Country Roads of Portugal - Small Group

Tour Overview

Tantalise your senses during this 11-day guided tour through Portugal. In Lisbon, a Local Expert will show you the historic downtown and Belém Quarter. From the hilltop perch of Monsaraz, gaze across the Spanish plains to Alqueva Lake — and meet a local boat captain, who will regale you with tales of water adventures during a cruise on its calm waters. In Tomar, see the Templar Castle, and explore its awe-inspiring rotunda with a Local Expert. Indulge in a Farm-to-Table dinner in the Douro Valley that will feature locally sourced ingredients, and taste a port produced on-site. Stroll through Portugal’s second city, Porto, a World Heritage town, and relax in your five-star hotel in the city’s historic district. ...more ...less

Choice Highlights

• Choose between two carefully selected activities
• Tomar: Commanding the city’s skyline, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tomar Castle and the Convent of Christ is a testament to Portugal's storied past. Accompanied by a Local Expert, you’ll delve into the history of the Knights Templar, exploring the octagonal Templars' Rotunda and the cloisters that echo with the memories of warrior monks. See the intricate Manueline Window, a masterpiece of Gothic artistry and a symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discovery, as you uncover this extraordinary stronghold.
• Tomar: Immerse yourself in the history of Tomar as your Local Expert guides you through its architectural treasures. Discover the small town’s unique blend of cultural influences, reflected in its streets and landmarks. Visit the Synagogue of Tomar, one of Portugal’s best-preserved medieval synagogues. Step inside this remarkable space to uncover the legacy and learn about its significance as a symbol of the Jewish communities in Portugal.

Top Rated Highlights

• Lisbon: Journey through Lisbon with your Local Expert, from the Lower Town to the Belém Quarter. See the Belém Tower and Monument to the Discoveries, built to honour explorers who set sail during Portugal’s Golden Age of Discovery.
• Lisbon: Visit the cloisters of Jerónimos Monastery with its beautiful Manueline architecture, reflecting Portugal's trade over the centuries and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Lagos: Explore this coastal town nestled on Meia Praia, with your Travel Director.
• Évora: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site guided by your Local Expert and see the famous Roman Temple. While sightseeing, witness the fascinating cathedral and be charmed by its mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
• Évora: With your Travel Director explore the ancient city of Évora and visit the fascinating Capela dos Ossos, meaning the Chapel of Bones, a chapel decorated with human remains.
• Monsaraz: Surrounded by cork oaks and vineyards, wander through the castle ruins to admire the incredible view over the Spanish plains that contrast with the blue of one of Europe's largest artificial lakes.
• Fátima: Join the faithful at one of the world's holiest sites and pay homage at the Chapel of the Apparitions and see the basilica.
• Coimbra: Guided by your Local expert, head through Old Town and pass by the Old Cathedral and the Almedina neighbourhood.
• Coimbra: With a Local Expert, visit the University and witness the triumphal arches, painted ceilings, golden flourishes and walls of ancient tomes.
• Guimaraes: Enjoy views from the Visigothic castle ruins and explore a maze of medieval streets in the Old Quarter.
• Porto: Enjoy a panoramic drive through historic avenues and past exquisite tiled facades.
• Obidos: Lead by your Travel Director, walk through the picturesque narrow streets up to the main square of this ancient walled town.

Make Travel Matter

Évora: During a wine tasting session, appreciate the delicate yet complex nuances of Alentejo wine, and learn how the Relvas family has been managing to keep low water consumption, reforestation of indigenous trees, and providing scholarships to children of the village. This experience advances United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and production. With a 30% reduction in water use and innovative water management systems in place, they have been integrating science technology to ensure genuine production processes in all their activities.

Authentic Dining

Lisbon: Join your Travel Director at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant and the opportunity to mingle with your fellow travellers.

Monsaraz: Enjoy a memorable Alentejo Highlight Lunch at local restaurant Sem Fim, once an olive mill. Indulge in dish-after-dish of the tastiest tapas in a vibrant setting.

Pinhao: Enjoy a wonderful Farm-to-Table lunch, freshly prepared from locally sourced ingredients.

Lisbon: Shared experiences and memories are often the foundation for special bonds and friendships. Toast your travels with wine and good cheer during your dinner at a restaurant in Lisbon, devoted to the enjoyment of regional cooking.

Insight Choice

Tomar: Commanding the city’s skyline, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tomar Castle and the Convent of Christ is a testament to Portugal's storied past. Accompanied by a Local Expert, you’ll delve into the history of the Knights Templar, exploring the octagonal Templars' Rotunda and the cloisters that echo with the memories of warrior monks. See the intricate Manueline Window, a masterpiece of Gothic artistry and a symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discovery, as you uncover this extraordinary stronghold.

Tomar: Immerse yourself in the history of Tomar as your Local Expert guides you through its architectural treasures. Discover the small town’s unique blend of cultural influences, reflected in its streets and landmarks. Visit the Synagogue of Tomar, one of Portugal’s best-preserved medieval synagogues. Step inside this remarkable space to uncover the legacy and learn about its significance as a symbol of the Jewish communities in Portugal.