Portugal has been inhabited for thousands of years and its national boundaries have been defined for eight centuries. Its unique culture is the result of the mixture of the many peoples who settled here as well as those that the Portuguese explorers encountered on their global journeys of discovery. There are 24 classifications by UNESCO in Portugal, including monuments, landscapes and intangible heritage. Portuguese cuisine has everything to please the most discerning palate, including excellent wines, quality olive oil, and genuine products essential for a healthy Mediterranean Diet.
Our newly designed 9 Days/8 Nights Majestic Portugal for 2021 will feature colorful Lisbon for three nights, Romanesque Coimbra for two night and gateway to the Duoro River Valley, Porto for three nights with visits to ornate palaces, picturesque fishing villages, the awe inspiring Sanctuary of Fatima, austere monasteries, imposing castles, sprawling vineyards and historic landmarks. Be swept away by traditional Fado music, enjoy exceptional wines, and immerse yourself in Portugal’s rich cultural heritage.
Included Features
- Eight nights’ accommodation in select centrally located hotels
- Buffet breakfast daily, hotel taxes, and service
- Airport transfer by private car and driver (arrival into Lisbon, and departure from Porto)
- Private chauffeur-driven car or van transfers throughout
- Welcome Dinner and Fado Music Review in Lisbon
- Full day private guided sightseeing of Lisbon and Sintra, a Unesco World Heritage Site
- Full day private guided excursion to Azetao and Evora in the Alentejo Region
- Winery visit, wine tasting in Azetao of the famous Moscatel Wine
- Guided sightseeing tour of Evora, a Unesco World Heritage Site
- Visits to the medieval village of Obidos and quaint fishing village of Nazare
- Full day excursion to Batalha and the Sanctuary of Fatima with the Capelinha das Aparições
- Guided city tour of Coimbra, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities
- Excursion to Aveiro, the “Venice” of Portugal
- Scenic river boat tour on the Ria de Aveiro
- Full day guided sightseeing of Porto, Braga and Guimaraes, the second capital of Portugal
- Winery visit, wine tasting and lunch with wine in Porto
Private guide service for all tours and in each city are available at additional cost. Please inquiry within.
Itinerary
Day 1 – LISBON
Welcome
Welcome Dinner & Fado Review
Arrival by private car with driver from Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado International Airport. Transfer to your centrally located hotel. Time to relax and adjust to the time difference before going to a typical restaurant for our Welcome Dinner featuring local specialties while serenaded by the sounds of a Fado Music Review accompanied by traditional guitars. Overnight.
DAY 2 - LISBON – SINTRA - LISBON
Breakfast
Buffet breakfast at hotel and depart for a full day to explore Lisbon and its surroundings. In a city that has been influenced by many different cultures over time, there is still a village feel in each historic neighborhood. Stroll through the Pombaline grid of streets in the Baixa district that opens on to the Tagus River in Praca do Comercio, then follow the river to discover some of the city' s most beautiful parts: the monumental area of Belem with its World Heritage monuments, the medieval district of Alfama which contrasts with the latest contemporary leisure spaces, such as the Parque das Nacoes. Proceed to Sintra , a beautiful village declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. . Discover the charms and history of Sintra, explore the historic center and don't forget to taste the local delights: travesseiros and queijadas ( not included). Return to the hotel and overnight in Lisbon.
DAY 3 - LISBON – AZEITAO – EVORA – LISBON
Breakfast/Wine Tasting
Buffet breakfast at hotel and depart for a full day excursion to Azeitao and Evora. Meet your local guide and proceed south and cross the 25th April Bridge over Tagus River. Proceed to Azeitao, a wine town surrounded by lush vineyards, olive and cork trees. Adorned with country palaces, running fountains and narrow alleyways, it is famous for its wines, olives and creamy sheep’s cheese, prized as one of the best in the country. At the entrance to the village stands the classical Távoras Palace, one of the great families of Portugal. Its coat of arms was erased by order of the Marquês de Pombal when the Duke of Aveiro was arrested inside the palace for his alleged complicity in the plot to murder King José. Located in the center of town, and open to visitors all year round, the José Maria da Fonseca cellars produce the region’s renowned muscatel wine, as well as a wide variety of popular red and white table wines.to visit a typical wine cellar and taste the famous "Moscatel" wine. Enjoy a wine tasting before setting off to Evora, standing in the middle of the beautiful plains of the Alentejo. This walled city is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site We will visit the Roman Temple, dating back to the3rd century AD and unearthed in the 19th century. We will visit the curious 17th century Chapel of Bones with its pillars and walls covered by bones, Free time for lunch on your own. Return to Lisbon for overnight.
DAY 4 - LISBON – OBIDOS – NAZARE – COIMBRA
Breakfast
Buffet breakfast at hotel and check out. We depart Lisbon via private car and English speaking driver to the north of Portugal, passing the charming village of Obidos, one of the finest examples of a Portuguese walled town. Historically, Obidos was presented to the Queen of Portugal on her Wedding Day, a tradition that began in 1214 with Queen Urraca and continued until the 19th century. This Royal patronage left an enduring legacy of pride within the town. Travel back in time in this walled medieval town and admire its Gothic churches and the narrow winding streets in stone. Continue to Nazare, a picturesque and colorful fishing village, also considered very traditional in nature. The village is also known for its big waves, a surfer’s paradise! Free time for lunch on your own before proceeding to Coimbra, a university town on the Mondego River in the central part of the country. Overnight.
DAY 5 - COIMBRA – BATALHA – FATIMA - COIMBRA
Breakfast
Buffet breakfast at hotel and depart for a full day of discovery. Meet your private English speaking driver and depart for Batalha, famous for its Gothic Monastery with its finely crafted stained glass windows, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Fatima, one of the most important Catholic shrines in the world. Every year, it welcomes millions of pilgrims from all over the world, Free time to visit the Sanctuary,the Capelinha das Aparições, and outdoor shrines. We return to Coimbra in the late afternoon.
DAY 6 - COIMBRA –AVEIRO – PORTO
Breakfast
Buffet breakfast at hotel and check out. Meet your local English speaking guide for a half day visit of Coimbra, the city of students, so called to host one of the oldest universities in Europe and the most important of the country. Stroll through the oldest part of Coimbra, with its narrow cobble stone streets that lead to the top of the hill. Proceed with our driver to Aveiro, also known as "the Venice of Portugal, extensively crossed by canals throughout giving the city an individual character. Embark on a scenic boat tour along the Ria de Aveiro. Continue to Porto for overnight.
DAY 7 - PORTO – BRAGA – GUIMARAES – PORTO
Breakfast/Wine Tasting
Buffet breakfast at hotel and depart for a guided city tour. A magnificent location near the mouth of the Douro River and an architectonic ensemble of exceptional value, the historic center of Porto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will discover during a walking tour places like, the 121h century Cathedral (visit not included), the magnificent Sao Bento Station, the traditional Ribeira Square, walk along the bridge until Vila Nova de Gaia to visit a Port Wine Cellar and taste this tawny wine. Time free lunch for lunch on your own.
In the afternoon we proceed to Braga, one of the oldest Christian cities in the world with a vast religious heritage as are the sanctuaries that make up the triangle of faith : The Cathedral and the Sanctuaries of Born Jesus and Sameiro. We continue to Guimaraes, considered the cradle of Portugal, where Afonso Henriques was born, the first King of Portugal. Associated with the formation and identity of Portugal, the historic center of Guimares a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Return to Porto to Overnight.
DAY 8 - PORTO – DUORO RIVER VALLEY–BRAGA – PORTO
Breakfast/Wine Tasting with Lunch
Departure with our driver to the phenomenal Douro Region, the first demarcated wine region of the World (1756) and where the famous Port Wine is produced. You'll be able to learn more about the production of the wines, while enjoying the beautiful landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. The tour through the Douro Valley is ideal for getting to know the culture of wine of the region of the Douro Valley, the culture of the people and the great natural beauty of the River and the Valley of the Douro River, without doubt one of the most beautiful in Europe. Stop for a wine tasting followed by lunch with wine in a local vineyard. We return to Porto in the late afternoon. Overnight.
DAY 9 - PORTO – USA
Breakfast
Buffet breakfast at hotel and check out. Private car transfer to Porto’s Francisco Sa’ Carneiro Airport for your return flight to the States, or extend your stay. Até logo!
Accommodation, Departure Dates and Prices
FIRST CLASS PACKAGE
Hotel Mundial in Lisbon
Hotel Vila Gale’ in Coimbra
Hotel Vila Gale’ in Porto
Or Similar
PRICING PER PERSON, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
VALID FOR TRAVEL NOVEMBER 1, 2020 – MARCH 31, 2021*
PARTY SIZE FIRST CLASS PACKAGE CAR, VAN & DRIVER
2 Participants $4,499.00
3 Participants $3,599.00
4 Participants $3,399.00
6 Participants $2,599.00
8 Participants $2,299.00
Single Supplement $725.00 per person
*Dec. 24, 2020 – Jan. 01, 2021 departures are available for a supplement.
VALID FOR TRAVEL APRIL 1, 2021- OCTOBER 31, 2021*
PARTY SIZE FIRST CLASS PACKAGE CAR, VAN & DRIVER
2 Participants $4,799.00
3 Participants $3,849.00
4 Participants $3,599.00
6 Participants $2,849.00
8 Participants $2.499.00
Single Supplement $999.00 per person
*Easter departures are available for a supplement.
Larger parties welcome, please contact us for a price quote.
Rates and availabilities are subject to change according to Holiday departure date. Please inquiry within.
Portugal has been inhabited for thousands of years and its national boundaries have been defined for eight centuries. Its unique culture is the result of the mixture of the many peoples who settled here as well as those that the Portuguese explorers encountered on their global journeys of discovery. There are 24 classifications by UNESCO in Portugal, including monuments, landscapes and intangible heritage. Portuguese cuisine has everything to please the most discerning palate, including excellent wines, quality olive oil, and genuine products essential for a healthy Mediterranean Diet.
Our newly designed 9 Days/8 Nights Majestic Portugal for 2021 will feature colorful Lisbon for three nights, Romanesque Coimbra for two night and gateway to the Duoro River Valley, Porto for three nights with visits to ornate palaces, picturesque fishing villages, the awe inspiring Sanctuary of Fatima, austere monasteries, imposing castles, sprawling vineyards and historic landmarks. Be swept away by traditional Fado music, enjoy exceptional wines, and immerse yourself n Portugal’s rich cultural heritage.
Included Features
- Eight nights’ accommodation in select centrally located hotels
- Buffet breakfast daily, hotel taxes, and service
- Airport transfer by private car and driver (arrival into Lisbon, and departure from Porto)
- 3 nights in Lisbon at the deluxe Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Hotel or similar
- 2 nights in Coimbra at the deluxe Quinta das Lagrimas Hotel or similar
- 3 nights in Porto at deluxe Pestana Vintage Hotel Porto or similar
- Private chauffeur-driven car or van transfers throughout
- Welcome Dinner and Fado Music Review in Lisbon
- Full day private guided sightseeing of Lisbon and Sintra, a Unesco World Heritage Site
- Full day private guided excursion to Azetao and Evora in the Alentejo Region
- Winery visit, wine tasting in Azetao of the famous Moscatel Wine
- Guided sightseeing tour of Evora, a Unesco World Heritage Site
- Visits to the medieval village of Obidos and quaint fishing village of Nazare
- Full day excursion to Batalha and the Sanctuary of Fatima with the Capelinha das Aparições
- Guided city tour of Coimbra, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities
- Excursion to Aveiro, the “Venice” of Portugal
- Scenic river boat tour on the Ria de Aveiro
- Full day guided sightseeing of Porto, Braga and Guimaraes, the second capital of Portugal
- Winery visit, wine tasting and lunch with wine in Porto
Private guide service for all tours and in each city are available at additional cost. Please inquiry within.
Itinerary
DAY 1 – LISBON
Welcome Dinner & Fado Review
Arrival by private car with driver from Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado International Airport. Transfer to your centrally located hotel. Time to relax and adjust to the time difference before going to a typical restaurant for our Welcome Dinner featuring local specialties while serenaded by the sounds of a Fado Music Review accompanied by traditional guitars.
Overnight.
DAY 2 – LISBON – SINTRA - LISBON
Breakfast
Buffet breakfast at hotel and depart for a full day to explore Lisbon and its surroundings. In a city that has been influenced by many different cultures over time, there is still a village feel in each historic neighborhood. Stroll through the Pombaline grid of streets in the Baixa district that opens on to the Tagus River in Praca do Comercio, then follow the river to discover some of the city' s most beautiful parts: the monumental area of Belem with its World Heritage monuments, the medieval district of Alfama which contrasts with the latest contemporary leisure spaces, such as the Parque das Nacoes. Proceed to Sintra , a beautiful village declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. . Discover the charms and history of Sintra, explore the historic center and don't forget to taste the local delights: travesseiros and queijadas ( not included). Return to the hotel and overnight in Lisbon.
DAY 3 – LISBON – AZEITAO – EVORA – LISBON
Breakfast/Wine Tasting
Buffet breakfast at hotel and depart for a full day excursion to Azeitao and Evora. Meet your local guide and proceed south and cross the 25th April Bridge over Tagus River. Proceed to Azeitao, a wine town surrounded by lush vineyards, olive and cork trees. Adorned with country palaces, running fountains and narrow alleyways, it is famous for its wines, olives and creamy sheep’s cheese, prized as one of the best in the country. At the entrance to the village stands the classical Távoras Palace, one of the great families of Portugal. Its coat of arms was erased by order of the Marquês de Pombal when the Duke of Aveiro was arrested inside the palace for his alleged complicity in the plot to murder King José. Located in the center of town, and open to visitors all year round, the José Maria da Fonseca cellars produce the region’s renowned muscatel wine, as well as a wide variety of popular red and white table wines.to visit a typical wine cellar and taste the famous "Moscatel" wine. Enjoy a wine tasting before setting off to Evora, standing in the middle of the beautiful plains of the Alentejo. This walled city is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site We will visit the Roman Temple, dating back to the3rd century AD and unearthed in the 19th century. We will visit the curious 17th century Chapel of Bones with its pillars and walls covered by bones, Free time for lunch on your own. Return to Lisbon for overnight.
DAY 4 – LISBON - OBIDOS - NAZARE - COIMBRA
Breakfast
Buffet breakfast at hotel and check out. We depart Lisbon via private car and English speaking driver to the north of Portugal, passing the charming village of Obidos, one of the finest examples of a Portuguese walled town. Historically, Obidos was presented to the Queen of Portugal on her Wedding Day, a tradition that began in 1214 when Queen Urraca and continued until the 19th century. This Royal patronage left an enduring legacy of pride within the town. Travel back in time in this walled medieval town and admire its Gothic churches and the narrow winding streets in stone. Continue to Nazare, a picturesque and colorful fishing village, also considered very traditional in nature. The village is also known for its big waves, a surfer's paradise! Free time for lunch on your own before proceeding to Coimbra, a university town on the Mondego River in the central part of the country. Overnight.
DAY 5 – COIMBRA –BATALHA - FATIMA - COIMBRA
Breakfast
Buffet breakfast at hotel and depart for a full day of discovery. Meet your private English speaking driver and depart for Batalha, famouse for its Gothic Monastery with its finely crafted stained glass windows, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Fatima, one of the most important Catholic Shrines in the world. Every year, it welcomes millions of pilgrims from all over the world. Free time to visit the Sanctuary, the Capelinha das Aparicoes, and outdoor shrines. We return to Coimbra in the late afternoon.
DAY 6 – COIMBRA - AVEIRO - PORTO
Breakfast
Buffet breakfast at hotel and check out. Meet your local English speaking guide for a half day visit of Coimbra, the city of students, so called to host one of the oldest universities in Europe and the most important of the country. Stroll through the oldest part of Coimbra, with its narrow cobble stone streets that lead to the top of the hill. Proceed with our driver to Aveiro, also known as "the Venice of Portugal, extensively crossed by canals throughout giving the city an individual character. Embark on a scenic boat tour along the Ria de Aveiro. Continue to Porto for overnight.
DAY 7 – PORTO –BRAGA - GUIMARAES - PORTO
Breakfast/Wine Tasting
Buffet breakfast at hotel and depart for a guided city tour. A magnificent location near the mouth of the Douro River and an architectonic ensemble of exceptional value, the historic center of Porto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will discover during a walking tour places like, the 121h century Cathedral (visit not included), the magnificent Sao Bento Station, .the traditional Ribeira Square, walk along the bridge until Vila Nova de Gaia to visit a Port Wine Cellar and taste this tawny wine. Time free lunch for lunch on your own. In the afternoon we proceed to Braga, one of the oldest Christian cities in the world with a vast religious heritage as are the sanctuaries that make up the triangle of faith : The Cathedral and the Sanctuaries of Born Jesus and Sameiro. We continue to Guimaraes, considered the cradle of Portugal, where Afonso Henriques was born, the first King of Portugal. Associated with the formation and identity of Portugal, the historic center of Guimares a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Return to Porto to Overnight.
DAY 8 – PORTO – DUORO RIVER VALLEY - BRAGA - PORTO
Breakfast / Wine Tasting with Lunch
Beparture with our driver to the phenomenal Douro Region, the first demarcated wine region of the World (1756) and where the famous Port Wine is produced. You'll be able to learn more about the production of the wines, while enjoying the beautiful landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. The tour through the Douro Valley is ideal for getting to know the culture of wine of the region of the Douro Valley, the culture of the people and the great natural beauty of the River and the Valley of the Douro River, without doubt one of the most beautiful in Europe. Stop for a wine tasting followed by lunch with wine in a local vineyard. We return to Porto in the late afternoon. Overnight.
DAY 9 - PORTO - USA
Breakfast
Buffet breakfast at hotel and check out. Private car transfer to Porto’s Francisco Sa’ Carneiro Airport for your return flight to the States, or extend your stay. Até logo!
Accommodation, Departure Dates and Prices
DELUXE PACKAGE
Hotel Tivoli Avenida Liberdade in Lisbon
Hotel Quinta das Lagrimas in Coimbra
Hotel Pestana Vintage in Porto
Or Similar
PRICING PER PERSON, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
VALID FOR TRAVEL November 1, 2020 – March 31, 2021*
PARTY SIZE FIRST CLASS PACKAGE CAR, VAN & DRIVER
2 Participants $5,099.00
3 Participants $4,199.00
4 Participants $3,999.00
6 Participants $3,249.00
8 Participants $2,849.00
Single Supplement $1,350.00 per person
*Dec. 24, 2020 – Jan. 01, 2021 departures are available for a supplement.
VALID FOR TRAVEL APRIL 1, 2021- OCTOBER 31, 2021*
PARTY SIZE FIRST CLASS PACKAGE CAR, VAN & DRIVER
2 Participants $5,549.00
3 Participants $4.669.00
4 Participants $4,399.00
6 Participants $3,669.00
8 Participants $3.299.00
Single Supplement $1.550.00 per person
*Easter departures are available for a supplement.
Larger parties welcome, please contact us for a price quote.
Rates and availabilities are subject to change according to Holiday departure date. Please inquiry within.