Country Roads of Portugal - Small Group
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Country Roads of Portugal - Small Group" tour and explore the rich tapestry of Portugal's history and culture. This journey takes you from the vibrant streets of Lisbon to the serene landscapes of the Douro Valley. Discover the architectural marvels of Tomar, the medieval charm of Évora, and the coastal beauty of Lagos. Experience the spiritual aura of Fátima and the historical significance of Porto. Enjoy guided tours with local experts, savor authentic Portuguese cuisine, and indulge in wine tastings that highlight sustainable practices. With comfortable accommodations and luxury coach travel, this tour offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration, ensuring an unforgettable Portuguese adventure. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Lisbon
Location: Lisbon
Accommodation: Corinthia Hotel, Lisbon., Dom Pedro Lisboa, 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 travellers during a pleasant evening of good food and wine.
Day 2: Lisbon and the Age of the Great Discoveries
Location: Lisbon
Accommodation: Corinthia Hotel, Lisbon., Dom Pedro Lisboa, Lisbon.
Accommodation Name: Corinthia, Lisbon
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your guided sightseeing with a Local Expert takes you along the avenues of the Lower Town and past tree-shaded squares. See the ancient Belém Tower and marvel at the Monument to the Discoveries. Explore more of the Belém Quarter as you visit the Cloister of Jeronimos Monastery and enjoy a taste of Pastéis de Belém from the patisserie that has been using the same secret recipe for almost 200 years. This evening, gain further insight into Portuguese culture with an Optional Experience dinner.
Day 3: The Algarve
Location: Lagos
Accommodation: Ria Park Hotel & Spa, Algarve., Real Marina Hotel &Spa.
Accommodation Name: Ria Park Hotel & Spa, Algarve
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cross the River Tagus and head towards the sun-drenched southern coast to reach Lagos, a fishing port nestled in the bay of Meia Praia. After some free time to explore, continue to your resort hotel, set within a magnificent 360-acre estate. Simplicity is at the heart of Algarve cuisine, with seafood so fresh it still tastes of the sea. Just a short walk away, specialised Portuguese seafood restaurants line the coastline, overlooking the Atlantic.
Day 4: Everlasting Évora Relaxed Start
Location: Évora
Accommodation: M'Ar de Ar Aqueduto, 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 centre, or the serene city park, following the aqueduct inside the city walls.
Day 5: Monsaraz and Évora Relaxed Start
Location: Monsaraz, Évora
Accommodation: M'Ar de Ar Aqueduto, Évora.
Accommodation Name: M'Ar de Ar Aqueduto, Évora
Meals Included: 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: Alentejo, Fátima, Tomar
Accommodation: Hotel dos Templários, Tomar.
Accommodation Name: Hotel dos Templários, Tomar
Meals Included: Dinner
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, Douro Valley
Accommodation: Douro Palace Hotel Resort & Spa, Douro Valley.
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
Location: Guimarães, Porto
Accommodation: Pousada do Porto Rua Das Flores., NH Collection Porto Batalha.
Accommodation Name: Pousada do Porto Rua Das Flores
Meals Included: Breakfast
The mountain ranges of Northern Portugal accompany your morning journey to Guimarães, known as the birthplace of Portugal. Here, you can take in views from the Visigoth castle before wandering the cobbled streets and charming squares that exude medieval character. Continue to Porto, a city steeped in history whose central district is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Porto seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. Accompanied by your Local Expert, visit the São Bento Railway Station, renowned for the hand-painted azulejo tilework depicting scenes of Portugal’s past, and stroll across the Dom Luís I Bridge, a masterpiece of engineering that offers spectacular views of the Douro River. For a different perspective, consider joining an Optional Experience to explore the pastel-hued houses of the Ribeira district, cruise aboard a traditional Rabelo boat, and savour traditional flavours at a riverside restaurant.
Day 9: Porto, Grande Dame on the Douro Relaxed Start
Location: Porto, Braga
Accommodation: Pousada do Porto Rua Das Flores., NH Collection Porto Batalha.
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-coloured houses and churches covered in beautiful glazed tiles. Perhaps choose to visit Braga, the capital of baroque.
Day 10: Ancient Óbidos and Lisbon
Location: Óbidos, Lisbon
Accommodation: Dom Pedro Lisboa, Lisbon.
Accommodation Name: TURIM Marquês, Lisbon
Meals Included: Dinner
Discover the charm of the fortified town of Óbidos. Step inside the medieval town's ancient walls to wander through cobblestone streets, then continue to Lisbon. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a delightful dinner, raising a glass to the unforgettable moments shared on your tour.
Day 11: Depart Lisbon
Location: Lisbon
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to Lisbon International Airport.
What's Included
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Guided Tours
Guided sightseeing with Local Experts in various locations including Lisbon, Évora, Tomar, Coimbra, and Porto.
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Transfers
Complimentary transfers are available from Lisbon International Airport to your hotel on arrival and departure.
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Porterage
Porterage charges at hotels are included, and your bags will be carried and delivered to your hotel door.
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Wi-Fi
Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi is available where possible.
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Personal Radio Headsets
Personal radio headsets are provided to ensure you don’t miss any commentary from your Local Expert.
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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
Tips at hotels and restaurants are included, so you don’t have to worry about tipping or foreign currency.
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Luxury Coach
Travel in comfort on Insight’s luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
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Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board the coach for use throughout the day.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as additional dinners or excursions are not included and can be purchased separately.
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Flights
Flights to and from Lisbon are not included in the tour package.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Transfers Outside Scheduled Times
Transfers are only available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, you may need to purchase additional transfers or make your own arrangements.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort on Insight’s luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom, ensuring a pleasant journey throughout Portugal.
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in various hotels throughout the tour, including Corinthia Hotel in Lisbon and Ria Park Hotel & Spa in Algarve, offering comfort and luxury during your stay.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Lunch (L)
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- 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.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- 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.
Insight Experiences
- Monsaraz: Join a local boat captain for a tranquil cruise on Lake Alqueva. Relax and enjoy calming waters, picturesque views and tales of river life.
Travel Director
- "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."
Well-being
- 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.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of unique experiences such as a wine tasting session at Casa Relvas in Évora, a tranquil cruise on Lake Alqueva with a local boat captain, and a visit to the Templar Castle and Convent of Christ in Tomar. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to explore the University of Coimbra's impressive baroque library and enjoy a Farm-to-Table lunch in the Douro Valley. ...more ...less
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What is the significance of the sites visited in Tomar?
In Tomar, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tomar Castle and the Convent of Christ, which are significant for their historical connection to the Knights Templar. The site includes the octagonal Templars' Rotunda and the Manueline Window, a masterpiece of Gothic artistry. You will also visit the Synagogue of Tomar, one of Portugal's best-preserved medieval synagogues, which serves as a symbol of the Jewish communities in Portugal. ...more ...less
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What dining experiences are offered during the tour?
The tour offers several authentic dining experiences, including a Welcome Dinner in Lisbon, an Alentejo Highlight Lunch at Sem Fim in Monsaraz, and a Farm-to-Table dinner in Pinhao. Additionally, you will enjoy a dinner in Lisbon devoted to regional cooking, and a variety of meals featuring local wines. ...more ...less
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How does the tour contribute to sustainable tourism?
The tour includes a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Casa Relvas in Évora, where you will learn about sustainable wine production practices. The Relvas family has implemented innovative water management systems, reduced water usage by 30%, and engaged in reforestation efforts, contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. ...more ...less
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What are some of the highlights of the visit to Porto?
In Porto, you will explore the city's historic central district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a Local Expert. Highlights include visiting the São Bento Railway Station, known for its azulejo tilework, and walking across the Dom Luís I Bridge for spectacular views of the Douro River. You will also have the option to explore the Ribeira district and enjoy a traditional Rabelo boat cruise. ...more ...less
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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
Reviews of this operator
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Enquire for Extra Savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.
Country Roads of Portugal - Small Group
11 Days Starting and ending in Lisbon, Portugal
Visiting: Lisbon, Lagos, Évora, Monsaraz, Alentejo, Fátima, Tomar, Coimbra, Douro Valley, Guimarães, Porto, Braga, Óbidos ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SE928ZM20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
