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Best of Portugal

Operated by: Trafalgar

11 Days from $2,588 per person
APR - OCT 2023
Portugal Lisbon Sunset

Countries Visited

Portugal ...more Portugal

Locations Visited

Lisbon, Panoias-Ourique, Algarve, Cape St. Vincent, Lagos, Évora, Castelo de Vide, Viseu, Guimaraes, Porto, Coimbra, Tomar, Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré, Obidos ...more Lisbon, Panoias-Ourique, Algarve, Cape St. Vincent, Lagos, Évora, Castelo de Vide, Viseu, Guimaraes, Porto, Coimbra, Tomar, Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré, Obidos
  1. Day 1 Welcome to Lisbon

    A sea of pastel pinks, yellows and blues dot the seven hills of the romantic Portuguese capital, which you will have an opportunity to explore today before meeting your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and orientation drive past some of the city's most iconic sights.

    meals Welcome Reception
    hotel Turim Av Liberdade
  2. Day 2 Discover Colourful Lisbon Dive Into Culture

    Delve into Lisbon's centuries-old seafaring heritage today, paying tribute to the brave men who set off from these shores to discover the ‘New World’. With our Local Specialist, see the shimmering white Monument to the Discoveries, the iconic suspension bridge spanning the Tagus, and Belém Tower, built as a fortress protecting the city of Lisbon. Dive Into Culture on a sightseeing tour of the UNESCO-listed Hieronymite Monastery, an exquisite testament to 16th-century Manueline architecture and art. There’s time to join an Optional Experience to the historic towns of Cascais and Sintra. In the evening, perhaps enjoy a traditional Portuguese dinner amidst the heart-wrenching, haunting sounds of the fado.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Turim Av Liberdade
  3. Day 3 Journey to the Algarve Region Connect with Locals

    We journey across the Tagus this morning and drive south towards the Serra da Arrábida Mountains and to the golden pastures of the Alentejo. The hearty aroma of Portuguese chicken fills the air at our Be My Guest experience as we Connect With Locals over a traditional lunch at a stud ranch, where Lusitano horses were once reared at the pleasure of King João VI in the 18th century. Our journey continues further south, bound for the sun-kissed shores of the Algarve �� our home for the next two nights.

    meals Breakfast, Lunch
    hotel Real Bellavista
  4. Day 4 Cliffs, Beaches and More in the Algarve

    The dramatic cliffs and beautiful beaches of the Sagres Peninsula provide a stunning backdrop for our morning coastal drive. Admire spectacular views across Baleeira Beach, before continuing along the coast to Cape St. Vincent, the site of many sea battles centuries ago. We end our excursion with a visit to the resort town of Lagos – once the home of Henry the Navigator.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Real Bellavista
  5. Day 5 Onwards to Elegant Évora

    Journeying north, we travel to the ancient Alentejo city of Évora. Join your Local Specialist for a visit to the elaborate cathedral, Roman temple and the Chapel of Bones. Then, spend the rest of your day delving into the medieval history of this enchanting city. Trace centuries of history along its city walls, kick back with a bica and bolo in Praça do Giraldo or perhaps join an Optional Experience to the medieval village of Monsaraz. This evening we dine at our hotel in Évora.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel M'ar de Ar Muralhas
  6. Day 6 Venture Past Mountains to Viseu

    Our first stop today is in the quaint hilltop town of Castelo de Vide with its charming white façades, narrow alleys and fascinating Jewish Quarter. Travel north towards the Serra de Estrela mountains and arrive later in Viseu, set high on a plateau near the famous Dão vineyards. Explore the city's rich art and architectural history, and see the 12th-century Sé, standing imposingly on a hill overlooking much of the city.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Grão Vasco
  7. Day 7 Through the Douro Valley to Porto

    Vineyard-clad hills provide an enchanting backdrop for our journey today through the Douro Valley, where Port wine is produced. We explore the magnificent gardens at the Baroque-style Palácio de Mateus, depicted on the label of the distinctive Mateus Rosé wine bottles. We continue via Guimarães for views of its impressive 10th-century castle, before arriving in the riverside town of Porto where we will spend the next two nights.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Neya
  8. Day 8 Explore Vibrant Porto Dive Into Culture

    Join a Local Specialist today for a sightseeing tour in Porto, which takes you past baroque churches and along the winding cobblestone lanes that tumble down towards the Douro River. See the remarkable bridges that span the river and the Gothic Church of St. Francis. Visit the Stock Exchange Palace with its splendid Arabian Hall inspired by Granada's Alhambra, then Dive Into Culture and into the centuries-old tradition of local port production at a tasting in a port cellar. Spend the rest of the afternoon strolling through the historic centre of Porto and admiring the azulejo-clad façades, or visit Livraria Lello, the city's oldest bookstore.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Neya
  9. Day 9 On to Coimbra and Pilgrimage to Fátima

    Soak up the grand atmosphere of one of Europe's greatest and oldest universities with a Local Specialist, then stroll through the ancient streets and squares of Coimbra, before journeying to the Templar city of Tomar. We join a Local Specialist to visit the Convent of Christ, originally built as a Templar stronghold in the 12th century. We arrive in the pilgrimage centre of Fátima, visited by millions of Catholic pilgrims, where three young shepherds famously saw apparitions of the Virgin Mary.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Fátima
  10. Day 10 Experience Village Life Returning to Lisbon

    En route to Lisbon, we stop at the imposing monastery of Batalha – a UNESCO World Heritage site and the best example of late Gothic architecture in Portugal. Our next stop is the fishing village of Nazaré, before we visit the medieval walled city of Óbidos with its whitewashed houses and cobblestone streets. Celebrate our last evening in Portugal together at a Farewell Dinner in an family ran vineyard, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Toast to an incredible journey over organic wine and locally sourced flavours.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Neya Lisboa
  11. Day 11 Farewell Lisbon

    Say a fond adeus to your fellow travellers at the end of an unforgettable Portuguese holiday. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.

    meals Breakfast
Best Portugal Guided Tour Map
Price Includes

Whats Included

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Optional Experiences and free time

Dining Summary

  • 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
  • 10 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Lunch (L)
  • 3 Dinner (D)

Be My Guest

  • Panoias-Ourique: Saddle up for a superb stud farm visit, the tragic story of unrequited love and a traditional home-cooked Be My Guest lunch with Tiago and Vera in Portugal's beautiful Alentejo.

Dive Into Culture

  • Lisbon: Visit the Hieronymite Monastery, a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome and exquisite example of Manueline architecture.
  • Porto: Savour the flavours of Portugal's centuries-old Port heritage and gain insights into its local production at a tasting in a Port cellar.

Iconic Experience

  • Lisbon: Explore with your Local Specialist, 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.
  • Algarve: Explore the history of the Algarve in depth.
  • Évora: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site with your Local Specialist and see the famous Roman Temple. Witness the fascinating cathedral and its mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
  • Castelo de Vide: See the traditional cobblestone streets and whitewashed homes of Castelo de Vide.
  • Casa de Mateus: Admire the Baroque architecture of Mateus Palace and its gardens.
  • Douro Valley: Marvel at the extensive terraced vineyards as you travel through the Douro Valley.
  • Guimaraes: See Guimarães Castle and the Palace of Dukes before walking through the medieval squares of central Guimarães.
  • Porto: See the Clérigos Tower, Avenida dos Aliados and the Palácio da Bolsa former stock exchange.
  • Coimbra: With a Local Specialist, visit the University and witness the triumphal arches, painted ceilings, and walls of ancient tomes in the Joanina Library.
  • Tomar: Dominating the town is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Templar Castle and the Convent of Christ. During your visit with a Local Specialist, see the Manueline Window and follow the story of the mysterious Knights Templar.
  • Fátima: Join the faithful at one of the world's holiest sites and pay homage at the Chapel of the Apparitions or see the basilica.
  • Batalha: See the Monastery of Batalha, with included entry to the cloisters and chapels.
  • Nazaré: Enjoy time at leisure on Portugal's Costa de Prata.
  • Obidos: Stroll along the cobblestone streets and view the traditional azulejos of medieval Óbidos, perhaps stopping in a local shop to try the regional cherry liqueur, Ginja.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

  • : Bid farewell to your Portuguese adventures at the award-winning organic vineyard Vale da Capucha. This family-ran farmhouse prides itself in producing organic and biodynamic wines as well as maintaining a biological vegetable garden, which produce we dine on this evening. contributing to the environmental sustainability of the agricultural space. This experience advances United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption. Their focus on preserving environmental and soil sustainability, short circuit menus and biodynamic farming all contribute to preserving the environmental sustainability of the estate, all while providing employment opportunities in the village. As part of their community involvement, they also support institutions for the protection of the elderly.

Must-see Highlights

  • : Explore Lisbon, Coimbra, Tomar, Évora and Porto with a Local Specialist
  • : Discover the Algarve, Lagos, Castelo de Vide, Viseu, Nazaré and Óbidos
  • : Visit the Hieronymite Monastery in Lisbon, the cathedral in Évora, the Palace Gardens at Palacio de Mateus, the Stock Exchange Palace, Arabian Hall and a local port wine cellar in Porto, the University Library of Coimbra, the Convent of Christ in Tomar, the Shrine at Fátima and the Gothic Monastery at Batalha
  • : View the Castle of Guimarães

Whats Included

  • : An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • : Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • : All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • : All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • : Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • : Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • : Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • : Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • : Optional Experiences and free time

Dates & Prices

Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. To request a personalized travel quote, click "Request Quote" and a Travel Specialist will send your custom quote including airfare if requested.

Online Booking Process

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June 2023
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Jun 23 Fri
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$2,795
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$2,850
July 2023
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October 2023
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Oct 27 Fri
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DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$2,650
Optional Add-Ons

Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.

Lisbon

Available on Day 2

Portuguese Fado Evening Of Music & Song With Dinner

Fado is the expressive national song of Portugal, often called the soul of their identity. Tonight, we'll visit one of the famed local fado houses for an unforgettable performance and savour a typical Portuguese meal, with drinks included.
Adult Price: € 67
Note: Cancellation within 24 hours will incur a 50% cancellation fee.

Available on Day 2

The Golden Triangle: Sintra, Cascais & The Estoril Coast

We'll venture outside Lisbon with our Local Specialist today. After passing through the fashionable resort of Estoril, we'll explore the picturesque fishing village of Cascais, with its beautiful array of mansions and exclusive residences. To complete the Golden Triangle, we'll visit one of the impressive Royal Palaces of Portugal.
Adult Price: € 46

Algarve

Available on Day 3

Algarve Dinner

Join us tonight for an authentic local dinner, where we’ll taste delicious dishes cooked in a traditional ‘Cataplana’, accompanied by other specialities and delicious Portuguese wines.
Adult Price: € 55

Lagos

Available on Day 4

Lagos Walking Tour with Liquor and Jam Tasting

This afternoon we'll discover historic 'Lagos' from the time of the Portuguese sea adventures. In the streets of this fascinating town, we'll follow the history of the people until the present time, including the liquors typical from the convents in the region.
Adult Price: € 35

Available on Day 4

Faro and Almancil Excursion

With your Local Specialist you’ll head to Faro, the historical capital of the Algarve, to visit the old walled town and to have some time for souvenir shopping. After having seen the marshes of Ria Formosa, we'll head to Almancil to visit one of the most impressive hidden gems of the Algarve: The Church of Saint Lawrence and its unique painted tiles.
Adult Price: € 38

Évora

Available on Day 5

Monsaraz And The Deep Alentejo Drive

Follow your Local Specialist through the vineyards and groves of cork oaks to charming Monsaraz, one of the most famous and beautiful villages of the Alentejo. Inhabited since prehistory, Monsaraz has beautiful white-washed houses and a 14th century Castle, which overlooks Spain. We'll also see the largest artificial lake in Europe before tasting typical local refreshments.
Adult Price: € 36

Viseu

Available on Day 6

Beira Dinner in a Dão Wine Cellar

Today we drive into the heart of the well-known region of Dão Wine, to find out how the wines are produced and enjoy our Beira Dinner in a Wine Cellar producing some of the best wines of this region.
Adult Price: € 51

Available on Day 6

Ínsua Manor - Food And Wine Pairing Experience

Situated in the heart of the famous wine region, join us on a short drive to the spectacular Ínsua Manor, an 18th century manor house and estate, where you'll enjoy a gourmet experience matching local food with different local wines.
Adult Price: € 54

Porto

Available on Day 7

Douro Cruise and Dinner

Enjoy a glass of port and a relaxing and leisurely cruise along the Douro River. You'll have a chance to see two medieval "world heritage" cities plus six impressive bridges, one of them the famous UNESCO-listed Eiffel bridge. Afterwards, savour a typical meal next to the river in the Medieval Ribeira Quarter.
Adult Price: € 60

Available on Day 8

Old Town Braga and Bom Jesus Sanctuary

Spend the afternoon with our Local Specialist travelling through the lush green Minho, Portugal's most northerly province, stopping at its capital, Braga. See Europe's largest and most magnificent sculpted Baroque staircase which ascends the forested hillside to the 'Bom Jesus' sanctuary, a UNESCO heritage site. We'll arrive using a unique 19th-Century water-powered funicular. Finally, a walk through Braga's historic centre brings to life this ancient and innovative city.
Adult Price: € 36

Available on Day 8

Seafood Dinner by the Atlantic Ocean

Join us for an outstanding dinner next to the beaches of the northwestern Portuguese Atlantic coast. Taste the local seafood and other delicacies with fantastic Portuguese wines while the ocean waves crush against the shore.
Adult Price: € 61

Reviews
Service
Vacation
Independent Reviews
Kathleen Mitchell
Review date: Monday, May 29, 2023
Service
Great experience Nuno is the Best travel Specialist, knowledgeable, fun, helpful to each person, best tour ever. Over all was well planned trip, fun group to travel with
Response from Grand European Travel:
It sounds like an amazing trip. Thank you for sharing your comments and for booking with us.
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Vacation
Very beautiful and interesting trip, well planned itinerary
John Hammel
Review date: Saturday, May 27, 2023
Service
It was a great experience from A to Z. Great service, expertise and professionalism.
Vacation
Simply Great, Great, Great. Tour guides, drivers et al was top notch.
Trusted Customer
Review date: Saturday, May 20, 2023
Service
Very helpful Agent. Answered questions and made changes as indicated. Responsive.
Vacation
Seamless tour with all the highlights. Excellent tour guide who went above and beyond. Would travel again!
Edwin Harris
Review date: Thursday, January 19, 2023
Service
I would recommend them and travel with them again.
Response from Grand European Travel:
Thank you so much for booking with us and we are so please that you enjoyed the Best of Portugal!
Thursday, January 19, 2023
Vacation
The accommodations were very nice and the travel guide was excellent.
Trusted Customer
Review date: Tuesday, December 13, 2022
Service
This trip was an excellent value. The specialists at Grand European Travel (Lisa and Randy) were super helpful and very responsive. Everything was organized seamlessly with Trafalgar, the tour operators.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We are so happy to hear that everything went well from start to finish! Thank you for letting be a part of your vacation.
Wednesday, December 14, 2022
Vacation
We had an excellent Travel Director (Catarina) that made the trip memorable. The itinerary was full of well-thought-out “experiences”/excursions. Highly recommend!
Trusted Customer
Review date: Monday, December 12, 2022
Service
Great value for price of tour. Well organized, great tour director. Wonderful sample of touring the whole country of Portugal.
Vacation
As previously noted above
Trusted Customer
Review date: Friday, December 2, 2022
Service
The travel specialists with whom I spoke were efficient and knowledgeable. They answered any questions I had and handled my flight details rapidly. Our Travel Director, Jorge Coelho, was excellent. His sense of humor, his vast store of historical facts, and his ability to manage any situation were all wonderful.
Vacation
The trip my daughter and I took to Portugal was great. We were given excellent expert guides , who exhibited a a great fondness for their native country, as well as a vast knowledge of the history of Portugal. Our travel director, Jorge Coelho, was excellent. His sense of humor, his vast knowledge of history, and his ability to manage any situation were admirable.
Kris Perry
Review date: Tuesday, November 1, 2022
Service
They didn't give us enough details about the tour. We booked a small group tour and paid extra for it. Twenty nine is not a small group. We were not told about optional excursions that added to the cost of the tour. This was advertised as a "Best of Portugal" tour. It did not meet our expectations.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We are sorry to hear about your disappointment. A regular group size is 45-50 guests so 29 would be considered a small group. We do try to be clear in our trip descriptions of what is included. Our apologies if it was not discussed with you in more detail at the time of booking.
Tuesday, November 1, 2022
Vacation
Too many monasteries and convents and city walls. Meals were just OK, not exceptional. Red wines served at meals were very young, no character and very cheap. The large coach was unable to get close to several of the hotels, necessitating long walks with our carry-ons. We weren't warned about how uneven the sidewalks are. Difficult to walk on. We booked an extra night at the tour's last hotel and then they changed hotels.
Trusted Customer
Review date: Saturday, October 1, 2022
Service
Was unhappy with GET. Their agents seemed to only care til they got your money, then they acted like you were bothering them by calling, or they didn’t return your calls.
Vacation
Trafalger runs a first class tour. Several hotels not quite up to my standards….had ants in one room, mold on ceiling on another. Tour director made the trip. His knowledge and personality was super. Learned so much and enjoyed the trip the entire time.
Trusted Customer
Review date: Monday, May 2, 2022
Service
Excellent and easy . Yes the agent responded promptly and was well informed
Vacation
The tour was awesome but... it was a bit hectic the times in which we stayed at a hotel only one night instead of two. A bit of an effort for me. Not too relaxing.
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