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Best of Portugal

Porto & its famous wine, the university town of Coimbra, Fatima & medieval Obidos, then enchanting Lisbon with a day trip to fairy-tale Sintra

Overview

from$3999Tour + Flights from$3299Tour Only 10days
price per person, double occupancy,* during sale,** based on Nov 10, 2024 departure from EWR
Save $550 on this package!
$150 Discount during our Spring into Savings Travel Sale. Expires Mar 19, 2024.**
$400 Instant Savings. Expires Apr 4, 2024.*   All prices reflect savings.
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$199 deposit. Lock in your spot for less.††
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Carefree Booking. Change your travel plans with no penalties. See details & restrictions.
Traveling with friends or family? Claim a departure as a private trip for you and your crew (minimum 10 travelers). Call us to learn more.
Style Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 16 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. (Some exceptions, including special promotional packaged, may accommodate up to 24.) More of these packages
Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout
Departures June – November 2024 Group Size 16 travelers max
Themes History & Culture
Activity Level Moderate
What to Expect This fast-paced, escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitness Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols.
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Once a global superpower and rejuvenated as one of the trendiest destinations in Europe, Portugal will impress with its eclectic repertoire of vibrant cities and historic towns, stunning beaches, old-world countryside, and some of the best cuisines on the continent. You’ll start your journey in Porto, along Portugal’s river of gold, sampling the region’s famous Port wine from the centuries-old cellars in the city. Traveling south, you’ll discover Aveiro, Coimbra, and Fatima, towns that color the country’s cultural offerings. Explore medieval Portugal within the walled city of Obidos amongst its cobbled streets and whitewashed houses before you glide smoothly into three nights in Lisbon. The country’s capital is bound to enchant, with its lovingly restored yellow trams that ply the hills and the sound of melancholy and introspective Fado music joining you over a meal of freshly baked bread, olives, and cheese with chargrilled fish and smoked meat.

Portugal is at the confluence of Europe and Africa, with a history of influence from the Celts, Romans, Visigoths, Moors, and Christians. This is evident in the windswept medieval hillside castles and the superbly simple but surprisingly sophisticated cuisine, in ruins at Conimbriga and the five centuries old university at Coimbra, or in the well-worn and friendly people that hang at corner bakeries in Lisbon. Portugal is also one of the best values in Europe right now, where sights, food, and accommodation are surprisingly affordable, and English is widely spoken. The travel world has finally adjusted its focus on Portugal, and Friendly Planet is excited to help you discover why.

Package includes

  • Flights
  • Coach
  • Transfers
  • Hotel
  • Meals
  • Guides
  • Round-trip airfare from New York (JFK or EWR), including taxes & fees
  • All ground transportation and transfers
  • 8 nights in first class hotels with private bath
  • 11 Meals: 8 breakfasts and 3 dinners
  • Comprehensive guided touring program including all entrance fees to places visited
  • Experienced English-speaking tour director
  • Advanced audio headset guided tour system

Optional add-ons

  • Flights from other cities are available. Request pricing when making your reservation.

Why you'll love it

  • Visit one of Porto's famous wine cellars and sip various renowned wines from the region.
  • Cruise along the Douro River and revel in the stunning views of Porto.
  • Taste delicious ovos moles, a traditional Portuguese pastry, during a pastry demonstration.
  • Navigate through the canals of Aveiro aboard a traditional Moliceiro.
  • Explore one of Europe's greatest archaeological discoveries, the Roman ruins of Conimbriga.
  • Peacefully reflect at the Shrine of Fatima, the religious epicenter of Portugal.
  • Stop by Fatima’s Olive Oil Museum to learn about olive oil production, followed by a tasting.
  • Enjoy a wine tasting overlooking the sprawling vineyards of Torres Vedras.
  • Try your hand at the ancient art of tile painting during a workshop at the Tile Museum in Lisbon.
  • Discover Portugal’s greatest expression of 19th century romanticism at Pena National Palace.
  • Stand atop the granite cliffs of Europe’s westernmost point, Cape Roca.

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Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

Instant Savings: Get $400 off if you book by Apr. 4, 2024!
Dates & Prices, with flights
per person, double occupancy*, during sale**,
including Instant Savings and sale discounts**
2024 DEPARTURES
Dates Regular
Price
Instant
Savings
Sale Your
Price
Departs U.S.: Sun, Apr 7, 2024
Finishes: Tue, Apr 16, 2024
Apr 7 – Apr 16
$4799 Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Sun, Apr 21, 2024
Finishes: Tue, Apr 30, 2024
Apr 21 – Apr 30
$4799 Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Sun, May 5, 2024
Finishes: Tue, May 14, 2024
May 5 – May 14
$4849 Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Sun, May 19, 2024
Finishes: Tue, May 28, 2024
May 19 – May 28
$5299 Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Sun, Jun 16, 2024
Finishes: Tue, Jun 25, 2024
Book by Thu, Apr 4, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Jun 16 – Jun 25
$5199 –$400 -$150 $4649 Select
Departs U.S.: Sun, Jul 14, 2024
Finishes: Tue, Jul 23, 2024
Book by Thu, Apr 4, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Jul 14 – Jul 23
$5099 –$400 -$150 $4549 Select
Departs U.S.: Sun, Aug 25, 2024
Finishes: Tue, Sep 3, 2024
Book by Thu, Apr 4, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Aug 25 – Sep 3
$4899 –$400 -$150 $4349 Select
Departs U.S.: Sun, Sep 8, 2024
Finishes: Tue, Sep 17, 2024
Book by Thu, Apr 4, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Sep 8 – Sep 17
$4799 –$400 -$150 $4249 Select
Departs U.S.: Sun, Sep 22, 2024
Finishes: Tue, Oct 1, 2024
Book by Thu, Apr 4, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Sep 22 – Oct 1
$4699 –$400 -$150 $4149 Select
Departs U.S.: Sun, Oct 6, 2024
Finishes: Tue, Oct 15, 2024
Oct 6 – Oct 15
$4599 Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Sun, Oct 20, 2024
Finishes: Tue, Oct 29, 2024
Book by Thu, Apr 4, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Oct 20 – Oct 29
$4599 –$400 -$150 $4049 Select
Departs U.S.: Sun, Nov 10, 2024
Finishes: Tue, Nov 19, 2024
Book by Thu, Apr 4, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Nov 10 – Nov 19
$4549 –$400 -$150 $3999 Select
Dates & Prices, tour only
per person, double occupancy*, during sale**,
including Instant Savings and sale discounts**
2024 DEPARTURES
Dates Regular
Price
Instant
Savings
Sale Your
Price
Starts: Mon, Apr 8, 2024
Finishes: Tue, Apr 16, 2024
Apr 8 – Apr 16
$4099 Sold Out
Starts: Mon, Apr 22, 2024
Finishes: Tue, Apr 30, 2024
Apr 22 – Apr 30
$4099 Sold Out
Starts: Mon, May 6, 2024
Finishes: Tue, May 14, 2024
May 6 – May 14
$4149 Sold Out
Starts: Mon, May 20, 2024
Finishes: Tue, May 28, 2024
May 20 – May 28
$4599 Sold Out
Starts: Mon, Jun 17, 2024
Finishes: Tue, Jun 25, 2024
Book by Thu, Apr 4, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Jun 17 – Jun 25
$4499 –$400 -$150 $3949 Select
Starts: Mon, Jul 15, 2024
Finishes: Tue, Jul 23, 2024
Book by Thu, Apr 4, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Jul 15 – Jul 23
$4399 –$400 -$150 $3849 Select
Starts: Mon, Aug 26, 2024
Finishes: Tue, Sep 3, 2024
Book by Thu, Apr 4, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Aug 26 – Sep 3
$4199 –$400 -$150 $3649 Select
Starts: Mon, Sep 9, 2024
Finishes: Tue, Sep 17, 2024
Book by Thu, Apr 4, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Sep 9 – Sep 17
$4099 –$400 -$150 $3549 Select
Starts: Mon, Sep 23, 2024
Finishes: Tue, Oct 1, 2024
Book by Thu, Apr 4, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Sep 23 – Oct 1
$3999 –$400 -$150 $3449 Select
Starts: Mon, Oct 7, 2024
Finishes: Tue, Oct 15, 2024
Oct 7 – Oct 15
$3899 Sold Out
Starts: Mon, Oct 21, 2024
Finishes: Tue, Oct 29, 2024
Book by Thu, Apr 4, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Oct 21 – Oct 29
$3899 –$400 -$150 $3349 Select
Starts: Mon, Nov 11, 2024
Finishes: Tue, Nov 19, 2024
Book by Thu, Apr 4, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Nov 11 – Nov 19
$3849 –$400 -$150 $3299 Select

If you want a few extra days to explore on your own, we may be able to arrange for you to stay later than the scheduled dates, including extra hotel nights and separate airport transfers, for an additional charge. Ask us about prices and availability when (or after) you book. More information Want to extend your trip?

Options & Fees

Best of Portugal
Rooming Selection
Double Occupancy included
Single Occupancy $639
Transfers for Passengers Booking Tour Only
Optional Airport Transfers1
Arrival Transfer: Porto airport to hotel $35
Departure transfer: Lisbon hotel to airport $30

1. Price based on a minimum of two passengers.

So that we can offer you the best deals, our packages are, like most hotels and cruises, priced based on double occupancy rooms or cabins. We charge solo travelers an extra fee to cover the extra costs of single occupancy rooms or cabins. (Consider: if you booked a $200/night hotel room solo, you would pay the $200 yourself; but if a couple booked the same room, each one would pay only $100.) But you only pay extra for the rooms or cabins, nothing else, including meals, sightseeing, tips, etc. Why are single rooms more?

Flights & Departure Cities

Departure Airports
Newark (EWR) included

This package includes round-trip flights from the city listed above.

Want to fly from another city? We can arrange flights from most major cities. Ask us for a quote for flights from your preferred city when (or after) you book, and we'll get back to you with the price and availability within 3 business days. Of course, you can also book your own flights. More information

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA/Overnight Flight

  • Your journey to Portugal begins this evening as you depart from the USA

Day 2 Porto

  • Upon arrival in Porto, Portugal, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel
  • This afternoon, enjoy a panoramic tour
  • Get to know your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner with wine

Hotel da Música or similar Dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Old Town, Porto

Upon arrival and clearing customs formalities, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon, depart for a panoramic tour. See the Clerigos Tower, the University of Porto, the Lello Bookshop, and the Carmo Church. Later this evening, get to know your fellow travelers during a welcome dinner with wine.

Day 3 Porto

  • Explore Porto
  • Visit the Port wine cellars and enjoy a tasting
  • Relax on a cruise along the Douro on a traditional Rabelo boat

Hotel da Música or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Port wine cellar, Porto

After breakfast, enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Porto. Visit the historical center, starting with the Sé do Porto Cathedral, built in the 13th century. Continue to the Sao Bento Train Station, the interior of which is covered by historic tile paintings. Proceed on foot towards the river through Flores Street, passing the Misericordia Church from the 16th century. Arrive in the Ribeira, and visit the Palacio da Bolsa, the Stock Exchange Palace. Continue to explore Ribeira,  the most typical neighborhood of Porto along the Douro River, where fishermen and merchants used to live. Choose from a great variety of restaurants for a quick, independent lunch.

This afternoon, cross the historic Dom Luis I Bridge, built in the 19th century. Visit one of the famous Port wine cellars and learn more about this fantastic wine during a tasting. Afterward, enjoy the beautiful views of the city while cruising along the Douro River in a Rabelo boat, a traditional Portuguese cargo boat used to transport goods and people along the river. The balance of the evening is yours to explore the city.

Day 4 Aveiro & Coimbra

  • Panoramic tour of Aveiro and Costa Nova Beach
  • Cruise the canals of Aveiro in traditional Moliceiros, or flat-bottom boats
  • Learn how to make Ovos Moles, a typical pastry, during a pastry demonstration

Vila Galé Coimbra or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Aveiro at night

This morning, depart Porto for the historic city of Coimbra. En route, stop in Aveiro, known as the Venice of Portugal due to its canals, for a panoramic tour. Begin on the city's outskirts at Costa Nova Beach, formally a fisherman village turned coastal resort town famous for its colorful striped houses. Then, see the train station covered with tile paintings, the Cathedral, and the Jeronimo Pereira Campos factory, once a ceramic factory, now a cultural center. Arrive in the city center and board your Moliceiros, brightly painted flat-bottom boats traditionally used to collect algae from the lagoon and cruise through the canals of the quaint, traditional town. Lastly, participate in a pastry demonstration where you will learn about, and create Ovos Moles, a typical Portuguese pastry made from egg yolk and sugar and put inside rice paper or wheat flour casings. Continue to Coimbra and check in to your hotel.

Day 5 Conimbriga & Coimbra

  • Explore the ruins of Conimbriga
  • Visit University in Coimbra including the prison and the Joanina Library

Vila Galé Coimbra or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Conimbriga

After breakfast, visit Conimbriga, one of Europe's great Roman archaeological finds and among Portugal's largest and best-preserved Roman ruins. Visit the walled settlement and marvel at the artifacts left behind. Continue to Coimbra to visit the University. Here you will see the Academic Prison, the only existing medieval prison in Portugal. Next, visit the Joanina Library. This Baroque library houses collections dating from the 16th century and is easily considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. One of its most unique features is that it is one of only two libraries in the world where bats protect books from insects. Visit San Miguel Chapel, the Armory, and the Great Hall of Acts, also known as the Hall of Capelos, the main room of the University of Coimbra and where the most important ceremonies of academic life occur. Later, walk through history on cobblestone streets and make your way to the city's medieval old town. Enjoy lunch on your own or return by coach to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 6 Fatima, Nazare, & Caldas da Rainha

  • Visit the Shrine of Fatima
  • Stop at the Olive Oil Museum and enjoy a tasting
  • Explore the fishing village of Nazare

Hotel SANA Silver Coast or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Sanctuary of Fátima

This morning, depart Coimbra and head south to Fatima, one of the leading Marian Shrines throughout the world and the religious epicenter of Portugal. Here, you will have the opportunity to visit the Sanctuary and the Basilicas. Stop at the Olive Oil Museum, which tells the story of olive oil production in the region, and displays the equipment used in the past. At the end of the visit, enjoy a tasting.

After an independent lunch, visit the friendly fishing town of Nazare, whose inhabitants have retained their longstanding and colorful fishing traditions. You may have the opportunity to see the typical fishing boats - colorful and narrow, which resemble those used by the first fishermen of this region, the Phoenicians. Or perhaps you will witness the nazarenas (local women) wearing the traditional "seven skirts," using an ancient method to dry fish along the seawall. Continue to Caldas da Rainha and check in to your hotel.

Day 7 Obidos, Torres Vedras, & Lisbon

  • Explore the medieval village of Obidos
  • Tour a local winery with a tasting

Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Fortified village of Obidos

After breakfast, board the coach and head for the walled town of Obidos, a medieval village suspended in time. See the castle, churches, and traditionally painted houses as you walk along the picturesque cobblestone streets. But, of course, no visit to Obidos is complete without a taste of Ginjinha, a typical liquor made with sour cherries.

Continue along the coast to Torres Vedras and stop for an architecturally unique winery tour. You will visit the heart of the winery and see the white and red wine press, the storage and fermentation tanks, and learn how the aromas of the wine combine with the scent of the barrels. Finish the tour with a tasting while taking in the views of the vineyard.

Later today, arrive in Lisbon and check in to your hotel.

Day 8 Lisbon

  • Enjoy a full day tour of Lisbon
  • Visit the Tile Museum and join a tile painting workshop
  • See Lisbon's iconic sites, including Jeronimos Monastery, Belem Tower, and more

Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Belem Tower, Lisbon

Today, enjoy a full-day tour of Lisbon, Portugal's capital city. Start with a visit to the Tile Museum to learn about tile painting, an ancient art prevalent throughout Portuguese history. Continue to the historical city center for a walking tour and see Rossio Square, Augusta Street, and Terreiro do Paco Square. After lunch on your own, proceed to the Belem district, which houses some of the city's main attractions. Visit Jeronimos Monastery, Belem Tower, and the Monument to the Discoveries. Along the way, stop for a taste of some traditional Belem pastries. Finally, return to the hotel and enjoy the balance of the day at leisure.

Day 9 Sintra, Cascais, & Lisbon

  • Explore Pena National Palace in Sintra
  • Stand on the westernmost point of Europe at Roca Cape
  • Visit the coastal city of Cascais
  • See Casino Estoril and Hotel Palacio in Estoril
  • Enjoy a Fado show with your fellow travelers during a farewell dinner with wine

Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Historic buildings, Sintra

This morning, travel north to Sintra, a fantastic and romantic location where several kings of Portugal used to vacation. Visit Pena National Palace, the most significant expression of 19th-century romanticism in Portugal, located in the Sintra hills. The palace was built to be visible from any point in the park, consisting of a forest and luxurious gardens with over five hundred different species of trees.

Continue along the coast until Roca Cape, the westernmost point of Europe. From here, proceed to Cascais, a beautiful coastal city with 18th and 19th-century buildings once belonging to Portuguese nobles and aristocracy. Enjoy a panoramic visit along the coast and the city, stopping in the center for free time. Continue to Estoril and drive by Casino Estoril, the biggest in Europe, and the Hotel Palacio, both locations rumored to be inspirations to Ian Fleming for his first novel, Casino Royale.

Return to Lisbon to freshen up before dinner. This evening, share one last experience with your fellow travelers while listening to a traditional Fado show during your farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Note: Visiting Pena Palace requires a timed ticket and our team reserves the earliest timed-ticket available for the day. After an early morning departure from Lisbon, please be aware that there will be a line upon arrival at the palace to enter. A visit to the National Palace of Sintra will be substituted should Pena Palace be unavailable.

Day 10 Lisbon/USA

  • Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA

Breakfast

Hotels

Hotel da Música
Hotel da Música
First Class

Hotel da Musica is conveniently located in a new, attractive and modern space above the Bom Sucesso market.  The iconic building marries modernity and comfort with culture  and tradition. The picturesque building was created in 1949 by architects Fortunado Leal, Cunha Leão and Morais Soares, and housed a bustling market.

More information

Vila Galé Coimbra
Vila Galé Coimbra
First Class

Vila Galé Coimbra is a modern hotel in the heart of Coimbra, Portugal. Coimbra is also the home of the University of Coimbra, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is situated within walking distance of Coimbra's historic center, with easy access to the University of Coimbra, the Old Cathedral, and the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova.

More information

Hotel SANA Silver Coast
Hotel SANA Silver Coast
First Class

Located in the heart of Caldas da Rainha, within walking distance from the village of Óbidos, the SANA Silver Coast Hotel offers a privileged location on the West Coast, right in the center of Portugal. The building’s original façade and characteristic design were maintained, transporting each guest to a universe of history and elegance, with neoclassical and 19th-century influences.

More information

Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel
Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel
First Class

This boutique hotel is located steps away from Avenida da Liberdade in the heart of Lisbon. Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel was built with the environment in mind and is a certified eco-friendly hotel. The hotel is comfortable with Feng Shui-inspired designs in its lighting, colors, and overall energy.  

More information

In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

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