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Discovering Portugal

From $3,872
total price from Boston, New York
$3,295 air & land inclusive plus $577 airline taxes and fees
Tour Days
13 days
Tour Membership
12-24 guests

Physical Activity Level:

Overview

From Lisbon to the north of Portugal, through the Alentejo region and south to the Algarve, our small group navigates the gentle charms of this country rich in history, blessed with natural beauty, and well-versed in hospitality.  Complementing our discoveries: stays in two unique pousadas, Portugal’s famed historic lodgings.

Tour Details

Discovering Portugal

From $3,872

total price from Boston, New York
$3,295 air & land inclusive plus $577 airline taxes and fees

Tour Days
13 days

Tour Membership
12-24 guests

Physical Activity Level:

Tour Days
13 days

Tour Membership
12-24 guests

Physical Activity Level:

Overview

From Lisbon to the north of Portugal, through the Alentejo region and south to the Algarve, our small group navigates the gentle charms of this country rich in history, blessed with natural beauty, and well-versed in hospitality.  Complementing our discoveries: stays in two unique pousadas, Portugal’s famed historic lodgings.

Small Group Highlights

  • 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-by-Day Itinerary

B
= Breakfast Included
L
= Lunch Included
D
= Dinner Included
1
Depart U.S. for Lisbon, Portugal
Depart U.S. for Lisbon, Portugal
2
Arrive Lisbon
D
D
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.

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.

3
Lisbon
B
D
B
D
Lisbon

Highlights of our tour of one of the world’s oldest cities include the ornate 16th-century Jerónimos Monastery, where Vasco da Gama spent his last night ashore before sailing to the Far East; Belém 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, and then we return to our hotel and have 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.

Highlights of our tour of one of the world’s oldest cities include the ornate 16th-century Jerónimos Monastery, where Vasco da Gama spent his last night ashore before sailing to the Far East; Belém 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, and then we return to our hotel and have 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.

4
Cascais/Sintra
B
B
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 15th and 17th 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.  Dinner tonight is on our own in Lisbon.

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 15th and 17th 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.  Dinner tonight is on our own in Lisbon.

5
Lisbon/Oporto
B
D
B
D
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.

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.

6
Oporto
B
D
B
D
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.

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.

7
Guimaraes/Braga
B
D
B
D
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 the 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.

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 the 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.

8
Oporto/Coimbra/Estremoz
B
D
B
D
Oporto/Coimbra/Estremoz

Today’s travels bring us first to historic Coimbra, where we take a walking tour of the 13th-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 this afternoon we reach our pousada set in a 13th-century castle in the historic city center.

Today’s travels bring us first to historic Coimbra, where we take a walking tour of the 13th-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 this afternoon we reach our pousada set in a 13th-century castle in the historic city center.

9
Evora
B
D
B
D
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 12th-century cathedral, central Giraldo Square, and the Church of St. Francis, home of the 16th-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.

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 12th-century cathedral, central Giraldo Square, and the Church of St. Francis, home of the 16th-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.

10
Estremoz/Sagres
B
L
D
B
L
D
Estremoz/Sagres

As we continue our journey south, we visit a cork factory and 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.

As we continue our journey south, we visit a cork factory and 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.

11
Sagres/Lagos
B
D
B
D
Sagres/Lagos

Today we encounter this region that launched Portugal’s Age of Discovery, when in the 15th 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.

Today we encounter this region that launched Portugal’s Age of Discovery, when in the 15th 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.

12
Sagres/Lisbon
B
D
B
D
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 19th-century palace mid-afternoon, we have time at leisure until we gather to celebrate our discoveries at tonight’s farewell dinner.

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 19th-century palace mid-afternoon, we have time at leisure until we gather to celebrate our discoveries at tonight’s farewell dinner.

13
Depart for U.S.
B
B
Depart for U.S.

We transfer to the airport this morning for our connecting flights to the U.S.

We transfer to the airport this morning for our connecting flights to the U.S.

Tour Price Includes

  • 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)

Average Daily High by Month (°F )

  Mar Apr May Jun Sep Oct Nov
Lisbon 66 68 72 78 80 73 65
Estremoz 59 62 68 77 80 69 60
Sagres 63 66 71 76 77 73 66

Average Temperature (°F )

  Mar Apr May Jun Sep Oct Nov
Lisbon 66 68 72 78 80 73 65
Estremoz 59 62 68 77 80 69 60
Sagres 63 66 71 76 77 73 66

Dates & Prices

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Tour Directors

Paula Almeida

"Paula was excellent! She was well organized and handled...individual travelers extremely well. I was also very impressed with her knowledge of [the] history of Portugal."

Dede Foerster
Midlothian, VA

Raquel Baroeth

“We have never had a better guide than Raquel and we’ve taken between 15 and 20 tours! She epitomizes the ideal tour director in every way!”

Janet Bedell & George Nelson
Adams, MA

Vanesa Soto

“Vanessa was the common thread that helped turn strangers into friends. Her depth of knowledge and enthusiastic approach to presenting the history of Portugal was a pleasure to all.”

Bob & Anne Carlson
West Chatham, MA

Maria Jose Ferreira

“We have taken many tours over the years, and Maria ranks among the best tour directors. She was very clear, knowledgeable, organized, and nurturing. She anticipated all of our needs.”

Michael & Sharon Steuer
Smithtown, NY

Silvia Fialho

"Excellent guide…the best we have had over three journeys. She really did look after all of our personal needs. Very compassionate and filled us in on a lot of the culture."

Chester Hinds & China Frazier
Henderson, NV

Luisa Hogan

“Luisa was great. I felt taken care of; everything was easy and fun.”

Sandra Freedman
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Tour Directors

Maria Jose Ferreira

“We have taken many tours over the years, and Maria ranks among the best tour directors. She was very clear, knowledgeable, organized, and nurturing. She anticipated all of our needs.”

Michael & Sharon Steuer
Smithtown, NY

Luisa Hogan

“Luisa was great. I felt taken care of; everything was easy and fun.”

Sandra Freedman
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Vanesa Soto

“Vanessa was the common thread that helped turn strangers into friends. Her depth of knowledge and enthusiastic approach to presenting the history of Portugal was a pleasure to all.”

Bob & Anne Carlson
West Chatham, MA

Paula Almeida

"Paula was excellent! She was well organized and handled...individual travelers extremely well. I was also very impressed with her knowledge of [the] history of Portugal."

Dede Foerster
Midlothian, VA

Silvia Fialho

"Excellent guide…the best we have had over three journeys. She really did look after all of our personal needs. Very compassionate and filled us in on a lot of the culture."

Chester Hinds & China Frazier
Henderson, NV

Raquel Baroeth

“We have never had a better guide than Raquel and we’ve taken between 15 and 20 tours! She epitomizes the ideal tour director in every way!”

Janet Bedell & George Nelson
Adams, MA

Destination Insights

Exploring...

Recommended Books & Films

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Guest Photos & Testimonials

This was my first full-blown group tour…I thoroughly enjoyed the trip and admire the work that went into the planning and execution. I had never been to Portugal and came away with a great appreciation of its rich history and culture.
Peter Bigwood
Northampton, MA
Odysseys Unlimited does an excellent job in providing high quality overall service. This was our second Odysseys tour, and we would use Odysseys again in the future.
Wallace & Angela McLean
Northfield, VT
Locations were obviously selected with care and diligence. We never felt rushed, and the quality of presentation and information was excellent!
Frank & Janice Callison
Spartanburg, SC
This was my first full-blown group tour…I thoroughly enjoyed the trip and admire the work that went into the planning and execution. I had never been to Portugal and came away with a great appreciation of its rich history and culture.
Peter Bigwood
Northampton, MA
Odysseys Unlimited does an excellent job in providing high quality overall service. This was our second Odysseys tour, and we would use Odysseys again in the future.
Wallace & Angela McLean
Northfield, VT
Locations were obviously selected with care and diligence. We never felt rushed, and the quality of presentation and information was excellent!
Frank & Janice Callison
Spartanburg, SC
Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET

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