Country Roads of Portugal - Classic Group
Tour Type: Country Roads
Brochure Type: IV Europe Summer 2024 v1
Tantalize your senses during this 11-day guided tour through Portugal. In Lisbon, a Local Expert will show you the historic downtown and the finest square in the city, Terreiro do Paco. From the hilltop perch of Monsaraz, see 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 Douro Valley's renowned winery Quinta da Roeda that will feature locally sourced ingredients, and taste a port produced onsite. Stroll Portugal's second city, Porto, a World Heritage town, and relax in your five-star hotel in the city's picturesque historic district.
Choice Highlights
Brochure Type: IV Europe Summer 2024 v1
Tantalize your senses during this 11-day guided tour through Portugal. In Lisbon, a Local Expert will show you the historic downtown and the finest square in the city, Terreiro do Paco. From the hilltop perch of Monsaraz, see 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 Douro Valley's renowned winery Quinta da Roeda that will feature locally sourced ingredients, and taste a port produced onsite. Stroll Portugal's second city, Porto, a World Heritage town, and relax in your five-star hotel in the city's picturesque historic district.
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Porto: See the Clerigos Tower, the Atlantic coast at the mouth of Douro and the main Avenida dos Aliados.
- Porto: Visit the Sao Bento Railway Station and walk on the Dom Luis I Bridge, which spans across the River Duoro connecting the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19.All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
- We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
- "No visit to Portugal is complete without a thorough exploration of its gastronomy. Our guests are delighted by the high-quality food and generous service for which the Portuguese are known."
- "I love taking guests to Monsaraz because It's one of the many villages lost in time. It's not easy for guests to find on their own and they feel like they're visiting a secret paradise."
- 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 dinner, freshly prepared from locally sourced ingredients at Quinta da Roeda, renowned as the 'Jewel of the Douro'.
- Porto: Shared experiences and memories are often the foundation for special bonds and friendships. Toast your travels with wine and good cheer during your Celebration Dinner at a restaurant in Porto, devoted to the enjoyment of regional cooking.
- Dining Summary: 4 Dinner with Wine (DW), 10 Breakfast (B), and 1 Lunch with Wine (LW)
- Lisbon: Discover more of Belem Quarter as you delight in a taste of the famous Portuguese delicacy, Pasteis de Belem before visiting Jeronimos Monastery with its beautiful Manueline architecture, reflecting Portugal's trade over the centuries and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Lisbon: Explore with your Local Expert, from the Lower Town, beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paco. Visit the Belem Quarter to see the modern Monument to the Discoveries and the medieval Belem Tower.
- Lagos: Explore this coastal town nestled on Meia Praia, with your Travel Director.
- Evora: 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.
- Evora: With your Travel Director explore the ancient city of Evora 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.
- Fatima: Join the faithful at one of the world's holiest sites and pay homage at the Chapel of the Apparitions or see the basilica.
- Tomar: Dominating the town is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Templar Castle and the Convent of Christ. During your visit with a Local Expert, see the Manueline Window and follow the story of the mysterious Knights Templar.
- Tomar: Learn about the history of the town through its architectural influences as you take a tour guided by a Local Expert.
- Tomar: Guided by your Local Expert, visit the Synagogue of Tomar, one of the best preserved medieval synagogues in Portugal.
- 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.
- Porto: See the Clerigos Tower, the Atlantic coast at the mouth of Douro and the main Avenida dos Aliados.
- Porto: Visit the Sao Bento Railway Station and walk on the Dom Luis I Bridge, which spans across the River Duoro connecting the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.
- Guimaraes: Enjoy views from the ruined castle and explore the maze of streets in the historic Old Quarter.
- Obidos: Lead by your Travel Director, walk through the picturesque narrow streets up to the main square of this ancient walled town.
- Monsaraz: Join a local boat captain for a tranquil cruise of Lake Alqueva. Relax and enjoy calming waters, picturesque views and tales of river life.
- Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- 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.
Call (215) 885-1888 for more information or to book today! Mention code 17541961
- Tour Operator
- Insight Vacations
- Offer
- Offer valid through 12/31/2023
- Duration
- 11 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Lisbon | Welcome to Lisbon: On arrival at Lisbon International Airport, there are complimentary transfers to your hotel at 09:30, 12:30 and 15:30. Settle in and relax before joining your Travel Director at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. Enjoy the opportunity to mingle with your fellow travellers during a pleasant evening of good food and wine. Corinthia Hotel, Lisbon. |
| Day 2 | Lisbon | Lisbon and the Age of the Great Discoveries: 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 Paco. See the ancient Belem Tower and marvel at the Monument to the Discoveries. Explore more of the Belem Quarter as you enjoy a taste of Pasteis de Belem from the patisserie that has been using the same secret recipe for almost 200 years, and visit Jeronimos Monastery. This evening, gain further insight into Portuguese culture with an Optional Experience dinner. Altis Grand Hotel, Lisbon. |
| Day 3 | The Algarve | The Algarve: 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 specialised Portuguese seafood restaurants hug the coastline, overlooking the Atlantic. Ria Park Hotel & Spa, Algarve. |
| Day 4 | Everlasting Evora | Everlasting Evora Relaxed Start: Journey to the medieval walled city of Evora 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 17th 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 Evora's unique historical centre, or the serene city park, following the aqueduct inside the city walls? M'Ar de Ar Aqueduto, Evora. |
| Day 5 | Monsaraz and Evora | Monsaraz and Evora Relaxed Start: 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 Europe's largest artificial lake. 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 Highlight 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 Evora where the evening is at your leisure to explore this beautifully preserved regional capital. M'Ar de Ar Aqueduto, Evora. |
| Day 6 | Fatima and on to Tomar | Fatima and on to Tomar: Continue to Fatima, 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. Journey 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. Hotel dos Templarios, Tomar. |
| Day 7 | Douro Valley | Coimbra and the Douro Valley Relaxed Start: 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 Dinner, freshly prepared from locally sourced ingredients, with a port wine tasting. Douro Palace Hotel Resort & Spa, Douro Valley. |
| Day 8 | Guimaraes and Porto | Guimaraes and Porto Relaxed Start: Journey to Guimaraes to admire the views from the ruined castle and explore the cobbled streets and cosy squares. Next, continue on to Porto, Portugal's second city, a World Heritage town and where Portugal originates. Explore Porto with Insight Choice. Choose to join your Local Expert and visit the Sao Bento Railway Station, with a walk along the architecturally impressive Dom Luis I Bridge. Alternatively, explore the Clerigos Tower, Liberdade Square and the nearby Atlantic beaches, also 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? Pousado do Porto Rua Das Flores. |
| Day 9 | Porto, Grande Dame on the Douro | Porto, Grande Dame on the Douro Relaxed Start: With a full day free to enjoy at your own pace, why not take a stroll to admire the multi-coloured houses and churches covered in beautiful glazed tiles. Perhaps choose to visit Braga, the capital of baroque. In the evening, bid adeus to your Travel Director and fellow travellers with a mouth-watering Celebration Dinner with wine at an authentic Porto restaurant. Pousado do Porto Rua Das Flores. |
| Day 10 | Obidos and onto Lisbon | Obidos and onto Lisbon: Pass cork oak forests and orchards as you journey to the fortified town of Obidos. Walk inside its walls to explore the craft shops, art galleries and flower-laden houses that line the narrow, medieval streets. This afternoon your travels continue to the Portuguese capital, Lisbon. Dom Pedro Lisboa, Lisbon. |
| Day 11 | Lisbon | Depart Lisbon: After breakfast, your departure transfer arrives at Lisbon International Airport at 07:00 or 09:30. |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- Twin prices are per person.
- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.
- Hotel Class Key: D: Deluxe SF: Superior First Class F: First Class
