Portugal’s Golden Cities

8 days
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Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Spend seven nights exploring three diverse cities on this Portugal adventure! You'll start in the vibrant capital, where history, art, and energy blends beautifully with Portugal's culture of leisure.  Continue onto Coimbra, Portugal's former capital. Explore the country's oldest university, discover imposing cathedrals tucked away in narrow alleys, and even...
$1,937
From$1,694
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Overview

Trip type
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Enjoy sweeping views of Lisbon from São Jorge Castle, a Moorish wonderland that sits perched upon a hilltop overlooking the city.
    • Explore the grounds of the historic University of Coimbra, Portugal's oldest university.
    • In Coimbra, hear the haunting melodies of Portugese Fado, sung only by men.
    • Indulge in Portugal's famous cuisine. Be sure to try bacalhau, caldo verde, and pastel de nata.
    • Treat yourself to a ride down Porto's Douro River, enjoying scenic valley views and indulging in a glass (or two) of local wine.

What's this trip about?

    Spend seven nights exploring three diverse cities on this Portugal adventure! You'll start in the vibrant capital, where history, art, and energy blends beautifully with Portugal's culture of leisure.  Continue onto Coimbra, Portugal's former capital. Explore the country's oldest university, discover imposing cathedrals tucked away in narrow alleys, and even visit a royal burial chamber or two! The final leg of your adventure brings you to picturesque Porto, where historic squares, idyllic riverbanks, and famous Port Wines await! Spend days strolling through royal gardens, and evenings enjoying locally produced wine while taking advantage of Portugal's vibrant nightlife. 

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIndependent
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transport
Start CityLisbon
End CityPortugal

Travel Themes

  • Culinary & Wine
  • Local Immersion & Homestays
  • Relaxing Retreats

Destinations

Attractions

  • Coimbra
  • Lisbon
  • Porto

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic Sightseeing
  • History
  • Homestays & Cultural Immersion
  • Independent
  • Relaxing Retreat
  • Wine Tasting

Trip includes

    • Round-trip economy class airfare into Lisbon (LIS), out of Porto (OPO)
    • Manual car rental for duration- upgrade to automatic available
    • 3 nights in Lisbon at the Hotel Lisboa Plaza, or similar
    • 2 nights in Coimbra at the Hotel Tivoli Coimbra, or similar
    • 2 nights in Porto at Hotel Carris Porto Ribeira, or similar
    • Breakfast daily

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Itinerary

Day 1 Welcome to Lisbon!

Arrive at the airport, pick up your rental car, and make your way to picturesque Lisbon! Start your Portugese adventure by navigating through the maze-like streets of Alfama, Lisbon's oldest district.

Take a ride on the iconic Tram 28, where you'll pass through the city's historic neighborhoods, streets, and hills while aboard a train dating back to the 1930s! 

Day 2 Lisbon

Spend an entire day discovering the sights and secrets of Lisbon today! Head to the historic district of Belem, where ancient monuments and extravagant castles await. Discover the cloisters and stone carvings of Jeronimos Monastery, then wind down at the pictur...

Day 3 Lisbon

Continue exploring Lisbon today, or hop in your car and take a day trip to Sintra, about a 30-minute drive away. Discover the fairytale-like Pena Palace, enjoy sweeping views of the city at the Castle of the Moors, then discover the city's Moorish history at the Palace of Sintra.

Day 4 Lisbon - Coimbra

After breakfast, begin your journey north to Coimbra, a former home of the King of Portugal, Dom Afonso Henriques. Enjoy the rest of the day on your own, exploring this ancient city!

Tonight you may want to experience the city's famous twist on Portugal's popular musical style, Fado; in Coimbra the haunting melodies are sung only by men.

Day 5 Coimbra

Coimbra may be the country's former capital, but it is still the current capital of knowledge! Explore the grounds of the University of Coimbra, Portugal's oldest college, dating back to 1290.

Continue onto the religious highlights of the the city. Explor...

Day 6 Coimbra - Porto

This morning, depart Coimbra and drive approximately 80 miles to Porto. Start your adventure off in one of Porto's most famous and oldest districts: Ribiera. Make your way through the narrow streets, stopping at the many shops and cafes along the way!

Alo...

Day 7 Porto

Start your day off with a stroll through the picturesque Crystal Palace Gardens. Located at the highest part of the city, this royal garden provides visitors with sweeping views of Porto from above.

After, you may want to pay a visit to the modern artwork...

Day 8 Depart Portugal

Your tour of Portugal's golden cities come to an end today! Make your way to the airport for your departure flight; make sure to leave enough time to drop off your rental car at the rental area. 

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,694
Price per day$212
Last Updated: 1/7/2025

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Great Value Vacations.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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