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Portugal Northern Tour
7 days/6 nights Escorted Tour
Touring the highlights of north and central Portugal
Saturday
departures from Lisbon. Guaranteed to operate with a
minimum of 4 participants
This tour of Portugal allows you to see the highlights of the north and central Portugal.
Departs Lisbon on Saturday morning
Returns to Lisbon on Friday afternoon
Pre and post tour hotel nights in Lisbon are
available, please ask us.
Itinerary
Day 1
– Depart Lisbon in the morning heading north to
Óbidos, an enchanting walled city whose narrow
cobblestone streets reflect its medieval heritage.
In Alcobaça visit Portugal’s largest church, the
12th century Monastery of Santa Maria. Within the
church are the tombs of King Pedro and his beloved
Inês de Castro who, due to court intrigue, was
murdered by Pedro’s father.
Hear their story and Pedro’s macabre revenge when he
ascended the throne of Portugal. Further on is the
fishing port of Nazaré, a picturesque town with a
popular beach. Then to Batalha to see the 14th
century abbey, a masterpiece of Portuguese
“Manueline” architecture. Continue to Fátima, one of
the world’s great shrine destinations where
thousands of pilgrims come to the site where the
Virgin appeared to 3 shepherd children in 1917.
Arrive in Leiria, whose old town is full of charm.
Overnight in Leiria
Dinner included
Leiria - dinner and overnight
stay
Day 2 – There
is a splendid example of Roman occupation in the
ruins of Conímbriga, the largest Roman site in
Portugal. Evidence of comfortable living is outlined
in the baths, shops and exquisite mosaic tile floors
of former villas. Nearby is Coimbra, home of one of
the world’s oldest universities (1290 AD). The
Forest of Buçaco, long a monastic retreat, was
actually walled in by the Carmelites in 1628 to keep
the world out. Part natural vegetation, part
arboretum and now open to all, the forest is popular
with walkers who come to enjoy its quiet trails. On
to Aveiro, a city of canals and houses whose facades
are decorated with azulejos, the popular glazed
tiles.
Overnight in Porto
Breakfast & Dinner included
Day 3 -
Porto (sometimes spelled Oporto) has been designated
World Heritage status by UNESCO. A morning tour of
the city will introduce you to Portugal’s “second
city”. Situated on the Douro River, Porto gave its
name to the famous Port wine and to the country.
Vineyards grow for mile upon mile along the Douro’s
steep slopes. Afternoon free.
Overnight in Porto
Breakfast & Dinner included
Special note: We have 7 night cruises on the Douro
River from Porto on ships of less than 100 guests.
For more information, please
click here
Day 4
–Depart Porto for the Minho, the northwest province
of Portugal. The Minho is home to two of Portugal’s
most historic cities: Guimaraes, the first capital
(1139) and Braga, the country’s main religious
center. Stop at Colina Sagrada and the Castle and
Palace of Duques of Bragança. Near Braga, see the
sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Braga with its monumental
baroque staircase cascading down a hill. Continue to
Barcelos, town of the legendary rooster, now a
symbol of Portugal. There are as many
interpretations of the legend as there are roosters!
Overnight in Porto
Breakfast & Dinner included
Day 5 – Depart
Porto for Amarante, a pretty riverside town through
a landscape speckled with granite houses with wooden
or wrought-iron balconies. Visit the Gardens of the
Casa de Mateus. The beautiful baroque Casa has been
made famous as the label on Mateus Wine. Then we
enter the Port Wine region of the Douro Valley. Stop
in Lamego, home of the Nossa Senhora dos Remedios,
one of Portugal’s most important shrines. In the
mountainous hinterland lies Viseu, city of warriors,
artists and the center of the Dao wine growing
region.
Overnight in Urgeiriça
Breakfast & Dinner included
Day 6
- Drive into the heart of Portugal today. Serra da
Estrela (Star Mountains) are the highest mountains
in mainland Portugal. This is a world of shepherds
and their flocks. The area is famous for its cheese,
snow and harsh, irregular landscape. Visit Castelo
Branco, with its lovely gardens and staircases of
the kings where you will notice that the Spanish
kings are half-size. Then to the pretty spa town of
Castelo de Vide, famous for its maze-like Jewish
quarter of whitewashed houses and cobbled alleys.
Continue to the walled city of Estremoz.
Overnight in Estremoz
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 7
- Visit Estremoz, known for its famous marble
quarries. Portugal is the world’s second largest
exporter of marble and these quarries date from
Roman times. On to Évora, a living museum of
tradition, history, handicrafts and gastronomy .
Enjoy a walking tour of this enchanting walled city,
designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and
one of Portugal’s treasures. Return to Lisbon in the
afternoon.
Breakfast included.
Per person prices:
Please contact us for 2008 prices. Pre-tour and post-tour hotel in Lisbon available,
please ask for a quote.
Tour includes:
* 6 nights accommodation in 3 and 4 star hotels with
private bath
* Breakfast and dinner daily
* Luggage Porterage
* Transportation between cities
* Bilingual guide (English and Portuguese)
* Entrance fees for monuments/castles/attractions
included in itinerary
Tour does not include:
* Airfare
* Meals other than breakfast and dinner
* Gratuities |
