DAY 1
Arrive Lisbon. On arrival in Lisbon you are met and transferred to your hotel. Time to relax and perhaps explore the area around Rossio Square before meeting with our Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome drink.
DAY 2
Lisbon - Faro (2). This morning we cross the River Tagus along the Bridge of the 25th April, recalling the 1974 Revolution, and head toward the Serra Arrabida Mountains. We'll see the Castle of Palmela as we drive via Set?bal to the Valley of the River Sado en route to Faro on the Algarve for a relaxing two nights. (B)
DAY 3
Algarve Excursion. We enjoy a drive along the Algarve to the Sagres Peninsula. Here we admire the view across the wild beauty of Baleeira Beach and continue to Cape St. Vincent. Later, we return to our hotel via the clifftop resort of Praia da Rocha. With the afternoon at leisure perhaps relax before trying out some local fish in one of the seaside restaurants. (B)
DAY 4
Faro - Evora. Today we cross the Serra de Caldeirao and the towns of Castro Verde and Beja. On to Evora - Portugal's most vibrant town in the medieval and Renaissance period. Here we will visit the gothic Cathedral, the macabre Ossuary Chapel, the Roman Temple and the quaint Rua 5 de Outubro. Later at leisure, you'll have time to explore this unique walled town. (B,D)
DAY 5
Evora - Viseu. First we drive to the small town of Castelo de Vide, with time to wander through the narrow alleys and explore the Jewish quarter. Then across the Valley of the River Tagus towards the Serra da Estrela mountains and Belmonte. We'll see its old Roman Tower before we continue via Guarda to Viseu, in the region of the famous Dao vineyards. Perhaps explore the old town after dinner at our hotel tonight. (B,D)
DAY 6
Viseu - Oporto (2). We travel to the Douro Valley. Next on through the province of Tras-os-Montes, with its communal bread ovens and mills. Next on to Guimar?es where we see the square towers of Guimar?es' castle, before arriving in Oporto to visit one of the port cellars.
DAY 7
Oporto sightseeing. Our morning sightseeing shows us the remarkable bridges across the Douro River. We also see the baroque church of St. Francis and visit the Stock Exchange with its Arabian Hall. This afternoon tea in a pavement café? Then tonight, try out local specialities in one of the harbour restaurants. (B)
DAY 8
Oporto - Tomar. Today on to the province of Aveiro, driving through the Buçaco National Park. Then on to Coimbra, with its ancient streets and squares. Here we visit its Old University and the ornate baroque library (when the library is closed we'll visit the Ceremonial Hall). Next it's off to the excavations of the old Roman town of Conimbriga, to visit the museum with its exhibits of ceramics and mosaics. Finally, we reach Tomar, where we visit the hilltop Convent of Christ. (B, D)
DAY 9
Tomar - Lisbon (2). We drive to the visitor site of Fatima where we visit the Basilica at the spot. Time at leisure, then on to Batalha with a visit to the monastery, a 'must-see'. Next on to the coast and the fishing village of Nazaré. En route to Lisbon, we'll pause at medieval Obidos, a fortified city once on the seashore, but now 6 miles inland! (B)
DAY 10
Lisbon sightseeing. This morning we visit the medieval quarter, Vasco de Gama's Tomb inside the Hieronymite Monastery and admire views of the Belem Tower on morning sightseeing. Later, perhaps visit nearby Cascais to shop for cork and fishermen's sweaters or take an excursion to the palace of Sintra. Tonight, dine on local specialities whilst listening to haunting Fado melodies along the Bairro Alto? (B)
DAY 11
Depart Lisbon. After breakfast this morning, time to bid farewell to this beautiful country as we transfer you to the airport for the return flight home. (B)