Day 1

Lisbon
Arrive at Lisbon airport. Transfer to your hotel and accommodation.

 

Day 2

Lisbon - Fátima (130 km/2h)
In the morning enjoy a half-day guided tour of the capital, once home of the world’s greatest explorers. Built on top on seven hills, Lisbon is located at the intersection of the Tagus River and the Atlantic ocean. Visit the main highlights like Belem Tower and the Monastery of Jerónimos, masterpiece of Portuguese 16th century Manueline style. Walk along the medieval streets of Alfama quarter and enjoy breathtaking views of the St. George Castle. Discover the beautiful Rossio square, the main boulevard Avenida Da Liberdade and the monumental Comercio square. Free time for lunch and later, proceed to Fátima. Overnight in Fátima. 

 

Day 3

Fátima - Coimbra (90 km/1,30h)- Porto (120 km/2h)
In the morning discover the most important pilgrimage center in Europe after Rome, where it is believed that 3 shepherd children had various sightings of the Virgin in 1917. Visit the spectacular Sanctuary of Fátima, which contains the tombs of the three children, and admire the huge square in front of the basilica, twice the size of St. Peter’s square in Rome. Continue your trip to Coimbra and visit the picturesque old town, where  the oldest University of Portugal is located. In the afternoon arrive in Porto, the northern capital of the country and second main city. Overnight in Porto. 

 

Day 4

Porto
Enjoy a guided visit of Porto to see the main attractions and feel the atmosphere of this lovely and romantic city, situated  the Douro River and home of the famous sweet wine porto. Visit Palácio da Bolsa, best known for its  Arabian Room, continue with the Baroque church of St. Francis, and discover the beautiful riverfront with its colorful decorated  building facades, called ‘Bairro of Ribeira and listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In the afternoon, cross the remarkable Gustave Eiffel’s iron railway bridge and get to Vila Nova de Gaia.  Visit one of the many Port Wine Cellars which made this a famous region throughout the world or choose to have a boat trip on  the Douro river, while admiring both cities. Overnight in Porto.

 

Day 5

Porto - Viana do Castelo(80 km/1,30h) - Santiago de Compostela (170 km/3h) - Porto (230 km/3,30h)
Prepare for a travel on St.James way, the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Before crossing the border, stop for a visit of the coastal town 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. Proceed to Santiago de Compostela and enjoy a guided tour of this important religious center and important destination for millions of pilgrims. Visit the Santiago Cathedral, a World Heritage Site, which houses the silver coffer with the remains of Apostle James and take your time to explore the Old Town. In the afternoon, travel back to Porto for overnight. 

 

Day 6

Porto - Braga (60 km/1h)- Guimarães (30 km/30 min)- Porto (60 km/1h)
Today drive north to the greenest Minho region for a visit of one of the country's best-known sights - Bom Jesus Sanctuary, located in Braga. This baroque masterpiece is unique with its ornamental stairway, dedicated to the Five Senses and the Three Theological Virtues. A must-see is also the Braga Cathedral, dating from 11th century, it is considered to be the oldest of the country. Proceed to Guimarães, known as the birthplace of Portugal. Here visit the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança,  the 15th century Castle of Guimarães which was built to protect the city by the Moors and Normans, and  further explore  the historic center of this World Heritage city. Return to Porto.

 

Day 7

Porto - Batalha (200 km/3h) - Alcobaça (30 km/30 min) - Óbidos (40 km/1h) - Lisbon (90 km/1,30h)
Leave Porto in the morning and travel back to Lisbon. On the way visit two very impressive religious sites, both llisted by UNESCO. The Monastery of Batalha is our first stop, one of Europe's greatest Gothic masterpieces, built in 1388 by King João I, in gratitude for the victory over the Castillians in the Battle of Aljubarrota. Continue to Alcobaça for its principal attraction, the Abbey of Santa Maria.  Visit the famous gothic monastery, which is Portugal’s largest church, constructed by the Cistercian order in 12th century. This amazing temple also houses the tombs of King Pedro I and his beloved Inês de Castro. Make a last stop in romantic Óbidos and explore the medieval streets of the village, encircled by the walls of a 12th century castle. Arrive in Lisbon for overnight.

 

Day 8

Lisbon 
Departure to Lisbon airport.