This Tour will give the best of the two major cities of Portugal, both steeped in history, yet vibrant and modern at the same time, and visit less touristic regions with secrets little known.
There is much to see but there will be plenty of time to relax as well. Our intention is that you will have the experience of a lifetime.
This Tour will give the best of the two major cities of Portugal, both steeped in history, yet vibrant and modern at the same time, and visit less touristic regions with secrets little known.
There is much to see but there will be plenty of time to relax as well. Our intention is that you will have the experience of a lifetime.
Art deco facade Porto will take you back in time to understand the impact of the Belle Époque.
Porto
Porto, dramatically perched at the mouth of the Rio Douro has a wonderful atmosphere. It is packed with ancient and great monuments rubbing shoulders with everyday Portuguese life.
The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of historic buildings and outstanding monuments as well as quaint medieval streets.
Porto offers a compelling synthesis of ancient and contemporary attractions and it is a delight to stroll gently through its diverse landscape.
Coimbra, home to one of the oldest Universities in the world
Coimbra
Home to one of the world’s oldest universities, Coimbra is a timeless destination that has inspired the works of acclaimed poets and writers, a long-standing tradition of soulful Fado serenades, and a truly unique legacy of high-spirited academic rituals.
UNESCO World Heritage Batalha Monastery Portugal
Batalha Abbey & Alcobaça Abbey
We will visit two important and World Heritage sites, the Batalha Abbey, one of Europe’s greatest Gothic masterpieces and the 12th century Abbey of Alcobaça, originally given to St Bernard of Clairvaux, the founder of the Knights Templar, and the burial site of Portugal’s most famous royal lovers.
Belem Tower, Lisbon. Constructed on the northern bank of the Tagus River, this tower was used to defend the city.
Lisbon
Lisbon is so many special things; it’s the sound of vintage trams rambling up and down cobblestone streets, a medley of heartfelt Fado songs, an open-air gallery of historic heritage, a haven for free spirits, a surprise for fashionable shoppers, and Portugal’s ‘coolest city.
Steeped in history and culture, this enchanting ‘city of light’ boasts a natural luminosity and effortless charm unlike any other in the country and has become a popular European destination for its exciting diversity, beautiful sites, and enviable, sunny climate.
Sintra fairytale scenery. Sintra, known by many as one of the most beautiful towns in Portugal,
Sintra
Sintra is all about scenic splendor, a realm of romance where majestic fairytale-like palaces, a grandiose castle, regal estates, and charming red-tiled houses stand amidst a landscape of luxuriant, semi-tropical forests and hilltops.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Porto
Transfer from airport to Hotel and orientation walk.
Welcome, drink and dinner.
Rabelo boats in Douro River. The relief and the Douro River create a unique look of Porto, which is so memorable to tourists.
Day 2 – Visit Porto
Explore the town which is the ‘capital of the north and Portugal’s second city.
We’ll visit some of Porto’s most iconic monuments and places such as the Cathedral, the Stock Exchange, Lello’s Bookshop, and Casa da Música.
Lello library Porto. Lonely Planet considered Lello & Irmão Bookstore as the third most beautiful library in the world.
Day 3 – River Douro Trip & Port Lodge Visit
Today we visit the Ribeira, a quaint living area, and a World Heritage Site.
A river trip will then allow us to enjoy the spectacular view from the river and a visit to a Port Lodge to get to know the history of this world-famous wine and taste it, of course.
Ribeira cafes in Porto river Douro estuary. Visit the monuments in the historical center, relax in a street café along the riverside, and admire the orderly rooftops of the Port wine cellars.
Day 4 – Porto – Coimbra Walk & Visit
Today we visit Coimbra, home to one of the world’s oldest universities. But the city is no historic relic, it is an affluent city that is both liberal and forward-thinking, in part due to the large student population.
Steeped in history and long regarded as Portugal’s cultural and intellectual center, Coimbra is a timeless destination that has inspired the works of acclaimed poets and writers, a long-standing tradition of soulful Fado serenades, and a truly unique legacy of high-spirited academic rituals.
It is acclaimed as the city of love. Coimbra, perched over the lovely Mondego River (the longest Portuguese river), is a varied and captivating city boasting an extensive history. It is crammed with interesting historical monuments, such as the famed university, but equally has a lively and vibrant atmosphere and great nightlife.
Clerigos Tower in Porto. The Clérigos Church is a Baroque church in the city of Porto
Day 5 – Batalha Abbey & Alcobaça Abbey
Today we transfer to Lisbon.
On our way through the center of Portugal, we cross the Ribatejo, a green and tranquil area.
The region was the headquarters for the Order of the Knights Templar founded alongside Portugal itself.
We will visit two important and Wolrd Heritage Heritage sites, the Batalha Abbey, one of Europe’s greatest Gothic masterpieces, and the 12th century Abbey of Alcobaça, originally given to St Bernard of Clairvaux, the founder of the Knights Templar, and the burial site of Portugal’s most famous royal lovers.
UNESCO World Heritage Batalha Monastery Portugal. The Monastery of Batalha (Portuguese: Mosteiro da Batalha) is a Dominican convent in the municipality of Batalha
Day 6 – Day in Lisbon
Our day in Lisbon will give a wide overview, not only of one of the most picturesque old quarters in the city but excellent views over all the rest.
Lisbon has charming neighborhoods with narrow, cobbled streets, secular houses, small traditional shops, restaurants, and nightlife venues.
The Jeronimos Monastery is a royal foundation that dates back to the late 15th century. This stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site will sweep you away with its majestic display of Manueline opulence portraying the wealth of the crown.
Further downriver, the magnificent tower of Belém, built-in 1520 as part of the Tagus estuary defense system, is one of the greatest symbols of Portugal’s Age of Discovery and World Heritage Site.
This day does not include entrances in any monument.
Torre de Belém
Day 7 – Day in Sintra
Sintra is all about scenic splendor, a realm of romance where majestic fairytale-like palaces, a grandiose castle, regal estates, and charming red-tiled houses stand amidst a landscape of luxuriant, semi-tropical forests and hilltops.
Characterized by its singular mystique and peacefulness, the Sintra area offers scenery of striking beauty with its rocky mountain range, lush greenery, and sweep of pristine beaches. Named ‘Hill of the Moon’ by its Celtic settlers and ‘Mons Lunae’ by the Romans, Sintra’s sleepy mountain range is also home to an extensive natural park that stretches out to Cascais and its wave-lapped coast.
For five centuries, Portuguese royalty used their sumptuous, hilltop mansions and luxurious estates in Sintra as summer residences to enjoy the crisp air and refreshing microclimate of its mountain range far from the city heat. Once described as ‘Glorious Eden’ by 19th Century English poet Lord Byron, this dreamy, fairy tale land continues to draw the attention of world-class writers and filmmakers, who find inspiration in Sintra’s unparalleled beauty, history, and legends.
Farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant.
Sintra, Quinta da Regaleira. The palace was built in a Romantic revivalist style, in an imitation of Gothic, Manueline, and Renaissance architectural and decorative forms, mixed with a mythical and esoteric symbolism.
Day 8 – Departure
Transfer from Lisbon to Airport.
What's included
Accommodation
7 nights in a twin standard room for two pax
Shared ensuite room with a traveling companion of the same sex
Single supplement available with a surcharge
Extra nights available on request
Meals
7 buffet breakfasts at the Hotel
2 Dinners with drinks included
Transport
Meet & Greet Airport Transfer to the hotel on the first day – group transfer
Transfer from the hotel to the airport on the last day – group transfer
All transports to walks and activities (as outlined) with dedicated driver and vehicle
Additional transfers are available on request at an extra cost
Tour Leaders
Dedicated English speaking local tour leader
The tour leader will assist and guide the group throughout the holidays, handle all the arrangements and other needs that might arise, making sure that you don’t have to worry about planning your days and you can enjoy your holiday
Each evening, your tour leader will discuss the details and program for the following day
Exclusions
Any services not listed as included
Flights to and from Portugal
Meals, tips/gratuities, baggage, or personal insurance (except as outlined)
Admission fees to castles & attractions or events (except as outlined)
Personal expenses
Supplements
Guide services inside monuments
Insurance
You must be adequately insured to join our Guided holidays and Self-Guided Portugal holidays. We do not insist that you insure with us but we require that you are adequately insured for the nature of your holiday.
BeCool Travel has partnered with WorldNomads.com to keep you travelling safely. WorldNomads.com Travel Insurance is designed for independent and adventurous travellers, with coverage for overseas medical expenses, cancellation, baggage, and other expenses.
Please consult our Travel Insurance page, where you’ll be able to get more detailed info about insurance requirements and an immediate quote for your trip.