Highlights
- Cruise the Douro River in a traditionally styled, but electric powered rabelo boat
- Explore the magnificent Coimbra University Library
- Taste delicious buttery cheese from a traditional producer outside Viseu
Itinerary
Day 1 – Lisbon
We’ll meet with the group before delving into a full day tour of Lisbon. On a visit to a tile painting atelier, we’ll have the opportunity to paint our own tiles. This afternoon we’ll drive to Sintra, where we’ll visit the famous Pena Palace. This evening, we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner in a local restaurant – accompanied by a Fado performance. (D)
Day 2 – Lisbon – Obidos – Nazare -Alvados
Today we’ll visit Óbidos before moving on to the charming fishing town of Nazaré. This evening we’ll enjoy a Portuguese cookery lesson and sumptuous dinner together in Alvados. (B, D)
Day 3 – Alvados – Tomar – Alvados
After breakfast we’ll continue our journey to Tomar, where we’ll visit the World Heritage-listed Convent of Christ and the 15th-century Synagogue. After sampling some of the local pastries, we’ll return to Alvados. (B)
Day 4 – Alvados – Coimbra – Viseu
Today we’ll travel to Coimbra, where we’ll visit the famous Joanina Library. After some free time in the city centre, our road will take us to Viseu. (B)
Day 5 – Viseu – Lamego – Douro Valley
Today we’ll visit a traditional cheesemaker, who will let us in on the secrets behind Viseu’s delicious buttery cheese. After a tasting we’ll move on to historic Lamego, which is home to the 18th-century Shrine of Our Lady of Remedies. After some free time here, it’s off to our hotel in Quinta Nova. (B, D)
Day 6 – Douro Valley – Pinhao – Peso Da Regua – Duoro Valley
This morning we’ll take a scenic journey to Pinhão. When we get there, we’ll take a leisurely boat trip to Peso da Régua in an electric rabelo boat. (B)
Day 7 – Duoro Valley – Amarante – Penafiel – Guimaraes
After heading to Amarante this morning (where we’ll see the 16th-century São Gonçalo Church), we’ll visit the Aveleda Winery. Here, we’ll savour a glass of the region’s famous green wine and learn more about the winemaking process. Our day will end in Guimarães. (B)
Day 8 – Guimaraes
After learning about the castle, the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza and the historic city centre on a walking tour with a local guide, you’ll have a free afternoon to relax. This evening, we’ll enjoy one last dinner together – accompanied by a traditional dance performance. (B, D)
Day 9 – Guimaraes – Porto
Our journey will end in Porto, where we’ll tick off some important landmarks – including the Clérigos Tower, Aliados Avenue, the cathedral and the Ribeira district. This afternoon we’ll visit the famous port wine cellars and indulge in a tasting before our trip ends. (B)
Images courtesy of BackRoads Touring
BR-BEHDPLP