Day 1: Depart the USA

Your adventure starts as you board your overnight flight to Lisbon. This city is bursting with history, charm, and stunning riverfront views. Enjoy meals and drinks onboard as you relax and anticipate the unforgettable experiences ahead. 

Day 2: Welcome to Portugal - Lisbon to Figueira da Foz

Upon arrival in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to the beautiful coastal town of Figueira da Foz. Located at the mouth of the Mondego River, this hidden gem is known for its sweeping golden beaches, Belle Époque architecture, and vibrant maritime culture. A favored seaside escape for Portuguese aristocracy in the 19th century, Figueira da Foz today boasts a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere with palm-lined promenades, charming cafés, and some of Portugal’s most scenic ocean views. This evening, maybe stroll along the miles-long Praia da Claridade beach, explore the historic Casino Figueira (one of the oldest on the Iberian Peninsula), or simply soak in the sea air. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the hotel as you settle into the rhythm of Portugal’s coastal charm.

Day 3 Figueira da Foz - Aveiro Tour

Today’s adventure begins with a journey to Costa Nova, where the vividly striped fisherman houses create a postcard-perfect setting along the Atlantic coast. Then, you continue to Aveiro, often called the “Venice of Portugal,” where colorful Moliceiro boats glide through intricate canals once used for seaweed harvesting. You’ll explore the town’s historic salt pans, an important part of Aveiro’s maritime heritage, and visit the stunning train station adorned with exquisite blue and white azulejo tilework depicting local life. Enjoy a scenic Moliceiro boat ride, drifting through the picturesque waterways and enjoying the city’s unique charm. After some leisure time to explore, you head back to Figueira da Foz. Dinner this evening is at the hotel.

Day 4: Figueira da Foz

Today, enjoy a full day of leisure or enjoy an optional tour to Porto. Welcome to Porto, a city that effortlessly blends old-world charm with contemporary vibrancy. Set along the majestic Douro River, Porto’s colorful hillside buildings and intricate bridges make it one of the most picturesque cities in Europe. Begin your exploration at the São Bento train station, famous for its 20,000 azulejo tiles that illustrate Portugal’s rich history. Walk through the historic Ribeira district, where narrow, winding streets lead to lively cafés, artisan shops, and stunning riverside views. No visit to Porto is complete without indulging in Portugal’s most famous export, Port wine. This afternoon, on our “Journey of Discovery,” visit one of the renowned Port wine cellars for a guided tour and tasting, where you’ll learn about the craftsmanship behind this world-famous drink.

Day 5: Figueira da Foz - Coimbra and Conímbriga Tour

Step into Coimbra, a city that has inspired poets and scholars for centuries. Home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, Coimbra’s cobblestone streets and medieval charm make it a must-visit destination. Explore the magnificent University of Coimbra, where you’ll visit the Joanina Library, a breathtaking Baroque masterpiece that houses over 300,000 ancient books. Wander through the university’s historic courtyards and chapels before descending into the city’s lower town. Then step back nearly 2,000 years at Conímbriga, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in Portugal. Wander mosaic-filled villas, ancient baths, and the grand forum, then see the stories behind the ruins come to life in the excellent on-site museum. It’s a rare chance to walk through everyday Roman life, almost exactly where they left it.

Day 6: Figueira da Foz - Óbidos and Nazaré

Step into one of Portugal’s most enchanting settings with a visit to Óbidos, a beautifully preserved medieval walled town filled with cobbled lanes, whitewashed houses, colorful flowers, and charming balconies. As part of our Journey of Discovery, enjoy a taste of the local specialty, Ginjinha, a traditional sour cherry liqueur served in a small chocolate cup. After time at leisure for lunch and independent exploration, continue to Nazaré, a picturesque fishing village known around the world for its dramatic Atlantic coastline and record-breaking waves. Here, our Journey of Discovery continues as you meet a local surfer who will share the fascinating story behind Nazaré’s legendary giant waves, which can reach up to 101 feet, nearly 30 meters in peak conditions. This evening, return to Figueira da Foz and celebrate the journey with a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant, sharing memories of Portugal’s history, culture, and coastal beauty.

Day 7: Figueira da Foz

Today enjoy a free day in Figueira da Foz or take an optional tour to Fátima, one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in the world. Explore the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, a place of miraculous apparitions and deep devotion. On our “Journey of Discovery,” a local will share the remarkable story of the 1917 visions and the enduring spiritual significance of this site. Take time to reflect, light a candle, or simply embrace the serene atmosphere before returning to Figueira da Foz for a relaxed evening.

Day 8: Figueira da Foz - Sintra - Cascais - Lisbon

Bid farewell to Figueira da Foz and travel to Sintra, a magical town of palaces, legends, and romance. Visit Sintra’s old town with its iconic twin chimneys, and the National Palace of Sintra, the only royal residence to span the entire history of Portugal. Step inside a labyrinth of tile-lined halls, Moorish courtyards, and royal apartments where queens once ruled, kings escaped the Lisbon heat, and history quietly unfolded. It’s less a palace visit and more a walk through a thousand years of Portuguese stories. Onwards to Cascais, a former royal retreat turned seaside paradise, before arriving in Lisbon. This evening, join your fellow travelers on an optional tour and immerse yourself in the unforgettable and soulful sounds of Fado, Portugal’s traditional music and dance, during a memorable dinner with a live performance.

Day 9: Return to the USA or Optional Lisbon and Alentejo Extension

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home or continue your adventure with an optional extension in Lisbon and Évora, featuring UNESCO sites, wine tastings, and historic treasures.

DAY 9: Lisbon Optional Extension

Today, immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Lisbon, a city where historic grandeur meets vibrant modern energy. Begin in Belém, the district that launched Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Stand before the Monument to the Discoveries, honoring legendary explorers, and admire the Belém Tower, a sentinel of the Tagus River. Nearby, the Hieronymites Monastery, with its intricate Manueline architecture, showcases Portugal’s golden age of wealth and exploration. Enjoy some free time for lunch, before exploring the charming streets of Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district. Wander through narrow, winding alleys, and take in breathtaking views over the city’s terracotta rooftops. Conclude the day with leisure time to explore Lisbon at your own pace, perhaps visiting the bustling Commerce Square, riding one of the city’s iconic yellow trams, or indulging in a Pastel de Nata, Portugal’s famous custard tart.

DAY 10: Lisbon - Évora - Alentejo

Step into the heart of Portugal’s history with a visit to Évora, a city so rich in heritage that it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin at the Temple of Diana, a stunning Roman ruin from the 1st century AD that stands as a testament to Portugal’s deep-rooted past. Stroll through Évora’s medieval streets, lined with whitewashed houses and Moorish-inspired architecture. A highlight today is the Chapel of Bones, an awe-inspiring site where 5,000 skulls and bones are arranged in intricate patterns as a solemn reminder of life’s transience. Visit Évora’s Cathedral, a magnificent blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, before heading to a local restaurant for lunch. This afternoon on a “Journey of Discovery,” brings a winetasting experience in Alentejo, Portugal’s most famous wine region. Sample rich reds and crisp whites while exploring a historic winery. Return to Lisbon with memories of Portugal’s timeless charm.

DAY 11: Return to the USA

Return to the USA Your unforgettable journey through Portugal ends, but the memories of fairy-tale castles, medieval towns, sun-kissed vineyards, and stunning coastlines will stay with you forever. Transfer to Lisbon’s airport and board your homeward bound flight.