Tapestry of Portugal - 10 Days

Once you have arrived in Lisbon, your private transfer will take you to your hotel. You will have time to settle in before joining our local guide for a half-day city tour in the afternoon.

Our tour begins along Avenida da Liberdade, a grand boulevard once favoured by Lisbon's nobility for strolls. We will then continue to Parque Eduardo VII, the largest park in central Lisbon, named in 1903 after the British king whose visit reaffirmed the long-standing alliance between Portugal and England. From here, we can enjoy sweeping views across the city.

Next, we will explore the characterful neighbourhoods of Alfama and Bairro Alto, where narrow streets and tiled facades reveal centuries of history and cultural influence. Our tour concludes in Praca do Comercio, one of Europe's largest squares, where graceful arcades open onto the Tagus River and the lively rhythm of city life.

In the evening, we can discover local flavours with Portuguese favourites such as bifanas, grilled sardines or creamy codfish.

Lisbon - Sintra - Cascais - Estoril - Lisbon. This morning, we will be transferred from our hotel to explore the enchanting towns of Sintra and Cascais. Just 30 kilometres from Lisbon, Sintra feels as though it has stepped straight from the pages of a fairy tale. Its mild climate, lush greenery and mystical atmosphere make it one of Portugal’s most romantic and inspiring destinations.

During the morning, you can choose which of Sintra’s iconic landmarks to visit. Whether you explore the National Palace of Sintra, the colourful Pena Palace, the elegant Palace of Monserrate or the intriguing Quinta da Regaleira, each offers its own distinctive charm and story.

Our journey continues to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, where we can take in spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean at the spot described as “where the land ends and the sea begins.”

In the afternoon, we will visit Cascais, a fishing village dating back to the 12th century that has evolved into an elegant seaside retreat while preserving its historic character. Our return to Lisbon will follow the scenic coastal road through Estoril, where we can admire the golden beaches and graceful seaside architecture.

Later once back in Lisbon, we will experience the true soul of Portugal during a fado show, where heartfelt melodies and traditional cuisine capture the spirit of Lisbon.

Please note: that these monuments are closed on 24 and 25 December, 1 January and Easter Sunday.

Lisbon - Evora. Today we will travel towards Evora, a beautifully preserved city set within medieval walls in the heart of the Alentejo region. On arrival, you will have time for lunch before beginning our guided tour of the historic centre.

The afternoon starts with a visit to the remarkable Sao Francisco Church and its haunting Chapel of Bones. As we continue through the winding streets of the old town, we will reach Giraldo Square, once the site of the Inquisition headquarters and still the vibrant heart of the city today. We will also see the ancient Roman Temple, which has stood for nearly two thousand years, and the impressive 12th-century cathedral that dominates the skyline.

The day concludes with a visit to a local winery, where we will enjoy a guided tasting with expertly paired wines, offering the perfect end to our exploration of Evoras rich history and culture.

Evora – Monsaraz – Evora. After breakfast, we will set out on a four-hour tour of the medieval town of Monsaraz. Set beside the largest artificial lake in Europe, this picturesque hilltop village was once the site of fierce battles, as its impressive castle still bears witness. During our visit, we will stop at a local pottery workshop to see traditional craftsmanship and later enjoy a tasting of regional wines. You will then have some time to grab lunch.

This afternoon, we will return to Evora, and the rest of the day will be at your leisure. You may choose to relax and make use of the hotel's excellent facilities or spend more time exploring the charming streets of this Alentejo city.

Evora - Coimbra. Today we will travel to Coimbra, a captivating city filled with history and tradition. Known as one of the oldest university cities in the world, Coimbra is home to some of the most elegant and harmonious architecture in Portugal.

We will have the day to explore its most emblematic landmarks, including the magnificent Joanina Library, a masterpiece of Baroque design, and Quinta das Lagrimas, the romantic setting of the legendary love story between Prince Pedro and Ines de Castro.

Coimbra - Douro Valley. This morning, we will visit the Douro Valley, where we will be greeted with magnificent views of the Douro River. We will then continue to the renowned Quinta da Pacheca (or a similar estate, subject to availability) for a guided visit, wine tasting and lunch.

Afterwards, we will be transferred back to our hotel, where you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon surrounded by the tranquillity of this beautiful wine region.

You will have the morning at leisure to unwind at your hotel or spend time enjoying your own activities. At lunchtime, we will be picked up to enjoy one of the Douro Valley’s most memorable experiences, a picnic among the vineyards.

In the afternoon, we will board a one-hour cruise along the Douro River, an ideal way to take in the valley's beautiful scenery from a new perspective.

When we return to the hotel, we will enjoy a tasting of local wines.

Douro Valley - Guimaraes - Porto. Today, we will explore the delightful region of Minho, known for its rolling green landscapes and distinctive Green Wine. We will visit a local winery to learn about the production of this crisp and refreshing wine and enjoy a tasting of local delicacies that showcase the unique character of the region.

Afterwards, we will continue to Guimaraes, the birthplace of Portugal and the first capital chosen by King Afonso Henriques. In the afternoon, we will take a guided walk through the historic centre, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved medieval charm and cultural significance.

Later in the day we will travel to Porto, where we will spend the night.

This morning, we will meet our guide in the hotel lobby for a half-day sightseeing tour of Porto. In the historic city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we will enjoy a walk through the city’s winding streets while uncovering its rich history and vibrant culture. Along the way, we will see landmarks such as the renowned Lello Library, said to have inspired the Harry Potter stories, the ornate Church of St Francis and the grand Palacio da Bolsa, admired for its fine granite work and striking Neo Arabic design (entrances not included).

Our tour continues to the picturesque riverfront, where we can take in views of the Dom Luis Bridge and the famous Port Wine cellars that have made the city known around the world. During our walk, we will stop at a few local establishments to sample some of Porto’s traditional delicacies.

The experience concludes with a visit to one of the Port Wine cellars for a tasting. To finish our journey in style, we will enjoy a Farewell Gourmet Dinner at a Michelin starred restaurant in Porto (available except on Sundays and Mondays, when these restaurants are closed).

After our final breakfast at the hotel, you will check out, and a transfer will take you to Porto Airport for your onward journey, marking the end of the tour. Safe travels!