Treasures of Portugal

Day 1: Depart USA.

Your exciting journey to the best cities in Portugal begins as you depart on your overnight flight to Porto.

Day 2: Arrive Porto (Portugal).

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: HF Ipanema Park Hotel

Arrive this morning in Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, where you’ll begin your guided tour on foot. See Porto’s beautiful historical center which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Walk along Avenida dos Aliados, the boulevard at the heart of Porto and see Porto Se Cathedral, the oldest surviving structure in the city. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel.

Day 3: Porto.

Meals: Breakfast

Today is at leisure to explore Porto independently. Consider an optional half-day excursion to Guimaraes, considered to be the birthplace of Portugal. While in Guimaraes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, explore the beautiful historic center with its magnificent castle and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, a medieval estate. You may also consider an optional Douro Boat Cruise. On this optional cruise you’ll enjoy a wine tasting with cheese as you take in the beautiful views of Porto.

Day 4: Porto/Coimbra.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Tivoli Coimbra Hotel

After breakfast this morning depart for Coimbra. Along the way stop in Aveiro, located on Portugal’s west coast and often called the Venice of Portugal for its canals and colorful boats. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the city’s urban heritage and culture as you walk the city’s narrow streets in the old quarter and see the beautiful pastel-colored homes. Next, visit Guarda, Portugal’s highest town at 3465 ft, where you’ll have time to wander Guarda’s unique squares and streets. Guarda’s height made it an ideal defensive sight and is believed to be a military base for Julius Caesar and later the Visgoths and Moors. Continue to Coimbra, an ancient city and the first capital of Portugal in the 12th century. This evening is at leisure.

Day 5: Coimbra.

Meals: Breakfast

Begin your sightseeing tour after breakfast, with a visit to the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The university was established in 1290 at the top of a hill overlooking the city, and has expanded over the centuries. Visit the Royal Palace which the University purchased from the Royal Family in 1597. Here, you’ll find the Great Hall of Acts where the school’s ceremonies are held, the Private Examination Room which used to be the King of Portugal’s bedroom and now serves as a room for graduate exams, and the Arms Room where the former Royal Academic Guards’ weapons are displayed. You’ll also see St. Michael’s Chapel which dates back to the 16th century, and the gorgeous Baroque Library. The balance of the day is at leisure.

Day 6: Coimbra/Fatima/Evora.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Vila Galé Évora Hotel

Depart after breakfast this morning for Evora. Along the way, stop in Tomar, a 12th-century settlement built by the Knights Templar. Continue to Fatima, where many believe three shepherd children saw visions of the Virgin Mary in 1917. Today, this famous Catholic pilgrimage site attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. Stop in Marvao, a beautiful medieval village with cobblestone streets and beautiful views from its hilltop. Later, arrive in Evora and check in at your hotel.

Day 7: Evora.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, travel to the highest point in the city to visit the Cathedral and Cloisters of Evora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This medieval cathedral’s first building was constructed between 1184 and 1204 and was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Continue to Evora’s Chapel of Bones, part of the Royal Church of St. Francis, where the walls and columns are decorated with thousands of human bones. Next, peruse the local handicraft and food markets, and then enjoy a wine tasting and olive tasting with snacks. The balance of the day is at leisure.

Day 8: Evora/Lisbon.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Mundial or similar

After breakfast this morning, depart for Lisbon. Explore Belem, Lisbon’s riverside district and see the 16th-century Monastery of Jeronimos, a prime example of Portuguese Manueline-style architecture. Next, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Belem Tower, where soldiers once watched the Tagus River for incoming invaders. You’ll also pass the Monument to the Discoveries which honors Portugal’s navigators who explored trade opportunities with the Orient and India. The balance of the day is at leisure.

Day 9: Lisbon.

Meals: Breakfast

Today is at leisure to explore Lisbon independently.

Day 10: Obidos Excursion.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Today, travel outside Lisbon to visit Obidos, a picturesque, medieval walled town. In the 13th century, Queen Isabel remarked on the beauty of Obidos and her husband gave the town to her as a gift, making Obidos part of the Queen’s estate. Today, visitors will find cobblestone streets lined with bookstores, whitewashed homes with splashes of blue and yellow paint, and a well-preserved hilltop castle. This afternoon, return to Libson where you’ll enjoy a farewell dinner with a Fado show, featuring traditional folk music. This music, which can be traced back to the early 1800’s, typically features a melancholic tune and includes mandolins and guitars.

Day 11: Lisbon/USA.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA. Return home full of wonderful memories of Portugal.