Essence of Portugal and Douro Discovery

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Overview

Discover the essence of Portugal, travelling in a small group with no more than 24 guests on your Land Tour. Connecting with locals and savouring regional gastronomy as you explore the beautiful towns and cities from Lisbon to Porto. You’ll then embark on a seven-night cruise along the stunning Douro River.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Lisbon

Say olá to Portugal’s sunny capital upon arrival at the airport, where you’ll be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Lisbon effortlessly blends traditional culture with striking modern architecture. Explore its charming neighbourhoods, taste local specialties, or venture to one of the popular beaches that are accessible from the city. This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers before spending the rest of the night at leisure.

Accommodation: Three Nights, Avani Avenida Liberdade Lisbon Hotel or similar

Day 2: Lisbon

Discover the wonders of Lisbon. Explore the city’s hilly streets, jump aboard an iconic tram for a scenic journey and finish at Belém Tower, a symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discovery, for a picturesque look into Lisbon’s maritime history. Belém is also renowned for being the home of the Portuguese tart, which the famous Pastéis de Belém has been baking since 1837. It’s here in Belém you can enjoy your special Insider Experience. Tonight, savour the rich flavours of Lisbon during a Welcome Dinner while witnessing a powerful fado performance of traditional folk music originating from Lisbon’s neighbourhoods.

Insider Experience – Portuguese Tart Making Class

At a local bakery, discover the art of making the world-famous pastel de nata (Portuguese tarts). Master the culinary skills required to make this sweet pastry with a hands-on lesson led by a local baker. While you bake, learn about the history behind the pastel de nata, before the best part: tasting your efforts.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, Lisbon

Set off on a full-day tour to the charming towns of Sintra and Cascais today. Begin in World Heritage-listed Sintra, a picturesque town seemingly plucked from the pages of a fairy tale. Set in the foothills of Portugal’s Sintra Mountains, this was once the summer retreat for Lisbon’s nobility and royalty. Now, visitors and locals alike make the journey to Sintra to visit the famous Pena Palace, which is perched atop a hill and boasts stunning panoramas of the surrounds. Admire the palace’s vivid colours, decorative terraces and Romanticist architecture, before exploring its famous gardens.

Continue to Cascais, a coastal resort town boasting gold, sandy beaches, a popular marina and well-preserved medieval buildings. Enjoy time to explore at your leisure. You might like to sprawl out on one of Cascais’ postcard-perfect beaches, peruse a museum, or enjoy a bite to eat at a local restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Lisbon, Óbidos, Nazaré, Coimbra

Spend the day further exploring Portugal’s picturesque towns and cities. In Óbidos, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval villages, step back in time to an era of knights and folklore as you explore the medieval walls and castle. Continue to Nazaré, renowned worldwide for its big-wave surfing. Stroll through the cobblestone lanes, enjoy people-watching at a local café, or relax on the beach. Conclude your day in Coimbra, a historic riverfront city home to Portugal’s oldest university, founded in 1290. Check in to your hotel before enjoying the remainder of the day at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: NH Coimbra Dona Inês or Tivoli Coimbra Hotel or similar

Day 5: Coimbra, Aveiro, Porto

Explore Portugal’s version of Venice when you visit Aveiro this morning. Board a traditional Moliceiro boat and set off on a canal cruise along the city’s historic waterways. Afterwards, explore the vibrant Beira Mar neighbourhood, the oldest area in Aveiro, and discover colourful houses adorned with azulejos tiles, as well as the city’s bustling fish market. Your journey continues to the riverside city of Porto.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Two Nights, Cenica Porto Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton or similar

Day 6: Porto

Begin your day with a walking tour of Porto, learning about the city’s rich history and architecture as you navigate its hilly terrain. Prepare for an exciting Insider Experience before spending the remainder of your day at leisure.

Insider Experience – Exclusive Wine Tasting at a Local Quinta

Immerse yourself in local cuisine, wine, and culture during an exclusive wine tasting experience at a private quinta. Accompanying the delicious local wines is a memorable Farewell Lunch, hosted by the quinta owners to celebrate your time here.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7: Porto, Embark Ship

Transfer to Porto and embark your ship. Tonight, meet your fellow travellers and Travelmarvel Cruise Director at a Welcome Reception as you take in the sights along the Douro River on a sunset cruise.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Seven Nights, MS Estrela

Day 8: Régua, Lamego, Pinhão

Begin cruising along the spectacular Douro River. Flowing from the northern reaches of Spain, through Portugal and into the Atlantic, this river is bordered by countless vineyards. As you cruise this morning, take part in a Portuguese language lesson, where you’ll learn some essential phrases of this beautiful language. This afternoon, visit the picturesque village of Lamego and the elaborately decorated Baroque cathedral, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies. While in Lamego, visit one of Portugal’s best museums. You may also like to sample one of the town’s famous specialties, Bola de Lamego – a delicious smoked ham roll. On arrival in Pinhão, you’ll enjoy an Insider Experience.

Insider Experience – Portuguese Quinta Dinner

Enjoy a sumptuous dinner of traditional dishes and dessert at a picturesque local quinta, a Portuguese winery.