Northern Portugal Exploration

We begin the day with a pick-up at Marques de Pombal Square in Lisbon at 8:30 am—please aim to arrive 15 minutes early. Our journey takes us through a landscape dotted with windmills and fruit orchards before reaching Óbidos, a charming town enclosed by medieval walls. Here, we explore its mix of architectural styles, browse unique handicrafts, and sample the local ‘ginginha’ cherry liqueur. Next, we visit Alcobaça to see Portugal’s largest Gothic church, which houses the tombs of King Pedro and Inês de Castro, whose tragic love story is well known. In Nazaré, a picturesque fishing village, we discover local traditions and hear captivating tales. We then continue to Batalha to explore the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória, a Gothic masterpiece and the resting place of Henry the Navigator, a key figure in the Age of Discoveries. The day concludes in Fátima, a renowned Marian pilgrimage site, where you may choose to join the evening Candlelight Procession. Overnight accommodation is in Fátima.

After breakfast, we travel to Coimbra to explore its prestigious university, one of the oldest in Europe. We visit the remarkable Baroque library and learn about the university’s traditions, including the distinctive black student capes and the local style of fado music. We also visit the Church of St Clara, the resting place of Queen St Isabel, known for the “miracle of the roses.” In the city centre, you can admire Coimbra’s distinctive ceramics. In the afternoon, we continue to Aveiro, often called the “Venice of Portugal” for its charming canals. You’ll have time to see the colourful moliceiro boats and sample the traditional sweet, ovos moles. We then drive to Porto and check in to the hotel for the night.

After breakfast, we explore Porto, Portugal's second-largest city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Known for its riverside charm, historic architecture, palaces and churches, Porto offers a rich glimpse into the country's past and is internationally celebrated for its Port wine. We then travel to the Minho region in the northwest, famed for its verdant landscapes and distinctive ?green wine.? Our first stop is Guimar?es, regarded as the birthplace of Portugal and home to its first king. Here, we stroll through the medieval streets of the historic centre and visit the Sacred Hill, where the 15th-century Castle and the Palace of the Dukes of Bragan?a stand. Next, we continue to Braga, often called the ?Portuguese Rome? due to its religious heritage. We visit the country's oldest cathedral and the renowned Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, noted for its Baroque stairway and gardens. We then return to Porto for the night.

After breakfast at the hotel, you have a full day to explore Porto at your leisure. Take the opportunity to wander through the city’s historic streets, visit notable landmarks, and savour the local cuisine. Whether you choose to discover hidden corners or relax by the riverside, the day is yours to enjoy. Overnight in Porto.

After breakfast, we set off for Amarante, a charming town known for São Gon?alo, the patron saint of love and marriage. We visit the riverside monastery where his tomb lies and explore the lively local market, offering everything from fresh produce to clothing. Next, we drive to Vila Real to tour the gardens of Mateus Manor, whose distinctive fa?ade is famously featured on bottles of Portuguese ros? wine. Entering the Port wine region, we travel through the vineyards and scenic landscapes of the Douro Valley before stopping in Lamego to see the impressive Baroque staircase of the Nossa Senhora dos Rem?dios sanctuary. Here, you may wish to sample regional delicacies such as local ham or the savoury ?Bola de Lamego? bread. Our journey continues to the mountainous area of Viseu, at the heart of the D?o wine region and linked to the legendary Lusitanian leader Viriato. In Viseu's historic centre, narrow streets and stone-carved coats of arms reveal its ancient heritage, while the bustling commercial district adds a modern touch. We conclude the day with our arrival in T?bua for overnight.

After breakfast, we travel to Bussaco, famed for its lush forest containing rare and exotic trees and plants. Here, we visit a charming hotel originally built as a royal hunting lodge, set within this unique natural environment. Our journey then takes us to Tomar, a city closely linked to the Order of the Templars. Granted to the Templars in 1159 for their role in King Afonso Henriques’ reconquest, Tomar is home to the castle and the remarkable Convent of Christ. Founded by Dom Gualdim Pais, the first Grand Master of the Order in Portugal, this monument showcases a mix of architectural styles and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. We conclude the day by travelling on to Lisbon, where our services end.