Day 1: Lisbon

On arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to either relax or begin exploring Lisbon!

Day 2: Lisbon

After breakfast, you’ll meet your guide for a tour briefing before enjoying a day tour, of Lisbon’s most characteristic monuments. During the tour you’ll see the Belem Tower and the Monastery of the Jeronimos, before heading out of the main city where the tour will also pass along the coastline with a panoramic view of the beautiful towns of Estoril and Cascais. You’ll move on to visit Sintra’s Town Palace and the most westerly point of Europe, Cabo da Roca.

Day 3: Lisbon to Porto

This morning, you’ll continue on to Coimbra, a former capital which is home to the University of Coimbra. This is not only the oldest academic institution in the Portuguese speaking world but also one of the oldest in Europe. From here your journey continues to Porto which is the second largest city in Portugal. Overlooking the Douro, Porto is famed for its port wine as well as its city centre, which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the rest of your evening at leisure.

Day 4: Porto

Today you will meet your local guide who will take you on a tour of Porto. Enjoy walking through the streets and visiting sites such as the Clerigos Tower, Palacio da Bolsa and the Lello bookstore. You’ll also visit a wine cellar where you’ll enjoy a tasting of the world famous Oporto wine, for which the area is famed. You are free to find your own spot for lunch and Porto has plenty of places on offer. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax and unwind or explore the city further.

Day 5: Porto

A fairly early start awaits this morning as you head out for either an early morning walk, or taxi down to the local marina where you will join a local boat tour for a cruise up the Douro River, to Régua. Boarding commences at around 9am and a light breakfast and lunch is served on board with staff on hand to answer any questions. As you cruise along the river you’ll be wowed by the entrancing scenery as you pass by rolling vineyards, valleys and undulating hills. Disembark in Régua where you will board a train or, if for any reason one is not available, a coach back to Porto where you will have the rest of the evening at leisure.

Day 6: Porto to Fatima

After breakfast, you’ll leave Porto for Batalha where you’ll enjoy a tour of the Batalha’s Monastery, a wonderful and original example of late Gothic architecture. It took almost two centuries to build and is one of the best examples in Portugal. You’ll then stop at Nazaré where you will enjoy free time for lunch, great for those wanting to see what little eateries they can find. Nazaré is a picturesque seaside village and home to some lovely long sandy beaches, though it is best known for its traditional costumes, which are worn by the fishermen and their wives. Though not a common sight nowadays, keep an eye out for someone in a traditional headscarf and embroidered apron over seven flannel skirts in different colours. After lunch you’ll continue towards Alcobaça which rose in stature when the first king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, built a church there to celebrate the conquest of Santarém to the Moors in 1147. Since then, the church has evolved into the Monastery of Alcobaça which is one of the most magnificent gothic monuments in the country. Here you’ll find the tombs of King Peter I and his murdered mistress Inês de Castro. Your journey continues towards Fatima which is well known throughout Portugal as the site where three peasant children claim to have seen the ‘Virgin of the Rosary’ or ‘Our Lady of Fatima’. In honour, a basilica was built to commemorate the events which you’ll have a chance to see today.

Day 7: Fatima to Alentejo

This morning, you’ll leave Fatima and head south towards the Alentejo region. On arrival at your hotel, you’ll enjoy a light lunch before heading out on a visit to a Herdade do Esporão for a wine tasting, before returning to your hotel where you will enjoy a cooking lesson during which you’ll be taught how to cook a three-course Portuguese dinner. Alternatively, you could enjoy a guided tour around the resort to see some of the oldest Olive trees in Portugal instead. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Day 8: Alentejo to Vilamoura

After breakfast you’ll depart towards the Algarve and the Vilamoura area. Here you have plenty of free time to explore the marina, home not only to a collection of beautiful boats but also shops, bars and restaurants. Dinner is also at your leisure so you can choose your own perfect spot for your final dinner in Portugal.

Day 9: Vilamoura

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward journey.