Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon

On arrival at Lisbon International Airport, there are complimentary transfers to your hotel. Settle in and relax before joining your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. Enjoy the opportunity to mingle with your fellow travellers during a pleasant evening of good food and wine.

Day 2: Lisbon and the Age of the Great Discoveries

Your guided sightseeing tour with a Local Expert takes you along the spacious avenues of the Lower Town and across tree-shaded squares. Pass beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paço. See the ancient Belém Tower and marvel at the Monument to the Discoveries. Explore more of the Belém Quarter as you learn how to make the iconic patisserie Pastéis de Belém.

Day 3: THE ALGARVE

Cross the River Tagus and head for the sun-drenched southern coast to reach Lagos, a fishing port nestled in the bay of Meia Praia. After free time to explore, continue to your resort hotel set within a magnificent 360-acre estate. Simplicity is in the soul of Algarve cuisine, along with seafood so fresh it still tastes of the sea. A short walk away specialized Portuguese seafood restaurants hug the coastline, overlooking the Atlantic.

Day 4: EVERLASTING ÉVORA

Journey to the medieval walled city of Évora where cathedrals, churches, aqueducts and ancient castle walls all serve to create the feeling that this beautiful city is a living, breathing museum to Portugal's rich past. Join your Local Expert to explore the highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the Roman Temple and visit the Capela dos Ossos, an extraordinary 17th century chapel comprising the skulls and bones of 5,000 bones. Visit the cathedral with its attractive mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. With the rest of the afternoon at leisure, you may wish to continue to stroll through Évora’s unique historical center, or the serene city park, following the aqueduct inside the city walls.

Day 5: Monsaraz and Évora

Travel to the striking white village of Monsaraz, situated on an imposing hilltop, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. From the castle ruins, admire the spectacular views across to the dry Spanish plains, contrasting with the blue of Europe's largest artificial lake. Join a local boat captain for a leisurely cruise on the tranquil waters of Lake Alqueva. Relax and enjoy calming waters, picturesque views, and tales of river life. Sit down to a delicious Highlight Lunch at local restaurant Sem Fim, once an olive mill. Enjoy a wide range of tasty tapas dishes showcasing the local cuisine and soak up the vibrant, cheerful atmosphere. Return to Évora where the evening is at your leisure to explore this beautifully preserved regional capital.

Day 6: On to Tomar

This morning, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit Casa Relvas for a wine tasting. Despite the dry climate of the Alentejo region, they have been producing exceptional wine using innovative techniques to reduce the use of water. Continue to Tomar and visit one of Portugal’s historical jewels, the Templar Castle and Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With your Local Expert, explore the octagonal Templars' Rotunda in the cloister and glimpse the day-to-day life of a warrior monk in the domestic areas. Outside on the battlements, the Manueline Window is a national masterpiece. You also visit the Synagogue of Tomar, one of the best-preserved medieval synagogues in Portugal, housing a small Jewish Museum.

Day 7: Coimbra and the Douro Valley

In Coimbra, the Local Expert shows the highlights and insights of the Old Town, including the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the impressive baroque university library, one of the finest in the world. Your journey continues past verdant hills and lush vineyards, along the tranquil waters of the Douro River. Visit Quinta da Pacheca where Maria Pimental, one of the first woman winemakers in the Douro, makes incredible wine. Gain insights into the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley, a premier wine region with a growing presence of female winemakers. The day concludes with a relaxing stay at Douro Palace Hotel Resort & Spa, where you enjoy a delicious dinner with wine.

Day 8: Guimarães and Porto

Journeyed to Guimarães to admire the views from the ruined castle and explore the cobbled streets and cozy squares. Continuing to Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage town and where Portugal originates, explore with Insight Choice. You have the option to visit the São Bento Railway Station with our Local Expert or enjoy a panoramic drive through the city. As evening descends, enjoy a boutique, five-star hotel in the heart of Porto’s historic district. Sample the flavours of the region during a Caves Ferreira Visit and Port Tasting, gaining insight into winegrower Antónia Adelaide Ferreira. Later, you have the option to see the narrow façades of Porto's Ribeira district before cruising on a traditional Rabelo boat and dining at a riverside restaurant.

Day 9: Porto, Grande Dame on the Douro

With a full day free to enjoy at your own pace, take a stroll to admire the multi-coloured houses and churches covered in beautiful, glazed tiles. Perhaps choose to visit Braga, the capital of baroque. In the evening, enjoy a mouth-watering dinner with exquisite wine at an authentic Porto restaurant. Your hotel will be dependent on your departure date. Shared experiences and memories are often the foundation for special bonds and friendships. Toast your travels with wine and good cheer during your Celebration Dinner at a restaurant in Porto, devoted to the enjoyment of regional cooking.

Day 10: Holy Fátima, Ancient Óbidos and Lisbon

Continue to Fátima, Portugal’s most renowned place of pilgrimage. Explore the basilica or consider visiting the Chapel of the Apparitions, which commemorates the appearance of the Virgin Mary to three young shepherds in 1917. Next, journey to the fortified town of Óbidos and walk within its walls, exploring the narrow, medieval streets where houses are covered with flowers. Your travels then lead you to the Portuguese capital, Lisbon. Lead by your Travel Director, walk through the picturesque narrow streets up to the main square of this ancient walled town.

Day 11: Depart Lisbon

In Lisbon begins with a departure transfer to Lisbon International Airport after breakfast. The departure transfer is scheduled for 07:00 or 09:30 and includes breakfast.

INCLUDES: Our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experiences connect you with people, the planet and wildlife. destinations with engaging Local Experts, special access to iconic sites and fun activities with our Unique Insight Experiences. 10 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch with Wine, 4 Dinners with Wine. Highly rated hotels in desirable locations. OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES Sign up on tour for additional experiences that have been curated by your Travel Director from their own in-depth local knowledge.

11 Days from R76,636 per person sharing.