Trafalgar Tours: Best of Portugal
Day 1 - Welcome to Lisbon
A sea of pastel pinks, yellows and blues dot the seven hills of the romantic Portuguese capital, which you will have an opportunity to explore today before meeting your fellow travelers and Travel Director for dinner and an orientation drive past some of the city's most iconic sights.
Accommodations: Olissippo Marquês de Sá
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 - Discover Colorful Lisbon Dive Into Culture
Delve into Lisbon's centuries-old seafaring heritage today, paying tribute to the brave men who set off from these shores to discover the ‘New World’. With our Local Specialist, see the shimmering white Monument to the Discoveries, the iconic suspension bridge spanning the Tagus, and Belém Tower, built as a fortress protecting the city of Lisbon. Dive Into Culture on a sightseeing tour of the UNESCO-listed Hieronymite Monastery, an exquisite testament to 16th-century Manueline architecture and art. There’s time to join an Optional Experience to the historic towns of Cascais and Sintra, before perhaps enjoying a traditional Portuguese dinner amidst the soulful and touching sounds of the Fado this evening.
Accommodations: Olissippo Marquês de Sá
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 - Journey to the Algarve Region Connect with Locals
We journey across the Tagus this morning and drive south towards the Serra da Arrábida Mountains and to the golden pastures of the Alentejo. The hearty aroma of Portuguese chicken fills the air at our Be My Guest experience as we Connect With Locals over a traditional lunch at a stud ranch, where Lusitano horses were once reared at the pleasure of King João VI. Our journey continues further south, bound for the holiday paradise that is the Algarve – our home for the next two nights.
Accommodations: Água Hotels Riverside
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 - Cliffs, Beaches and More in the Algarve
The dramatic landscapes of the Sagres Peninsula provide a stunning backdrop for our morning drive. Admire spectacular views across Baleeira Beach, before continuing along the coast to Cape St. Vincent, the site of many sea battles centuries ago. Enjoy your free afternoon in the resort town Lagos – once the home of Henry the Navigator.
Accommodations: Água Hotels Riverside
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 - Onwards to Elegant Évora
Journeying north, we travel to the ancient Alentejo city of Évora. Join your Local Specialist for a visit to the elaborate cathedral, Roman temple and the Chapel of Bones. Then, spend the rest of your day delving into the medieval history of this enchanting city. Trace centuries of history along its city walls, kick back with a bica and bolo in Praça do Giraldo or perhaps join an Optional Experience to the medieval village of Monsaraz. This evening we dine at our hotel.
Accommodations: M'ar de Ar Muralhas
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - Venture Past Mountains to Viseu
Our first stop today is in the quaint hilltop town of Castelo de Vide with its charming white façades, narrow alleys and fascinating Jewish Quarter. Travel north towards the Serra de Estrela mountains and arrive later in Viseu, set high on a plateau near the famous Dão vineyards. Explore the city's rich art and architectural history, and see the 12th-century Sé, standing imposingly on a hill overlooking much of the city.
Accommodations: Grão Vasco
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 - Through the Douro Valley to Porto
Vineyard-clad hills provide an enchanting backdrop for our journey today through the Douro Valley, where Port wine is produced. We explore the magnificent gardens at the Baroque-style Palácio de Mateus, depicted on the label of the distinctive Mateus Rosé wine bottles. We continue via Guimarães for views of its impressive 10th-century castle, before arriving in the riverside town of Porto where we will spend the next two nights.
Accommodations: Carris Ribeira
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 - Explore Vibrant Porto Dive Into Culture
Join a Local Specialist today for a sightseeing tour in Porto, which takes you past baroque churches and along the winding cobblestone lanes that tumble down towards the Douro River. See the remarkable bridges that span the river and the Gothic Church of St. Francis. Visit the Stock Exchange Palace with its splendid Arabian Hall inspired by Granada's Alhambra, then Dive Into Culture and into the centuries-old tradition of local port production at a tasting in a port cellar. Spend the rest of the afternoon strolling through the historic center of Porto admiring the azulejo-clad façades, or visit Livraria Lello, the city's oldest bookstore.
Accommodations: Carris Ribeira
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 - On to Coimbra and Pilgrimage to Fátima
Soak up the grand atmosphere of one of Europe's greatest and oldest universities with a Local Specialist, then stroll through the ancient streets and squares of Coimbra, before journeying to the Templar city of Tomar. We join a Local Specialist to visit the Convent of Christ, originally built as a Templar stronghold in the 12th century. Later, we arrive in the pilgrimage center of Fátima, visited by millions of Catholic pilgrims, where three young shepherds famously saw apparitions of the Virgin Mary.
Accommodations: Fátima
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 - Experience Village Life Returning to Lisbon
En route to Lisbon, with a Local Specialist we stop at the imposing monastery of Batalha – a UNESCO World Heritage site and the best example of late Gothic architecture in Portugal. Our next stop is the fishing village of Nazaré, before we visit the medieval walled city of Óbidos with its whitewashed houses and cobblestone streets. Celebrate our last evening in Portugal over dinner in a family-run vineyard, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Toast to an incredible journey over organic wine and locally sourced flavors.
Accommodations: Olissippo Marquês de Sá
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11 - Farewell Lisbon
Say a fond adeus to your fellow travelers at the end of an unforgettable Portuguese holiday.
Meals: Breakfast
Evora
Evora is considered a seat of learning with its University founded in 16th Century by Cardinal Dom Henrique. Within the surrounding wall the most prominent feature is the 2nd or 3rd Century ruins of a Roman Temple dedicated to Goddess Diana. Another attractive feature is the 15th Century Convento dos Lóios. The city’s 13th century cathedral took 50 years to build and is reminiscent of a fortress. The main square with its 16th Century fountain has a sad history. Among other events, Dom João II witnessed the beheading by his orders of his brother-in-law. Equally unpleasant were the sights caused by the Inquisition in this public place. A macabre reminder is the Capela dos Ossos in the 15th Century Igreja de São Francisco - where the bones of 5,000 monks lie. There are several museums - the Museu de Arte Sacra, Galeria de Arte Casa Cadaval, the Museu de Artes Decorativas Religiosas and the Museu de Évora. The museum, formerly the palace of the Bishop, built with many worked stones from previous buildings in the city, has some outstanding religious items.
Excursions
A Royal Invitation
A Royal Invitation
Overview: Immerse in a fascinating rendezvous with Princess Diana d'Orléans, Cadaval Duchess. Embracing with passion the mission of transmitting her ancestor's History and Heritage, Dona Diana Álvares Pereira de Melo authored several Portuguese history and architecture books. In an enchanting palatial setting, engage in an intimate lunch and conversation at the magnificent 14th-century palace and uncover intriguing stories about the Portuguese monarchy.
Duration: 2 Hours
Porto (Oporto)
Porto (Oporto), Portugal's second largest city, is full of interest, and the district it heads offers the visitor plenty to see. Along the coast, there are resorts like the cosmopolitan beach of Espinho, busy ports like Matosinhos, with splendid seafood, or traditional fishing towns like Póvoa de Varzim, and there is also an animated casino. Charming Amarante has 17th century mansions overlooking the river and is famous for a sweet egg pastries called "papos de anjo" (angel bellies). In Vila Nova de Gaia, there are lodges where Port wine is blended and aged and where tasting are offered, or visitors may take a river cruise along the Douro. The whole district is filled with prosperous towns, but there are also many calm roads with wonderful views over the river and a rugged and still unspoilt coastline.
Excursions
Portugal: Porto Wine Excursion - 4 hours
Portugal: Porto Wine Excursion - 4 hours
Highlights
In this tour you’ll discover all about the wines from the city of Porto!
You will start the tour by doing a sightseeing tour from the port (located in Matosinhos) to the city center. After that, you'll visit the first winery with high quality of Douro wines for a Douro red and white wines tasting as an exclusive experience.
Then you'll visit a second Port Wine company (Real Companhia Velha) for another special Port Wine tasting. Real Companhia Velha is simply the oldest Port Wine company in Porto, established by a king in 1756. When this tour is finished you will return to Porto Pier.
What's included?
- Private guided tour (4h)
- Visit and wine tastings
- Transportation
What's not included?
- Meals and drinks not mentioned
- Souvenirs
- Gratuities
Highlights of Porto (4 hours)
Highlights of Porto (4 hours)
Highlights:
Take in the attractive surrounding with visit to the opulent Stock Exchange Palace and St Francis Church. Enjoy a port wine tasting at one of the famous riverside lodges in the pretty Riberia district.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by luxury car or minivan
- An expert local guide for 8 hours
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
- All taxes
Not Included:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
Algarve Coast
Gorgeous beaches, warm water, and glorious sunshine year-round, Algarve Coast is the dream holiday. Traces of Moorish presence are still seen in its unique terraces, chimneys and whitewashed houses. This charming region has idyllic temperatures, which are ideal for playing sports. The region has fig trees, orange groves, almond trees, long stretches of fabulous sandy beaches, extraordinary red cliffs, and fantastic grottoes. Attractions in the Algarve Coast include: cathedrals, chapels, and churches; museums; medieval monuments and ruins; modern monuments; flat-roofed houses; and Prince Henry's navigation school. Places of interest include: Lagos, Faro, Monchique, Olhão, Portimão, Sagres, Silves, and Tavira.
Lisbon
Portugal’s capital is an 18th-century city - elegant, open to the sea and carefully planned. Most places of interest are within easy walking distance. Rossio Square, the heart of Lisbon since medieval times, is an ideal place to start exploring. Many rebuilt houses with original façades provide stores and restaurants with modern interiors. High above Baixa is Bairro Alto - with its teeming nightlife. There are many monuments and museums, such as San Jeronimos Monastery, Royal Coach Museum and Gulbenkian Museum. Two well-known landmarks are the Monument to the Discoveries and the Tower of Belem. A statue of Christ looms above Europe’s longest suspension bridge. Madragoa, Bica and Bairro Alto, Lisbon’s older sections, offer a variety of sights: the Church of Sao Roque, with its beautiful tiles; St. George Castle, which offers a splendid view from its location above the Alfama quarter; the botanical gardens, featuring an unusual, cold greenhouse; and the cathedral, stunning with its Moorish design. Renowned Gulbenkian Museum is the cultural center of Portugal.
Excursions
An Exploration of Lisbon (8 hours)
An Exploration of Lisbon (8 hours)
Highlights:
Lying north of the River Tagus estuary and stretching over seven hills, Portugal's capital city has much to offer. Receive a warm welcome at the port by your private guide and driver and from here commence your engaging tour of Lisbon.
Explore the Belem district with its magnificent Jerónimos Monastery, an extraordinary example of Portugal's 'Manueline' style of architecture. Once populated by monks, the UNESCO-listed monastery was commissioned by King Manuel I to celebrate Vasco da Gama's discovery of a sea route to India in 1498. Time permitting, visit Torre de Belém (Belém Tower), one of Lisbon's most iconic buildings and symbolic of Portugal's great Age of Expansion.
Next, it's time for a refreshment stop, where you may wish to sample the famous and scrumptious Pastéis de Belém (Portuguese custard tarts). From here you return to your cruise ship.
- Discover the beautiful Belem district with its magnificent Jeronimos Monastery
- Behold the priceless treasures on display at the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum and try the exquisite pasteis de nata local pastries
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour can operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by luxury car or minivan
- An expert local guide for 8 hours
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
- All taxes
Not Included:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
Queluz, Sintra and Estoril (8 hours)
Queluz, Sintra and Estoril (8 hours)
Highlights:
Venture outside of Lisbon to explore Queluz, Sintra and Estoril during your private shore excursion. Take the short driver to the sumptuous 18th-century Queluz Palace, where you can admire the magnificent formal gardens and azulejo-lined canals.
Afterwards visit Sintra, the summer retreat of Portuguese monarchs and Moorish emirs before them. Today, this town, nestling on the north side of the Sintra Mountain, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Stroll through the town where charming streets are filled with fine handicraft shops. You then descend to Guincho beach for a fabulous view of Cape Rock, the westernmost point of the European continent and continuing to the resort town of Estoril on the scenic coastal road with fantastic views, en route back to your cruise ship.
- Explore Queluz Palace, the summer residence of the Portugese Royal Family
- Take a short drive to Sintra, the summer retreat of Portuguese monarchs and a UNESCO Word Heritage Site
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour can operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by luxury car or minivan
- An expert local guide for 8 hours
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
- All taxes
Not Included:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
Highlights of Lisbon (4 hours)
Highlights of Lisbon (4 hours)
Highlights:
See Belem Tower, one of Lisbon's iconic buildings and symbolic of the nation's Age of Expansion. Admire the impressive collection of painted and gilded Baroque coaches at the National Coach Museum.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by luxury car or minivan
- An expert local guide for 8 hours
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
- All taxes
Not Included:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities