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Portugal long range tours
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1st day
A complete sightseeing tour of Lisbon including Marquis of Pombal square, Liberty Avenue, Restauradores square, Rossio, the heart of Lisbon,
Commerce square and a drive along the river-side with stops at Belém Tower and at the Monument to the Discoveries. Next is Jerónimos Monastery
(guided tour of the church, one of the most beautiful in Europe). Proceed to cosmopolitan Estoril Coast with stop at Cascais beach, the first stop of
Columbus returning from America (free time for lunch near the fishing port). After lunch, drive through Guincho beach to roca cape (stop at the
Westernmost point of Continental Europe). Continue to Sintra, mountain with a unique vegetation, the Glorious Eden of Lord Byron, to visit the most
ancient Royal palace in Portugal, dating from the XIV century, where the Portuguese kings planned the maritime expansion. Free time in the ancient
Sintra village for a typical pastry and wine and shop the unique handicraft.
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Accommodation:
The Pousada de Queluz / Lisboa - D. Maria I is located in the building formerly used by the Royal Guard of the Court in the Palace of
Queluz, known as the "Portuguese Versailles". This Pousada's attractive interior design and exacting recuperation of its little private
"theatre", can only match the exquisite cuisine of the Cozinha Velha Restaurant.
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2nd day
Travel northwards to visit millennial walled town called Obidos with picturesque narrow streets. Guided tour of this medieval city, dwelling place of
Romans, Arabs and kings of Portugal. Then drive to Alcobaca to visit the 12 th century Church of Alcobaca Monastery. This is one of the most ancient
Gothic churches in Portugal and also the longest, where one can breed the atmosphere of ancient times. Also included the cloisters with adjacent rooms
(kitchen of the monks, the refectory, Chapter House, wine cellar, etc) which tells us how the austere Cistercians used to live. Proceed to Batalha for free
time to lunch and to see a masterpiece of Gothic style in Portugal. Guided visit of the 14th century church in Batalha Monastery, the highest in
Portugal. Also included: The Royal Pantheon of the Portuguese conquerors, the “sea explorers” who brought a new world to the world, the ravishing
manueline cloister with the tomb to the unknown soldier and the Unfinished Chapels. Proceed to our "Pousada" near Coimbra, the University city, for
overnight stay.
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Accommodation:
The Pousada de Condeixa-a-Nova - Santa Cristina is close to the Lisbon-Oporto motorway (A1), near the
historical university city of Coimbra and only 2 Km from Conímbriga, one of the best preserved Roman ruins in
Europe. Its interior design, the peacefulness of its surrounding green areas and the palace park nearby, are all
excellent reasons to visit this Pousada again and again.
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3rd day
Sightseeing tour of Coimbra in the morning: Coimbra a charming university town at the bank of Mondego river, is famous for the Church of Santa Clara
(entrance), visit the main buildings of Portugal's oldest university: the Library, Chapel and Senate room. Finally, a walk along the old streets to see the
cathedral. Free time for lunch. Proceed to visit Aveiro, the “Portuguese Venice”, city of canals. Overnight stay in a "Pousada" nearby.
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Accommodation:
Pousada on Ria de Aveiro
Located in the isthmus that connects Murtosa to the beaches of São Jacinto, the Pousada de Murtosa / Torreira -
Ria is set in a preserved area with a unique natural beauty. The varandas overlook the Aveiro River tributary and
on peaceful evenings you can appreciate the fishermen at work on the traditional "Moliceiros" boats. Surrounded
by water, this is the ideal spot for fishing, water sports or going to the beautiful beaches wich are near the Costa
Nova's typical colourful houses.
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4th day
Sightseeing tour of Porto which has carefully preserved its architectonic treasures, including monuments (palaces and churches made in the local granite
stone) in the Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassic styles. Visit the church of the Cathedral and Port Wine Cellars for a taste of Port wine.
Afternoon free in Oporto. Proceed to Marão mountain for overnight stay.
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Accommodation:
Hotel of Nature
Set on the Marão Mountain Range and only 20km from the town of Amarante, this Pousada is the perfect place
to enjoy the magnificent landscapes of the mountains and the Tâmega valley. The splendour of the view from the
Pousada sitting room is matched by the excellent quality of the cuisine. In the Pousada's immediate surroundings,
guests can enjoy the most beautiful tours, amongst which a visit to Mateus Palace, which apart fromits
architectural beauty, offers guests a full programme of international cultural activities.
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5th day
Minho is undoubtedly a source of water, where green fields and mountains are in evidence. Besides boasting the great monuments associated with cities,
Braga also has deep religious roots with its churches and pilgrimage places.
Take a walk around the Historic Centre and have lunch at a traditional restaurant. Another great city is Guimarães, World Heritage and birthplace of the
first King of Portugal. Proceed to Viana do Castelo for accommodation.
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Accommodation:
Charm Hotel - Antigo Former deluxe Hotel in the beginning of the XX century.
Set on the hill of Santa Luzia, overlooking the town of Viana do Castelo and the beautiful estuary of the river
Lima, this Pousada is the result of an excellent restoration of a 1918 hotel. From this Pousada guests can enjoy
the view of one of the vast and beautiful landscapes of our country, the city of Viana do Castelo and the sea. Its
surrounding gardens and woods, the magnificent swimming pool and the peaceful place where the Pousada is set,
allow guests an invigorating tranquillity.
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6th day
Douro valley, the most ancient demarcated area of wine in the world, considered worldwide heritage. Amarante typical town where we stop to taste the
delicious pastry and visit Saint Gonçalo convent.
Afterwards we go to Régua (capital of Port wine) where we'll visit a wine producer farm and afterwards we'll have lunch in Régua. On the way back
we'll visit an aristocratic palace, Solar da Rede, housing a "Pousada" (inn) for overnight stay.
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Accommodation:
Historical Hotel
In the midst of the Douro demarcated wine region, on the road from Mesão Frio to Régua, is the Solar da Rede,
with its breathtaking view over the River Douro. Ideally located within a 27-hectare vineyard, this 18th century
manor house offers visitors the chance to sample the reality of local vineyard life, whilst reliving the ways of Port
savouring.
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7th day
Early departure from Oporto to visit Fatima, considered one of the most important pilgrimage places in the world. visit the Sanctuary and the Basilica -
where there are the tombstones of shepherds - and the Chapel of Apparitions, heart of the shrine. Aljustrel, tour of the houses where Jacinta, Francisco
and Lucia were born. Afterwards departure to Evora for overnight stay.
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Accommodation:
Historical Hotel in Alentejo - Convent of Lóios
In the heart of historic the centre of Évora, a city classified by UNESCO as World Heritage, stands the Pousade
de Évora - Lóios, originally a convent and one of Évora's most precious architectural buildings. Staying at the
Pousada de Évora - Lóios is reliving history itself in each stone, each glance and each object.
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8th day
Sightseeing of Evora in the morning. In Evora, “World Heritage”, the “city Museum” surrounded by walls, see the Roman Temple, the Romanesque
Gothic Cathedral, the Chapel made of bones from thousands of people in saint Francis church. A walk along its streets with white-washed houses will
help you understand why they also call “white city” to this dwelling place of kings and nobles. Free time for lunch. Afterwards we’ll keep heading
south to Algarve for overnight stay in Tavira.
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Accommodation:
Historical Hotel in Algarve - Convent of Graça
An architectonical elements blend with modern equipment, makes this Pousada ready for any business client or,
for the ones that want a perfect golf course, a fantastic day by the pool, a regional and delicious dinner and a
starry night in the suite’s private and gardened room.
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9th day
Visit Silves, the Moorish capital. Promenade through Monchique mountain and Lagos, city of discoveries. Visit cape St Vincent, “the end of the world”,
the south westernmost point of Europe and the school of Navigators at Sagres, where we spend the night.
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Accommodation:
Hotel of Nature in Algarve - Pousada on a cliff at the ocean.
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Pousada is located in the village of Sagres, in the Algarve region. This village
has an important historical and maritime significance, from where, 500 years ago, Prince D. Henrique's caravels
left to look for new countries. The discovery of the cultural authenticity of the area and the possibility of walking
on desert beaches, allow you to forget about the real world. From the fishing village of Sagres come the excellent
fish and seafood that can be quietly savoured at the Pousada, a contrast to the more usual cosmopolitan bustle of
the Algarve coast. Only 5 km from the Pousada, you will find the Fortaleza do Beliche, the most south-westerly
hotel in Europe with an unforgettable view and a first class restaurant.
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10th day
Leave the Algarve through Alentejo, the biggest cork tree region in the world, heading to Setubal, important fishing harbour (stop. Free time for lunch).
In the afternoon, drive through Arrabida mountain - a unique nature reserve providing breathtaking panoramic views. Stop at Azeitão - a visit to a
famous wine cellar with a guided tour to sample the local wines. Arrive to Lisbon crossing 25th's April bridge. End of services.
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