Travel Journeys Portugal

                       

 

Portugal is a land on the edge, “where land ends and sea begins” as the 16th century epic poet Luis Vaz de Camoes put it.  Its diverse landscapes as well as its history and culture set it apart from the rest of Europe.  This tour allows you to experience all of this and the time to enjoy the hospitality of the wonderful Portuguese people.

 

 

 

Day 1 – Friday 18 May – Lisbon

We begin our exploration of Lisbon this morning as we are joined by our expert local guide for a full day tour of the city, including the old town, Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery which houses the Museu da Marinha, devoted to Portugal’s maritime history.  So much can be written of the treasures found here including a model of Vasco da Gama’s flagship: the maps of the known world divided into Spanish and Portuguese fields of influence, with crude drawings of palm trees.

 

We vary our means of travel today from walking, driving and cable car so we can see as much of this wonderful city as possible.  From the Baixa and Rossio areas built ruler-straight and rock-solid on the rubble of Lisbon’s 1755 earthquake with grand plazas dancing fountains and wonderful arches to the higgledy piggledy lanes of the Alfama.

 

This evening we will enjoy a Fados Dinner with live show.  Fado is the Portuguese traditional music.  Usually it has one singer plus two or three guitars (one of them a Portuguese twelve strings guitar) and the songs are about Lisbon, people and traditions.

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Day 2 – Saturday 19 May - Lisbon – Sintra – Cascais – Lisbon

Today we travel out of Lisbon for a tour to Sintra, which Lord Byron

called “glorious Eden”.  Sintra offers a mixture of palaces, monuments and delightful beaches.  Then to Cascais, a fishing village that has grown into a popular spot for the international set, yet still retains its charm.

 

We have free time here for a relaxing lunch and perhaps a little shopping?

 

We return to Lisbon mid-afternoon with plenty of time to relax before dinner or a stroll through the city centre, full of shops, galleries and other interesting attractions.

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Day 3 – Sunday 20 May - Lisbon – Monsaraz – Évora – Lisbon

This morning we again journey out of Lisbon through the Portuguese countryside, this time to Monsaraz. This is a drive of less than two hours south east from Lisbon.

 

Monsaraz is a fortified Roman village on top of a hill with magnificent views of the lake and countryside below. All the local traditions are still kept here. Even though tourism is growing in the area it remains unspoilt.

 

We travel on to another wonderful walled town – Évora.  This town’s history can be traced back to the earliest civilisations on the Iberian Peninsula. We have time to walk through the historical centre and “feel” the atmosphere of this lovely town.  Each turn of the lane offers a new adventure.  The enigmatic church of St. Francis and its Chapel of the Bones:  The narrow streets of the old town reaching the Giraldo square where the Inquisition once had its headquarters.  Evora is wonderful way to finish our tour of Portugal.

Our last stop before we reach Lisbon is to a local wine producer where we can watch wine making and taste a few wines. You will surely notice the difference between wine making here and in Douro!

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Day 4 - Monday 21 May – Lisbon - Alcobaça – Batalha - Porto

Unfortunately today we say goodbye to Lisbon, as we begin our journey north towards the second largest city in Portugal – Porto.

 

However there is much to see and do before then.  Our first stop today is in Óbidos, a picture perfect magnificent medieval walled town, its streets tumbling with bougainvillea - a town great for exploring on foot.  You are transported back centuries in time with the old white washed houses completely surrounded by the old castle walls. There is time for independent adventures and maybe climbing up to the ramparts to enjoy the incredible view.

 

 

Our next stop is a visit to the Monastery of Batalha - one of the best examples of late gothic Portuguese styles with a mix of the Manuelina Art. King Dom Manuel 1 is known as Manuel the Fortunate as it was during his reign that the sea route to India was discovered, bringing riches to Portugal in the form of spices, ivory and gold. The king lent his name to a uniquely Portuguese version of late Gothic architecture, inspired both by the florid forms of Indian art and by the discoveries themselves – Manuelina Art.

 

 Batalha is significant in Portuguese history as the site of a significant battle which settled the dispute that divided the Kingdom of Portugal and the Kingdom of Castile and Leon and allowed the claim of Portugal as an independent kingdom.

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Day 5 –Tuesday 22 May - Porto

Our tour commences this morning with a half day guided tour of Porto to appreciate the charm and history of Porto. 

 

We commence with a small panoramic trip along the Boavista Avenue (the biggest in Europe) right to the end where it meets the Atlantic Ocean; as we turn left and make our way towards Foz we follow the beautiful Douro River towards the city centre.

 

This is a World Heritage UNESCO site, with its Gothic Church of São Francisco and next door (and contrasting) the Stock Exchange Palace with its splendid Arabian Hall.

There are many wonderful sites to see here and we have time to wander and perhaps have lunch

Later in the afternoon we visit Taylor's, one of the oldest wine cellars in Porto and considered by most the greatest of all Port wine shippers. The local experts will explain the Port wines and of course no visit to wine cellars is without a taste of some of the wines. 

 

It is here also that you will have your first dinner in Porto, overlooking the river Douro in an attractive environment, the perfect end of the day!

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Day 6 – Wednesday 23 May – Minho Region

This morning we have a full day tour of the Minho region, with it lush river valleys, sparkling beaches, granite peaks and virgin forests it is known for its natural beauty.   It also holds a special place in the hearts of the Portuguese people as the place where the dream of a nation called Portugal began.

 

The city of Guimarães is regarded as the birthplace of the Portuguese nation and the first capital.  It is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  We also have time to visit the Dukes of Bragança Palace which is today the residence of Portugal’s President when he is in the region.

 

The tour continues with a visit to Braga, the oldest religious capital of Portugal. Sameiro and Braga´s Bom Jesus Sanctuary bring many pilgrims to this area each year.

The 1001 steps that the pilgrims climb up to the top of Bom Jesus are one of

the most glorious stairways in Portugal.

 

We have time to enjoy the pleasures of the cuisine of the north of Portugal with a relaxing lunch in Braga. In the afternoon we continue towards Barcelos and its traditional symbol of popular justice and freedom: the rooster of Barcelos.

In the late afternoon we return to Porto.

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Day 7 – Thursday 24 May – Porto and the Douro River

After an early breakfast we transfer to the station for a beautiful two hour scenic railway journey following the fantastic Douro River with its famed scenic vineyard landscapes.

 

On arrival at Pinhão station we change our method of transportation and embark on a private river cruise.  We have time on the cruise for a wine tasting of Quinta do Crasto wines (the most famous in Porto).  Lunch is at Quinta do Crasto itself overlooking stunning views of the river and vineyards.

 

After some time to relax our driver will carry you to Vila Real surroundings for a visit to the majestic Mateus Mannor House, built in the 18th century for one of the wealthiest families of northern Portugal it is also a masterpiece of Portuguese baroque architecture. Time permitting we will have some free time to enjoy Vila Real city centre before returning to Porto.

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Day 8 - Friday 25 May -Porto - Departure

This morning we say goodbye as we each move on the further adventures. Some of you may wish to continue your journey with us into Spain and Santiago de Compostela.

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Costs and Additional Details

 

 

Meals               As listed in Itinerary - All Breakfasts - Lunches and Dinners as noted.

Services           An Australian Tour Manager and a Registered English speaking Portuguese guide plus expert local guides

                                                          

Fees                Excursions and Tours (As per Itinerary)

                        All Entrance Fees (As per Itinerary) unless otherwise noted

                       

Costs               Based on Share Twin/Double room

                        Single cost option subject to availability of single rooms.

 

Tour Exclusions

 

Meals               Other than those listed in Itinerary

 

Tips                   It is custom to tip both the Guide and the Driver.  Guidelines will

                        be advised with departure documents.

 

Airfares             Please ask us for an airfare which best meets your needs.

 

Option              Stopovers available - please ask for suggestions and costing.

Misc.               Items of a personal nature such as laundry, dry cleaning, personal accident and
medical expenses, incidental expenses, taxi fares where not part of a regular transfer, telephone and internet communication charges, excess baggage.