PORTUGAL
A JOURNEY THROUGH CASTLES, COASTLINES AND CULTURE
With an Optional Lisbon Extension
Air and Land 9 Days, 8 Nights Including Hotels, Meals, Day Trips. Airfare available from various gateways
Step into a world where medieval castles, sun-drenched vineyards, and breathtaking coastal landscapes come together in one unforgettable journey through Portugal. From the golden beaches of Figueira da Foz to the storybook streets of Óbidos and the soulful sounds of Fado in Lisbon, this trip blends history, culture, and tradition most extraordinarily. Walk through ancient Roman temples, explore fairytale palaces, and taste world-renowned Port wine in Porto. Feel the power of Fátima’s sacred sanctuary, cruise the canals of Aveiro’s “Portuguese Venice,” and uncover the secrets of Nazaré’s legendary giant waves. Indulge in delicious regional cuisine, from the famous Cataplana seafood stew to Alentejo’s rich wines. With every step, you’ll be immersed in centuries of history, warm hospitality, and the charm of Portugal’s most treasured destinations. This is not just a trip; it’s the journey of a lifetime. Are you ready to experience it?
DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS
A relaxing 6-night coastal retreat in one location - Figueira da Foz • Medieval town explorations - Óbidos, Lousã, and Coimbra
• Moliceiro boat ride - Aveiro’s scenic canals • Porto’s historic beauty - Ribeira and São Bento Station • UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Sintra, Évora • The Shrine of Fátima • Exclusive wine tastings - Porto, Alentejo, Alcobaça • Authentic Portuguese cuisine - Cataplana and Ginjinha tasting • Architectural wonders - Belém, Sintra, Lisbon • Fado night experience - Live music and dinner • Meet the locals - Nazaré surfer and Fátima storyteller • Lisbon extension - Évora’s ruins and Alentejo and much, much more.
MAIN PROGRAM INCLUDED FEATURES
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AIR TRANSPORTATION Air transportation from various gateways
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FIRST-CLASS ACCOMMODATIONS 7 nights first class hotels
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MEALS 10 included meals 7 buffet breakfasts and 3 dinners
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THE PROGRAM Sightseeing, including local guide and entrance fees as follows: a tour of Aveiro and Moliceiro boat ride, a tour of Medieval Coimbra, Lousã, a tour Óbidos, Nazaré, Alcobaça with Ginginja and wine tasting and big wave surfer interaction, a tour of Sintra and Cascais, and much, much more. Optional tours available
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JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY Our program encompasses cultural connections, in-depth learning of the local economy and social systems, and interaction with locals such as a Moliceiro boat ride, learning about Portuguese Ginginja and tasting in Óbidos, interacting with winemakers and tasting in Alcobaça, learn the secrets behind Nazaré’s legendary waves from a big wave surfer
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PROFESSIONAL TOUR DIRECTOR Assistance of a professional Tour Director during tours and transfers
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FIRST-CLASS MOTORCOACHES Touring by private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach
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BAGGAGE HANDLING AND TRANSFERS Baggage handling for one piece of checked luggage outside of the airport
OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO LISBON
INCLUDED FEATURES
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FIRST-CLASS ACCOMMODATIONS 2 nights first class hotels
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MEALS 3 meals -2 breakfasts and 1 lunch
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THE PROGRAM Sightseeing, including local guide and entrance fees as follows: a tour of Lisbon, a tour of Evora and Alentejo with wine tasting, and much, much more
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PROFESSIONAL TOUR DIRECTOR Assistance of a professional Tour Director for the entire length of the tour
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FIRST CLASS MOTORCOACHES Touring by private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach
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BAGGAGE HANDLING AND TRANSFERS Baggage handling for one piece of checked luggage outside of the airport
Day 1 Depart the USA Your adventure starts as you board your overnight flight to Lisbon. This city is bursting with history, charm, and stunning riverfront views. Enjoy meals and drinks onboard as you relax and anticipate the unforgettable experiences ahead.
Day 2 Welcome to Portugal – Lisbon to Figueira da Foz Upon arrival in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to the beautiful coastal town of Figueira da Foz. Located at the mouth of the Mondego River, this hidden gem is known for its sweeping golden beaches, Belle Époque architecture, and vibrant maritime culture. A favored seaside escape for Portuguese aristocracy in the 19th century, Figueira da Foz today boasts a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere with palm-lined promenades, charming cafés, and some of Portugal’s most scenic ocean views. This evening, maybe stroll along the miles-long Praia da Claridade beach, explore the historic Casino Figueira (one of the oldest on the Iberian Peninsula), or simply soak in the sea air. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the hotel as you settle into the rhythm of Portugal’s coastal charm. (D)
Day 3 Aveiro Today’s adventure begins with a journey to Costa Nova, where the vividly striped fisherman houses create a postcard-perfect setting along the Atlantic coast. Then, you continue to Aveiro, often called the “Venice of Portugal,” where colorful Moliceiro boats glide through intricate canals once used for seaweed harvesting. You’ll explore the town’s historic salt pans, an important part of Aveiro’s maritime heritage, and visit the stunning train station adorned with exquisite blue and white azulejo tilework depicting local life. Enjoy a scenic Moliceiro boat ride, drifting through the picturesque waterways and enjoying the city’s unique charm. After some leisure time to explore, you head back to Figueira da Foz. Dinner this evening is at the hotel. (B,D)
Day 4 Figueira da Foz Enjoy a full day of leisure or enjoy an optional tour to Porto. Welcome to Porto, a city that effortlessly blends old-world charm with contemporary vibrancy. Set along the majestic Douro River, Porto’s colorful hillside buildings and intricate bridges make it one of the most picturesque cities in Europe. Begin your exploration at the São Bento train station, famous for its 20,000 azulejo tiles, illustrating Portugal’s rich history. Walk through the historic Ribeira district, where narrow, winding streets lead to lively cafés, artisan shops, and stunning riverside views. No visit to Porto is complete without indulging in Portugal’s most famous export, Port wine. This afternoon, on our “Journey of Discovery,” visit one of the renowned Port wine cellars for a guided tour and tasting, where you’ll learn about the craftsmanship behind this world-famous drink. (B)
Day 5 Coimbra and Lousã Step into Coimbra, a city that has inspired poets and scholars for centuries. Home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, Coimbra’s cobblestone streets and medieval charm make it a must-visit destination. Explore the magnificent University of Coimbra, where you’ll visit the Joanina Library, a breathtaking Baroque masterpiece that houses over 300,000 ancient books. Wander through the university’s historic courtyards and chapels before descending into the city’s lower town, where vibrant student traditions still thrive. Then, journey to Lousã, a hidden gem in the Portuguese countryside. Here, you’ll visit a charming shale village, a time capsule of Portugal’s past, where stone houses and ancient trails reveal stories of rural life. Visiting the Castle of Lousã will take you back to the medieval era, offering spectacular views over the surrounding valleys. (B)
Day 6 Óbidos, Nazaré and Alcobaça Step into a storybook setting as you visit Óbidos, a stunning medieval walled town where cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and flower-covered balconies create an enchanting atmosphere. On our “Journey of Discovery,” Taste the local specialty, Ginginja (sour cherry liqueur), served in a chocolate cup. Then continue to Nazaré, a charming fishing village famous for its record-breaking waves. On our “Journey of Discovery,” Meet a local surfer who will share the secrets behind Nazaré’s legendary waves, some of the biggest ever surfed. Enjoy some free time for lunch then, on another “Journey of Discovery,” visit Alcobaça, home to one of Portugal’s finest wine museums, where you’ll enjoy an exclusive wine tasting before returning to Figueira da Foz. You will end the day with a farewell dinner to Figueira da Foz at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Day 7 Figueira da Foz Today enjoy a free day in Figueira da Foz or take an optional tour to Fátima, one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in the world. Explore the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, a place of miraculous apparitions and deep devotion. On our “Journey of Discovery,” a local will share the remarkable story of the 1917 visions and the enduring spiritual significance of this site. Take time to reflect, light a candle, or simply embrace the serene atmosphere before returning to Figueira da Foz for a relaxed evening. (B)
Day 8 Sintra, Cascais to Lisbon Bid farewell to Figueira da Foz and travel to Sintra, a magical town of palaces, legends, and romance. Visit Quinta da Regaleira, where underground tunnels, mystical symbols, and lush gardens make it feel like a setting from a fantasy novel. Onwards to Cascais, a former royal retreat turned seaside paradise, before arriving in Lisbon. This evening, join your fellow travelers on an optional tour and immerse yourself in the unforgettable and soulful sounds of Fado, Portugal’s traditional music and dance, during a memorable dinner with a live performance. (B)
Day 9 Return to the USA or Optional Lisbon and Alentejo Extension Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home or continue your adventure with an optional extension in Lisbon and Évora, featuring UNESCO sites, wine tastings, and historic treasures. (B)
OPTIONAL LISBON EXTENSION
Day 9 Lisbon Today, immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Lisbon, a city where historic grandeur meets vibrant modern energy. Begin in Belém, the district that launched Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Stand before the Monument to the Discoveries, honoring legendary explorers, and admire the Belém Tower, a sentinel of the Tagus River. Nearby, the Hieronymites Monastery, with its intricate Manueline architecture, showcases Portugal’s golden age of wealth and exploration. Enjoy some free time for lunch, before exploring the charming streets of Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district. Wander through narrow, winding alleys, and take in breathtaking views over the city’s terracotta rooftops. Conclude the day with leisure time to explore Lisbon at your own pace, perhaps visiting the bustling Commerce Square, riding one of the city’s iconic yellow trams, or indulging in a Pastel de Nata, Portugal’s famous custard tart. (B)
Day 10 Évora Step into the heart of Portugal’s history with a visit to Évora, a city so rich in heritage that it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin at the Temple of Diana, a stunning Roman ruin from the 1st century AD that stands as a testament to Portugal’s deep-rooted past. Stroll through Évora’s medieval streets, lined with whitewashed houses and Moorish-inspired architecture. A highlight today is the Chapel of Bones, an awe-inspiring site where 5,000 skulls and bones are arranged in intricate patterns as a solemn reminder of life’s transience. Visit Évora’s Cathedral, a magnificent blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, before heading to a local restaurant for lunch. This afternoon on a “Journey of Discovery,” brings a wine- tasting experience in Alentejo, Portugal’s most famous wine region. Sample rich reds and crisp whites while exploring a historic winery. Return to Lisbon with memories of Portugal’s timeless charm. (B,L)
Day 11 Return to the USA Your unforgettable journey through Portugal ends, but the memories of fairy-tale castles, medieval towns, sun-kissed vineyards, and stunning coastlines will stay with you forever. Transfer to Lisbon’s airport and board your homeward- bound flight. (B)
(B) - Breakfast, (L) - Lunch, (D) - Dinner.
Hotel (when listed) and Itinerary are subject to change. Quest Voyager reserves the right to make corrections or adjustments to the travel program as necessary.