11 Day Portugal in Depth

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

Spend Your Day Your Way in Lisbon 
Explore more of Lisbon with your choice of an included Globus Choice excursion. Choose between a guided orientation drive of the city with photo stops and an included visit to Jerónimos Monastery and cloister, or a guided walking tour in the centre, plus tram ride and ginjinha tasting. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to discover more of Lisbon. (B) 
 

Sea, Surf & Sanctuaries  
Leave vibrant Lisbon behind and start to get acquainted with some of Portugal’s smaller gems. Stop in the medieval town of Óbidos and join an orientation walk through some of its picture-perfect streets. Next, visit the charming coastal town of Nazaré, a magnet for surfers. Take a short drive to Alcobaça for free time to visit the Church of Santa Maria at Alcobaça Monastery. Later, en route to Tomar, stop at Fátima, one of the most important Marian shrines, and visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. (B,D) 
TOUR HIGHLIGHT  
The monastery of Alcobaça is a unique masterpiece of Gothic Cistercian art. See the tombs of King Pedro I and his Castilian lover, Inês de Castro, and hear about the heartbreaking tale of these ill-fated lovers. The king never stopped loving Ines even after she was murdered, and during his life he commissioned matching tombs that sit together so that they can look at each other as they rise from their graves. 
 

Academic Honors  
Today, three historic towns are on the menu. This morning, visit the stunning town of Tomar and discover the town’s strong links to the Knights Templar when you visit the Convent of Christ. Later, continue to Coimbra and visit the University, one of the oldest in Europe, which gives it the nickname, the “City of Knowledge.” Enjoy a scenic drive en route to Porto. (B)  
TOUR HIGHLIGHT 
The University of Coimbra is distinguished as the oldest university in Portugal and one of the oldest in the world. It is also one of the best-known and internationally celebrated. With a history of more than seven centuries, the students at Coimbra University dress in the traditional black capes with ribbons in varying hues as was the tradition when the school was founded in 1290. 
 

Panoramas & Port Wine 
Uncover the beauty of the waterfront city of Porto when you follow your Local Guide on a sightseeing tour that features a panoramic drive to the mouth of the Douro River, plus a walk in the center including visits of the Church of São Francisco and the Stock Exchange with its Arabian Hall. Enjoy a [LF] Port wine tasting at a local Port wine cellar. This afternoon, explore the city at leisure. (B) 
LOCAL FAVORITE  
The grapes from the vineyards in the Douro Valley surrounding Porto provide the main ingredient for one of the world’s most recognized fortified wines. Visit a local wine cellar and taste centuries of tradition in a glass of Port wine in the city that bears its name. Saúde! 
 

Port & Petiscos   
The treats keep coming today! Start with a visit of Guimarães to discover why it is called the “Birthplace of Portugal,” and enjoy an orientation walk through the medieval center. Continue to Penafiel, [LF] visit the gardens of the Quinta da Aveleda winery, and enjoy a Portuguese petiscos tasting. Later, enjoy a scenic drive through the port wine vineyards en route to Viseu. This evening, delve into some local specialties and wine with dinner at the Forno da Mimi restaurant. (B,D) 
LOCAL FAVORITE 
The history of the Quinta da Aveleda estate spans the centuries and generations who have preserved the Portuguese traditions of winemaking and proud legacy of the Guedes family. The architectural heritage of this cherished estate is only matched by its wines, produced and nurtured as the largest family-owned Vinho Verde exporter and winery. 
 

Bottles & Corks  
This morning, visit the charming town of Castelo de Vide, dominated by a well-preserved medieval castle. Enjoy some free time to stroll in the historic Jewish Quarter and through the characteristic narrow streets. Reach Evora in the heart of Alentejo and [LF] visit a traditional cork factory. (B,D)  
LOCAL FAVORITE 
Known as the “cork capital of the world,” Portugal is the world’s leading producer and exporter of cork, with the Cork Oak tree being native to the region of Alentejo. For hundreds of years, one of the most well-known uses of cork is as a wine bottle seal, however it’s much more versatile and many articles such as bags, keyrings, jewelry, and shoes made of cork can be found in local shops. Lady Gaga wore a dress made of cork and NASA has been using it as insulation for many years. Learn all about this traditional artisanship when you visit a Cork Factory in Evora. 
 

Gothic Grandeur  
Discover what makes Evora special this morning when you follow your Local Guide on a guided walking tour through the narrow alleys to see the Roman Temple and visit the Cathedral, São Francisco Church, and the Ossuary Chapel. Later, depart for the Algarve. Enjoy free time late afternoon and evening. (B)  
TOUR HIGHLIGHT  
Walk back in time to the Roman era of Evora – a city with Roman roots that later flourished as a residence of Portuguese kings during the 15th and 16th centuries. See the white houses, architectural tiles, and embellished balconies with a stroll through the Gothic sites of the cathedral, church, and chapel. 
 

Cliffs & Coastlines  
Today, experience Portugal’s most famous coastline with an excursion along the breathtaking Algarve coast. Visit the Promontory of Sagres and Cape St. Vincent, believed by the Romans to be the end of the world! Later, stop at the colorful resort town of Lagos to enjoy some leisure time to browse. (B) 
TOUR HIGHLIGHT 
Take in the breathtaking views of the sweeping southern coastline of Portugal in the Algarve. Stand on the Promontory of Sagres and Cape St. Vincent to gaze at the glorious beaches, postcard-perfect fishing ports, and towering cliffs along the sea. 

 

Peninsula Miles & Painted Tiles  
Bid farewell to the Algarve and take a scenic drive along the Serra da Arrábida with views of the Tróia Peninsula. En route to Lisbon, stop at Azeitão to visit a traditional tile workshop. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel. (B,D)  
TOUR HIGHLIGHT 
Enter a world of authentically handmade Portuguese tiles at the São Simão Arte workshop and gallery in Azeitão. It is here that distinguished antique collector Antonio Soares Franco creates his ceramic masterpieces by hand in the style of his ancestors. 
 

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)