Explore Portugals coast from Lisbon to Porto

Portugal de Norte a Sul

Explore Portugals coast from Lisbon to Porto

No longer Europes best kept secret, Portugal is the place to come for a European vacation with a twist. Filled with big cities, medieval villages and World Heritage sites, this is a charming country where you will feel like a week is not enough.

Why are you going to love this trip

Get a glimpse of Fado, an atmospheric mix of music and poetry, a popular art form in Coimbra.
Soak up the glamor and the sun as you meander along the stunning Cascais Bay
Feel the real heritage and vitality of students in the old quarter of the university city of Coimbra
Follow the smell of stinky cheese as you eat and cry for more - stuffed with delicious cheese, meat, bread and port wine. Approach an upturned harbor barrel on the factory floor for exclusive tastings in Porto
Much like the first king of Portugal, inspect a landscape full of history of the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança.

Is this trip right for you?

On this trip you will visit many interesting places and discover them predominantly on foot. This means that you will often have to walk most of the day, which will be tiring in Portugal. Good, comfortable pair of walking shoes will definitely help!
Summer temperatures can be very high in this region (above 40 ° C), which can be uncomfortable. It is important to wear sunscreen, use layers to combat heat and drink lots of water. Please carefully consider the time of year you wish to travel and its suitability for this season.
As accommodation on this trip is shared, individual travelers will share a room with another same-sex traveler. If you prefer not to share, a single room supplement is available for a surcharge. Please ask your travel consultant for more details. In addition, hotels in Europe often do not have double beds, but two twin beds that can be joined together, and rooms in Europe may seem small by US or Australian standards.
Cobblestones are common in Portuguese cities and in this case you may prefer to bring a backpack rather than a rigid horse case. It is also important not to exceed luggage weight and size recommendations. You can find this information in the "What to do" section of your travel notes.

Welcome to Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal. One of Europes most enjoyable and affordable capitals, Lisbon combines the best elements of Portuguese life, offering fantastic architecture, a multicultural population, delicious seafood and uninterrupted nightlife. will be taken to our arrival hotel located in the center (details are in your travel documents) of Lisbon airport. While of course this is your decision, we recommend that you arrive and depart by train wherever possible within Europe due to this method of minimal carbon emission. In the evening, meet your tour guide and other fellow travelers at a welcome meeting (usually at 6 pm, but will be informed of the exact location and time in a notice near the hotel reception). Here your leader will give you an information about what is to come on your trip.

Today you will explore the treasures of Lisbon, which is located on the banks of the Tagus River and is truly one of the great cities of Europe. Much of Lisbons character and charm lies in its beautifully renovated buildings, grand avenues and impressive castles and churches. We will visit one of the most symbolic buildings in the city, the Lisbon Cathedral, which was built on the site of an old mosque in 1150 by the first bishop of Lisbon, Gilberto de Hastings. Inside are nine chapels, each with its own story to tell, and the wonderful Gothic cloister. After the guided tour, you will have time to visit the medieval citadel of St. Georges Castle at your own pace. The citadel dates back to Moorish times and is at the highest point of the Old Town. Although much of the original castle has been destroyed throughout history, some sections of walls and 18 different towers remain today. Look down on a city full of white houses and endless buildings with red terracotta roofs. The afternoon is free to make new discoveries of Lisbon - stroll the charming narrow streets of local neighborhoods and see local life, visit Belém Tower (a beautiful building originally designed as a lighthouse) and the vast and spectacular Jeronimos Monastery.

This morning, he says goodbye to Lisbon and travels to the impressive Batalha Monastery (approximately 2 hours), one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. A listed structure as a World Heritage Site, this monastery was built to celebrate Portugals victory in 1385 over the Castilians in the Battle of Aljubarrota. Your destination for today and base for the night is the university city of Coimbra (approximately 1.5 hours). Sitting dignified on the banks of the Mondego river, Coimbra was once the county capital, and its royal heritage can be felt in its old streets and buildings. Join your tour leader on a tour of the streets and squares of the Old Quarter and the University of Coimbra - the oldest in Portugal. Tonight, regroup and learn more about Portugals cultural heritage with a night that includes the traditional Fado music show. Tonights dinner is on you.

Leaving Coimbra today, travel north to Portugals second largest city, Porto (Porto), the northern capital that lies between the Douro River and the Atlantic Ocean (approximately 1.5 hours). This will be your base for the next two nights. The Ribeira neighborhood, listed as a World Heritage Site, is full of a collection of winding alleys, crossed staircases and baroque churches. On a guided tour, discover one of Portugals most romantic cities. Passing majestic bridges, a riverside medieval quarter with cobblestone streets, merchants houses and cafes, stop at the cathedral, the Clérigos Tower and the impressive São Bento train station hall in Porto. The tower offers sensational panoramic views across the city, while the grand train station and its historic lobby panels evoke a more refined era of train travel. In our exploration today we will also discover lesser known parts of the city; actually well known, but only to local people and experts. We will go under the skin of this beautiful city, savoring some of the best coffees and sweets in town, in classic little cafes, enjoying the best local Port wine in cozy local taverns and tasting some of the local specialties such as cod and Francesinha. . you can spend the night soaking up the atmosphere of this coastal walk or watching the local life in action from one of the many rooftop bars. Enjoy the best local Port wine in cozy local taverns and try some of the local specialties, such as cod and Francesinha. you can spend the night soaking up the atmosphere of this coastal walk or watching the local life in action from one of the many rooftop bars. Enjoy the best local Port wine in cozy local taverns and try some of the local specialties, such as cod and Francesinha. you can spend the night soaking up the atmosphere of this coastal walk or watching the local life in action from one of the many rooftop bars.

Today you will travel outside Porto to Guimarães (approximately 1 hour). The first capital of Portugal and the birthplace of the countrys first king (the conqueror, which gives its name to the city), the city is made up of a well-preserved old town and an impressive castle. Explore the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza located in the historic center of the city and witness the grandeur of Guimarães Castle, one of Portugals most complete medieval fortresses, dating from the 10th century. Like the credited cradle of King Afonso Henriques, the castle is a species of national sanctuary. Then head to Braga (30 minutes), considered by many to be one of the most impressive cities in Portugal. It has long been a religious center and overflows with churches, monasteries and chapels. The charm of this place lies in its impressive baroque buildings, most notably the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus. On the western slopes of Monte Espinho, the sanctuary is led by a magnificent staircase that has 14 different chapels, each representing a station of the cross. Return to Porto after your day of exploration and then enjoy a final farewell and celebration dinner at a local restaurant when this Portuguese adventure comes to an end.

Today your adventure in Portugal comes to an end. There are no activities planned so you can leave the accommodation at any time. As there is so much to see and do in the exciting city of Porto, however, we recommend extending your stay for a few nights. If you require more accommodation, our reservations team will be happy to assist (subject to availability).