8 Day Affordable Portugal

Depart for Portugal

Arrive in captivating Lisbon, one of the oldest cities in Europe, and transfer to your hotel. Most flights arrive in the early morning and your room may not be ready for you. In this case, leave your luggage with the concierge and your Tour Manager will provide suggestions for you to begin to explore the city on your own. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 7 PM, followed by dinner. We recommend you select flights that arrive no later than 5 PM Overnight: Lisbon

Begin the tour of Lisbon, with a stop at the top of Edward VII's Park to admire magnificent vistas over the hills of Lisbon and the River Tagus. Next, view the treasured 16th century Belém Tower, a monument to Portugal's Age of Discovery, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterward, visit the ornate Jeronimos Monastery, an impressive symbol of the country's power and wealth and resting place of explorer Vasco da Gama. Afternoon is at leisure or, join the optional tour to quaint Sintra, the "Glorious Eden" of Lord Byron, and ancient summer retreat of the royal court, highlighted by lavish romantic castles and stunning monuments. Visit the Sintra Royal Palace, a 15th century royal residence, containing one of the largest tile collections in Portugal. Then, spend some free time in the Village Historical Center before returning to Lisbon

This morning, head to Evora. Take a guided tour and discover the town's massive walls and Roman Temple, early Gothic cathedral, and Sao Francisco Church that is famous for its Ossuary chapel, whose walls are decorated with thousands of human bones and skulls. Continue to Evora's main square, the Praça do Giraldo, and walk through the cobbled streets of this former royal town. Later, return to Lisbon. Tonight, attend the optional Fado Dinner. Travel to one of Lisbon's oldest districts and join one of the popular performances of local songs, accompanied by a gentle guitar playing Portuguese melodies. Enjoy dinner with wine before a brief drive through the illuminated city

Your day of exploration begins with a drive north through the scenic Portuguese countryside to the medieval town of Obidos, surrounded by ancient walls. Explore the historic center with its cobblestone streets and whitewashed houses. Continue to Fatima one of the most important Catholic shrines in the world, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Its Sanctuary welcomes millions of pilgrims from all over the world. Fatima's fame is due to the Apparitions of Our Lady of the Rosary that appeared to three shepherd children in 1917. Here, visit the great Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary built in neoclassical style, flanked by colonnades linking it with the extensive convent. Continue your journey to Tomar, one of Portugal's historic jewels. Upon arrival, visit the hilltop Convent of Christ, former seat of Knights Templar. Tonight, dinner is at a local restaurant

Depart Tomar this morning and drive north to Coimbra, the third-largest city in Portugal. Visit the University of Coimbra, among the oldest universities in Europe, with more than 700 years of history. Continue your journey to Porto, famous for its world-renowned port wine. Arrive in Porto with free time for lunch on your own. In the afternoon, take a tour of the city with a local guide. Begin with a panoramic drive to the mouth of the Douro River and visit the Church of Sao Francisco and the Stock Exchange, renowned for its exquisite neoclassical façade and ornate gilded Arabian Hall. Spend the balance of the day at leisure

Today is free to explore Porto on your own or participate in the optional Full Day Medieval Portugal tour. Begin with the town of Guimaraes for a walk through the medieval alleys. Then, head inland to the heart of Minho province to the former Roman Bracara Augusta. Here, drive to the top of the 1,300-foot-high hill of Bom Jesus, where you can overlook the city of Braga and admire the famous Holy Way staircase, the most popular place of pilgrimage in the north of Portugal. Have lunch before returning to the hotel in late afternoon. Tonight, at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight