Tour highlights
The Algarve coast of Portugal is home to some of the best beaches and landscapes in Europe, making it perfect for an adventure filled with sun and relaxation. This trip from Lisbon to Porto visits stunning destinations, allowing you to experience the culture, history and incredible surf vibes that make up this amazing country. From beautiful coastlines to vibrant cities, this is an opportunity to explore the unique beauty and culture of Portugal.
Tour itinerary
Day 1 Start Lisbon
Welcome to the enchanting city of Lisbon! Admire its Gothic architecture, stroll down its winding cobbled streets and explore the sublime cathedrals. But why not explore this gastronomic capital better by tasting some of their delicacies? Try their signature speciality, green wine – or perhaps raise a glass of port in the Bairro Alto and soak in the beauty of a sunset.
Day 2 Lisbon to Porto via Fatima and Coimbra
Time to say goodbye, Lisbon. We won’t ever forget your cultural wonders and excellent food! On our way to Porto there are some fantastic placess we’ll visit, like Fatima. Dubbed as a sacred house of miracles, it’s said that the Virgin Mary appeared here in front of humble farmhands. Nowadays there are two grandiose basilicas to commemorate the area and it’s visited by six million folks yearly. This lively city is overflowing with heritage sites such as Portugal’s oldest university – you’ll love its old stone walls and lovely coloured buildings when we take our lunch break! Finally, welcome to Porto – renowned for port wine, baroque structures plus a UNESCO-listed historical centre – you’ll fit right in this luminous city. Tonight you have the opportunity to explore however you wish…
Day 3 Porto
Ready to explore the enchanting city of Porto? With your Contiki crew by your side, you can discover its many attractions. Have you considered a visit to the Harry Potter Library or perhaps one of the multiple wine cellars here? The magical possibilities are endless!
Day 4 Porto to Peniche via Aveiro and Obidos
Today we’ll be visiting the serenely beautiful canal city of Aveiro, home to a quaint mini Venice. Here, we will take a break for lunch while admiring its historic old town. After that, the next stop is Obidos with its whitewashed houses and colorful flowers blooming around it. Our journey continues and brings us to Peniche, where we’ll settle into our modern hotel that was built with surfing enthusiasts like us – delighting our eyes with whitewashed walls and colorful textiles & wall murals facing Alfarroba beach. It’s equipped with indoor & outdoor swimming pools, a bar, Green Key sustainability award status and even connections to local surf school. This lodging venue is perfect for those who want an exciting adventure or merely some time to relax!
Day 5 Peniche
Peniche is renowned for its unique surf beach Praia dos Supertubos, situated a brief 10 minutes from our accommodation. Its tubular wave makes it an ideal destination for major international surfing competitions such as the Rip Curl Pro. This spot boasts the perfect combination of shallow slope and ocean currents combined with a north wind that results in tall, hollow waves suitable for both pros and beginners alike. There’s no need to worry about overcrowding here either – there are plenty of beaches to choose from! First up is today’s lesson at Praia da Cova da Alfarroba right outside our hotel door. Not only provides surfing with an immense core strength workout, but it’s also an exciting way to explore all the beauty of the sea!
Day 6 Peniche to The Algarve via Evora
As we reluctantly tear ourselves away from the dreamy town of Peniche, our journey takes us to The Algarve. Our first stop is historical Evora, a 14th century city full of grand cathedrals, ancient Roman baths and a gorgeous town square. As we explore the quaint cobblestones streets, it’s on with our travels towards the south of Portugal. In the port town of Algarve you can experience all that Evora has to offer plus stunning beaches!
Day 7 The Algarve
Time to take advantage of the beautiful Algarve! With so many activities available, you will be able to create your own perfect day. Golfing, boat trips, swimming, sunning – there is something for every taste.
Day 8 The Algarve to Lisbon via Sintra and Cascais
Departing the Algarve, today we travel to Lisbon. Our first stop of this journey is the UNESCO town of Sintra – a place seemingly pulled straight from a fairytale with its turreted palaces and castle ruins! We then continue on to Cascais, renowned for its glorious beaches and savory seafood. Here you may opt to join in on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience led by local residents which showcases the culture and urban art galleries unique to this neighbourhood. As our time in Portugal draws near its end, let us come together one last time for a memorable farewell feast as we look back fondly at our connection with this remarkable country.
Day 9 End Lisbon
Farewell, dearest of destinations, until we meet again. We part with heavy hearts and fond memories of the flavor-filled cuisine, enchanting culture, tropical beauty, and shimmering seas that define your land.
What’s included
Accommodation
4 nights in Hostels, 4 nights in Hotels
Guide
Expert Trip Manager + Local Guides
COVID-19 Health & Safety Measures
All guests travelling with Contiki through December 31, 2022 are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, which may include a booster shot to keep the vaccination status current and valid, depending on the travel destination. Children not eligible for vaccination and/or booster at the time of travel must provide a verifiable and negative Covid-19 test result, taken within 72 hours prior to the start of the tour (taking time zones into consideration) for all tours departing until December 31, 2022.
For guests travelling with Contiki from 1 January 2023, Covid-19 vaccinations and boosters are highly recommended, but no longer required. Please note that regardless of time of travel guests will need to comply with specific vaccine and/or booster requirements imposed by airlines and/or authorities in the destination visited, as well as requirements for accessing restaurants and venues, which may be more restrictive than above. It is guests’ responsibility to ensure that they comply at all times with these requirements. No refunds will be given if guests are unable to undertake some or all of their vacation due to their failure to comply with these requirements.
Meals
1 Dinner (D)
8 Breakfast (B)
Additional Services
Fátima: Head to this famous Catholic pilgrimage site to see the Sanctuary of Fátima, Basílica de Nossa and Capelinha das Aparições.
Coimbra: Explore the riverfront city and stroll the cobbled streets of its old town. Then cool off with a relaxing beer in the sun.
Aveiro: Board a colourful boat in the ‘Venice of Portugal’ and sail past candy-striped buildings and palm-tree lined streets.
Obidos: A Moorish Medieval castle, cobbled streets and colourful houses pepper the landscape of this fairytale-like Portuguese town.
Évora: Take a casual stroll around the medieval town. You’ll feel yourself grow wiser as you soak up all that lovely art, history and culture.
Sintra: There are plenty of UNESCO heritage sites to see in this colourful Portuguese town.
Transport
Coach
What’s not included
Flights
Flights are not included.
Insurance
Insurance is not included.
Optional
Cascais Street Art Tour
Additional Services
Other activities and services are not included.
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