Day 1 – USA to Lisbon, Portugal
Depart Minnesota with an R&J Tour Director and take an overnight flight to arrive in Lisbon, Portugal tomorrow afternoon.
Day 2 – Lisbon
We’ll begin our exploration of Portugal with a seamless arrival in Lisbon. A dedicated English-speaking Tour Manager will guide us through the journey, ensuring a smooth transition from the airport to the 4-star accommodation at Madalena by The Beautique Hotels. Conveniently located downtown, we’ll settle right in to our classy and stylish rooms. Then we’ll enjoy an afternoon at leisure, immersing ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Lisbon. In the evening, a delightful three-course dinner is served, allowing us to savor the city’s culinary delights as we get to know one another.
Included Meals: Dinner
Hotel: Madalena by The Beautique Hotels (3 Nights)
Day 3 – Lisbon
Today we embark with our local guide on a full day of discovery in Lisbon. Explore iconic landmarks such as Belem Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, and the historic Alfama district with our guide. Belem Tower is an impressive 16th century fortification that served as a point of embarkation & disembarkation for Portuguese explorers as well as a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon. The Jerónimos Monastery is famous for its Manueline architectural style and as the final resting place of explorer Vasco da Gama. We’ll dive into Portuguese culture with a visit to the National Tile Museum, complete with a hands-on Tile Workshop. The evening unfolds with a mesmerizing Fado Show and dinner, capturing the essence of traditional Portuguese music.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 – Sintra
Our venture takes us beyond Lisbon today on a full-day excursion to Sintra, a picturesque town filled with historic charm. Located in the foothills of the Sintra Mountains, Sintra is a longtime royal sanctuary with its forested terrain studded with pastel-colored villas and palaces. We get to explore the enchanting Pena Park and the National Palace of Pena, which stands out as the renowned jewel in the crown of the Sintra Hills. At first glance, Pena Park seems like a dense and wild woodland, but it is actually a purposely-designed landscape that complements the Romantic architecture style of the palace. Then we’ll visit the striking Monserrate Palace, a true masterpiece of romanticism. Returning to Lisbon, we’ll enjoy the evening at leisure, allowing for personal exploration and relaxation after a day of cultural enrichment.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 – Lisbon to Coimbra
Departing Lisbon, we travel to Coimbra, where we’ll immerse ourselves in the cultural richness of this riverfront city. A local guide introduces us to the University of Coimbra, built on the grounds of a former palace and famed for its baroque library, the Biblioteca Joanina. Here we will also find the Royal Palace. Having been built at the end of the 10th century, it is rich in history. Our day concludes with a delectable three-course dinner before we settle into the comfort of Coimbra Aeminium, our 4-star accommodation.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Hotel Coimbra Aeminium
Day 6 – Coimbra to Porto
We embark on a scenic journey to Porto and uncover the city’s treasures with a local guide today. Explore the Ribeira district, Livraria Lello, and the Clerigos Tower, complemented by visits to notable sites. We’ll immerse ourselves in the literary ambiance of Lello Bookstore and enjoy the panoramic views from Clerigos Tower. The day concludes with a three-course dinner and a restful night at Hotel Chic & Basic Gravity. This 4 star hotel will be our home for the next three nights.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Hotel Chic & Basic Gravity (3 Nights)
Day 7 – Douro Valley
Experience the beauty of the Douro Valley with a full-day excursion, featuring a leisurely boat cruise on the Douro River, followed by a three-course lunch at a local restaurant or vineyard. We’ll marvel at the views of the scenic landscapes as we sip a glass of Port wine. The evening grants you leisure time to explore Porto at your own pace.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8 – Porto
Today we delve into Porto’s cultural gems with visits to the Stock Exchange Palace and Porto Cathedral. The Stock Exchange Palace is renowned for its exquisite neoclassical facade and ornate gilded Arabian Hall. The Porto Cathedral, constructed in 1110, is a Roman Catholic Church that is one of the city’s oldest monuments. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure, perhaps exploring the Cathedral’s cloister for an additional cost. We conclude our Porto adventure with another wonderful three-course dinner.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 – Porto to Home
Today we bid farewell to Porto and Portugal as we head to the airport for our flight home. Picturesque Portugal has been a fantastic journey we will long remember!
Included Meals: Breakfast
Flyaway Per Person Pricing Information
Motorcoach Travel Protection Per Person
Travel Bucks
Deposit Due
Passport Needed
Tour Pace
Price Includes
RT Airfare including taxes, fuel surcharges, & baggage fees! 13 Meals, Hotels & Activities as stated, Luxury Motorcoach
09/30/2024 10/08/2024
Tour Highlights
* 3 Nights in Lisbon including Guided Touring
* National Tile Museum Visit with a Hands-On Tile Workshop
* Portuguese Fado Music Show & Dinner
* Sintra Touring including Pena Park & Palace and Monserrate Palace
* 1 Night in Coimbra including Touring University of Coimbra, Joanina Library & the Royal Palace
* 3 Nights in Porto including Guided Touring
* Douro Valley River Cruise
* Porto’s Stock Exchange Palace & Porto Cathedral
