Transport

Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available). If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport. Enjoy the comfort of Insight’s luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.

Accommodation

10 night accommodation

Hygieneprotocol

All guests travelling with Insight Vacations through December 31, 2022 are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, which may include a booster shot to keep the vaccination status current and valid, depending on the travel destination. Children not eligible for vaccination and/or booster at the time of travel must provide a verifiable and negative Covid-19 test result, taken within 72 hours prior to the start of the tour (taking time zones into consideration) for all tours departing until December 31, 2022. While highly recommended, COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are no longer required for guests traveling with us from January 1, 2023 onward. It is your client’s responsibly to comply with specific vaccine and/or booster requirements imposed by airlines and/or authorities in the destinations visited, as well as requirements for accessing restaurants and venues, which may be more restrictive than the above. No refunds will be given if they are unable to undertake some or all of their vacation due to failure to comply with these requirements.

Meals

3 Dinner with Wine (DW) 10 Breakfast (B) 1 Lunch with Wine (LW) 1 Lunch (L) Lisbon: Join your Travel Director at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant and the opportunity to mingle with your fellow travellers. Monsaraz: Enjoy a memorable Alentejo Highlight Lunch at local restaurant Sem Fim, once an olive mill. Indulge in dish-after-dish of the tastiest tapas in a vibrant setting. Pinhao: Enjoy a wonderful farm-to-table dinner, freshly prepared from locally sourced ingredients. Porto: Shared experiences and memories are often the foundation for special bonds and friendships. Toast your travels with wine and good cheer during your Celebration Dinner at a restaurant in Porto, devoted to the enjoyment of regional cooking.

Others

Choose between two carefully selected activities Porto: Enjoy a panoramic drive through historic avenues and past exquisite tiled facades. Porto: Visit the São Bento Railway Station and walk on the Dom Luís I Bridge, spanning the Douro River and connecting the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert’s fascinating commentary. Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you’ll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels. We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door. Monsaraz: Join a local boat captain for a tranquil cruise on Lake Alqueva. Relax and enjoy calming waters, picturesque views and tales of river life. Évora: During a wine tasting session, appreciate the delicate yet complex nuances of Alentejo wine, and learn how the Relvas family has been managing to keep low water consumption, reforestation of indigenous trees, and providing scholarships to children of the village. This experience advances United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and production. With a 30% reduction in water use and innovative water management systems in place, they have been integrating science technology to ensure genuine production processes in all their activities. Lisbon: Explore with your Local Expert, from the Lower Town, beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paco. Visit the Belém Quarter to see the modern Monument to the Discoveries and the medieval Belém Tower. Lisbon: Visit the cloisters of Jerónimos Monastery with its beautiful Manueline architecture, reflecting Portugal’s trade over the centuries and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Évora: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site guided by your Local Expert and see the famous Roman Temple. While sightseeing, witness the fascinating cathedral and be charmed by its mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Monsaraz: Surrounded by cork oaks and vineyards, wander through the castle ruins to admire the incredible view over the Spanish plains that contrast with the blue of one of Europe’s largest artificial lakes. Tomar: Dominating the town is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Templar Castle and the Convent of Christ. During your visit with a Local Expert, see the Manueline Window and follow the story of the mysterious Knights Templar. Tomar: Learn about the history of the town through its architectural influences as you take a tour guided by a Local Expert. Tomar: Guided by your Local Expert, visit the Synagogue of Tomar, one of the best preserved medieval synagogues in Portugal. Fátima: Join the faithful at one of the world’s holiest sites and pay homage at the Chapel of the Apparitions and see the basilica. Coimbra: Guided by your Local expert, head through Old Town and pass by the Old Cathedral and the Almedina neighbourhood. Coimbra: With a Local Expert, visit the University and witness the triumphal arches, painted ceilings, golden flourishes and walls of ancient tomes. Guimaraes: Enjoy views from the Visigothic castle ruins and explore a maze of medieval streets in the Old Quarter. "I love taking guests to Monsaraz because It’s one of the many villages lost in time. It’s not easy for guests to find on their own and they feel like they’re visiting a secret paradise." Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Guide

From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination. Lagos: Explore this coastal town nestled on Meia Praia, with your Travel Director. Évora: With your Travel Director explore the ancient city of Évora and visit the fascinating Capela dos Ossos, meaning the Chapel of Bones, a chapel decorated with human remains. Obidos: Lead by your Travel Director, walk through the picturesque narrow streets up to the main square of this ancient walled town.

Not included:

Flights

Flights are not included

Insurance

Insurance is not included

Others

Other activities and services are not included

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Welcome To Lisbon
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Welcome To Lisbon

On arrival at Lisbon International Airport, there are complimentary transfers to your hotel. Settle in and relax before joining your Travel Director for dinner at a local restaurant. Enjoy the opportunity to mingle with your fellow travellers during a pleasant evening of good food and wine.
Day 2 Day 2: Lisbon And The Age Of The Great Discoveries
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Lisbon And The Age Of The Great Discoveries

Your guided sightseeing with a Local Expert takes you along the spacious avenues of the Lower Town and across the tree-shaded squares. Pass beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paço. See the ancient Belém Tower and marvel at the Monument to the Discoveries. Explore more of the Belém Quarter as you enjoy a taste of Pastéis de Belém from the patisserie that has been using the same secret recipe for almost 200 years, and visit the Cloister of Jeronimos Monastery. This evening, gain further insight into Portuguese culture with an Optional Experience dinner.
Day 3 Day 3: The Algarve
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: The Algarve

Cross the River Tagus and head for the sun-drenched southern coast to reach Lagos, a fishing port nestled in the bay of Meia Praia. After free time to explore, continue to your resort hotel set within a magnificent 360-acre estate. Simplicity is in the soul of Algarve cuisine, along with seafood so fresh it still tastes of the sea. A short walk away specialised Portuguese seafood restaurants hug the coastline, overlooking the Atlantic.
Day 4 Day 4: Everlasting Évora Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Everlasting Évora Relaxed Start

Journey to the medieval walled city of Évora where cathedrals, churches, aqueducts and ancient castle walls all serve to create the feeling that this beautiful city is a living, breathing museum to Portugal’s rich past. Join your Local Expert to explore the highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the Roman Temple and visit the Capela dos Ossos, an extraordinary 16th-century chapel comprising the skulls and bones of 5,000 bones. Visit the cathedral with its attractive mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. With the rest of the afternoon at leisure, you may wish to continue to stroll through Évora’s unique historical centre, or the serene city park, following the aqueduct inside the city walls.
Day 5 Day 5: Monsaraz And Évora Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Monsaraz And Évora Relaxed Start

Travel to the striking white village of Monsaraz, situated on an imposing hilltop, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. From the castle ruins, admire the spectacular views across to the dry Spanish plains, contrasting with the blue of one of the largest artificial lakes. Join a local boat captain for a leisurely cruise on the tranquil waters of Lake Alqueva. Relax and enjoy calming waters, picturesque views and tales of river life. Sit down to a delicious lunch at local restaurant Sem Fim, once an olive mill. Enjoy a wide range of tasty tapas dishes showcasing the local cuisine, and soak up the vibrant; cheerful atmosphere. Return to Évora where the evening is at your leisure to explore this beautifully preserved regional capital.
Day 6 Day 6: On To Fátima And Tomar Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: On To Fátima And Tomar Relaxed Start

This morning, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit Casa Relvas for a wine tasting. Despite the dry climate of the Alentejo region, they have been producing exceptional wine using innovative techniques to reduce the use of water. Journey to Fátima, Portugal’s most renowned place of pilgrimage. See the basilica or perhaps visit the Chapel of the Apparitions, which commemorates the appearance of the Virgin Mary to three young shepherds in 1917. Continue to Tomar and visit one of Portugal’s historical jewels, the Templar Castle and Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With your Local Expert, explore the octagonal Templars’ Rotunda in the cloister and glimpse the day-to-day life of a warrior monk in the domestic areas. Outside on the battlements, the Manueline Window is a national masterpiece. You also visit the Synagogue of Tomar, one of the best preserved medieval synagogues in Portugal, housing a small Jewish museum.
Day 7 Day 7: Coimbra And The Douro Valley Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Coimbra And The Douro Valley Relaxed Start

In Coimbra, your Local Expert will show you the highlights of the Old Town, including the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit its impressive baroque university library, one of the finest in the world. Your journey continues past verdant hills and lush vineyards, along the tranquil waters of the Douro River. Enjoy a wonderful Farm-to-Table lunch, freshly prepared from locally sourced ingredients, with a port wine tasting.
Day 8 Day 8: Guimarães And Porto Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Guimarães And Porto Relaxed Start

Journey to Guimarães to admire the views from the ruined castle and explore the cobbled streets and cosy squares. Next, continue on to Porto, Portugal’s second city, a UNESCO World Heritage town and where Portugal originates. Explore Porto with Insight Choice. Choose to join your Local Expert and visit the São Bento Railway Station, with a walk along the architecturally impressive Dom Luís I Bridge. Alternatively, enjoy a panoramic drive through the city streets led by a Local Expert. In the evening you are at leisure to enjoy your boutique, five-star hotel, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, in the heart of Porto’s historic district. The decor is a mix of classic and contemporary and each room is individually decorated with original artwork. Alternatively, why not join an Optional Experience to see the pastel-painted houses in Porto’s Ribeira district before cruising on a traditional Rabelo boat and finishing off the evening with a Portuguese dinner in the comfort of your riverside restaurant?
Day 9 Day 9: Porto, Grande Dame On The Douro Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Porto, Grande Dame On The Douro Relaxed Start

With a full day free to enjoy at your own pace, why not take a stroll to admire the Multi-coloured houses and churches covered in beautiful glazed tiles. Perhaps choose to visit Braga, the capital of baroque. In the evening, enjoy a mouth-watering dinner with wine at an authentic Porto restaurant.
Day 10 Day 10: Ancient Óbidos And Lisbon Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Ancient Óbidos And Lisbon Relaxed Start

Journey to the fortified town of Óbidos and walk within its walls, exploring the narrow, medieval streets where houses are covered with flowers. Your travels continue to the Portuguese capital, Lisbon.
Day 11 Day 11: Depart Lisbon
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Depart Lisbon

After breakfast, transfer to Lisbon International Airport.

11 days tour

Country Roads Of Portugal (Small Groups, Summer, 11 Days)

This tour includes:

Not included:

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Itinerary of your trip Country Roads Of Portugal (Small Groups, Summer, 11 Days)

Day 1: Welcome To Lisbon

Day 2: Lisbon And The Age Of The Great Discoveries

Day 3: The Algarve

Day 4: Everlasting Évora Relaxed Start

Day 5: Monsaraz And Évora Relaxed Start

Day 6: On To Fátima And Tomar Relaxed Start

Day 7: Coimbra And The Douro Valley Relaxed Start

Day 8: Guimarães And Porto Relaxed Start

Day 9: Porto, Grande Dame On The Douro Relaxed Start

Day 10: Ancient Óbidos And Lisbon Relaxed Start

Day 11: Depart Lisbon

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