Country Roads of Portugal - Small Group

Country Roads of Portugal - Small Group

82 Views
11 Days From

$4495

Country Roads of Portugal - Small Group

11 Days Starting and ending in Lisbon

Visiting: Lisbon, Lagos, The Algarve, Almancil, Beja, Évora, Monsaraz, Fátima, Tomar, Coimbra, Douro Valley, Guimaraes, Porto, Obidos

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

Tour code:

SE928ZN20

Specialist Group:

Family/Kids

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

12 - 24

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

5-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural

From: $4495

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Tantalize your senses during this 11-day guided tour through Portugal. In Lisbon, a Local Expert will show you the historic downtown and the finest square in the city, Terreiro do Paco. From the hilltop perch of Monsaraz, see across the Spanish plains to Alqueva Lake — and meet a local boat captain, who will regale you with tales of water adventures during a cruise on its calm waters. In Tomar, see the Templar Castle, and explore its awe-inspiring rotunda with a Local Expert. Indulge in a farm-to-table dinner in the Douro Valley that will feature locally sourced ingredients, and taste a port produced onsite. Stroll Portugal’s second city, Porto, a World Heritage town, and relax in your five-star hotel in the city’s picturesque historic district.

Highlights

  • content:

    Choice Highlights

    • Choose between two carefully selected activities
    • Porto: Enjoy a panoramic drive through historic avenues and past exquisite tiled facades.
    • Porto: Visit the São Bento Railway Station and walk on the Dom Luís I Bridge, spanning the Douro River and connecting the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.

  • content:

    Top Rated Highlights

    • Lisbon: Explore with your Local Expert, from the Lower Town, beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paco. Visit the Belém Quarter to see the modern Monument to the Discoveries and the medieval Belém Tower.
    • Lisbon: Visit the cloisters of Jerónimos Monastery with its beautiful Manueline architecture, reflecting Portugal's trade over the centuries and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    • Lagos: Explore this coastal town nestled on Meia Praia, with your Travel Director.
    • Évora: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site guided by your Local Expert and see the famous Roman Temple. While sightseeing, witness the fascinating cathedral and be charmed by its mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
    • Évora: With your Travel Director explore the ancient city of Évora and visit the fascinating Capela dos Ossos, meaning the Chapel of Bones, a chapel decorated with human remains.
    • Monsaraz: Surrounded by cork oaks and vineyards, wander through the castle ruins to admire the incredible view over the Spanish plains that contrast with the blue of one of Europe's largest artificial lakes.
    • Tomar: Dominating the town is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Templar Castle and the Convent of Christ. During your visit with a Local Expert, see the Manueline Window and follow the story of the mysterious Knights Templar.
    • Tomar: Learn about the history of the town through its architectural influences as you take a tour guided by a Local Expert.
    • Tomar: Guided by your Local Expert, visit the Synagogue of Tomar, one of the best preserved medieval synagogues in Portugal.
    • Fátima: Join the faithful at one of the world's holiest sites and pay homage at the Chapel of the Apparitions and see the basilica.
    • Coimbra: Guided by your Local expert, head through Old Town and pass by the Old Cathedral and the Almedina neighborhood.
    • Coimbra: With a Local Expert, visit the University and witness the triumphal arches, painted ceilings, golden flourishes and walls of ancient tomes.
    • Guimaraes: Enjoy views from the Visigothic castle ruins and explore a maze of medieval streets in the Old Quarter.
    • Obidos: Lead by your Travel Director, walk through the picturesque narrow streets up to the main square of this ancient walled town.

  • content:

    Make Travel Matter

    Évora: During a wine tasting session, appreciate the delicate yet complex nuances of Alentejo wine, and learn how the Relvas family has been managing to keep low water consumption, reforestation of indigenous trees, and providing scholarships to children of the village. This experience advances United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and production. With a 30% reduction in water use and innovative water management systems in place, they have been integrating science technology to ensure genuine production processes in all their activities.

  • content:

    Authentic Dining

    Lisbon: Join your Travel Director at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant and the opportunity to mingle with your fellow travelers.

    Monsaraz: Enjoy a memorable Alentejo Highlight Lunch at local restaurant Sem Fim, once an olive mill. Indulge in dish-after-dish of the tastiest tapas in a vibrant setting.

    Pinhao: Enjoy a wonderful Farm-to-Table dinner, freshly prepared from locally sourced ingredients.

    Porto: Shared experiences and memories are often the foundation for special bonds and friendships. Toast your travels with wine and good cheer during your Celebration Dinner at a restaurant in Porto, devoted to the enjoyment of regional cooking.

  • content:

    Insight Choice

    Porto: Enjoy a panoramic drive through historic avenues and past exquisite tiled facades.

    Porto: Visit the São Bento Railway Station and walk on the Dom Luís I Bridge, spanning the Douro River and connecting the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Welcome To Lisbon

Location: Lisbon

Accommodation: Corinthia Hotel, Lisbon., Dom Pedro Lisboa, Lisbon.

Accommodation Name: Corinthia, Lisbon

On arrival at Lisbon International Airport, there are complimentary transfers to your hotel. Settle in and relax before joining your Travel Director for dinner at a local restaurant. Enjoy the opportunity to mingle with your fellow travelers during a pleasant evening of good food and wine.

Day 2: Lisbon And The Age Of The Great Discoveries

Location: Lisbon

Accommodation: Corinthia Hotel, Lisbon., Dom Pedro Lisboa, Lisbon.

Accommodation Name: Corinthia, Lisbon

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your guided sightseeing with a Local Expert takes you along the spacious avenues of the Lower Town and across the tree-shaded squares. Pass beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paço. See the ancient Belém Tower and marvel at the Monument to the Discoveries. Explore more of the Belém Quarter as you enjoy a taste of Pastéis de Belém from the patisserie that has been using the same secret recipe for almost 200 years, and visit the Cloister of Jeronimos Monastery. This evening, gain further insight into Portuguese culture with an Optional Experience dinner.

Day 3: The Algarve

Location: Lisbon, Lagos, The Algarve

Accommodation: Ria Park Hotel & Spa, Algarve., Real Marina Hotel &Spa.

Accommodation Name: Ria Park Hotel & Spa, Algarve

Meals Included: Breakfast

Cross the River Tagus and head for the sun-drenched southern coast to reach Lagos, a fishing port nestled in the bay of Meia Praia. After free time to explore, continue to your resort hotel set within a magnificent 360-acre estate. Simplicity is in the soul of Algarve cuisine, along with seafood so fresh it still tastes of the sea. A short walk away specialized Portuguese seafood restaurants hug the coastline, overlooking the Atlantic.

Day 4: Everlasting Évora Relaxed Start

Location: The Algarve, Almancil, Beja, Évora

Accommodation: M'Ar de Ar Aqueduto, Évora.

Accommodation Name: M'Ar de Ar Aqueduto, Évora

Meals Included: Breakfast

Journey to the medieval walled city of Évora where cathedrals, churches, aqueducts and ancient castle walls all serve to create the feeling that this beautiful city is a living, breathing museum to Portugal's rich past. Join your Local Expert to explore the highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the Roman Temple and visit the Capela dos Ossos, an extraordinary 16th-century chapel comprising the skulls and bones of 5,000 bones. Visit the cathedral with its attractive mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. With the rest of the afternoon at leisure, you may wish to continue to stroll through Évora’s unique historical center, or the serene city park, following the aqueduct inside the city walls.

Day 5: Monsaraz And Évora Relaxed Start

Location: Évora, Monsaraz, Évora

Accommodation: M'Ar de Ar Aqueduto, Évora.

Accommodation Name: M'Ar de Ar Aqueduto, Évora

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel to the striking white village of Monsaraz, situated on an imposing hilltop, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. From the castle ruins, admire the spectacular views across to the dry Spanish plains, contrasting with the blue of one of the largest artificial lakes. Join a local boat captain for a leisurely cruise on the tranquil waters of Lake Alqueva. Relax and enjoy calming waters, picturesque views and tales of river life. Sit down to a delicious lunch at local restaurant Sem Fim, once an olive mill. Enjoy a wide range of tasty tapas dishes showcasing the local cuisine, and soak up the vibrant; cheerful atmosphere. Return to Évora where the evening is at your leisure to explore this beautifully preserved regional capital.

Day 6: On To Fátima And Tomar Relaxed Start

Location: Évora, Fátima, Tomar

Accommodation: Hotel dos Templários, Tomar.

Accommodation Name: Hotel dos Templários, Tomar

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit Casa Relvas for a wine tasting. Despite the dry climate of the Alentejo region, they have been producing exceptional wine using innovative techniques to reduce the use of water. Journey to Fátima, Portugal's most renowned place of pilgrimage. See the basilica or perhaps visit the Chapel of the Apparitions, which commemorates the appearance of the Virgin Mary to three young shepherds in 1917. Continue to Tomar and visit one of Portugal’s historical jewels, the Templar Castle and Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With your Local Expert, explore the octagonal Templars' Rotunda in the cloister and glimpse the day-to-day life of a warrior monk in the domestic areas. Outside on the battlements, the Manueline Window is a national masterpiece. You also visit the Synagogue of Tomar, one of the best preserved medieval synagogues in Portugal, housing a small Jewish museum.

Day 7: Coimbra And The Douro Valley Relaxed Start

Location: Tomar, Coimbra, Douro Valley

Accommodation: Douro Palace Hotel Resort & Spa, Douro Valley.

Accommodation Name: Douro Palace Hotel Resort & Spa, Douro Valley

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

In Coimbra, your Local Expert will show you the highlights of the Old Town, including the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit its impressive baroque university library, one of the finest in the world. Your journey continues past verdant hills and lush vineyards, along the tranquil waters of the Douro River. Enjoy a wonderful Farm-to-Table lunch, freshly prepared from locally sourced ingredients, with a port wine tasting.

Day 8: Guimarães And Porto Relaxed Start

Location: Douro Valley, Guimaraes, Porto

Accommodation: Pousada do Porto Rua Das Flores., NH Collection Porto Batalha.

Accommodation Name: Pousada do Porto Rua Das Flores

Meals Included: Breakfast

Journey to Guimarães to admire the views from the ruined castle and explore the cobbled streets and cozy squares. Next, continue on to Porto, Portugal’s second city, a UNESCO World Heritage town and where Portugal originates. Explore Porto with Insight Choice. Choose to join your Local Expert and visit the São Bento Railway Station, with a walk along the architecturally impressive Dom Luís I Bridge. Alternatively, enjoy a panoramic drive through the city streets led by a Local Expert. In the evening you are at leisure to enjoy your boutique, five-star hotel, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, in the heart of Porto’s historic district. The decor is a mix of classic and contemporary and each room is individually decorated with original artwork. Alternatively, why not join an Optional Experience to see the pastel-painted houses in Porto's Ribeira district before cruising on a traditional Rabelo boat and finishing off the evening with a Portuguese dinner in the comfort of your riverside restaurant?

Day 9: Porto, Grande Dame On The Douro Relaxed Start

Location: Porto

Accommodation: Pousada do Porto Rua Das Flores., NH Collection Porto Batalha.

Accommodation Name: Pousada do Porto Rua Das Flores

Meals Included: Breakfast

With a full day free to enjoy at your own pace, why not take a stroll to admire the multi-colored houses and churches covered in beautiful glazed tiles. Perhaps choose to visit Braga, the capital of baroque. In the evening, enjoy a mouth-watering dinner with wine at an authentic Porto restaurant.

Day 10: Ancient Óbidos And Lisbon Relaxed Start

Location: Porto, Obidos, Lisbon

Accommodation: Dom Pedro Lisboa, Lisbon.

Accommodation Name: Dom Pedro Lisboa, Lisbon

Meals Included: Breakfast

Journey to the fortified town of Óbidos and walk within its walls, exploring the narrow, medieval streets where houses are covered with flowers. Your travels continue to the Portuguese capital, Lisbon.

Day 11: Depart Lisbon

Location: Lisbon

Accommodation Name: on

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to Lisbon International Airport.

What's Included

  • Personal radio headsets

    Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.

  • Hotel and restaurant tips

    Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.

  • Baggage handling

    We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.

  • Insight Flourish

    From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

    Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

  • Transfer services

    If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

What's Not Included

  • Airfare

    International and domestic airfare are not included and must be arranged by travelers.

  • Meals not specified

    Any meals not specifically listed as included in the itinerary are the responsibility of the traveler.

  • Optional excursions

    Optional excursions and activities not listed in the itinerary are available at an additional cost.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included but is highly recommended for all travelers.

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, minibar, and room service are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel comfortably across Portugal with included transfer services ensuring a seamless journey from arrival to departure, complemented by personal radio headsets for guided tours without missing any commentary.

Accommodation

Experience the charm of Portugal with stays in luxurious hotels like the Corinthia Hotel Lisbon, Ria Park Hotel & Spa, and Pousada do Porto Rua Das Flores, offering a blend of classic and contemporary styles.

Dining Summary

  • 3 Dinner with Wine (DW)
  • 10 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Lunch with Wine (LW)
  • 1 Lunch (L)

Additional Included Highlights

  • Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
  • Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
  • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
  • From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
  • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
  • If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Insight Experiences

  • Monsaraz: Join a local boat captain for a tranquil cruise on Lake Alqueva. Relax and enjoy calming waters, picturesque views and tales of river life.

Travel Director

  • "I love taking guests to Monsaraz because It's one of the many villages lost in time. It's not easy for guests to find on their own and they feel like they're visiting a secret paradise."

Well-being

  • Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
  • Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Check out our Q&As

  • What are the main highlights of the Country Roads of Portugal - Small Group tour?

    The main highlights of the tour include dinners with wine, breakfasts, a lunch with wine, choice between two activities, panoramic drive through Porto, visit to São Bento Railway Station and Dom Luis I Bridge, boat cruise on Lake Alqueva, wine tasting in Évora, visit to Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower in Lisbon, exploration of the Algarve, Monsaraz, Tomar, Coimbra, Douro Valley, Guimarães, Porto, Fátima, and Óbidos. Additional features include personal radio headsets, hotel and restaurant tips, baggage handling, complimentary Wi-Fi, and transfer services.

  • What meals are included in the Country Roads of Portugal - Small Group tour?

    The tour includes 10 Breakfasts (B), 4 Dinners with Wine (DW), and 1 Lunch with Wine (LW).

  • Are there any optional excursions available on the Country Roads of Portugal - Small Group tour?

    Yes, optional excursions and activities not listed in the itinerary are available at an additional cost.

  • What is the accommodation like on the Country Roads of Portugal - Small Group tour?

    Accommodations include a variety of hotels such as Corinthia Hotel Lisbon, Ria Park Hotel & Spa in the Algarve, M'Ar de Ar Aqueduto in Évora, Hotel dos Templários in Tomar, Douro Palace Hotel Resort & Spa in Douro Valley, and Pousada do Porto Rua Das Flores in Porto. These hotels range from luxury to boutique, offering a mix of classic and contemporary decor.

  • Is travel insurance included in the Country Roads of Portugal - Small Group tour?

    No, travel insurance is not included but is highly recommended for all travelers.

  • What are the inclusions in the Country Roads of Portugal - Small Group tour?

    Inclusions are personal radio headsets, hotel and restaurant tips, baggage handling, Insight Flourish, complimentary Wi-Fi, and transfer services.

  • What are the exclusions in the Country Roads of Portugal - Small Group tour?

    Exclusions include international and domestic airfare, meals not specified in the itinerary, optional excursions, travel insurance, and personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, minibar, and room service.

  • What is the starting and ending location of the Country Roads of Portugal - Small Group tour?

    The tour starts and ends in Lisbon, Portugal.

  • Are transfers included in the Country Roads of Portugal - Small Group tour?

    Yes, transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

  • What kind of activities are included in the Country Roads of Portugal - Small Group tour?

    Activities include panoramic drives, city tours with Local Experts, a boat cruise on Lake Alqueva, wine tasting in Évora, visits to historical sites like Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, Templar Castle, and the Convent of Christ, as well as exploring various cities and towns across Portugal.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1978.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

Reviews of this operator

Peggy Lindenborn  

Country Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily

02-Nov-2021

Country Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily is a delightful trip and our travel guides and driver, Enzo, Chris and Greg were amazing and made the trip very memorable. We saw so many places and had great experiences along the way! Thanks to them for such a wonderful vacation.!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Best of Spain & Portugal

11-Jan-2023

Great itinerary, good pace, tour director was friendly and very knowledgeable and organised. Bus was very spacious and driver was great. Yes would recommend insight to friends and families

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Jacqueline Thornberry  

Scenic Iceland and the Northern Lights

31-Oct-2021

The number is our group was small which meant we got to know each other. Our tour guide, Laura Spiers, was excellent as was our driver. The food was good, and of course everything we saw in Iceland was beautiful and educational.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Kathryn Ronca  

Enchanting Canyonlands

08-Nov-2021

The trip was fantastic. Everything was well planned and exceeded my expectations. All insight personal were courteous helpful and professional Ann Manual and Kevin were a topnotch team There was attention to every detail and at all times felt safe and always a personal touch to the trip. The motor coach was clean and roomy and there was multiple wipe downs during the day All hotels were top notch and all staff at the hotels and restaurants were helpful and courteous I would recommend this trip as it gave you a fantastic view of the natural wonders of the the West.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Patrick Ong  

Italian Intermezzo

12-Jan-2023

This trip is absolutely amazing! Worth every Penny! Our Tour guide did not Disappoint.

Feefo Trusted Reviews

1 Select your preferred date

Friday - Monday

Apr 18, 2025 - Apr 28, 2025
$5025

Friday - Monday

Jul 18, 2025 - Jul 28, 2025
$5225 $4703

Operator discount: -$523

Friday - Monday

Nov 28, 2025 - Dec 08, 2025
$4750

Friday - Monday

Jan 23, 2026 - Feb 02, 2026
$4495

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Similar Tours