A Week In... Portugal - 8 Days

Duration

8 Days

Difficulty
Balanced
Start

Porto

End

Lisbon

Rating

*****

Operator

Tauck

Discover the seafaring charms of the coast, the lush river valley vineyards, the hilltop castles and villages in its alpine interior and monuments to grandiose man-made achievements... Portugal may be small... but it's big on vibrant culture, history, and natural beauty that invites intimate exploration.

Spend two nights in the ancient port city of Porto with a guided visit to its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a cruise along the Douro on arabelo and a tour and tasting at an authentic port house. Your unique accommodation in Évora is a converted, 15th-century convent, setting the scene for guided exploration in the historic city, plus port wine and olive oil tastings in the country; and in Lisbon, a two-night stay in Portugal's capital city includes excursions to seaside Cascais and Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unique experiences include visits to six UNESCO World Heritage Sites on guided visits with local experts, and tastings of world-famous port wine and olive oil during a tour and lunch at a renowned winery.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Porto

A transfer is included from Porto Int'l Airport to Hotel Infante Sagres in the city's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Please join us tonight for a welcome reception followed by dinner at the hotel.

Hotel Infante Sagres, Porto
Dinner

Day 2: The rich wine history of Porto

Colourful, eclectic Porto rises on staggered hills beside the Douro River where the river empties into the Atlantic. Port wine originated here in the 17th century and is still the region's mainstay product, brought down from the vineyards of the Douro River Valley. Begin the day with a guided tour of Porto's historic district and its beguiling architecture, from medieval to Baroque to Beaux-Arts, winding alleyways, miradouros (lookout points), opulent palaces and churches. Public art is everywhere in the boldly coloured painted tiles (azulejos) that adorn city buildings. A guided ride aboard a traditional rabelo boat along the Douro River precedes a visit to a port wine cellar for a tour, tasting and lunch. Return to your hotel in Porto's historic district to relax and spend the rest of the afternoon and evening as you please.

Hotel Infante Sagres, Porto
Breakfast Lunch

Day 3: Explore Coimbra and Batalha

This morning travel to Coimbra, located on the Mondego River in central Portugal, for a guided tour of one of the oldest universities in the world. The University of Coimbra was actually founded in Lisbon in 1290 but relocated here in 1308. Visit its 18th-century library, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to some 56,000 volumes, many of which date from the 16th to 18th centuries. Travel to Batalha for a visit to the Monastery of Batalha; it is the site of João d'Avis' tomb, along with those of his wife and four of their children (notably including Henry the Navigator). The monastery offers a mix of Gothic and Manueline architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue on to the seaside Praia D'EI Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort near Óbidos for an overnight stay.

Praia D'El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort, Amoreira,
Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 4: More history in Óbidos & Évora

Spend the morning exploring on your own in the hilltop walled town of Óbidos, described by Condé Nast Traveler as "a medieval town that looks like it was lifted from the pages of a fairy tale." Enjoy time to wander along its cobbled streets that meander up to the ramparts, passing picturesque whitewashed houses charming with cascading bougainvillea and painted doors of every colour. According to a popular legend, ever since King Dinis gifted this pretty town to his beloved Queen Isabel de Aragon in the 13th century, princes have offered it to their brides too. Lunch today is at a traditional estate in the Tejo wine region (formerly Ribatejo). This evening, check into your hotel, a restored 15th-century convent outside of town, where dinner offers a choice of Alentejo specialties.

Convento do Espinheiro, Evora
Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 5: Exploring Évora

Start your day with a walking tour of Évora's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including its beautiful botanical gardens. The city's history reaches back 2,000 years; Portuguese kings resided here during the country's Golden Age, and you'll see royal palaces with a rich variety of architectural styles as your local guide peels back Évora's layers of history with stories about its Roman roots, its Moorish influences, and its glory years in the Middle Ages as a seat of learning and the arts. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to your hotel in Évora and spend the rest of the day and evening as you wish.

Convento do Espinheiro, Evora
Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 6: From Évora to Lisbon

Depart Évora and head for Portugal's colourful capital city of Lisbon; upon arrival, enjoy a guided visit to the Maritime Museum (Museu de Marinha) – a "world of discoveries" that takes you from the great adventure of the Discoveries to the evolution of the commercial and war navies within an impressive collection of 23,000 pieces. Next, enjoy a guided, panoramic tour of the Belem district, where you can see the Monument to the Discoveries, and Jeronimos Monastery. Following a lunch of local specialties, check into your landmark Lisbon hotel on the luxurious Avenida da Liberdade, and spend the evening as you please in this historic city.

Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa, Lisbon
Breakfast Lunch

Day 7: Sintra, Cascais & a farewell evening

Today, visit Sintra – a romantic city of castles, monuments, and palatial estates, where your morning includes a tour of the National Palace of Pena, a romantic, 19th-century retreat crowning a mountain peak, and resplendent with yellow and pink painted buildings, crenellated turrets, and a medley of architectural styles; it was inspired by castles on the Rhine. After some free time to explore as you wish in Sintra, meander through picturesque landscapes to the beach town of Cascais on the Portuguese Riviera; return to Lisbon for an afternoon spent as you please. Then join us this evening for a private dinner at 18th-century Palacio de Queluz as your 8-day journey throughout Portugal comes to a close.

Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa, Lisbon
Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 8: Journey home

Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa to Lisbon Airport. You should allow a minimum of 3½ hours for flight check-in.  You can, of course, extend your stay.

Breakfast

Includes

  • 7 nights in handpicked 4 & 5 star hotels
  • Comfortable coaches with bathroom facilities (w/c)
  • 24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert driver
  • Porterage, plus tips and gratuities at hotels and restaurants are included
  • Meals as stated in the itinerary 

Excludes

  • Flights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book flights
  • Pre & post nights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book additional nights
  • Driver & Tour Director gratuities - these can be pre-paid, please ask your reservations agent when booking your tour

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Prices shown above are per person based on 2 adults sharing. For single, triple, quad and child prices please call us for a quote.

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to check the latest up-to-date availability and to book your tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How much is the deposit to secure a tour and when is the balance due?

A deposit of 10% is required when making your booking.

The balance of the holiday cost must be received by us no less than 10 weeks prior to your date of departure. Bookings made within 10 weeks of departure require full payment at the time of booking.

For some tours or if there is a special "Early Booking offer", the balance maybe due sooner than 10 weeks before departure, in this case you will be advised at time of booking when the balance due date would be.

The balance payment date will be shown on your confirmation invoice. 

Payments can be made by debit card, credit card or bank transfers.

YOUR PAYMENTS TO US ARE FULLY FINANCIALLY SECURE FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND: Where your confirmed travel arrangements include a flight and you are resident in the UK (or EU) or the flight departs from, arrives in or transits the UK, this is financially protected through our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) number 6874 managed by the Civil Aviation Authority, Gatwick Airport South, West Sussex, RH6 0YR, UK, telephone 0333 103 6350, email claims@caa. co.uk.

CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations t&c's can differ from operator to operator, these will be confirmed to you with your booking confirmation. For our general Terms and conditions and general cancellation details please click here.

What does the tour cost include?

The per person price listed covers all hotel accommodations, taxes, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motor coach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a professional Travel Director, all meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling. All tips have been included for services on trip by dining-room staff, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports, docks and train stations.

Can we book flights through you ?

Yes, we can offer competitive airfares with all the major airlines. When booking a package with us that includes flights and a tour, your package is then fully ATOL Bonded by the CAA for your full financial peace of mind.  You are of course are welcome to book flights independently but we are therefore not responsible should your flights be delayed and you miss any part of your tour or other arrangements booked with us.  

Can I add additional hotel nights before or after my tour?

Many of our clients choose to add extra hotel nights to spend a little more time in their chosen destination. You can reserve additional hotel nights before or after your tour.

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your additional nights and assist with your requirements.   

Can i book twin beds or triple and quad rooms

Yes, We have options for twin (2 beds) and triple/quad room configurations.

If you a travelling in a party of three or four adult guests, please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.

For double rooms (2 guests), 1 Double/Queen or King bed is the normal, Twin beds can be requested at time of booking.

For triple rooms (3 guests) these will normally have 1 Queen/King bed and a fold out bed, or 2 Queen/King beds and a fold out bed.

For Quad rooms (4 Guests) these will normally have 2 Queen/King beds.

How much is the solo/single supplement?

Escorted tours are the perfect option if you're travelling solo, combining the camaraderie of a smaller group with the independence of a solo trip. Many tours offer solo room share options, or a competitive solo supplement. 

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.

How many guests will be on this tour?

Tauck offer up to 3 different group sizes on some tours.

Classic group departures have an average of 35 - 44 Guests.

For small group departures these average 24 guest and then some tours also offer smaller group departures which average around 15 guests.

How much walking with be on this tour?

With your comfort in mind, Purely Escorted Tours assigns every tour an activity level. The activity level for your chosen tour is displayed in the tour introduction.

Leisurely: Tours will typically have minimal to 1-2 miles of walking per day on primarily flat surfaces and with some stairs. 

Balanced: Tours typically have up to 1-3 miles of walking per day, which may include some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones and stairs. 

Dynamic: These journeys can feature 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve some steep hills.   

Do the coaches have on-board Wi-Fi and bathroom facilities

Tauck coaches are modern, well-appointed buses with comfortable seating, large windows for viewing, and on-board amenities like Wi-Fi and bathrooms. 

While the specific coach model may vary by tour and region, guests can expect an upgrade from standard coaches, reflecting Tauck's commitment to luxury and an elevated travel experience. 

The coaches are equipped to provide a high level of comfort and convenience, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the scenery during their travels.

The coaches offer onboard Wi-Fi, bathroom facilities (w/c), charging unites, reclining seats, air conditioning, footrests, tray tables, drink holders and seat pockets 

Are gratuities included for the driver, tour director and at restaurants etc?

Gratuities are included at hotels and restaurants. And, you have the option to pre-pay your Travel Director and driver gratuities before you travel if you wish.  

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for you to pre-pay driver and tour director gratuities.

Do you offer/include Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is not included in your tour and we do not offer travel insurance.

Please procure Travel Insurance before travelling. This will protect you and will give you peace of mind before you travel and whilst on your tour.

We suggest that your insurance covers the following:

  • Cancellation or curtailment of your vacation due to medical or other reasons
  • Loss or damage to your property and baggage
  • Loss of cash, credit cards etc
  • Medical costs and personal accidents

Certain countries require visitors to have valid medical insurance on entry and in Europe, you may find that doctor's surgeries, dentists and hospitals often require payment in cash prior to providing services. Whilst rare, medical evacuation can be exceptionally expensive. 

Do remember to bring a copy of your policy, contact phone numbers and details of how to claim when you travel. 

Should you choose to travel on Purely Escorted Tour without the required travel insurance, you will have full responsibility for all expenses (trip interruption, trip delay, medical expenses, quarantine expenses and emergency evacuation/repatriation) that may arise while travelling with us.

What does a guaranteed departure mean?

A guaranteed departure has reached the minimum number of guests for the tour to operate or will depart no matter how many people are booked to travel. 

In the slim case that a guaranteed departure has to be withdrawn that you are booked on due to a unforeseen circumstances, you are entitled to a full refund on the funds already paid or if flexible with your time, we can move you onto another departure that suits you.

What do I need to know about border crossings, visas, entry requirements and passports?

Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks and so it is strongly advised that you consult your local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.

Note: Purely Escorted Tours is not responsible for obtaining any necessary visas required on your tour.

Information about border crossings and visas, entry requirements varies by destination. Please check the destination you're visiting below for more information:

Europe trips:

Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. Multiple-entry visas may be required if you are entering a country more than once on your holiday.

Guests are advised that only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their specific visa requirements. Guests should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel. Please check your itinerary carefully. Remember that requirements vary based on a passport's place of issue and that the process can take time.

Check that multi-entry visas have the correct entry dates and destinations before you travel. Please be aware that with some itineraries, you may travel through a country without making an overnight stop. If this happens on your itinerary, you will still need a visa to enter/exit the country for example an ETA when transiting through UK & Ireland.

Please ensure that you carry proper identification with you at all times, as border crossings will need to see your entry documents and passports. Usually crossing borders is a very straightforward process that is managed by your Travel Director. However, be advised that you may be required to open your luggage and answer simple questions about the length of your stay, purpose of travel, etc. 

United Kingdom and Northern Ireland trips incl transiting travellers:

From January 8, 2025 UK law requires travelers both entering and transiting through the UK and Northern Ireland to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) which must be obtained in advance of travel. 

UK eTA applications can be made at the UK Governments official website.   

USA trips incl transiting travellers: 

US law requires travellers both entering and transiting through the United States are required to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.

ESTA applications can be made at the U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection website. 

Canada trips:

Canadian law requires travellers both entering and transiting through Canada to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.   

eTA applications can be made at the Government of Canada's website.

Rest of the World trips:

Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas before the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks before your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them. 

What if I have mobility issues?

Please notify us of any disability requiring special assistance prior to travelling. We will try our best to accommodate you throughout the tour and will inform the hotels.

What if I have food allergies?

Please advise us of any dietary requirements. We will make arrangements with our suppliers where possible.

You will also need to talk to your Travel Director at the beginning of your tour and they will do their utmost to arrange an alternative menu at the hotels and restaurants.

How much luggage can I bring?

Travelling on a Purely Escorted Tour entitles each guest to travel with one suitcase not exceeding 23kg (50lbs) in weight, with dimensions not exceeding 77.5cm (30.5in) x 56cm (22in) x 32cm (12.5in). Guests may also bring one item of hand luggage that is small and light enough to be carried onto the coach and fit underneath the seat, or in the small overhead compartment above. (Luggage with adjustable handles and wheels will not fit).

Please test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances.

Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.  

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