A coach journey through historic towns, mountain scenery and wine country.
Explore Portugal’s heritage and landscapes on a six-day circuit from Lisbon, taking in Évora, the central mountain region, the Douro Valley and the cities of the north.
The programme includes five nights in 3- or 4-star hotels, dinner each evening and daily free time for lunch.
Optional excursions before your departure:
Make the most of your stay in Lisbon with our optional city sightseeing tour, an excursion to Sintra, Cascais and Estoril, or a full-day trip to Óbidos, Nazaré, Batalha and Fátima. These visits offer a first taste of Portugal’s monuments, Atlantic coastline and local traditions.
Day 1 Lisbon to Évora and Castelo Branco Leave Lisbon and head into the Alentejo to reach Évora. Begin the walking visit at the Cathedral, an imposing reminder of the city’s medieval religious importance. Admission is included. Continue to the Roman Temple, whose surviving columns recall Évora’s ancient past, then explore Praça do Giraldo and the surrounding historic streets. Enjoy free time for lunch before travelling north to Castelo Branco. On arrival, take in the views from the castle before settling into your hotel. Dinner and overnight in Castelo Branco at a 3- or 4-star hotel.
Day 2 Castelo Branco to Fundão Covilhã Belmonte and Viseu Set out for Fundão, known for its cherries, and enjoy a stroll through the town’s traditional streets. Continue via Covilhã to Belmonte, a historic village linked to the navigator Pedro Álvares Cabral and distinguished by its Jewish heritage. When weather and road conditions allow, continue through the mountain scenery of Serra da Estrela towards Viseu. If the mountain route is unsuitable, travel instead through Guarda and Mangualde. On this alternative route, visit Guarda Cathedral, whose solid granite walls give it the appearance of a fortress. Cathedral admission is included when the Serra da Estrela route is omitted. Time for lunch is provided along the way. The route and order of visits may be adjusted to suit weather and road conditions. Dinner and overnight at a 3- or 4-star hotel in Viseu.
Day 3 Viseu to Lamego Peso da Régua Mateus Vila Real and Amarante Leave Viseu for Lamego and visit the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios. Set above the town, it is approached by an impressive staircase embellished with Portuguese tile panels. Continue to Peso da Régua, stopping to appreciate the Douro River and the vineyards that shape this wine-growing landscape. Free time for lunch during the day. Travel on to Mateus Palace, near Vila Real, to discover its Baroque architecture and garden setting. The visit includes a wine tasting. Continue through Vila Real before reaching Amarante, on the banks of the Tâmega River. Dinner and overnight in Amarante at a 3- or 4-star hotel.
Day 4 Amarante to Guimarães Braga and Porto Depart Amarante for Guimarães, traditionally regarded as Portugal’s birthplace. Walk through its historic centre, where small streets, arcaded squares and old houses retain a medieval character. Visit the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, followed by Guimarães Castle. Both admissions are included. Enjoy free time for lunch in Guimarães. Continue to Braga, beginning at the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, celebrated for its grand Baroque stairway and elevated position. Then visit Braga Cathedral and explore the historic centre of one of Portugal’s oldest cities. The Cathedral’s origins go back to before the Portuguese kingdom was established. Admission is included. Proceed to Porto for dinner and an overnight stay at a 3- or 4-star hotel.
Day 5 Porto and the Port wine tradition Enjoy a morning at leisure in Porto, with time to browse the shops, relax in a café or wander beside the river. Lunch is at your own choice and expense. In the afternoon, visit a Port wine lodge to learn about the production of this famous wine and sample it during an included tasting. Continue your exploration of Porto, starting at Foz do Douro, where the river flows into the Atlantic, and continuing through Boavista. Explore the riverside district of Ribeira, Batalha and Avenida dos Aliados before visiting the Cathedral, whose beginnings date to the 12th century. Cathedral admission is included. The sightseeing programme combines coach travel with the visits described. Dinner and a second overnight stay at a 3- or 4-star hotel in Porto.
Day 6 Porto to Coimbra Tomar and Lisbon Leave Porto for Coimbra. Begin in the lower town along Rua Ferreira Borges, pass through Almedina and climb the picturesque Quebra-Costas lanes. Visit the Old Cathedral, a fine example of Romanesque architecture, before continuing up to the University precinct to admire its spacious courtyard and views across the Mondego River. Old Cathedral admission is included. After free time for lunch in Coimbra, continue to Tomar, closely associated with the Knights Templar. Visit the Convent of Christ, where medieval features and elaborate Manueline stonework illustrate successive chapters of Portuguese history. Admission is included. Return to Lisbon, where the tour concludes. End of services.
Visits and admissions included • Évora Cathedral • Guarda Cathedral when the Serra da Estrela route is omitted • Mateus Palace visit and wine tasting • Palace of the Dukes of Braganza and Guimarães Castle • Braga Cathedral • Port wine lodge visit and tasting • Porto Cathedral • Coimbra Old Cathedral • Convent of Christ in Tomar
Included services • Travel by air-conditioned touring coach • An official tour guide • Five nights in 3- or 4-star hotels • Daily breakfast • Hotel dinner on Days 1 to 5 • Guided sightseeing and visits as outlined in the programme
Programme conditions Coach access and arrangements for setting down and collecting passengers depend on local traffic rules.
Travel through Serra da Estrela is subject to suitable weather and road conditions.
Services excluded Lunches are excluded, with free time available each day. Admission charges are excluded unless expressly included above. Personal expenses, porterage and gratuities are also excluded. .
