Medieval Villages & Cultural Cities
Portugal in 10 Days • 9 Nights in Destination
From
£ 1,099
Isabel
Travel crafter
The ideal itinerary for those looking to get to know the ‘real’ Portugal. Explore Lisbon, discover the inland of the country and be amazed by the medieval villages and castles, lastly head to Porto and discover the Douro Valley.
Trip Highlights
Included
All flights
Accommodation
All transfers.
Activities
Breakfast only
Availability
Departures available until February 2024
Available Group tours
Solo travelers from + £ 390
Add up to 3 nights to your stay
Categories available
superior included
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Categories Available:
From £ 1,099
Accommodation: 9 Nights
Itinerary
Visit capital city Lisbon, before heading to the interior of the country to discover the most well-known and best preserved medieval villages in Portugal. As you journey through the country you'll encounter mountain villages Marvao and Castelo de Vide, the world-renowned Monsanto, Douro Region town Régua, along with Braga, Guimarães, Nazare, Óbidos & the beautiful city of Porto.
1st Day: UK/Ireland - Lisbon
Ready to discover the spectacular cities and landscapes of Portugal? Arrive at your departure airport, ready to catch a flight to Lisbon. 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.
* 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.
Accommodation
858 Reviews
2nd Day: Lisbon
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.
Accommodation
858 Reviews
Activities
Light
Light
3rd Day: Lisbon - Evora
Breakfast at the hotel. Check out of your hotel and depart to historic Evora this morning. Evora is the capital of Portugal's south-central Alentejo region and is well-known for its impressive monuments, including the ancient Roman Temple of Evora! On arrival, enjoy a walking tour of the city including a visit to the Church of St. Francis and the famous Chapel of the Bones. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, why not visit some of the medieval castles and have a bite to eat at the beautiful square in the Historic Center?. We recommend and optional visit to one of the most famous wine cellars of the region*. Overnight in Evora.
* Optional visit to a wine cellar: visit one of the most outstading cellars of Alentejo region and enjoy a tasting of 3 exclusive wines.
Accommodation
1210 Reviews
Activities
Light
Light
4th Day: Evora - Marvão y Castelo de Vide - Covilhã
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.
Accommodation
145 Reviews
Activities
Moderate
5th Day: Covilhã - Monsanto - Covilhã
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, head to the most famous Portuguese village of Monsanto, an old templar castle that is the backdrop for the world-renowned series The House of the Dragon. Enjoy time to wander around the castle’s incredible medieval surroundings. The experience will truly transport you back to the past. Head back to Covilhã and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to discover the city. Check out the Praça do Municipio and the church of Santa Maria, or maybe pay a visit to the Museu de Lanifícios to learn more about the history of the largest wool producers in Europe. Overnight stay in Covilhã.
Accommodation
145 Reviews
Activities
Active
6th Day: Covilhã - Régua - Porto
Breakfast at the hotel. Today you'll discover the town of Regua, on the banks of the River Douro, well-known for its fundamental role in the production of Port Wine. On the way, admire the incredible world-famous landscapes of the Douro Valley, a World Heritage Site. Enjoy a pleasant boat trip in Régua* to admire the landscape from the river to gain a new perspective. After today’s tour, head to Porto passing by the phenomenal landscapes till you reach your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to begin discovering this stunning Portuguese city. Overnight in Porto.
* The boat tour in Regua is only available from April to November. For departures between December and March it will be replaced with a Port wine vineyard visit.
Accommodation
893 Reviews
Activities
Light
7th Day: 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.
Accommodation
893 Reviews
Activities
Active
8th Day: Porto - Braga and Guimaraes - 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.
Accommodation
893 Reviews
Activities
Moderate
9th Day: Porto - Nazare - Obidos
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.
Accommodation
858 Reviews
Activities
Light
10th Day: Lisbon - UK/Ireland
Breakfast at the hotel.* At the indicated time transfer to Lisbon airport for your return flight back to the UK/Ireland. Arrive in the UK/Ireland 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.
Included activity for day 2 in Lisbon
Duration 04:00h Approx. Pick up time: 09:00 Approx
Physical rating:
Half-Day Panoramic Tour of Lisbon
Discover; Avenida da Liberdade, Marquês de Pombal, the Praça do Comércio and the Belém area. Next, visit the church of Jerónimos Monastery, the Vasco de Gama, the incredible Belém Tower and head to the Pastéis de Belém bakery.
What's included: Panoramic tour of Lisbon with english speaking guide Not included: Meals, drinks, tips and any other entrance or service not mentioned above.
Included activity for day 3
Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination
Physical rating:
Walking Tour of Evora
Enjoy a walking tour of the historic city centre of Evora, including a visit to the Church of St. Francis and the famous Chapel of the Bones.
What's included: Walking tour of Evora with English-speaking guide including a visit to the Church of St Francis and Chapel of the Bones. Not included: Lunch, drinks, tips and any other service not mentioned in `what' s included´
Included activity for day 4
Duration 07:00h Approx. Pick up time: 09:00 Approx
Physical rating:
Full-Day Tour of Marvão y Castelo de Vide
Discover the medieval village of Marvão, visit the beautiful Marvão hill, and stroll around the castle. Next, Visit the city of Castelo de Vide and its jewish quarter to understand the history of the Jewish culture in Portugal.
Not included: Meals, drinks, tips and any other service not mentioned in `what's included´
Included activity for day 5
Duration 04:00h Approx. Pick up time: 09:00 Approx
Physical rating:
Half-Day Tour of Monsanto
Head to Montsanto, voted ‘most Portuguese village in Portugal’. Enjoy time to admire the castle’s medieval surroundings. Walk along its cobblestone streets and take in the fresh country air.
Not included: Meals, drinks, tips and any other service not mentioned in `what's included´
Show more
Suggested activity for day 2 in Sintra
Duration 03:00h Approx.
Physical rating:
Half-Day Tour to Sintra
Declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. Visit the National Palace of Pena, the walls with its drawbridge, the convent, the courtyard of the arches and the palace area decorated in cathedral style.
What's included: Entrance to Pena Palace
Suggested activity for day 3
Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination
Physical rating:
Visit to a Wine Cellar
Visit one of the most famous wine cellars in Alentejo and enjoy a testing of 3 selected wines.
What's included: Hotel pick up and drop off. Tasting of 3 wines.
Departures from main UK/Ireland airports.
International flights: UK/Ireland - Lisbon - UK/Ireland.
9 nights accommodation in Superior category hotels. *
9 breakfasts
All transfers
Entrance to Palace of Bragança Duques & Chapel of Bones.
Air taxes and fuel surcharge.
Boat tour in Régua*
Panoramic tours of Lisbon, Evora & Porto. Visit Braga, Guimaraes, Nazaré, Obidos, Monsanto, Marvão and Castelo de Vide.
ATOL protection.
English-speaking guide during the whole trip.
Tax*, drinks, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.
* Approximately €2 per person, per night in Lisboa and Porto.
See important notes
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.
** 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.
Important: The boat tour in Regua is only available from April to November. For departures between December and March it will be replaced with a Port wine vineyard visit.
Useful information Portugal
Entry requirements
Identity Card.
Visa
No visa is required.
Currency
Euro.
Language
Portuguese.
Electricity
230 V. No adapter required.
Health
There are no mandatory vaccinations for travellers from EU countries.
Time zone
UTC.
Other useful information
The price of petrol is much higher than in Spain.
Tourist Office website
http://www.visitportugal.com
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 +1 778 807 9750 or via our contact form.
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Pay in installments
60%
At time of booking
40%
60 days before departure