Historical Cities & Fairytale Castles
France & Portugal in 16 Days • 14 Nights in Destination
From
$3,699
/person
Isabel
Travel crafter
This trip is the ideal combination of two enchanting countries! Begin with a complete historical journey through fascinating France followed by a tour of Portugal to discover stunning architecture, delicious food and rich culture
Trip Highlights
Included
All flights
Accommodation
Some transfers
Activities
Breakfast only
Availability
Departures available until December 2023
Available Group tours
Solo travelers from + $1,120
Add up to 3 nights to your stay
Categories available
charm included
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Categories Available:
From $3,699
Accommodation: 14 Nights
Itinerary
Begin in Paris, then head to the castles of the Loire Valley, next visit Mont St Michel, then to the WW-II landing beaches in Normandy, rounding off your epic French adventure with a cheese-tasting. Next, explore the lively neighborhoods of Lisbon and the fairytale castles of Sintra before traveling to the holy city of Fatima. Finally, discover Porto, from its delicious wine to colorful buildings.
1st Day: Canada - Night on board
Ready to discover the spectacular cities and landscapes of France? Arrive at your departure airport to catch a flight to Paris.* Night on board.
* If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
2nd Day: Paris
Arrive at Paris airport and transfer to your hotel. Paris is the capital of France and a great place to discover the city’s most famous tourist sights, the local culture and cuisine. Overnight stay in Paris.
Accommodation
611 Reviews
3rd Day: Paris
Breakfast at the hotel. Discover the city’s most famous tourist sights and monuments on a Half Day City Tour with a professional English-speaking guide. Marvel at Paris's best-known sights: Place Vendôme Square, the Opera House, the Pantheon, the Luxembourg Palace and Gardens, the Orsay Museum, Place de la Concorde Square, the Champs-Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Invalides. End your tour in the city center. Why not grab a bite to eat in one of the many cafés or do a spot of shopping in this shoppers haven. The rest of the day is free to explore Paris at your leisure. Overnight stay in Paris.
Accommodation
611 Reviews
Activities
Moderate
4th Day: Paris - Orleans - Chambord - Tours
After breakfast, meet your english-speaking tour leader and depart Paris by coach towards the Loire Valley and its wonders of the Renaissance period. First stop is the capital of the Centre-Val de Loire region, Orleans. The history of this lovely city on the banks of the Loire River is inseparably bound with the history of Joan of Arc. While exploring the city independently, try not to miss the 13th century Sainte-Croix Cathedral and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, displaying around 700 artworks. After lunch, the tour continues with a visit to The Chambord Estate * one of the most emblematic castle examples of Renaissance architecture in France. Free time to stroll at your own pace in the heart of the castle and its gardens. Following this visit, transfer to the historic city of Tours. Overnight stay in Tours.
* Only entrance included with the possibility to book an audio-guide on the spot.
Accommodation
752 Reviews
Activities
Moderate
5th Day: Tours - Chenonceau - Tours
After Breakfast at the hotel, explore the magnificent Castle of Chenonceau*. The two-story gallery stands upon a graceful arched bridge that crosses the Cher River which gives the impression that the castle is floating on water. Also known as "The Ladies’ Castle", it was initially constructed in 1513. Equalling the beauty of the interior, the Château's Renaissance French Gardens are perfectly landscaped with decorative pools and flower beds and are an important destination for garden lovers from all over the world. In the afternoon, visit the Royal Château of Amboise, an emblematic monument of the Loire Valley. The palace was built above the river, with landscaped gardens stretching from the earth to the sky, offering one of the most remarkable panoramas of the Loire. Overnight stay in Tours.
* Only entrance included with the possibility to book an audio-guide on the spot.
Accommodation
752 Reviews
Activities
Light
Moderate
6th Day: Tours - Mont Saint Michel
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart from Tours heading towards the world-renowned Mont Saint Michel, a Unesco World Heritage site. The car park stands approximately 1.5 miles away from the island. On leaving the coach, head for the Place des Navettes, where shuttle buses called Passeurs transfer to the mount itself. The Mount was consecrated to St-Michel from the year 708. The Benedictine Abbey* presents a grand panorama of medieval architecture from the XI-XVI centuries. Spend some time exploring the village built on the slopes in the shadow of the fortifications. Overnight in the surrounding area.
* Only entrance included with the possibility to book an audio-guide on the spot.
Accommodation
437 Reviews
Activities
Moderate
7th Day: Mont Saint Michel - Day Beaches Tour - Caen
After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of WW-II’s major sights. Visit, learn about and pay homage to Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach and Colleville-Sur-Mer Cemetery, of the Allied Forces. Also a visit to the Memorial de Caen*, a museum and war memorial commemorating World War II and the Battle for Caen, is included. Overall the museum is dedicated to the history of the twentieth century, mainly focusing on the fragility of peace. Overnight stay in Caen.
* Only entrance included with the possibility to book an audio-guide on the spot.
Accommodation
214 Reviews
Activities
Moderate
Light
8th Day: Caen - Honfleur - Paris
After breakfast, learn more about the best food and drink that this rich region of France has to offer, starting with a visit to the Village du Fromager. See all stages of cheese production and enjoy tasting the different types of cheese on offer. After the visit, head to Honfleur in time for a lunch break. This small city and harbour dates back to the Vikings invasion in the 11th century. After a couple of hours exploring the city, continue eastwards until reaching Paris. Overnight stay in Paris.
Accommodation
611 Reviews
Activities
Light
9th Day: Paris - Lisbon
Breakfast* at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for your flight to Lisbon. Ready to discover the spectacular cities and landscapes of Portugal? Touch down in the capital city of Lisbon, known for its dramatic coastline and pastel-colored buildings. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Why not explore the oldest parts of the city to admire the ornate architecture or simply enjoy the views of the River Tagus from one of the many riverside cafes and bars. Overnight stay in Lisbon.
* Depending on the flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.
Accommodation
59 Reviews
10th Day: Lisbon
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on a tour of Lisbon for an eye-opening overview of this incredible city. Begin your day contemplating the incredible Belem Tower and the “Padrão dos Descobrimentos” before heading to the church of the Jerónimos Monastery, home to the tomb of Vasco de Gama and the famous poet Camões. Next, try the Pasteis de Belem during a mouth-watering pastry tasting, this typical, delicious Portuguese Tart is perhaps the most famous pastry in the country. Your tour will end with a fascinating stroll around Alfama quarter, one of the oldest areas in the city, perched upon the hillside with spectacular views across the sprawling cityscape. The rest of the day is free to continue discovering the city at your own pace. Why not explore the Praça do Comercio and Rossio Square area, always a hive of activity perfect for sightseeing or grabbing a bite in a local café! This evening we recommend a fun optional Dinner with Fado Show* to fully immerse yourself in Portuguese culture. Overnight stay in Lisbon.
*Optional Dinner & Fado Show: Head to the historic neighbourhood of Alfama to indulge in an evening of traditional Portuguese cuisine accompanied by the melancholic sounds of Fado music. Soak up the warm atmosphere and listen to the soft melodies of the Portuguese guitar as you experience the authentic musical heritage of Lisbon for yourself!
Why not upgrade your trip with our Portugal Highlights package of 2 excursions, available in the next step of the booking process!
Accommodation
59 Reviews
Activities
Moderate
Moderate
Light
11th Day: Lisbon - Sintra - Lisbon
Breakfast at the hotel. Set off on an excursion to Sintra, an unforgettable town and UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with 19th-century Romanticist architecture, fairytale castles and exquisite gardens. Here you'll visit the Quinta da Regaleira Gardens and Palace considered the most enigmatic of all the estates in Sintra. The palace is a fusion of ornate and colorful architectural styles but the main attraction is the extensive gardens, filled with symbolism and intriguing constructions. After the tour, enjoy free time in Sintra to explore at your own pace. In the afternoon head to Cape Roca, the most westerly point of the European continent. Here you can soak up the views of the Atlantic Ocean and explore the village of Cascais, once the chosen beach destination of the aristocracy. Return to Lisbon and enjoy the remainder of the day exploring the delights of this cosmopolitan city at your leisure. Overnight stay in Lisbon.
Accommodation
59 Reviews
Activities
Active
12th Day: Lisbon - Óbidos - Nazaré - Fátima
Breakfast at the hotel. Head to Obidos today, one of the best-known villages in Portugal thanks to its magical cobblestone streets and charming architecture, enclosed within medieval city walls. Next, visit Nazare, a surfers paradise, home to some of the largest waves in the world and the most popular beach destination on the Silver Coast. Finish the day in the historic and fascinating city of Fatima, one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Catholics. Sacred sights here include the Capelinha das Aparições, where the Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared to local children in 1917, the Basílica de Nossa Senhora do Rosário, with its golden angels, and the modern church of Igreja da Santíssima Trindade. Spend the evening at your leisure, discovering the sights and sounds of this beautiful city at your own pace. Overnight stay in Fatima.
Accommodation
198 Reviews
Activities
Light
13th Day: Fatima - Coimbra - Porto
Breakfast at the hotel. Bid farewell to Fatima today as you set for Tomar to visit the famous Convent of Christ complex, once a stronghold of the Templars in the 12th-century. Uncover the history of the Templars in Portugal, including the beautiful medieval chapel and the ornate cloister, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Explore this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site before continuing to the city of Coimbra, once the capital of Portugal and today a student city, home to the oldest university in the country. As the day draws to a close, travel to Porto, in northern Portugal on the banks of the Douro River. With its stunning Old Town, Porto is one of the highlights of any trip to Portugal. Spend the evening at your leisure, exploring the city's atmospheric streets. Overnight stay in Porto.
*Optional Fado and folklore Show with Traditional Dinner: A fantastic gastronomic show that will highlight the remarkable traditions of the Douro and northern Portuguese culture. This lively evening will combine Folklore songs, traditional dances and an all-inclusive dinner paired with some of the best wines in Portugal. Sing and dance the night away, a true authentic experience to remember.
Accommodation
110 Reviews
Activities
Active
Light
14th Day: Porto
Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the day with a panoramic tour of Porto to see the main attractions of the city such as the exterior of Clérigos Tower, Aliados Avenue, the impressive Sao Bento train station and the iconic bridge of Luis I. In the afternoon, soak up the delights of Porto at your own pace, admiring the famous tiled facades or sampling the authentic local port in a cosy cafe. Alternatively, we recommend an unforgettable boat tour on the River Douro.* Overnight stay in Porto.
*Optional River Douro Boat Tour: set off on an unforgettable boat tour on the Douro River to enjoy spectacular views of the city. After cruising on the river, visit a local port wine cellar and enjoy a tasting session of this typical Portuguese drink.
Please note: Entrance to the Bolsa Palace (10 euros per person) and Church of Saint Francis (8 euros per person) is optional and is not included.
Why not upgrade your trip with our Portugal Highlights package of 2 excursions, available in the next step of the booking process!
Accommodation
110 Reviews
Activities
Active
Moderate
15th Day: Porto - Aveiro - Lisbon
Breakfast at the hotel. Leave Porto this morning, headed for the charming coastal city of Aveiro where you can enjoy some free time to explore its picturesque canals and colorful architecture. In the afternoon, return to the capital of Lisbon and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to soak up the ambience of this lively city or do some last-minute shopping. Overnight stay in Lisbon.
Accommodation
59 Reviews
Activities
Light
16th Day: Lisbon - Canada
Breakfast* at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for your return flight back to Canada. Arrive in Canada and end of your trip.
* Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.
** Depending on the return flight schedule, you may arrive in Canada on the next day.
Included activity for day 3 in Paris
Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination
Physical rating:
Paris Sightseeing Tour
Discover some of the most iconic and memorable places of Paris and admire the beauty of this incredible and romantic city. See Place Vendôme Square, marvel at the Paris Opera House and head to the Latin Quarter to see the impressive Pantheon.
What's included: Pick up at hotel. Panoramic tour of Paris by bus with English speaking guide. Stop at Eiffel Tower for pictures. Not included: Drop off at hotels, entrance tickets to monuments, meals, drinks, tips and any other service not mentioned in `what's included´
Included activity for day 4
Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination
Physical rating:
Visit to the Chambord Chateaux & Estate
Visit the incredible Chambord Castle & Estate, one of the most emblematic chateaux in France and the finest example of French-Renaissance architecture!
What's included: Entrance included. Free time to discover the castle and its gardens Not included: Audio-guide (can be purchased at the destination)
Included activity for day 5 in Tours
Duration 01:30h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination
Physical rating:
Castle of Amboise
This historic Castle, built in the late 15th century, became the favored royal residence under Charles VIII. Thereafter a place of residence for French kings from the 15th to the 19th century.
What's included: Entrance fee to Castle of Amboise. Free time to visit the site. Not included: Guide or audio-guide, meals, drinks, tips or any other service not mentioned in what's included.
Included activity for day 5 in Tours
Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination
Physical rating:
Visit to the Castle of Chenonceau
Known as the 'Ladies Castle', this two-story castle perched on a bridge over the River Cher. Constructed in 1513, the castle is defined by an almost uninterrupted succession of women who built, restored and saved it.
What's included: Entrance included Not included: Audio-guide (can be purchased at the destination)
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Suggested activity for day 10 in Lisbon
Pick up time: info at destination
Physical rating:
2 Excursions package - Highlights of Portugal: Dinner with Fado show in Lisbon & River Douro Boat Tour in Porto
Make the most of your time in Portugal with this pack of two unmissable experiences: a Dinner & Fado Show in Lisbon and a River Douro boat tour including a visit to a local port wine cellar in Porto.
What's included: Includes 2 activities: 1 complete dinner with Fado Show on the 2nd day in Lisbon and a boat tour in River Douro from Porto Not included: Transfers and any other service not mentioned on the details of each excursion.
Suggested activity for day 10 in Lisbon
Pick up time: info at destination
Physical rating:
Dinner with Fado Show
Head to the historic neighbourhood of Alfama to indulge in an evening of traditional Portuguese cuisine accompanied by the melancholic sounds of Fado music. Soak up the warm atmosphere and listen to the soft melodies of the Portuguese guitar.
What's included: Entrance, Fado show, main dish, desert, selected drinks and coffee. Not included: Pick up and drop off
Suggested activity for day 13 in Porto
Duration 02:30h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination
Physical rating:
Dinner with Fado and Folklore Show in Porto
This evening you will enjoy a fantastic gastronomic show that will highlight the remarkable traditions of the Douro and northern Portuguese culture. This lively evening will combine Folklore songs, traditional dances and an all-inclusive dinner.
What's included: Shuttle from Porto center. Traditional dinner with red and white wine, Beer, Water, Soft Drinks and Coffee.
Suggested activity for day 14 in Porto
Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination
Physical rating:
River Douro Boat Tour
Set off on an unforgettable boat tour on the Douro River to enjoy spectacular views of the city. After cruising on the river, visit a local port wine cellar and enjoy a tasting session of this typical Portuguese drink.
What's included: 50 minutes boat tour in Douro river (boats have seats and covered areas) with english explanations. Visit of a famous wine cellar with wine tasting at the end.
Departures from main Canadian airports.
International flights: Canada - Paris, Paris - Lisbon, Lisbon - Canada.
14 nights accommodation in Charm category hotels. *
14 Breakfasts.
Airport-hotel-airport transfers included.
Entrance to the most famous Loire valley castles: Chambord, Chenonceau & Amboise and to Mont-St-Michel Abbey. Entrance to Quinta da Regaleira Gardens and Palace
Air taxes and fuel surcharge.
Sightseeing tour of Paris, guided tours of Normandy WW II landing beaches, Lisbon & Porto, excursion to Sintra and visit to Aveiro, Tomar & Fatima.***
English speaking tour leader from day 4 to day 8 and from day 10 to 15.**
Cheese factory experience with tasting
Tax*, meals, drinks, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.
* Approximately €2 per person, per night in Lisboa and Porto. Approximately €1,5 / €1,8 per person per night in France.
See important notes
About France:
* Important: accommodation tax is not included and must be paid directly to the hotel (Approx. 1,50€ per person per night).
**A professional English-speaking tour manager will be travelling with the group from day 4 to day 8.
About Portugal:
* Please note: Travelers are required to pay a municipal tax (approximately €2 per person, per night) directly to the hotels in Lisbon and Porto upon departure. A credit card must be presented as a guarantee to the hotels upon arrival.
* Hotel rooms in Portugal are usually equipped with one double bed. If you require twin beds, please let us know at the time of booking and we will try our best to accommodate your request, although it cannot always be guaranteed.
** A professional English-speaking tour manager will be travelling with the group from Day 10 to 15.
*** In the event of closures or special events, the order of the itinerary may change. In this case, all tours and excursions mentioned in the itinerary will go ahead, but possibly in a different order.
Useful information
Entry requirements
Valid passport with a minimum of six months validity.
Visa
No visa is required for tourist stays of up to 90 days.
Currency
Euro.
Language
French.
Electricity
230 V. Adapter not required.
Health
There are no mandatory vaccinations.
Time zone
UTC + 01:00.
Other useful information
Taxis do not have a particular colour, however you can spot them at the station or in the street by their luminous lettering on the roof of the car.
Tourist Office website
http://ee.france.fr/
Offer conditions
Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline's website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.
Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.
In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or canceled without prior notice.
If you have reduced mobility/require the use of a wheelchair and prefer to go at your own pace, please contact our customer service team at +1 888-488-0592 or via our contact form.
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