FAMILY TRAVEL CONCIERGE
Portugal
13 days, including travel
Day 1
Evening Departure from New York. Take overnight flight to Porto.
7 hrs nonstop
Porto
Arrival in Porto
Details: Check into one of the Porto’s centrally located and highly rated hotels. (The House Ribeira Porto Hotel, Hotel Infante Sagres).
2:30 pm: Spend afternoon in medieval city of Porto
Details: Admire the colorful streets, centuries-old sights, Roman ruins, and nostalgic plazas before you visit a local wine cellar for the treat of wine tasting. See the historical buildings that dot Silveira Street and appreciate the architecture of Sao Bento Railway Station. Stop for a short visit at the Porto Cathedral and then cross the lower level of the Luis I Bridge on your way to a wine cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia to sample locally produced wines. Take a 6-bridge cruise.
7:00 pm: Small-Group Night Tour & Fado Dinner 4 hours. (optional)
Details: Spend evening discover the sound of fado music which has its roots in Portugal. Feel the passion of the singers and they express themselves in the musical style of whimpers and longing or saudade. While you watch this incredible performance, enjoy a delicious meal of authentic Porto fare.As you dine, listen to the passionate music that resonates from the room all around you. Learn about the history of fado and about Porto itself, before returning to your hotel for the night.
8:00am: Visit Douro Valley
Details: Visit charming towns and take a cruise along
the river. Then enjoy a tasty lunch followed by samples of award-winning regional wine. Begin your day with convenient pickup from your hotel before continuing to Regua, which is the capital of the region. Next you are taken to the heart of the valley, the charming small town of Pinhão. Here, you take a scenic, hour-long cruise down the river, stopping to pay a visit to the historic railway station. At the station you can learn about its history from 24-tile panels that portray Douro landscape and the aspects of the harvest.
Day 2
8:00 pm: Dine and spend wonderful evening in the Old Porto.
Details: Enjoy a beautiful evening dinner, while enjoying the spectacular views of Old Porto.
8:00am: Explore Portuguese culture in Porto.
Details: Plunge into Portuguese culture with an exploration of Porto’s famous landmarks combined with a foodie adventure on this small-group tour. 3.5 hours. Start your day in true Portuguese style at a traditional café, where you can warm up with a freshly brewed coffee and a rich and custardy pastel de nata Portuguese pastry. Wind your way through the cobblestone
streets and stroll along the Douro River. Next, try a taste of salted bacalhau—codfish is a staple in the Portuguese diet, and there are a multitude of traditional preparations. Pause for a sample of Eduardinho cherry liqueur accompanied by a savory codfish cake and a chamuça—this samosa-like recipe was brought back from India and became a permanent part of Portuguese cuisine.
Day 3
2:30 pm: Aveiro Half-Day Tour. 4 hours.
Details:
Uncover the captivating charm of Portugal's northern coast on this half-day guided tour. Often referred to as the "Venice of Portugal" Aveiro is a small town boasting winding canals. Your tour begins with a scenic drive as you head south to Aveiro, a coastal town which boasts a prominent central canal lined with moliceiro (traditional canal boats) and charming fishermen's houses. Absorb the rich maritime heritage of delightful bridges and enchanting pathways as you're taken to the charming Old Quarter. Wander through meandering streets and pass by notable landmarks, including the Cathedral of Aveiro and the Church of St. John the Evangelist. Aveiro is also renowned for its stunning beaches and picturesque coastline, Costa Nova.
8:30pm: City by Night with Fado Show & Dinner. 2h 45min.
Details:
As the sun sets, the lights that adorn Porto’s monuments, streets, and avenues begin to dance. Combine a bus tour of this illuminated city with dinner in a traditional Portuguese restaurant. Live fado (traditional guitar) music and folk dancers entertain you as you indulge in tasty local
cuisine.
9:00am: Braga & Guimarães Full-Day Tour with Lunch.
Details: Explore Portugal’s Minho region on this informative full-day tour. You visit Braga, one of the oldest religious cities in the world, famous for its sanctuaries and Gothic and Baroque architecture. Proceed to Guimarães, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s known for its 10th-century medieval castle. Once you cross the lush landscapes of the countryside, you arrive in Braga. Here, observe one of Portugal's most important monuments, the Cathedral of Braga. Admire the 3 Gothic-style arches of its main façade, its elevated towers, and the Baroque design of its upper stories.Before a traditional lunch, you marvel at Sameiro Sanctuary, built on the outskirts of
town, and Bom Jesus do Monte, which translates to “Good Jesus of the Mount”. With a Baroque staircase that ascends to a height of 381 feet (116m). Continue to Guimarães, where you visit its medieval castle—the Castle of Guimarães, built in the 10th century.Finish your tour by visiting the historic center of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former home of Portugal's first king.
Day 4
3:00pm:
Details: Spend afternoon exploring the best of the city center on a hop-on hop-off bus that lets you take it all in at your own pace. Hop aboard and settle into your seat for a scenic ride around the storied neighborhoods of Alfama and Castelo. Listen to engaging and informative commentary about Lisbon past and present as you cruise the city streets, and jump off the bus
whenever you see a viewpoint, monument, or museum you'd like to explore in more detail.
7:00pm: Tapas Tasting Tour
Details:
This tour brings you to a trio of authentic Portuguese restaurants to sample some of the best tapas dishes in the city, for a great way to combine the sights and tastes of the capital. Meet your guide in the Bairro Alto district to begin your trip through the heart of the city. As you make your way through the historic sloping avenues, try out 5 different varieties of petiscos, as the
tapas dishes are known here, along with 3 delicious drinks.
9:00am: Sintra, Cascais & Estoril Small-Group Full-Day Tour
Details: One of the 7 Wonders of Portugal awaits you: Pena National Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sitting at the top of a mountain, it gives you incredible views, including that of the Moorish Castle. See the Great Triton, the palace's guardian, inspired by the Manueline architecture style. Head to the historical center of Sintra, where you can relax and explore at your own pace or opt to visit the Sintra National Palace. After lunch, drive through the natural wonders of the Sintra Natural Park, pass by impressive palaces (like Monserrate), and stop at the Cabo da Roca cliffs—the westernmost point of continental Europe. Drive along the Atlantic coast through Estoril and stop at Guincho Beach, a surfer's paradise.
Day 6
Day 5
Departure from Porto to Lisbon by train.
3.5 hours
Lisbon
8:00pm: Spend pleasant evening and dine in BAIRRO ALTO.
Details:
The Bairro Alto district has the biggest cluster of restaurants, most offering traditional Portuguese cuisine, but there are also many options of different world cuisines. Many have outdoor seating.
9:00am: Small-Group 4-Town Day Trip: Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré & Óbidos.10 hours.
Details: Discover 4 amazing Portuguese cities with insightful commentary provided by a friendly and knowledgeable guide. Discover the devotion to peace and spirituality at the Fátima Sanctuary. Continue to Batalha, and learn about the battle of Aljubarrota, one of the most consequential battles in Portuguese history. Admire the beautiful UNESCO-listed Batalha Monastery, built after the battle. Drive to the scenic fishing village of Nazaré, where you have the opportunity of a delicious lunch of locally caught fish. Watch the fisherman haul in fresh catches.
Day 7
9:00am: Tour Lisbon: Belém Tower, the Cathedral & Parque das Nações.
Details: Get picked up from your hotel and begin your tour of Lisbon. In the morning, explore the Belem neighborhood, including Belem Tower, the Discovery Monument, and Jeronimo's Monastery. Learn how the neighborhood was built in the late 15th century, after Vasco da Gama completed his expedition to India. Make a quick stop at a famed local Portuguese pastry shop before moving into central Lisbon. Admire the city's central squares, including Rossio Square and Commerce Square, and listen as your guide describes the Portuguese Inquisition in the 16th
century. Eat lunch on your own before visiting Restauradores Square and pass the Santa Justa Elevator before visiting downtown. Admire the narrow streets of Alfama, visit the Lisbon Cathedral, and gaze upon the Lisbon Castle from a stunning viewpoint. Pass Chiado, Bairro Alto, and witness amazing views from Portas do Sol and Santa Luzia. Finally, conclude the tour
with a visit to Parque das Nacoes, a modern part of the city built to honor the 500-year anniversary of Vasco da Gama's expedition.
Day 8
7:00pm: Small-Group Sunset Sailing Cruise
Details: On this small-group sailing cruise, relax as Lisbon's setting sun fills the sky with a warm evening glow. Take in the city's top sites from the Tagus River serene waters and wind down with a refreshing glass of champagne while your expert crew and captain handle the sailing.
Day 9
Departure from Lisbon to beautiful Algarve Coast. Hotel Check-in.
On your way to Algarve visit picturesque, UNESCO-listed Évora, with its Gothic and baroque monuments, vibrant food market, and quaint street life. Protected by 14th-century walls, Évora is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe—a truly enchanting place amid olive groves, cork oaks, and vineyards. Wander down narrow cobbled alleys and see the towering columns of the temple dedicated to the ancient Roman goddess Diana. Marvel at the impressive Cathedral and its spacious naval. See the Chapel of Bones, whose interior walls are covered and decorated with human skulls and bones. The fertile land around Évora provides the ample fresh produce that are on display in the colorful market and the cellars at one of the best-known wineries of Portugal. Sample fine wines here and learn about the production procedure before you reach Algarve.
Day 10
The hotel Vila Galé Cerro Alagoa is located in broad town of Albufeira, near the Fisherman beach (Praia dos Pescadores). It is an excellent choice for those looking for entertainment, outdoor activities and even shopping. This Hotel in Albufeira offers 310 modern rooms and spacious suites, one English-pub-style themed bar, one restaurant, two outdoor pools with support bar, a health club with an indoor pool, sauna, Turkish bath, massage rooms and gym. Internet access is free of charge throughout the entire hotel Vila Galé Cerro Alagoa and entertainment is guaranteed for the whole family. Besides the irresistible beaches of Albufeira and the lively streets of this Algarve town, the location of this hotel in Albufeira allows for an easy access to theme parks such as Zoomarine, Aqualand and Aquashow.
Relax at a hotel on the Atlantic Ocean and discover beautiful Algarve Coast
Day 11
Head towards the Western Algarve and pass by long stretches of beautiful white sandy beaches until you reach the stunning waterfront scenery that defines the coastal village of Lagos. Lagos is not only popular for its tourist-friendly beaches, bars, and restaurants, but it was also a center
of the country's historic Age of Discovery. See the statue of Henry the Navigator, who left Lagos in 1415 to mark the start of Portuguese maritime discovery, and listen as your guide explains how the village used to be a center for the European slave trade. Visit the Antonine Museum
within the 18th-century Church of St. Anthony and uncover its historical local relics that date back to Roman times. Next, it's time to head west for a stop at Ponta da Piedade to admire the magnificent rock towers rising from the ocean. Continue to the fishing village of Sagres, explore its town center,
and don't miss its enchanting harbor for a perfect postcard photo. Finish your tour with a stopover at Cape St. Vincent, Europe's southwesternmost point.
Lagos, Ponta da Piedade and Sarges.
Day 12
Ancient Silves, Monchique & Mount Foia Half-day Trip. Discover the picturesque southern region of Portugal and its ancient cities full of cultural heritage. The charming town of Silves welcomes visitors with a fruity scent of orange and lemon trees. The history of this place is displayed in every monument, church and ruin. Castle of Silves, one of the best-preserved castles in the Algarve. Admire the towers and the historic alcáçova, the lord's residency in the city. See one of the few remaining gothic monuments at the Silves Cathedral. Leaving Silves behind, your next stop is the breathtaking vantage from the peak of Mount Fóia, the Algarve's highest point. This is the perfect opportunity to snap a memorable picture of the impressive landscape displayed in front of you. The last stop is the market town of Monchique, located on the Algarve's mountainous side. Stroll the charming cobbled streets and admire the unique style of the houses in this area—a big contrast to the coastal style, with white walls and colorful windows and doors, and the saia (skirt chimney)—their most characteristic feature.
Discover Picturesque Southern Region of Portugal
Day 13
Departure to New York from Lisbon Airrpor. Return rental car.
7 hours nonstop