Northern Treasures of Portugal

Begin your adventure with a pick-up at Marques de Pombal Square in Lisbon, at 8:30 hrs (we recommend arriving at the meeting point 15 minutes before the indicated time) to start the journey. Travel through a landscape dotted with windmills and fruit orchards as we reach Obidos, a charming town encircled by medieval walls. Here, you'll admire the blend of architectural styles, explore unique handicrafts, and try the renowned 'ginginha' (a sour cherry liqueur). Next, we head to Alcobaca to visit Portugal's largest Gothic church, home to the tombs of King Pedro and Ines de Castro, whose tragic love story is legendary. In Nazare, a picturesque fishing village, you’ll discover local traditions and hear fascinating tales. Our journey continues to Batalha, where we’ll explore the stunning Monastery of Santa Maria de Vitória, a Gothic masterpiece and resting place of Henry the Navigator, a key figure in the Age of Discoveries. We end our day in Fatima, the famous Marian pilgrimage site, with the opportunity to join the Candlelight Procession.

Overnight in Fatima.

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a journey to Coimbra. We'll explore its prestigious University, one of the oldest in the world, renowned for its stunning Baroque library and rich traditions, including the students' iconic black capes and the soulful 'fado' music. We'll also visit the Church of St. Clara, where Queen St. Isabel, famous for the "miracle of the roses," is laid to rest. In the city center, you can appreciate the unique Coimbra ceramics. In the afternoon, we continue to Aveiro, often called the "Venice of Portugal" due to its picturesque canals. You'll have time to admire the elegant "moliceiro" boats and sample the city's traditional sweet, "ovos moles."  Then, drive to Porto and check in to your hotel. 

Overnight in Porto.

After breakfast at the hotel, we set out to explore Porto, Portugal's second-largest city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This vibrant city, with its riverside charm, historic buildings, palaces, and churches, offers a glimpse into the past. Porto is also famed worldwide for its Port wine. Next, we journey to the Minho region in the northwest, known for its lush green landscapes and refreshing "green wine." Our first stop is Guimaraes, the birthplace of Portugal and home to its first king. As we stroll through the medieval streets of the historic center, we’ll visit the Sacred Hill, where the ancient Castle and the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança stand, dating back to the 15th century. We continue to Braga, often referred to as the "Portuguese Rome" due to its rich religious heritage. Here, we’ll visit the country’s oldest Cathedral and the famous "Bom Jesus do Monte" Sanctuary, known for its Baroque stairway and beautiful gardens. We then return to Porto.

Overnight in Porto.

After breakfast at the hotel, the day is yours to explore this captivating city at your own pace. You can wander through the charming historic streets, visit remarkable landmarks, and indulge in the local cuisine.

Overnight in Porto. 

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Amarante, a charming town famed for Sao Goncalo, the patron of love and marriage. Here, we’ll visit the monastery by the river, where his tomb is located, and explore the bustling local market offering a variety of goods from fruits and vegetables to clothes and more. Next, we drive to Vila Real to visit the gardens of the Mateus Manor, whose iconic facade appears on the bottles of the famous Portuguese Rose wine. From there, we enter the Port wine region, travelling through the vineyards and the stunning scenery of the Douro Valley. We’ll stop in Lamego, home to the magnificent Baroque staircase of the “N. S. Remedios” sanctuary. You might also sample local treats such as the regional ham or the famous "Bola de Lamego" (a savory bread with smoked ham). Our journey continues to the mountainous region of Viseu, the heart of the Dao vineyards and linked to the legendary Lusitanian leader, Viriato. In Viseu’s historic center, narrow streets and stone-carved coats of arms highlight the town’s ancient past, while the bustling commercial district adds modern vibrancy. We finish the day with our arrival in Tabua.

 Overnight in Tabua.

After breakfast at the hotel, we head into the heart of Portugal, arriving in Bussaco, a place renowned for its lush forest filled with rare and exotic trees and plants. Here stands a charming and romantic hotel, originally built as a royal hunting lodge. Our journey continues to Tomar, a city deeply connected to the Order of the Templars. These lands were granted to the Templars in 1159 as a reward for their support in King Afonso Henriques' reconquest efforts. It was Dom Gualdim Pais, the first Grand Master of the Order in Portugal, who founded the castle and the extraordinary Convent of Christ. This monument, expanded and modified over the centuries, reflects a blend of architectural styles and is the city's centerpiece, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. We then continue our journey to Lisbon, where our services will conclude.