Explore Portugal through expertly curated tours, meticulously arranged for your groups by VGT.

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Owing to enduring collaborations with the top bilingual guides, we provide exclusive access to the finest experiences. Furthermore, our established alliances with numerous hotels across the Iberian Peninsula enable us to secure well-placed accommodations at competitive rates.

Get in touch with our specialists today to craft the ideal itinerary and logistics for your groups, customized to your budget.

03 Nights in Porto
Where to stay?

PORTO BAY TEATRO 4*
This exclusive themed hotel is located on Rua Sá da Bandeira, in the historical centre of the city. The hotel was built on the site of the former Baquet Theatre, opened in 1859. Today, the theatrical theme is very much in evidence with the hotel’s unique, refined and bohemian atmosphere.

PORTO BAY FLORES 5*
With a great location on Rua das Flores (pedestrian access), right next to Misericordia Church, the hotel is within easy walking distance of the city’s main tourist attractions. This hotel with 500 years of history a fusion of the Classic and the Contemporary and is comprised of two different buildings: a 16th-century palace and a new wing, built from scratch.

MAISON ALBAR HOTELS – LE MONUMENTAL PALACE 5*
You discovered your Portuguese address: historically luxurious and predestined to remarkable travellers.  You will discover that this luxury hotel in the heart of Porto, does not have monumental only as a name. Ancient most renowned “café” of Porto since 1930, the Café Monumental, has become the hotel of choice for a high-end stay in Porto.

THE REBELLO HOTEL & SPA 5*
Located in Vila Nova de Gaia, with incredible views of Porto and the Dom Luis I bridge. The hotel is a beautifully restored old port wine house which remains authentic and true to its roots.

THE YEATMAN HOTEL 5*
The Yeatman is a luxury wine hotel and spa in Porto with spectacular views over the UNESCO World Heritage city and the Douro River.

VILA FOZ HOTEL 5*
Located on the seafront, the majestic palatial building is surrounded by unrivalled tranquillity yet close to the vibrant life of Porto.

VINHA BOUTIQUE HOTEL 5*
The Vinha Boutique Hotel is a 16th-century converted manor House, nestled on 3,5 hectares property of lush gardens and river front views. The hotel is an idyllic scenario for a perfect urban retreat, offering a perfect blend between a city experience and a nature haven on earth.

Day 1 – Arrival

Transfer from Porto Airport to Hotel.

Day 2 – FD Porto city tour with food tour incorporated

Discover the beautiful heritage of Porto! Meet your guide and walk along Boavista Street to see the modern Casa da Musica building and the monument commemorating the Portuguese victory over Napoleon’s army. Visit the neighbouring town of Matosinhos and enjoy beautiful views of the ocean. Check out the Baroque architecture of the ancient Sé Cathedral and the 18th century Episcopal Palace. Head to Rua de Santa Catarina, a pedestrian street in the centre of Porto, featuring some of the best shopping and culinary areas in the whole city. Then, proceed to the historic Café Majestic to sip coffee and savour custard tarts, a Portuguese specialty. At the iconic Bolhao Market, be greeted by scents of sweet fruit, freshly baked bread and aromatic cheeses. Here, you will come across vendors hawking a variety of fresh produce and homemade wares, and you can sample sardines, cod cakes and fish pâté. Try typical Porto snacks like Francesinha, a pork sandwich and Jesuitas, triangles of puff pastry, paired with wine. Head to the famous Ribeira Embankment and take a cruise along the Douro River. At the Don Luis I bridge, cross the river to visit a wine cellar and sample some port wine, the pride of Portuguese winemaking. See the churches at the Infante Henriques Square and the Rua das Flores quarters, and explore the São Bento Station, Freedom Square and the Tower of Clerigos. (Duration: Full Day; Timings: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Fitness Level: Easy; Please wear comfortable clothes & shoes; Don’t forget your camera.)

Included – snacks and wine tasting, shared boat trip. Not included – entrances. Additionally, along the trip we can book lunch and/or dinner at restaurants that fit the client´s profile the best.

Day 3 – FD Braga and Guimaraes city tours

Explore the beautiful cities of Braga and Guimarães in Portugal’s Green Minho province. Head to Guimarães, the first capital of the Portuguese kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your local guide will take you through its medieval buildings and streets. Stop for lunch at aCozinha, a Michelin star restaurant offering exciting Portuguese cuisine. After lunch head to the city of Braga where you can witness the influence of many Iberian nations over the years. Check out the unique architectural styles, especially the striking Portuguese Baroque. Stroll through the Bom Jesus Complex, a majestic sanctuary with a granite staircase leading to a hill flanked by fountains and Gospel-themed sculptures. Drive through the Princess of the River Lima region, where you can stop at the Quinta do Merufe estate for a tasting of the famous vinho verde – green wine. Finish the tour with a visit to the Sanctuary of Santa Luzia, which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding sandy beaches.

Included – lunch, wine tasting. Not included –entrances. Additionally, along the trip we can book lunch and/or dinner at restaurants that fit the client´s profile the best.

Day 4 – FD Douro tour with wine tasting and private boat trip
Discover the breath-taking landscapes and delectable wines of Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Start off from Porto in the morning with a private guide and drive to one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world. You can stop at viewpoints along the way to take photos of the terraced vineyards and rolling hillsides, and go for a wine tasting at the Quinta D´Origem estate. Take a one and a half hour long private boat ride along the Douro River. Sit down for a delicious lunch at DOC Restaurant, which serves dishes that combine creativity and tradition, inspired by the Northeast-Douro region. Continue on to Quinta São Luiz or Quinta de La Rosa and learn how the famous port wine is made. Head back to Porto through the quiet town of Mesão Frio, another lovely destination filled with wineries, large estates and manor houses.

Included – wine tasting, lunch, boat trip. Additionally, along the trip we can book lunch and/or dinner at restaurants that fit the client´s profile the best.

Day 5 – Transfer to the Lisbon Coast Via Batalha, Nazare and Obidos

Discover historic towns, UNESCO-listed monasteries and local cuisine on this leisurely tour of the Lisbon countryside. Stop by the 14th century Batalha Monastery, built to commemorate the Portuguese victory over Castile. Travel on to the city of Nazare that has come a long way from its past as a charming fishing village. You could buy yourself lunch at one of the elegant oceanfront eateries specializing in seafood delicacies. Afterward, make your way to the medieval city of Obidos with its traditional residences and quaint shopping streets. Here, you could choose to sample a glass of the local cherry liquor known as ginja before arriving to the Lisbon Coast.

 Not included – lunch, entrances. Additionally, along the trip we can book lunch and/or dinner at restaurants that fit the client´s profile the best.

03 Night at the Lisbon Coast
Where to stay?

HOTEL ALBATROZ CASCAIS 5*

The Albatroz Hotel is a place of true glamour that rises above the ocean. The combination of luxury hotel service, a superb swimming pool with sea view and sunbathing terrace, panoramic Bar overlooking the Bay of Cascais, and a gastronomic restaurant, makes one feel “out of this world” right next door of Lisbon city centre.

ARTSY HOTEL 5*
Artsy Cascais, celebrates history, art and Cascais culture, offering 19 unique and charming rooms and suites, each with its unique neutral tones, yet sophisticated design. One of the highlights of the hotel is that guests who stay in the modern wing have the opportunity to sleep inside a work of art. They can wake up surrounded by the beautiful natural light that filters through the exterior artwork, offering a unique and unforgettable experience.

VALVERDE PALACIO DE SETEAIS 5*
Much more than a luxury hotel in Sintra, Valverde Palacio de Seteais is a romantic palace with period architecture that will take you back to the elegance and atmosphere of the XVIII century. The rooms are decorated with ornate furnishings while the ballrooms are adorned with stunning tapestries and frescos of rare beauty, making this boutique hotel in Sintra – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – a unique setting to turn any event or stay into an unforgettable experience.

Day 6 – FD Sintra Tour

For six centuries, kings and nobles have made Sintra their summer residence, enticed by its unique microclimate. Over that time, it has come to be known as the pearl of Portugal. Visit the castles of Sintra, and sense the magic of medieval times. Head to the mysterious Quinta de Regaleira Estate with its mystic garden, the focus of esotericism, ancient mythology, oriental philosophy, occultism and freemasonry. From there, enjoy panoramic views of The Royal Palace, or Palacio da Pena, perched on a mountain range. Take a break for lunch at Porto Santa Maria Restaurant, which offers the freshest fish and seafood dishes from the Portuguese Coast. Stop next at the Monserrat Park and Palace, where architects, gardeners and artists have crafted a masterpiece of romantic architecture. Finally, it’s time for the Palácio Nacional, the heart of Sintra, the core around which Sintra became the pearl of Portugal. (Duration: Full Day; Private Activity & Transfers)

Included – lunch. Not included – entrances. Additionally, along the trip we can book lunch and/or dinner at restaurants that fit the client´s profile the best.

Day 7 – Regatta Yacht trip in Cascais

Off the Atlantic coast of Cascais, a picturesque fishing town, join the sailing boat parade along the bay, heading towards Lisbon. On this 3-hour trip, the guests cooperate so that each of them occupies a key position inside the vessel, therefore getting the most power from the wind and using the features of the sailboat to their advantage.

With the help of a short training session carried out prior to the activity, guests will be apt to adventure on the high seas, always supervised by our “skipper”.

Day 8 – Flight to Madeira

4 Nights in Madeira
Where to stay?

HOTEL BELMOND REID´S PALACE 5*

Surrounded by lush subtropical gardens, Belmond Reid’s Palace perches above the picture-perfect Funchal Harbour.

Having welcomed guests for more than a century, they’ve perfected the art of indulgence. Anticipate gorgeous panoramic views, innovative cuisine and the superb service of a bygone era—you may never want to leave.

LES SUITES AT THE CLIFF BAY 5*

With its 23 luxury suites it promises an experience that brings together comfort, tranquillity and history and a new dining concept, brought to you by the Avista Restaurant. Two century-old houses and a new wing set in lush gardens with amazing views offer you a dream stay. The buildings are connected by beautiful gardens with an infinity pool and unique views of the sea and the famous Funchal bay.

HOTEL SAVOY PALACE 5*

On the site of the former Savoy Hotel, just a short, scenic walk from the heart of Funchal’s charming Old Town, has risen the Savoy Palace, a modern take on island hospitality. Designed by the award-winning team of RH+ and interior designer Nini Andrade Silva, the bold, curved structure is home to chic guestrooms crafted with high-end materials and featuring balconies from which to soak up the ocean views. More sweeping panoramas can be enjoyed from the rooftop lounge, terraced gardens, and multiple pools (including a spectacular infinity version, and one dedicated to kids). An array of stylish restaurants and bars, a world-class spa with hydrotherapy facilities, game rooms, a teahouse, and more make this both Madeira’s premier luxury lifestyle hub and an idyllic getaway—whether you want to explore the island from a convenient base or just lay low.

Day 8 – Transfer In

Transfer from Madeira Airport to Hotel.

Day 9 – HD Funchal

The tour starts with you falling in love with this city once and for all with its charming basalt and limestone pavements and squares along with its varied architecture. The Sé Cathedral, located in the city center, was built in 1514. Surrounding the cathedral are several historic buildings and shops. The Forte São Tiago, built in 1614 in order to protect the city from pirate attacks, is one of the main attractions in the charming old area of Funchal known to locals as the “Zona Velha”. During the tour, you will visit to the local city market (exotic fish, flowers and fruits), travel uphill to Monte and downhill in a typical sledge. After the tour stop at Lareira Portuguesa Restaurant and enjoy some Madeiran fish dishes.

Included – lunch. Not included – sledge ride. Additionally, along the trip we can book lunch and/or dinner at restaurants that fit the client´s profile the best.

Day 10 – FD Porto Moniz

On this tour we set off on an amazing journey through the western part of Madeira. The first stop is the village of Camara de Lobos. The bay with fishing boats, located on the sun-drenched southern slope, is one of the most picturesque places on the island. Here, we will stop at one of the world’s most famous Madeira wine producers, Henriques & Henriques. Here we will have the opportunity not only to see how this famous wine is stored, but also to taste it. Continuing our journey among banana plantations and vineyards, we rise to a height of 580 meters. Cabo Girão, one of the highest cliffs in Europe, awaits us. Crossing the island from South to North, we get acquainted with the village of Ribeira Brava and along a picturesque old road we climb the central mountain system of Madeira. Next, we make a stop at the famous Encumeada viewpoint, in the Madeira mountains, at an altitude of 1000m. It is an amazing observation deck where you can see both the Northern and Southern coasts at the same time. The village of Sao Vicente is our next stop, which is a small paradise on the northern coast, where neat houses with tiled roofs, green mountains and peaks, often shrouded in clouds, enchant immediately and forever. And finally, we arrive at Porto Moniz, which is famous for its pools, formed by lava flows millions of years ago. You can swim in the pools, have lunch and stroll along the embankment, admiring the surrounding nature. After arrival back in Funchal, finish the day at the Quinta da Casa Branca restaurant and try their inventive, contemporary cuisine.

Included – wine tasting, dinner. Not included – entrance to pools, lunch. Additionally, along the trip we can book lunch and/or dinner at restaurants that fit the client´s profile the best.

Day 11 – Sunrise at Pico do Areeiro and Hike at the Caldeirao Verde Levada

Today our tour is special. Get up before dawn and set off to meet a new day. You will first travel towards the Pico do Facho, a place from where we see the vast ocean. Then, Pico do Areeiro where you can breathe in the early morning fresh air as the silence and tranquillity create a special atmosphere, filling your heart with harmony and beauty. Witness Pico do Areeiro´s beautiful sunrise and the birth of a new day. Take in a unique sensation, a charge of emotions and energy here, in Madeira, an island of amazing beauty, nature´s true miracle. Afterwards, enjoy a walk along a Levada, called Caldeirao Verde, which was built in the 18^th century. It leads through the Laurissilva forest, punctuated by escarpments, mountains and tunnels carved in the rocks. Upon arrival back to Funchal, enjoy a traditional Portuguese dinner with live music in the old town area of the city, at Restaurante de Fado Casa Portuguesa.

Included – dinner. Additionally, along the trip we can book lunch and/or dinner at restaurants that fit the client´s profile the best.

Day 12 – Transfer Out

Transfer from Hotel to Madeira Airport.

Classic tour for the beginners around Portugal

 

A “Pousada” is not just a 5 star hotel characterized by its hospitality and personal approach. It´s a type of accommodation that allows you to travel through time (castles, palaces, and monasteries – historic pousadas), to appreciate different forms of architecture and stunning interior designs (charming pousada), to be in complete harmony with nature and surrendering to the charm and magic of Portugal´s landscape (nature pousadas) and to enjoy a variety of gastronomic works of art of Portugal´s cuisine.

 

Saturday – Arrival in Lisbon and transfer to the Pousada de Lisboa 5* or 4*

 

Our English Speaking Guide will meet and greet you at the hotel lobby and guide you on a beautiful walking tour.

Experience the Best Viewing platforms in Lisbon Tour – half day – 4-hour tour.

You will visit the following platforms: Castelo Sao Jorge, Principe Real, and Cristo Rei.

 

Our first stop is at a food-court for a quick but yet typical lunch at the Mercado da Ribeira Time Out – www.

Enjoying Lisbon and its views from its viewing platforms is a real pleasure and we´ll offer you a selection of the best panoramas of the city!

Enjoying beautiful views, we will plunge into the history of the city of the Phoenicians, Romans and Arabs, and history will come to life for us, as well as we will get acquainted with the modern city and its inhabitants. Feel the energy of Lisbon and its rhythm.

From the observation deck of the Statue of Jesus Christ, we will see the best panorama of the entire city, its historical and modern parts, the Gulf of the Tagus River, and the vast expanses of the Atlantic on the horizon.

The observation deck of Edward VII will show us the three main historical areas of the city, and from the observation deck of St. Peter we will see the cradle of Lisbon – the ancient district of Alfama. The Castelo de São Jorge, the city´s fortress, is located on the highest hill of the city in the heart of Lisbon. We will get acquainted with its history and enjoy the incredible 360-degree panorama (degrees) from the high fortress walls. Finally the “Gates of the Sun” viewpoint will give us an unforgettable experience, revealing a view of the main pantheon of Portugal, the old port area and the pearl of Lisbon – the monastery of St. Vincent.

A small trip in a historical tram nr 28 will be incorporated in the program while you are in Alfama.

This city of hills will not leave you indifferent with its unforgettable panoramas.

Recommended dinner at a local restaurant accompanied by Fado (a Portuguese music genre inscribed in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists)

 

Sunday  – Full-day tour – Thematic Tour – in the footsteps of the Templars – guided day tour – 9 hours.

 

Breakfast at the hotel

 

The tour starts with you travelling along the Ocean, past the country’s oldest aristocratic resorts, Cascais and Estoril, to the fabulous city of Sintra, the medieval royal residence, which became the favorite vacation spot of the aristocracy in the XVIII century. Here you will get acquainted with the mysterious, “esoteric” palace and park of Quinta da Regaleira (beginning of the 20th century) and it´s secret symbols of which many have tried in vain to decipher to this day. Built in the 17th century, the estate rightfully earned its fame as the country’s most sacred place. The wonderful palace house and the mysterious garden are the focus of esotericism, ancient mythology and Eastern philosophy, occultism, Freemasonry, and many other things that are still shrouded in the mystery of the unknown … “Quinta da Regaleira” is a special place for anyone who visits.

Following the Quinta da Regaleira you will head to the ancient residence of the Templars. In Tomar you will visit the Templar castle (XII) and the monastery of the Order of Christ, which was built and rebuilt for several centuries. Appreciate the elegance of the Manuelino style, as it is here that its ex-libris is located, an amazingly beautiful window of the Capitol Hall of the Monastery and much more:

– The ancient chapel of Charola, the 12th century, built in the image of the temple of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.

– One of the best examples of medieval castle and fortification architecture.

– A unique “manuelino” (this is where its ex-libris-amazingly beautiful window of the Capitol Hall of the Monastery is located).

– The special history of the Knights Templar in Portugal.

All the above makes the Convento de Cristo Monastery a truly unique place!

 

Overnight  in Coimbra

 

Monday  – Full day Coimbra  – Lamego, overnight in Douro Valley.

 

Breakfast at the hotel

 

Coimbra is a very charming city, with its unique atmosphere of student life. Above the city stands the oldest university in the country (the former Royal Palace), where a famous Baroque library is located. Narrow streets will take you to the Old Cathedral and through the arch the Arab city of Almedina you will find yourself downtown, where part of the city’s commerce is located as well as the Church of Santa Cruz, where lays remains of the first Portuguese King, D. Afonso Henriques.

Our suggestion for a fantastic lunch is in Mealhada – the “capital of the suckling pig”, a dish that is among the 7 gastronomic wonders of Portugal accompanied by sparkling wine from the Bayrad region. We will then drive through Busaco (an amazing park / forest where in the late 19th century a royal was built on the site of the Carmelite monastery palace) until we reach the city of Viseu, located in the province of Beira, actively developed in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, one of the favorite cities of the Portuguese king D. Duarte and the city where the most famous Portuguese artist Vasco Fernandes created many masterpieces.

Moving along to Lamego, a city in the province of Douro with an ancient and rich history. You will walk through the historical center of the city; see the cathedral with its unique granite staircase, trimmed with tiles, leading to the temple of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios. Moving on to Regua – the “capital of port”. It is here, in the picturesque region of the Douro River Valley, listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, that grapes are grown from which port is produced. Here you will learn all about the port wine production process.

 

Overnight in Douro Valley

 

Tuesday – Northern Portugal – The world of Baroque.

 

Breakfast at the hotel

 

During this excursion you will have a great opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful estates in northern Portugal, see the two winemaking capitals Amarante and Regua and drive along one of the most beautiful roads in Europe.

Baroque, the symbol of Portugal of the 18th century is distinguished by its original exoticism from what we see in other countries.

Built in the first half of the 18th century with the participation of Nicolo Nazoni, the Palacio de Mateus Palace is immersed in the greenery of magnificent gardens and is considered one of the brightest examples of civilian Baroque architecture in Portugal.

Inside the palace you will see magnificent ceilings made of wood, pieces of furniture from different eras, paintings of the 17th-18th centuries, silver and ceramic items and the palace library, which houses the wonderful edition of the  “Lusiadas”.

The journey continues along the Douro River to the area that the Marques of Pombal in the middle of the XVIII century was allotted for, for the production of port. The cultural landscape of Upper Douro with terraces, Quintas, villages, and chapels is an excellent example of a traditional European wine-growing region – due to its integrity and preservation; it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is no coincidence that the Portuguese themselves say that the history of Upper Douro is a live story of port. Among the terraces here and there, red-tiled roofs are dotted with wineries, where in the fall they prepare wine, which in the spring goes to the cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. On the slopes you will see huge letters with the names of all the wine companies and their brand names.

In the city of Amarante, the so-called city of lovers, you will find a compact historical center with its famous throughout the country church of St. Goncalos – the patron saint of grooms and brides.

 

Wine tasting in Quinta Bomfim and dinner by the river in DOC – a fantastic restaurant by the famous chef Rui Paula

 

Overnight in  Douro Valley

 

 

Wednesday   Boat trip along the Douro River – 1 day cruise from Regua to Porto (lunch on board)

11.30 – 18.30

 

Transfer to the boat and then from the boat to hotel in Porto

 

Overnight in Porto

 

 

Thursday – Full-day – Oporto, the “northern capital” of the country – become amazed with its heritage.

 

Breakfast at the Hotel

 

Porto is a romantic city. A mixture of architectural styles that attracts the attention of thousands and thousands of curious tourists characterizes this Granite City. In Porto, every stone is a guardian of its history. On the longest street of the city – Boavista, we will cross a square of the same name with a monument commemorating the victory of the Portuguese over Napoleon’s army and the modern building of Casa da Musica. We will then head to the neighboring town Matosinhos, a town with beautiful views of the ocean. On the way we will pass by the Fort of São Francisco do Queijo, the beachfront promenade to the old quarter of Miragaia, past the customs building to the historic center of Porto.

In the historical part of the city, we will see many sights such as the ancient Sé Cathedral (XII century) with a massive altar of hammered silver and the Episcopal Palace with a long 60-meter facade – a masterpiece of Portuguese 18th-century baroque architecture. The oldest streets will lead to the famous Ribeira embankment. It was from these banks that the first caravels departed to discover new lands. Your next tour will leave (if you wish!) by boat for a one-hour cruise along the Douro River, crossing six bridges that connect the city of Porto and its neighbor Vila Nova de Gaia.

On the bridge of Don Luis I, built according to the famous Eiffel project of, we cross over to the other side of the Douro River to the famous cellars in which port is stored and aged. We will visit one of them and, of course, conduct a tasting of port wine – a masterpiece of Portuguese winemaking art.

Next, we will go to the Infante Henriques Square (Henriques the Navigator), where the pompous Palace of the Exchange (Palacio da Bolsa), the monument to Henriques the Navigator and the Church of St. Francis are located. The Church of St. Francis is the only religious building in the city built in a Gothic style and one of the most beautiful on the Iberian Peninsula. We will visit this unique architectural monument and continue on to Rua das Flores, where masters of gold and silver lived in the 16th century, and where we can pay special attention to the beautiful Church of Virtue (igreja da Misericordia).

The next stop along our route is the São Bento Station, famous for its magnificent tiled mosaics and huge wall panels. We will walk along Freedom Square (Praça da Liberdade), where a monument to King Don Pedro IV is erected, and stop at a magnificent church with the famous “Baroque candle” – a 76-meter bell tower. This is the tower of Clerigos – a symbol of the city of Porto.

Nearby is one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world – Lello and Brother. It is worth seeing and wondering. We will then go across the University building through Four Lions Square (Praça dos Leões) and admire the charming Carmo and Carmelitos churches. You will always remember the Carmo Church and its stunning huge panel of tiles. On the central shopping street of the city, Rua de Santa Catarina, all of the most fashionable shops of the Northern capital of Portugal are concentrated. Here we will offer you a glimpse into the famous Majestic cafe and enjoy both the contemplation of the interior of this ancient establishment and a cup of invigorating coffee.

 

Overnight  in Porto

 

 

Friday – Full-day tour of the “Green Minho”  – The birthplace of Green Wine

 

Breakfast at the Hotel.

 

Today, you will go on a full day tour in the picturesque Portuguese province of the “Green Minho ” in the northern part of the country. First stop is in Guimarães, the first capital of the Portuguese kingdom, the city where” Portugal was born” and also recognized by UNESCO as a medieval World Heritage Site.

We then continue on to the city of Braga. This city was designed by the many nations that have passed by in Iberia: Celts, Romans, Suevi, Visigoths, and more, and from all of them, you can find traces. You will find virtually all architectural styles, but in particular Portuguese Baroque. One of the most striking buildings of this style is the Bom Jesus complex (Merciful Jesus). A temple with a majestic granite staircase that leads to the hill flanked by fountains and sculptures with Gospel themed stories. These stairs are considered one of the 10 most beautiful staircases in the world. 

Next stop, Viana do Castelo. On the way, you will have the opportunity to taste the famous vinho verde “green wine “made only in the “Princess of the River Lima” region. Wine tasting at the Quinta do Merufe. The bank of the Lima River was associated with the construction of the famous Portuguese caravels. Be sure not to miss out on the Sanctuary of Santa Luzia, which offers a breathtaking panorama of endless sandy beaches.

 

 

Dinner and overnight at the amazing Pousada de Viana 5*

 

 

Saturday  – Departure in direction to Lisbon via Batalha, Alcobaca, Nazare and Obidos.

 

Breakfast at the Hotel.

Say goodbye and depart from beautiful Viana do Castelo. Your first visit is to the Monastery of Alcobaça – the oldest Cistercian Abbey in the territory where the tombs of the most famous lovers of Portugal-Pedro and Ines are located, a masterpiece of tombstone monuments.

The Batalha monastery, built in honor of the victory of the war with Castile, in the 14th century, will amaze you with its grandeur on the outside and the airy lightness of stone lace from the inside.

Moving to Nazaré, once a small fishing village, and nowadays a city famous not only for fishing, but also for its wonderful beach, amazing cuisine and unique local folk costumes. We recommend lunch at a typical oceanfront fish restaurant in Nazaré with a uniquely cooked octopus.

 

Photo-shoot at the viewpoints of Nazaré, where USA surfer MacNamara achieved A Guinness World record in 2011 on a 23,77 m high wave.

 

Visit to the medieval city of Obidos – one of the most “fabulous” cities in Portugal. Inside the city wall, from the main gate to the castle, several shopping streets stretch with traditional low houses, twined with roses and wisteria. Knights’ tournaments and a chocolate festival are organized outside the castle gates. One particular popular festival is right before and during Christmas time where the city becomes a true Santa Claus village. If you wish, you could taste the local Ginja, a cherry liqueur, typical from her homeland in Obidos

 

 

Drop off at Lisbon Airport to return flight home.

São Miguel, Faial, Pico & São Jorge Islands (8 Nights)

 

DAY 1 Arrival in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island

Transfer from Ponta Delgada Airport to Hotel in Ponta Delgada.

Lunch at local restaurant, afternoon at leisure.

Dinner at local restaurtant.

 

DAY 2 TOUR SETE CIDADES & LAGOA DO FOGO (Full day, 8hrs)

09:30 Departure from the hotel taking the mountain road towards the twin lakes. Stop at “Vista do Rei” viewpoint for the remarkable scenery. Descend to the valley of Sete Cidades, opportunity to leisurely walk along the shores of the green and blue lakes or just a coffee-break. The village of Sete Cidades (“Seven Cities”) is located on the west side of São Miguel Island. It´s one of the most beautiful natural settings in the Azores, composed by two lakes in the centre of a volcanic crater, about three miles across. Looking from the edge of the crater, one lake looks blue (reflecting the sky) and is called Lagoa Azul and the other appears green (reflecting the vegetation around it) and is named Lagoa Verde. Tour continues to Ribeira Grande for a walk through the town along the main street to the main square and enjoy the beautiful architecture of the city hall building. Stop for lunch at the local restaurant (not included).

After lunch you will drive up the mountain (altitude of 900m) to admire the magnificent view of the “Lagoa do Fogo” (Fire Lake) – one of the lakes on the island where you encounter nature in its pure state. On the way through, you will see many endemic plants and vast vegetation, there is a chance of seeing the traditional milking of cows. The return is along southern coast, enjoying a nice view of Ponta Delgada. The tour Continues to Fajã de Baixo to visit the pineapple plantations with various greenhouses, all showing pineapples at different stages of growth and the labour methods used to make them so sweet. Return to Ponta Delgada around 17:30. Dinner at local Restaurant.

 

DAY 3 TOUR FURNAS (Full day, 8hrs)

09:30 Departure from the hotel towards the town of Ribeira Grande. The first stop is at the “Santa Iria” – viewpoint where you can admire a beautiful view of the northern coast. Further on you will have a chance to visit the factory of one of the two unique tea plantations in Europe to taste some green and black tea and one of the best homemade ice-creams on the island! This factory is a real museum for specialists in ancient machinery. The next stop of the tour is at the “Pico do Ferro” viewpoint, which offers you a view of the whole valley of Furnas. Visiting the park Terra Nostra in Furnas Valley will be also an unforgettable experience. It is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in Europe, with species of trees and plants from all over the world, where you will have a chance to swim in hot thermal pool. Afterwards, you will go up to the lake, where you can watch the pots of the “cozido” being removed from the steamy underground, where it cooks for 5 to 6 hours . Then you return to the valley for the “cozido” lunch at a local restaurant 

After lunch, the tour goes on with a visit to the hot springs. There you will find more than 23 different kinds of water springs different by their temperature (some hot, some warm or cold), by composition, located on different levels of Earth. The variety of hot springs is also very interesting: some are muddy, some have clear waters, and others are just sulphurous steam. The return trip is through the southern coast, stopping at the village of Vila Franca – the first capital of the island. The return to Ponta Delgada is around 17:30.

Dinner at local restaurant.

 

DAY 4 – TOUR NORDESTE (Full day, 8hrs)

Full day tour to Nordeste (eastern part of the island). Eastern part of São Miguel is considered the best kept secret of the island. The oldest part of the island is known for its beautiful gardens, which are worth visiting and the view from them is breath-taking! For many, the eastern part of the island is the most beautiful part of São Miguel Island, with native and exotic vegetation, and forest clad mountains. Stop at Ribeira dos Caldeirões Park with beautiful waterfall surrounded by old watermills, picnic areas, coffee and gift shop, luxuriant natural vegetation and panoramic views. Continue to the village of Nordeste with opportunity for a short walk along the villageThe tour continues through the most beautiful part of Nordeste with an impressive view of magnificent valleys. There’s a stop at the “Ponta de Sossego” viewpoint. After passing through this beautiful coast we arrive to the village of Povoação. This enchanting village was the place where the first inhabitants had settled and where they started to clear the land for agriculture. 50 years after the first settlers arrived, most of today’s villages were already settled a fact which is worth noticing, considering how difficult communications were: only through mountain paths or by boat. Lunch at the local restaurant (not included).

Before the return you still have some time to walk around the village or for a coffee with so known “Fofas da Povoação” (traditional local éclairs). The return to Ponta Delgada is around 18:00.

Dinner at local restaurant.