Commencing in Lisbon, our tour takes you into Portugal's rural heartland, and then northwards, to the place where the Portuguese nation was born. The countryside will provide interesting contrasts to the more familiar southern holiday regions such as the Algarve, and other coastal resorts. The wide, sparsely populated plains of the Alentejo are dominated by agriculture, in particular cereal crops and cork oaks. The regions north of the River Tagus are characterised by rivers, forests and verdant valleys. The agriculture reflects the differences in climate and topography, with, for example, grains and potatoes predominating in the north, and the more typically mediterranean crops to be found further south. The tour will start and finish in two contrasting but attractive cities: Lisbon, the elegant capital, and Porto, with its connections to the Port wine trade. Along the way, there will be varied and enjoyable landscapes to experience, and some interesting farms to visit.
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Day 1 -Saturday September 18th Depart this morning from London to Lisbon. On arrival, clear customs and immigration and proceed by coach to our city centre hotel. The rest of the afternoon will be free to relax after the flight, and tonight there will be a get-together dinner and tour briefing. Overnight : LISBON (-/-/D)
Day 2- Sunday September 19th Depart this morning after breakfast for a sightseeing tour of Lisbon, featuring the Monument of the discoveries, Belem Tower, Los Jeronimos Church and Monastery, and historic Alfama quarter. In the afternoon, the tour will continue via the pleasant seaside towns of Estoril and Cascais, and visit the enchanting hilltop town of Sintra, with its narrow, winding streets and spectacular palaces, set among wooded ravines. Overnight: LISBON (B/-/-)
Day 3 - Monday September 20th Depart early this morning into Portugal's agricultural heartland, the 'Alentejo'. This morning we shall visit a farm involved in cork cultivation. Portugal is one of the world's most important growers and exporters of cork and cork products. Lunch will be included in the regional capital, Evora, which is justly famous for its attractive buildings, squares and Roman monuments. In the afternoon, there will be a further visit to a dairy farm, before continuing to Portalegre to check into our hotel. Dinner will be included in the hotel this evening. Overnight PORTALEGRE (B/L/D)
Day 4 -Tuesday September 21st Depart this morning into the beautiful Estrela mountain range, the highest point of continental Portugal, where it is possible to see shepherds and their flocks amidst the ruggedly attractive landscape. En route there will be stops in beautiful Castelo de Vide, a lovely little town with an ancient Jewish Quarter with white-washed houses, and Castelo Branco, with its baroque garden and staircases of the Kings. Continue to Viseu, with its mountainous hinterland, in the centre of the Dao vineyard area, for check-in at our hotel. Dinner will be included in the hotel this evening.
Overnight: VISEU (B/-/D)
Day 5 - Wednesday September 22nd
Depart the hotel this morning and continue into the vineyards and spellbinding scenery of the Douru Valley, stopping for while in Lamego, which is overlooked by one of Portugal's most important shrines, Nossa Senhora dos Remedios with its magnficent baroque-style staircase. Later, there will be a tranquil cruise on the Douro River with lunch included on board, and a visit to a traditional Douro Valley wine bodega in Pinhao. At the conclusion of the cruise, continue to Porto for an evening check-in at our hotel. Dinner will be included in the hotel. Overnight: PORTO (B/L/D)
Day 6 - Thursday September 23rd After breakfast, depart Porto for a full day's tour in the southern Minho region. The Minho is considered by many to be the most beautiful region in Portugal. It is famed for its river valleys, wooded hills, trailing vines (this is where 'green wine' is produced) and superbly preserved small medieval towns. our first destination today is the town of Barcelos, which every Thursday holds a market for traders selling everything from jewellery and clothing to pottery and tools, in addition to lots of local agricultural produce. There is also an impressive array of colourful and imaginative local handicrafts. After some time here to explore the market independently, drive to Braga, known as the 'Portuguese Rome'. It is noted for its abundance of religious buildings including the oldest cathedral in the country. There will be the opportunity to purchase lunch here. This afternoon, visit a typical smallholding of the Minho, to see at first-hand the characteristic form of agriculture in the region. Time allowing, make a short stop in Guimaraes - birthplace of the first king of Portugal - to experience the real medieval atmosphere of the town. Return to Porto later this afternoon. Dinner will be included in the hotel. Overnight: PORTO (B/-/D)
Day 7 - Friday September 24th Depart this morning for a short city tour of Porto, including the bridges of Maria Pia and Dom Luis 1st , the ‘Torre dos Clerigos’, the ‘Bolsa’, and church of ‘São Francisco’. Conclude in the district of Vila Nova de Gaia, home of the famous port wine lodges. After the tour, there will be some free time to have lunch and relax prior to transferring to the airport for the return flight to the U.K. (B/-/-)
Tour Cost | Price per person | Twin/Double | £920.00 | Single Supplement (Land portion only) | £120.00 |
Cost Includes: - International scheduled flights plus taxes
- 6 nights' hotel accommodation (3 star), all rooms with en-suite bathroom
- 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners
- Private air-conditioned motorcoach for operation of the tour
- Scenic Douro river cruise, including winery visit
- Guided sightseeing tours of Lisbon and Porto with English-speaking local guides
- Entrance to Los Jeronimos Monastery and church
- Farm visits
- Services of a English-speaking driver-guide
Not included: - Personal expenses
- Hotel Porterage
- Tips to driver and guide
- Travel insurance
How to Book To make a booking, please call us on 01242 515 712 or click on our Booking Details. |
Our sister company, Stita Special Destinations also offers tours to exciting and exotic destinations. |
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