Country Roads of Portugal, a Women-Only Tour (Small Group, 11 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through Portugal, a land of rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. From the bustling streets of Lisbon to the serene waters of Lake Alqueva, this tour offers a perfect blend of guided sightseeing, leisure time, and unique experiences. Delight in the flavors of Portuguese cuisine, explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and immerse yourself in the local traditions. With comfortable accommodations and expert guides, this journey promises to be a memorable adventure through one of Europe's most captivating countries.
Included
"Business Class-style" coaches with fewer seats & increased legroom
4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
10 Breakfast (B)
1 Lunch with Wine (LW)
Lisbon: Join your Travel Director at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant and the opportunity to mingle with your fellow travellers.
Porto: Shared experiences and memories are often the foundation for special bonds and friendships. Toast your travels with wine and good cheer during your Celebration Dinner at a restaurant in Porto, devoted to the enjoyment of regional cooking.
Monsaraz: Enjoy a memorable Alentejo Highlight Lunch at local restaurant Sem Fim, once an olive mill. Indulge in dish-after-dish of the tastiest tapas in a vibrant setting.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
Porto: Enjoy a panoramic drive through historic avenues and past exquisite tiled facades.
Porto: Visit the São Bento Railway Station and walk on the Dom Luís I Bridge, spanning the Douro River and connecting the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.
Monsaraz: Join a local boat captain for a tranquil cruise on Lake Alqueva. Relax and enjoy calming waters, picturesque views and tales of river life.
Évora: During a wine tasting session, appreciate the delicate yet complex nuances of Alentejo wine, and learn how the Relvas family has been managing to keep low water consumption, reforestation of indigenous trees, and providing scholarships to children of the village. This experience advances United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and production. With a 30% reduction in water use and innovative water management systems in place, they have been integrating science technology to ensure genuine production processes in all their activities.
Évora: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site guided by your Local Expert and see the famous Roman Temple. While sightseeing, witness the fascinating cathedral and be charmed by its mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
Coimbra: Guided by your Local expert, head through Old Town and pass by the Old Cathedral and the Almedina neighbourhood.
Coimbra: With a Local Expert, visit the University and witness the triumphal arches, painted ceilings, golden flourishes and walls of ancient tomes.
Guimaraes: Enjoy views from the Visigothic castle ruins and explore a maze of medieval streets in the Old Quarter.
Lisbon: Explore with your Local Expert, from the Lower Town, beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paco. Visit the Belém Quarter to see the modern Monument to the Discoveries and the medieval Belém Tower.
Monsaraz: Surrounded by cork oaks and vineyards, wander through the castle ruins to admire the incredible view over the Spanish plains that contrast with the blue of one of Europe's largest artificial lakes.
Tomar: Dominating the town is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Templar Castle and the Convent of Christ. During your visit with a Local Expert, see the Manueline Window and follow the story of the mysterious Knights Templar.
Tomar: Learn about the history of the town through its architectural influences as you take a tour guided by a Local Expert.
Tomar: Guided by your Local Expert, visit the Synagogue of Tomar, one of the best preserved medieval synagogues in Portugal.
Fátima: Join the faithful at one of the world's holiest sites and pay homage at the Chapel of the Apparitions and see the basilica.
Douro Valley: Savour local flavours over a Farm-to-Table meal at Quinta da Pacheca. Learn about the esteemed winemaker Maria Pimental, who holds the distinct honour of being among the first woman winemakers in the Douro. Well-known for her work as a professor at Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Maria was influenced by her grandfather, who established wineries and served as president of the Port Wine Institute until 1976. When her grandfather passed in 2000, Maria returned to her home to help her family with the harvest. She then began working at Quinta da Pacheca as its winemaker, a position she holds proudly to this day.
Porto: Delve into the history of Port wine and immerse yourself in the story of winegrower Antónia Adelaide Ferreira at Ferreira Cellars. Embark on a guided tour starting at the House of Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira, where hundreds of vats and casks age the wine. Then, explore the Vintage Museum and garden before tasting White, Ruby and Tawny Port wine. You’ll be captivated by the tale of “Ferreirinha,’’ who helped the Douro region to develop, modernise and thrive.
Lisbon: Portugal offers endless opportunities for the curious traveller. Delve into the culinary world over a Pastéis de Belém cooking class with a professional chef. In this hands-on class, learn how to make the famous and delicious Portuguese pastry and gain insights into the secret behind its crunchy puff pastry. Conclude your class by tasting your creation, paired with coffee, tea or juice.
Handpicked 4- and 5-star hotels in great locations
Obidos: Lead by your Travel Director, walk through the picturesque narrow streets up to the main square of this ancient walled town.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon
- Lisbon - Arrival day
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Upon your arrival at Lisbon International Airport, enjoy complimentary transfers to your hotel. Settle in and unwind before joining your Travel Director for a delightful Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. This evening is a perfect opportunity to meet your fellow travelers over a sumptuous meal and fine wine.
Day 2 – Day 2: Discovering Lisbon
- Lisbon
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- Monumento Natural dos Lagosteiros
- Praia do Castelo
- Park Outeiro dos Cucos
- Belém Tower
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Embark on a guided tour of Lisbon with a Local Expert, exploring the city's spacious avenues and tree-shaded squares. Pass beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paço. Visit the ancient Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. Learn to make the iconic Pastéis de Belém in the Belém Quarter. This evening, consider an optional meet-and-greet with a Fado singer, followed by dinner and a Fado show.
Day 3 – Day 3: Journey to Lagos
- Lagos
- Lisbon
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Cross the River Tagus and head to the sun-drenched southern coast, arriving at Lagos, a charming fishing port in the bay of Meia Praia. Enjoy free time to explore before continuing to your resort hotel set within a magnificent 360-acre estate. Savor fresh seafood at nearby Portuguese restaurants overlooking the Atlantic.
Day 4 – Day 4: Exploring Évora
- Évora
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- Royal Palace of Évora
- Door Santa Catarina
- Chapel of Bones (Évora)
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Travel to the medieval walled city of Évora, a living museum of Portugal's rich past. Join a Local Expert to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the Roman Temple, Capela dos Ossos, and Évora Cathedral. Spend the afternoon at leisure, strolling through Évora's historical center or relaxing in the serene city park.
Day 5 – Day 5: Monsaraz and Lake Alqueva
- Monsaraz
- Évora
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- Museu do Mármore Raquel de Castro
- Observatório do Lago Alqueva (OLA)
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Visit the white village of Monsaraz, perched on a hilltop with stunning views of the Spanish plains and Lake Alqueva. Enjoy a leisurely cruise on the lake with a local boat captain, followed by a Highlight Lunch at Sem Fim, a former olive mill. Return to Évora for an evening at leisure.
Day 6 – Day 6: Wine Tasting and Historical Sites
- Tomar
- Évora
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- Castle of Redondo
- Baloiço da Ladeira
- Chapel of the Apparitions
- Synagogue
- Convent of Christ
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Start your day with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Casa Relvas for a wine tasting. Travel to Fátima, Portugal's most famous pilgrimage site, and visit the basilica and Chapel of the Apparitions. Continue to Tomar to explore the Templar Castle and Convent of Christ, and visit the medieval Synagogue of Tomar.
Day 7 – Day 7: Coimbra and Douro Valley
- Coimbra
- Tomar
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- Quinta do Jalloto - Family vineyards
- Turismo da Universidade de Coimbra
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In Coimbra, a Local Expert will guide you through the Old Town, including the UNESCO-listed University of Coimbra. Continue your journey past verdant hills and vineyards along the Douro River. Visit Quinta da Pacheca, where Maria Pimental, one of the first female winemakers in the Douro, produces exceptional wine.
Day 8 – Day 8: Guimarães and Porto
- Porto
- Guimarães
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- Convento dos Loios
- Castle of Guimarães
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Travel to Guimarães to admire the views from the ruined castle and explore the cobbled streets. Continue to Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage town. Choose between visiting São Bento Railway Station with a Local Expert or enjoying a panoramic drive through the city. In the evening, consider an optional experience to explore Porto's Ribeira district and enjoy a traditional Rabelo boat cruise.
Day 9 – Day 9: Leisure Day in Porto
- Porto
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Enjoy a full day at your own pace in Porto. Stroll through the city to admire the multi-colored houses and churches adorned with beautiful glazed tiles. Consider visiting Braga, the capital of baroque. In the evening, savor a delicious dinner with exquisite wine at an authentic Porto restaurant.
Day 10 – Day 10: Óbidos and Return to Lisbon
- Lisbon
- Porto
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- Wax Museum of Fátima
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Journey to the fortified town of Óbidos and explore its narrow, medieval streets adorned with flowers. Continue your travels back to Lisbon, the Portuguese capital, where you will spend your final night.
Day 11 – Day 11: Departure from Lisbon
- Lisbon - Departure day
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After breakfast, your departure transfer will take you to Lisbon International Airport, marking the end of your unforgettable Portuguese adventure.
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