Portugal in Depth

Overview

This vacation shows you all of Portugal at a relaxed pace, thanks to the well-planned 2two-night stopovers in Lisbon, Oporto, and the Algarve, and overnights also in Tomar, Viseu, and Evora. Start and end in Lisbon, and see the interior and almost the entire coastline of Portugal. Throughout this Portugal tour, you will visit the must-see attractions, including the Ossuary Chapel in Evora, its walls covered with thousands of human bones and skulls; the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in Fátima, a pilgrimage site where apparitions of the Virgin Mary were reported by three local children in 1917; the Church of São Francisco in Oporto, the city's most important gothic monument originating from the 14th century; and Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon. Built in the 16th century and now regarded as Lisbon’s most important landmark, it was traditional for Portuguese seafarers to pray in the chapel before their departure to the unknown.

Visit the 700-year-old University of Coimbra, and a cork factory in Evora; spend time in the Algarve, Portugal’s most popular vacation area, and enjoy an excursion to the Promontory of Sagres, where Henry the Navigator lived and planned his overseas expansion. For those interested in food and wine, Globus has arranged some special treats for you. Enjoy an olive oil tasting in Belmonte (birthplace of Pedro Alvares Cabral, discoverer of Brazil), a wine tasting at a Port wine cellar in Oporto, Portuguese tapas specialties at a winery, and a cocktail and farewell dinner in Lisbon.

All of this and much more await you on this wonderful, in-depth Portugal tour—a vacation of a lifetime!

UK - Lisbon, Portugal

Fly to Lisbon where you will be met and transferred.

Welcome to Lisbon! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travelling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.

Lisbon

Lisbon was the centre of Europe’s longest-lived overseas empire. Portugal’s imperial ambitions date back to Prince Henry the Navigator’s 15th-century discoveries in West Africa. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide features a drive through the Baixa quarter’s main squares and a walk along the cobblestone alleys of quaint ALFAMA, the popular quarter of the seamen and Fado singers. Drive along the grand Avenida da Liberdade up to Pombal Square, and stop for pictures of Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. Also, visit JERONIMOS MONASTERY with the tomb of Vasco da Gama. An exciting optional excursion is available to the royal palace of Queluz, as well as dinner at a typical taverna with Fado-style entertainment.

Lisbon – Obidos – Nazaré – Alcobaça – Fátima – Tomar

Stop in medieval Obidos and go back in time as you pass the main gate in the impressive perimeter wall and walk along the narrow streets. Then onto the fishing harbour of Nazaré, the perfect place for a leisurely break. Continue to Alcobaça to visit the CHURCH OF SANTA MARIA MONASTERY, built in the 12th century for 999 Cistercian monks. See the elaborate tombs of King Pedro I and his Castilian lover, Inês de Castro. In the afternoon, mix with the pilgrims at the country’s hallowed national shrine, Fátima’s SANCTUARY OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY. Overnight in Tomar, the former seat of the mighty Order of the Knights Templar.

Tomar – Coimbra – Oporto

Visit the hilltop CONVENT OF CHRIST, which was constructed in the late 12th-century and became the headquarters of the Order in Portugal. Hear about the fascinating history and admire its famous Manueline Window. Continue to Coimbra, strategically situated on a hill overlooking the Mondego River. After a visit to the 700-year old UNIVERSITY, drive by ancient Buçaco Forest on your way to Oporto, Portugal’s second-largest city. Tonight, why not join an optional cruise on the Douro River, followed by dinner at one of Oporto’s fine restaurants?

Oporto

Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a panoramic drive to the mouth of the Douro River, the soaring cathedral, the richly decorated CHURCH OF SÃO FRANCISCO, the most important Gothic monument in Oporto and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also visit the STOCK EXCHANGE with its contemporary ARABIAN HALL, inspired by Granada’s Alhambra. Of course, a PORT WINE TASTING has been included at the famous Sandeman & Co. Port Wine Cellar to sample the delicious wine produced from grapes of the Douro Valley.

Oporto – Guimaraes – Viseu

In Guimaraes, often referred to as the “Cradle of Portugal” because of its association with the country’s first king, Alfonso Henriques, follow your Tour Director for a pleasant walk through the medieval centre. Next, taste Portuguese tapas at the Quinta da Aveleda WINERY and visit its splendid GARDENS. From here, a scenic road through the port wine vineyards leads to Viseu, where dinner with local specialities and wine awaits at Forno da Mimi restaurant.

Viseu – Belmonte – Castelo De Vide – Evora

This morning, stop in Belmonte, today a symbol of Jewish awakening, for a visit of the JEWISH MUSEUM. Also enjoy an OLIVE OIL TASTING, for which the area is famous. Take an afternoon break in lovely Castelo de Vide, one of the best-preserved medieval fortified towns in Portugal. Especially the Jewish quarter with its white-washed houses and its medieval synagogue are worth seeing. Before arriving in Evora, the cultural centre of southern Portugal and a former royal residence, visit a CORK FACTORY and learn about the many ways this material can be used.

Evora - Algarve

A massive wall surrounds Evora’s medieval centre, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Follow your Local Guide on a walking tour through its narrow alleys to the Roman Temple, the early gothic CATHEDRAL, Portas de Moura fountain, and SAO FRANCISCO CHURCH. Visit the OSSUARY CHAPEL, whose walls are covered with thousands of human bones and skulls. Next, proceed across the arid Alentejo plain to the Algarve, Portugal’s most popular seaside area. Tonight, why not try one of the seafood restaurants for which the Algarve is famous?

Algarve. Coastal Excursion

Highlight today is a visit to the wind-swept PROMONTORY OF SAGRES, where Henry the Navigator lived and planned his overseas expansion. Only a few miles away is Cape St. Vincent, the southwestern corner of continental Europe, a dramatic cliff defying the powerful waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Time in pretty Lagos before returning to your hotel.

Algarve – Azeitao – Lisbon

Take the scenic route over the Serra da Arrábida and savour sweeping views of the Tróia Peninsula. Catch glimpses of the castle at Sesimbra, which recall fierce medieval battles between Christians and Moors. Stop in Azeitao to visit a traditional TILE WORKSHOP. After crossing the Bridge of April 25th, you’re back in Lisbon. Tonight, enjoy a spectacular panoramic view at Varanda restaurant while having a cocktail and a farewell dinner with your travelling companions.

Lisbon - UK

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning.

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.