Our 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.

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.

We are not relocating to the university town of Coimbra just yet. This morning starts with a further exploration of Porto. Firstly, we are taken by foot to the São Bento Station. This is a national monument famous for more than 20,000 blue-and-white tiles in its main hall that depict scenes of Portuguese history. Next, we are taken to Sé Cathedral. Construction of this cathedral began around 1110, making it one of Portugal’s most important Romanesque monuments. What’s more, panoramic city views are provided from the square in front of the cathedral. After enjoying the cathedral, we are taken to the Clérigos Tower. This iconic landmark is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and provides panoramic city views. It is the tallest bell tower in all of Portugal. There we check out the interior as well as ascend to the top. Next, we are taken to Livraria Lello. This is one of Portugal’s most beautiful bookstores, known for its neo-Gothic design and stunning red staircase.

Next, we are taken to a cable car station called Teleférico de Gaia. Reaching the monastery called Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar by cable car, we have some of the best views the city has to offer. After enjoying the view, we return to the base of the cable car station. We recommend you purchase lunch at this time. Consider trying the local dish called the ‘Francesinha.’ This is a hearty, sauce-laden sandwich.

After our meal, we pick up our luggage and are then taken by car to our new hotel, located in Coimbra. Upon arrival, we are taken to a viewpoint called the Miradouro Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen. It offers arguably the most iconic panoramic view of the city. The day ends with being taken to and dropped off at a live music venue. There we enjoy the fado (a soulful, traditional Portuguese music genre) concert, which includes a glass of port wine after the performance.

Before relocating to the town of Fatima, we explore Coimbra further. Firstly, we are taken by foot to the University of Coimbra. There we visit the Palace of School (meaning Baroque Library, Saint Michael’s Chapel and the Royal Palace), the Chemistry Laboratory, the Cabinet of Curiosities and the Academic Museum. We are then taken to the adjacent botanical garden. We are then taken by foot to Sé Velha Cathedral. It was built in the 12th century, when Coimbra was the capital of Portugal. Sé Velha is the only Portuguese cathedral from the Reconquista (meaning the long, gradual process by which the Christian Kingdom of Portugal recaptured the southern territories of the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rule) to have survived relatively intact. After visiting the cathedral, we visit a church called Igreja de Santa Cruz. It houses the tombs of Portugal’s first two kings. We then pick up our luggage and are taken to our hotel in Fatima.

Upon arrival, we are taken by foot to the Sanctuary of Fátima. This is the central complex for pilgrims, which includes several key sites. We visit the Chapel of the Apparitions, located at the site where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared. We then see the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, which features the tombs of the three visionaries-Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta Marto. The three prophecies of these visionaries are as follows: the first, a vision of hell; the second, a prediction of World War II and Russia’s influence; and the third, a vision of a bishop in white being killed, widely believed to be the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II. After the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, we visit a large and modern basilica called the Basilica of the Holy Trinity. This is one of the largest Catholic churches in the world. Next, we visit the Parish Church of Fátima, where the shepherds were baptized. Our evening ends with being taken back to the Sanctuary of Fátima. There we watch the candlelight procession. It involves pilgrims following the image of the Virgin of Fatima with lit candles, reciting the Rosary and singing praise songs.

Although the capital city of Lisbon is our final destination for tonight, there are worthwhile places to visit en route. Firstly, we are taken to the coastal town of Peniche. There we take a boat to Berlengas Natural Reserve. It is known for its dramatic pink granite cliffs, unique flora, important seabird colonies (including puffins), rich marine life and caves. Upon returning to Peniche, we are provided with a tour of the fortress.

After visiting the fortress, we are taken to the village of Obidos. There we are provided with guided tour, checking out whichever attractions we pass by and wish to stop at. Note that the best viewpoints are from the castle walls. After visiting Obidos, we are taken to the Mafra Palace. Built in the 18th century by King João V, it is the most important monument of the Portuguese Baroque Era. It reflects the immense power and wealth of the Portuguese empire at that time, fueled by Brazilian gold.

After Mafra Palace, we are taken to the cape that marks the westernmost point of mainland Europe. It is called Cabo da Roca. Next, we are taken to the coastal city of Cascais. We explore the historic center on foot. We then pass through Marechal Carmona Park on foot. Lastly, we walk along the waterfront promenade until we reach a beach called Praia da Rainha. We are then taken to our hotel in Lisbon.

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 10^th 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.

We explore Lisbon today. Firstly, we are taken by foot to a legendary bakery called Pastéis de Belém. Famous for its original custard tarts, the bakery has used a secret recipe from the nearby monastery to create its celebrated pastries. We recommend you purchase at least 1 custard tart and experience what the locals have been talking about since 1837. Next, we are taken to a stunning 16th-century monastery called Jerónimos Monastery. We are then taken to the Belém Tower. There we check out the five floors and the terrace at the top. Afterwards, we are taken to the Monument to the Discoveries (a.k.a. Padrão dos Descobrimentos). This monument honors Portugal’s explorers. Then we are taken to Time Out Market. This food hall offers modern Portuguese cuisine, with dozens of stalls serving dishes from top chefs.

Next, we are taken to a revitalized industrial complex called LX Factory. It features a mix of independent shops, restaurants, bars, street art and studios. There we are provided with a guided tour. We are then taken to a square in Lisbon called Praça das Flores. Surrounding this square are many restaurants and bars. Upon arrival, we are taken to ‘Pink Street’, which is inside a neighborhood called Cais do Sodré. Here we find restaurants and clubs. Next, we are taken by foot to a neighborhood called Bairro Alto. It is ideal for bar-hopping. After enjoying the nightlife there, we are taken back to our hotel.

We explore Lisbon further today. Firstly, we are taken to Saint George’s Castle (a.k.a. Castelo de São Jorge). It was a crucial site in the Christian Reconquista and served as the residence for Portuguese royalty for centuries. There we walk along the ancient walls and towers, take in the panoramic city views and wander through the lush, shaded gardens. We are then taken by foot to a district called Alfama, which is known for its maze-like alleys, small shops, hidden courtyards and beautiful tiled facades. In the evening, Alfama is also popular for listening to fado. Upon arrival, we are taken to a viewpoint called Miradouro de Santa Luzia. There we enjoy the dramatic, tiled-framed views of the Alfama rooftops and the Tagus River.

Next, we are taken to Lisbon Cathedral (a.k.a. Sé de Lisboa). This 12th-century cathedral is one of the few buildings to have survived the 1755 earthquake. Next, we are taken to a waterfront square called Praça do Comércio. This is one of Europe’s largest public squares. Next, directly from the square, we walk under the magnificent Rua Augusta Arch and onto a vibrant pedestrian shopping street called Rua Augusta. There we take the elevator to the top of the arch to enjoy the views. Once back on the pedestrian street, we check out the shops. Next, we are taken by foot to the Santa Justa Lift. This is a historic iron elevator that offers panoramic views of the neighborhood. Upon return, we are taken to a viewpoint called Miradouro de Santa Luzia. Adjacent to Miradouro de Santa Luzia is another lookout point called Miradouro das Portas do Sol. There we enjoy the views. We are then taken back to our hotel.

Although we are relocating by car from Lisbon to the charming coastal village of Carvoeiro, important stops are made along the way. Firstly, we are taken to Ponta da Piedade Lighthouse. While the lighthouse is an attraction itself, there we also find a headland with a group of rock formations along the coastline. Visible from the lighthouse and only a short drive away is Sagres Fortress. There we are provided with a guided tour. Right next to this fortress is a lighthouse as well, but smaller than the one in Ponta da Piedade. Next, we are taken to an attractive beach called Salema. We then head to a pretty beach called Praia da Luz.

After enjoying the beaches, we are taken to the town of Lagos. While the town itself has some historic charm, Lagos is best used as a base from which to make a boat excursion. Here we take a boat ride which cruises by the popular beaches of Dona Ana and Camilo, as well as some caves. Upon our return, we are provided with a guided walking tour of Lagos. We are then taken to our hotel in Carvoeiro.

In the evening, we are provided with a guided walking tour. Carvoeiro is popular for its dramatic cliffs and golden beaches, offering a blend of relaxed fishing village charm with modern amenities. We especially enjoy the view of Carvoeiro reached via the steps right next to its beach. Afterwards, we can be walked back to our hotel or left in town.

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.

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.

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