PORTUGAL: Boutique Lisbon & Porto Cultural & Foodie Tour - 7 days

Destination: PORTUGAL: Lisbon (Sintra) (Cabo Da Roca) (Cascais) (Estoril) |Porto

Tour Commences In:  Lisbon

Tour Concludes in:  Porto

Number of Days:  7 days / 6 nights

Tour Style:  Boutique Tour

Accommodation:  4 star Boutique Hotels

Meals:  Breakfast; 6:

Leaders: Professional guides

Transportation:  Private chauffeur driven air-conditioned vehicles & trains

Tour Grading:  Moderate: Suitable for travellers with a average level of fitness and mobility

·     A Curated itinerary especially for Boutique Tours & Travel

·       Discover Portugal's captivating capital  strolling Lisbon's oldest neighbourhood

·       Visit the magnificent UNESCO-listed Jerónimos Monastery and admire the iconic Belém Tower and Monument

·       Enjoy the original Pastel de Belém, one of Portugal's most celebrated traditional pastries.

·       Discover the history of the beautiful azulejos and learn traditional tile-painting techniques

·       Experience an optional evening of soulful Fado music and Portuguese dining in the atmospheric Alfama district.

·       Explore this enchanting UNESCO World Heritage-listed cultural landscape, palaces, gardens and historic village.

·       Visit the magnificent, brightly coloured palace perched high above Sintra and panoramic views.

·       Taste the delicious travesseiros, delicate local pastries filled with almond cream

·       Visit dramatic Cabo da Roca, where rugged cliffs meet the Atlantic Ocean, offering spectacular coastal views

·       Enjoy a scenic coastal journey seaside journey with resorts, beaches, historic charm and relaxed atmosphere

·       Wander through a charming walled medieval village, Sample the famous local ginjinha cherry liqueur

·       Discover one of Portugal's most important historic cities and visit its prestigious university

·       Enjoy a guided walking tour through Porto's UNESCO-listed historic centre

·       Visit the impressive Clérigos Tower, Porto Cathedral and the picturesque Ribeira waterfront

·       Enjoy wonderful views across the Douro River as you make your way to Vila Nova de Gaia.

·       Discover a traditional Port wine cellar, learn about its history and craftsmanship

·       Enjoy an optional full-day excursion through one of Portugal's most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage-listed wine regions, famous for its terraced vineyards and spectacular river scenery. Relax on a boat trip along the river, taking in the magnificent vineyard-covered hillsides and breathtaking landscapes from the water.

Day 1: Friday:    Arrive Lisbon:  (D)
Ola. Greetings and Welcome to Portugal! You will be warmly welcomed at the Airport or train station and transferred to our hotel. check-in and the rest of the day is free for you to meander at your leisure. Take time to settle in, relax after your journey and perhaps enjoy your first glimpse of this beautiful city, with its charming streets, historic architecture and welcoming atmosphere.
Later this evening, rendezvous in our hotel lobby and meet fellow travellers before departing for our welcome dinner at a lovely local restaurant.
You may wish to arrive a day or so earlier to shop or maybe just to get your bearings and recover from any jet lag you may have. If you do choose to arrive early, we can extend your hotel bookings and provide any information or advice you may need in order to make the most of your time and get yourself familiar with the exciting city.  (Please confirm if you require pre or post tour accommodation ASAP)

Day 2: Saturday:    Lisbon:    (B)
After breakfast, meet your private local guide for an immersive exploration of Lisbon, a city rich in history, charm and fascinating traditions.
Begin in Alfama, Lisbon's oldest and most atmospheric neighbourhood, where a maze of narrow cobbled lanes, colourful buildings and hidden squares reveals the character of old Portugal. Enjoy wonderful views across the Tagus River from some of the city's picturesque viewpoints.
Continue by private vehicle to the historic district of Belém, where Portugal's extraordinary Age of Discoveries comes to life. Visit the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery, an outstanding example of Manueline architecture, and admire the iconic Belém Tower and Monument to the Discoveries.
No visit to Belém would be complete without sampling the famous original Pastel de Belém – Portugal's delicious traditional custard tart.
This afternoon, enjoy a hands-on Portuguese tile painting workshop. Discover the history and artistry behind the beautiful azulejos – the distinctive painted ceramic tiles that decorate buildings throughout Portugal. Learn traditional techniques and create your own tile to take home as a special souvenir of your Portuguese journey.
Evening at leisure: For those interested, we suggest an optional dinner in Alfama accompanied by a live Fado performance, experiencing the soulful music that is such an important part of Portuguese culture.

Day 3: Sunday:    Lisbon – Sintra – Cabo da Roca – Cascais – Lisbon:  (B)
Today, enjoy a wonderful full-day private excursion with your own guide and driver, discovering some of Portugal's most enchanting landscapes, historic treasures and coastal villages.
Begin in the magical town of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed cultural landscape, renowned for its romantic palaces, lush gardens and fairytale atmosphere. Visit the spectacular Pena Palace, perched high above the surrounding forests. With its vibrant colours, whimsical architecture and magnificent views, this extraordinary palace is one of Portugal's most memorable sights.
Take time to wander through Sintra's charming historic village, with its picturesque lanes, traditional shops and inviting cafés. There will also be an opportunity to sample the famous local travesseiros – delicious, delicate pastries filled with almond cream.
Continue to Cabo da Roca, the dramatic headland marking the westernmost point of mainland Europe. Enjoy the spectacular Atlantic Ocean views and rugged coastal scenery at this remarkable location.
Your return journey to Lisbon follows the beautiful coastline, passing through the elegant seaside resorts of Cascais and Estoril, known for their lovely beaches, historic charm and relaxed atmosphere.
A delightful day combining Portugal's royal heritage, picturesque villages and stunning coastal scenery.

Day 4: Monday:    Lisbon – Óbidos – Coimbra – Porto:    (B)
This morning after breakfast, check-out and meet in the lobby for your private transfer north out of Lisbon. There are two stops on the way to Porto. First Óbidos, a walled medieval village where ginjinha, the local cherry liqueur is served in a small chocolate cup. Then Coimbra, capital of the kingdom in the Middle Ages, to visit its’ university, one of the oldest in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Lunch suggestion in the Bairrada region, home of the famous roast suckling pig.
Arrival in Porto in the late afternoon and check-in. This evening is at your leisure.

Day 5: Tuesday:    Porto:    (B)
Today, enjoy a guided walking tour through the enchanting historic heart of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city renowned for its beautiful architecture, rich history and vibrant atmosphere.
Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, explore some of Porto’s most iconic landmarks, including the magnificent São Bento Railway Station, famous for its stunning blue-and-white azulejo tile panels, the impressive Clérigos Tower, Porto Cathedral and the picturesque Ribeira waterfront, with its colourful buildings overlooking the Douro River.
Cross the spectacular Dom Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia, home to Porto’s celebrated Port wine lodges. Here, visit a traditional Port wine cellar and discover the fascinating history and craftsmanship behind this famous Portuguese wine, followed by a tasting.
The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps wander along the riverfront, browse the charming shops, enjoy a riverside café or simply soak up the atmosphere of this captivating city.

 Day 6: Wednesday:    Porto – Douro Valley – Porto:    (B)
Today offers a wonderful opportunity to discover one of Portugal’s most spectacular landscapes, with two options to choose from.

Option A: A Day Exploring the Douro Valley:
Enjoy a full-day excursion into the magnificent Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed wine region celebrated for its breathtaking scenery, terraced vineyards and centuries-old winemaking traditions.
Drive through the picturesque countryside, following the Douro River as it winds its way through rolling hillsides and vine-covered terraces towards the charming village of Pinhão.
Visit a family-owned wine estate, where you will learn about the region’s distinctive winemaking heritage and enjoy a tasting of local wines, accompanied by a delicious lunch.
Continue your experience with a relaxing boat trip along the Douro River, taking in the spectacular views of the vineyards and beautiful valley landscapes from the water. Return to Porto in the late afternoon.

Option B: A Relaxed Day at Leisure in Porto:
Or those preferring a slower pace, enjoy a day at leisure in Porto. Take time to explore the city independently, revisit favourite places, browse the local shops, discover hidden cafés or simply relax and enjoy the atmosphere of this delightful Portuguese city.

 Day 7: Thursday:    Depart Porto:    (B)
Your tour concludes after breakfast.
At your leisure before transferring to the airport, port or train station for your onward or homebound journey.

Depending on your departure itinerary, you may have time for some last-minute sight-seeing and shopping. We are able to organise a private guide to accompany you.

Some guests may wish to stay another day or more in this amazing country; please don’t hesitate to contact Boutique Tours & Travel for further travel arrangements.

Our specially curated itineraries are carefully planned and well thought out to ensure you are rewarded with the best experiences in Spain. The magic of travelling in such a small group allows us to cater for spontaneity and sometimes we often find some wonderful surprises along the way and it can be these unplanned occurrences that are the most memorable. The rich tapestry of experiences and the characters you meet along the way will make this guided small group tour something special and one you will remember for a lifetime.

Flexibility
The itinerary can be flexible, sometimes due to weather or on-going events which guests may want to see. If there is something else you’d like to do or see on your trip please contact us and we’ll try our best to ensure it can be done.

Please contact us as soon as possible to ensure your place on this boutique small group tour.

• A specially curated itinerary for Boutique Tours & Travel

• A Small Group Tour (2- 12 Guests)

• Private international airport arrival and departure transfers for all guests

• Hand selected modern & boutique hotels

• Meals as indicated in Itinerary; B = Breakfast: L=Lunch: D=Dinner:

• Internet Access where possible 

• Private services of local bilingual cultural foodie & textile tour guide

• Concierge / Bellhop services throughout tour

• 24 hour on call support service 

• Luxury private chauffeur driven luxury air- conditioned vehicles for transfers & sightseeing

• Admission fees to all monuments, activities, excursions and shows as per the itinerary

• Bottled water whilst touring in vehicle

• Porterage, tipping and gratuities

• Private services of a bilingual tour guides

• Private transfers by luxury vehicles when mentioned in itinerary

• Private half-day tour in Lisbon with driver and local guide (Entrance fees to Monastery dos Jeronimos & Belém Tower included, University of Coimbra)

• Private petiscos tour in Lisbon (Petiscos and drinks included)

• Private full day excursion to Sintra, Cascais, Cabo da Roca and Estoril with driver – local guide (Entrance fees to Pena Palace included)

• Tile painting workshop in Lisbon

• Private transfer from Lisbon to Porto, with stops in Óbidos and Coimbra

•  Private Douro Valley Half Day Tour with wine tastings

• Private Porto Half Day Tour with tourism driver and wine tasting

• Special Farwell dinner in Porto

• Boutique Tours & Travel – Information Phone App

• Water in vehicles when driving between city’s

• Room Sharing options for singles / solo travellers available 

Not Included:

• International airfares

• Arrival & Departure Taxes, levies or other charges

• Passport & Visa Fees

• City Taxes for hotels if required

• Personal Travel Insurance

• Excess baggage charges

• Cost of any ‘luggage delivery’. – via FedEx or postal services

• Late check-out at hotels

• Porterage and gratuities on your arrival at airport and hotel and in free time

• Gratuities to tour guides and drivers and others.

• Meals and Alcoholic beverages not included in the itinerary

• Expenditure of personal nature

• Optional activities not included in tour