Lisbon, Porto and the Douro Valley

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1 • Arrival in Lisbon

  You take your flight to Lisbon. On arrival, you will be taken to your hotel. The rest of the day will be spent at leisure, allowing you time to settle into the hotel and start exploring if you wish. Our Lisbon hotel will be either the four-star Tivoli Oriente or the three-star superior MyStory Tejo.

• Day 2 • Lisbon

  This morning on our guided coach tour, we set out to discover Lisbon’s highlights, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We’ll stop at the strikingly modern Monument to the Discoveries and its 16th century fortified counterpart, the Belém Tower, then see the church of the Monastery of Jerónimos. One of the most magnificent buildings in Europe, the Monastery is a symbol of Portuguese wealth and power during the Age of Discoveries. We also see the impressive Terreiro do Paço square facing out to sea.

• Day 3 • Sintra

  We take a short drive to the lovely town of Sintra. Perched on a spectacular hillside with panoramic views towards the nearby Atlantic coast, where Henry the Navigator grew up and doubtless gazed out to sea not knowing where his destiny was eventually to lead him. Famous for its Royal Palace, once the residences of the Portuguese monarchy, today it’s a wonderful museum with grand rooms, priceless collections including portraits of Charles II of England, and reflections of its Moorish ancestry plus more modern styles. Entrance fees to the Royal Palace are included. You’ll have time to enjoy lunch in Sintra before we return to Lisbon, where the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure.

• Day 4 • Coimbra University

  Drive north through to Coimbra then continue to Porto, where we stay for three nights.

• Day 5 • Porto

  Experience Porto’s highlights on a guided tour before a tasting of world-famous wine and Taylor's port lodge.

• Day 6 • The Douro Valley

  Today we explore the sinuous and scenic River Douro – the river of gold, spending a leisurely day exploring its delightfully peaceful villages and intricately terraced valley sides. After leaving the Atlantic’s influence behind, the climate becomes noticeably warmer and dryer, and the landscape changes from verdant greens to Mediterranean sun-kissed ochre. The route is nothing short of spectacular! The winding road, sometimes almost in the water, sometimes hugging the lofty valley sides, gives us wonderful views of the shimmering ribbon of the river and its classic vine-clad terraces.

• Day 7 • Obidos & Cascais

  Visit the remarkable fortified town of Óbidos and the chic coastal town of Cascais.

• Day 8 • Return Home

  Return to the airport at the appropriate time for your return flight.