Coach Tour – Best of Portugal – 10N/11D

Best of Portugal:
11days Tour (Trafalgar)

Following a loop from Lisbon, this journey around Portugal brings together the beaches of the Algarve, the unique port wine of the Douro and multiple UNESCO World Heritage listed sites.
You’ll enjoy Insider moments like…experiencing the intense berry flavours and mellow warmth of Port in Sandeman’s Wine Cellars. A connoisseur describes the age-old techniques still used to make the jewel of the Douro today.

Day1 :  ARRIVE LISBON (2 NIGHTS)
Welcome to Lisbon, capital of Portugal. Relax after check-in or spend time exploring the city’s colourful landscape. Later join your fellow travellers and Travel Director for an orientation drive through the city followed by a Welcome Reception.
Meal(s)
Welcome Reception
Hotel : Turim Avenida Liberdade

Day 2 :  LISBON SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
See Lisbon’s landmarks including the Monument to the Discoveries, the suspension bridge spanning the River Tagus, the Belém Tower and the quaint Alfama district. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Hieronymite Monastery during your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist. Later in your free time perhaps join an Optional Experience to the historic towns of Cascais and Sintra.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast

Day 3 :  LISBON – VILAMOURA (2 NIGHTS)
Cross the River Tagus and drive south towards the Serra de Arrabida Mountains. Enjoy a Be My Guest lunch at a traditional Stud Ranch where the Lusitano horses are reared before arriving on the Algarve coast and the town of Vilamoura – your home for the next two nights.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Be My Guest Dining
Hotel : Pestana Vila Sol Algarve

Day 4 :  ALGARVE EXCURSION
This morning enjoy a scenic coastal drive to the Sagres Peninsula. Admire spectacular views across Baleeira Beach before continuing your journey along the coast to Cape St. Vincent for beautiful sea views from the south-western most point of Portugal. Visit the resort of Lagos, where Henry the Navigator lived.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast

Day 5 :  VILAMOURA – ÉVORA
This morning travel across the Serra de Caldeirao to Évora. Join your Local Specialist and visit the elaborate cathedral, Roman temple and the Chapel of Bones. Évora is one of Portugal’s most beautifully preserved medieval towns. Spend time this afternoon seeing the 14th century walls, winding lanes and other enchanting sights at your own pace or join an Optional Experience to the village of Monsaraz. Dine tonight at your hotel.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Dinner with wine
Hotel : M’Ar De Ar Muralhas

Day 6 :  ÉVORA – CASTELO DE VIDE – BELMONTE – VISEU
Continue north to Castelo de Vide and wander through narrow alleys and the town’s Jewish quarter. Cross the valley of the River Tagus towards the Serra de Estrela mountains. See the Roman tower in Belmonte. Arrive later at Viseu, a bustling town with historical buildings, set high on a plateau near the famous Dão vineyards.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Hotel : Grao Vasco

Day 7 :  VISEU – MATEUS – GUIMARÃES – OPORTO (2 NIGHTS)
Travel through the beautiful Douro Valley where port wine is produced. Explore the magnificent gardens at the Palacio de Mateus, depicted on the label of the distinctive Mateus wine bottles. Continue via Guimarães for views of the impressive castle. Tonight enjoy a Regional Dinner on the waterside of Oporto.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Regional Meal
Hotel : Vila Gale Porto

Day 8 :  OPORTO SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
Your Local Specialist takes you on a sightseeing tour of Oporto. See the remarkable bridges across the Douro River and the Baroque Church of St. Francis. Visit Stock Exchange Palace with its splendid Arabian Hall and then experience a Cultural Insight into the traditions of the local wine produce at a tasting in a port cellar. Spend the afternoon relaxing or shopping for souvenirs.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast

Day 9 :  OPORTO – COIMBRA – TOMAR – FÁTIMA
Traverse the Buçaco National Park. In Coimbra see ancient streets and squares and visit the old university. In Tomar visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Convent of Christ, originally built as a Templar stronghold in the 12th century. Arrive later in the city of Fátima. Dine tonight in your hotel.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Dinner with wine
Hotel : Fatima

Day 10 :  FÁTIMA – BATALHA – NAZARÉ – OBIDOS – LISBON
Visit the shrine where three young shepherds famously saw the apparition of the Virgin at the pilgrimage site of Fátima. Visit the monastery at Batalha – a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is the best example of late Gothic architecture in Portugal. Stop at the fishing village of Nazaré on the coast and visit the medieval city of Obidos. Tonight in Lisbon celebrate with your companions and Travel Director at a Farewell Dinner with wine.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Farewell Dinner
Hotel : Turim Avenida Liberdade

Day 11 :  DEPART LISBON
Say a fond farewell to your fellow travellers at the end of a spectacular Portuguese holiday. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast

INCLUSIONS:

Sightseeing Highlights:
City tour in Lisbon, Evora and Oporto
Orientation of The Algarve, Lagos, Castelo de Vide, Belmonte, Viseu, Conimbriga, Tomar, Nazaré and Obidos
Visit the Palace Gardens at Palacio de Mateus, the University Library of Coimbra, the Convent of Christ in Tomar, the Shrine at Fátima, the Gothic Monastery at Batalha and the medieval village of Obidos
View the Roman Tower of Belmonte, and the Castle of Guimarães
Dining
10 hot buffet breakfasts.
1 lunch (Be My Guest).
5 dinners.

Travel Highlights:
Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Hand-picked 4 and 5 star accommodation
Hand-picked Insider Experiences
Optional Experiences and free time
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
VIP entry to many sights
Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
Airport Transfers

Best of Portugal:
11days Tour (Trafalgar)

Following a loop from Lisbon, this journey around Portugal brings together the beaches of the Algarve, the unique port wine of the Douro and multiple UNESCO World Heritage listed sites.
You’ll enjoy Insider moments like…experiencing the intense berry flavours and mellow warmth of Port in Sandeman’s Wine Cellars. A connoisseur describes the age-old techniques still used to make the jewel of the Douro today.

Day1 : ARRIVE LISBON (2 NIGHTS)
Welcome to Lisbon, capital of Portugal. Relax after check-in or spend time exploring the city’s colourful landscape. Later join your fellow travellers and Travel Director for an orientation drive through the city followed by a Welcome Reception.
Meal(s)
Welcome Reception
Hotel : Turim Avenida Liberdade

Day 2 : LISBON SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
See Lisbon’s landmarks including the Monument to the Discoveries, the suspension bridge spanning the River Tagus, the Belém Tower and the quaint Alfama district. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Hieronymite Monastery during your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist. Later in your free time perhaps join an Optional Experience to the historic towns of Cascais and Sintra.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast

Day 3 : LISBON – VILAMOURA (2 NIGHTS)
Cross the River Tagus and drive south towards the Serra de Arrabida Mountains. Enjoy a Be My Guest lunch at a traditional Stud Ranch where the Lusitano horses are reared before arriving on the Algarve coast and the town of Vilamoura – your home for the next two nights.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Be My Guest Dining
Hotel : Pestana Vila Sol Algarve

Day 4 : ALGARVE EXCURSION
This morning enjoy a scenic coastal drive to the Sagres Peninsula. Admire spectacular views across Baleeira Beach before continuing your journey along the coast to Cape St. Vincent for beautiful sea views from the south-western most point of Portugal. Visit the resort of Lagos, where Henry the Navigator lived.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast

Day 5 : VILAMOURA – ÉVORA
This morning travel across the Serra de Caldeirao to Évora. Join your Local Specialist and visit the elaborate cathedral, Roman temple and the Chapel of Bones. Évora is one of Portugal’s most beautifully preserved medieval towns. Spend time this afternoon seeing the 14th century walls, winding lanes and other enchanting sights at your own pace or join an Optional Experience to the village of Monsaraz. Dine tonight at your hotel.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Dinner with wine
Hotel : M’Ar De Ar Muralhas

Day 6 : ÉVORA – CASTELO DE VIDE – BELMONTE – VISEU
Continue north to Castelo de Vide and wander through narrow alleys and the town’s Jewish quarter. Cross the valley of the River Tagus towards the Serra de Estrela mountains. See the Roman tower in Belmonte. Arrive later at Viseu, a bustling town with historical buildings, set high on a plateau near the famous Dão vineyards.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Hotel : Grao Vasco

Day 7 : VISEU – MATEUS – GUIMARÃES – OPORTO (2 NIGHTS)
Travel through the beautiful Douro Valley where port wine is produced. Explore the magnificent gardens at the Palacio de Mateus, depicted on the label of the distinctive Mateus wine bottles. Continue via Guimarães for views of the impressive castle. Tonight enjoy a Regional Dinner on the waterside of Oporto.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Regional Meal
Hotel : Vila Gale Porto

Day 8 : OPORTO SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
Your Local Specialist takes you on a sightseeing tour of Oporto. See the remarkable bridges across the Douro River and the Baroque Church of St. Francis. Visit Stock Exchange Palace with its splendid Arabian Hall and then experience a Cultural Insight into the traditions of the local wine produce at a tasting in a port cellar. Spend the afternoon relaxing or shopping for souvenirs.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast

Day 9 : OPORTO – COIMBRA – TOMAR – FÁTIMA
Traverse the Buçaco National Park. In Coimbra see ancient streets and squares and visit the old university. In Tomar visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Convent of Christ, originally built as a Templar stronghold in the 12th century. Arrive later in the city of Fátima. Dine tonight in your hotel.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Dinner with wine
Hotel : Fatima

Day 10 : FÁTIMA – BATALHA – NAZARÉ – OBIDOS – LISBON
Visit the shrine where three young shepherds famously saw the apparition of the Virgin at the pilgrimage site of Fátima. Visit the monastery at Batalha – a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is the best example of late Gothic architecture in Portugal. Stop at the fishing village of Nazaré on the coast and visit the medieval city of Obidos. Tonight in Lisbon celebrate with your companions and Travel Director at a Farewell Dinner with wine.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Farewell Dinner
Hotel : Turim Avenida Liberdade

Day 11 : DEPART LISBON
Say a fond farewell to your fellow travellers at the end of a spectacular Portuguese holiday. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast

INCLUSIONS:

Sightseeing Highlights:
City tour in Lisbon, Evora and Oporto
Orientation of The Algarve, Lagos, Castelo de Vide, Belmonte, Viseu, Conimbriga, Tomar, Nazaré and Obidos
Visit the Palace Gardens at Palacio de Mateus, the University Library of Coimbra, the Convent of Christ in Tomar, the Shrine at Fátima, the Gothic Monastery at Batalha and the medieval village of Obidos
View the Roman Tower of Belmonte, and the Castle of Guimarães
Dining
10 hot buffet breakfasts.
1 lunch (Be My Guest).
5 dinners.

Travel Highlights:
Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Hand-picked 4 and 5 star accommodation
Hand-picked Insider Experiences
Optional Experiences and free time
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
VIP entry to many sights
Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
Airport Transfers