Day 3
Sintra - We take a short drive to the lovely town of Sintra. Perched on a spectacular hillside with panoramic views towards the nearby Atlantic coast, where Henry the Navigator grew up and doubtless gazed out to sea not knowing where his destiny was eventually to lead him.
Famous for its Royal Palace, once the residences of the Portuguese monarchy, today it’s a wonderful museum with grand rooms, priceless collections including portraits of Charles II of England, and reflections of its Moorish ancestry plus more modern styles. Entrance fees to the Royal Palace are included.
You’ll have time to enjoy lunch in Sintra before we return to Lisbon, where the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure.
Returning to Lisbon, you have time at your leisure to explore this fascinating city. Lisbon has an amazing old quarter; still following the centuries old Phoenician Street grid, so spend this evening wandering through its charmingly tangled, cobbled lanes, lined with ancient bars and tiny restaurants.
Many will be buzzing with the sound of ‘fado’ – a unique and infectious musical mix evolved from traditional folk, colonial African and Brazilian styles.
Day 4
Coimbra University - Continuing north, we reach Coimbra, renowned for its impressive Roman aqueduct striding across the city. But it’s most famous for its historic university, one of Europe’s oldest along with Salamanca, Bologna and the Sorbonne.
Once Portugal’s capital, Coimbra became a major cultural centre in the Middle Ages with the university at its heart and it’s not hard to imagine the cloak-clad learned of the age wandering its tiny medieval streets little changed since that time. With its charming Moorish quarter and pleasant squares, Coimbra is a lovely place in which to immerse yourself in the old city’s labyrinth-like lanes.
This afternoon we’re privileged to enjoy a visit to the university, a wonderful seat of learning, with entrance fees included. Its superb library is rich in baroque gilt work and houses a staggering 300,000 volumes. Situated on a hill, the views are stunning.
Later this afternoon, we continue to Porto, where we stay for three nights.
*Please note dinner is only included for guests staying at the Sheraton Hotel and Spa. For all other hotels, the board basis will be on a bed and breakfast basis.
Day 5
Porto - Set on the Douro estuary and once Roman, Porto’s wealth derived from its knowledge of the sea routes to India. Spices, silks and other fine goods made the fortunes used to build today’s city – Portugal’s second largest. Our tour unveils its surprising, as well as the major sights. You’ll experience the splendid Praca da Ribeira square, with its characteristic tiled town houses and fine views to the wine lodges across the river.
You’ll see the imposing Dom Luis Bridge and the tangled lanes of the medieval quarter. You’ll gaze up at the city’s imposing fortress, its fine cathedral and baroque Clerigos Tower. One of the six bridges over the river was designed by Gustav Eiffel - and you can immediately see the connection with his more famous Parisian creation!
Free of the chain shops dominating other countries, you’ll enjoy the tiny, antiquated shops specialising in fine art, antiques, ceramics and some of the most wonderful cakes you’ll ever taste.
No visit to Porto is complete without seeing one of the city’s world-famous port wine lodges. So, this afternoon we are guests at one of them all. You’ll learn the fascinating history of port wine, and its close British connections.
Taking its name from the city through which it’s shipped, this fortified wine, is made with grapes from the terraced vineyards along the Douro valley which are still staggeringly trodden by foot! The wine is lovingly tended and matured, sometimes for decades, before you can enjoy its subtle flavours. Of course, you’ll get the chance at the end of a fascinating visit to sample this wonderful drink.
You're free to spend the rest of the day exploring at your leisure.
Signature experience -
Gain greater insight into the unique characteristics of port wine with an enhanced and more exclusive tasting. These superb wines will be accompanied with a selection of local delicacies and our location, overlooking the splendours of Porto and its iconic bridges will be rather special too.
Day 6
The Douro Valley - Today we explore the sinuous and scenic River Douro – the river of gold, spending a leisurely day exploring its delightfully peaceful villages and intricately terraced valley sides.
After leaving the Atlantic’s influence behind, the climate becomes noticeably warmer and dryer, and the landscape changes from verdant greens to Mediterranean sun-kissed ochre. The route is nothing short of spectacular! The winding road, sometimes almost in the water, sometimes hugging the lofty valley sides, gives us wonderful views of the shimmering ribbon of the river and its classic vine-clad terraces.
We eventually reach the delightful small town of Pinhão, the heart of the port wine producing region. Port truly dominates the life here, with even the station tiles depicting the wine harvest. We also visit one of the local Quintas and sample some of the wines that are produced in this region.
Day 7
Óbidos & Cascais - Leaving Porto, we head south, past olive groves to remarkable Óbidos, a fortified town surrounded by imposing medieval walls encompassing a maze of narrow streets and alleys. With its whitewashed houses, abundant flowers and splashes of bright paint, this is a delightful place to just lose yourself.
Feel yourself stepping back in time - to the days of the Moorish Arabs who once ruled from the town’s castle. If you’re feeling brave, take the somewhat daring walk around the fortifications themselves. But do try the town’s own special way of serving southern Portugal’s favourite cherry liqueur Ginjinha– in an edible chocolate cup.
Continuing to Cascais a chic coastal town near to Lisbon, for our final night.
Nestled along Portugal’s sun-drenched coastline, Cascais is a stylish seaside town that effortlessly blends charm, culture, and elegance. Once a royal retreat, it now offers visitors a perfect mix of golden beaches, vibrant cafés, and historic architecture. Whether you're strolling its cobbled streets, admiring the Atlantic views, or exploring its art galleries and museums, Cascais is a coastal gem that invites relaxation and discovery. A perfect ending to our holiday.