Essence of Portugal: An 8-Day Small Group Journey
Essence of Portugal: An 8-Day Small Group Journey
8 Days
Visiting: Portugal
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1839
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 6
Age range:
4-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an 8-day small group adventure through Portugal, where you’ll explore the vibrant streets of Lisbon, savor exquisite wines in Évora, and discover the rich history of Porto. Experience charming towns like Óbidos and Montemor-o-Novo, enjoy traditional cuisine, and immerse yourself in the soulful sounds of fado. With guided tours and leisurely afternoons, this journey promises unforgettable moments and connections in the heart of Portugal
Highlights
Itinerary
Arrive at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Join your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant across the Tagus River, where you’ll have the chance to get to know your fellow travelers. Meals: D
Accommodation at the VIP Grand Lisboa Hotel & Spa, Lisbon, or similar
DAY 2: LISBON SIGHTSEEING
After breakfast, embark on a morning city sightseeing tour of ancient Olissipo. Drive through its main squares and avenues, including Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, the Monument to the Discoverers, Marquis of Pombal Square, and Liberty Avenue. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore the nostalgic corners of the Alfama Quarter, where the old city is nestled next to its castle, featuring colorful buildings along narrow, winding “Ruas” filled with charming “tabernas.” The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy this magnificent city. Accommodation at the hotel. Meals: B
Accommodation at the VIP Grand Lisboa Hotel & Spa, Lisbon, or similar
DAY 3: LISBON, MONTEMOR & EVORA
Breakfast at the hotel before departing for Montemor-o-Novo, a charming town celebrated for its rich history and stunning natural surroundings. Known for its vineyards and wineries, enjoy a visit to a local winery where you will taste the region's exquisite wines.
Next, continue to Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and historical significance. Accompanied by your Local Expert, explore the magnificent Roman Temple, the hauntingly beautiful Chapel of Bones (entrance included), and the grand Évora Cathedral.
Stroll through the picturesque streets lined with whitewashed houses and vibrant squares, soaking in the unique atmosphere of this enchanting city. Meals: B
Accommodation at the Hilton Garden Inn, Evora, or similar
DAY 4: EVORA, TOMAR & COIMBRA
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Tomar, a city steeped in history and mystery, once a stronghold of the Knights Templar. Your visit will highlight the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its stunning Manueline architecture and intricate designs. Enjoy free time to wander the ancient streets, visit historic churches, and immerse yourself in the captivating stories of this enchanting town.
Afterward, continue to Coimbra, where you will meet your local guide for a tour of this historic city, renowned for its prestigious university—one of the oldest in Europe—along with its charming medieval streets and picturesque riverfront. Meals: B
Accommodation at the Hotel NH Coimbra Dona Inês, Coimbra, or similar
DAY 5: COIMBRA, AVEIRO & PORTO
After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Aveiro, often called the "Venice of Portugal" for its charming canals. Enjoy a ride on a moliceiro, a traditional, colorful boat that once navigated Aveiro's waterways.
Next, head to Porto, where you will begin with a visit to the museum "Porto Across the Ages," a captivating experience that traces the city’s rich history, from its medieval beginnings to its modern-day vibrancy. Interactive exhibits and multimedia displays bring Porto’s fascinating past to life.
After the museum, visit one of Porto’s famous wine cellars for a guided tour. Learn about the intricate process behind port wine production and what sets these world-renowned wines apart. The tour concludes with a tasting session, where you can savor the complex flavors and aromas of a fine selection of port wines. Meals: B
Accommodation at the BessaHotel Boavista, Porto, or similar
DAY 6: PORTO SIGHTSEEING
Breakfast at the hotel. Start the day with a guided sightseeing tour of Porto. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Porto Cathedral, the historic Stock Exchange building, and the beautiful Santa Clara Church.
The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore Porto at your own pace.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional fado show with dinner, a special opportunity to share this soulful Portuguese music experience with your fellow travelers. Meals: B
Accommodation at the BessaHotel Boavista, Porto, or similar
DAY 7: PORTO, BATALHA, OBIDOS & LISBON
After breakfast at the hotel, depart for the Batalha Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline architecture.
After some leisure time to explore, continue to Óbidos, a charming medieval town in Portugal’s central region. Óbidos is famed for its well-preserved castle and historic center, featuring narrow cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses adorned with vibrant flowers, and traditional tile work. The town is enclosed by imposing 14th-century walls, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Later, depart for Lisbon, where you will enjoy a typical Portuguese dinner at a local restaurant. Meals: B, D
Accommodation at the VIP Grand Lisboa Hotel & Spa, Lisbon, or similar
DAY 8: LISBON DEPARTURE
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure. Upgrade your tour to 14 days to extend your journey through Spain, ending in Madrid. Please contact us for more information. Meals: B
What's Included
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• Accommodation in selected 4-star hotels
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• English-speaking Tour Director throughout the journey
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• Daily breakfast
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• Transportation by luxury coach
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• Private airport transfers as per itinerary
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• Guided visits in Lisbon, Évora (including Capela dos Ossos ticket), Coimbra, and Porto
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• Welcome and farewell dinners in Lisbon, featuring typical local cuisine
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• Wine tasting in Montemor
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• Moliceiro boat experience in Aveiro
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• Visit to the Porto Across the Ages Museum
What's Not Included
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• International or domestic airfare
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• Gratuities to guides and drivers
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• Travel insurance
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• Additional meals when not mentioned on the itinerary
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• Entrance fees to monuments or museums when not mentioned on the itinerary
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• Local city tax for overnight stays
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• Visas required for entry into the country as necessary
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• Anything of a personal nature or that is not mentioned in included
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes accommodation in selected 4-star hotels.
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Is there a tour director available throughout the journey?
Yes, an English-speaking Tour Director will be available throughout the journey.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
Yes, private airport transfers are included as per the itinerary.
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What meals are included in the tour?
Daily breakfast is included, as well as welcome and farewell dinners in Lisbon, and a dinner with a Fado show in Porto.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
Transportation is provided by a luxury coach.
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Are guided visits included in the tour?
Yes, guided visits are included in Lisbon, Évora (including Capela dos Ossos ticket), Coimbra, and Porto.
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Is there any wine tasting included in the tour?
Yes, there is a wine tasting experience in Montemor and a Porto wine tasting session.
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a Moliceiro boat experience in Aveiro, a visit to the Porto Across the Ages Museum, and a traditional Fado show with dinner in Porto.
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Is customer service support available during the tour?
Yes, 24-hour customer service support is available throughout the tour.
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What is the itinerary for the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will arrive at the airport, transfer to your hotel, and join your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant across the Tagus River.
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What activities are planned for the second day in Lisbon?
The second day includes a morning city sightseeing tour of ancient Olissipo, visiting Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, the Monument to the Discoverers, Marquis of Pombal Square, and Liberty Avenue. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the Alfama Quarter.
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What can I expect during the visit to Évora?
In Évora, you will explore the Roman Temple, the Chapel of Bones, and the Évora Cathedral with a Local Expert. You will also stroll through the picturesque streets lined with whitewashed houses and vibrant squares.
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What is special about the visit to Tomar?
In Tomar, you will visit the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning Manueline architecture and intricate designs.
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What is included in the visit to Porto?
In Porto, you will visit the Porto Across the Ages Museum, one of Porto’s famous wine cellars for a guided tour and tasting session, and enjoy a traditional Fado show with dinner.
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What are the highlights of the visit to Batalha and Óbidos?
In Batalha, you will visit the Batalha Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In Óbidos, you will explore the well-preserved castle and historic center, featuring narrow cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and traditional tile work.
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Is there an option to extend the tour?
Yes, you can upgrade your tour to 14 days to extend your journey through Spain, ending in Madrid. Please contact the tour provider for more information.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, solo travellers are required to book a Single (Private) room.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2005
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes, please enquire for details, we'll be happy to assist wherever we can.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Electronic Vouchers. These will be provided and attached to your booking (within the Documents section) aprox. 2 weeks prior to travel.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No, unfortunately that is not possible on our trips.
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Free Date Changes
Omega Tours allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Omega Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform omega tours, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Omega Tours requires a minimum deposit of 500 CAD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of omega tours charges.
Up to 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Enquire for huge savings
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