Airport will operate at 09.30, 12.30 and 15.30. Passengers arriving later should make their own way to the first hotel. Return transfers on the last touring day will arrive at Lisbon Airport at 07.00 and 09.30.