Cultural Portugal

Upon your arrival in Portugal, transfer to Porto and check into the hotel for a two-night stay.  

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel while familiarizing yourself with the stunning city of Porto.

Its history goes far beyond Portugal itself to one of the first Celtic establishments in the Iberian Peninsula. Having had a central role in Portuguese history throughout the centuries, Porto is, to this day, a symbol of liberal determination and progressive vision. 

Despite its UNESCO World Heritage status, the city moves to the pace of modern life. Backing this up is the notable Europe’s Seaside Metropolitan Destination Award that Porto won in 2024. 

Why Porto: Authenticity, Tradition, Character, Gastronomy, Art & Culture, Heritage, Architecture, Hospitality, Innovation, River & Sea, Sustainability.

Once breakfast has concluded, your group will discover the city in one of the best ways possible — a cruise! You’ll board a magnificent rabelo boat and ride between the stunning riverbanks of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.

The rabelo boat is a traditional Portuguese vessel, typical of the Douro River. Historically, they transported barrels of Port wine from the Alto Douro, where the vineyards are located, to Vila Nova de Gaia in Porto, where the wine was stored and then sold and shipped to other countries.

The day will begin on a high note with your group eating breakfast at the hotel before checking out. From here, you’ll board the air-conditioned luxury coach for a transfer to Aveiro.

Called the Little Venice in Portugal, Aveiro is a small, cozy, romantic, sweet city near Porto. Here, you can find the biggest concentration of lovely Art Nouveau buildings and taste unique mind-blowing traditional desserts. 

You’ll explore the city of Aveiro on the canals aboard a traditional moliceiro, a colorful boat originally used to harvest moliço, a type of algae used as agricultural fertilizer. While cruising along the idyllic waterways, you’ll discover everything from the most contemporary area of the city to the historic area of Beira-Mar, seascapes, and lagoons. 

After the tour concludes, you’ll board the private coach and the driver will take you to Coimbra where you’ll check into the hotel.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, your group will begin exploring the stunning city of Coimbra on the banks of the Mondego River.

The city is famous for Coimbra University, the oldest in Portugal and one of the oldest in Europe, which over time has shaped its image to become “the city of students.” At this UNESCO World Heritage site, your group will explore the library, which has been regularly considered one of the most beautiful in the world. After the tour, head towards the Students Cafeteria to enjoy lunch.

After an exciting day of exploring the city, your group will have an amazing dining experience with a Fado de Coimbra show!

Dinner with Fado de Coimbra Show

After enjoying a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel, check out and board the private coach for your transfer to Batalha. Upon arrival, you’ll join a tour of the Batalha Monastery — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. The stunning building is an example of late Portuguese Gothic architecture, or Manueline style.

In 1386, King João I of Portugal commissioned the Batalha Monastery in gratitude to the Virgin Mary for his victory against his Castilian rivals in the Battle of Aljubarrota. The construction spanned over two centuries and was completed around 1563, during the reign of seven kings of Portugal (although the first Dominican friars had lived there since 1388). 

After taking in the beauty and historical significance of this monastery, your group will head towards another iconic location: the Fátima Sanctuary. Known for its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere, the sanctuary features elegant neoclassical designs and expansive plazas that inspire awe and reverence.

The Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fátima was established following the apparitions of Our Lady of the Rosary to three shepherd children: Lucia de Jesus, Francisco Marto, and Jacinta Marto. On August 13 and October 13, 1917, she asked for a chapel to be built in her honor, saying, “I am the Lady of the Rosary” (First Memoir of Sister Lucia).

The Shrine preserves the memory and message of these apparitions, serving as a center for evangelization in Portugal and worldwide. Recognized by the Apostolic See as a National Shrine, it holds profound importance for the Catholic community and beyond.

Once the tour is concluded, your group will meet the private driver in the coach where they’ll take you to Óbidos. Upon arrival, you’ll check into the hotel for a two-night stay.

On your first morning in the new city, you’ll enjoy breakfast at the hotel before embarking on an exciting day of exploration.

Located in the heart of the Portuguese West region, Óbidos is nestled between the mountains and the sea. High up on the hill, you can see the Óbidos Lagoon on one side and the Usseira Aqueduct on the other. 

Boasting Roman origins, the town’s name derives from the Latin word “Oppidum” which means “fortified town” or “fortified settlement.” Later occupied by Visigoths and Muslims, it was reconquered by the first King of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, in 1148. Its walls still bear some marks of the ancient peoples who settled here.   

After the exhilarating tour, your group will proceed to the unique town of Sintra. Awarded the designation of a Cultural Landscape of World Heritage in 1995, it’s a treasure trove of historical imagery framed within a naturally beautiful landscape. The green of the mountains merges seamlessly with the blue of the sea, enchanting and inspiring both residents and visitors.

Your first stop will be a visit to the National Palace, renowned for its stunning architecture and historical significance. The palace’s iconic twin chimneys and richly decorated rooms offer a glimpse into the opulent lives of Portuguese royalty.

Afterwards, you’ll wind down by exploring the ancient and diverse urban center, known as the Old Town (Vila Velha). As you walk, you’ll be transported through time, experiencing the rich cultures and eras that have shaped this extraordinary place.

The next leg of the tour will take your group to O Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Portugal and continental Europe. This dramatic cliffside location offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, windswept cliffs, and a historic lighthouse that has been guiding ships since 1772.

After a brief visit to this rugged landscape, your group will transfer to Cascais. Originally a fishing village, it began to flourish in the 14th century as a significant port for ships en route to Lisbon. The town experienced substantial growth and transformation in the latter half of the 19th century when sea bathing became popular. King Dom Luís I played a pivotal role in this transformation by converting the Fortaleza da Cidadela into the summer residence of the Portuguese monarchy in 1870. Following his lead, the nobility built magnificent palaces and villas, turning Cascais into a fashionable summer resort.

One of the highlights of the trip will be visiting the town’s beaches, which remain one of its greatest attractions. Your group can enjoy the sheltered bay beaches or venture to the Guincho area, part of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, which offers excellent conditions for surfing and windsurfing. Cascais is also renowned for its local cuisine, particularly fresh fish and shellfish, which can be savored in the many restaurants throughout the town.

One of the last locations you’ll visit today is Estoril — a world-famous resort known for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, luxury hotels, golf courses, a casino, and even a motor-racing circuit.

In the 1930s, Estoril emerged as one of Portugal’s primary tourist destinations, becoming a haven for deposed European monarchs, including King Juan Carlos of Spain. During World War II, it served as a refuge for writers, politicians, artists, businessmen, and many Jews fleeing persecution by the Third Reich.

After your long day of travel and exploration, your group will board the coach for the last time today. Your private driver will take you to Lisbon, where you’ll check into the hotel for a two-night stay.

After eating a hearty breakfast at the hotel in Lisbon, you’ll prepare for a visit to Belém quarter including a panoramic view of Belém Tower and a visit to Jerónimos Monastery.

The Jerónimos Monastery is a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome near the Tagus River in the parish of Belém. It’s one of the most prominent examples of the late Portuguese Gothic Manueline style of architecture in Lisbon. It was erected in the early 1500s near the launch point of Vasco da Gama’s first journey. In 1880, da Gama’s remains were moved to new carved tombs in the church, only a few meters away from the kings Manuel I and John III, whom da Gama had served.

The next leg of your journey will take you on a captivating walking tour through the heart of Old Town, the downtown historical center, and the enchanting Alfama quarter. You’ll be transported back in time as you wander through its cobblestone streets and admire centuries-old buildings.

Next, your group will venture into the downtown historical center, known as Baixa. This vibrant area was meticulously rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1755, featuring grand squares, elegant shops, and striking neoclassical architecture.

Nearby is the stunning Alfama, one of the few districts in Lisbon that survived the 1755 earthquake. Decorated with beautiful “azulejos” (tiles), Alfama’s steep, winding alleys lead to breathtaking views of a sea of terracotta roofs and the Tagus River. As you meander through this historic neighborhood, you’ll be immersed in the authentic aromas of traditional Portuguese cuisine and the soulful echoes of Fado music.

After enjoying your time in Alfama, move forward on an enchanting journey through Lisboa! The heart of the city, Rossio Square, is known for its lively atmosphere and stunning architecture. You’ll visit the majestic Dona Maria II Theatre, a neoclassical gem that showcases Lisbon’s vibrant cultural scene.

Next, we’ll explore the historic Sao Domingos Church, a resilient structure with a unique interior marked by charred walls from the 1959 fire, telling a poignant story of resilience. At Figueira Square, experience bustling local life and indulge in delicious Portuguese pastries from nearby bakeries.

No trip to Lisboa is complete without visiting the iconic Sao Jorge Castle, perched on a hilltop offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Tagus River. We’ll then head to the Portas do Sol viewpoint for stunning vistas of the Alfama district, perfect for capturing the city’s beauty.

Finally, we’ll visit the majestic Sé Cathedral, the oldest church in Lisbon, showcasing a blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque elements. Wander through its sacred halls and discover the treasures within its cloisters. Join us on this unforgettable tour and immerse yourself in the timeless allure of Lisboa.

After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll transfer to the airport for your onward journey.