Country Roads of Portugal (Small Groups, Summer, 11 Days)

Conditional cancellation
24/7 customer support
Best price guarantee

Description

Summary

Starts
Lisbon
Duration
11 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy

Description

Embark on an unforgettable 11-day journey through the heart of Portugal, a country rich in history, culture, and stunning landscapes. This multi-day tour offers an immersive experience, taking you from the vibrant city of Lisbon to the sun-drenched southern coast of Lagos, the medieval city of Évora, the white village of Monsaraz, and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Tomar and Coimbra. You'll also explore the charming towns of Fátima, Guimarães, Porto, and Óbidos, each with its unique allure. Along the way, you'll enjoy local cuisine, wine tastings, boat cruises, and guided sightseeing tours. This tour is designed to provide a perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and cultural immersion.

Read more

Included

10 night accommodation

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

Destinations

Lagos - city in PortugalLagos
Porto, Portugal old town ribeira aerial promenade view with colorful houses, Douro river and boats.Porto
Photo of panoramic aerial view of Praia da Luz in municipality of Luz in Algarve, Portugal.Luz
Beja - region in PortugalBeja
Évora - city in PortugalÉvora
Santa Iria de Azóia
Coimbra - region in PortugalCoimbra
Batalha
Tomar - city in PortugalTomar
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

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
Royal Palace of Évora, Sé e São Pedro, Évora, Alentejo Central, Alentejo Region, PortugalRoyal Palace of Évora
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 your arrival at Lisbon International Airport, you'll be transferred to your hotel where you can unwind and freshen up. In the evening, join your Travel Director for a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, where you'll get to know your fellow travelers over delicious food and wine.

Read more
Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Lisbon

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

Today, a Local Expert will guide you through the expansive avenues of Lisbon's Lower Town and across its tree-shaded squares. You'll pass beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paço, marvel at the ancient Belém Tower, and the Monument to the Discoveries. You'll also visit the Jeronimos Monastery and enjoy a taste of the famous Pastéis de Belém. The evening offers an optional experience to delve deeper into Portuguese culture with a special dinner.

Read more
Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: From Lisbon to Lagos

  • Lagos
  • Lisbon
  • More

Today, we cross the River Tagus and head south to the sun-kissed coast of Lagos, a charming fishing port nestled in the bay of Meia Praia. After some free time to explore, we continue to our resort hotel set within a magnificent 360-acre estate. Nearby, you'll find specialized Portuguese seafood restaurants overlooking the Atlantic, offering a taste of Algarve's simple yet flavorful cuisine.

Read more
Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Journey to Évora

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

Our journey today takes us to the medieval walled city of Évora, a living museum to Portugal's rich past. With a Local Expert, we'll explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, visiting the Roman Temple, the Capela dos Ossos, and the cathedral. The rest of the afternoon is yours to continue exploring Évora's unique historical center or the serene city park.

Read more
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

Today, we travel to the striking white village of Monsaraz, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. From the castle ruins, enjoy spectacular views across the Spanish plains and Europe's largest artificial lake. We'll join a local boat captain for a leisurely cruise on Lake Alqueva, followed by a delicious lunch at Sem Fim, a local restaurant once an olive mill. We return to Évora in the evening, where you're free to explore this beautifully preserved regional capital.

Read more
Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Fátima and Tomar

  • Tomar
  • Évora
  • Batalha
  • More
  • Convent of Christ
  • More

This morning, we visit Casa Relvas for a wine tasting. Despite the dry climate of the Alentejo region, they produce exceptional wine using innovative techniques. We then journey to Fátima, Portugal's most renowned pilgrimage site. Here, you can see the basilica or visit the Chapel of the Apparitions. We continue to Tomar to visit the Templar Castle and Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Synagogue of Tomar, one of the best-preserved medieval synagogues in Portugal.

Read more
Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Coimbra and Douro River

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

In Coimbra, your Local Expert will show you the highlights of the Old Town, including the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We then continue past verdant hills and lush vineyards, along the tranquil waters of the Douro River. Enjoy a wonderful Farm-to-Table lunch, freshly prepared from locally sourced ingredients, with a port wine tasting.

Read more
Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Guimarães and Porto

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

Today, we journey to Guimarães to admire the views from the ruined castle and explore the cobbled streets and cosy squares. We then continue to Porto, Portugal's second city and a World Heritage town. Here, you can choose to join a Local Expert for a visit to the São Bento Railway Station and a walk along the Dom Luís I Bridge, or enjoy a panoramic drive through the city. In the evening, you're free to relax at your boutique hotel or join an Optional Experience for a traditional Rabelo boat cruise and dinner.

Read more
Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Free Day in Porto

  • Porto
  • Braga
  • More

Today is yours to explore Porto at your own pace. You might want to stroll around to admire the multi-coloured houses and churches covered in beautiful glazed tiles, or perhaps choose to visit Braga, the capital of baroque. In the evening, enjoy a mouth-watering dinner with wine at an authentic Porto restaurant.

Read more
Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Óbidos and Return to Lisbon

  • Lisbon
  • Porto
  • More
  • Chapel of the Apparitions
  • More

We journey to the fortified town of Óbidos, where you can walk within its walls and explore the narrow, medieval streets where houses are covered with flowers. Our travels then continue to the Portuguese capital, Lisbon.

Read more
Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Departure from Lisbon

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

After breakfast, we'll transfer you to Lisbon International Airport for your onward journey. As you depart, you'll carry with you the unforgettable memories of a truly enriching Portuguese adventure.

Read more

Verified reviews

Similar tours

Link to appstore phone
Install Europe’s biggest travel app

Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.