We loved Portugal so much we're returning in September 2021! Join us and delight in one of the hottest destinations in Europe on this ten-day hosted tour.

2021 Picturesque Portugal

September 24 to October 4, 2021

LISBON | SINTRA | ARRABIDA | OBIDOS | NAZARE | FATIMA | COIMBRA | PORTO

Explore Portugal's history, wines, and cuisine on this 10-day guided tour. From historic sights that include monasteries and cathedrals, a walled town, Lisbon's famed cobblestone streets, fabulous wineries, the incredible ocean surf at Nazare, the holy site of Fatima, and Porto's famous bridges, this tour will show you why Portugal is a must-visit destination.


Highlights

This tour is perfectly suited to give you a taste of Portugal. By spending multiple nights in Lisbon and Porto, we get the chance to explore around this country with these historic cities as our base. Indulge in tasting great wines, wander through cobblestone streets, be awed by impressive cathedrals and monuments, soak up the sunshine, and be fascinated by this picturesque country on the edge of Europe.


Itinerary

Day 1: Overnight Flight from Canada to Lisbon 

Depart Canada on overnight flight to Lisbon (various departure points available).

Day 2: Arrive in Lisbon

Arrive in Lisbon where we'll be met by our local guide and board our coach to the Belem Carter. We'll begin by stopping at the famed Pasteis de Belem, where we can grab a late breakfast. We will then visit some of Lisbon's landmarks: the UNESCO World Heritage site of “Mosteiro dos Jerónimos”, Monument to the Discoveries, and Belém Tower before driving to the hotel for our check-in. Have a few hours at leisure to explore or unpack before we head to a local restaurant for a welcome dinner. Meals: Dinner | Accommodation: Hotel Expo Astoria

Day 3: Lisbon - Sintra

After our breakfast we will depart for our day, first exploring Saint Jorge Castle which overlooks Lisbon before heading to Sintra by coach. Sintra, a small village built against the northern slope of the Serra de Sintra Mountains is well-known by its charming narrow roads enveloped in lush greenery, its climbing flowers and vines that trail from mossy walls and balconies. We will visit the National Town Palace, a National Monument which is a mixture of architectural styles, combining Gothic, Mudejar and Renaissance work, with superb 15th and 16th century Azulejos (hand painted wall tiles) in the main halls and Chapel. After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant we return to Lisbon for dinner at your leisure. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch  | Accommodation: Hotel Expo Astoria

Day 4: Lisbon - Arrabida - Sesimbra

After our breakfast we head to the Arrabida region of Portugal for our day exploring this region. First we'll cross over the Tagus River on Europe's longest bridge before we arrive at ancient Palmela Castle, spotting Lisbon in the distance from this high point. Then, stretch your legs for some leisure time at Portinho da Arrabida Beach and meander the fishing town of Sesimbra. Drive on to Arrabida Natural Park and see the stunning beauty of the Atlantic coast as our coach drives along winding mountain roads to Azeitão, where we will taste local wines during our visit to a famous wine cellar in this region before returning to Lisbon for a late lunch and evening at your leisure. Meals: Breakfast  | Accommodation: Hotel Expo Astoria


Day 5: Lisbon -Óbidos -Fátima

Today we'll leave Lisbon after breakfast and head towards Fátima, stopping at the famed walled town of Óbidos. Enjoy a traditional shot of Ginjinha (cherry liqueur) or take some time to shop for souvenirs in this charming town of winding streets and historic buildings. We'll then drive to Nazaré, a coastal town which holds the record for the world's highest waves. Have a chance to see Nazaré's fish mongers on the shore before we enjoy our lunch at a local restaurant. We will then travel along towards Fátima stopping to explore the Batalha Monastery before arriving for our one night stay. Dinner at leisure. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: Hotel Regina

Day 6: Fátima - Coimbra - Porto

Our morning starts after breakfast with a tour of the Catholic shrine of Our Lady of Fátima, one of the most famous in the world. After some time at this place of pilgrimage, we'll continue on to Coimbra, home to one  of the oldest universities in Europe. Wander through the historic part of this town and find a bakery or cafe to enjoy lunch before returning to our coach for the drive to Porto and check in at the hotel. Dinner at your leisure. Meals: Breakfast | Accommodation: Grand Hotel Do Porto

Day 7: Porto

Today we visit the city of Porto. More than just a place of pilgrimage for port wine lovers – although this unique industry is among the many attractions of Portugal's second city. Straddling the River Douro just a few kilometres inland from the Atlantic, the old city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. After our morning tour that will include a stop at the Saint Francis Church, we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to our hotel. Enjoy the afternoon and evening at your leisure. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: Grande Hotel Do Porto

Day 8: Porto

Breakfast at the hotel and then we head to the harbour for a short habour cruise that will take us under the famed Six Bridges of the River Douro, allowing us to view the city from the water. After our 50 minute cruise, we disembark and stop at a local wine cellar for a visit and wine tasting. Lunch and afternoon will be at your leisure, and we'll meet again for dinner that evening. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Accommodation: Grand Hotel Do Porto

Day 9: Porto

Our last day in Porto is yours to enjoy on your own. There's lots to see, from the famous bookstore Livaria Lello, said to have inspired J.K. Rowling when she wrote the Harry Potter series, to museums, cathedrals, shops, and more. Pick up some pottery or tile jewelry to take home. Hop on the train and head to a local beach or consider a day trip out of Porto into the Douro Valley where terraced hillsides are planted with acres and acres of grapevines. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Accommodation: Grand Hotel Do Porto

Day 10: Lisbon

We'll head back to Lisbon from Porto after breakfast and have the rest of the day to see parts of Lisbon you may have missed catching earlier in the tour. Lunch and dinner will be your own. Meals: Dinner | Accommodation: Hotel Expo Astoria

Day 11: Depart Lisbon for Canada

Breakfast at the hotel before heading to the airport for our departure from Portugal.

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