Country Roads of Portugal - Classic Group
Country Roads of Portugal - Classic Group
$4500
Country Roads of Portugal - Classic Group
11 Days Starting and ending in Lisbon, Portugal
Visiting: Lisbon, The Algarve, Évora, Fátima, Coimbra, Porto
Tour operator:
Tour code:
E928N26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Country Roads of Portugal - Classic Group" tour and discover the rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture of Portugal. Begin your journey in Lisbon, exploring its historic quarters and iconic landmarks like the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. Travel to the sun-drenched Algarve, the medieval city of Évora, and the picturesque village of Monsaraz. Experience the spiritual ambiance of Fátima, the architectural marvels of Tomar, and the academic heritage of Coimbra. Delight in the scenic beauty of the Douro Valley, the medieval charm of Guimarães, and the vibrant city life of Porto. Conclude your adventure in the fortified town of Óbidos before returning to Lisbon. Enjoy luxurious accommodations, delectable local cuisine, and the expertise of local guides throughout this unforgettable journey.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Lisbon
Location: Lisbon
Accommodation Name: Corinthia, Lisbon
Meals Included: Dinner
On arrival at Lisbon International Airport, there are complimentary transfers to your hotel. Settle in and relax before joining your Travel Director for dinner at a local restaurant. Enjoy the opportunity to mingle with your fellow travelers during a pleasant evening of good food and wine.
Day 2: Lisbon And The Age Of The Great Discoveries
Location: Lisbon
Accommodation Name: Corinthia, Lisbon
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your guided sightseeing with a Local Expert takes you along the spacious avenues of the Lower Town and across the tree-shaded squares. Pass beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paço. See the ancient Belém Tower and marvel at the Monument to the Discoveries. Explore more of the Belém Quarter as you enjoy a taste of Pastéis de Belém from the patisserie that has been using the same secret recipe for almost 200 years, and visit the Cloister of Jeronimos Monastery. This evening, gain further insight into Portuguese culture with an Optional Experience dinner.
Day 3: The Algarve
Location: The Algarve
Accommodation Name: Ria Park Hotel & Spa, Algarve
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cross the River Tagus and head for the sun-drenched southern coast to reach Lagos, a fishing port nestled in the bay of Meia Praia. After free time to explore, continue to your resort hotel set within a magnificent 360-acre estate. Simplicity is in the soul of Algarve cuisine, along with seafood so fresh it still tastes of the sea. A short walk away specialized Portuguese seafood restaurants hug the coastline, overlooking the Atlantic.
Day 4: Everlasting Évora Relaxed Start
Location: Évora
Accommodation Name: M'Ar de Ar Aqueduto, Évora
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey to the medieval walled city of Évora where cathedrals, churches, aqueducts and ancient castle walls all serve to create the feeling that this beautiful city is a living, breathing museum to Portugal's rich past. Join your Local Expert to explore the highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the Roman Temple and visit the Capela dos Ossos, an extraordinary 16th-century chapel comprising the skulls and bones of 5,000 bones. Visit the cathedral with its attractive mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. With the rest of the afternoon at leisure, you may wish to continue to stroll through Évora’s unique historical center, or the serene city park, following the aqueduct inside the city walls.
Day 5: Monsaraz And Évora Relaxed Start
Location: Évora
Accommodation Name: M'Ar de Ar Aqueduto, Évora
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Travel to the striking white village of Monsaraz, situated on an imposing hilltop, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. From the castle ruins, admire the spectacular views across to the dry Spanish plains, contrasting with the blue of one of the largest artificial lakes. Join a local boat captain for a leisurely cruise on the tranquil waters of Lake Alqueva. Relax and enjoy calming waters, picturesque views and tales of river life. Sit down to a delicious lunch at local restaurant Sem Fim, once an olive mill. Enjoy a wide range of tasty tapas dishes showcasing the local cuisine, and soak up the vibrant; cheerful atmosphere. Return to Évora where the evening is at your leisure to explore this beautifully preserved regional capital.
Day 6: On To Fátima And Tomar Relaxed Start
Location: Fátima
Accommodation Name: Hotel dos Templários, Tomar
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit Casa Relvas for a wine tasting. Despite the dry climate of the Alentejo region, they have been producing exceptional wine using innovative techniques to reduce the use of water. Journey to Fátima, Portugal's most renowned place of pilgrimage. See the basilica or perhaps visit the Chapel of the Apparitions, which commemorates the appearance of the Virgin Mary to three young shepherds in 1917. Continue to Tomar and visit one of Portugal’s historical jewels, the Templar Castle and Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With your Local Expert, explore the octagonal Templars' Rotunda in the cloister and glimpse the day-to-day life of a warrior monk in the domestic areas. Outside on the battlements, the Manueline Window is a national masterpiece. You also visit the Synagogue of Tomar, one of the best preserved medieval synagogues in Portugal, housing a small Jewish museum.
Day 7: Coimbra And The Douro Valley Relaxed Start
Location: Coimbra
Accommodation Name: Douro Palace Hotel Resort & Spa, Douro Valley
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
In Coimbra, your Local Expert will show you the highlights of the Old Town, including the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit its impressive baroque university library, one of the finest in the world. Your journey continues past verdant hills and lush vineyards, along the tranquil waters of the Douro River. Enjoy a wonderful Farm-to-Table lunch, freshly prepared from locally sourced ingredients, with a port wine tasting.
Day 8: Guimarães And Porto Relaxed Start
Location: Porto
Accommodation Name: Pousada do Porto Rua Das Flores
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey to Guimarães to admire the views from the ruined castle and explore the cobbled streets and cozy squares. Next, continue on to Porto, Portugal’s second city, a UNESCO World Heritage town and where Portugal originates. Explore Porto with Insight Choice. Choose to join your Local Expert and visit the São Bento Railway Station, with a walk along the architecturally impressive Dom Luís I Bridge. Alternatively, enjoy a panoramic drive through the city streets led by a Local Expert. In the evening you are at leisure to enjoy your boutique, five-star hotel, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, in the heart of Porto’s historic district. The decor is a mix of classic and contemporary and each room is individually decorated with original artwork. Alternatively, why not join an Optional Experience to see the pastel-painted houses in Porto's Ribeira district before cruising on a traditional Rabelo boat and finishing off the evening with a Portuguese dinner in the comfort of your riverside restaurant?
Day 9: Porto, Grande Dame On The Douro Relaxed Start
Location: Porto
Accommodation Name: Pousada do Porto Rua Das Flores
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
With a full day free to enjoy at your own pace, why not take a stroll to admire the multi-colored houses and churches covered in beautiful glazed tiles. Perhaps choose to visit Braga, the capital of baroque. In the evening, enjoy a mouth-watering dinner with wine at an authentic Porto restaurant.
Day 10: Ancient Óbidos And Lisbon Relaxed Start
Location: Lisbon
Accommodation Name: Dom Pedro Lisboa, Lisbon
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey to the fortified town of Óbidos and walk within its walls, exploring the narrow, medieval streets where houses are covered with flowers. Your travels continue to the Portuguese capital, Lisbon.
Day 11: Depart Lisbon
Location: Lisbon
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to Lisbon International Airport.
What's Included
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Meals
3 Dinners with Wine, 10 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch with Wine, and 1 Lunch are included.
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Activities
Choose between two carefully selected activities.
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Porto Tour
Enjoy a panoramic drive through historic avenues and past exquisite tiled facades in Porto.
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São Bento Railway Station Visit
Visit the São Bento Railway Station and walk on the Dom Luís I Bridge in Porto.
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Personal Radio Headsets
Personal radio headsets are provided to give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights.
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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
Hotel and restaurant tips are included.
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Porterage
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
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Insight Flourish
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, a local specialty representing the destination.
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Wi-Fi
Stay connected with complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
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Transfers
Transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional Experience dinners and activities are not included.
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Flights
Flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Additional Transfers
Transfers outside the scheduled times or for additional nights' accommodation are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Complimentary transfers are available for flights arriving and departing as per the itinerary.
Accommodation
Stay in luxurious accommodations including the Corinthia in Lisbon, Ria Park Hotel & Spa in Algarve, M'Ar de Ar Aqueduto in Évora, Hotel dos Templários in Tomar, Douro Palace Hotel Resort & Spa in Douro Valley, and Pousada do Porto Rua Das Flores in Porto.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of unique experiences can I expect during the tour?
You can expect a variety of unique experiences such as a tranquil cruise on Lake Alqueva with a local boat captain, a wine tasting session at Casa Relvas focusing on sustainable practices, and a visit to the Templar Castle and Convent of Christ in Tomar. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to explore the São Bento Railway Station and walk on the Dom Luís I Bridge in Porto.
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Are there any special meals included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes several special meals such as a Welcome Dinner in Lisbon, a memorable Alentejo Highlight Lunch at Sem Fim in Monsaraz, a Farm-to-Table dinner in Pinhao, and a Celebration Dinner in Porto. You will also enjoy a variety of breakfasts, lunches, and dinners with wine throughout the tour.
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What kind of accommodations can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in a variety of high-quality accommodations including the Corinthia in Lisbon, Ria Park Hotel & Spa in Algarve, M'Ar de Ar Aqueduto in Évora, Hotel dos Templários in Tomar, Douro Palace Hotel Resort & Spa in Douro Valley, and Pousada do Porto Rua Das Flores in Porto. These hotels offer a mix of classic and contemporary decor, and some are members of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
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What are some of the historical sites included in the tour?
The tour includes visits to several historical sites such as the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon, the Roman Temple and Capela dos Ossos in Évora, the Templar Castle and Convent of Christ in Tomar, and the University of Coimbra. You will also explore the medieval streets of Guimarães and the fortified town of Óbidos.
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Is there any free time during the tour to explore on my own?
Yes, there are several opportunities for free time during the tour. For example, you will have free time to explore Lagos, the historical center of Évora, and the city of Porto at your own pace. Additionally, you can choose to join optional experiences such as a dinner in Porto's Ribeira district or a cruise on a traditional Rabelo boat.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. The coaches are sanitized before the start of the tour and maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have also been implemented, and hand sanitizer is freely available on board.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour?
Yes, complimentary transfers are provided from Lisbon International Airport to your hotel on arrival. If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights' accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
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