Day 1

Lisbon
Arrival at Lisbon airport. Transfer to your hotel and overnight.

 

Day 2

Lisbon – Óbidos (90 km/1,30h) - Alcobaça (40 km/1h) - Nazaré (15km/30min) - Batalha (40 km/1h) - Fátima (20 km/1h)
Drive north through the beautiful fields of the Lisbon region stopping at Óbidos for a walk in this romantic medieval city. Continue to Alcobaça and visit the famous gothic monastery, housing the tombs of Don Pedro and Inês de Castro. Enjoy a lunch in the picturesque fishing village of Nazaré and afterwards visit the Batalha Monastery, one of Europe's greatest Gothic masterpieces and a World Heritage monument. Proceed to Fátima for overnight. Explore this religious and miraculous city by visiting the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima and admire the huge square in front of the church. Overnight in Fátima.

 

Day 3

Fátima - Tomar (30 km/1h) - Coimbra (90 km/2h) - Aveiro (70 km/1h)
Close to Fátima is the historically outstanding town of Tomar. Visit the highlight here, the 12th century Templar Castle with the Convent of Christ, declared a World Heritage Site. This temple was built in order to protect the Knights Templar that helped the Portuguese to fight the Moors in the 12th and 13th centuries. Later, proceed to Coimbra, famous for one of the oldest universities in the world with a beautiful baroque-style library. After a tour of the university, visit the Church of Santa Clara and Coimbra's town center, full of shops with local ceramic works. Continue to Aveiro, known as the Venice of Portugal due to its canals. Overnight in Aveiro. 

 

Day 4

Aveiro - Porto (80 km/1,30h)
Proceed to Porto, the northern capital of Portugal and second largest city of the country. Built on the hillsides on the Douro river, the city is world known for the sweet wine Porto and is a UNESCO Heritage Site with its riverfront Bairro de Ribeira.  Enjoy a half-day guided tour, starting at the monumental central avenue Avenida dos Aliadosto, the riverfront, with its colorful painted houses. See the Palacio da Bolsa, with the beautiful Arab room, and St. Francisco Church. In the afternoon have  free time to explore more of the city. Overnight in Porto.

 

Day 5

Porto - Vila Nova de Gaia
Today visit the city of Vila Nova de Gaia, on the left bank of the Douro River, where most of the world’s supply of Port wine is located. Before getting there you will cross the Dom Luis Bridge, an iron masterpiece, designed by Eiffel, the famous architect of the Paris Tower. In Vila Nova de Gaia visit one of the many Porto Wine Cellars and enjoy tasting the famous drink, while admiring Porto’s stunning skyline. Return to Porto and have an afternoon at leisure. In the evening enjoy a traditional fado show and dinner in one of Porto’s restaurants with a spectacular night view ofthe  Douro River. 

 

Day 6

Porto - Viana do Castelo (80 km/1,30h) - Monastery ofTibães (70 km/1h) - Braga - Guimarães (30 km/30min)
In the morning continue to the coastal city Viana do Castelo, set on the north bank of the Lima River estuary.The biggest attraction here is the massive domed basilica Santa Luiza, modeled on the Sacré Coeur in Paris. Standing on a hill, it offers  magnificent views of the Atlantic. Just 5 km before Braga the Monastery of Tibães is located. Visit the impressive Rococo decorated church, founded in the 11th century. Then, reach Braga, the third-largest city in Portugal and one of the most beautiful. Visit the Cathedral of Braga and the Bom Jesus Sanctuary, the city’s highlight. This baroque masterpiece is unique with its ornamental stairway, dedicated to the Five Senses and the Three Theological Virtues. Proceed to Guimarães, considered as the birthplace of Portugal. Visit the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, built in the 15th century as a medieval palace, and explore more this World Heritage city. Overnight in Guimarães.

 

Day 7

Guimarães- Vila Real (90 km/1,30h) - Lamego (40 km/1h) - Porto (110 km/2,30h)
In the morning continue to Vila Real and have a guided visit of Mateus Palace. Described as “the most fantastic country house in Portugal”, the palace, built in 1745, is a perfect example of baroque architecture with impressive façade and beautiful gardens. Travel to the famous Douro Valley and reach Lamego, a village located at the heart of this great wine region. See the marvelous tiled staircase of Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, as well as the Gothic Cathedral. Enjoy free time for a walk in the old quarter, and, later, proceed to Porto for overnight. 

 

Day 8

Porto/Lisbon
Departure to Porto airport or transfer to Lisbon.