Heartbeat of Portugal / oct 1 - 11, 2023
Small Group Private Tour with Susan Duval
A country of historically mixed fortunes, Portugal is the westernmost part of continental Europe and a true delight for even the most sophisticated traveler. Saudade is a uniquely Portuguese word to describe a deep longing for something. It’s a sensation with no easy translation, but you can hear it in the soulful voice of a fado musician, detect it in the vibrant colors of mosaics, or even savor it in a glass of sweet port wine. From the Algarve’s dramatic coastline to the terraces of the Douro Valley wine region, from Lisbon’s steep cobbled streets to Mystical Fatima, Portugal is packed with history, beauty and some of the most welcoming people you’ll ever encounter. Hiding an excellent collection of old-world cities, sunny beaches, forested hills, and incredible castles, this is a country that continues to surprise and delight you at every turn.
Tour Daily Itinerary:
NOTE: Depart USA to Porto, Portugal Sat Sept. 30 (Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport ) overnight flight arriving morning of Oct. 1, 2023
Day 1: Oct 1, 2023 Sunday / Arrive in Porto, Portugal - D
Upon arrival, your driver will be there for a group transfer to your centrally located hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free to rest, relax and get to know Porto. Welcome Dinner at the Hotel Hotel Vila Gale Porto or similar
Day 2: Oct 2 / Mon / Porto B, L
After breakfast you meet your guide who will take you on an exhilarating walking tour of Porto's main landmarks. Located along the Douro river estuary in northern Portugal, Porto encompasses one of the oldest European town centers which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The first stop is the iconic Lavario Lello Bookshop, the oldest bookshop in Portugal where J.K.Rowling, author of"Harry Potter" spent a lot of time when she taught English in Porto.
Lunch in city Centre in Ribeira Quarter Restaurant Chez Lapin
During the tour you also admire the most iconic city monuments, including the railway station of Sao Bento, the Porto Cathedral and San Francisco Church. After your tour and lunch, the rest of the afternoon is free to explore on your own. Hotel Vila Gale Porto
Day 3: Oct 3 / Tues / Douro Valley - B, L
Day Trip to the Douro Valley & Port Wine Tasting After breakfast meet your guide-driver who takes you on a full day tour to the breathtaking Douro Valley Wine Region. A famous UNESCO Heritage Site recognized as the best river destination of Europe. Begin in the historical city of Amarante, where you see the impressive Bridge and Sao Goncalo Church and then make a stop in Regua - the center of the Port wine region. The highlight of the tour is a visit to Quinta Do Seixo known for its amazing view from the top of the mountain to the vineyards. Here you are treated to a wine tasting and lunch. Your route then takes you along one of the most beautiful roads of Portugal to the small town of Pinhão, where you see beautiful blue tin-glazed ceramic tilework called Azulejos at the famous railway station. Return to Porto, dinner on your own to enjoy a local restaurant. Hotel Vila Gale Porto
Day 4: Oct 4 / Wed / Coimbra – B,L,D
Morning check-out and travel to Coimbra where your guide will take you on a half-day walking tour. Coimbra, located in the heart of Portugal, was the medieval capital for more than 100 years and is the oldest university city in Portugal. Monumental, inspiring, and surprisingly charming, the city faces the Mondego River, crowned by the University and its stunning baroque library. Afterward enjoy lunch at O Trovador and then free time before dinner at the hotel. Hotel Vila Gale Coimbra
Day 5: Oct 5 / Thursday / Fatima / Obidos / Lisbon – B,D
Following breakfast check begin the trip to Obidos, with a stop in Fatima. Fatima, famous for its Sanctuary of Fatima that is the largest place of worship in Portugal. Then continue to the charming town of Obidos and admire its medieval castle dating back to the 12th century and the authentic white painted houses with terracotta tiled roofs. Your final destination is the city of Lisbon, the fabulous capital of Portugal! Upon arrival check-in at your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon exploring the magnificent city center on your own,
or rest and relax before dinner at the hotel. Lisbon Hotel Mundial
Day 6: Oct 6 / Friday / Highlights of Lisbon B,L
After breakfast enjoy a walking tour of Lisbon with your guide to the most famous attractions, including Restauradores Square with the Obelisk commemorating the Restoration of Portugal’s independence from Spain in 1640. Take a funicular up to the Bairro Alto and admire the view of the Mouraria district, the Sao Jorge Castle and the charming neighborhood of Chiado abundant in old cafés, shops and theaters. Then proceed to Baixa including Rossio Square and learn how the city was destroyed in 1755 by a massive earthquake; then totally rebuilt to become the city of today. Continue to Alfama Lisbon’s oldest district to admire Se Cathedral - the city’s oldest church and Commerce Square, then continue to Belem to visit the Belem Quarter, where you admire the Jerónimos Monastery. Stop for photos at the ancient Belem Tower and Monument. Lunch at Cozinha Da Estacao. Free time, dinner on your own. Lisbon Hotel Mundial
Day 7: Oct 7 / Saturday / Full Day trip Sintra – B,L
Today begin an exciting day-trip to one of Portugal's most beautiful destinations Sintra; famous for its fairy-tale castles and beautiful scenery. Take the shuttle bus up to visit the lovely Pena Palace. Afterward enjoy lunch at Restaurante Curral Dos. Head back to Lisbon with a stop at Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point in Europe. Continue with a stop in Cascais and Estoril. Dinner on your own this evening. Lisbon Hotel Mundial
Day 8: Oct 8 / Sunday / Lisbon to Algarve – B, D
After breakfast, board your tour bus and head south to the Algarve area and check into your resort hotel with beach access. Afternoon free time to explore the surrounding area or visit the beach.
Dinner at the hotel Hotel Vila Gale Lagos
Day 9: Oct 9 / Monday / Algarve
Benagil Sea Caves Tour – B
Morning free time to enjoy the hotel amenities, walk the beach and enjoy lunch at one of the beach restaurants. After lunch visit one of the most beautiful locations in the Algarve on a boat tour to the Benagil Sea Caves, located just past Portimão. Sail past towering limestone cliffs, secret beaches, and rugged coastline until you reach the caves where your skipper guides you inside to admire the hole in its roof. Dinner on your own at the resort or local restaurant.
Hotel Vila Gale Lagos
Day 10: Oct 10 / Tuesday / Departure to Lisbon – B,D
After breakfast return to Lisbon to enjoy your last day in Portugal. Perhaps some final shopping for local treasures, explore more of Lisbon on your own or return to some of the attractions you especially enjoyed on your earlier walking tour. Enjoy your last night in Lisbon with a Group Farewell Dinner at the rooftop Restaurant Varanda de Lisboa and enjoy a beautiful view of the city, the Castle and the river. Lisbon Hotel Mundial
Day 11: Oct 11 / Wed / Departure from Lisbon to home city - B
Breakfast at the Hotel and then group transfer to the airport for your flight home. You leave with new connections with new travel friends and wonderful memories of a Magical Adventure in Portugal.
Welcome Home!