Portugal 12 Day Grand Tour Package with Luxury Hotels

Day 1: Touring a Cellar with Drink Samples & a Waterfront Boasting Nightlife, Street Performers & Authentic Restaurants

1. Porto
   2h
   The tour to Portugal starts in the city of Porto. Firstly, we are taken by foot to the Dom Luís I Bridge. There we find magnificent views. We then continue by foot to where the famous port wine cellars are located. This area is called ‘Vila Nova de Gaia’. There we go into a wine cellar and have wine tastings. After sampling wines in Vila Nova de Gaia, we are taken back to the other side of the river, specifically to the ‘Cais da Ribeira.’ This is a lively waterfront promenade lined with cafes, restaurants and shops. This area is popular with both locals and tourists, known for its vibrant nightlife, street performers and authentic Portuguese food and wine. Lastly, we can be walked back to our hotel or be left in Praça da Ribeira. Praça da Ribeira is the main square and the heart of the neighborhood, once a vital commercial hub where merchants traded goods from the river.

Day 2: Seeing Grapes Terraced on Steep Hillsides by Boat & Dinner with Mama Francisca

1. Pinhao
   11h
   We are making a daytrip today. Firstly, we are taken by car to a picturesque village called Pinhão. It is located in the heart of a wine region called Douro Valley. We get onto a traditional ‘rabelo’ boat. Cruising past terraced vineyards on steep hillsides between Pinhão and the village of Mesão Frio is a great way to spend the morning. Upon our return, we are taken to a wine estate. There we are provided with a guided tour. Specifically, we visit the estate’s museum showcasing its history, check out an impressive 1896 historic cellar and see the surrounding vineyards and terraces. After our tour, we are taken to a scenic lookout point called Miradouro de Casal de Loivos. We are then taken back to Porto, specifically to a local’s home. There we take a cooking class. Dinner is included. After our meal, we are taken back to our hotel.

Day 3: Flying Over Landmarks by Cable Car & Locals Singing Out Their Souls to Us

1. Torre dos Clerigos
   7h · Admission ticket included
   This morning is dedicated to further exploration of Porto. We begin on foot at São Bento Station, renowned for its blue-and-white azulejo tiles depicting Portuguese history. Next, we visit Sé Cathedral, one of Portugal’s most important Romanesque monuments, offering panoramic views from its square. We then explore the iconic Clérigos Tower, ascending Portugal’s tallest bell tower for sweeping city views, before stopping at Livraria Lello, famous for its neo-Gothic design and red staircase.
   
   We continue by cable car on the Teleférico de Gaia to Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar for some of Porto’s finest views. After descending, lunch is on your own, with a recommendation to try the local Francesinha. In the afternoon, we collect our luggage and drive to Coimbra. Upon arrival, we stop at the Penedo da Saudade before ending the day with a traditional fado concert, including a glass of port wine.

Day 4: One of Portugal’s Oldest Universities & Watching a Candlelight Procession in One of Europe’s Most Spiritual Destination

1. Fatima
   11h
   Before relocating to Fátima, we continue exploring Coimbra on foot. We begin at the University of Coimbra, visiting the Palace of Schools—including the Baroque Library, Saint Michael’s Chapel, and Royal Palace—along with the Chemistry Laboratory, Cabinet of Curiosities, and Academic Museum. We then stroll through the botanical garden before visiting Sé Velha Cathedral, a remarkably preserved 12th-century Romanesque landmark from the Reconquista period. Next, we visit Igreja de Santa Cruz, home to the tombs of Portugal’s first two kings.
   
   After collecting our luggage, we drive to Fátima. Upon arrival, we walk through the Sanctuary of Fátima, visiting the Chapel of the Apparitions, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary with the tombs of the three visionaries, the modern Basilica of the Holy Trinity, and the Parish Church of Fátima. The day concludes with the moving candlelight procession at the sanctuary.

Day 5: Dramatic Pink Granite Cliffs, Castle Walls & a Grand Palace Which Nearly Bankrupted the Country

1. 10h
   Although Lisbon is our final destination tonight, we explore several highlights along the way. We begin in Peniche, where we take a boat to the Berlengas Natural Reserve, known for its pink granite cliffs, sea caves, seabird colonies, and rich marine life. After returning to Peniche, we visit the historic fortress.
   
   Next, we stop in the medieval village of Óbidos for a guided walk, with the best views from the castle walls. We then continue to the Mafra Palace, an 18th-century Baroque masterpiece built by King João V, symbolizing the power and wealth of Portugal’s empire.
   
   Afterward, we visit Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe. We end the day in Cascais, exploring the historic center, strolling through Marechal Carmona Park, and walking along the waterfront promenade to Praia da Rainha before continuing to our hotel in Lisbon.

Day 6: Historical Masterpieces Representing Both Islamic & Christian Architectural Styles

1. Sintra National Palace
   8h · Admission ticket included
   We are making a daytrip today. Firstly, we are taken to the city of Sintra. There we visit the Pena Palace. It was built as a 19th-century summer residence for King Ferdinand II on the ruins of a former monastery. Next, we are taken to the Moorish Castle. Initially built in the 10th century, this former military fortification serves as a testament to the Islamic presence in the Iberian Peninsula. We are then taken to Quinta da Regaleira. This is a historic estate with a palace, vast gardens and underground passages. Afterwards, we are taken to the Sintra National Palace. It is the last remaining medieval royal palace in Portugal, serving as a testament to the country's history and the blending of architectural styles from the Moorish, Gothic and Renaissance periods. After visiting the palace, we are taken back to our hotel.

Day 7: Legendary Custard Tarts, City Landmarks & Partying in Fashionable Areas

1. Jeronimos Monastery
   4h · Admission ticket included
   Today we explore Lisbon on foot, beginning at the legendary Pastéis de Belém to sample the original custard tarts made from a secret 1837 recipe. We then visit the 16th-century Jerónimos Monastery, followed by Belém Tower, where we explore its interior and rooftop terrace. Next, we stop at the Monument to the Discoveries, honoring Portugal’s Age of Exploration, before enjoying lunch at Time Out Market, featuring modern Portuguese cuisine.
   
   In the afternoon, we tour LX Factory, a revitalized industrial complex filled with shops, street art, and creative spaces. We then visit Praça das Flores before heading to Pink Street in Cais do Sodré and finishing the evening in Bairro Alto, Lisbon’s most popular area for nightlife, before returning to our hotel.

Day 8: The Best Europe’s Westernmost City Has to Offer

1. Castelo De Sao Jorge
   7h · Admission ticket included
   Today we continue exploring Lisbon. We begin at Saint George’s Castle, walking along its ancient walls and towers, enjoying panoramic city views, and strolling through its gardens. We then descend into the Alfama district, known for its maze-like alleys, tiled facades, and traditional atmosphere, stopping at Miradouro de Santa Luzia for views over the rooftops and the Tagus River.
   
   Next, we visit Lisbon Cathedral, one of the few buildings to survive the 1755 earthquake. We continue to the grand Praça do Comércio, walk beneath the Rua Augusta Arch, and take the elevator to the top for sweeping views. After time on Rua Augusta, we visit the historic Santa Justa Lift and finish at the Miradouro das Portas do Sol before returning to our hotel.

Day 9: Welcome to the South, with its Golden Sands & Charming Coastal Settlements

1. Lagos Boat Tours
   7h · Admission ticket included
   Today we travel by car from Lisbon to the coastal village of Carvoeiro, with scenic stops along the way. We begin at Ponta da Piedade Lighthouse, famous for its dramatic coastal rock formations. Nearby, we visit Sagres Fortress on a guided tour, a historic site overlooking the Atlantic. We then stop at the beaches of Salema and Praia da Luz to enjoy the Algarve coastline.
   
   Next, we continue to Lagos, where we take a boat excursion past the beaches of Dona Ana and Camilo and explore nearby sea caves. Afterward, we enjoy a guided walking tour of Lagos. We then continue to Carvoeiro, where an evening walking tour showcases its cliffside setting, golden beaches, and charming village atmosphere, including views from the steps beside the beach.

Day 10: A Cave with a ‘Sky Eye’, a Jet-Set Marina & One Very Picturesque Town

1. Praia De Benagil
   2h · Admission ticket included
   We are not relocating to the coastal town of Albufeira just yet. This morning starts with a walk to the main beach. There we take a boat to Benagil Cave and a stunning beach called Marinha. At Benagil Cave, you see a massive dome with a ‘sky eye’ opening that beams sunlight onto a hidden sandy beach. We are then taken to a beach called Nossa Senhora da Rocha. The views from above this beach are absolutely fabulous. We are then taken to our hotel in Albufeira, which is arguably one of Portugal’s most charming towns. After settling in, we are provided with a guided walking tour of the old town. After the tour has finished, we are taken by car to Vilamoura, specifically to its marina. This jet-set resort town is best appreciated at night. There we are provided with a guided tour. Next, we are taken back to Albufeira, specifically its new town. There we check out the nightlife. We are then taken back to our hotel or can be left in the old town, so we can check out the nightlife there too.

Day 11: A Coastline Like No Other & Some of the Most Expensive Homes in Portugal

1. Albufeira
   7h
   Although we are relocating by car from Albufeira to the coastal town of Faro, important stops are made en route. Firstly, we are taken to a resort called Quinta do Lago. Along with expensive homes and impressive golf courses, we find a particularly beautiful coastline there. We are then taken to our hotel in Faro. After settling in, we are taken to the town of Tavira. There we are provided with a guided walking tour of the old town. Next, we are taken to Vila Real de Santo Antonio. There we are provided with another guided walking tour, checking out both the old town and the marina area. We are then taken back to our hotel.

Day 12: Our Tour Ends Today

1. Faro
   1h
   Transportation will be arranged for you to reach the airport in Faro.

Pickup details

You are scheduled to arrive in the city of Porto. After getting your luggage, proceed through the exit closest to you. Look for your tour guide and driver holding a sign with your name on it. This person is to guide and drive you for the whole duration of this tour. You are to be taken via a 30-minute drive to your hotel.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels