Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

There simply is no way to tour Europe & not be awestruck by its natural beauty, epic history, dazzling artistic & culinary diversity. From soaring mountains to golden sands, Europee reveals a tapestry of quaint & contemporary cultures – always with enough rough edges to keep you intrigued

Welcome to   mesmerizing Portugal – with its medieval castles, cobblestone villages, captivating cities & golden beaches. The Portugal experience can be many things.

Arrive in the city of Lisbon - Portugal’s hilly capital, a coastal city known for its cafe culture & soulful Fado music.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Lisbon Humberto Delgado Portela Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in & provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next day.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel unless advised.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Monumental History| Artistic Treasures| Scenic Views | Living Life

Seven cinematic hillsides overlooking the Rio Tejo cradle Lisbon's postcard-perfect panorama of cobbled alleyways, ancient ruins & white-domed cathedrals - a captivating scene crafted over centuries.

Capped by a collection of terraces known as miradouros (viewpoints), a must-see web of no-filter-necessary views over Lisbon with its trademark hills spread across the cityscape like lofty guardians of colour & history. Windswept vistas reveal the city in all its beauty: Roman & Moorish ruins, white-domed cathedrals, grand plazas lined with sun-drenched cafes. From imposing Sao Jorge Castle, the view encompasses the old city’s pastel-colored buildings, Tagus Estuary & the Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge. Nearby, the National Azulejo Museum displays 5 centuries of decorative ceramic tiles. The real delight of discovery though, is delving into the narrow cobblestone lanes as yellow trams clatter through tree-lined streets, lisboetas stroll through lamplit old quarters, much as they have done for centuries.

Cheap booze & the absence of open-container laws means Lisbon loves a night on the town! Don't be fooled by Bairro's Alto's sleepy daytime feel - by night, these narrow cobbled lanes transform into one of Europe's most raucous drinking locales. Student dives, traditional fado houses, upscale wine bars & LGBT hot spots merrily coexist among the muddled mess. In Cais do Sodre, Pink Street & environs are home to some of the city's classic nightclubs & rowdiest cocktail bars, while trendier mega clubs stretch along the waterfront from Santos to Santa Apolonia. 

Lisbon's strategic seaside position on Europe's doorstep means a bounty of fresh seafood (octopus, tuna, monkfish, shrimp, sardines, clams, snails) rules the city's kitchens, from Michelin-starred restaurants to gourmet-food markets to countless corner tascas (taverns). Top-grade Alentejan beef beckons with juicy steaks & gourmet burgers, and you will find everything from tantalising Indian curries to authentic Moroccan couscous in between.

Gossip is exchanged over fresh bread & wine at tiny patio restaurants as fado singers perform in the background. In other parts of town, Lisbon reveals her youthful alter ego at bohemian bars & riverside clubs, late-night street parties & eye-catching boutiques selling all things classic & cutting-edge.

A trip to Lisbon is as much about lapping up the dolce vita lifestyle as gorging on art & culture. It is about relaxing into the city's Mediterranean rhythms & idling around the picturesque streets. The tempo rises as the heat of the day fades into the evening cool & the fashionably dressed aperitivo (aperitif) crowd descends on the city's bars & cafes. Restaurants & trattorias hum with activity & cheerful hordes mill around popular haunts before heading off to cocktail bars & late-night clubs.

And just outside Lisbon there is more - enchanting woodlands, gorgeous Atlantic beaches & seaside villages from Cascais to Estoril - all ripe for discovery.

Balance of the day at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.   

Morning at 09:00 pm, meet the Tour-guide and proceed for a 3 hour ‘walking’ sightseeing tour of the city.

Lisbon is an enticing tangle of past and present - funky and old-fashioned, unpretentious & quirky, restored and revitalised, booming with new confidence. With cultural diversity combined with a laid-back ambience & an architectural time-warp, this is one of Europe's most enjoyable cities.

Start at Rossio Square & learn how this 19^th century historical square was built with typical calcada Portuguesa stones to resemble waves of the nearby ocean. See Rossio Central Station & hear how this 19^th century engineering marvel was built & which now stands as one of Portugal’s most impressive accomplishments. Listen as a train heads into the 1.61-mile (2.6 km) tunnel towards Sintra.

The Tour-guide will take you through Lisbon’s historic cobblestone streets filled with intrigue & culture with many stories to tell. Pass traditional neighbourhoods with some of Lisbon’s oldest & most traditional shops.

Follow the Guide to one of the city’s oldest quarter - Restauradores Square & see an obelisk rise towards the sky, exemplifying Portugal’s ascent to independence from Spain in 1640. Continue to Avenida da Liberdade, a fashionable tree-lined street through the centre of town, where you can observe Portuguese art deco architecture like the 18^th century Foz Palace & the Eden Theatre.

Head to historic Carmo Square, home of the 1974 Carnation Revolution & learn how Portugal’s previous dictatorial regime collapsed after a 48-year rule. Stroll onward through local ‘Lisboa’ to reach the charming Chiado neighborhood full of boutiques, theaters, bookstores & vintage cafés. Explore this chic quarter while stopping for a coffee (own expense) or popping into a store for to peruse the souvenirs to bring back home.

Some ‘free’ time here till you rendezvous with the Guide for a fun ride on Lisbon’s classic traditional tram through popular inner-city hills.

Hop off at Lisbon’s historic Moorish influenced historic district of Alfama rich with tiled buildings & cobblestone alleyways & known for the establishment of Fado. Learn about Portugal’s melancholic music as you walk by Fado restaurants tucked in between alleys & winding streets & may be, pop into a local wine shop to sip Port (fortified wine), exclusively produced in the Douro Valley of northern Portugal.

Arrive at Lisbon’s oldest cathedral, Se de Lisboa - a 12^th century church remodeled numerous times, but carrying Roman architectural roots & snap some beautiful photos. Then, walk towards the beautiful waterfront of the Tagus River, passing by the historic Commerce Square (Praca do Comercio), which was completely rebuilt after the devastating Lisbon Earthquake of 1755. Marvel at the 25^th of April Bridge, longest of its kind in Europe & similar to San Francisco’s Golden Gate, suspended over the Tagus River.

The sightseeing concludes here.

The Tour-guide will provide suggestions if you want to explore the area on your own (you will return to the hotel on your own, independently). 

Balance of the afternoon is at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Have lunch (not included - direct payment) at one of the restaurants by the river Tagus & enjoy the light of Lisbon being reflected on the water just like a mirror.

We recommend that you avail this ‘free’ time to independently explore Belem - the quarter dedicated to the Portuguese discoveries & home to the 16^th century UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites Belem Tower & Jeronimos Monastery. Admire these prime examples of Portuguese Manueline art, as you traverse the edge of the Tagus. See the Discoveries Monument which celebrates Vasco da Gama’s expedition to the Americas during Portugal’s Age of Discovery in the 15^th & 16^th centuries. The Reception hall was used to welcome travelers arriving from the Atlantic. If you have time, walk down to the Coach Museum to enjoy one of the finest collections of 17^th century luxury coaches.

Evening, you would be met by a Journeys Rep at the hotel (or if you prefer not to return to the hotel in the afternoon, you can meet at him / her at any location point in the vicinity) who will accompany you to a 50 minute Fado performance at a restaurant in Chiado (dinner not included - direct payment).

With its mournful melodies & intricate guitar, Fado is one of Portugal's most enduring traditions, dating back to the 1820s & attending a Fado show in Lisbon is the best way to experience the soulful folk music for yourself. Experience the melancholic vibes of the stirring live Show & soak up the sounds of a female & male singer alongside a pair of acoustic guitarists who bring the soulful Fado to life. Listen to Portugal’s own music genre that is sure to inspire the rest of your stay in Lisbon.

Return to the hotel (if you prefer to stay for Dinner - not included, direct payment, please advise us & we will make arrangements accordingly).

Overnight.  B 

Full day at leisure to relax or explore independently or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

We recommend that you avail the opportunity to independently explore Sintra, a resort village / town in the foothills of Sintra Mountains and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Known as one of the most enchanting & romantic places of Portugal, it is definitely worth it to explore its hazy & dreamy aura.

If you do plan to go, then here is the scoop. 5 hours would give you ample time to discover & come back to Lisbon.

A long time royal sanctuary, with its rippling mountains, dewy forests thick with ferns & lichen, exotic gardens & pastel-hued glittering palaces, folded into luxuriant hills that roll down to the blue Atlantic, Sintra is like a page torn from a fairy tale.

Celts worshipped their moon god here, the Moors built a precipitous castle, and 18^th century Portuguese royals swanned around its dreamy gardens. It features many delightful palaces like Castle of the Moors, the beautiful 19^th century hilltop Palace of Pena known for its whimsical design sweeping views and the Moorish Manueline style Sintra National Palace, distinguished by its dramatic twin chimneys & elaborate tilework.

And your visit is not complete till you tasted some of the wonderful regional pastries.

For an independent tour (not guided), we suggest you travel by Train - 30 minutes - as there are direct & frequent connections from Lisbon Rossio station to  Sintra’ & then the historical centre is just a 10 minute walk (Train tickets not included, to be purchased locally  by you).

Return to Lisbon (if you go).

Morning, around 09:30 am, proceed to the nearest location to complete the formalities & pick-up your Rental car. You would have no problem reaching where you want to reach & spending as much or as less time you want.

Your car already has a pre-programmed GPS which will be pre-programmed according to your selected / suggested itinerary on a day-by-day basis. You don’t have to be a technology expert, nor have to enter by hand any city names, addresses or coordinates, either. All you have to do is to start the engine, turn on the GPS & be prepared to enjoy your day with just a few clicks of the GPS.

And now you are ready to roll. Start your drive through idyllic countryside for Porto.

Enroute, your first stop can be Obidos, one of the most picturesque towns of Portugal.

Quite close to the capital & located on high ground near the Atlantic coast, Obidos has had a strategic importance in the territory.

It had already been settled prior to the Romans’ arrival in the Iberian Peninsula but the town prospered after being chosen by the royal family. The town has barely changed in appearance since then. Its cobbled streets & steep staircases wind up to the ramparts, from where you can gaze across a countryside of Windmills & Vineyards.

The custom of traditional bridal gifts from the kings of Portugal to their queens, was started in 1282 by Dom Dinis. King Dinis offered the town to his wife, Queen Isabel & it became part of Casa das Rainhas (Queens’ Estate), which was improved & enriched throughout the various dynasties. The town has been nicknamed as the “Wedding Town”. This is also one of the main reasons for the high concentration of Churches in this small place.

Gothic & Renaissance churches - especially the beautiful parish Church of Santa Maria - reminds one of the importance of Obidos' past. This Church was chosen for the wedding of the 10 year old child-king Afonso V & his 8 year old cousin, Isabel, in 1444.  Its interior is lined with 17^th century blue azulejos (or painted tiles) in a homely manner typical of Portuguese Churches. The retable in a side Chapel on the right-hand side was painted by Josefa de Obidos, an influential 17^th century Portuguese painter & a woman with an irreverent artistic stance for her time. One of the very few female artists afforded any reputation by art historians.

Josefa’s works are also exhibited in the Obidos City Museum. Her paintings reflect her studies with the great masters of the time, such as the Spanish Zurbaran & Francisco de Herrera, and the Portuguese Andre Reinoso & Baltazar Gomes Figueira, her father.

Surrounded by a classic crenellated wall, Obidos’ gorgeous historic centre is a labyrinth of narrow cobblestoned streets lined with typical small bright flower-bedecked, whitewashed houses livened up with dashes of vivid yellow & blue paint and steps paved with beautiful stone.

Enter the medieval town centre through the 18^th century main entry arch Porta da Vila,  covered in glazed tiles, leading directly into the main street, Rua Direita, lined with chocolate & sour cherry liqueur shops.

Wander among its nooks & crannies within & along its imposing wall above. Along with the Manueline porticoes, the colourful window boxes & the small Squares, there are many fine examples of religious & civil architecture from the town’s golden days.

One corner of the triangular fortifications is occupied by a massively towered well preserved hill-top Castle built by Dom Dinis which has now been converted into one of Portugal’s most luxurious Pousadas (hotel or inn).

Also worth mentioning is the Casa d’Obidos, built in 1889 & located about 1km south of the town walls, with its beautiful gardens & an air of faded grandeur. There are pretty bits outside the walls too. Beyond, the Aqueduct & the round-shaped Senhor Jesus da Pedra Sanctuary, are just some of the other landmarks.

Hill-town aficionados looking to savour Obidos’ ‘lost in time’ qualities may find the main street ridiculously touristy, especially on weekends & during festivals.

An all-year-round programme of events makes Obidos a small but lively town. The most popular events in this small but lively town are the International Chocolate Festival, the Medieval Market & Christmas, when the town is filled with seasonal decorations.

Also of note are the Harpsichord & Baroque Classical Music Seasons & the Opera Festival, which lend a special feel to Obidos, with open-air concerts on warm summer evenings.

The local cuisine features bouillabaisse made with fish from the Obidos Lagoon, which will taste even better if accompanied by the wines of the region of Oeste. Another attraction is the famous Ginjinha de Obidos (sour cherry brandy), which can be enjoyed in various places, preferably drunk from a small chocolate cup.

This is the place where one of the famous & tastiest Portuguese traditional drinks -Ginja de Obidos - is produced. The ginja an intensely flavoured liqueur that gets its name from the local sour cherries from which it is made.

Continue to Nazare, one of the most famous fishing towns in Portugal.

Nazare, named after the Biblical “Nazareth” in the 4^th century, is now becoming important as well in the world of big wave, tow-in surfing. The tallest wave ever recorded being surfed – by a Hawaiian big-wave surfer – was off Nazare.

Among the brightly coloured rowing-boats moored on the beach bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, one may watch the fisher folks bring in the nets. A superb view is enjoyed from the "Sitio" from where you may observe women still wearing the traditional seven-skirted costumes near the Nossa Virgem de Nazare Basilica, an important pilgrimage centre.

With a warren of narrow, cobbled lanes running down to a wide, cliff-backed beach, Nazare is Estremadura’s most picturesque coastal resort. The sands are packed wall-to-wall with multi-coloured umbrellas in July & August, but the party atmosphere isn’t limited to the summer beach scene - Nazare is one of Portugal’s top draws for New Year’s Eve & Carnaval celebrations as well. The town centre is jammed with seafood restaurants, bars & local women in traditional dress.

To get a different perspective, park the car & take the funicular up to Promontorio do Sítio, where picture-postcard coastal views unfold from the cliffs.

Now that you are here, don’t miss the UNESCO Heritage listed Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Alcobaça (Alcobaça Monastery) & the Roman Catholic church located in the town of Alcobaça. The Monastery was founded in the medieval period by the first Portuguese King, Afonso Henriques, in 1153 & maintained a close association with the Kings of Portugal throughout its history. The church & monastery were the first Gothic buildings in Portugal, and, together with the Monastery of Santa Cruz in Coimbra, it was one of the most important of the medieval monasteries in Portugal. There are other places to visit if you want to spend more time here.

Nazare is a great spot for fresh fish lunch.

Pass by the little town of Alcobaca with a charming Centre, a little river & bijou bridges, known mostly for the UNESCO World Heritage listed magnificent 12^th century Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Alcobaça one of Portugal’s memorable Monastery, among the first Gothic buildings to be constructed in Portugal.

One of Europe's most important & largest centre of religious study & worship during the monastic age, with around 1,000 monks living here before the dissolution of the monastic orders in Portugal in 1834, the Monastery remains the largest Church in Portugal with the largest cloister. The Monastery was embellished with later Manueline features & construction work on the buildings was ongoing over centuries. It now functions as a Museum.

Next stop is Aveiro.

Hugging the edge of the Ria de Aveiro., a shallow coastal lagoon rich in birdlife, Aveiro, whose name might come from the Latin aviarium (place of birds), is a prosperous town with a youthful, energetic buzz, on the west coast of Portugal. It is distinguished by its canals navigated by colorful boats (barcos moliceiros), traditionally used to harvest seaweed. Occasionally dubbed the Venice of Portugal thanks to its high-prowed boats, humpbacked bridges & small network of picturesque canals.

The lovely little place is best explored on foot or aboard a traditional moliceiro, now converted to tourist use. Not far from its core, known for art nouveau buildings, is the Cathedral of Aveiro, with its prominent bell tower. The Museu de Aveiro, housed in a former convent, has a lavish tomb made of marble.

And now for the final stop at Porto where you will stay.

Arrive by evening & Check-in at the hotel.

Porto’s charms are as subtle as the nuances of an aged tawny port, best savoured slowly on a romp through the hilly backstreets of Miragaia, Ribeira & Massarelos.

Street Art & Architecture| Living Life |Port Wine| Gardens & Coastal Walks

Porto is a coastal city in northwest Portugal known for its stately bridges & Port wine production. From across the Rio Douro at sunset, romantic Porto, the country’s 2^nd largest city, looks like a pop-up town. A colourful tumbledown dream with medieval relics, soaring bell towers, extravagant baroque churches & stately beaux-arts buildings piled on top of one another, illuminated by streaming shafts of sun. If you squint you might be able to make out the open windows, the narrow lanes & staircases zigzagging to nowhere.

It is the quiet moments of reflection & the snapshots of daily life that you will remember most: the slosh of the Douro against the docks; the snap of laundry drying in river winds; the sound of port glasses clinking; the sight of young lovers discreetly tangled under a landmark bridge, on the rim of a park fountain, in the crumbling notch of a graffiti-blasted wall…

Beyond Porto’s alley-woven historic heart, contemporary architects have left their idiosyncratic stamp on the city’s skyline. Winging Porto into the 21^st century is Álvaro Siza Vieira’s crisply minimalist Museu de Arte Contemporanea & Rem Koolhaas’ daringly iconic Casa da Musica. Public art is everywhere, from azulejos (hand-painted tiles) glamming up the metro to street art tattooed across crumbling medieval walls. Costah & Hazul, who always work incognito, have blazed their patterns along the streets of the Aliados, Miragaia & Massarelos.

With much-lauded chefs like Pedro Lemos, Ricardo Costa, Rui Paula & Jose Avillez shaking the pans & extolling the virtues of new-wave Portuguese cuisine, the city's culinary star continues to rise keeping Porto on the Michelin map. Dig deeper for magnificent food markets, retro cafes serving lazy brunches, cool bistros offering inventive petiscos (small plates), family-run Tascas (taverns) dishing up Atlantic-fresh fish for a pittance, petiscarias (Portuguese-style tapas bars) & hallowed port cellars gourmet steakhouses, craft beer bars - you name it, Porto nails it. Add to the mix food tours, cookery classes, olive-oil workshops, wine tastings & Gaia's grand port cellars & you are looking at one of Europe’s tastiest cities.

Porto holds you captive at its sky-high miradouros (lookouts) & on-trend roof terrace bars. From the Se Cathedral terrace & Gaia’s hilltop Jardim do Morro, the city is reduced to postcard format. Equally ravishing is Jardins do Palacio de Cristal’s palm-fringed, fountain-speckled gardens. Even in the city's heart, seagulls soar on Atlantic breezes & a rickety ride on Tram 1 trundles to the wide open ocean in Foz do Douro in minutes.

Beyond Porto’s more obvious charms – the river, the port lodges, the alley-woven historic centre – it is the city’s soulfulness that makes it that bit special. Revealing itself little by little, Porto is made for exploring on foot, & you never know quite where those thigh-challenging steps or back alleys will lead you. The laid-back vibe, ludicrously beautiful viewpoints & relentlessly hospitable locals make this an easy city to love. High-spirited nightlife, outstanding food, wine tasting, street art, avant-garde design, mood-lifting ocean views – you name it, Porto pulls it off time & again.

Of course, you will be forgiven if what you remember most are the quiet moments: the slosh of the Douro against the docks; the snap of laundry lines drying in river winds; the shuffle of a widow’s feet against cobblestone; the sound of wine glasses clinking under a full moon; the sight of young lovers discreetly tangled under a landmark bridge, on the rim of a park fountain, in the crumbling notch of a graffiti-bombed wall…

Balance of the day at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.   B D

Morning at 09:00 pm, meet the Tour-guide and proceed for a 3 hour ‘walking’ sightseeing tour of the city.

Porto was first a Roman outpost, later came under Moorish rule & was mostly decimated in the 19th century by the French.

Delve into the rich history & experience northern Portugal’s historic city, known for its curved streets and blend of Moorish & Roman influences as you wander around the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic city center, explore Porto Cathedral & Baroque churches, and learn how grapes traveled the Douro River to the coast where winemakers make famous Port (fortified wine).

Discover the local favourites & learn about its rich history: Is Sao Bento railway station still haunted or is it a myth? Why are there so many churches in Porto?

Explore the rejuvenated Baixa area, full of history, hanging washing & traditional tascas (old-school restaurants) & now home to the city's best nightlife. Learn about the 20th Century dictatorship, Porto's first-ever guerilla marketing campaign (involving biscuits).

Observe old Romanesque walls at the fascinating 12^th century Porto Cathedral with its two large bell towers that look like castle turrets. The balustrades & cupolas are also Baroque, and a galilee was added by the architect Nasoni, whose work had a great influence on the Invincible City. The Cathedral has three fine organs & various chapels containing interesting artefacts & religious images. The cloisters are Gothic, with ogival arches, each one containing three inner arches.

See classic Baroque architecture as you stroll by the Gothic medieval Church of Santa Clara & let your eyes soak up vibrant colors of Moorish tiles that decorate building walls. The façade has been modified to display a doorway in the so-called Jesuit style, with two Solomonic columns supporting a broken pediment with a niche containing a sculpture, crowned by a medieval rose window. The interior is Gothic but hardly a single stone is visible as it is so densely covered with carving that it resembles a golden cave with Baroque & rococo stalactites. It is not, however, the only church in Porto with an interior so lavishly decorated in gold.

Continue along Aliados Avenue to Liberdade Square, one of the most picturesque quarters of Porto & enjoy the banter of the locals.

Pass by the iconic 19^th century Sao Bento train station with its Neo-classical look on the outside. The main entrance, occupying an area of 550 metres, is covered with twenty thousand decorative tiles depicting scenes from Portuguese history. 

Arrive at the monument to King Peter IV of Portugal, built to honor the king also known as “The Liberator” & first ruler of Brazil.

After enjoying the historic city center, move on to Porto’s iconic Ponte de Dom Luis I - an iconic modern double-decker iron bridge, designed by Gustave Eiffel’s protege who gave it an Eiffel touch. Gaze out over the Duoro & view the traditional wooden rabelo boats that once were used to transport grapes to the cellars.

The ‘Walk’ concludes, for now.

Later after lunch (not included - direct payment), meet the Tour-guide again & proceed to visit one of the Port Wine Cellars & learn more about the history & production of a nectar that has been linked to this city for ages.

From the boats crossing the river, to the glasses on the table, Port wine is highly appreciated worldwide & it is said to have started out as way to preserve the wine for the long sea expeditions during the discoveries.  

Cross the Bridge to reach Cais de Gaia, lined with Cellars, where over 50 Port Wine companies are situated & where most of the Port consumed throughout the world is prepared & blended. Afterwards, surrounded by the wooden casks where the wine sets to its full potential, you will taste (included) one of two of the most refined Ports & savour the difference between a fresh wine, with active fruit scents and an older wine, with a taste linked to dry fruits.

Return to the hotel by late afternoon.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or explore independently (we would be happy to offer suggestions or arrange one of the Optional Program, if you want)   .

You may want to relax in Estrada da Circunvalaçao - the city Park with its 83 hectares of open space & small lakes. Or, visit the Mercado do Bolhao (Bolhao Market) - one of the most emblematic Porto markets. Noisy & lively, it is an interesting place in which to get a sense of the city life. Basically sells fresh produce, with the traders divided into different sections: fish, meat, vegetables and flowers (closed on Sundays).

Or, may be, have tea in the Cafe Majestic - one of the most elegant & interesting cafes in the city, boasting an Art Nouveau façade with typically organic arches. The interior is magnificent, with its luxurious tea room & huge Art Nouveau mirrors that reflect only the very best (the customers, naturally).

Today, we suggest a full day 10 hour excursion to travel to Douro Valley, the heart of the wine culture, where you will be able to appreciate the purity of the landscapes & the serenity of the river. Leave early at 07.00 am.

Enroute, we suggest you first stop at the sun-bleached town of Regua abutting the Rio Douro at the western edge of the demarcated port-wine region

As the region’s largest riverside town, it grew into a major port-wine entrepot in the 18^th century & remains an important transport junction - thanks in part to the hulking IP3 Bridge that soars above the river valley.

The town itself, set along a busy highway above the river, doesn’t have a lot of charm - most visitors stop in just long enough to get recommendations, maps & directions to nearby wineries - but it makes a convenient base to visit the port-wine country, cruise the Rio Douro & and take a scenic riverside train ride. Most tourists stick to the scenic riverfront, but the quaint old town one block uphill is an almost exclusively local scene, and well worth a wander.

You can stop at the sleepy village of Amarante.

Handsomely set on a bend in the Rio Tamega, Amarante is dominated by a striking Church & Monastery, which sit theatrically beside a striking rebuilt medieval arched bridge, the Ponte Sao Gonçalo,that still bears city traffic. It is reputed to have helped local heroes fend off a French attack in the early 19^th century. Nowadays cafes & restaurants make the most of their riverside location.

Amar is the Portuguese verb to love & it is perhaps fitting that it should be the first part of the name of this attractive town.

A settlement since the 4^th century BC, Amarante is situated in the rich agricultural lands of the Minho region, the northern section of the country which is responsible for the grapes of the vinho verde, the young semi-sparkling ‘green’ wine unique to Portugal. Surrounded by prized Vineyards, Amarante is also something of a foodie mecca. As well as wine, the region produces excellent cheeses, fumeiro (smoked meats) & rich eggy pastries.

The willow-lined riverbanks lend a pastoral charm, as do the balconied houses & switchback lanes that rise quickly from the narrow valley floor.

The town enjoys a small degree of fame for being the hometown of Sao Gonçalo. Portugal’s St Valentine, he is the target for lonely hearts who make pilgrimages here in the hope of finding true love. Born here in the 1100s, his ability to heal the sick earned him his special status & he is buried in the Chapel of the Church & Monastery now bearing his name.

The granite used to build these religious edifices in the 16^th century is of an unusual hue & it glows a warm ochre in the light of the setting sun, the cloister of the Church being particularly pretty.

Indeed the whole town has a magical fairy-tale feel to it, with elegant turreted buildings & trees drooping into the river. At the annual Festas de Sao Gonçalo in early June, one of the traditions of this celebration is to give a phallus-shaped cake to the one you desire!

Visit the local market before continuing along the idyllic landscape to UNESCO World Heritage listed Pinhao.

Pinhao encircled by terraced hillsides, sitting on a particularly lovely bend of the Rio Douro. Considered to be the geographical centre that produces some of the world’s best port & some stellar table wines, it is here that many of the estates which produce Port Wine are located.

Wineries & their competing signs dominate the scene. Even the delightful train station has azulejos (hand-painted tiles) depicting the grape harvest. The town itself, cute though it is, holds little of interest, but does make a fine base for exploring the many surrounding vineyards.

After admiring the views of the terraced vineyards & taking a walk along the banks of the River Douro, proceed to a Winery. Quinta do Tedo, is one of the original cellars, where some of the best Port wines are produced. Learn about the local wine cultivation. This wine estate is one of the best in the Douro Valley & one of the most known brands. It is a producer for the Dow’s wine company since 1896. Learn about their wine cultivation & production process and see all the hard work and dedication that the native people give to the regions in order to keep them well-preserved.

Of course, no trip to the Douro Valley would be complete without tasting a few world-class wines. Sip 3 Douro Valley wines with the winemakers (included). 

Enjoy some free time. Even take a Cruise on the Douro River, if you like.

In time, drive back to the hotel & arrive by 06.30 pm

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or to explore independently or perhaps opt for one of the Options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.   B 

Morning, Check-out early & depart for Coimbra, enroute you may want to stop at Bussaco

No tour of Northern Portugal is complete without a visit to Bussaco, a mountain forest & a delightful refuge of cypress groves, ferns, statues, fountains & formal gardens, located just northeast of Coimbra on the way to Viseu.

The Forest was first settled by Benedictine monks in the 6^th century and was later administered by priests from Coimbra Cathedral. A Papal edict of 1622 declared that women entering the forest would be excommunicated. The Discalced Carmelites, an order of barefooted monks, took over in 1628. They built a Monastery & surrounded the 250 acre (105-hectare) forest with a wall. Over the centuries, the monks & the government foresters who succeeded them have planted nearly 400 Portuguese varieties of trees, shrubs & flowers while importing some 300 species from as far away as Mexico, Chile & Japan.

In 1810, 66,000 French troops attacked the Duke of Wellington & his army of British & Portuguese soldiers during the unsuccessful Napoleonic invasion of Portugal. The forest survived & so did the monastery - although it fell into government hands in 1834, when monasteries were abolished throughout Portugal.

Later in the 19^th century, the Portuguese royal family commissioned an Italian operatic scene painter & architect to build a summer palace & hunting lodge in the Bussaco Forest. The building was completed in 1907, shortly before the assassination of the king & crown prince. The king's Swiss chef obtained government permission to turn the palace with its wedding-cake architecture & formal gardens, into a hotel in 1910, and guests have been wallowing in pseudo-Manueline architecture & Edwardian comforts ever since. Palace Hotel do Bussaco, may be Europe's best value in a grand hotel. Besides the Hotel, the Buçaco Forest offers a variety of monuments & walks. 

Drive on towards Coimbra.

On arrival, Check-in at the hotel.

The historical quaint medieval city of Coimbra, home to the country’s oldest & most prestigious University.

Steeped in history, Portugal’s medieval capital for more than a century is wonderfully atmospheric with its steeply stacked historic Centre, dark cobbled lanes & monumental Cathedral, dating back to Moorish times.

The lively provincial town with its remarkable riches is normally sleepy but it is an enjoyable place to be in May when the students celebrate the end of the academic year in the Queima das Fitas.

Old Coimbra sits on a hill on the right bank of the River Mondego, with the University crowding its summit.  The University, only one existing in Portugal until the beginning of this century, was initially founded in 1290. After a series of moves, back & forth, to Lisbon & other paces, it was finally established in Coimbra in 1537. The main buildings of the Old University, dating from the 16^th century, are set around a courtyard dominated by a Baroque clock tower & a statue of Joao III that looks remarkably like Henry VIII. The Chapel is covered with azulejos (traditional glazed painted tiles) & intricate decoration, but takes 2^nd spot to the Baroque Library - the Biblioteca Joanina - a fantasy presented to the faculty by Joao V in the early 18^th century.

The students bring a youthful energy to the streets, thronging bars & partying at weekends and their presence also adds a political edge – witness the graffiti scrawled outside the Republicas (communal student dwellings) addressing the political issues of the day.

On summer evenings, the city’s old stone walls reverberate with the haunting metallic notes of the Guitarra (Portuguese guitar) & the full, deep voices of Coimbra Fado singers, distinguished from the Lisbon version by its mournful pace & complex lyrics.

Below the University, there is the Museu Machado de Castro, named after an 18^th century Sculptor, housed in the former Archbishop’s palace, which would be worth visiting in its own right even if it were empty.

Just down from the unprepossessing Se Nova (New Cathedral) filled with sculpture, paintings, furniture & ceramics. The 12^th century Se Velha (Old Cathedral), halfway down the hill, is one of the most important Romanesque buildings in Portugal, little altered & seemingly unbowed by the years. Solid & square on the outside, it is also stolid & simple within, with its decoration confined to a few giant conch shells & some unobtrusive azulejos. The Gothic tombs & low-arched cloister are equally restrained.

Restraint & simplicity certainly aren’t the chief qualities of the Igreja de Santa Cruz, at the bottom of the hill past the Alameda Gate (city gates). Although it was founded before the Old Cathedral, nothing remains that has not been substantially remodeled.

In the early 16^th century, Coimbra was the site of a major Sculptural School; the new Tombs for Portugal’s first kings, Afonso Henriques & Sancho I and the elaborately carved Pulpit are among its very finest works.  The Manueline theme is at its clearest in the airy arches of the Cloister of Silence, its walls decorated with bas-relief scenes from the life of Christ.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or to explore independently or perhaps opt for one of the Options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Full day is at leisure to relax or to explore independently or perhaps opt for one of the Options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Or, if you want to explore independently, there are plenty of ways to spend time.

In terms of historic significance and romantic beauty, Coimbra is second only to Lisbon & Oporto. Coimbra is a city of many treasures which go far beyond the famous University.

There is plenty to discover from the bridges over the Mondego, not least an array of medieval churches. Wander around on your own & discover history.

Accessing the old part of the city through the Arco de Almedina, you will find two cathedrals known as Se Velha (old) and Se Nova (new) referring to their respective ages, and though the ‘new’ one dates back to the 17th century its senior was founded in 1170.

Regarding the old Cathedral, a guided tour of the interior & cloisters is generally available from a willing student in return for a tip. However the decor tends to be quite simple & restrained in comparison to other churches and you really don’t require a Guide except as a gesture to contribute for the students.

The Igreja da Santa Cruz is a perfect example of more elaborate architecture. Much of the Manueline style it boasts, which replaced the original Romanesque features dating from its founding in the 1100s, are the product of serious remodelling in the early 16^th century. The most impressive features are product of the skills employed from an acclaimed sculpture school that existed in the city at the time, notably the royal tombs & the intricate pulpit.

For the romantics among us, the Quinta das Lagrimas is an attraction as it was here, the Camoes poem tells us, that the tragic love story of Portugal - that of Dom Pedro & his Spanish mistress Ines de Castro - took place in the 1300s. The Portuguese ‘Juliet’ was reputedly killed in these gardens on the orders of the disapproving King, father of Dom Pedro. Distraught, the young prince made his courtiers kiss the hand of the beautiful young corpse. The two were finally united & now lay in the monastery of Santa Maria in Alcobaça.

Coimbra also boasts the largest botanical gardens in the whole of Portugal & one of the most beautiful in Europe, with terraced formal gardens & areas full of densely populated foliage including many exotic trees. The 13 hectares of garden dedicated to the study & protection of plants & wildlife is linked to the Natural History Museum, established in the late 18^th century.

Another unique attraction in the town is the Lilliputian-like world of Portugal dos Pequenitos in which houses from every corner of the country & beyond are recreated in miniature. The fascinating collection includes palaces, castles, a Brazilian pavilion & a replica of the 16^th century House of Diamonds from Lisbon.

A dozen kilometres outside of the city (accessible by local bus), the excavated ruins of the Roman town of Conimbriga are excellently presented. Originally an Iron Age settlement, the Romans can be traced here from as early as the 2^nd century BC and the Museum holds many interesting artefacts from the era including a bust of Augustus Caesar which would have been a centrepiece in the temple dedicated to him. Other remains include tessellated floors & mosaics, with motifs such as hunting scenes & African animals, villas, baths & a Roman road which links the ruins to the Museu Monografico.

Another point to of interest, close to the city, is the fortified town of Montemor-o-Velho, located in the middle of miles of rural landscape, with its castle dominating the skyline. Originally from Moorish times, the castle we see today dates from the 14^th century although the town itself has presided over & protected the Mondego valley from as long ago as 2000 BC.

Today, you will depart early for Evora in the Alantejo region. Enroute, stop at a couple of interesting places.

Alentejo - Portugal’s largest region, covering a third of the country, truly captivates. Think dry, golden plains, rolling hillsides & lime-green vines. A rugged coastline, traditional whitewashed villages, marble towns & majestic medieval cities. Plus a proud if melancholic people, who valiantly cling to their local crafts

The plains that extend as far as the eye can see start close to the Tagus. While to the north, the pace is set by the green of the flatlands, further south the landscape combines with the sun, the heat & a slower pace of life. To the north, the pastures of the marshlands; in the vast interior, unending flatness & fields of wheat waving in the wind; at the coast, wild, beautiful beaches waiting to be discovered. The vastness of the landscape is dotted with cork oaks & olive trees that withstand time.

Centuries-old farming traditions - & cork production - continue here. Alentejo’s rich past offers Palaeolithic carvings, fragments from Roman conquerors & solid Visigothic churches. There are Moorish-designed neighbourhoods & awe-inspiring fortresses built at stork-nest heights. Here & there, you find a walled town, such as Marvao or Monsaraz, or an ancient dolmen to recall the magic of the place. Around the hills, low, whitewashed houses stand on small knolls, castles evoke battles & conquests and the yards & gardens are witness to the Arab influences which shaped the people & nature.

In the Alentejo region, the power of the land marks the time and the UNESCO World Heritage listed cities like Elvas & Evora, show the tenacity of the people. Perhaps, this is the reason that culture & spirituality take on a singular character here. These memories of the past are also shared by other cities, such as Santarem, Portalegre & Beja, and in the former Jewish quarters, particularly in Castelo de Vide.

And the cuisine? Alentejo is the destination for traditional food. Gastronomic delights are plentiful - pork, game, bread, cheese, wine & seafood along the coastline. Bird life & rare plants are prolific, and walking opportunities abound.

Your first stop can be in Marvao. called it the Eagles Nest.

Marvao is simply one of best places to visit in Portugal.  It is a spectacular medieval walled village perched at 900 metres on a jutting rocky crag called the Serra de Marvao, high above the surrounding countryside.

The narrow lanes of Marvao feel like a retreat far removed from the settlements below & the cobbled streets lined with whitewashed houses with picturesque tiled roofs & bright flowers, many with decorative doors & windows from the 15^th century, wind their way up to one of the best preserved castles in Portugal..

Perched on the top of a steep granite hill the 13^th century Fortress has been impregnable for centuries.  The views from the castle are truly breathtaking looking out over wild rocky landscape towards Spain & the Serra da Estrela mountain in Portugal, which are often snow-capped in winter. At dawn, in the evening or when the mists close in Marvao becomes almost eerie as it rises up to touch the sky.

Marvao's history shows how hard it was to persuade inhabitants to stay. You won't see many residents or anyone else, even today. There is however one exceptional weekend when the loneliness of Marvao's streets is replaced with the excitement of crowds, quaffing good local rustic wine & singing traditional songs. That is the Marvao Chestnut Festival in November each year.

Spend an hour & move on to the next discovery.

Stop at Tomar, an important historical town that was pivotal in the formation of early Portugal. Tomar is a traditional & pretty Portuguese town with ancient Churches, a scenic old town & pretty cobbled streets, set along the banks of the Nabao River.

With its pedestrian-friendly historic centre, its pretty riverside park frequented by swans, herons & families of ducks, and its charming natural setting adjacent to the lush Mata Nacional dos Sete Montes (Seven Hills National Forest), it is a delight to explore,

There are many interesting historical monuments but the majority of them are of a religious nature.

The town was once the seat of power for the Knights Templar (and later the Order of Christ), a secretive but influential religious order, who had close associations the Portuguese nobility.

But to understand what makes Tomar truly extraordinary, cast your gaze skyward to the crenellated walls of the Convento de Cristo - a fascinating complex that contains a large monastery, extensive fortifications and a unique circular church, which forms a beautiful backdrop from almost any vantage point. It was the religious centre for the entire Iberian Peninsula. 8 - 9 centuries after its founding, this venerable headquarters of the legendary Knights Templar is a rambling concoction of Gothic, Manueline & Renaissance architecture that bears extravagant witness to its integral role in centuries of Portuguese history, from the founding of Portugal as a nation-state to the Age of Discoveries.

There are other things to see in Tomar, apart from the ancient Convento de Cristo, steeped in a mysterious history. The charming Praça da Republica, with gothic architecture & traditional houses and the quirky Museu Dos Fosforos, which exhibits the world’s largest collection of match boxes….. are interesting.

Drive on to Evora.

One of Portugal’s most beautifully preserved medieval towns, UNESCO World Heritage listed Evora on a gentle hill above the Alentejo plain, is an enchanting place to delve into the past.

A history of Roman & Moorish occupation has left its stamp on the city of Evora & can be seen in the tangle of narrow winding alleys which rise steeply among the whitewashed houses, leading to striking architectural works - an elaborate medieval Cathedral & cloisters. Most of the monuments, however, date from the 14^th - 16^th centuries when with royal encouragement, the city was one of the leading centers of Portuguese art & architecture.

Around the walled centre runs a ring road from which you can enter the town on one of several ‘spoke’ roads. Inside the 14^th century walls, in the historic & picturesque central square  stands the cinematic columns of the best-preserved Roman temple in Portugal - Templo Romano (also called the Temple of Diana) near the intriguing Roman baths. Once the site of some rather gruesome episodes courtesy of the Inquisition & used as a slaughterhouse until 1870, its stark remains consist of a small platform supporting more than a dozen granite columns with a marble entablature.

Directly across the street is the former Convento dos Loios (Convent), now converted into a luxurious Pousada. This is the private property of the Ducal Cadaval family, who still occupy a wing of the adjacent ancestral palace. If you wait outside, they allow visitors to see its azulejos (decorative tiling), trick paintings & ossuary.

To the left of the Pousada lies the massive Gothic Cathedral dedicated to Sao Joao Evangelista. The building of Se de Evora - was started late in the 12^th century, about 20 years after the re-conquest of Evora from the Moors. Its 2 huge square towers & roof line contrast sharply with its pointed Gothic arches over its entrance & central window. The interior has a more purely Gothic style, although the Choir & high altar were remodeled in the 18^th century.

In the Archbishop’s Palace is the excellent Museu de Evora, which houses important collections of 15^th & 16^th century Flemish & Portuguese paintings assembled from the city’s Churches & Convents.

Perhaps the most memorable sight in Evora is the Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones) in the Church of Sao Francisco. A gruesome reminder of mortality, the walls & pillars of this chilling chamber are entirely covered with the bones of more than 5000 monks; an inscription over the door reads, “Nos ossos que aqui estamos, Pelos vossos esperamos” (translation: We bones here are waiting for your bones). Another interesting feature of this Church is its large entrance, which combines pointed, rounded & horseshoe arches in a manner typical of Manueline architecture. Appropriately enough, the restored Palacio de Dom Manuel (the king gave his name to the style) lies no more than a minute’s walk away in the Jardim Publico.

Aside from its historic & aesthetic virtues, Evora is also a lively University town & its many attractive restaurants serve up hearty Alentejan cuisine. Outside of town, Neolithic monuments & rustic wineries make for fine day trips.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or to explore independently or perhaps opt for one of the Options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Full day is at leisure to relax or to explore independently or perhaps opt for one of the Options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Or, if you want to explore independently, there are plenty of things you can do on your own, too.

Wander around on your own & discover the UNESCO Heritage Site and a living museum of tradition & history, handicrafts & gastronomy.

Begin at Giraldo Square, an architectural amalgamation of Moorish arches, Renaissance fountains and a Gothic church.

After capturing photographs, head to one of Portugal’s most famous landmarks: Templo de Diana (Temple of Diana). Marvel at the 14 original Corinthian columns, impeccably preserved & shrouded in history,

Check out Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones) is a nightmarish church constructed entirely from the skulls and skeletons of 5,000 monks, and is also home to two intact corpses (feel free not to visit this if the famous Chapel is too gruesome for you).

And if a good walk is an excellent way to work up an appetite, what better than traditional Alentejo food to satisfy it?

Evora is the perfect place to taste the delicious regional cuisine. You will find a touch of creativity & imagination into every dish, where the odours are wisely transformed into tastes with strong flavours of ingredients that come from the land & the animals that are raised here, completed with fruity whites & the mouth filling red wines.

There are excellent restaurants that are masters are preparing this traditional cuisine. Satisfy your appetite in one of the restaurants favored by locals. Make the most of local fare such as açordas (bread soup with garlic, coriander and egg) and migas (breadcrumbs fried in pork fat), rich stews and soups, mutton & lamb, pork & game, broad beans & green beans. Then there are the regional sweets, many of whose recipes originated in medieval convents.

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Ascend Evora Cathedral’s tower to enjoy panoramic city vistas.

You may also travel to nearby Arraiolos, to visit the majestic riverside castle & observe the tradition of carpet making in the village.

Morning, get ready to explore some more.

Leave for the Algarve region, to Lagos. Enroute, you can stop at Beja.

Baixo (or Beja),  Alentejo’s principal town is easy-going, welcoming with a walled centre & some beguiling sights, all of which are within an easy walk of each other. Inhabited since the Bronze Age, Beja became capital of the Lower Alantejo region under Roman rule in the 1^st century and thence known as Pax Julia, after Julius Caesar.

Often dismissed as Evora’s ‘plainer cousin’, Beja has an inferiority complex, but it shouldn’t. Surrounded by a sea of wheat fields, its quaint plazas & excellent eateries make it a relaxing stop for a very genuine Portuguese experience. On Saturdays, there is the bonus of a traditional market, spread around the castle.

Its evident importance is perhaps owing to its stunning location rising sharply out of the fertile plains of the Baixa Alentejo, its majestic form still crowned with a castle dating back to the 14^th century.

The dominating castle, built by Dom Dinis where a Roman fortress once stood, lies in relative ruin. Some ramparts have been restored & the towering keep, the Torre de Menagem, stands strong despite the invading ivy. Its 36 metres can be climbed via an ancient staircase giving the visitor access to some breathtaking views of the surrounding region & of the old town itself.

Leaning humbly against the defensive walls is the ancient 4^th century church of Santo Amaro, one of the few remaining examples of Visigoth churches in the country & containing what could be described as the most important collection of Visigoth artefacts, given that relatively little is known about that period.

Crafts of particular note here include copper pieces of houseware, hammered in the local style, and the Pao de Rala (local sweet bread made from pumpkin).

Spend as much time as you want & continue on for Lagos.

Arrive at the hotel & Check-in.

Lagos is a lovely seaside city in southern Portugal's Algarve region, known for its walled old town, cliffs & Atlantic beaches along the bank of the Rio Bensafrim.

The port town, full of history & monuments & architecture which take us back to the many different peoples who have settled here, launched many naval excursions during impressive natural harbour during Portugal’s extraordinary Age of Discovery.  Over the two & a half thousand years of its existence, Lagos has been home to the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans & Moors, all attracted by the harbour & what it represented in terms of communication, location & therefore power. Henry the Navigator famously ordered expeditions from here & indeed it was from here that Vasco da Gama set sail for what was to be his discovery of Brazil & India.

Many statues dotted around the town remember past sea adventurers, including Dom Sebastiao whose attempt to capture areas in North Africa ended in total disaster in 1578. Even British sailors under Nelson made Lagos a renowned stopover point as they told their countrymen back home of the wonders of drinking & the beautiful local women.

Aside from its hedonistic appeal, Lagos has historical clout. Beyond the outer wall, is a modern but not overly unattractive sprawl & some truly fabulous beaches that are widely recognised as among the most beautiful in the world.

Beaches are hidden amidst the nearby Ponta da Piedade - almost a national monument - & the cliffs, which tower up some 20 metres & hide impressive caves, arches, islets rising out of the sea & beaches, formed by the rock walls being worn through, vertically & horizontally, offering sweeping headland views & a lighthouse.

These fantastical forms in the sedimentary rock, the result of erosion by the sea, wind & rain, make up a sculpture park that alternates with little tucked-away beaches which are like the interiors of small cathedrals dedicated to the religion of Nature & the deformed rocks often have been given curious names such as General de Gaulle, Camelo (Camel), Cozinha (Kitchen), Submarino ou Gruta dos Amores (Cave of Love). Steep wooden steps lead to the sandy cove of Praia do Camilo.

The ancient city walls are well preserved despite the devastation caused by the 1755 earthquake which destroyed much of the town & caused Lagos to lose its status as capital of the Algarve in favour of the less affected Faro.

The 16^th century walls enclose the fortified old town’s iconic swirling mosaic sidewalks, pretty cobblestone lanes winding past whitewashed homes in the fortified historic centre, picturesque Piazzas, Churches & a lively waterfront promenade lined with shopping stalls.

Baroque Igreja de Santo Antonio, an ornate 18^th century Church, where Dom Sebastiao reputedly attended his last mass before his tragic expedition, is also known as the golden Church due the impressive baroque gilt work on display. Cherubs & animals feature among the intricate carvings often fashioned out of Brazilian gold.

Just across is the Castelo dos Governadores, a castle with a baroque facade & watchtowers.  Museu Municipal is also found here with artefacts from the Iron & Bronze Ages alongside sacred treasures. The town Museum holds a bit of everything: swords & pistols, landscapes & portraits, minerals & crystals, coins, Moorish pottery, miniature furniture, Roman mosaics, African artefacts, stone tools, model boats, the original 1504 town charter & an intriguing model of an imaginary Portuguese town. Exhibits are scattered randomly with limited explanations, making it unwittingly like a treasure hunt.

Rossio da Trindade is the place which had the ominous honour of housing Europe's first slave market dating from 1441. It is now an Art Gallery.

Lagos is a bustling town full of activity, nightlife & modern attractions.  The busy flea market fills the narrow streets of the Centre, which also boasts a Cultural Centre hosting various exhibitions & events throughout the year.

Beyond these lies a modern but not overly unattractive sprawl. Drinking & good times continue to be a fundamental part of the town & the fine array of restaurants, bars, local festas & a pumping nightlife, stand as testament to this. Pitchers of sangria are enjoyed at a la carte restaurants where tables spill into the sheltered streets & the acoustic notes from buskers float in the air.

A place not to be missed, a good choice for breakfast, is Padaria Central - Lagos' longest-serving bakery (around since 1926). Pass through the big arched doors to discover an Aladdin's cave of Portuguese cakes, including bolinhos de canela (cinnamon buns) & savoury treats like rissois de camarao (spiced prawn pastries) & good coffee.

With every activity under the sun (literally) on offer, the emphasis is definitely on the sea with a huge range of activities spanning water sports, boat trips & deep-sea fishing.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or to explore independently or perhaps opt for one of the Options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Morning, get ready for an exciting experience. You would be met by a Journeys Rep & proceed to Marina de Lagos to enjoy a 60 minute Boat trip in the Grottoes.

Ponta de Piedade is known for its beautiful rock formations, caves & grottoes along the Atlantic coast.

Board one of the low-profile specialty boats designed & built in Portugal for navigating the ins-and-outs of this particular landscape. Head out & ride past sandstone cliffs, grottoes, secluded beaches & caves & more  while enjoying selected commentary from your Guide and catching sea breezes along the way.

Return to Marina de Lagos.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or to explore independently or perhaps opt for one of the Options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Or, if you want to explore independently, there are planet of options, too.

See Forte da Bandeira, the small, squat fort, dating from the Restoration of Independence War, which guards the entrance to the harbour and once served as an outpost to prevent attacks by sea. It adds a very special touch to the seafront.

Walk around Gil Eanes Square that has roads leading off from it to the seafront that is the present-day centre of Lagos. It contains a statue of Dom Sebastiao created by the modern sculptor Joao Cutileiro in 1973. The king looks childish & frail, offering a critical perspective on Portuguese history. Nearby, in another square, a monument honours the Portuguese soldiers killed in Belgium in World War I.

Visit the Centro Cultural de Lagos - a small, but very active, cultural centre, that offers contemporary art exhibitions, jazz concerts with an inner yard containing a peaceful café with Internet access. 

Make sure you experience daily life, gastronomy, landscapes & learn more about its history, architecture and traditions.

Full day is at leisure to relax or to explore independently or perhaps opt for one of the Options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Morning, leave for Cascais. Enroute, stop at Arrabida Nature Park.

The Serra da Arrabida is the best national park covering an area of 108 square kilometres, which is within the vicinity of Lisbon - a beautiful protected area covered with pines and rich Mediterranean vegetation, including many rare species. The stunning Park is characterised by steep rolling hills covered in dense evergreen shrubs (Ceratonia silique and Kermes Oaks), which provides a year round green appearance of the region.

Along the coastline, the hills have been eroded to form shear drops & massive cliffs, the best example being the uniquely weathered Serra do Risco (Risk Point). The beaches of the Serra da Arrabida are beautiful & are sheltered from the strong waves or currents found on many of the beaches around Lisbon. The entire Serra da Arrabida overlooks the calm Sado estuary, which is famed for its large pod of dolphins.

Perched up on the hills overlooking the sea is a dazzling white 16^th century Franciscan monastery, Convento da Arrabida. The monastery’s brilliant white is at complete contrast to the lush greens of the pine forest while from the convent there are great views over the coastline. In the surrounding hills there are five small chapels for the monks to obtain complete isolation. Down below, the crystal-clear waters of the sheltered beach of Portinho da Arrabida are relatively warm and popular with scuba divers & underwater fishermen.

Visitors discover some of the best natural scenery of the Lisbon region along with challenging hiking trails, scenic drives and glorious beaches.

The Estrada de Escarpa (N379-1) is one of the most scenic roads in Portugal. The road is spectacular as it first provides stunning views over the rolling hills and sheer drop of Serra do Risco cliffs. The route then climbs into the steep hills, providing amazing views both north & south and passes the Convento da Arrabida before following the natural ridge with wonderful views. The 15 km route enters the Serra da Arrabida from the north & loops round to the port town of Setubal.

There is a return route which follows the coast and passes the Praia da Figueirinha. This entire loop takes around an hour but there are many great places to stop and admire the view.

In time, drive on to Cascais, just outside Lisbon.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

Shortly thereafter, please proceed to the Rental location in Cascais to return the car.

Cascais This former sleepy fishing village not far from Lisbon became, in the 19^th century, one of the Portuguese Royal Family's favourite places to spend the summer. Cascais has rocketed from sleepy fishing village to a much loved summertime playground of wave-frolicking lisboetas ever since King Luís I went for a dip in 1870. When the royal family began to come here, the rest of the nobility followed & they built some huge, impressive houses along this part of the coast.

Its trio of golden bays attracts sun-worshipping holidaymakers, who come to splash in the ice-cold Atlantic. However, don’t expect to get much sand to yourself at the weekend, though.

Plenty to do apart & away from from the Beaches, too. Winding lanes leading to small museums, cool gardens, a shiny marina and a pedestrianised old town dotted with designer boutiques & alfresco fish restaurants. After dark, lively bars fuel the party.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or to explore independently (we will be happy to offer suggestions).

You may visit The Palacio dos Condes de Castro Guimaraes - a fascinating building situated in the historic center of town, based on the ideas of Portuguese Romantic architecture.  The museum belonging to the palace is open to the public. This whimsical early 19^th century mansion, complete with castle turrets & Arabic cloister, boasts a lavishly decorated interior housing 17^th century Indo-Portuguese cabinets, oriental silk tapestries & 350-year-old azulejos.

Located in the grounds of the Parque Marechal Carmona - one of the most extensive & beautiful gardens of Cascais.

Property of the Viscount of Gandarinha, it has large trees, spacious lawns, flowers beds, herbaceous ornamental shrubs and is home to many architectural & sculptural elements of interest. Around are some of the most striking buildings in the area: the Hall of Cascais, the Hippodrome, the Museum of the Sea Cultural Center, and House of Stories Paula Rego.

See the works of the Portuguese painter Paula Rego in her Casa de Historias in one of the most intriguing structures of Cascais. The building is contemporary architecture but at its core, it is based on one of the most recognisable palaces of Portugal. Making a a brash statement through its colour & design, inside the museum, art works from Paula Rego & her late husband is displayed, with a larger portion dedicated to semi-permanent exhibits. As with all museums in Cascais there is no entrance fee.

Or, just walk through Cascais, from the train station to the Casa da Guia, by the lighthouse. Follow the Travessa da Conceiçao & take a peek over the Conceiçao beach, left to the Hotel Albatroz as you go down Rua Frederico Arouca. From here you have a splendid view over the Cascais Bay & the whole coast all the way to Oeiras. Walk back to the centre of Cascais through Rua Frederico.

You may want to visit Cabo da Roca, if time permits. This is the furthermost west part of the European continent. Europe ends here, abruptly, among ragged cliffs beaten by the sea. The terrain dramatically steepens as it approaches the Atlantic coast. The cliffs are more than 100 meters high. One feels the profound earthly energy that has formed this place. A truly astonishing lighthouse stands proud, warning all ships to stay clear from this dangerous place. 

The Marina is the stage to many international events, such as the World Sailing Championships & other similar sporting events, the Cascais Marina is above all a beautiful upmarket resort by the sea.  You can take a well-deserved break here. A small appetizer will surely whet your appetite for dinner at the many restaurants of the area.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or to explore independently or perhaps opt for one of the Options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Alas, the experience comes to an end & it is time to say good-bye.

Check-out of the hotel by 11:00 am (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow you use the facilities and leave the luggage at the Bell Desk). 

Medieval castles, cobblestone villages, captivating cities and golden beaches: the Portugal experience can be many things. History, great food & idyllic scenery are just the beginning…

“ Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do” - Mark Twain

Enough reasons, we are sure, that will entice you to come back.

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Terminal? - Lisbon Humberto Delgado Portela Airport for your onward journey.  B

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