Description
Embark on a mesmerizing journey through the heart and soul of Portugal with Back Roads Touring's immersive 10-day experience, aptly named "Discover Portugal"
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This enchanting escapade promises to unveil the hidden treasures and rich tapestry of culture that define this captivating Iberian nation.
As the tour sets off, travelers are whisked away from the bustling modernity into the timeless charm of medieval villages, where cobblestone streets whisper tales of bygone eras. Portugal's illustrious history unfolds before your eyes, with each quaint settlement bearing the indelible imprint of empires past.
One of the crown jewels of this expedition is a leisurely cruise along the majestic Douro River aboard a traditional rabelo boat. As the gentle current carries you through breathtaking scenery adorned with terraced vineyards and quaint hamlets, you can't help but feel transported to a realm where time flows languidly.
But the allure of Portugal isn't confined to its natural splendor; it's equally palpable in the flavors that dance upon your palate. A highlight of the tour is a tantalizing tasting session featuring locally produced cheeses near the picturesque town of Viseu. Here, amidst rolling hills and verdant pastures, you'll savor the artisanal craftsmanship that has been perfected over generations.
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No journey through Portugal would be complete without delving into its vibrant cultural tapestry, and the tour ensures ample opportunities for immersion. In Coimbra, a city steeped in academia and tradition, travelers are invited to wander through its labyrinthine streets, where every corner holds a nugget of history waiting to be discovered. From ancient monuments to cozy taverns echoing with the strains of fado, every step reveals a new facet of Portugal's multifaceted identity.
But perhaps the most profound moments of the tour are found in its encounters with the sacred and the spiritual. As you traverse the country, you'll pause at world-famous pilgrimage sites that have beckoned the faithful for centuries. Here, amidst the hallowed halls of devotion, you'll gain insight into the enduring traditions and rituals that continue to shape Portugal's collective consciousness.
And yet, for all its historical significance and cultural riches, Portugal's true magic lies in the warmth and hospitality of its people. Along the way, you'll forge connections with locals whose stories and traditions breathe life into the fabric of the land. Whether sharing a meal in a family-run tavern or partaking in age-old customs, you'll find yourself embraced by the genuine warmth that defines Portuguese hospitality.
As the journey draws to a close, you'll carry with you not just memories, but a deeper understanding of Portugal – a land where the past and present intertwine in a mesmerizing tapestry of sights, sounds, and flavors. And though the tour may end, the spirit of discovery it ignites will linger on, beckoning you to return to this timeless land again and again.
Itinerary Downloadable Itinerary
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10
Lisbon (Portugal)
Welcome to Lisbon – a mesmerising capital filled with Gothic glamour and enthralling culture. After meeting the group at the hotel, we’ll kick off our adventure with a group dinner accompanied by an atmospheric Fado performance. Here’s to the journey ahead!
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Turim Terreiro do Paço Hotel (or similar)
Lisbon Sintra Lisbon
After breakfast, we’ll pay a visit to a local tile painting atelier – where you’ll have the opportunity to try your hand at producing your own keepsake before we move on to medieval Sintra. Here, we’ll enjoy a guided tour of Sintra National Palace – a treasured regal residence and designated UNESCO World Heritage site. After enjoying an afternoon of free time to explore this captivating town, we’ll return to Lisbon.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Turim Terreiro do Paço Hotel (or similar)
Lisbon Óbidos and Nazaré Alvados
The gorgeous village of Óbidos will be our first point of call today – where we’ll marvel at the historic architecture and explore the labyrinth of cobblestone streets on an orientation tour. Our next stop is the charming fishing town of Nazaré. Here, we’ll enjoy some free time to wander at our leisure before continuing to Alvados – where a Portuguese cookery lesson and sumptuous dinner awaits. Ready to roll up those sleeves?
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Cooking and Nature Emotional Hotel (or similar)
Alvados Tomar Alvados
Today we’ll continue our journey to Tomar, where we’ll visit the World Heritage-listed Convent of Christ. Known as the Knights Templar City, Tomar is a historic jewel just waiting to be uncovered – and we’ll have some free time to do just that. Before returning to Alvados, there’s a treat in store for the food connoisseurs among us! We’ll pay a visit to an olive oil producer, where we’ll learn about their production processes and have the chance to taste some of the local oil. This evening is ours to enjoy the hotel facilities or explore the surrounding walking trails.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Cooking and Nature Emotional Hotel (or similar)
Alvados Coimbra Viseu
Along the road to Viseu, we’ll travel to Coimbra – where a visit to the famous University and legendary Joanina Library awaits. Enjoy wandering the historic grounds and admiring the magnificent views over the River Mondego before having some free time to explore the city’s medieval centre. Later, we’ll make tracks to Viseu. Here, a traditional cheesemaker will let us in on the secrets behind Viseu’s delicious buttery cheese and we’ll have the chance to taste some for ourselves. Then, the evening is ours to enjoy at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Palacio dos Melos (or similar)
Viseu Lamego, Pinhão and Peso Da Régua Douro Valley
First up today, Lamego: a historic town nestled deep within the Douro Valley and home to an astonishing Baroque staircase. After an included visit to the beautiful 18th-century Shrine of Our Lady of Remedies, we’ll have some time to explore at our own pace. Later, we’ll turn our attention to Pinhão –where a cruise in a traditional rabelo boat awaits. Bask in the cinematic scenery of the Douro Valley as we enjoy a leisurely ride to Peso da Régua. And tonight? There’s another sumptuous dinner in store at our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Quinta da Pacheca (or similar)
Douro Valley
The scenic, vineyard-dotted landscapes of the Douro Valley make a serene backdrop for our free day today. Enjoy the day relaxing by the pool at our hotel or exploring the surrounding landscape on a leisurely hike – there’s plenty of time to indulge in a drop or two of the region’s famous wines before we reconvene for a delicious dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Quinta da Pacheca (or similar)
Douro Valley Amarante and Penafiel Braga
After breakfast, we’ll head to Amarante – a sleepy riverside town dominated by its striking arched bridge and 16th-century São Gonçalo Church. We’ll take some time to marvel at the lofty interiors of the church before exploring the town at our leisure. After lunch, we’ll set a course for Penafiel where we’ll savour a glass of the region’s famous green wine and learn more about the winemaking process. An evening of leisure awaits once we arrive in lovely Braga.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Vila Galé Collection Braga (or similar)
Braga Guimarães Braga
This morning we’ll set our sights on Guimarães – where we’ll learn about the castle, the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza and the historic city centre on a guided walking tour. After our tour, we’ll have time to roam the medieval streets at our own pace before returning to Braga for an afternoon of free time. While you’re here, be sure to tick off the Bom Jesus Sanctuary – it’s one of Portugal’s most famous attractions for good reason! This evening, we’ll tuck into one last dinner together – with a traditional folk performance as the grand finale.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Vila Galé Collection Braga (or similar)
Braga Porto
Our final destination will be Porto, where we’ll tick off some important landmarks – including the Clérigos Tower, Aliados Avenue, the Ribeira district and the cathedral on an orientation tour. Later this afternoon we’ll say our goodbyes as our journey comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- Premium Mini Coach Transportation
- Experienced Tour Guide
- 9 Nights in hand picked accommodation
- 9 Breakfasts and 5 Dinners
- Inclusions as per day to day itinerary
Guaranteed Departures: Not all tour dates listed have met minimum numbers to operate. Please contact Traveldream to check if your preffered departure is guranteed.
Insurance: You will need to take out full travel insurance before travelling with Back-Roads Touring. Please ensure that you have adequate medical, personal effects and cancellation cover.
Group Size: Maximum of 18 passengers.
Exclusions
- Visas (where required)
- International flights
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals & drinks not mentioned
- Transfers where not mentioned
- Any additional requests
- Tipping
Single Supplement: Please enquire for pricing.
Travel Insurance: We recommend Covermore travel insurance. To quote and book, please click HERE.
Looking to arrive early or stay late post-tour? Call on 1300 350 263 or email us at [email protected] to enquire.
Travelling on your own? Why not join the Traveldream Solo Travellers Facebook group where you can interact with other travellers.