• Lisbon touring
• Cascais and Sintra excursion
• Visit to classic fortified town of Obidos
• Medieval Guimaraes, “birthplace” of Portugal
• Oporto touring, with private Douro cruise and port wine tasting
• University town of Coimbra
• Visit to walled city of Evora
• Journey through pastoral Alentejo district
• Lunch at a country estate
• Portugal’s maritime legacy in Sagres and Lagos
• Stays in two intimate, unique pousadas
• Comprehensive tour with leisurely pace
• Visits to numerous UNESCO sites

Day 1: Depart U.S. for Lisbon, Portugal

Day 2: Arrive Lisbon We arrive in the Portuguese capital and transfer to our hotel. Late this afternoon we meet our fellow travelers and Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director at a briefing about the journey ahead, followed by a welcome dinner at our hotel. D

Day 3: Lisbon Highlights of our tour of one of the world’s oldest cities include the ornate 16^th-century Jerónimos Monastery, where Vasco da Gama spent his last night ashore before sailing to the Far East; Belem Tower, a masterpiece of Manueline architecture; and the iconic Monument to the Discoveries commemorating Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Next we step back in time as we walk through the Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district that was spared destruction in the earthquake of 1755 (In 2023 there will be no bus access in Alfama, instead guests will visit the Baixa District, one of Lisbon’s liveliest neighborhoods.). We stroll the maze of cobbled streets lined with colorful homes, and see the local people as they go about their daily lives. Then we return to our hotel, with the remainder of the day at leisure. Tonight, we visit a local restaurant for dinner and a performance of fado, the traditional melancholic music of Portugal. B,D

Day 4: Cascais/Sintra The first stop on today’s discoveries: Pena Palace, the colorful architectural extravaganza boasting double chimneys and multiple design styles. Following our tour here, we continue on to the nearby coastal resort of Cascais, where we visit the Citadel of Cascais, built between the 15^th and 17^th centuries. Once a summer retreat for royalty, today the citadel houses a museum, which we tour, and a deluxe hotel. Then we walk through Cascais’ Old Town, and tour the Citadel of Cascais, originally a fort and now a museum. Dinner tonight is on our own in Lisbon. B

Day 5: Lisbon/Oporto Traveling north today, we stop in the classic fortified town of Obidos, where we take a walking tour through its medieval streets. Then we continue on to the historic town of Oporto, our home for the next three nights. We dine tonight at our hotel. B,D

Day 6: Oporto Today we explore Oporto, the country’s second largest city known for its rich history, multiple bridges spanning the Douro River, and as the home of port wine. Highlights of our panoramic city tour include the medieval city center, a UNESCO site; and the baroque Clérigos Church, with its signature bell tower. Then we enjoy a private “six-bridge” cruise on the Douro, upon whose banks the Romans planted grape vines millennia ago. Our tour ends with a visit to a port lodge for a tasting of the fortified wine exclusive to this region. The remainder of the day is free to explore this fascinating city as we wish, perhaps to wander the narrow cobbled streets of the medieval Ribiera (riverside) district – or to stroll the broad boulevard and public square of Praça de Liberdade, flanked by imposing buildings and trendy boutiques. We dine together tonight. B,D

Day 7: Guimaraes/Braga We travel to the lovely city of Guimaraes, considered the “birthplace” of Portugal for being the birthplace of Afonso Henriques, the country’s first king. With its well-preserved historical center (a UNESCO site) and harmonious design, Guimaraes is closely tied to the Portuguese national identity. We get a taste of this unique atmosphere on a walking tour through the medieval streets and squares lined with period houses; and past such landmarks as the castle, Chapel of St. Michael, Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, and graceful Oliveira Square. After lunch on our own, we depart for nearby Braga, a 2,000-year-old city (and Portugal’s third largest) made young by the presence of university students. Known for its religious festivals, Braga is an elegant town laced with narrow lanes, plazas, and an abundance of baroque churches. Highlights of our walking tour include the fortified Torre de Menagem, Largo do Paco square, and the impressive Cathedral, Portugal’s oldest and one of the country’s most important buildings. B,D

Day 8: Oporto/Coimbra/Estremoz Today’s travels bring us first to historic Coimbra, where we take a walking tour of the 13^th-century university, a UNESCO site. We also visit the Santa Cruz Monastery to see the medieval tombs and ornate sacristy. Then we continue our journey south to Estremoz in the Alentejo region, Portugal’s agricultural center with its bountiful fields of wheat, fragrant vineyards, and stands of olive, citrus, and cork trees. Late afternoon we reach our pousada set in a 13^th-century castle in the historic city center. B,D

Day 9: Evora This morning’s walking tour of the walled city of Evora introduces us to the charms of this architectural gem – a university town, prosperous regional capital, and UNESCO site, thanks to the many relics from its Roman and Moorish past. We see a Roman temple, the 12^th-century cathedral, central Giraldo Square, and the Church of St. Francis, home of the 16^th-century Chapel of Bones adorned with human skulls and bones. Then we have free time to explore this Golden Age city independently. Mid-afternoon we depart for Estremoz and our pousada; dinner tonight is at a local restaurant. B,D

Day 10: Estremoz/Sagres As we continue our journey south, we visit a cork factory then arrive late morning at a country estate lush with vineyards, olive groves, and forests of cork oak. Here we learn about olive oil and wine production and enjoy a tasting, followed by lunch in the lovely surroundings. Later, we continue on to the picturesque fishing village of Sagres and our intimate pousada overlooking the Atlantic and the Sagres promontory. Dinner tonight is at our pousada, whose restaurant specializes in local seafood. B,L,D

Day 11: Sagres/Lagos Today we encounter this region that launched Portugal’s Age of Discovery, when in the 15^th century, explorers went out to sea, sailed along the coast of Africa, and eventually reached the Cape of Good Hope and beyond. It was Prince Henry the Navigator who sponsored these expeditions; much of our touring in the historical town of Lagos and in Sagres today celebrates his legacy. Our explorations begin with a cruise along the limestone coastline, featuring the dramatic rocks of Ponta da Piedade. Next, we visit the Antonine Museum inside the Church of St. Anthony, see the statue of Prince Henry the Navigator, and stop at the Ponta da Piedade and Cape St. Vincent viewpoints to witness the dramatic Atlantic as it nears shore at mainland Europe’s southwesternmost point. Then we visit the charming village of Sagres. B,D

Day 12: Sagres/Lisbon We embark on a leisurely drive back to Lisbon today, stopping for lunch on our own along the way. After reaching our hotel in a restored 19^th-century palace mid-afternoon, we have time at leisure until we gather to celebrate our discoveries at tonight’s farewell dinner. B,D

Day 13: Depart for U.S. We transfer to the airport this morning for our connecting flights to the U.S. B

Please note: This trip involves considerable walking up hills or stairs, and on uneven or cobblestone streets. You should be in good physical condition to enjoy the tour to its fullest.

B = Breakfast included L = Lunch included D = Dinner included

• Round-trip air transportation from listed cities
• 11 nights’ accommodations: 7 nights in Deluxe, Superior First Class, and First Class hotels; 4 nights in Superior First Class and First Class pousadas
• 22 meals: 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 10 dinners
• Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees
• Services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
• Private motorcoach transportation throughout your trip
• Luggage handling for one bag per person
• Gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers
• $100 frequent traveler credit towards your next Odysseys Unlimited tour ($200 after 3 tours; $300 after 10 tours)

2023 Tour Dates & Prices
including international airfare and all taxes, surcharges, and fees

Please call if your city is not listed or for land only prices. Prices are per person based on double occupancy and include airline taxes, surcharges, and fees of $477 ($577 if traveling Aug 30-Oct 25), which are subject to change until final payment has been made.

Single travelers please add $995. Your $475 deposit is fully refundable up to 95 days prior to departure. All 2023 tour prices above (excluding airline taxes, surcharges, and fees) are guaranteed.

Airline upgrades (subject to availability) on round-trip Trans-Atlantic flight: Business Class – $3,595 per person; Premium Economy – $1,595 per person

A visa is not required for this tour.

2024 Tour Dates & Prices
including international airfare and all taxes, surcharges, and fees

Please call if your city is not listed or for land only prices. Prices are per person based on double occupancy and include airline taxes, surcharges, and fees of $577, which are subject to change until final payment has been made.

Single travelers please add $1,095. Your $475 deposit is fully refundable up to 95 days prior to departure. All tour prices above (excluding airline taxes, surcharges, and fees) are guaranteed.

Airline upgrades (subject to availability) on round-trip Trans-Atlantic flight: Business Class – $3,795 per person; Premium Economy – $1,795 per person

A visa is not required for this tour.

Jose Saramago
Journey to Portugal, In Pursuit of Portugal’s History and Culture
Jose Saramago’s richly detailed account of his journey across Portugal in 1979. Saramago’s impressions of the Portuguese landscape and people are combined with a dose of history, fiction and meditation. With black-and-white photos and maps.

Roger Crowley
Conquerors, How Portugal Forged the First Global Empire
This epic narrative history by bestselling author Roger Crowley (City of Fortune) chronicles the rise of Portugal as the small nation forged a dominant share in the global spice trade. His cast of characters (the ambitious King Manuel I, marauding governors and intrepid seamen) built a trade monopoly with the ferocity of a holy crusade, forever shifting Europe’s center of power from the Mediterranean to Western Europe.

Insight Guides
Insight Guide Portugal
An outstanding overview of the country, featuring hundreds of photographs and insightful essays on history, culture and art. It includes a substantial section on Lisbon.

Michelin Travel Publications
Portugal Map
At a scale of 1:400,000, this fully indexed map also includes insets of Madeira and city maps.

Hallwag
Lisbon 3-in-1 City Map
Hallwag’s two-sided, colorful 3-in-1 maps include detailed and clear presentation of city centers, descriptions of city highlights and useful travel information, among other helpful features for tourists.

John Brierley
A Pilgrim’s Guide to the Camino Portugal
The only English language guide to the Camino de Portugues includes updated maps and comprehensive references.

Sandy Guedes de Queiroz
Culture Smart! Portugal
A concise, no-nonsense guide to local customs, etiquette and culture with a short overview of the land and people along with practical travel advice.

Tomas Tranaeus
DK Eyewitness Top Ten Lisbon
A compact illustrated guide in the popular series, featuring favorite attractions. The guide is divided by area, with restaurant reviews for each, as well as recommendations for hotels, bars and places to shop.

Clara De MacEdo Vitorino
Lonely Planet Portuguese Phrasebook
A handy pocket phrasebook for Portuguese basics, covering pronunciation, basic grammar and essential vocabulary for the traveler.

Ronnie Hess, Joan Peterson
Eat Smart in Portugal
Subtitled “How to Decipher the Menu, Know the Market Food & Embark on a Tasting Adventure,” this guide to Portuguese food is the perfect companion for any visitor to Portugal.

George Mendes
My Portugal, Recipes and Stories
A showcase of 125 Portuguese recipes interwoven with tales and anecdotes by the author, a Michelin-starred chef. His 125 mouthwatering recipes include his signature Duck Rice and Garlic Seared Shrimp, Mozambique Shrimp, and Okra Piri Piri.

Ben Howkins
Rich, Rare & Red: A Guide to Port
This informative reference begins with a great overview of the history of port wine and the port trade as it developed over the last three centuries. Howkins also includes a complete list of vintages and tasting guide.

Edite Viera
The Taste of Portugal: A Voyage of Gastronomic Discovery Combined with Recipes, History and Folklore
A new revision of a classic collection of delicious recipes. Edite Vieira traces the rich legacy of her country’s culinary excellence from medieval through to modern times lacing it with history and anecdote. Ingredients include salt cod (bacalhau) in all its myriad variations, cumin and oranges (both remnants of Portugal’s voyaging past) and coriander.

Ian Robertson
A Traveller’s History of Portugal
A lively, admirably concise survey from prehistory to the present, great for travelers to Portugal who would like an overview of the country’s history and culture.

Susana Munch Miranda, Pedro Lains, Leonor Freire Costa
An Economic History of Portugal, 1143-2010
From Portugal’s origins as a kingdom in 1143 through the consolidation of Western Europe into an economic union, this economic history explores eight centuries of Portuguese economics. Organized in six chapters, the book covers the nation’s medieval economy, the expansion of Portugal’s overseas empire, and the reasons why Portugal’s economy expanded, stagnated and contracted.

Neill Lochery
Lisbon, War in the Shadows of the City of Light, 1939- 1945
This well-researched chronicle of intrigue and espionage uncovers the backstage role Lisbon played in WWII as the conflict raged around neutral Portugal.

Barry Hatton
The Portuguese, A Modern History
An interesting portrait of the idiosyncratic, enigmatic country at the end of Europe. British journalist Barry Hatton confidently marches from the Age of Discovery through the 20th century, peppering Portugal’s history with entertaining, personal anecdotes.

UNESCO Publishing
World Heritage Sites
How many have you visited? This beautifully illustrated compendium, just revised, includes color photographs, a map and succinct descriptions of each of the 1,031 archaeological sites, monuments, cities and parks inscribed by UNESCO from 1978 to 2016. Organized by order of inscription.

John Pollack
Cork Boat, A True Story of the Unlikeliest Boat Ever Built
This endearing tale of family, loss and friendship revolves around a deliciously absurd childhood quest to build a boat of cork and sail it 133 miles on Portugal’s Douro River.

Peter E. Russell
Prince Henry “The Navigator,” A Life
A complicated yet rewarding portrait and the first biography of this empire-minded Portuguese prince in more than a hundred years.

Jose Saramago
Small Memories
In this contemplative memoir, the Portuguese Nobel laureate recalls a childhood both dark and magical, split between the growing city of Lisbon and the tiny village of Azinhaga.

Monica Ali
Alentejo Blue
These short stories set in the Alentejo province of Portugal star a range of colorful expats and locals, including Teresa, a beautiful young girl from the village engaged to a suitable man who yearns to see the world and Vasco, a cafe owner losing business to the new Internet cafe down the road.

Jose Saramago
Baltasar and Blimunda
This tale of two unlikely lovers in Inquisition-era Portugal is arguably Saramago’s masterwork: a philosophically charged, intellectually rigorous historical drama which is also a captivating read.

David Liss
Day of Atonement
A young man returns to the streets of Lisbon under assumed name, falling in with a group of old friends who will aid his quest: to find the man who killed his father. A dramatic story of obsession, loss and redemption set against the backdrop of 18th- century Portugal and the 1755 Lisbon earthquake.

Fernando Pessoa
The Book of Disquiet
Part intimate diary, part prose poetry, part descriptive narrative, this melancholic masterpiece by Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa is a unique collection of short, aphoristic paragraphs comprising the “autobiography” of Bernardo Soares, one of Pessoa’s many alternate selves.

Jose Saramago, Giovanni Pontiero (Translator)
The History of the Siege of Lisbon
In this historical novel by the Nobel Prize-winning author, the past is rewritten when a Portuguese proofreader adds a false word to a history book, resulting in a whole new perception of the Siege of Lisbon.

Jose Eca de Queiros
The Maias
This sprawling family epic is worthy of comparison to the greatest accomplishments of Proust and Tolstoy. It’s the atmospheric story of the decline of an affluent 19th-century Lisbon family.

Jose Saramago
The Stone Raft
A geological fantasy from the Nobel Prize-winning author, in which the Iberian Peninsula becomes unmoored from France.

Jose Saramago
The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis
Expertly evoking the melancholy (known as “saudade” by the Portuguese) of Lisbon’s ports and hotels, Saramago builds his plot around the premise that characters — like the poet Fernando Pessoa’s Ricardo Reis — live on nine months after their author’s death.

Ernest Garcia, Eduardo De Juana
The Birds of the Iberian Peninsula
This definitive book on the birds of Iberia covers the status and distribution of each species in the region and also includes photos and introductory chapters on climate, habitats and the history of Iberian ornithology.