Captivating Portugal - 9 Days

Lisbon - Evora. On arrival at the airport in Lisbon, you'll be met and transferred straight to Evora in the Alentejo region.

The Alentejo, spanning nearly a third of Portugal, is a land of rolling fields, vineyards, cork forests and historic hilltop towns. Meaning ‘beyond the Tejo’, it stretches south from the River Tejo to the Algarve’s northern ranges. Rich in history, the region is dotted with Roman ruins, Moorish castles and whitewashed villages. Its UNESCO-listed capital, Évora, captivates with its temples, towers and timeless charm.

After breakfast, we embark on a guided tour of Evora. A UNESCO World Heritage Site often described as an open-air museum, Evora showcases over two millennia of history, from Roman foundations to Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical influences.

In the heart of the city, Praca do Giraldo is a lively square where we see the 16th-century St Anton’s Church and the elegant Henriquina Fountain. We also visit the striking Chapel of Bones, built by Franciscan monks and lined with the remains of around 5,000 people. Evora’s grand Cathedral, the largest in Portugal, dominates the skyline.

There's free time for you to grab lunch at a local restaurant before we visit one of Alentejo’s most renowned wineries for a guided tour and wine tasting. We then return to our hotel.

Evora - Lisbon. This morning, we will travel back to Lisbon for a guided tour of Portugal’s capital. Our visit begins along Avenida da Liberdade, one of Lisbon’s grandest boulevards, once favoured by nobility and the royal family for their public promenades. Continuing to Parque Eduardo VII, the largest park in central Lisbon, named in 1903 in honour of King Edward VII of England. From here, we can enjoy panoramic views over the city.

Next, we will explore some of Lisbon’s most traditional neighbourhoods, including Alfama and Bairro Alto. See Praca do Comercio, one of Europe’s grandest squares, framed by elegant arcades and government buildings. Overlooking the Tagus River, it offers wonderful views and a glimpse of Lisbon’s lively waterfront. Next, we will visit the Belem district, an area rich in history from the Age of Discoveries. Here we can admire landmarks such as the Jeronimos Monastery, Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries and a chance to sample the famous pasteis de Belem at the original bakery.

There's free time for lunch before we enjoy an included cooking class this afternoon. Learn how to make Portugal’s beloved custard tarts, pasteis de nata . After the class, we'll be transferred to our hotel in Lisbon.

Please note: the cooking class is not available on Sundays and bank holidays

Lisbon - Sintra - Cabo da Roca - Cascais - Estoril - Lisbon. After breakfast, we travel to the beautiful towns of Sintra and Cascais. Just outside Lisbon, Sintra enchants with its lush hills and romantic palaces. You will have the choice of visiting one of its iconic landmarks, such as the National Palace, Pena Palace, Monserrate Palace or Quinta da Regaleira, each offering a distinctive glimpse into the town’s history and charm.

We continue to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, where dramatic Atlantic views stretch out from rugged cliffs. In the afternoon, we visit Cascais, a former fishing village that has grown into an elegant seaside retreat while retaining its historic charm.

Our return to Lisbon follows the scenic coastal road through Estoril, known for its graceful seaside architecture and sandy beaches.

This evening, we experience the soul of Portugal at a traditional fado venue, where we enjoy a Portuguese dinner accompanied by a live performance. The music offers a moving insight into the country’s cultural identity.

Please note: the monuments in Sintra are closed on 24–25 December, 1 January and Easter Sunday.

Lisbon - Obidos - Nazare - Tomar - Lisbon. Today begins with a visit to Obidos, one of central Portugal’s most picturesque medieval towns. Enclosed by ancient walls, it is filled with cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and a commanding hilltop castle.

We then travel west to Nazare for a lunch break. This traditional fishing village, set against dramatic coastal cliffs, is known for its fresh seafood and powerful Atlantic swells. In 2011, a record-breaking 24-metre wave was surfed here by Garrett McNamara, placing Nazare firmly on the global surfing map.

In the afternoon, we explore Tomar, a city shaped by the legacy of the Knights Templar. Here we visit the Templar Castle and Convent of Christ, one of Portugal’s most significant historical sites. Tomar also has deep Jewish heritage, including a historic Jewish quarter and a restored 15th-century synagogue that reflects the town’s diverse cultural past.

After a full day of exploration, we return to Lisbon.

Lisbon - Fatima - Coimbra - Porto. Today, we travel north with our first stop in Fatima, one of the world’s most significant Catholic pilgrimage sites. Its importance stems from the reported apparitions of Our Lady of the Rosary to three shepherd children in 1917, culminating in the miracle described as “the day the sun danced”.

We continue to Coimbra for a lunch break, giving you the chance to try some of the region’s traditional dishes. Afterwards, we visit the historic University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s oldest universities. We stroll through the narrow lanes of the old Moorish quarter and visit the Old Cathedral, a landmark that has witnessed centuries of academic and religious tradition. As we explore, we may hear students performing the well-known Coimbra ballads that are part of the city’s cultural identity.

After our visit, we make our way to Porto.

After breakfast, meet our guide in the hotel lobby for a half-day sightseeing tour of Porto.

Begin in the city’s UNESCO-listed historic centre with a leisurely walk through its atmospheric streets. Along the way, pass some of the city’s most emblematic landmarks, including the world-famous Lello Bookstore, said to have inspired the Harry Potter series, the ornate Church of St Francis, often called the ‘Golden Church’, and the grand Palacio da Bolsa, celebrated for its intricate granite work and magnificent Neo-Arabic Hall (entrances not included).

The tour continues to the picturesque Ribeira district, where colourful houses line the Douro riverfront. From here, we admire the city’s most iconic structure: the Dom Luís I Bridge and look across to the renowned Port Wine cellars that made Porto’s name known around the world.

As we stroll through the city, pause at a few traditional establishments to sample some of Porto’s delicious local delicacies. The experience concludes with a visit to one of the Port Wine cellars, where we enjoy a tasting of the region’s famous fortified wine. We then return to the hotel, and the rest of the day is at leisure.

Porto - Douro Valley - Porto. After breakfast, we set out on a full-day excursion through the beautiful Douro Valley, one of Portugal’s most renowned wine-growing regions. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the traditions and landscapes that have shaped the region’s wine culture over time.

Lunch is included in a unique restaurant designed to resemble a classic train carriage, offering memorable views over the Douro River. Here, we can enjoy regional cuisine alongside some of the area’s celebrated wines.

After a relaxed afternoon surrounded by vineyard-covered hills and river scenery, a transfer takes us back to our hotel in Porto.

Your tour comes to an end today, after breakfast and hotel check-out. An included transfer takes you to Porto airport.