Medieval Villages & Cultural Cities

Touch down in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, 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.

* You will have the option to add early check-in on arrival in the next step of the booking process. To guarantee optional services, we recommend that you add them to your current booking, as they are subject to availability.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we take a fascinating half-day tour of Lisbon to get an eye-opening overview of this amazing city. We begin with a panoramic tour of the city center through Avenida da Liberdade and Praça do Comércio. Next head to the church of the Jerónimos Monastery, home to the tomb of Vasco de Gama and the famous poet Camões. We contemplate the incredible Belém Tower and head to the very famous Pastéis de Belém bakery where you will have some free time to buy and taste the typical and delicious cream cakes. The rest of the day is free to continue discovering the atmosphere of the city at our leisure. In the afternoon, we recommend an excursion to the romantic city of Sintra*. Overnight stay in Lisbon.

*Optional excursion to Sintra: Visit this unforgettable city declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco and full of romantic architecture of the nineteenth century, fairytale castles and exquisite gardens. We visit the National Palace of Pena, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco, an impressive work that mixes numerous architectural styles and is seated on large rocks offering a captivating image. We see the walls with its drawbridge, the convent, the courtyard of the arches and the palace area decorated in cathedral style.

Breakfast at the hotel. Check out and depart for historic Evora this morning. Evora is the capital of Portugal’s south-central Alentejo region and is renowned for its impressive monuments, including the ancient Roman Temple of Evora.

Upon arrival, enjoy a walking tour of the city, including a visit to the Church of St. Francis and the famous Chapel of Bones. Afterwards, we’ll visit Monsaraz and enjoy a gourmet tasting experience featuring a selection of local wines, cheeses, toast, and typical regional products, accompanied by an introduction to the wines and their production process. Overnight stay in Evora.

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, you’re heading to the medieval village of Marvão, a municipality in the Portalegre District that has been described as an eagle’s nest hidden away in the hills. Visiting this quaint town has become popular thanks to its appearance in the New York Times’ Top 1000 bucket list destinations. Visit the beautiful Marvão hill, with time to stroll around the castle and the city to admire the wonderful views and landscapes. Next, Visit the city of Castelo de Vide and its famous jewish quarter to understand the history of the Jewish culture in Portugal. Finally, head to Covilhã, a city that lies among rivers and mountains, where you will check-in to your hotel. Overnight stay in Covilhã.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off for Monsanto, one of Portugal’s most famous villages, known for its ancient Templar castle and as a filming location for the world-renowned series House of the Dragon. Enjoy time to wander through its remarkable medieval streets and surroundings, an experience that will truly transport you back in time.

Continue to Belmonte, where you will have free time for lunch, before heading to Sortelha, one of the most beautiful villages in Portugal. Here, we’ll visit the impressive Castle of Sortelha and take in the village’s timeless charm.

Later, return to Covilhã and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Discover the city’s highlights, such as Praça do Município and the Church of Santa Maria. Overnight stay in Covilhã.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, discover the town of Régua, set on the banks of the Douro River and renowned for its key role in the production of Port wine. Along the way, admire the world-famous landscapes of the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Next, enjoy a wonderful wine tasting at a vineyard in the Douro Valley. Learn about Port wine and its production as you sip this delectable local beverage.

Later, continue to Porto by road and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure to begin discovering this stunning Portuguese city. Overnight stay in Porto.

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the day with a walking tour of Porto, starting at your hotel, to see the main attractions of the city such as the impressive Sao Bento train station. Afterwards, walk down to the riverside, crossing the most characteristic quarters of Porto. 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 cozy cafe. Overnight stay in Porto.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we will head to the town of Braga, known for its historical buildings, monuments, gardens and fountains. Visit The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, located on the slopes of Mount Espinho, overlooking the city of Braga in the north of Portugal, this cultural landscape recreates a sacred mount crowned with a church.

Afterwards, enjoy free time in the medieval city center of Braga. In the afternoon, take a trip to Guimarães, known for well-preserved medieval buildings like the hilltop, 10th-century Guimarães Castle, with its sweeping city views. Enjoy a walking tour through the historic center of Guimarães, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Paço dos Duques de Bragança, a medieval estate and noble palace that still stands today a true example of the architecture of its time. After the tour is over, head back to Porto to your hotel. Overnight stay in Porto.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy your last day in Portuguese land with a trip to the well-known fishing village of Nazaré by road. Visit the cliff of Nazaré, home to the Shrine of Our Lady of Nazaré, a religious pilgrimage that still subsists to this day. Enjoy free time at lunchtime to grab a bite to eat at the beach before heading to Óbidos, one of the best-known villages in Portugal thanks to its magical cobblestone streets and charming architecture, enclosed within medieval city walls, where you will feel like you have stepped back in time. Make the most of your free time to explore the village. Finally, transfer to Lisbon to your hotel. Overnight stay in Lisbon.

Breakfast at the hotel.* At the indicated time transfer to Lisbon airport for your return flight back to Canada. Arrive in Canada and end 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 the next day.