Tour Details
DEPARTURE INFORMATION
Starts any day. January to December
8 days from $7995.00Arrive Porto, Portugal
Welcome to Portugal. You are met on arrival in Porto, and taken directly to your hotel. Relax in your accommodation ideally located near Porto’s historic center. Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage city, has a rich and colorful history.
Enjoy an afternoon tour of the highlights of the city - visit the Stock Exchange Palace, the Lello bookshop, an exquisite landmark dating to the early 1900's and St. Francisco Church.
Porto
Today enjoy a full day journey along the picturesque River Douro, through the Port Wine region. Meet the estate manager at a local wine estate - stroll through the vineyards as he shows you their process of producing wine, and sample their savory Port wine.
In the afternoon, take a private cruise on the Douro River, heading towards Pinhão. Dock at the Vintage House and explore the village before returning to Porto. (B)
Porto to Óbidos & Lisbon
This morning depart for Lisbon enjoying private visits to the impressive Batalha and Alcobaça monasteries en route.
Next, stop to visit the quaint and white walled town, of Óbidos. Founded by the Moors, in the 18th century, Óbidos has a picturesque landscape with distinctive town walls and the grand castle. Stroll through the town, with its narrow and winding streets and charming whitewashed houses.
Continuing your drive, arrive in Lisbon in the late afternoon. Lisbon, the capital of Portugal since its conquest from the Moors in 114, is a magnificent and legendary city with over 20 centuries of history. (B)
Lisbon
Lisbon is a wonderful example of Portuguese styling – colorful buildings with dazzling tiled façades, surrounded by mosaic pavements. Today enjoy a full day tour of Lisbon, starting with a visit to the Belem area - see the 16th century Belem Tower, and take a private tour of the Jerónimos Monastery and National Coach Museum.
In the afternoon, enjoy a private walking tour through the old Alfama district, one of the oldest quarters in Lisbon, which amazingly still retains much of its original layout. Visit the hilltop St. George’s Castle and impressive Tile Museum. (B)
Sintra & Cascais
This morning your full day excursion begins with a drive west to the quaint and aristocratic town of Sintra, a World Heritage Site dotted with grand palaces and castles. English poet Lord Byron lived in Sintra, and called “Paradise in Earth.” A walking tour includes the medieval city center, and guided visits to the National Palace and Pena Palace. Perched on the craggy slopes of the Serra de Sintra, with stunning views of the coast, the Pena Palace is one of Portugal's most beautiful. It offers the most complete example of Portuguese architecture from the Romantic period.
Continue following the scenic coastline, referred to as the Portuguese Riviera, with breaks to take in the wonderful vistas. Stop in the quaint town of Cascais to explore its colorful boutique shops. Take a break for lunch, and to explore this lovely fishing village. Continue your drive along the coast, then back to Lisbon, stopping in romantic Estoril, and then in Queluz for a private visit to Queluz Palace. Arrive back in Lisbon by late afternoon. (B)
Lisbon to Évora
Depart Lisbon this morning, and drive inland to the UNESCO World Heritage site and royal city of Évora. Enjoy a walking tour through the labyrinthine streets – admiring the Moorish courtyards, Renaissance fountains, and Gothic doorways and turrets. See some of the local monuments including the Roman Temple, dating back to the second century, the Bones Chapel, St. Francisco Church and the Medieval Cathedral.
Midday, drive to a renowned wine estate set amid the Alentejo plains. Enjoy a cellar tour, lectured wine and olive oil tasting, and a delightful gourmet lunch. Relax and enjoy the views from the estate terrace facing the Alentejo plains. Return to Évora, where you stay for the night. (B,L)
Évora to Arraiolos & Lisbon
Start the day visiting a charming wine estate of cork trees, walnut orchards and vineyards. The colonial style country house is landscaped with tropical and local plants and is painted in typical Alentejo colors. Your private tour is followed by a lectured wine tasting.
Depart Évora headed back to Lisbon. En route, stop in the ancient town of Arraiolos, whose history dates back to the second century BC. Visit Arraiolos’ medieval castle, built at the orders of D. Dinis (1279-1325). See the beautiful 16th century Salvador Church, known for its exquisite paintings. Your guide will help you discover why the town is internationally famous for its intricate and colorful carpets and tapestries. Arrive back in Lisbon by late afternoon. (B)
Depart Lisbon
Enjoy your time in Lisbon until time for your transfer to the airport for your flight home or onto your next destination. (B)
The Yeatman Hotel, Porto
A great classic hotel defines a destination, providing an authentic and memorable sense of place. The magnificent World Heritage city of Oporto is defined by such an iconic property: the Yeatman. The city which gave its name to Port, Oporto has been the home of British wine shippers and their families for over three centuries. Inspired by this heritage, The Yeatman blends the finest Portuguese traditions of hospitality with a uniquely British flair for understated and stylish comfort. Timeless elegance and a wealth of authentic detail create a very special atmosphere which evokes the distinctive personality of this ancient city and its historic link to the world of wine. Occupying a commanding hillside position on the south bank of the River Douro, The Yeatman enjoys breathtaking views over the historic centre of Oporto from its extensive grounds and from each of its individually appointed guest rooms and suites. Destined to become a unique and distinctive landmark in the world of classic luxury hotels, The Yeatman offers the individuality of character and the sense of effortless hospitality which makes it the address of choice for discerning travelers visiting Oporto and the North of Portugal.
Olissippo Lapa Palace, Lisbon
Nestling in beautiful gardens on the most prestigious of Lisbon's seven hills is a stately 19th century palace that houses the gracious 5 star Olissippo Lapa Palace hotel. The legendary quality and service of this hotel speak of a bygone era, while its comprehensive restoration has updated it to satisfy even the most demanding contemporary guest. Enjoy the refreshing outdoor swimming pool or the comfort of a sun-lounger in the lavish sub tropical gardens. The spa is another treat, with a heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, Turkish bath, fully equipped gym and some of the finest spa treatments available.
Convento do Espinheiro, Evora
The whitewashed architecture of Convento do Espinheiro, Heritage Hotel & Spa, is set amongst blue skies with puffy clouds and surrounding countryside verdure. Once a convent dating back to the XV century, this luxurious hotel considered a National Monument is close to the historical city of Evora, classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage City. Our picturesque surroundings make us the perfect spot for enjoying the Portuguese countryside. Experience personal treatment and world-class luxury at our spa facilities offering the most advanced technologies and treatments. Take a relaxed swim in our outdoor swimming pool, overlooking rolling hills. A fine Mediterranean dining experience awaits you at Divinus Restaurant, our elegant gourmet restaurant. Walk through a pathway of candlelit arches until you reach your exclusive table, set aside for an evening of fine dining. Retreat to one of 92 refined guest rooms and awaken to enchanting views of rolling green hills and surrounding beauty. Elegant linens, fine furnishings and world-class service are characteristic of each guest room and suite at Convento do Espinheiro, Heritage Hotel & Spa.