Arrival at Lisbon airport, located on the north bank of the Tagus River, a few kilometers from the Atlantic.
Reception and transfer to the hotel (most hotels in Europe accept check-in only after 2:00 PM). Rest of the
day free.
After breakfast, panoramic tour of Lisbon, known for its unique luminosity and incomparable charm.
According to legend, the Portuguese capital was originally built on seven hills, stretching along the Tagus
River in an undulating landscape full of historic buildings, cobbled streets, and beautiful viewpoints. As
the country's capital, Lisbon was the stage for some of Portugal's most important historical moments,
including 400 years of Arab occupation, the flourishing era of overseas voyages, the great 1755
earthquake, the end of the monarchy, the years of 20th-century dictatorship, and the peaceful revolution
of April 25, 1974. On this tour, highlights include the historic Belém district, home to the Belém Tower, the
Monument to the Discoveries, and the Jerónimos Monastery. Afternoon and evening free. Consult
optional tours for the day.
In the morning, journey to Nazaré, a stunning beach with one of Portugal's oldest fishing traditions.
Recently, this city drew worldwide attention for its famous giant waves, attracting big-wave surfers and
global media. Continuation to the Fátima Sanctuary, originating from the 1917 apparitions of Our Lady to
three children. Brief visit and free time for lunch. In the afternoon, head to Coimbra, birthplace of six kings
and capital of Portugal until 1256, also home to the country's oldest university, founded in the 13th
century. Upon arrival, panoramic tour featuring the Mondego River, Rua de Sofia, university buildings, São
Sebastião Aqueduct, and Botanical Garden. Visit to the Monastery of Santa Cruz, founded by Portugal's
first king in 1131 and home to the country's first public school. Continuation to Porto, located on the right
bank of the Douro River and Portugal's second-largest city. Overnight.
In the morning, tour of this city whose old quarter is UNESCO World Heritage. Highlights include Avenida
da Boavista, Foz neighborhood, Clérigos Tower, Avenida dos Aliados, and Lapa Church. After crossing
Vila Nova de Gaia, visit to a Port Wine cellar with tasting. Consult optional tours for the day.
Departure to the beautiful Minho region. Arrival in Ponte de Lima, a historic village on the banks of the
Lima River, founded by Countess D. Teresa and renowned for its Vinho Verde production (tasting). Short
walking tour. Continuation to Viana do Castelo and visit to the hospital ship Gil Eanes, built in this city and
operating as a hospital from 1955 to support the cod fishing fleet in distant Newfoundland and Greenland
banks. In 1998, after restoration, it opened to the public as a memorial to the heroic cod-fishing era.
Lunch in local restaurant. In the afternoon, ascent to Santa Luzia Mount where the Sanctuary dedicated
to the Sacred Heart of Jesus stands. At 250 meters altitude, it is Viana's most iconic spot offering superb
panoramic views over the city, Lima River estuary, Eiffel bridge, and sea. Return to Guimarães. Overnight.
Journey to the Trás-os-Montes region. Arrival in Amarante, city of São Gonçalo, saint associated with
marriages and fertility, honored with a curious secular festival on the first June weekend (stop and church
visit). Continuation to Peso da Régua, former wine export center. Onward to Pinhão with free time to
admire Douro landscapes. Continuation to Beira Alta region and arrival in Viseu, capital of the famous
Dão wine region. Walking tour of the historic center featuring Grão Vasco museum, birthplace of
Portugal's main painting school represented by Vasco Fernandes, and Sé Cathedral. Overnight.
Departure to Guarda, Portugal's highest city (1,056 meters altitude). Guided walking tour of the historic
center highlighting the Cathedral (entry) and old Jewish quarter. Continuation to Belmonte—birthplace of
Pedro Álvares Cabral—and visit to the Discoveries Museum, showcasing one of the most important
moments in maritime history: the arrival in Brazil. Then, visit to Santiago Church housing the Cabral
Family Pantheon. Journey to Tortosendo for lunch. Continuation to Sobral de S. Miguel village, located in
the "heart of schist villages." Walking visit to this magnificent example of ancient stone-built villages.
Continuation to Viseu. Overnight.
Hotel services end with breakfast (room may remain occupied until 10 or 12 noon, per each hotel's
policy). Free time until airport transfer. Safe travels
SERVICES INCLUDED: 9 breakfasts and 2 meals in local restaurant; Coach tour on tourist bus; Arrival and departure transfers (included only if flight details received 15 days in advance); Stay in double rooms at mentioned hotels; Hotel taxes and service fees; Porter service, whenever possible, at hotel check-out (1 bag per person); Accompaniment throughout by Abreu English Speaking guide; City tours (included) with local guide: Lisbon and Porto; Other cities and sites narrated by our guide: Nazaré, Fátima, Coimbra, Gondomar, Braga, Guimarães, Ponte de Lima, Viana do Castelo, Amarante, Peso da Régua, Pinhão, Viseu, Guarda, Belmonte, Tortosendo and Sobral de S. Miguel; Entries to museums and monuments per itinerary: Fátima Sanctuary, Santa Cruz Church and Monastery (Coimbra), Filigree Museum (Gondomar), Braga Sé, São Gonçalo Church (Amarante), Guarda Sé-Cathedral, Discoveries Museum and Santiago Church (Belmonte); Visit and tasting at a Port Wine cellar; Ascent on water-powered funicular to Bom Jesus Sanctuary in Braga; Vinho Verde tasting in Ponte de Lima; Headsets for greater comfort during visits; SERVICES EXCLUDED:Anything not expressly specified in "Services Included"; Beverages with meals
