Country Roads of Portugal (Small Groups, Summer, 11 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the heart of Portugal, exploring its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. From the bustling streets of Lisbon to the tranquil waters of Lake Alqueva, this journey promises a blend of guided sightseeing, local experiences, and leisure time. Savor the flavors of Portuguese cuisine, discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and immerse yourself in the charm of medieval towns and picturesque villages. With comfortable accommodations and expert guidance, this tour offers a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, ensuring a memorable experience for every traveler.
Included
10 night accommodation
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.
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.
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.
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.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon
- Lisbon - Arrival day
- More
Upon arrival at Lisbon International Airport, enjoy complimentary transfers to your hotel. Settle in and relax before joining your Travel Director for a delightful dinner at a local restaurant. This evening provides a wonderful opportunity to meet your fellow travelers over delicious food and wine.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Lisbon
- Lisbon
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- Monumento Natural dos Lagosteiros
- Praia do Castelo
- Park Outeiro dos Cucos
- Jerónimos Monastery
- Belém Tower
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Embark on a guided tour of Lisbon with a Local Expert, exploring the city's spacious avenues and charming squares. Pass beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to reach Terreiro do Paço. Visit the historic Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. Savor a taste of Pastéis de Belém in the Belém Quarter and visit the stunning Cloister of Jeronimos Monastery. This evening, immerse yourself in Portuguese culture with an optional dinner experience.
Day 3 – Day 3: Journey to Lagos
- Lagos
- Lisbon
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Cross the River Tagus and head towards the sun-drenched southern coast, arriving at the picturesque fishing port of Lagos. Enjoy some free time to explore before continuing to your resort hotel set within a magnificent 360-acre estate. Indulge in the simplicity of Algarve cuisine, with fresh seafood at nearby coastal restaurants.
Day 4 – Day 4: Discovering Évora
- Beja
- Luz
- 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 history. Join your Local Expert to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, visiting the Roman Temple, the Capela dos Ossos, and the 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 striking white village of Monsaraz, perched on a hilltop surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. Admire the views from the castle ruins and enjoy a leisurely cruise on Lake Alqueva. Relish a delicious lunch at Sem Fim, a local restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere. Return to Évora for an evening at your leisure.
Day 6 – Day 6: Wine Tasting and Historical Treasures
- Tomar
- Évora
- Batalha
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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 visit to Casa Relvas for a wine tasting experience. Travel to Fátima, Portugal's most renowned pilgrimage site, and visit the basilica or the Chapel of the Apparitions. Continue to Tomar to explore the Templar Castle and Convent of Christ, followed by a visit to the Synagogue of Tomar. Discover the historical jewels of Portugal with your Local Expert.
Day 7 – Day 7: Coimbra and the Douro Valley
- Coimbra
- Tomar
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- Miradouro da Vitória
- Turismo da Universidade de Coimbra
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In Coimbra, your Local Expert will guide you through the highlights of the Old Town, including the University of Coimbra and its impressive baroque library. Continue your journey past verdant hills and lush vineyards along the tranquil Douro River. Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch with locally sourced ingredients and a port wine tasting.
Day 8 – Day 8: Guimarães and Porto
- Porto
- Coimbra
- Guimarães
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- Luís I Bridge
- Convento dos Loios
- Castle of Guimarães
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Travel to Guimarães to explore the cobbled streets and admire the views from the ruined castle. Continue to Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage town. Choose between a guided visit to São Bento Railway Station and a walk along the Dom Luís I Bridge, or a panoramic drive through the city. In the evening, enjoy your boutique hotel in Porto's historic district or join an optional experience to explore the Ribeira district and enjoy a traditional Portuguese dinner.
Day 9 – Day 9: Leisure Day in Porto
- Porto
- Braga
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Enjoy a full day at your own pace in Porto. Take a stroll to admire the multi-colored houses and churches adorned with beautiful glazed tiles. Alternatively, visit Braga, the capital of baroque. In the evening, savor a mouth-watering dinner with 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
- Chapel of the Apparitions
- Fonte dos Cedros
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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 the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, where you can reflect on the incredible experiences of your tour.
Day 11 – Day 11: Departure from Lisbon
- Lisbon - Departure day
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After a delightful breakfast, transfer to Lisbon International Airport for your departure. Bid farewell to the beautiful memories and new friends made during this unforgettable tour of Portugal.
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