Porto, Center & Lisbon Tour

Porto to Lisbon

Self Drive

6 nights

DAY 1: Arrival - Porto

Arrival at Porto airport

Private transfer to the hotel and time free at leisure

Meet with guide at hotel lobby in the afternoon for a Half Day Tour to Porto

PORTO, WORLD HERITAGE & PORTWINE

Upon departure towards the historical center, considered World Heritage by UNESCO, we will pass by one of the trendiest and most cultural area of the city called Boavista and Foz. This is where the Atlantic meets the Douro river providing the ideal location for the upper class residences.

After passing the aristocratic part of the city and the Avenida dos Aliados, famous for its banks and trendy shops, we will leave the car behind for a walk down the well-known Santa Catarina street to get a feel of the city and its people. Some time at leisure can be given for a coffee or some shopping!

We will then visit the Stock Exchange Palace with incredible granite work and magnificent neo-Arab influences. A passage by the famous Clérigos Church and Lello Bookshop is also on the program as well as the famous “Casa da Musica” (House of Music).

Overnight in Porto

DAY 2: Douro Valley

Breakfast at the hotel

Delivery of rental car at the hotel (or pick up in the city)

Drive towards Peso da Regua in the Douro Valley

Visit, wine tasting and lunch at a local private wine estate (“Quinta de Marrocos”)

QUINTA DE MARROCOS ESTATE

In the beautiful Douro region, you will find the old Franciscan monastery that today comprises the main house of the Quinta de Marrocos estate.

The estate enjoys a lovely location by the left bank of the Douro river, nestled between the snow on the Marão mountain range, the history and art of Lamego and Vila Real, the traditions and customs of the villages and towns, the nature of the Douro valley. The 17th-century house is decorated with (country-style) family antiques. It is one of the oldest estates in the Douro and has maintained its own winery activity for over 4 generations, producing famous Port and Douro wines.

Arrival in Meda during the afternoon and check-in at the hotel

Overnight in Marialva

DAY 3: Marialva

Breakfast at the hotel

Day free at leisure to enjoy hotel facilities and/or to explore surrounding areas

Overnight in Marialva

DAY 4: Manteigas

Breakfast at the hotel

Departure from the hotel towards Manteigas

Suggested visits en route

GUARDA

The fresh, healthy mountain air in Portugal’s highest city flows through the mediaeval streets to which the granite lends nobility and a dark colour.

This is the color of the Cathedral. Tall, huge, and imposing, it has the appearance of a fortress with mighty towers rising as a symbol of the defense of faith and the territory. And if the exterior impresses us by its inspired design and Gothic decoration, the interior is surprising for the overwhelming height of the naves and an enormous altarpiece carved in stone.

Outside in the square, the 16th century arcades house cafés where you can rest and watch the pulsating heart of the city. Narrow streets radiate from here, with granite palaces and old houses with Gothic windows and gargoyles in the eaves. The entire historical center is protected by walls, gates, and medieval towers that have lasted to the present day almost intact.

BELMONTE

All roads in this ancient settlement - its first charter was granted by King Sancho I in 1199- leading up to the hilltop granite castle. A document dated 1258 describes the construction: the lofty donjon, walls, bulwarks, and the noble residence.

Breaking this austere design, on the western wall, there is a fine twinned Manueline window finished with the symbols of Manuel, the armillary sphere, and the shield of the Cabral family with its two goats. The family's most famous son is undoubtedly Pedro Álvares Cabral. Discovering Brazil in 1500, he had been born in Belmonte in 1467.

Arrival at the hotel and rest of the day free at leisure

Overnight in Manteigas

DAY 5: Lisbon

Breakfast at the hotel

Departure from the hotel towards Lisbon

Suggested visits en route

TOMAR

Tomar, known as the city of the Templars, reveals other traces of their influence, particularly the Sete Montes Park, where traditionally rites of initiation are said to have taken place, and the Church of Santa Maria do Olival, founded by the Templars in the 12th century and containing the tombs of various Masters of the Order.

The Order of the Templars was suppressed in France in the early 14th century, but in Portugal, it was transformed into the Order of Christ on the initiative of King Dom Dinis. This was subsequently approved by the Pope, and it was decided that the immense wealth they possessed should pass to the Order of Christ, which came to play an important part in the historic Portuguese Discoveries.

OBIDOS

The delightful town of Óbidos, with white houses adorned with bougainvilleas and honeysuckle, was captured from the Moors by the first king of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques, in 1148. D. Dinis later presented it to his wife, Queen Santa Isabel. From then until 1883, the town of Óbidos and the surrounding land were always the property of the queens of Portugal.

Arrival in Lisbon and check-in at the hotel

Overnight in Lisbon

DAY 6: Lisbon

Breakfast at the hotel

Meet with a guide at the hotel lobby for a Half-Day Walking Tour to Lisbon

WALKING TOUR LISBON

Leave the hotel heading towards downtown, passing Rossio Square and the trendy shopping & cultural district of Chiado.

From here we will take one of the famous Lisbon Trams and you will experience a unique ride until reaching the the old quarters of Alfama. Here we will visit the Castle of St George from where one can admire one of the best views over Lisbon.

We will then walk through the old quarters until downtown and will visit Commerce Square, located right at the river. After some time at leisure for shopping or coffee, we will return to the hotel.

Afternoon free at leisure to explore the region

Optionally: 2-hour sunset cruise on the Tagus river on board a sailing yacht

Suggested visits

SINTRA

A beautiful town at the foot of the mountain range of the same name, its unique characteristics have led UNESCO to classify it as a World Heritage site. It was even necessary to create a special category for the purpose - that of "cultural landscape" - taking into account its natural riches as well as the historic buildings in the town and mountains. Endowed with luxuriant vegetation, the mountains are part of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.

Overnight in Lisbon

DAY 7: Departure

Breakfast at the hotel

Drive to Lisbon airport and return of the rental car

Flight back

INCLUSIONS:

ACCOMMODATION

01 night at The Yeatman Hotel – Superior room

02 nights at Casas do Coro – Superior room

01 night at Penhas Douradas – Cork room

02 nights at Hotel Bairro Alto – Deluxe room

GUIDES & TRANSPORTATION

Deluxe sedan w/ English speaking driver for an arrival transfer

Deluxe sedan w/ English speaking driver + official guide for Half Day Tour of Porto

Official guide for Half-Day Walking Tour of Lisbon

MEALS/ EXPERIENCES

Visit, wine tasting and regional lunch at Quinta de Marrocos estate