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Trip Summary
Heritage Tours Private Travel has designed a perfect trip for those who want to see Portugal at their own pace while enjoying the spectacular natural scenery of the open road. Begin in Lisbon with a privately guided tour of the city, highlighting the major historical landmarks, outstanding architecture and charming off-the-beaten-track neighborhoods. From Lisbon, continue towards Coimbra, the historic university town, stopping along the way in the coastal city of Cascais, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sintra. Next, head into the lush Douro Valley to enjoy private touring of the world’s first demarcated wine region—of course, private wine tastings are included. Conclude your journey in Porto with a private city tour.
Itinerary:
Day 1:
Arrival in Lisbon. Your private driver will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. You will check in at the sleek Eurostars Das Letras, a new hotel opened in the summer of 2008 and situated in Lisbon’s historic center.
Later, you will meet your expert guide who will show you a Lisbon that is first and foremost a city of neighborhoods. You will have an opportunity to see the essentials (like the monuments, etc.) as well as the little nooks and crannies which give Lisbon its charm.
Overnight: Lisbon
Day 2:
You will have the day at leisure to explore Lisbon.
Places you may wish to visit on your own include:
- The Mosteiro dos Jerónimos monastery epitomizes the Manueline style, a highly decorative form of architecture that emerged during the reign of Manuel I (1495-1521).
- The Berardo Museum, opened in 2007, has an acclaimed collection of modern art with works by; Warhol, Duchamp, Picasso, Dali, and others.
- The Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga is Portugal’s national collection; many of the works were confiscated from religious orders. European artists represented include Bosch and Raphael. You can also see decorative items from the Portuguese colonies in Africa and Asia.
Day 3:
Pick up your rental car (automatic transmission) equipped with a GPS unit. Depart from Lisbon and make your way to the city of Coimbra. You may wish to travel along the coastal road where you will enjoy wonderful views of the Tagus River. You can stop in Cascais, a seaside resort that serves as a popular summer retreat for Lisboetas. You might wish to stop at Boca do Inferno and Cabo da Roca, where you will find the most western point of the European continent, with impressive cliffs and ocean views. From here you may wish to continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sintra where you can stroll through its narrow winding streets. When you are ready, continue to Coimbra. Upon arrival in Coimbra, you will check in at the Quinta das Lágrimas. This rambling Relais & Chateaux establishment occupies a lovely 18th century manor house, surrounded by fountains and gardens (famous for being the setting of one of Portugal’s most famous pieces of literature). It has a slightly faded charm reminiscent of a sleepier Portugal quickly passing into history.
Overnight: Coimbra
Day 4:
This morning tour Coimbra on your own. You may wish to start by visiting Coimbra’s University, the sixth oldest in Europe. It was founded in 1288 in Lisbon and then transferred to Coimbra in 1308. You can stroll through the old part of the University where you will see the impressive 18th century clock, which dominates the skyline. You might also wish to visit Coimbra’s well-known Botanical Gardens. You can also tour the Baixa neighborhood, located by the river. Here you will walk through old narrow streets and explore an area known for its cafes, shopping and churches.
When you are ready you will continue to Pinhau in the heart of the Douro Valley wine region. Upon your arrival in Pinhao you will check in at the Vintage House. This Relais & Chateaux establishment used to be an old port wine storage warehouse and still maintains features from the original building dated from the 18th century. It is located right on the banks of the Douro River, surrounded by vineyards.
Overnight: Douro Valley
Day 5:
Today, with your expert guide, explore parts of the Douro River valley, home to the finest port wine producing estates in the country. Here the narrow Douro River winds its way between steep hills and terraced vineyards. The valley is considered to be the world’s first demarcated wine region, established in the 18th century. With your expert guide (driving your rental car) visit the Quinta da Pacheca. In its vineyards you will discover the history of the famous port wine and its winemaking process. This estate dates back to the 18th century, when it was named after its aristocratic owner, Mariana Pacheca Pereira. You will enjoy a private tour of the estate followed by a tasting.
Overnight: Douro Valley
Day 6:
This morning make your way to Porto. Upon arrival in Porto, check into the Pestana Porto, situated in the heart of medieval Porto and constructed from centuries-old townhouses. After some time to refresh meet your expert guide for a half day walking tour. You might start by exploring the city’s old quarter. Here you can visit the city’s churches and monuments, situated on the banks of the Douro River. For a panoramic view of Porto, climb the steep steps of the Torre de Clérigos. This 250-foot structure serves as the belltower of the Baroque church Igreja dos Clérigos.
Porto is known as the trading center for port wine, which takes its name from the city. Several port lodges can be found in the Vila Nova de Gaia neighborhood. Your guide will explain the role of port in the region’s history, and you will visit a lodge/museum spotlighting the trade’s development. Your tour will conclude at the Fundação de Serralves. Located on the outskirts of the city, the foundation’s museum exhibits works by contemporary artists, including Richard Serra, Ed Ruscha, and Gerhard Richter. Pritzker-winning Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza designed the museum.
Overnight: Porto
Day 7:
Drive to Porto’s airport where you will drop off your rental car and board your flights home.
Adeus Portugal!
Overnight: Porto
What’s included:
- Accommodations
- Breakfast Daily
- Personalized, private touring as noted
- Transportation as noted
- All admissions on private touring
- Hotel Service Charges and Taxes
Not included:
- Air arrangements
- Sightseeing/admissions when not with an expert guide
- Meals other than breakfast, unless specified
- Transport unless listed above
- Gratuities
- Anything not noted as included
Accommodations, length of stay, guiding and route can all be modified to suit your needs and interests.
*Arrangements subject to availability
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