Riviera Travel Lisbon, Porto and the Douro Valley

– Explore Lisbon on a guided tour, taking in magnificent squares, the Baixa and Moorish quarters, and visit the unforgettable Monastery of Jerónimos
– Visit the hillside town of Sintra and its National Palace, the former summer residence of the Portuguese monarchy, and now a fascinating museum with priceless collections.
– Enjoy a guided tour of Porto, centre of the port wine trade, including a visit and tasting at Taylor’s port lodge
– Discover the Douro, one of Europe’s most beautiful river valleys, on a full-day tour
– See the holy shrine of Fátima and visit Coimbra University, one of Europe’s oldest seats of learning
– Experience the charm of 13th-century Óbidos with its cobbled streets and lofty medieval fortifications
– Stay in the chic coastal resort of Cascais in a historic Pousada hotel
– Return flights from a selection of regional airports, plus all hotel transfers
– Seven nights in three-star superior to five-star accommodation, with breakfast and three dinners (stays at the Royal Bridges Hotel include breakfast and one dinner)
– The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager throughout

– Visit the Royal Palace at Sintra
– Full day tour of the Douro Valley
– See the holy shrine of Fatima

Day 1 – Arrive in Lisbon
On arrival, you will be taken to your hotel. The rest of the day will be spent at leisure, allowing you time to settle into the hotel and start exploring if you wish. Our Lisbon hotel will be either the four-star Tivoli Oriente or the three-star MyStory Tejo.

Day 2 – Tour of Lisbon & Free afternoon
After a leisurely breakfast we set out to discover Lisbon’s highlights, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. On our tour we’ll see the strikingly modern Monument to the Discoveries and its 16th century fortified counterpart, the Belém Tower, then visit the church of the Monastery of Jerónimos. We also see the impressive Terreiro do Paço square facing out to sea. There’s also Alfama, the Moorish quarter of timeless cobbled streets, and the wonderful garden at São Pedro de Alcântara with its expansive views across the rooftops.

Part of Lisbon’s appeal is its mix of old and modern, bustling and peaceful, and this afternoon is free to explore. You might be tempted by the chic shops of the elegant Baixa quarter, or decide to seek out a café to enjoy a bica – an espresso. Art-lovers can savour the Gulbenkian Museum. And don’t forget to take a ride on one of the clanging, rattling yellow trams; seemingly well past their sell-by date, they’re still the best way to negotiate the sharp bends of the old quarterr

Day 3 – Sintra
We take a short drive to the lovely town of Sintra. Famous for its Royal Palace, once the residences of the Portuguese monarchy, today it’s a wonderful museum with grand rooms, priceless collections including portraits of Charles II of England, and reflections of its Moorish ancestry plus more modern styles. Entrance fees to the Royal Palace are included.

You can also see the 19th century romantic Pena Palace, built as a summer residence, is a living fairy tale. The surrounding park displays exotic plants from the former Portuguese colonies. Returning to Lisbon late in the afternoon, you have time at your leisure to explore this fascinating city.

Day 4 – Coimbra University
This morning we drive north through olive groves and wheat fields to Fatima, once an unremarkable small town, until three children experienced an apparition of the Virgin Mary, it suddenly became one of the most important of Catholic pilgrimages and a national shrine. Whatever your religious views, the extraordinary sanctuary complex is certainly impressive and well worth the visit.

Continuing north, we reach Coimbra, renowned for its impressive Roman aqueduct striding across the city. But it’s most famous for its historic university, one of Europe’s oldest along with Salamanca, Bologna and the Sorbonne. Once Portugal’s capital, Coimbra became a major cultural centre in the Middle Ages with the university at its heart and it’s not hard to imagine the cloak-clad learned of the age wandering its tiny medieval streets little changed since that time.

This afternoon we’re privileged to enjoy a visit to the university, a wonderful seat of learning, with entrance fees included. Its superb library is rich in baroque gilt work and houses a staggering 300,000 volumes. Situated on a hill, the views are stunning.

Later this afternoon, we continue to Porto, where we stay for three nights in either the four-star Royal Bridges Hotel, or the four-star superior Sheraton Hotel and Spa.

Day 5 – Porto
Set on the Douro estuary and once Roman, Porto’s wealth derived from its knowledge of the sea routes to India. Spices, silks and other fine goods made the fortunes used to build today’s city – Portugal’s second largest. Our tour unveils its surprising, as well as the major sights. You’ll experience the splendid Praca da Ribeira square, with its characteristic tiled town houses and fine views to the wine lodges across the river.

You’ll see the imposing Dom Luis Bridge and the tangled lanes of the medieval quarter. You’ll gaze up at the city’s imposing fortress, its fine cathedral and baroque Clerigos Tower. One of the six bridges over the river was designed by Gustav Eiffel – and you can immediately see the connection with his more famous Parisian creation! Free of the chain shops dominating other countries, you’ll enjoy the tiny antiquated shops specialising in fine art, antiques, ceramics and some of the most wonderful cakes you’ll ever taste.

But no visit to Porto is complete without seeing one of the city’s world famous port wine lodges. So we are guests of Taylor’s – perhaps the greatest of all them all. You’ll learn the fascinating history of port wine, and its close British connections. Taking its name from the city through which it’s shipped, this fortified wine, is made with grapes from the terraced vineyards along the Douro valley which are still staggeringly trodden by foot! The wine is lovingly tended and matured, sometimes for decades, before you can enjoy its subtle flavours. Of course you’ll get the chance at the end of a fascinating visit to sample this wonderful drink.

You’re free to spend the rest of the day exploring at your leisure.

Day 6 – The Douro valley
Today we explore the sinuous and scenic River Douro – the river of gold, spending a leisurely day exploring its delightfully peaceful villages and intricately terraced valley sides. After leaving the Atlantic’s influence behind, the climate becomes noticeably warmer and dryer, and the landscape changes from verdant greens to Mediterranean sun-kissed ochre. The route is nothing short of spectacular! The winding road, sometimes almost in the water, sometimes hugging the lofty valley sides, gives us wonderful views of the shimmering ribbon of the river and its classic vine-clad terraces. At Peso da Regua, you’ll have time to wander along the quayside, watching the occasional river traffic or enjoying a refreshing glass in one of the many cafés. The overwhelming feeling here is one of wonderful isolation in one of Europe’s most scenic and as yet undiscovered valleys. Winding our way round the twisting roads, every bend gives us another stunning view. Just a few kilometres further upstream is the delightful small town of Pinhao, the heart of the port wine producing region. Port truly dominates the life here, with even the station tiles depicting the wine harvest. We also visit one of the local Quintas and sample some of the wines that are produced in this region.

Day 7 – Obidos and Cascais
Leaving Porto, we head south, past olive groves to remarkable Obidos, a fortified town surrounded by imposing medieval walls encompassing a maze of narrow streets and alleys. With its whitewashed houses, abundant flowers and splashes of bright paint, this is a delightful place to just lose yourself. Feel yourself stepping back in time – to the days of the Moorish Arabs who once ruled from the town’s castle. If you’re feeling brave, take the somewhat daring walk around the fortifications themselves. But do try the town’s own special way of serving southern Portugal’s favourite cherry liqueur Ginjinha– in an edible chocolate cup.

Continuing to Cascais a chic coastal town near to Lisbon, for our final night’s stay, at the five-star “Pousada”, one of Portugal’s classic hotels. Converted from historic buildings (similar to Spain’s Paradores) the hotel is set within the impressive walls of a 16th century coastal citadel overlooking the famous marina. Some buildings were actually a royal residence and a stylishly sympathetic restoration of centuries-old buildings and stone work – completed at a cost of 18 million Euros in 2013 – combines historical legacy with modern comfort, art and stunning style. The public rooms are very stylish, the rooms contemporary and there is a pool too.

Day 8 – Return Flight
Today you join your transfer to the airport for your return flight back home after a memorable tour.

This Signature Tour includes everything from the Classic Tour as well as the following:

Day 2:
– Try the world famous Pastel de Nata with a glass of port, and discover the secrets of this delicious pastry at an open kitchen
– Experience the unique musical sounds of traditional Fado and dine on typical Portuguese dishes at an atmospheric local restaurant

Day 5
– Taste a wider selection of superb Port wines accompanied with local delicacies whilst enjoying our beautiful location overlooking Porto.

Plus, enjoy the more exclusive atmosphere of travelling in a small group of 25 or fewer guests.

MyStory Tejo Hotel, Lisbon – 3*
The three-star superior MyStory Tejo Hotel, located in the heart of central Lisbon, just a 5 minute walk from Figueira Square.

Tivoli Oriente Hotel, Lisbon – 4*
The four-star Tivoli Oriente Hotel is set in the iconic Parque das Nações area, where there are many shops, restaurants and bars.

Sheraton Hotel & Spa, Porto – 4* Superior
The four-star superior Sheraton hotel is just two miles from the historic centre of Porto set in its own landscaped gardens, ideal to enjoy a drink in after a hard day’s sightseeing.

Royal Bridges Hotel, Porto – 4*
The four-star Royal Bridges Hotel is wonderfully situated in downtown Porto.

Pousada, Cascais – 4* Superior
The four-star superior Pousada is one of Portugal’s classic hotels. Converted from historic buildings (similar to Spain’s Paradores) the hotel is set within the impressive walls of a 16th century coastal citadel overlooking the famous marina.

Fact file
Currency: Euro
Flight time: Approx. 3 hrs to 3 hrs 20 mins
Language: Portuguese
Time zone: GMT
Country: Portugal

Visa Information
UK Citizens do not require a visa to enter Portugal however must have a valid passport.

Fact file
Currency: Euro
Flight time: Approx. 3 hrs to 3 hrs 20 mins
Language: Portuguese
Time zone: GMT
Country: Portugal

Visa Information
UK Citizens do not require a visa to enter Portugal however must have a valid passport. For the most up-to-date passport and visa information visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal/entry-requirements

We are unable to accept responsibility if you are unable to travel because you have not complied with any passport/entry/immigration requirements.

Mobility
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to call us to discuss these concerns. General information on mobility in connection with our tours can be found here.

*All times listed here are approximate and dependent on traffic