Uncovering Portugal’s Storied Past: 8-Day History and Cultural Tour

When you land in Porto, a driver will greet and transfer you to your accommodation in the heart of the city. After having some time to relax and regroup after your flight, your guide will lead you on a tour of Porto’s monuments. Some of the stops on your tour will include Porto’s cathedral, the São Bento Train Station, and the medieval city walls. Afterward, you can walk along the Douro River as the sun is setting. After the sun has set, you will attend an authentic Fado performance.

After breakfast this morning, you will venture to two of Portugal’s most historically rich cities: Braga and Guimarães. You will first make your way to Guimarães, which is the town where Portugal’s first king was born. Here, you will have the chance to view the resident castle and the city center, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterward, you will spend the afternoon in Braga. In Braga, your guide will lead you on an educational tour of the area. After your tour concludes, you will return to Porto.

After breakfast this morning, you will transfer to Ponte de Lima, where you will spend the night. After having some time to unwind at your accommodation, your guide will lead you on a bicycle tour along the Ecovia nature trail. This outdoor track offers you a great way to see the natural beauty of this region. After your cycling tour, you will have a few hours at your leisure before enjoying a riverside walk along the Avenida dos Plátanos. The rest of the evening will be at your leisure, and you can dine at one of the many delicious restaurants in the area.

After your overnight stay in Ponta de Lima, you will transfer to Coimbra. Here, your guide will lead you on a drive through the countryside that surrounds Coimbra. Eventually, you will make your way to the Castle of Montemor-o-Velho, which is a medieval ruin that has an air of mystery about it. Next, you will stop by several nearby villages to sample regional products made by local artisans and some local wines. In the evening, your tour will lead you back to Coimbra, where you can relax among the charming city ambiance.

After breakfast, you will spend the day immersing yourself in the history that surrounds the Knights Templar. You will spend the night in Tomar on an overnight excursion that will have you following in the footsteps of this religious order. During your tour, you will discover Almourol Castle and the village of Constância. Then, you will tour Tomar, which was once the official headquarters of the knights. Your tour will conclude with a visit to the 12th Century Church of Santa Maria.

This morning, you will venture to Evora for a historically-based tour of the city. Today, you will uncover the ancient history behind Evora and the Cromlech of the Almendres, which is the largest megalithic complex in the Iberian Peninsula. Your tour will first lead you to the city center, which has been listed as an official UNESCO World Heritage site. Afterward, you will make your way to the Church of St. Francis. Your Evora leg of the tour will end after you ascend to the rooftop of the city’s cathedral to enjoy an epic view of the city. You will then head to villages that are far off the usual tourist routes, including Nossa Senhora da Tourega, Anta Grande do Zambujeiro, and Anta da Tourega.

You will spend your final day in Portugal in Lisbon. After departing Evora in the morning, you will return to Lisbon for a day of historical intrigue. After settling in to your accommodation, your guide will lead you on a boat tour, starting with the Sea of Straw, which is an amazing estuary on the Tagus River. Your cruise will promise nothing but incredible views and a relaxing atmosphere. Upon the conclusion of your tour, you will return to Lisbon by boat, where you will have the rest of the evening to spend at your leisure.

This morning, you will enjoy breakfast before having a couple of hours to spend at your leisure. Soon, you will transfer to the airport for your flight home.