Sunny Portugal with Porto

Arrive in Porto, a former industrial city steeped in history. Porto’s Baroque and modernist architecture blend to create an artistic heritage that's earned a UNESCO designation. With no scheduled sightseeing today, spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. Here, you’ll find quiet cafés perfect for sipping a glass of port wine and watching the world go by. You may choose to venture out and head toward the Douro River, where so much of the history of this city started. Depending on your flight arrival time, join your Tour Manager and fellow travelers this evening for a welcome reception at your hotel.

Get ready for a full and intense day of discovery. Begin with a walking tour led by a local expert, exploring charming cobblestone streets and the vibrant atmosphere Porto is known for. As you make your way towards the Palácio da Bolsa, pass by the São Bento Railway Station, renowned for its azulejo (tile) panels depicting scenes from Portuguese history. At Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace), take in the grandeur of the Arab Room with its lavish Moorish-inspired decor. Stroll through the historic Ribeira District, a UNESCO World Heritage site, bursting with colorful building facades and lively riverside cafés. Next, cross the bridge into the neighboring city of Vila Nova de Gaia, tracing the historic paths of Portugal's wine merchants. Tour a traditional wine cellar, indulging in the rich flavors of vintage wines that have made this region famous worldwide. Cap off your day with a scenic cruise along the Douro River, passing under Porto's magnificent bridges and taking in breathtaking views of the city. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

The day is yours to enjoy. Perhaps you’ll decide to visit Livraria Lello,* one of the world's most beautiful bookstores, or climb the Clérigos Tower for panoramic views of the city. Don’t miss a stop at a local restaurant to try a famous delicacy, the francesinha: a multi-tiered sandwich topped with savory sauce and a fried egg. Alternatively, you might choose to join an optional excursion to the charming cities of Braga and Guimarães.

This morning, say goodbye to Porto. En route to the Portuguese Riviera, enjoy some free time to experience the city of Aveiro. This enchanting city is known for its canals and its egg-yolk desserts, loved by the Portuguese, and has a rich history and heritage fueled by its canals and Atlantic Ocean. After lunch on your own, the day’s journey continues. The next stop is Fatima with some free time to visit the Chapel of the Apparitions, commemorating the Virgin Mary's appearance to three young shepherds in 1917. As you arrive in the Portuguese Riviera, mansions scattered throughout Cascais and Monte Estoril hint at this area’s history as a haven for exiled European royals and nobility. Settle into your hotel before joining your fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant.

Explore the picture-perfect city of Obidos, where white-washed houses sit snug within medieval city walls, and toast with a ginjinha, a sour cherry liqueur served in a small chocolate cup. Continue on to Sintra (UNESCO), a breathtaking hub that served as the summer residence of Portuguese kings for six centuries. Then, it’s your choice! Explore the quaint hilltop village of Sintra and take some time to wander through its winding streets -OR- join a guided tour of the National Palace of Sintra, considered the best-preserved medieval palace in Portugal.

Today, make your way through Portugal’s charming countryside. Visit a family-owned cork factory and learn about the product’s importance to the local economy and why Portugal is the world’s top cork producer. Your journey then takes you to Évora (UNESCO). A traditional Alentejo lunch will be waiting for you, accompanied by Cante Alentejano music (UNESCO). In the afternoon, with your local expert, take time to explore this medieval walled city and see its well-preserved Roman temple up close.

It's your day to experience the Algarve on your own. Geraniums, camellias, and oleanders grow alongside fig, orange, and almond trees, while brightly colored fishing boats bob in the sea. Protected by hills to the north and warmed by the sea, the Algarve’s mild climate and beautiful beaches attract visitors from all over the world. You may choose to join an optional boat tour** today that gets you closer to some of the most famous coastal scenery in Portugal.

This morning, venture along the coast to discover the importance of the sardine canning industry in the Algarve. Then, continue to Monchique, a mountain village nestled within a rich landscape, to learn the secrets of regional bread and fruits. Sample them with a savory picnic lunch featuring freshly prepared Algarve seasonal and local specialties. Return to Lagos for an evening at leisure.

En route to Lisbon, stop in Setúbal, a colorful industrial city and one of southern Europe's best-kept secrets. See the Mercado (Farmers Market) do Livramento up close. It’s considered one of the best fish markets in the world, and it’s also rich with displays of fresh fruits and vegetables. Continue your journey to your last destination, Lisbon, Portugal's vibrant capital city. You might want to relax for the night, or you could choose to join an optional night of traditional fado music, a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage highlight, performed by local artists.

Decide how you want to explore Lisbon today, because it’s your choice! Discover the art and tradition of Portuguese sidewalks during a locally led walking tour -OR- venture with your Tour Manager on foot and discover the city through the lens of the businesses and streets connected with the country's most loved fish, bacalhau (salted codfish). After, travel to Belém and see the iconic Belém Tower (UNESCO). See the facade of the 16th-century Jeronimos Monastery (UNESCO) and learn about the importance of this iconic site. Bid Portugal goodbye during dinner and celebrate the end of your unforgettable journey.

Your tour ends today.