Portugal

Overnight flight from the U.S. to Porto, Portugal.

Arrive this morning. Afternoon explore Porto, the second city of Portugal and UNESCO World Heritage Site. (3 Nights)

Boat ride on the Douro River. A cruise along the Douro is full of unforgettable experiences. From Porto—full of historic corners, monuments, and tradition to the heart of the Douro Valley, with slopes covered with vineyards, a cruise in the Douro River is a must-do experience for those visiting Porto. Then visit the well- known Mateus winery with its lovely gardens.

Visit the birthplace of the Portuguese nation—the city of Guimarães, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and known as the cradle of Portugal, which preserves a medieval atmosphere. Visit the imposing 10th-century castle and the majestic Dukes of Bragança Palace. Lunch in Guimarães to enjoy the cuisine of northern Portugal. Continue towards Braga, the oldest religious capital in Portugal, known to the Romans as Bracara Augusta, an archiepiscopal seat and pilgrimage site. Return to Porto.

Visit Coimbra, the third-largest city, the first capital of the country, and nowadays a University City, one of the oldest in Europe. Continue to the fishing village of Nazaré blessed with a magnificent light, fine white sand, and hospitable locals. The seven colorful skirts worn by Nazaré women have been worn since the days when they used to wait for their husbands to return from their fishing trip. The lovely cove is protected by high cliffs, atop which the Sítio da Nazaré – reachable by lift – offers a memorable view. Continue to Lisbon. (2 Nights)

City Tour of Lisbon, the Portuguese capital. See the most beautiful and historical monuments from the 15th and 16th centuries. Stop at the Belém Tower—a UNESCO World Heritage and point of departure of some of the Portuguese maritime explorations. See the nearby Monument to the Discoveries. Enter the Jerónimos Monastery—a UNESCO World Heritage site a masterpiece of the “Manueline” style. Explore the Alfama, an old and traditional district and see the most important squares of Lisbon such as the monumental Trade Square (Praça do Comércio.) Visit the Museu Nacional do Azulejo (National Tile Museum). Tonight, enjoy a fado show and dinner.

Departure to Évora. Stop in the old and lively fishing village of Sesimbra. Explore Sesimbra castle sitting high above the city with incredible views of the ocean and the city of Sesimbra below. Drive along Arrábida Natural Park dominated by the Serra da Arrábida— a 5,000-foot mountain range whose crags fall steeply into the sea. Stop at the “Livramento” Market in Setúbal, considered one of the best in the world. A huge variety of fresh fish, fruit, vegetables, bread, cheeses, and regional pastries are found here. Continue to Évora and explore part of the city upon arrival. (1 Night)

Évora is a beautifully preserved medieval city of narrow streets of Moorish origin that contrasts with squares that hold two millennia of history. Visit the historic town center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a walk through the ancient and medieval streets of this historic city and see Roman ruins. The imposing Gothic 13th-century Sé Cathedral with its Romanesque architectural influences and the striking city walls are other attractions. Visit the Saint Francis church, the Chapel of Bones, and the place where Vasco da Gama received the order to discover the sea route to India. Drive back to Lisbon and on arrival visit the Museo Nacional de Arte Antiqua. In the evening time for “Petiscos walking tour,” (Portuguese tapas). (2 Nights)

Day trip to the ancient village of Sintra (UNESCO World Heritage Site.) For six centuries this town was the favorite summer residence of the kings of Portugal. Enjoy a walking tour in the luxuriant and mysterious Pena Park. Explore the National Palace which dates from the 14th century. Here admire some of the most important examples of regal architecture in Portugal featuring Gothic, Mudejar, Manueline, and Renaissance architecture. Especially beautiful are the wonderful azulejos (colored glazed tiles) from the 15th and 16th centuries that decorate the various halls, patios, and Royal Chapel of the palace. Return to Lisbon via Cascais by the ocean and enjoy a seafood lunch overlooking Guincho beach, the westernmost beach in Europe. Farewell dinner tonight.

Transfer to the airport for flight to the U.S. arriving in the U.S. the same day.