Portugal Panorama

Lisbon boasts a history spanning 3,000 years, and today is a city where historic charm meets modern energy. Founded by the Phoenicians around 1200 BCE, it became a key trading hub due to its strategic location along the Tagus River. Control of the city since then has included the Romans, the Visigoths, and the Moors, who really shaped its architecture and culture, before being reconquered in 1147 by Afonso Henriques, becoming the heart of Portugal’s maritime empire.  

This morning after breakfast you’ll begin your exploration of Portugal’s charismatic capital with a walking tour of the old city.  Wander cobblestoned streets through lively neighbourhoods, sampling local delicacies along the way, and discover some of Lisbon’s best-loved hidden gems.

Following lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll delve into a more contemporary side of the city with ride on, and a guided visit to, the Lisbon Metro. Often described as a subterranean art gallery, the metro system features striking murals and installations by leading Portuguese artists.

We’ll return to the hotel in the mid-afternoon. The rest of the day and evening is yours to relax or continue exploring Lisbon at your own pace.

Overnight: Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel, Lisbon (B,L)

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Lisbon before travelling by commuter train to the elegant, picturesque seaside town of Cascais, just 30 kilometres west of Lisbon on the Estoril Coast. Often referred to as the Portuguese Riviera, this once sleepy fishing village was transformed into a glamorous destination in the late 19th century when King Luís I chose it as his summer retreat, attracting European nobility. Today, Cascais blends historic charm with modern allure – the old town’s cobbled streets are lined with pastel-colored buildings, boutique shops, and seafood restaurants serving fresh catches like grilled sardines. 

After some free time and lunch at leisure here, we’ll depart by private coach for a short scenic drive along the Atlantic coast to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, where rugged cliffs plunge dramatically into the ocean, before continuing on to Praia das Maçãs.  Here we’ll board a charming historical tram that winds its way through the forested hills to the fairytale town of Sintra, the former summer retreat of Portuguese royalty, it is renowned for its romantic 19th-century architecture and UNESCO World Heritage status.

A guided visit introduces Sintra’s atmospheric streets, colourful façades, and layered history, ahead of a more comprehensive visit tomorrow.

In the early evening, we’ll return to Lisbon in time to freshen up before a special dinner accompanied by a soulful Fado performance, Portugal’s iconic musical tradition.

Overnight: Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel, Lisbon (B,D)

This morning after breakfast, we’ll board a train and return to the town of Sintra for an exploration of the palaces and sites that have long enchanted poets, royals and travellers. 

We’ll begin with a visit to the iconic Pena Palace, perched dramatically on a hilltop above the town. Built in the 19th century by King Ferdinand II, this dazzling example of Romanticist architecture blends Neo-Gothic, Moorish and Manueline elements with its vivid colours, fanciful turrets and panoramic terraces. Inspired by Bavarian castles and medieval legend, it became the model for many of Europe’s later eclectic palaces and played a key role in establishing Sintra as a cultural retreat of the elite.

We’ll continue to the Park and Palace of Monserrate, one of the most eclectic estates in Sintra. Built by English nobleman Sir Francis Cook in the 19th century, the palace blends neo-Gothic, Indian, and Moorish influences in a romantic and highly original design. Surrounded by lush gardens featuring rare and exotic plants from around the world, Monserrate represents the height of the Romantic movement’s fascination with nature, travel, and ornamentation. We’ll pause to enjoy lunch together within the park’s peaceful grounds before having time to explore the estate’s lush paths and architectural flourishes.

After lunch, those who wish may opt to visit the National Palace of Sintra, a former royal residence distinguished by its twin conical chimneys and impressive azulejo tilework. Once favoured by Portuguese monarchs from the 15th to the 19th centuries, the palace offers a more classical counterpart to the theatricality of Pena and Monserrate. We shall have our private coach acting as a shuttle bus to make sure you can easily get there.

You’re free to return to Lisbon by train, either with the group or at your own leisure. 

Your evening is free to explore the culinary delights on offer outside (or inside) the hotel.

Overnight: Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel, Lisbon (B,L)

After breakfast and check-out, we’ll transfer to the railway station, leaving our luggage on the coach to be transported separately, and board a morning train through the Alentejo countryside to the UNESCO-listed town of Évora.

Upon arrival at the station, we’ll be met by our private coach which will take us on to the nearby village of Arraiolos, famed for its centuries-old tradition of hand-embroidered woollen carpets. We’ll visit a local atelier to learn more about this enduring craft before enjoying a light lunch of regional specialities. After lunch, we’ll stop at a cork factory to discover the importance of cork to the region’s economy and culture, and understand how the increased popularity outside Portugal of screw tops on wine bottles has impacted this country. 

It’s then back to Evora to check in to your hotel, with some time to freshen up before dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.

Overnight: Evora Hotel, Evora (B,L,D)

This morning after breakfast, we’ll travel to the fortified hilltop village of Monsaraz, which has a history stretching back to prehistoric times. Known as the “Eagle’s Nest” for its commanding views, this well-preserved “museum village” is enveloped by ancient walls and a 13th-century castle. Occupied by Romans, Visigoths, Moors, and later reconquered by Christians in 1232 with the Knights Templar’s aid, Monsaraz’s whitewashed houses, schist-paved streets, and landmarks create a timeless atmosphere.  You’ll have a chance to wander its narrow cobbled lanes, visit the medieval castle with sweeping views over the Alqueva Lake, and enjoy contemporary art installations set against this ancient backdrop.

Continue to the small lakeside village of Amieira for a relaxed lunch by the water, before journeying on to Aljustrel, a town shaped by its mining heritage, and one not usually on the ‘tourist map’.  The town’s significance stems from its mining heritage, dating back to Roman times, with evidence of activity from the Bronze Age.  You’ll explore the local mining park and its incredibly interesting museum to learn about the lives of those who worked in the now-silent shafts and tunnels.

We’ll return to Évora in the late afternoon for an evening at leisure and a chance to explore this fascinating town at your own pace. 

Overnight: Evora Hotel, Evora (B,L)

After breakfast and check-out, we’ll board our private coach and travel east to Elvas, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed town near the Spanish border. Dating back to pre-Roman times, it was a key defensive stronghold through the Middle Ages, notably during the Portuguese Restoration War (1640–1668), with its 17th-century walls, bastions, and forts like Forte de Santa Luzia standing as testaments to its strategic importance. The city’s historic centre features charming cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and landmarks such as the Gothic-style Elvas Cathedral (Sé de Elvas) and the striking Amoreira Aqueduct, a 16th-century engineering marvel stretching over 8 kilometers with 843 arches. You’ll get to enjoy a short walk through the charming old city and pause for a coffee in one of its lively squares and explore the impressive system of Vauban-style fortifications, including the massive Amoreira Aqueduct and the star-shaped forts of Santa Luzia and Graça, built to defend this key frontier town.

We’ll then continue on to a local wine estate in the Alentejo countryside for a leisurely lunch and wine tasting, before journeying north through rural Portugal to the historic town of Tomar, once the stronghold of the Knights Templar. 

Check in to your hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy some time to freshen up before regrouping for dinner.  

Overnight: Hotel Dos Templairos, Tomar (or Similar) (B,L,D) 

This morning after breakfast, we’ll head out for a full day of exploring Portugal’s Christian history, visiting the trio of central Portugal’s UNESCO sites, starting with a walking visit to the Convent of Christ in Tomar – originally a 12th-century Templar stronghold that evolved into a Manueline masterpiece, showcasing intricate stonework like the iconic Chapter House window. 

We’ll then board our private coach and travel to Fátima, one of the world’s most important Catholic pilgrimage sites, famous for the 1917 apparitions of the Virgin Mary to three young shepherds – Lúcia dos Santos and her cousins Jacinta and Francisco Marto. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, the heart of Fátima, includes the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary which houses the tombs of the three visionaries. The open plaza here is twice the size of St. Peter’s Square. We’ll pause here for some lunch at leisure in the vibrant streets surrounding the spiritual zone. 

After lunch, we’ll continue on to Batalha, the third stop in the ‘trio’, renowned for its historical significance and architectural splendor, centred around the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Batalha Monastery (Mosteiro da Batalha). Commissioned by King João I as a thanks-giving to the Virgin Mary, the monastery is a masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline architecture, featuring intricate stonework, soaring cloisters, and the unfinished Capelas Imperfeitas. 

We’ll return to Tomar in the late afternoon for an evening at leisure. 

Overnight: Hotel Dos Templairos, Tomar (or Similar) (B) 

This morning after breakfast and check-out, we’ll transfer to Tomar station, leave your luggage on board for separate transfer to Covilhã, and board a regional train to Entroncamento, an important junction in Portugal’s rail network, and home to the renowned National Railway Museum, considered to be one of Europe’s finest railway heritage collections.  

Upon arrival, we’ll go straight to the Museum to explore over 160 years of Portuguese railway history. Spanning 4.5 hectares with 19 railway lines and historic buildings, including a locomotive roundhouse and steam workshop, the collection includes approximately 36,000 objects, from steam, diesel, and electric locomotives to carriages, tools, and memorabilia like telegraphs and ticketing artifacts. Highlights include the opulent Royal Train, used by the Portuguese monarchy until 1910, and the Presidential Train, used by heads of state until 1970.

We’ll enjoy a light lunch together at a nearby restaurant before continuing our journey by train into the mountainous Beira Interior region, and the town of Covilhã, set against the dramatic slopes of the Serra da Estrela and our home for the night.

There’ll be time to freshen up after checking in, before having dinner together.

Overnight: PuraLã – Wool Valley Hotel & SPA, Covilhã (B, L, D)

This morning after breakfast and check-out, we’ll take a short drive by private coach to Belmonte, a historic village perched on a granite hill at the foot of the Serra da Estrela, with cobblestone streets and stone houses creating a medieval ambiance.  

Best known as the birthplace of Pedro Álvares Cabral, the navigator who discovered Brazil in 1500, Belmonte is particularly renowned for Belmonte Castle, a granite fortress built in the 13th century as a defensive stronghold, and its enduring Jewish community, one of Portugal’s largest, and dating to at least the 13th century, surviving centuries of persecution. Here, you’ll visit Belmonte Castle and explore the old town, including its well-preserved Jewish quarter, with a coffee stop of course!  

We’ll continue on to the charming city of Viseu, nestled in a fertile valley surrounded by the Caramulo and Estrela mountains, pine forests and vineyards, for lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, we’ll journey into the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Douro Valley, one of Europe’s most spectacular wine regions, where terraced vineyards descend steeply to the riverbanks. 

Upon arrival, we’ll go directly to our riverside hotel to check in. After some time to freshen up, we’ll gather for dinner together. 

Overnight: The Vintage House Hotel Douro, Pinhão (B, L, D) 

This morning after breakfast, we’ll transfer by coach to Pocinho to board the MiraDouro train back to Pinhão for one of Portugal’s most scenic rail journeys. Travelling in classic carriages with panoramic windows, the train hugs the curves of the Douro River, offering uninterrupted views of vine-covered slopes, stone terraces, and villages seemingly untouched by time. After disembarking at Pinhão station, where azulejo tile panels tell the story of the region’s winemaking heritage, you’ll have time to explore this riverside village before heading to a local quinta – a traditional wine estate – for lunch and a tasting of the Douro’s celebrated wines. 

After lunch, we’ll take to the water for a leisurely cruise along the river toward Foz, soaking up the tranquillity and grandeur of the valley from a new perspective before returning to our hotel. 

Dinner tonight is at leisure.

Overnight: The Vintage House Hotel Douro, Pinhão (B,L) 

After breakfast and check-out, we’ll leave our luggage on the coach for private transport and travel by train along the Douro River to Porto, on what is considered one of the most beautiful rail routes in Europe. This scenic journey is one of the highlights of the tour, following the river’s path through a landscape of steep vineyards, quiet villages, and rocky cliffs. As you approach the city, catch glimpses of Porto’s famous bridges, including the Maria Pia Bridge, designed by Gustave Eiffel, and the striking Dom Luís I Bridge.

Porto’s history spans over 2,000 years, from Celtic and Roman origins (as Portus Cale, giving Portugal its name) to its prominence as a medieval trading port. It played a key role in the Age of Discoveries and the port wine trade, which began in the 17th century. Today, Porto thrives as a cosmopolitan city with a youthful energy, thanks to its universities and booming tourism.

On arrival, we’ll take a guided walking tour of Porto’s historic centre, including a visit to the ornate Stock Exchange Palace (Palácio da Bolsa), famed for its gilded Arabian Hall, and the colourful Ribeira district – the heart of old Porto, with colorful, narrow streets lined with cafés, bars, and restaurants – a great spot to have some lunch at leisure.

We’ll check into our hotel in the mid-afternoon. This evening we’ll regroup for dinner at a local restaurant to experience Porto’s vibrant culinary scene.

Overnight: NH Collection Porto Batalha, Porto (B,D)

After breakfast we’ll take a morning train to Guimarães, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, often called the ‘birthplace’ of Portugal. It was here that Afonso Henriques, who would become the first King of Portugal, declared independence from the Kingdom of León in the 12th century. 

We’ll explore the remarkably preserved medieval centre, where stone laneways lead to the imposing Guimarães Castle and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza. Built in the 15th century by Afonso, first Duke of Braganza, the palace reflects the transition from medieval stronghold to noble residence and later became the seat of Portugal’s most enduring royal house.

We’ll enjoy lunch nearby before continuing by coach to Braga, one of Portugal’s oldest cities, and often dubbed the “Rome of Portugal” for its religious heritage. Here, you’ll visit the sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, a renowned pilgrimage site and one of the country’s most iconic monuments, perched on a hilltop. This Baroque sanctuary, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, is famous for its dramatic 577-step granite staircase that symbolically ascends from earth to heaven, and its stunning views over Braga and the surrounding Minho countryside. For those wanting a gentler ascent, take the historic 19th-century water-powered funicular – the oldest of its kind still in operation. 

We’ll return to Porto in the late afternoon for an evening at leisure. 

Overnight: NH Collection Porto Batalha, Porto (B,L)

After breakfast this morning we’ll delve into Porto’s transport heritage with a visit to the Museu do Carro Eléctrico, set within a former thermoelectric power station on the banks of the Douro. This unique museum houses a beautifully preserved collection of historic trams, including an elegant 19th-century horse-drawn carriage and one of the city’s earliest electric trams—originally mule-drawn and later converted during Porto’s move to electrification in the 1890s. With their polished wood interiors and brass fittings, the lovingly restored fleet offers a fascinating glimpse into the golden age of urban travel.

Following the museum visit, we’ll board a private heritage tram for a scenic ride along the Douro River, retracing the routes once taken by locals in an era before modern transit. The rest of the day is yours to relax, shop, or explore more of the city at your own pace.

Tonight  we’ll gather for a special farewell dinner in an historic Port wine cellar—a truly atmospheric setting to toast the journey and savour one final taste of Portugal.

Overnight: NH Collection Porto Batalha, Porto (B,D)

Our tour ends after breakfast this morning.  

We can assist with arrangements for you to extend your stay in Porto or elsewhere in Portugal. Call us to discuss the many options.

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