Best of Portugal from Lisbon to Porto & Coimbra Extension

Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon
Today you arrive in the glorious capital of Portugal - Lisbon! Upon arrival, your driver meets you and takes you to your downtown hotel for check-in.

The rest of the day is free for you to relax or start exploring the abundant heritage left here almost intact from one of the world's greatest kingdoms in history!

Day 2: Exploring the Highlights of Lisbon
After breakfast, you meet your guide and enjoy a panoramic walking sightseeing tour of Lisbon.

During the tour, you see the most famous attractions, including Restauradores Square with the Obelisk commemorating the Restoration of Portugal’s independence from Spain in 1640.

You take a funicular up to the Bairro Alto and admire the view of the Mouraria district and the Sao Jorge Castle, the charming neighborhood of Chiado abundant in old cafés, shops, and theaters.

Then you proceed to Baixa including Rossio Square, where you learn how the city was destroyed in 1755 by a massive earthquake, and 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.

After the tour, you return to your hotel and have some time for rest. In the evening you gather together with your fellow travellers to enjoy Fado Show with welcome dinner. The musical form of Fado was adopted as a part of Portuguese culture and is now a symbol of the nation. Show venue is located within walking distance from hotel.

Day 3: Trip to Sintra & Visit to the Belem Quarter
Following breakfast you meet your driver-guide and start your journey on an exciting day-trip to one of Portugal's most beautiful destinations - Sintra, that is famous for its fairy-tale castles and beautiful scenery. Upon arrival you visit the fairytale Pena Palace with a round trip shuttle bus (up to the Pena Palace).

Then you have some free time for lunch (not included) before your driver-guide takes you back to Lisbon. Upon arrival you visit the Belem Quarter, where you admire the Jerónimos Monastery (from the outside). You also make photo stops at the ancient Belem Tower and Monument to the Discoverers.

After the tour you are transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

*Please, note: due to limited access to Pena Palace, in July and August entrance to Pena can be changed for the Queluz Palace & Gardens or for the Ajuda Palace.

Day 4: Departure
In the morning following breakfast, you check-out from your hotel and have a transfer to the train station.

Day 4: Arrival & Port Wine Tasting
Upon arrival, your driver meets you at the train station and transfers you to the hotel. You drop off your luggage and together with a guide start a welcome walking tour from Palacio da Bolsa to Luis I Bridge. As a highlight of your introduction to Porto, you walk to a winery for port wine tasting.

After the introductory walk, you return to your centrally located hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free.

Day 5: Exploring the Highlights of Porto
After breakfast, you meet your guide who takes 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 in fact registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The first stop of your tour is the iconic Lello Bookshop, the oldest bookshop in Portugal. This bookshop was often visited by J.K.Rowling when she taught English in Porto. 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 the tour, you return to your hotel and have the rest of the day free.

Day 6: Braga & Guimaraes Old Town Sightseeing Tours
After breakfast your guide and driver take you to Minho - the greenest region of Portugal, famous for its amazing landscapes, wonderful cultural heritage, and authentic handicrafts, which make Minho a region with a very unique personality full of traditions.

Upon arrival in the capital of the region - the ancient city of Braga, you visit its 11th century Braga Cathedral (entrance tickets are included) and admire the impressive Sanctuary of Bom Jesus.

You then take a trip to the cradle of Portugal - the medieval city of Guimaraes, where you explore its UNESCO-listed Old Town and visit its famous Palace of the Dukes (entrance tickets are included). After the tour you are transferred to your hotel in Porto. The rest of the day is free.

Day 7: Exploring Aveiro on the Way to Coimbra
After breakfast you check out, meet your guide and head for Aveiro. The city of Aveiro welcomes its guests with the unique atmosphere given by its typical boats (Moliceiros). Here you also explore the Lagoon of Aveiro and the Lighthouse of Barra that is the tallest lighthouse in Portugal and one of the tallest in all of Europe. 

After the stop you head for Coimbra.

Day 7: Arrival & Coimbra Sightseeing
Upon arrivalto Coimbra , you go on a sightseeing tour of its highlights. 

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.

After the tour you check in to your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 8: Tour of Fatima & Obidos on the Way to Lisbon
Following breakfast you check out from the hotel. Your guide-driver takes you to Fatima, famous for its Sanctuary of Fatima that is the largest place of worship in Portugal. You explore the Sanctuary of Fátima where you visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary designed by the Dutch architect Gerard van Krieken.

You continue your trip to the charming town of Obidos. During the tour you admire its medieval castle dating back to the 12th century and the authentic white painted houses with terracotta tiled roofs. Your final destination for today is the city of Lisbon.

Day 8: Arrival
After the tour you arrive to Lisbon, check in to your hotel and have a good rest after a busy though exciting day.

Day 9: Departure
In the morning following breakfast you check out from your hotel and have a transfer to airport. We wish you a safe flight and hope to work on your future trips.