“SPIRITUAL PORTUGAL”: PORTO TO ALGARVE TO LISBON (10 DAYS)

Porto Portugal

History will embrace you on this journey of discovery and enlightenment. Surround yourself with the wonders of Christian history in Portugal- from the world-famous wine region of Porto in the Douro Valley (UNESCO World Heritage site) to the Algarve with it’s breathtaking coastal landscapes and giant waves, to the iconic rich history and charm of Lisbon. Learn more about medieval Portugal in the town of Guimaraes and former Roman 'Bracara Augusta', drive to the top of the 1,300 foot high hill of Bom Jesus from where you can overlook the city of Braga and admire the famous Holy Way staircase, the most popular place of pilgrimage in the north of Portugal.

Includes
• Round trip airfare.
• Accommodations.
• Transfers, as per itinerary.
• Tour Manager throughout tour.
• Sightseeing as indicated in itinerary.
• Breakfast daily, Lunch and Dinners – as per itinerary.
• All service charges and local taxes.

Prices based on travel dates, group size and included features.

NOTE- All private group tour itineraries are custom-designed to meet the needs and desires for the purpose of your group or focus on your ministry. Use this itinerary as is, or for inspiration to collborate with a LutherTours professional tour itineary planner to create a unique journey just for your group.

ITINERARY FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION:

DAY 1, Departure

DAY 2, Arrive in Porto, Portugal (D)

Arrive in Porto and meet your professional tour manager who will accompany the group throughout the journey. Transfer to your hotel. Group will meet for welcome dinner. Overnight Porto

DAY 3, Porto City, Douro River Cruise (B, D)

Today, embark on a sightseeing tour of Porto with a local guide including a panoramic drive to the Douro River, and visit the Church of Sao Francisco and the Stock Exchange, renowned for its exquisite neoclassical façade and ornate gilded Arabian Hall. Finish the tour with a visit to a Port wine cellar for a wine-tasting. This afternoon is at leisure or choose to participate in a Douro River Cruise with meal, viewing the city from a new perspective. Pass by the numerous port wine vineyards and under the magnificent bridges crossing the valley. Overnight Porto

DAY 4, Guimaraes, Bom Jesus, Porto (B)

Spend the day at leisure to explore this UNESCO World Heritage city, or choose to join the group for a full day Medieval Portugal tour. Start with the town of Guimaraes for a walk through the medieval alleys. Then, head inland to the heart of Minho province to the former Roman 'Bracara Augusta'. Here, drive to the top of the 1,300 foot high hill of Bom Jesus (good Jesus), from where you can overlook the city of Braga and admire the famous Holy Way staircase, the most popular place of pilgrimage in the north of Portugal. Time at leisure for lunch before returning to the hotel late afternoon. Overnight Porto

DAY 5, Thursday - Coimbra, Fatima, Drive to Tomar (B, D)

This morning, drive south through the Buçaco National Park to Coimbra, the third-largest city in Portugal, to visit the University of Coimbra, among the oldest universities in Europe, with more than 700 years of history. In the afternoon, drive to Fatima, one of the most important Catholic shrines in the world dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Its Sanctuary welcomes millions of pilgrims from all over the world. Fatima's fame is due to the Apparitions of Our Lady of the Rosary that appeared to three shepherd children in 1917. Here, visit the great Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary built in neoclassical style, flanked by colonnades linking it with the extensive convent. Continue your journey to Tomar, one of Portugal's historical jewels for dinner and overnight. Overnight Tomar

DAY 6, Convent of Christ, Castelo de Vide, Drive to Evora (B)

We begin the day with a visit to the hilltop Convent of Christ with its famous Manueline window. This afternoon, continue on southward and cross the Tagus river to Castelo de Vide and a stroll through the old Jewish Quarter. Here you can find one of the oldest synagogues in the country, although all that remains is one modest little room. Stop at a Cork Factory to learn about how cork is harvested from the bark of a tree and processed into one of Portugal's major exports. Continue to Evora for the night. Overnight Evora

DAY 7, Evora, Lisbon (B)

This morning, take a guided tour of Evora. Discover the town's massive walls and Roman Temple, early Gothic Cathedral, and Sao Francisco Church that is famous for its Ossuary chapel, whose walls are decorated with thousands of human bones and skulls. Head on to see Evora's main square, the Praça do Giraldo and the cobbled streets of this former royal town. Later, continue to Lisbon, one of the oldest cities in Europe, over 2,000 years old, and the capital of Portugal since 1147. Overnight Lisbon

Optional- attend a Fado Dinner. Travel to one of Lisbon's oldest districts and join one of the popular performances of local songs accompanied by a gentle guitar playing Portuguese melodies.

DAY 8, Lisbon City Tour (B)

In Lisbon, the tour begins with a stop at the top of Edward VII's Park to enjoy a magnificent view over the hills of Lisbon and the River Tagus. Next, view the treasured 16th century Belem Tower, a monument to Portugal's Age of Discovery and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to visit the Jeronimos Monastery, an impressive symbol of the country's power and wealth and resting place of explorer Vasco da Gama. Time for lunch on your own in this delightful setting before an afternoon at leisure. Overnight Lisbon

Optional- afternoon tour to quaint nearby village of Sintra, the "Glorious Eden" of Lord Byron, and summer retreat of the royal court, highlighted by lavish romantic castles and stunning monuments. Visit the Sintra Royal Palace, a 15th century royal residence, containing one of the largest tile collections in Portugal. Then enjoy some free time in the Village Historical Center before returning to Lisbon

DAY 9, Full Day in Lisbon's Countryside (B, D)

Spend a full day excursion to explore the countryside around Lisbon. The first stop on the northbound journey is medieval Obidos, with its historic center, and a labyrinth of cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and beautiful vistas. Continue to Alcobaça to visit the Church of Santa Maria. It was the first building in Portugal to adopt the Gothic style and is the largest church in the country. See the decorated tombs of King Pedro I and his lover Inês de Castro. Lastly, stop at the charming fishing harbor of Nazaré before heading back to Lisbon. Tonight, a delectable dinner of Portuguese specialties awaits you at a local restaurant. Overnight Lisbon

DAY 10, Depart Portugal

Group transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

NOTE- All private group tour itineraries are custom-designed to meet the needs and desires for the purpose of your group or focus on your ministry. Use this itinerary as is, or for inspiration to collborate with a LutherTours professional tour itineary planner to create a unique journey just for your group.

QUESTIONS?  

Contact a LutherTours professional tour itinerary planner to find out how easy it is to plan a custom-designed affordable tour itineraray for your family and friends, church group or community organization! 

Call 1.844.777.1517 or email  info@luthertours.com