OLA PORTUGAL
22 - 29 SEPTEMBER, 2024
7 Nights/ 8 Days
Overview
Portugal is a travel destination that offers a combination of rich history, culture, cuisine, weather, and entertainment. It is located at the end of the Iberian Peninsula, marking the westernmost point of continental Europe. The country borders Spain and the Atlantic Ocean. Portugal is known for its pleasant weather, stunning architecture, and breathtaking landscapes. The country is characterized by sunshine, which illuminates the cities’ tiled facades, limestone cliffs along the Atlantic Ocean, and whitewashed historical towns.
Our trip includes visits to Lisbon, Sintra, Douro Valley, Guimaraes, Braga, and Porto. Each destination offers unique attractions and experiences, such as exploring historic quarters, visiting several World UNESCO sites, palaces and monuments, tasting local pastries and liqueurs, and enjoying scenic views.
⦁ Upon arriving in Lisbon, we will discover Baixa which is Europe’s first urban planning site. Don’t forget to look down at the cobbled mosaic pavements as you walk around.
⦁ Day 2 Discover Lisbon’s history and culture – explore Downtown. Parque das Nacoes and historic monuments. Join us for a lifetime experience of a ‘Private Train Ride’ through Lisbon’s historic quarters.
⦁ On day 3 join us on a magical journey from Lisbon to Sintra. This tour blends palace grandeur and natural beauty. End the day, with a visit to the seaside resorts of Cascais and Estoril.
⦁ Day 4 get on a captivating journey through Portugal’s history and natural beauty with a Guided Tour of Our Lady of Fátima Shrine, The Medieval town of Óbidos & Nazaré Coast.
⦁ Day 5 enjoy once in a lifetime experience of touring Douro Valley– The Birth Place Of Nectar. We stop at a Quinta, enjoying the beauty of the vineyards, wine making & tasting and a relaxed Traditional Lunch with some more Vino!!
⦁ Day 6 we depart for Porto via the gorgeous towns of Guimares and carry on to Braga where we visit the Church of Bom Jesus. Once in Porto check into your Modern Styled Hotel in the heart of the undefeated city and step out for an unforgettable evening in Porto.
⦁ End your holiday with local sightseeing in Porto and ending your day on a Private Cruise on the Douro River and a visit via Cable Car to a special Wine Cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia!!
⦁ The package includes accommodation & Breakfast in Luxury Hotels in Lisbon, Douro Valley and Porto. Private Group Transfers, English Speaking Guides and Entrance Fees to all important attractions.
TRIP Gallery
TRIP SCHEDULE
⦁ Private Group Transfer with Guide from airport to hotel.
⦁ After lunch, check in to your hotel.
⦁ In the evening, proceed on a Guided Tour to discover the heart of Lisbon “Baixa”. Praça Dom Pedro IV, famously known as Rossio, Praça do Comércio and The Rua Augusta.
⦁ Overnight in Lisbon.
⦁ After breakfast at the hotel, leave for a Full Day Guided Tour of Lisbon.
⦁ Visit the old quarter of Alfama, a labyrinth with winding streets, wrought iron balconies and panels of Azuleos.
⦁ Visit Lisbon Cathedral (12th century) also known as Se delis boa. Admire Sao Jorge Castle, a historic fortress perched atop Lisbon’s highest hill and enjoy the breathtaking views.
⦁ Drive to Mercado Da Ribeira, Lisbon’s main food market since 1892, also a fantastic place to eat.
⦁ Free time for Lunch.
⦁ In the afternoon, we will discover the historic district of Belém, whose numerous and prestigious monuments recall the century of great maritime discoveries.
⦁ Photo stop in front of the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, one of the most symbolic monuments of Lisbon. Visit the elegant Belém Tower and Mosteiro de Jeronimos (UNESCO World Heritage Site) – monastery that epitomizes the Manueline style and is the resting place of Vasco de Gama, one of the world’s greatest navigators.
⦁ Enjoy the famous “Pastel de Belém”- one of the 7 gastronomic wonders of Portugal.
⦁ We will enjoy a Private Tram Ride in Lisbon on route: Estrela (Basilica da Estrela) – Lapa – Santos – Praça do Comércio – Praça da Figueira – Martim Moniz – Graça – Portas do Sol).
⦁ Visit the Ajuda National Palace (interior visit), a Portuguese national monument built at the end of the 18th century (1795). It functioned as the Royal Palace under King Luis I (1838-1889). The interior of the palace was turned into a museum in 1968, presenting an important collection of furniture, goldsmiths, silverware and jewellery.
⦁ Overnight in Lisbon.
⦁ After Breakfast at the hotel, we will meet our Guide and leave for our Full Day Tour of Sintra – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
⦁ Visit Pena National Palace – The Jewel of Sintra – Skip the Line (fast track).
⦁ Tasting of the “queijada” – traditional pastry of Sintra.
⦁ Explore the enchanting gardens and hidden grottoes of Quinta da Regaleira.
⦁ Descend into the mysterious depths of the Initiation Well.
⦁ Meander through the charming streets of historic Sintra.
⦁ Unlock the secrets of Pena Palace’s intriguing history.
⦁ Free time for Lunch and Shopping.
⦁ In the afternoon we will continue to Cabo da Roca to marvel at coastal cliffs of the most westerly point of Europe.
⦁ To end the day, we also visit the famous seaside resorts of Cascais and Estoril.
⦁ Overnight in Lisbon.
⦁ Breakfast at hotel. Check out.
⦁ We will meet our Guide in Obidos and wander through this romantic and charming medieval village, just an hour north of Lisbon.
⦁ Tasting “Ginjinha” a delightful Portuguese liqueur crafted from sour Morello cherries.
⦁ Continue to Nazaré, a picturesque fishing village on Portugal’s Silver Coast. Nazare is famous for its traditionally dressed women, who according to local legend, wear skirts with seven petticoats (one for each day of the week, or for the seven colors of the rainbow). We will go up to “O Sitio” located at the highest point in the village of Nazaré by an elevator to marvel at the breathtaking views of ocean, beach and city.
⦁ Lunch at a Local Restaurant.
⦁ Drive to Fatima, one of the most important catholic shrines in the world dedicated to the Virgin Mary and experience the spiritual resonance of the Sanctuary of Fátima.
⦁ Every year Fatima’s Sanctuary welcomes millions of pilgrims and tourists from all over the world.
⦁ Fatima’s fame is due to the Apparitions of Our Lady of the Rosary that appeared to three shepherd children: Lucia and her two younger cousins, Francisco, and Jacinta. Between May and October of 1917, the three children witnessed several apparitions. The last one, on October 13th, was confirmed by a miracle witnessed by 60,000 people known in the catholic world as “the day the sun danced”.
⦁ Discover the superb UNESCO World Heritage site, the Batalha Monastery.
⦁ Overnight at hotel in Duoro Valley
⦁ Breakfast at the hotel.
⦁ Drive with our Local Guide to discover the Douro Wine Region.
⦁ Admire the green landscape of this wine region as we cross RÉGUA, capital of Douro region and discover Pinhão, a picturesque town.
⦁ Visit and admire the Train Station decorated with tiles depicting the production of Port Wine.
⦁ On to Lunch and a Wine Tour – we drive to a local Quinta for a Guided Visit of the Quinta plus wine tasting.
⦁ At the local vineyard, we will taste world-class wines while admiring scenic views from the Douro’s terraced vineyards – a great opportunity to learn about the Douro Valley’s wine production process from the winemakers themselves.
⦁ Satiate your appetite with a Traditional Lunch. And of course, try Portugal’s famous port wines.
⦁ Overnight in Douro Valley.
⦁ Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel before check-out.
⦁ Today we will discover Guimarães – considered to be the birthplace of Portugal, because the country’s first king – Afonso Henriques – was born there. An authentic example of the evolution of a medieval town into a modern city, Guimarães’ Historic Center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where we will enjoy a Guided Walking Tour.
⦁ Take a short break for Lunch.
⦁ We then drive to Braga – the “Rome of Portugal” with more than 2000 years of history, Braga is the oldest Portuguese city and one of the oldest Christian cities in the world. Explore one of the most remarkable monuments of Portuguese architecture: Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte with our Guide. Visit the the Church of Bom Jesus and its monumental staircase (577 steps) by using the first funicular (1 way) of the Iberian Peninsula, built in 1882. This lift utilizes the water balance system, and is one of only seven existing in Portugal and the oldest in the world. A short walk-through this historical city with visit of Braga´s Cathedral – Sé de Braga.
⦁ Arrive Porto. Check in to the hotel.
⦁ Overnight in Porto.
⦁ Post breakfast, we embark on a Full Day trip of the second largest city of the country that gave the name to this country and the famous Port Wine.
⦁ Visit the Lello Bookstore (fast track), which was the inspiration for the Harry Potter series and voted the third most beautiful bookstore by Lonely Planet.
⦁ The highlights of this day include a visit to the Sao Bento Railway Station, where we will have a chance to get a glimpse of this country’s history from its gorgeous blue tile mural paintings.
⦁ Explore the – Palácio da Bolsa and the famous Arabic lounge (included). A National Monument, located in the historic centre of the city. Classified as World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Palácio da Bolsa was built by the Porto Commercial Association on the ruins of the Saint Francis Convent.
⦁ Break for Lunch.
⦁ A Private Boat Ride on the Douro River to admire the landscape of Porto is essential on this trip.
⦁ You cannot leave the wine country without visiting the special « Wine Cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia » where the famous Porto Wines age (tasting included).
⦁ Enjoy Gaia cable car ride (Cais de Gaia, one way) to admire the view over Porto (Serra do Pilar).
⦁ Breakfast at the hotel.
⦁ Check out.
⦁ Group Departure to Porto airport for flight at 1230 hrs. (with English speaking assistance).