Portugal Express

Tour highlights

From the bustling metropolis of Porto to the stunning Portuguese capital of Lisbon, an 8-day tour promises to be an unforgettable journey through central regions. Along the way, travellers will see breathtaking beaches and verdant landscapes between the Douro and Tejo rivers; explore romantic towns; and gain a deep understanding of local culture, heritage, history, customs -and cuisine! This incredible expedition allows you to experience not just the highlights but also a unique insight into this amazing country.

Tour itinerary

Day 1 Seja bem-vindo!
After arriving in Porto, you will be transported to your hotel for the next two nights. As the evening falls, join your tour guide and fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant. Take this opportunity to develop conversations with them and become acquainted before embarking on your week-long vacation in Portugal! (A)

Day 2 Charming Porto
Uncover the charms of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is located on the hills at the mouth of the Douro River. On a half-day tour, get to know this captivating medieval city – with its historic buildings, monuments and port wine houses that line Vila Nova da Gaia’s hillside – as well as experience the grandeur of Portugal’s Stock Exchange Palace (included). Gaze in wonder at Clérigos Tower (exterior visit), one of Portugal’s highest church towers, or admire Romanesque Cathedral (exterior visit) and S. Bento train station decorated with azulejos. Then take your exploration a step further by visiting a port winery where you can learn all about how port is made; why not sample some too? For stunning views of Porto from another perspective, board a boat for an approx. 45-minute cruise downriver.

Day 3 Lagoon city Aveiro and university city Coimbra
After breakfast, prepare for a visit to the stunning Aveiro city, known as the “Venice of Portugal”. Admire its vibrant moliceros boats and natural lagoons, then drive to Coimbra – once the capital city of Portugal during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Here you will find one of Europe’s oldest universities, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been preserved over centuries. Spend 1 night here to get an immersive experience into Portuguese culture and history. (F)

Day 4 Templar city of Tomar, Fátima pilgrimage site and Batalha monastery
Gualdim Pais, the first Portuguese Grand Master of the Knights Templar, established a fortress at Tomar and within its walls developed the now popular Monastery of the Knights of Christ (UNESCO World Heritage Site). This site is known for its combination of varying stylistic aspects that have been collected over many centuries. A revealing display of cloisters can be seen as well! Afterward, you will take a tour to Fátima, one of Portugal’s largest locations consecrated to Virgin Mary worship. Lastly, you’ll visit Batalha with its enormous monastic building (also UNESCO World Heritage Site), marked by Gothic-Manuel style and an iconic representation of Portugal’s autonomy. It is recommended to stay for 1 night at Batalha.(F)

Day 5 Alcobaça Monastery, Nazaré fishing village and picturesque Óbidos
Following the successful battle with the Moors, the Cistercian monastery of Alcobaça was erected in 1178 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During medieval times, it rose to become one of Europe’s most well-off monasteries. Tourists will find its cloisters, refectory and spacious kitchen interesting. Afterwards, take an afternoon journey to Nazaré where you’ll stroll through quaint streets and savor a meal at one of many nearby restaurants. Óbidos is also worth visiting due to its picturesque pathways surrounded by floral-adorned white houses tucked behind city walls. And lastly, three nights in Lisbon await before bidding farewell.(F)

Day 6 Capital Lisbon
Experience the beauty of Lisbon, famously known as ‘The White City’ that lies alongside the impressive Rio Tejo. Visit notable landmarks with an expert guide in tow and learn about the legacy of Marques de Pombal at the historic Rossio Square; explore Alfama district’s winding streets that culminate at St. George Castle for a panoramic view of the city from Miradouro de Santa Catarina upon lunchtime. Later on, walk through Belém neighbourhood constructed to commemorate Portugal’s prosperous history, pass by UNESCO-listed Jerónimos Monastery (included) and Belém Tower (external viewing). To end this special day, take a stroll below Ponte 25 de Abril – Europe’s longest suspension bridge – where you can admire Christ statue in all its glory. (B/M)

Day 7 Sintra, Cabo da Roca, Cascais and Estoril
This day, you’ll take a journey through the spectacular scenery surrounding Lisbon where you’ll find an array of distinct plants. Sintra is far more than just another town – it has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status due to its grand palaces, villas and parks which were favoured by nobility and the wealthy in order to escape the heat of Lisbon during summertime. The Palacio da Vila was once used as a summer residence for kings so now you’ll get a chance to explore many of its grandiose rooms with striking ceiling paintings and coats of arms. Start your journey in Lisbon and explore its crown jewel – Arab Hall – with white, blue, and green azulejos adorning its walls. Afterward, take a panoramic drive along Portugal’s “Riviera” to view Cascais and Estoril, luxurious resorts favored by upper-class citizens. Your drive concludes at Cabo da Roca – Europe’s westernmost point which overlooks a majestic, rugged terrain. Before returning to Lisbon for an afternoon of exploration, conclude your visit with a delicious dinner at a local fish restaurant.

Day 8 Adeus Portugal!
It is now time to bid farewell. Heading to the airport in Lisbon, one will board a flight returning them to Germany. (F)

What’s included

Accommodation

International Flights
Outbound flight:
Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) – Porto Airport (OPO)

Return flight:
Lisboa Airport (LIS) – Frankfurt International Airport (FRA)
Flight (economy) to Porto (OPO) and back from Lisbon (LIS), subject to availability
Attention: Due to fluctuating airfares, prices may currently vary. Our team will be happy to provide you with a final offer.

Guide
small group with max. 16 guests
guaranteed from 6 guests
German speaking, local tour guide

Meals
Mahlzeiten lt. Programm

Additional Services
Programme as described including entrance fees

Transport
Transports in air-conditioned vehicles

What’s not included

Insurance
This tour does not include travel insurance. Please make sure you are adequately covered. You can arrange travel insurance with your preferred provider, or check here to see what our Travel Experts recommend.

Optional

Additional Services
No insurances included in the price. We recommend to take out a travel cancellation insurance.
Tips and personal expenses.
Tourist tax per person/night: approx. 2 € each in Lisbon and Porto and 1 € in Coimbra (payable locally).