Portugal from North to South – Sample Itinerary
Portugal from North to South – Sample Itinerary
Travel from Porto’s riverfront charm to the Algarve’s sunlit coast on a journey through Portugal’s heart and soul. Wander vineyards in the Douro, explore Lisbon’s Moorish quarters, and stand atop Sagres’ legendary cliffs. A coast-to-coast adventure rich in flavor, culture, and serenity.
Destinations: Porto, Lisbon, Algarve, Alentejo
11NIGHTS
TRAVEL FROM APRIL 15th TO OCTOBER 15th
Porto, Lisbon, Algarve, Alentejo
3 Nights Luxury Accommodations at your Choice of Hotel in Porto
3 Nights Luxury Accommodations at your Choice of Hotel in Lisbon
3 Nights Luxury Accommodations at your Choice of Hotel in Algarve
2 Nights Luxury Accommodations at your Choice of Hotel in Alentejo
Private Tour of Lisbon with Licensed English-Speaking Guide
Private Tour of Porto with Licensed English-Speaking Guide
Private Tour of Douro Valley with winery visit, tasting, lunch and cruise
Algarve full-day West Tour
Traditional cooking and bread-making class on a farm in Alentejo
Private transfers between cities
Private Airport Transfers
Breakfast Daily
Portugal Vacations with Travelive, Romantic Explorer Package
ITINERARY DETAILS
DAY 1
Arrival Porto
Welcome to Portugal! Porto has something to offer for everyone: From the historic center, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the trendy shopping streets and the amazing food. The city is famous for the Stock Exchange Palace, and the incredible granite work made, with magnificent neo-Arab influences.
DAY 2
Porto
Today you can explore the city at your own pace. Stroll around the historical center, pass by one of the trendiest and most cultural areas of the city called Boavista and Foz, and enjoy shopping or try local delicacies! Ask your country expert to suggest the best places for wine tasting in the city and the most suitable tours for you.
DAY 3
Porto – Douro full-day Tour
Douro Valley is a region famous for its wine production, and the famous Douro wines are produced on its hillsides. The entire region has been declared a UNESCO Heritage Site, for its cultural significance, as it is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. Today you will have the opportunity to visit and explore prestigious Quintas in the area, explore the vineyards and learn all about the process behind the production of the famous wines. At the end of your tour, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a wine tasting and then a cruise on the river.
DAY 4
Porto-Lisbon with 2 stops (Coimbra and Obidos)
After breakfast, you will meet your driver and head to Lisbon. On the way, you will have the opportunity to make two stops in the towns of Coimbra and Obidos. The town of Coimbra Is a truly charming city as it is not only one of the most ancient cities and university towns in the world but also one of the most harmonious sets of buildings in Portugal. Founded in 1290 by King Dinis the University of Coimbra is now a beacon of history and knowledge. Its library houses an incredible collection of over 200.000 books, stored on beautiful carved and gilded bookshelves. Located only a few meters away is the chapel of Saint Michael and a nice walk within the old medieval streets is also a must as you explore the town. Your next stop will be Óbidos, a magnificent medieval town. Travel back in time with the old, whitewashed houses completely surrounded by the old castle walls of the town.
DAY 5
Lisbon – half-day Tour
Explore the iconic sites within the city center with a private local guide. Experience Baixa – the old downtown district of the city – tasting the famous Pastel de Nata (custard tart) along the way. Explore the amazing Rossio, Figueira, and Comércio Squares. Get to know Chiado, the glamorous part of the city with its iconic cafés and shops. Finally, travel back through time as you discover the secrets of Alfama, a hauntingly beautiful Moorish neighborhood of Lisbon.
DAY 6
Lisbon – half-day Tour Sintra – Estoril – Cascais
Today you will have the opportunity to explore charming towns surrounding Lisbon. After meeting your private driver and leaving the city, you’ll head straight to the World Heritage Site of Sintra were hundreds of years of history and culture are waiting for you to discover. Doing a short walk in the old city center you’ll find yourself surrounded by the old houses now converted into small quaint handicraft shops and traditional pastry shops. Driving around the mountain you will pass by amazing Royal Palaces, Chalets, and Aristocratic residences in the most incredible combination of architectural styles, colors, and shapes that you will find in Portugal. Your driver guide will include stops for you to explore the local churches, including the Igreja Ulgueira, and Igreja Paroquidal de Sao Pedro de Sintra. You will also see the colorful Pena Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and if you wish your guide will purchase tickets on the spot. After lunch in one of the many restaurants available in town, it will be time to head to Cascais. Once a small fishing village only, the town of Cascais managed to maintain its seafaring traditions combined with the aristocratic and royal presences of the late 19th and beginning of the 20th century. Walking by its animated town center you’ll find the cosmopolitan life side by side with the Atlantic. You will then board a sailboat to return to Lisbon, giving you the chance to observe this magnificent coast from a different perspective. Revel in the sight of white sandy beaches and amazing 17th-century palaces starting from the town of Estoril and its famous casino.
DAY 7
Lisbon – Algarve
After breakfast, you will meet your driver and enjoy a short drive to the Algarve. You will have the rest of the day to relax and explore at your leisure.
DAY 8
Algarve – full-day West Tour
Today’s first stop will be the town of Silves. Known for its medieval, reddish-colored castle that overlooks the medieval town, Silves was one of the most important centers of the Muslim occupation of the Algarve. Your next stop will be the former capital of the Algarve: Lagos. The city has been linked to the historic Portuguese discoveries of the 15th century and is said to have been the home of the Nautical School of Prince Henry the Navigator. Due to its historic importance, the town is one of the highlights of the region and should be on the bucket list of every history buff. Roam in the old streets of the medieval center and see where the slave market used to be, the fortified city walls, and find the statues of some of the most important historical figures of the Portuguese discoveries. The next stop of your tour will be the fortification of Sagres and then, after a short exploration of the fortress, you will continue to the “end of the World” of the Cape of Saint Vincent. Your guide will happily explain the myths surrounding the Cape before you have some free time to explore on your own or even enjoy lunch. After that, you will head to Aljezur, a small town in the area of the Natural Park on the Vicentina Coast. Here you will find the truly authentic beaches the region of Algarve is known for!
DAY 9
Algarve
Spend a relaxing day and explore the city at your own pace. You can enjoy the beach or optionally you can go on a boat tour to see the dolphins or snorkel with seahorses.
DAY 10
Algarve – Alentejo
After breakfast, you will meet your driver and enjoy a short drive to Alentejo. You will have the rest of the day to relax and explore at your leisure.
DAY 11
Alentejo – Traditional cooking and bread-making class on a farm
The region of Alentejo is known for its unique way of bread making. Using traditional methods and accompanied by your local expert, who will share all the secrets and tips for the perfect loaf of bread, you will make your own bread and of course, taste the fruits of your labor.
DAY 12
Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Airport, to catch your departure flight.
Sound good?
