Portugal Explorer – 11 Days with Gateways International Tailor-Made Tours
Photo: Porto, Portugal Explorer
Portugal’s continued popularity is no surprise. The country’s borders are the oldest in Europe, boasting a unique cultural heritage including fine wines, delicious food and welcoming people. Our 11-day explorer itinerary begins in Porto; enjoy wine and cheese in the Douro Valley and explore beautiful Lisbon. Discover romantic Sintra, Cascais and Estoril and charming Evora. Relax for three nights on the beaches of Praia de Rocha in the Algarve.
Highlights:
- Small-group Douro Valley wine tour with lunch
- Croft Port Caves wine cellar with tasting in Porto
- Discoveries Monument in Libson
- Romantic Sintra, cosmopolitan Cascais
- Casino Estoril, the largest in Europe
- Charming Evora with wine tasting at Herdade do Esporão winery
- Relax on beautiful Praia de Rocha in the Algarve
Package Includes:
- Total 10 nights accommodation: 3 nights in Porto ★★★★, 4 nights in Lisbon ★★★★, 3 night in Praia de Rocha ★★★★
- Private transfers to and from airports
- Domestic flights: Porto – Lisbon – Faro
- Continental breakfast daily
- Hotel taxes and service charges**
Not Included:
- International flights
- Tips to guides and drivers and other gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Items of a personal nature
- Items not mentioned above
- Visas required for entry into the country as necessary. Please discuss this with your travel agent to determine your requirements prior to departure.
Photo: Estoril, Portugal Explorer
Day 1: Porto, Portugal
Arrival in Porto, one of the oldest European cities which lies along the Douro River. Transfer to your hotel. ★★★★
Day 2: Porto
After breakfast, enjoy a panoramic tour around Bairro da Sé. Visit the elegant Aliados Avenue, the city’s center, and the banks of the Douro River before journeying towards Vila Nova de Gaia. Wind down with some wine at Croft Port Caves, a famous Port wine cellar founded over three hundred years ago. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon at leisure to visit local shops and admire the beautiful storefronts. ★★★★
Day 3: Douro Valley Wine Tour
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Begin your small-group tour of the Douro Valley with a stop at Casal de Loivos. Enjoy wine, cheese and appetizers before a traditional lunch at Quinta da Avessada. Take a guided tour of Favaios Winery and the Bread and Wine Museum. Taste delicious bread baked in traditional ovens before returning to Porto. ★★★★
Photo: Douro Valley, Portugal Explorer
Day 4: Porto - Lisbon
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Lisbon, Europe’s westernmost and sunniest capital, once home to some of the world’s most famous explorers. Upon arrival, private transfer to your hotel. ★★★★
Day 5: Lisbon
After breakfast, tour Lisbon. Discover the history and traditions of magnificent Jerónimo’s Monastery, the iconic Belem Tower, the Discoveries Monument, and the fairy-tale carriages at the Coaches Museum. Your afternoon is at leisure. ★★★★
Photo: Portugal Explorer, Lisbon
Day 6: Evora
After breakfast, begin your full-day tour of the charming town of Evora, a UNESCO World Heritage site with its rolling landscape of Alentejo, Olive trees and vineyards. Lunch on your own, then enjoy a wine tasting at Herdade do Esporão, one of the largest wineries located along Portugal’s wine route. Return to Lisbon. ★★★★
Day 7: Sintra, Cascais, Estoril
After breakfast, explore Lisbon on your own. In the afternoon, tour romantic Sintra and the cosmopolitan bay of Cascais along the Estoril Coast, the Portuguese Riviera. Admire the incredible Boca do Inferno and the Casino Estoril Gardens, home to the largest casino in Europe. Return to Lisbon. ★★★★
Day 8: Lisbon - Faro - Praia de Rocha, Algarve
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Faro and transfer to your hotel located on Praia de Rocha beach. ★★★★★
Day 9 & 10: Praia de Rocha
Breakfast at your hotel. Over the next two days, enjoy your time at leisure to explore an extensive selection of restaurants and bars, and a colourful nightlife. Relax in the sun along your hotel’s sandy beaches or by the pool. ★★★★★
Day 11: Praira de Rocha - Faro - Home
After breakfast, transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight home.
