Best of Portugal: 9-Day Slow Pace Guided Adventure

1. Day 1 Arrive in Lisbon, Rest & Relax & Group Welcome Dinner (Vila Galé Opera)

   Welcome to Portugal! Enjoy hassle-free airport transfers upon your arrival and departure, and for a seamless start to your journey, we recommend booking an early hotel check-in. (check-in is usually from 2:00 PM)

   Your hotel is Vila Galé Opera.

   Here's the detailed itinerary for today:

   1. Arrival

   • Arrive at Lisbon airport and take the transfer to your hotel.

   2. Check-in, Rest & Relax

   • Upon arrival at the hotel, proceed with the check-in process.
   • Take some time to rest and relax in your comfortable accommodations.

   3. Free Afternoon at Your Leisure. 

   • Once you're settled, we invite you to explore the nearby LX Factory district on foot (a short 10-minute walk). Discover the unique charm and creativity this area has to offer.

   4. 7:30 PM - Group Welcome Dinner

   • Meeting Point: Hotel Lobby (Hotel Restaurant)
   • Join us for a delightful Group Welcome Dinner (included). A wonderful opportunity to unwind, connect with fellow participants, and savor local cuisine.
2. Day 2 Lisbon Discovery (Vila Galé Opera)

   Get ready for an exhilarating day of exploration in the heart of Lisbon! Here's the itinerary for your day:

   1. Breakfast at the Hotel

   • Enjoy a delicious and energizing breakfast at the hotel to kickstart your day.

   2. OPTIONAL Morning Adventure

   • 09:00 AM (Optional Walking Tour):
   • Take a leisurely accompanied walk through the Belem district. Explore iconic landmarks like Belem Tower, Discoveries Monument, and Jeronimos Monastery. Don't miss the chance to savor the famous Pasteis de Belem during your free time (entrances not included).
   • Or spend your free time exploring various attractions such as São Jorge Castle, Museums, Oceanarium, Parque das Nações shopping center, and more.

   4. 02:00 PM: Lisbon Half-day City Walking Tour with Guide (Included)

   • Immerse yourself in the city's rich history and culture with a guided walking tour.
   • The tour concludes at or near the main square (Praça do Commercio).
   • Continue exploring the core, dine at restaurants along Rua Augusta pedestrian, or return to the hotel at your leisure.

   5. 05:30 PM: Free Leisure Time in Lisbon

   • Enjoy the evening at your own pace, perhaps considering a dinner Fado night at Pateo D'Alfama.
3. Day 3 Sintra, Cascais & Ericeira (Vila Galé Ericeira)

   Embark on a day of enchanting discoveries as we explore the captivating destinations of Sintra, Cascais, and Ericeira.

   Your new hotel is Vila Galé Ericeira.

   Here's the detailed itinerary for today:

   1. Breakfast at the Hotel

   • Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel, fueling up for an exciting adventure.

   2. 09:00 AM: Depart for Sintra ( +/- 30 mins drive to Sintra)

   • Enjoy a scenic drive of approximately 30 minutes to reach the charming town of Sintra.

   3. 10:00 AM: Visit to Quinta da Regaleira

   • Enjoy a leisurely walk from the city center and immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of Quinta da Regaleira, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning gardens, mysterious caves, and unique architecture.

   4. Return to Sintra City Center for Lunch

   • After exploring Quinta da Regaleira, head back to Sintra city center for a delicious lunch.

   5. 02:00 PM: Depart Towards Cascais (+/- 30 mins drive to Cascais)

   • Board the bus for a scenic 30-minute drive to the picturesque coastal town of Cascais.

   6. 03:00 PM: Visit Boca do Inferno and Explore Cascais

   • Witness the breathtaking Boca do Inferno and take a leisurely walk around the historic center of Cascais.

   7. 04:30 PM: Continue to Ericeira  (+/- 1 hr drive to Ericeira) 

   • Gather at the designated meeting point to depart for Ericeira, enjoying approximately a 1-hour drive.

   8. Free Leisure Time in Ericeira:

   • Once in Ericeira, take advantage of free leisure time.
   • Explore the coastal area and the main pedestrian street, where a variety of restaurants await your discovery.
4. Day 4 Óbidos & Tomar (Vila Galé Porto Tomar)

   Get ready for a day of time travel as we explore the medieval gems of Óbidos and Tomar. 

   Your new hotel is Vila Galé Porto Tomar. 

   Here's the detailed itinerary for today:

   1. Depart for Óbidos:

   • Start your day with anticipation as we depart for Óbidos, a journey of approximately 60 minutes.

   2. Explore Óbidos:

   • Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Óbidos, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe.
   • Stroll through cobbled streets, admire historic architecture, and capture the essence of this captivating town.

   3. Lunch in Óbidos:

   • Enjoy a delightful lunch at a charming spot within Óbidos, savoring local flavors and hospitality.

   4. Depart for Tomar:

   • Board the bus for a scenic drive of approximately 75 minutes to reach Tomar.

   5. Visit the Monastery in Tomar (Knights Templar):

   • Explore the rich history of Tomar with a visit to the Monastery, a testament to the legacy of the Knights Templar.

   6. Group Dinner at Hotel (included):

   • Return to the hotel for a well-deserved group dinner, included for all participants.
   • Optional: Take a leisurely walk around Tomar's old city center either before or after dinner to soak in the evening ambiance.
5. Day 5 Coimbra & Aveiro (Vila Galé Porto Centro)

   Prepare for a day filled with cultural wonders as we embark on an unforgettable journey through Coimbra, Aveiro, and Porto.

   Your new hotel is Vila Galé Porto Centro.

   Here's your detailed itinerary:

   1. 09:00 AM: Depart for Coimbra

   • Start the day with excitement as we depart for Coimbra, enjoying a scenic drive of approximately 1 hour.

   2. 10:30 AM: Discover Historic Coimbra - City Walking Tour

   • Immerse yourself in the rich history of Coimbra with a 2-hour city walking tour.
   • Explore the historic landmarks, cultural treasures, and the vibrant atmosphere that define this remarkable city.

   3. Lunch in Coimbra

   • Take a break and indulge in a delicious lunch at one of Coimbra's charming eateries.

   4. 01:30 PM: Continue to Aveiro

   • Board the bus for a picturesque 1-hour drive to the enchanting city of Aveiro.

   5. 03:00 PM: Enjoy a Moliceiro Boat Ride

   • Experience the unique charm of Aveiro with a delightful Moliceiro boat ride through its picturesque canals.

   6. 04:00 PM: Continue onto Porto

   • Depart for Porto with a scenic drive of approximately 1 hour.

   7. Dinner at Leisure and Optional Evening Walk:

   • Enjoy dinner at your leisure in Porto.
   • Optional: Join an evening walk along the Ribeira district. The exact time will be determined based on group preferences.
   • Alternatively, take a stroll over the bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia for another charming area to explore and dine.
6. Day 6 Porto City Walking Tour & Free Time (Vila Galé Porto Centro)

   Get ready for a day filled with discovery in the vibrant city of Porto. Here's the plan for the day:

   1. Breakfast at the Hotel

   • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, ensuring you're energized for the adventures ahead.

   2. 09:00 AM: Guided City Walking Tour of Porto

   • Meet in the hotel lobby for an immersive guided city walking tour of Porto.
   • Explore the historical and cultural landmarks that make Porto a truly unique destination.

   3. FREE TIME:

   • Enjoy free time for lunch to explore Porto's culinary delights or take a well-deserved break to rest for the exciting day tomorrow.
   • Take advantage of optional activities during your free time:
     • Consider a Porto wine tasting at a lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia.
     • Explore Porto's beauty from the water with a Two-Hour Six Bridges boat tour.
     • Discover Porto beyond the city center with a flexible Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour.

   4. Dinner at Leisure and Free Time

   • Enjoy dinner at your leisure, explore local restaurants, or relax as you wish.
   • Take advantage of your free time to further immerse yourself in the charm of Porto.
7. Day 7 Douro River (Vila Galé Porto Centro)

   Get ready for an extraordinary day of exploration along the Douro River! Here's the plan for the day:

   1. Breakfast at the Hotel

   • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, preparing for an exciting adventure.

   2. 09:00 AM: Meet in the hotel lobby as you set off on your Douro River experience

   • Embark on a scenic drive along the picturesque Dour River, soaking in the breathtaking views.

   3. Train, Boat, and Visit with Wine Tasting:

   • Experience a unique journey along the most scenic part of the Douro that includes a train ride, a boat excursion, and a visit to a charming family-owned Quinta (vineyard).

   4. Return to Hotel:

   • After a day filled with adventures, return to the hotel to relax and unwind.

   5. Evening at Leisure for Dinner:

   • Enjoy your evening at leisure, giving you the freedom to explore local dining options and unwind after this remarkable day.
8. Day 8 Nazaré & Return to Lisbon (Vila Galé Opera)

   As we approach the conclusion of our journey, we have planned a slow day to allow you to rest from the memorable day along the Douro River as we return to Lisbon. Here's the schedule for our final day:

   1. 09:00 AM: Depart for Nazaré (+/- 2 hr Drive to Nazaré)

   • Kickstart the day with a departure for the renowned surf and beach city of Nazaré.

   2. 11:00 AM: Nazaré & Lunch

   • Explore the charm of Nazaré, including a visit to the renowned Nazaré beach.
   • Enjoy a leisurely lunch, immersing yourself in the coastal ambiance.

   3. Depart for Lisbon (+/- 90 mins drive to Lisbon)

   • Bid farewell to Nazaré as we embark on a 90-minute drive back to Lisbon.

   4. Group Farewell Dinner at the Hotel:

   • Join us for a heartfelt Group Farewell Dinner at the hotel, creating a final opportunity for camaraderie and shared memories.
   • This dinner is included as a token of appreciation for the wonderful journey we've had together.
9. Day 9 Return Flight Home (or opt to extend your stay in Lisbon)

   As our incredible journey comes to an end, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for sharing this adventure with us. Here are the final details for your departure:

   1. Breakfast

   • Begin your last day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel.

   2. Until 12:00 PM: Check-Out and Departure

   • For those departing today, please proceed with the check-out process.
   • We wish you safe travels and hope you carry with you wonderful memories of this trip.

   3. Additional Nights in Lisbon

   • For those extending their stay with additional nights in Lisbon, we trust you'll continue to enjoy the city's charm and hospitality.

   Safe Travels!

   • Wherever your journey takes you next, we wish you safe and pleasant travels. May the memories created during this trip stay with you for a lifetime.
   • Thank you for being a part of this memorable experience. If you have any last-minute questions or require assistance, feel free to reach out.

Available Experiences

Included

Experience Pack: Best of Lisbon - 9 Day Itinerary