The Best of Portugal

Discover Portugal’s main cities of Lisbon and Porto and its most important monuments, such as the renowned Sanctuary of Fatima, Coimbra and its old university and library, and the breathtaking scenery of the Douro Valley and its world-famous Port Wine. Enjoy the traditional Fado songs and delicious cuisine of this enchanting and friendly country.

Build Your Small Group Journey

What’s Included

Breakfast Daily and Select Dinners	Private Transportation
Entrance and Program Fees	First Class Hotels
Guided Tours	Tips for Hotel Staff & Hotel Porters
	Wine Tastings

The Itinerary

Day 1 – Depart The USA

Catch your flight to Lisbon (airfare not included).

Day 2 – Arrive in Lisbon

Arrive at Lisbon Airport. After meeting with our guide and driver, enjoy a panoramic tour of Lisbon ending at the hotel. Discover the capital of Portugal, situated on seven hills on the north bank of the River Tagus. It is a city of art, rich architecture, cultural activities, old traditions, and a friendly atmosphere. The charm of Lisbon exists in its strong links to the past. Its renovated palaces, magnificent churches, and impressive castle mirror the city’s rich cultural heritage. Dine in one of the fine restaurants of typical Portuguese cuisine, then head to your hotel in Lisbon to rest up for your next day. (D)

Day 3 – Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, and Estroril

After breakfast, start your tour of Lisbon, including the rich historical area of Belém with its main monuments: Jeronimos Monastery, Portugal’s most important religious monument; Belem Tower, the ex-libris of Lisbon; the monument to the Discoveries, which commemorates the voyages of discovery of new worlds by Portuguese sailors and the Coach Museum, holding the finest old coaches collection in the world. Then, proceed to the romantic village of Sintra (World Heritage). Visit the Royal Palace and enjoy a walking tour. After lunch in Sintra, head to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point in continental Europe. Return to Lisbon via the typical resort village of Cascais and the cosmopolitan village of Estoril, known by its casino (one of the largest in Europe). Return to your hotel, passing by Black Horse Square, Rossio, and Avenida da Liberdade. (B)

Day 4 – Lisboa, Obidos, Batalha, Fatima, and Coimbra

After breakfast, head north to Coimbra, but the first stop in the beautiful walled town of Óbidos with its picturesque streets and medieval castle. Then, continue to Batalha to visit the 14th Century Monastery, which was built to commemorate the Battle of Aljubarrota, before arriving in Fátima, one of the world’s most famous pilgrimage sights. In the afternoon, discover Coimbra, one of Europe’s oldest university cities, which has kept its secular academic traditions. The sumptuous Baroque University Library and its beautiful historical center are definitely worth a visit. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Coimbra. (B, D)

Day 5 – Coimbra and Porto

Depart from Coimbra to Porto, the 2nd largest city in Portugal, located on the north bank of the Douro River. Before arriving in Oporto, stop in Vila Nova de Gaia for a visit at a wine cellar, including a wine tasting of the world-famous Port wine. After crossing one of the many bridges built over the river Douro, arrive at Oporto and its historical center (classified as World Heritage by UNESCO). Visit St. Francis Church with its extraordinary artistic gilt woodwork and Clérigos Tower, once the highest tower in Portugal and a symbol of the city. Then, stop at the old Stock Exchange. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Day 6 – Full Day of Minho

Enjoy a full-day tour to the province of Minho (northwest of Portugal), known for its abundant vegetation and picturesque small towns and villages. Arrive in Braga, the oldest religious capital of the country. The town center is dominated by the Cathedral and the Sacred Art Museum. On the outskirts stands the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus, with its monumental Baroque staircase. Continue to Guimarães, the birthplace of the Portuguese Nation. The city has a unique atmosphere that is given by its narrow medieval streets and magnificent castle. A visit to the 15th-century Ducal Palace is recommended. Return to Porto for your overnight. (B, L)

Day 7 – The Duoro Valley

Leave Porto after breakfast for a full day devoted to admiring the unique Douro Valley, world patrimony, and one of the most beautiful wine sceneries in the world. Stop first in Amarante, a picturesque small town well known for its traditional pastries. Then, drive to an estate located in Régua for a visit to its vineyards, followed by a wine tasting and lunch. The Douro region is primarily associated with Port wine production, but throughout the years, many wineries have introduced normal table wines into their range. As a result, a new wave of top Douro wines has been created with a great focus on the many grape varieties grown in the Douro region, most of them local Portuguese grapes. Although most top “quintas” now grow single-variety vineyards, older, blend vineyards will remain in production for many decades to come. The soils, the climate, the grape varieties, and the dimension of the region all contribute to the production of wines that can genuinely be considered world-class. Return to our hotel in Oporto by the end of the day for your overnight. (B)

Day 8 – Oporto and Lisbon

We leave Oporto in the morning and arrive in Lisbon around lunchtime. Check in at your hotel and enjoy the day at your leisure. Our Farewell Dinner will be held in one of the famous Fado Restaurants of Lisbon, with time to experience the local songs while enjoying the rich traditional cuisine of the country before retiring for your last night in Portugal. (B, D)

Educational Opportunities Tours