| Day 1 |
Morning Airport Transfer IN LISBON CITY TOUR (1): ORIENTE (The eastern district) |
Lisbon is so many special things; it’s the sound of vintage trams rambling up and down cobblestone streets, a medley of heartfelt Fado songs, an open-air gallery of historic heritage, a haven for free spirits, a surprise for fashionable shoppers and Portugal’s "coolest" city.
On the right bank of the broad Tagus river estuary, the capital of Portugal graciously reclines over rolling hills. This is a spectacular geographical location and does much to explain the cosmopolitan history of the city. Its exceptional natural light, which has long inspired writers, photographs and filmmakers. With the arrival of the Moors from the 8th century, it was renamed Aschbouna. The city fell to the Portuguese in 1147, when conquered by the first king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques. It became the national capital in 1255. On this first day you'll have the contrast between the Medieval and the new modern architecture, and the only things that still binds them, the Portuguese tiles(Azulejos). |
We will visit:
BAIXA (DOWNTOWN), Sites: Park Edward VII, Avenida da Liberdade, Squares of Rossio and Restauradores, St. Dominic's Church (18th century), Ginjinha, Baixa Pombalina (Pombaline Downtown), Praça do Comércio.
QUARTER ALFAMA, Sites: Lisbon Cathedral (12th century), Viewpoint Portas do Sol, St. George Castle
Visit the modern art district of PARQUE DAS NAÇÕES / EXPO: This is the most modern quarter of Lisbon. A quarter with lots of contemporary architecture. We’ll have a stroll around and a cable car ride to take pictures of Lisbon Oceanarium, Alameda dos Oceanos, Lisbon Casino, Portugal Pavilion, Oriente Train Station from Architect Santiago Calatrava, Atlantic Pavilion where major concerts are hosted, Europe’s biggest bridge Vasco da Gama.
Hotel | Lisbon |
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| DAY 2 |
LISBON CITY TOUR (2): OCIDENTE (the western district) UNESCO: Monastery of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belém in Lisbon (1983) Fado Portuguese Folk Heritage (2011) |
| We continue our tour in Lisbon. On this day we’ll focus on the historic center of the city, its viewpoints and the city’s most important museums. Finishing the night with a Fado and Folklore show.
On this day the circuit starts in one of the most beautiful places of the capital along the Tagus: Belém.
QUARTER BELEM: Jeronimos Monastery (16th century), Belem Tower (16th century), Monument of Discoveries (20th century), Traditional Milk Custard Tarts of Belém Pastéis de Belém (19th century), Royal Palace of Ajuda (19th century). |
MONASTERY OF JERÓNIMOS: Built in the 16th century, an impressive example of Manueline architecture. It was King Manuel I who ordered the construction of the Monastery and its endowment to the Order of the Friars of Saint Jerome. The sheer magnificence of the building reflects the universal vision of its founder and the scale of the wealth available to the Crown. This was the starting point of the Portuguese discoveries. Inside the church, a masterpiece of the Manueline style, with beautiful transept vaults supported by palm tree column, an ambitious approach by the Portuguese architect. On entry, there are the tombs of the poet Luís de Camões, author of the epic masterpiece Os Lusíadas. As well as the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama, commander of the armada that set sail for India in 1497, completing the first such naval voyage in history. You can also find in the lateral chapels and in the chancel, tombs of Portuguese Kings during the Golden Age of the discoveries.
LUNCH
ROYAL PALACE OF AJUDA: This neo-classical palace was built in the first half of the 19th Century and was chosen as the residence for the Portuguese royal family when D. Luís I (1838-1889) became king and married an Italian princess, D. Maria Pia of Savoy (1847-1911). It is a typical example of a 19C royal residence and has an important collection of decorative art (gold and silver ware, paintings, sculpture, furniture, tapestries, glassware, porcelain, etc.). The palace was closed at the time of the proclamation of the Portuguese Republic in 1910 and reopened as a museum in 1938. Some of the most important presidential ceremonies now take place here.
QUARTER BAIRRO ALTO (photo stop): Viewpoint São Pedro de Alcântara.
Hotel | Lisbon |
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| Day 3 |
SINTRA: LAND OF ENCHANTED CASTLES UNESCO: Cultural Landscape of Sintra (1995) |
| SINTRA is a town of palaces, landscapes, culture, art and also of great romantics who passed through here. Learn about the ancient myths of Celtic bards, the Moorish legends, the passions of the Christian Reconquest and a masonry that makes this site so unique in the world and yet so magical! There were several romantic figures that have passed in Sintra. From literature to music, the town of Sintra has inspired various figures and dazzled others with its mystical and charming environment. In the morning, we visit the historic centre of Sintra, with visit to the traditional narrow streets full of flowers and local craft shops, viewpoints, with compulsory stop at the traditional sweets and Ginjinha (cherry liqueur). |
We start with cultural tour with NATIONAL PALACE OF SINTRA, unique example of medieval palaces in Portugal. From the earliest dynasties, Sintra was a favorite spot for the Portuguese kings. Its interior tell not one, but several stories of Portugal. The decor has great value, combining furniture, paintings and tiles. Outside we see the two large conical kitchen chimneys with 108 feet high, a symbol of Sintra.
Guided tour to REGALEIRA PALACE AND GARDENS, a place with a spirit of its own. Built in the early 20th century, a taste of the romantic style, rises in the middle of the forest, and is the result of the a mythological dream of its owner, António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro.
We start the afternoon with the oldest monument of Sintra, the MOORISH CASTLE, located on the ridges of the Serra de Sintra, the castle dates back to the time of the Muslims in Portugal, 8th century. Reconquered by the first king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, in 1147. The panoramic view from the top of the castle is amazing!
Finish the day with a guided tour to PENA ROYAL PALACE, in the top10 of the most beautiful palaces in the world! A real enchanted palace. One of the most beautiful examples of the romantic revival of the 19th century. Built on the site of a former convent of friars from the Order of St. Jerome. A fantasy from King Fernando of Saxe Coburg-Gotha. A palace with a complexity of styles: neo-Gothic, neo-Manueline, neo-Islamic and neo-Renaissance.
Hotel | Lisbon |
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| Day 4 |
ÉVORA: THE CAPITAL OF ALENTEJO AND THE WINE FLAVORS UNESCO: Historic Centre of Évora (1986) |
In the Alentejo, you travel naturally with and to History. The abundance and the quality of the Heritage which it expresses become easy for you to discover but, if you are visiting the Region for the first time, you could be spoiled for choice. If this is the case, don’t hesitate: opt for our suggestions and you will discover that the magic of the Alentejo is to be found, with endless pleasure, everywhere.
Tour to Alentejo where the plains disappear out of sight combine with the sun and the heat to impose their own slow, steady rhythm. The open, ample landscape is peppered with cork-oaks or olive trees that have withstood the ravages of time.
Évora is the inevitable reference point for anyone coming to the Alentejo inspired by the theme of Heritage. Topped by an imposing cathedral, ÉVORA is laid out over a gently sloping hill rising out of the huge Alentejo plain. It guards its historic centre with a vast outer wall and represents a valuable cultural legacy that UNESCO has classified World Heritage. The city, with its narrow streets of Moorish origin contrasting with squares where the light floods in, holds two millennia of history. Conquered in 59 B.C. by the Romans, they named it Liberalitas Julia. After the Reconquest, in addition to between the inner and outer walls, urban development moved beyond the city's walls. The city was home to the court of various Portuguese kings of the first and second dynasties. During this period it was endowed with various palaces and monuments, particularly during the reigns of kings João II and Manuel (15th and 16th centuries).
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Walk in its historic center and feel the beauty of its medieval whitewashed streets, with yellow/blue stripes. Discover iconic landmarks such as the Palace of King Manuel, São Francisco Church and its Bones Chapel, Geraldo Square, the Cathedral from the 13th century, the Roman Temple from the 1st century, the Royal Jesuit University and the Church of Graça.
Start the day with a visit to a CORK FACTORY, where you can discover the transformation process of raw cork into the final products that are sold throughout Portugal. Portugal is the world's leading manufacturer of cork and represents 53% of world production. In addition, the cork oak plantation area corresponds to 25% of its distribution worldwide. Although cork bottle stoppers are the most familiar object, many other things are made of cork, especially in areas where it grows as Alentejo, where 72% of total production is concentrated. You can find many items like accessories, shoes and clothes made of this material, which has some very appreciated properties as that is robust, versatile, recyclable, and hypoallergenic and contains thermal qualities.
ARRAIOLOS | TOUR IN WINERY & OLIVE OIL FARM: Visit a Traditional Portuguese winery with noble origins. Walk in its vineyards, cellar, carriages museum, mansion and gardens, finish with a tasting of some of the best Portuguese wines and Olive Oil in Alentejo.
Hotel | Lisbon
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| Day 5 |
ÓBIDOS, SÃO MARTINHO DO PORTO, NAZARÉ, ALCOBAÇA, BATALHA AND FÁTIMA UNESCO: Monastery of Batalha (1983), UNESCO: Monastery of Alcobaça (1989) |
| On this day we visite some of the most emblematic places of the West of Portugal.We will go through villages that stand in the cliffs by the sea, where still resist old arts of the sea,we will move through the streets of a village that "hides" inside stone walls,and that seemed to hang in the medieval time.We will be dazzled in face of grandiose monuments classified by UNESCO, and we will know cities with a rich history.
Get to know Óbidos, Nazaré, Alcobaça, Batalha and Fátima. |
OBIDOS is a charming and picturesque medieval village, with white washed houses decorated with flowers. Captured from the Moors by the first king of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques, in 1148, though already occupied before the Romans reached the Iberian Peninsula, the village became prosperous from the time it was chosen by the royal family, when the King Dinis offered it as wedding gift to his wife Isabel, in the 14th century. Full of flowers, many medieval monuments and beautiful panoramic views are found here, relax yet in a medieval bar while enjoying the famous local liqueur Ginjinha, served in a chocolat cup.
Time to relax in the beach of SÃO MARTINHO DO PORTO, the sands here continue for an approximate 3 kilometers forming a shell shape around the sheltered bay that is home to São Martinho do Porto Beach. The calm sea represents the perfect conditions for both children and nautical sports such as windsurfing, sailing and canoeing.
NAZARÉ is blessed with magnificent light, pleasing sun, fine white sand and hospitable locals. The seven colorful skirts worn by Nazaré women have been worn since the days when they used to wait for their husbands to return from the day's fishing trip. But today the town is defined more by the waves that attract surfers and body-boarders and the beautiful underwater landscapes that attract divers. The lovely cove is protected by high cliffs, atop which the Sítio da Nazaré offers a memorable view.
ALCOBAÇA: Monastery or Royal Abbey of Santa Maria, founded by the Order of Cistercians in 1153. Building began in 1178 on land donated by Dom Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal to the Order of Cistercians, in fulfilment of a vow made after the Christian reconquest of Santarém. Testify the magnificent gothic tombs of the two lovers King Pedro and Ines de Castro.
BATALHA: Built in 1386 to keep a vow by Portuguese King Dom João I to the Virgin Mary that he would build it if Portugal defeated Castile at the Battle of Aljubarrota on 14th August 1385. The Monastery of Batalha, a masterpiece of Portuguese Gothic, is a magnificent piece of architecture that combines various influences from its lengthy period of construction, which lasted several reigns. Outstanding in the interior are the Founders' Chapel with its fine stained-glass windows, the cloisters, the Unfinished Chapels with their Manueline and Flemish Gothic features and the Chapter House.
FÁTIMA: Visit to the Santuary of Fátima. The apparitions of Fátima have developed immensely the local town into one of the largest centers of Marian cult in the world. The major manifestations of devotees are hold at May 13 and 13 October. This Marian pilgrimage center evokes the apparitions of our Lady to three Shepherd children Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta, occurred in 1917 and recognized in 1930.
Hotel | Fátima / Mira d' Aire |
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| Day 6 |
COIMBRA, AVEIRO AND PORTO University of Coimbra and Uppertown Sofia (2013) |
When visiting Aveiro we find a landscape with watermark. This city, known as the Portuguese Venice, will surprise you. In Aveiro take a tour in the moliceiros boats and enjoy the buildings in style "Art Nouveau". In Coimbra visit the University of Coimbra, Alta and Sofia, classified by UNESCO as World Heritage. Experience the historical heritage of a place that centuries ago is known as the "city of students."
The day ends in the capital of northern Portugal: Porto, with the promise that the next day will be full of good surprises.
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COIMBRA: Capital of Beira Litoral, of Roman origin Aeminium, was also the former capital of the Portuguese Kingdom. One of the most beautiful cities of Portugal, preserved several historical monuments, medieval churches and the most important library in Portugal! Coimbra, situated on the bank River Mondego, in the geographical center of Portugal, has plenty of charm in its academic streets, narrow, with small courtyards, arches and floral eaves, cafes, galleries and bookstores. Take a guided walking tour in its historic centre, as this is the best way to explore the old town. We start at the University of Coimbra (1290), to the Old Cathedral (1162), New Cathedral (1598), Academic Neighborhood, Almedina, Igreja de São Tiago, Igreja de Santa Cruz (1131). Free time for shopping and regional sweets.
AVEIRO: next to the sea and the ria (estuary), is crossed by a network of channels through which moliceiros (local boats) meander. These slim, colourful vessels used to be used to collect algae and seaweed, and today are for sightseeing trips. Visiting on foot does not mean too much effort either since the city is flat. In the 16th century, the development of the salt industry, agriculture and fishing and the first cod-fishing expeditions to the distant Newfoundland in 1501 brought Aveiro a period of great prosperity, which led to its being awarded a charter by D. Manuel I in 1515. Aveiro has also a number of buildings in Art Nouveau style that are worth seeing.
Hotel | Porto |
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| Day 7 |
Porto UNESCO: HISTORIC CENTER OF PORTO (1996) |
This is one of Europe's oldest tourist destinations. Its wealth of artistic heritage, Port Wine, open-air leisure spaces and cultural life are just some of the reasons to visit this city.
The city unfolds along the river bank and the sea shore, to reveal charming vistas, inviting esplanades and all the pleasures of the outdoors, framed by its green spaces. But setting out to discover Porto means bumping into surprise after surprise. Whilst maintaining its welcoming and conservative nature, the city is, at the same time, contemporary and creative. This can be seen in its streets, its architectures, its museums, its leisure spaces, its esplanades and its shopping areas which run from the traditional to the modern and exclusive. Porto’s Historical Centre was designated World Cultural Heritage in 1996 and its natural setting and its meandering streets give it a unique charm. Port wine is present in the city in a multitude of forms and sensations: you can get to know it and try it, but never ignore it or forget it. |
PORTO: Capital and gateway to the north of Portugal, Porto is both the city that provided a nation with a name and a fortified wine known world-wide: Port Wine.
With its splendid geographical location on the mouth of the river Douro and an architectural heritage of exceptional quality, the historic center of Porto was declared UNESCO World Heritage in 1996. Porto is the capital of the North and the second largest city in the country; its hard-working inhabitants are noted for their commercial enterprise, always standing firm against outside impositions and foreign invaders, which explains why Porto has become known as the «unvanquished» city.
In this Porto Day tour we will visit the most important sites of this old city. Take a guided tour the Port Wine Old Cellars with a special tasting of these wines. Admire the typical granite houses and monuments, with all the rhythms of city life, its movement and intense retailing, the main square of Av. Aliados, the highest tower in the city of Clerigos, the church of Sao Francisco all furnished with gold leaf, the world famous bookstore Livraria Lello, the ultra modern Casa da Musica building, the Atlantic fortress of Castelo do Queijo, the old Cathedral, the Palacio da Bolsa (Chamber of Commerce), Ribeira (Riverside), and a river cruise under the city’s six bridges, from where you can enjoy an entirely different view of the city.
Hotel | Porto |
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| Day 8 |
TOMAR, CASCAIS AND ESTORIL UNESCO: Convent of Christ in Tomar (1983)
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Continue South towards TOMAR, UNESCO awarded the classification of world heritage to the Templar Castle and the Convent of the Knights of Christ in Tomar (12th century) a unique monument in the history of the western world.
The day ends quietly by the sea, in the charming bay of Cascais. |
This is a day that will be passed in the heart of Portugal. Tomar is a magical city, full of forests and gardens, where stands its imposing Castle and the Convent of Christ, the symbols of the Portuguese heritage,recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage.
This vast monumental complex illustrates seven centuries of Portugal's history and contains several important mementoes of decisive moments in the history of the western world.
At last… you deserve to relax. Enjoy the smooth sands and crystal clear beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy your last afternoon in Cascais BEACH, a pleasant bay just 30 minutes distance from Lisbon.
Hotel | Cascais or Estoril |
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| Day 9 |
TRANSFER HOTEL » AIRPORT
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| Transfer Hotel, directly Lisboa airport with our help on boarding formalities. With the possibility to have an early breakfast. |
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