North Portugal Journey

We begin the day with a pick-up at Marques de Pombal Square in Lisbon at 8:30 am—please aim to arrive at least 15 minutes early. Our journey takes us through scenic countryside dotted with windmills and fruit trees before reaching Óbidos, a charming town enclosed by medieval walls. Here, we admire the harmonious architecture, browse local handicrafts, and sample the renowned ginjinha, a traditional bitter cherry liqueur. Next, we visit Alcobaça to see Portugal’s first and largest Gothic church, home to the tombs of the tragic lovers Pedro and Inês de Castro. We then stop in Nazaré, a fishing village steeped in tradition and legend, before continuing to Batalha to explore the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória—a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and the resting place of Henry the Navigator, a key figure in Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. Our day concludes in the captivating town of Fátima, where we have the opportunity to attend the candle-lit procession. Overnight accommodation is arranged in the Fátima area on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

After breakfast at the hotel, we set off for Coimbra, home to one of the world’s oldest universities. Here, we explore the stunning baroque library and soak up the unique atmosphere shaped by long-standing traditions, including the distinctive black student capes and the melancholic strains of Fado music. We visit Santa Clara Church, where the tomb of Queen Santa Isabel lies—the figure behind the famed “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 will have time to see the elegant moliceiro boats and sample the local sweet treat, ovos moles. Later, we drive to Porto to check in at your hotel and prepare for the next stage of your journey. Overnight accommodation is on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

After breakfast at your hotel in Oporto, begin with a morning stroll through the city's riverside district, taking in the historic houses, palaces and churches that reflect its UNESCO World Heritage status. Before setting off, enjoy a glass of the renowned Port wine for which the city is famous. We then travel north to the Minho region, known for its lush landscapes and sparkling Vinho Verde wine. In Guimar?es, regarded as the birthplace of Portugal and its first king, we visit the Sacred Hill with its medieval castle and the 15th-century Palace of the Dukes of Bragan?a. Next, we continue to Braga, often called the ?Portuguese Rome? due to its wealth of religious architecture, including the country's oldest cathedral and the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, famed for its baroque staircase and gardens. After exploring Braga, we return to Oporto for an evening at leisure and overnight stay.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before spending the day at your own pace in Porto. This free day allows you to explore the city’s vibrant streets, relax by the Douro River, or visit any sights that interest you. Overnight at your hotel in the Porto area on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before setting off to Amarante, a charming town known for its natural beauty and delicious sweets. Amarante is also famous for St Goncalo, the patron of love and marriage, celebrated each year on the first Saturday of June. We explore the quaint streets, relax by the river, and visit the lively market offering a variety of local products. Next, we drive to the peaceful town of Vila Real, where you can appreciate the tranquil atmosphere and visit key sights, including the gardens of the Mateus estate, whose elegant fa?ade is featured on well-known Portuguese ros? wine bottles. Continuing through the vineyards and stunning landscapes of the Douro Valley, we stop in Lamego to sample regional specialties such as local ham and the renowned Bola de Lamego?a traditional loaf baked with smoked ham. Our journey then takes us through the mountainous hinterland to Viseu, located in the heart of the D?o wine region. Here, we tour the historic centre, with its narrow streets, granite doorways bearing coats of arms, and the bustling commercial area, all set beneath the city's cathedral. We conclude the day by travelling to Urgeiri?a for check-in and overnight rest at a local hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before setting off through the heart of Portugal to Bussaco. This area is a haven for nature enthusiasts, featuring a lush forest with rare and exotic trees, as well as a charming, romantic hotel that once served as a royal hunting lodge. After immersing ourselves in this natural beauty, we continue to Tomar, a town deeply connected to the Order of the Templars. Granted these lands in 1159 for their support of Dom Afonso Henriques during the Christian reconquest, the Templars established the castle and the remarkable Convent of Christ here. This UNESCO World Heritage site, expanded and modified over centuries, showcases a blend of architectural styles and forms the heart of the city. We conclude the day by returning to Lisbon, where we will drop you off at the designated location. Breakfast is included.