PORTUGAL

The Portuguese Experience

12 days / 11 nights

4N Lisbon – 1N Óbidos – 2N Coimbra – 4N Porto

Portugal is a great country for self-drive with an excellent road system.

Day 1 Arrive into the Lisbon Airport. Private transfer to the hotel. Famed for its exciting nightlife, Lisbon boasts a distinctive laid-back vibe with a strong feeling of the past and very few modern buildings. 4 overnights in a hotel in Lisbon.

Day 2 Enjoy a Tuk Tuk tour of Lisbon and an evening sunset sailing tour.

Day 3 Day trip to Sintra and Cascais from Lisbon. Visiting the famous Pena Palace and Park with a guide.

Day 4 In the morning, a Portuguese food tour around the city. In the evening, experience a live Fado show in the heart of Lisbon.

Day 5 Pickup the rental car in Lisbon, and drive along the coast to Óbidos. It is a small, walled-in village. Óbidos is a charming town to explore; there are narrow-cobbled streets, traditional painted houses, and an imposing medieval castle. 

1 overnight in a Pousada in Obidos.

Day 6 Continue on to Coimbra, stopping along the way in Tomar. While in Tomar, explore the Convento de Cristo and the aqueduct of the Peges. 

2 overnights in a hotel in Coimbra.

Day 7 Full day to explore Coimbra; visiting the University of Coimbra to see the Baroque Library, Royal Palace, St. Michael’s Chapel, Chemistry Laboratory, and Academic Museum.

Day 8 Head to Porto, stopping along the way in Aveiro. Aveiro is intersected by canals, genuine streets of water, along which can be seen gliding the brightly colored boats known as barcos moliceiros. 

4 overnights in a hotel in Porto.

Day 9 Enjoy a morning walking tour of Porto, perhaps a food and wine tour, or to visit Bolhão Market. Rest of day at leisure to explore on your own with the rental car; visiting Porto Cathedral, Palace da Bolsa, Church of Santa Clara, Church of Saint Francis, etc.

Day 10 Day trip using the rental car to Braga and Guimarães. Braga, known by its distinct churches, splendid XVIII century houses, gardens, nature parks, and recreational areas. In Guimarães, explore the palace, stroll down the picturesque streets, and ride the gondola to Penha Park.

Day 11 Today we suggest a day trip to the Douro Valley to see the winding, terraced region that produces the country's beloved port wine. 

Day 12 Either dropping off the rental car the day before departure with a private transfer to the airport today, or dropping off the rental car today at the airport. Depart from Porto Airport for your flight home.

Contact us if you would like a customized itinerary for your clients.

Madeira Island (Portugal)

9 days / 8 nights

Stay in Funchal, the capital of Madeira

Day 01 Arrive into Madeira Airport. Meet the driver for a private transfer to the hotel in Funchal.

8 Overnights in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

Day 02 Day to explore the city of Funchal. Travel by Monte Sledges, cable cars, bike, and/or tuk tuk. Seeing the green of the mountain to the blue of the ocean.

Day 03 Enjoy a day on the water. Perhaps a catamaran boat tour around the island (either a half or full day), with the possibility to swim and go snorkeling. There are also options for whale watching, diving, surfing, kayaking, and more. From black pebbles to golden sand – there are many beaches to choose from.

Day 04 Take a day trip around the island by car or van, seeing the sites and views – such as Cabo Girão's viewpoint, Cascata dos Anjos waterfall, and Fanal Forest (an UNESCO site).

Day 05 Spend time in nature, seeing the island by land. Go on a hiking tour in Madeira (half or full day); whether a beginner-friendly trail, or an adventurous trail for the more experienced hiker. Or try trail running, rock climbing, birdwatching, etc.

Day 06 Relax at one of the island’s natural swimming pools (Cachalote, Doca do Cavacas, or Porto Moniz) – among volcanic rocks, with water constantly renewed by the tides.

Day 07 Join a food and wine tour with option Funchal Farmer's Market (Mercado dos Lavradores) visit. If gastronomy is not your thing, join a history and culture tour to learn about island heritage and folklore.

Day 08 Morning at leisure in Funchal – visiting historical monuments and museums, restaurants, tropical gardens, beaches, stunning viewpoints, and more. Later, enjoy a Madeira dinner experience, with optional show.

Day 09 Checkout of the hotel in Funchal, and meet with the driver for your transfer to Madeira Airport. Fly home. Bon Voyage!

Please note: There is also the option to extend your trip to the Portuguese mainland. Let us know if interested!

Contact us if you would like a customized itinerary for your clients.