Lisbon, Porto and the Douro Valley

8 Days - Classic Escorted Tours

Many visitors to Portugal head straight to the beaches of the Algarve, overlooking the many historical and cultural highlights of this fascinatingly varied country. For the discerning traveller, however, there is so much to discover, including vibrant cities, majestic palaces and cathedrals, the beautiful Douro Valley and delicious produce, most famously port dessert wine. Today Portugal is a country of great contrasts; it’s modern in many ways yet still has one foot firmly set in its past. Full of history and appeal and spared from large-scale industrialisation, its well-preserved medieval towns with their tiny cobbled streets are delightful to explore. Portugal’s landscapes are stunning. You’ll experience them in full – from coastal forests, wild seascapes, fertile fields and dramatic valleys to sweeping biscuit-coloured hillsides covered with olive trees, fragrant pine forests and lush meadows. Experience the best of Portugal on this tour, from the maritime heritage of Lisbon to the National Palace of Sintra and Coimbra’s ancient university. Plus Porto’s port lodges, the beautiful Douro Valley and the chic resort of Cascais.

Highlights

Happy by day two or we'll bring you home with a full refund
Guided tour of Lisbon with its magnificent squares, Baixa and Moorish quarters and astounding Monastery of Jeronimos
Visit to Sintra and its Royal Palace including entrance fees – summer residence of the Portuguese monarchy
Guided tour of Porto, centre of the port wine trade, including a visit and tasting at Taylor’s wine lodge
Full day touring the Douro, one of Europe’s most dramatically beautiful river valleys
See the holy shrine of Fatima and visit Coimbra University, one of Europe’s oldest seats of learning with its astonishing gilded Baroque library, with entrance fees included
Visit the 13th century walled city of Obidos, with its cobbled streets and lofty medieval fortifications
Seven nights in three-star superior to five-star accommodation including all local taxes, with breakfast and three dinners
The Signature Tour option includes all of the above as well as:
Try the world famous Pastel de Nata with a glass of port, and discover the secrets of this delicious pastry at an open kitchen
Experience the unique musical sounds of traditional Fado and dine on typical Portuguese dishes at an atmospheric local restaurant
Taste a wider selection of superb Port wines accompanied with local delicacies whilst enjoying our beautiful location overlooking Porto

Inclusions

The price of this holiday is per person, based on two people sharing a twin room. Single rooms are subject to availability at the relevant supplement. The price includes:
Return flights
Seven nights accommodation
Daily breakfast and three dinners (or one dinner if staying at the Royal Bridges Hotel)
All tours as mentioned
All local accommodation taxes
All transfers
The services of a Riviera Travel tour manager

1

You take your flight to Lisbon. On arrival, you will be taken to your hotel. The rest of the day will be spent at leisure, allowing you time to settle into the hotel and start exploring if you wish. Our Lisbon hotel will be either the four-star Tivoli Oriente or the three-star MyStory Tejo.

2

This morning on our guided tour, we set out to discover Lisbon’s highlights, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We’ll see the strikingly modern Monument to the Discoveries and its 16th century fortified counterpart, the Belém Tower, then see the church of the Monastery of Jerónimos. One of the most magnificent buildings in Europe, the Monastery is a symbol of Portuguese wealth and power during the Age of Discoveries. We also see the impressive Terreiro do Paço square facing out to sea. There’s also Alfama, the Moorish quarter of timeless cobbled streets, and the wonderful garden at São Pedro de Alcântara with its expansive views across the rooftops. Part of Lisbon’s appeal is its mix of old and modern, bustling and peaceful, and this afternoon is free to explore. You might be tempted by the chic shops of the elegant Baixa quarter, rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1755, or decide to seek out a café to enjoy a bica – an espresso. Art-lovers can savour the Gulbenkian Museum, established by an Armenian oil magnate who bought art from Saint Petersburg’s Hermitage after the Russian Revolution for bargain prices. This world-class institution has exhibits ranging from ancient Egyptian treasures to Impressionist paintings to a superb collection of Lalique jewellery and glass. And don’t forget to take a ride on one of the clanging, rattling yellow trams; seemingly well past their sell-by date, they’re still the best way to negotiate the sharp bends of the old quarter. Signature Experiences: The morning concludes as you seek out the world-famous Pastel de Nata, the city’s devilishly moreish custard tart. A glass of port will be served as an accompaniment to this delicious pastry and you’ll discover some of the closely guarded secrets of this legendary delicacy in the open kitchens of a traditional bakery. This evening you’ll experience the haunting sounds of traditional Fado. These expressive melodies are thought to date back to the 19th century and reflect the dangerous sea voyages so many took in search of new worlds. Later you’ll be served a selection of typical dishes at one of one of Lisbon’s traditional restaurants where you can savour the rich flavours of the Portuguese kitchen and soak up the unique atmosphere.

4* Tivoli Oriente Hotel - Lisbon

The four-star Tivoli Oriente Hotel is set in the iconic Parque das Nações area, where there are many shops, restaurants and bars. The hotel has a restaurant serving international cuisine and a bar providing panoramic views over Lisbon. A complimentary coach service will take you to and from the centre of Lisbon on days two and three should you wish to spend more time in the heart of the city, while public transport links nearby provide easy access at any time.

3* Mystory Tejo Hotel - Lisbon

The three-star superior MyStory Tejo Hotel, located in the heart of central Lisbon, just a 5 minute walk from Figueira Square. This is a contemporary hotel housed in a renovated 19th century building, and it features a restaurant & bar area, but given its central location there are also plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby. The rooms are simply furnished in a quirky contemporary style and include air conditioning, wifi and minibar.