Country Roads of Portugal (Classic, Winter, 11 Days)

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Description

Summary

Starts
Lisbon
Duration
11 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy

Description

Embark on an unforgettable 11-day journey through the heart of Portugal. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of historical exploration, cultural immersion, and culinary delights. From the vibrant city of Lisbon to the medieval charm of Évora, the sun-drenched coast of Lagos to the tranquil waters of Lake Alqueva, every day brings a new adventure. Marvel at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, taste traditional Portuguese cuisine, and sip fine wines from local vineyards. Whether you're exploring ancient castles, strolling through picturesque villages, or relaxing on a river cruise, this tour promises a rich and varied experience of Portugal's heritage and natural beauty.

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Included

10 night accommodation

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3 Dinner with Wine (DW)

10 Breakfast (B)

1 Lunch with Wine (LW)

1 Lunch (L)

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.

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.

Pinhao: Enjoy a wonderful farm-to-table dinner, freshly prepared from locally sourced ingredients.

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.

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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.

Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.

Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.

We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.

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.

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.

Lisbon: Visit the cloisters of Jerónimos Monastery with its beautiful Manueline architecture, reflecting Portugal's trade over the centuries and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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.

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.

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.

"I love taking guests to Monsaraz because It's one of the many villages lost in time. It's not easy for guests to find on their own and they feel like they're visiting a secret paradise."

Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

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From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.

Lagos: Explore this coastal town nestled on Meia Praia, with your Travel Director.

Évora: With your Travel Director explore the ancient city of Évora and visit the fascinating Capela dos Ossos, meaning the Chapel of Bones, a chapel decorated with human remains.

Obidos: Lead by your Travel Director, walk through the picturesque narrow streets up to the main square of this ancient walled town.

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Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.

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Destinations

Lagos - city in PortugalLagos
Porto, Portugal old town ribeira aerial promenade view with colorful houses, Douro river and boats.Porto
Beja - region in PortugalBeja
Évora - city in PortugalÉvora
Santa Iria de Azóia
Coimbra - region in PortugalCoimbra
Batalha
Tomar - city in PortugalTomar
Óbidos
Braga - city in PortugalBraga
Photo of Lisbon City Skyline with Sao Jorge Castle and the Tagus River, Portugal.Lisbon
Monsaraz
Guimarães - city in PortugalGuimarães

Map

Attractions

Praia Fluvial de Monsaraz
Luís I Bridge, Sé, Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau e Vitória, Porto, Área Metropolitana do Porto, North, PortugalLuís I Bridge
Monumento Natural dos Lagosteiros, Castelo, Sesimbra, Setúbal, Setúbal Peninsula, Área Metropolitana de Lisboa, PortugalMonumento Natural dos Lagosteiros
Photo of Stone masonry Castle of Obidos and wall ruins or Castelo de Óbidos is a well-preserved medieval castle located in the civil parish of Santa Maria, Portugal.Castle of Óbidos
Observatório do Lago Alqueva (OLA), Monsaraz, Reguengos de Monsaraz, Évora, Alentejo Central, Alentejo Region, PortugalObservatório do Lago Alqueva (OLA)
Convento dos Loios, Feira, Santa Maria da Feira, Travanca, Sanfins e Espargo, Santa Maria da Feira, Aveiro, Área Metropolitana do Porto, North, PortugalConvento dos Loios
Photo of Guimaraes, Portugal - November 23 , 2014 : End of a sunny day in the autumn next to the castle of Guimaraes.Castle of Guimarães
Photo of the Jeronimos Monastery or Hieronymites Monastery is located in Lisbon, Portugal.Jerónimos Monastery
Photo of the Belem tower at the bank of Tejo River in Lisbon ,Portugal.Belém Tower
Chapel of Bones (Évora), Sé e São Pedro, Évora, Alentejo Central, Alentejo Region, PortugalChapel of Bones (Évora)
Knights of the Templar (Convents of Christ) castle detail, Tomar, Portugal.Convent of Christ
cathedral of Evora in Portugal.Cathedral of Évora
Torre da Universidade de Coimbra, Almedina, Sé Nova, Santa Cruz, Almedina e São Bartolomeu, Coimbra, Baixo Mondego, Centro, PortugalTurismo da Universidade de Coimbra

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon

  • Lisbon
  • Santa Iria de Azóia - Arrival day
  • More

Upon landing at Lisbon International Airport, enjoy a complimentary transfer to your hotel. After settling in, join your Travel Director for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where you'll have the chance to meet your fellow travellers over delicious food and wine.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Lisbon

  • Lisbon
  • More
  • Monumento Natural dos Lagosteiros
  • Jerónimos Monastery
  • Belém Tower
  • More

Embark on a guided tour of Lisbon, taking in the spacious avenues of the Lower Town and the tree-shaded squares. Visit the historic Belém Quarter, marvel at the ancient Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries, and explore the Jeronimos Monastery. Indulge in the famous Pastéis de Belém from a patisserie with a secret recipe dating back 200 years. In the evening, consider joining an optional experience to delve deeper into Portuguese culture.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Journey to Lagos and Algarve

  • Lagos
  • Lisbon
  • More

Cross the River Tagus and head south to Lagos, a charming fishing port nestled in the bay of Meia Praia. After some free time to explore, continue to your resort hotel in the Algarve, set within a magnificent 360-acre estate. Nearby, you'll find specialized Portuguese seafood restaurants overlooking the Atlantic, offering fresh seafood that tastes of the sea.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Discovering Évora

  • Beja
  • Évora
  • More
  • Royal Palace of Évora
  • Door Santa Catarina
  • Chapel of Bones (Évora)
  • More

Travel to the medieval city of Évora, where cathedrals, churches, aqueducts, and ancient castle walls create a living museum of Portugal's rich past. Explore the city's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Roman Temple and the Capela dos Ossos, a chapel made from the skulls and bones of 5,000 people. Visit the cathedral, a beautiful blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure, perhaps strolling through Évora’s unique historical centre or the serene city park.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Monsaraz and Lake Alqueva

  • Monsaraz
  • Évora
  • More
  • Museu do Mármore Raquel de Castro
  • Observatório do Lago Alqueva (OLA)
  • More

Travel to the white village of Monsaraz, perched on a hilltop and surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. From the castle ruins, enjoy spectacular views across the Spanish plains and Europe's largest artificial lake. Join a local boat captain for a leisurely cruise on the tranquil waters of Lake Alqueva, soaking up the picturesque views and tales of river life. Enjoy a delicious lunch at Sem Fim, a local restaurant that was once an olive mill. Return to Évora for an evening at your leisure.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Fátima and Tomar

  • Tomar
  • Évora
  • Batalha
  • More
  • Castle of Redondo
  • Wax Museum of Fátima
  • Synagogue
  • Convent of Christ
  • More

Visit Casa Relvas for a wine tasting, where innovative techniques are used to produce exceptional wine in the dry climate of the Alentejo region. Continue to Fátima, Portugal's most renowned pilgrimage site, and visit the basilica or the Chapel of the Apparitions. In Tomar, explore the Templar Castle and Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the well-preserved medieval Synagogue of Tomar.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Coimbra and Douro River

  • Coimbra
  • Tomar
  • More
  • Turismo da Universidade de Coimbra
  • More

In Coimbra, explore the highlights of the Old Town, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site, University of Coimbra, and its impressive baroque library. Continue past lush vineyards and along the tranquil waters of the Douro River, where you'll enjoy a farm-to-table lunch with a port wine tasting.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Guimarães and Porto

  • Porto
  • Coimbra
  • Guimarães
  • More
  • Luís I Bridge
  • Convento dos Loios
  • Castle of Guimarães
  • More

Travel to Guimarães to explore the cobbled streets and squares, and admire the views from the ruined castle. Continue to Porto, Portugal's second city and a World Heritage town. Choose between a guided visit to the São Bento Railway Station and a walk along the Dom Luís I Bridge, or a panoramic drive through the city. Spend the evening at your leisure in your boutique hotel in the heart of Porto's historic district.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Free Day in Porto

  • Porto
  • Braga
  • More

Enjoy a full day at your leisure in Porto. Take a stroll to admire the multi-coloured houses and churches covered in beautiful glazed tiles, or consider a visit to Braga, the capital of baroque. In the evening, savour a mouth-watering dinner with wine at an authentic Porto restaurant.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Óbidos and Return to Lisbon

  • Lisbon
  • Porto
  • Óbidos
  • More
  • Fórnea
  • Castle of Óbidos
  • More

Travel to the fortified town of Óbidos, where you can explore the narrow, medieval streets and admire houses covered with flowers. Continue your journey to Lisbon, the Portuguese capital.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Departure from Lisbon

  • Lisbon
  • Santa Iria de Azóia - Departure day
  • More

After breakfast, transfer to Lisbon International Airport for your onward journey.

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