Europe Private Tour (SPA007) In-Depth Portugal 10 Days 9 Nights

On Day 1, we welcome you at Lisbon Portela Airport in Lisbon, then take you on a journey to Porto, a city in northern Portugal, covering a distance of 312 kilometers in about 3 hours. Porto is Portugal's second-largest city, situated along the Douro River in the north. It is a renowned port city that was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

Porto is best known for the Douro (Golden River), its port, and port wine. The charm of this city lies in the colorful buildings lined up along the Douro River, especially in the Ribeira district. Here, you will see the vibrant hues of houses, shops, and restaurants stretching along the riverside. In the evening at sunset, the view from this vantage point is simply stunning, as the sunlight reflects off the water in a golden glow—the very origin of the name Douro.

Taking a stroll from the Ribeira district, you will see the iconic iron bridge spanning the Douro River. What makes this bridge so special is that it was designed by Gustave Eiffel's team. You can see bridge piers reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower, while the upper deck carries a railway line. The bridge connects the historic old town with the Vila Nova de Gaia district across the river. Almost the entire Vila Nova de Gaia side is filled with wine cellars and riverside restaurants.

Visit the Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto) to take in panoramic views of the cascading terracotta-tiled rooftops and the beautiful Douro River.

Visit Liberdade Square (Historical Center), the city's central square home to the neoclassical City Hall and the Monument to King Peter IV, the former King of Portugal.

Visit the Torre dos Clérigos, the city's iconic bell tower, where you can climb 240 steps to take in panoramic high-angle views of Porto.

For Harry Potter fans, don't miss Livraria Lello, a famous bookstore widely said to have inspired J.K. Rowling when writing Harry Potter.

hotel Overnight Porto : · example hotel Pao de Acucar Hotel *** (first night)

Depart for Guimarães, located just 55 kilometers from Porto, taking only about 1 hour to arrive. Guimarães is one of the most beautiful and historically significant cities in northern Portugal, with its historic center inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Guimarães is an exceptionally well-preserved historic destination, known as the birthplace of King Afonso I, the first king of Portugal. The city is nestled in a valley surrounded by towering mountains and enjoys pleasantly cool weather year-round.

Today, Guimarães has become a major regional destination, renowned especially for Guimarães Castle (Castelo de Guimarães), a medieval fortress located in the heart of the city. Built in the 10th century under the orders of Countess Mumadona Dias of Portugal to protect the town from Moorish and Norman attacks, the castle has become one of Portugal's greatest historical landmarks.

Stroll through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center of Guimarães, and visit the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza.

Visit Oliveira Square (Largo da Oliveira), the historical heart of Guimarães and one of the prettiest spots in the city. It is surrounded by historic buildings and architecture, along with welcoming restaurants and cafes catering to many visiting travelers.

Finally, admire the beauty of Mount Penha, where you can enjoy the most scenic panoramic view over Guimarães.

hotel Overnight Porto : · example hotel Pao de Acucar Hotel *** (second night)

Depart for Braga in northern Portugal, located close to Porto—just 25 kilometers away, or about a half-hour drive.

Braga is truly a charming and fascinating city in every aspect. Visiting Portugal without exploring Braga means missing an incredible opportunity to admire its exquisite art and architecture.

Braga is the third-largest city in Portugal, set in a picturesque valley surrounded by rolling hills and lush green mountains where you can unwind in a delightfully relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. Most importantly, the city is filled with significant religious landmarks and numerous beautiful museums, making it a complete and immensely popular destination for travelers.

It is one of the fastest-growing cities in Europe. A must-visit attraction is Bom Jesus do Monte, a stunning sanctuary perched atop a hill that serves as the emblem of Braga. Highly revered as a sacred site, the church sits at the summit, reached by climbing a grand staircase that winds along terraced walls. The sanctuary dates back to the 18th century, built upon original foundations from the 13th century.

You can enjoy breathtaking views of Braga from the sanctuary grounds. Another city highlight is Braga Cathedral, which dates back to the 3rd century. Its facade features striking Gothic architecture, while the interior is remarkably historic and ornate.

Visit Braga's Cathedral, located in the heart of Braga.

In addition, Braga offers many other fascinating attractions, including the São Frutuoso Chapel, a remarkably ancient and beautiful chapel dating back to the 7th century that is a renowned national monument in Portugal. Meanwhile, the D. Diogo de Sousa Museum is equally captivating, showcasing rich exhibits detailing the history of Braga.

The Museu dos Biscainhos (Biscainhos Museum) is luxurious and houses an extensive art collection. Nearby, the Garden of Santa Barbara features beautifully trimmed hedges, with the Archbishop’s Palace standing as another gorgeous sight not to be missed.

We then travel to Coimbra, another major Portuguese city situated on a hillside overlooking the Mondego River. Known as Aeminium under Roman rule, it was captured by the Moors in 711 AD and served as a vital trade link between Christians in the north and Muslims in the south. In 1064 AD, King Ferdinand I of León defeated the Moors and liberated Coimbra. We visit the University of Coimbra (Coimbra University), one of the oldest universities in the world, founded in 1290 AD, which was later converted into the Coimbra Royal Palace by King John III in 1537 AD and still preserves its beautiful Baroque art.

hotel Overnight Coimbra · example hotel Hotel Almedina Coimbra Centro ***

Today, we visit four charming small towns. We start at Fatima, one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world, second only to the Vatican. Once a quiet rural village in remote Portugal, everything changed when three young children testified that the Virgin Mary appeared to them on May 13, 1917. The Vatican later officially recognized the event, prompting vast numbers of Christians to flock here. The town grew significantly, and a massive basilica and square were built to welcome visitors, turning it into one of the world's most revered Catholic holy places where almost every Pope has visited to conduct religious ceremonies.

Next, we head 24 kilometers to Batalha, a small town home to one of Portugal's most significant churches, the Batalha Monastery. Built in honor of the Virgin Mary, it stands near the battlefield where King João I (Jo?o I) of Portugal led Portuguese troops to victory in 1385 AD against King John I of Castile, who had claimed the Portuguese throne and land through his queen.

Next, we take you to Nazaré (Nazare), 33 kilometers away. Originally a small fishing village, its wide and beautiful sandy beach made it popular among Portuguese and European travelers for summer vacations, transforming the village into a famous resort town.

We then travel 41 kilometers to Óbidos (Obidos). Óbidos is a must-visit town whenever you come to Portugal. The name Óbidos comes from Latin, meaning 'citadel' or 'fortress'—fitting for a former fortress town enclosed by high walls to defend against enemies. It is a lovely and colorful town.

Especially during two weeks every July, the town hosts the Medieval Market festival. The town is decorated in medieval European style, complete with acrobats, themed market stalls, and knight parades, allowing visitors to truly experience the atmosphere of historic Europe.

Due to the town's compact size, exploring on foot does not take long—at most an hour. Even though it is small, there are plenty of local treats to choose from, whether freshly squeezed orange juice or chocolates filled with cherry liqueur. With its friendly atmosphere and simple whitewashed buildings accented with primary colors, this town can truly be called Portugal's Little Santorini.

hotel Overnight Obidos · example hotel Josefa D Obidos - Hotel ****

Today, we enjoy a full day exploring Lisbon. For our first viewpoint, we take the vintage Glória Funicular (Gloria Funicular or Ascensor da Glória) up to the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint garden, offering panoramic city views and a charming Greco-Roman garden on the lower level. Directly across the street from the garden is the Solar do Vinho do Porto (Port Wine Institute), where you can sample up to 300 varieties of port wine.

Portas do Sol is our second viewpoint, looking out near the Tagus River where it meets the Atlantic Ocean, offering panoramic views of terracotta rooftops.

Next, we explore Bairro Alto in northern Lisbon. This neighborhood is where residents began building homes outside Lisbon's city walls in the 16th century. The cobblestone streets are uneven and slope gently up and down. The three-story townhouses here are painted in vibrant colors that easily rival Venice.

The Chiado square area near Bairro Alto is bustling with tourists and locals out relaxing on holidays, easily reachable on foot from Bairro Alto. The area features numerous shops and a diverse selection of restaurants to enjoy.

Jerónimos Monastery (Jeronimos Monastery) is one of the essential landmarks to visit, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. The word 'monastery' literally translates to an abbey or residence for monks.

Visit the Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos or Monument to the Discoveries), situated along the Tagus River. It was erected to celebrate Portugal's greatness and the success of Portuguese explorers in establishing trade with India and Asia during the 15th and 16th centuries.

Next, visit Time Out Market Lisboa (Time Out Mercado da Ribeira), Lisbon's famous Time Out market. Similar to a food court back home, with a fresh market on the other side of the building, you can pay directly with cash at each stall. Most stalls feature seafood, as it is a Portuguese staple. A recommended menu item is the smoked tuna sandwich served on soft black bread, offering a surprisingly delicious combination you must try. Another must-try treat is the Portuguese egg tart, a classic local pastry.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at the famous seafood restaurant Cervejaria Ramiro. This restaurant does not serve fish, focusing mainly on shrimp and shellfish, with the giant red prawns being the signature recommendation. Reservations cannot be made in advance, so there is often a long queue outside, but we can assure you it is well worth the wait because the seafood is exceptionally fresh, delicious, and reasonably priced.

hotel Overnight Lisbon, Hotel Expo Astoria *** (Night 1)

Today is our second day exploring Lisbon. We will take you to visit an exciting new museum: MAAT, or the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology—a space where art and science blend together seamlessly.

This museum is located along the Tagus River in Lisbon's Belém district, not far from the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, both key city landmarks. MAAT positions itself as a space for showcasing history and contemporary art, as well as presenting architectural visions and cutting-edge technologies. The museum's director is Pedro Gadanho, a former key curator at MoMA in New York.

Next, we will take you to another charming town near Lisbon that few visitors explore: Queluz, located 20 kilometers from Lisbon. We will visit the Queluz National Palace, known as the "Versailles of Portugal." Featuring Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical styles, this palace has served as a royal summer residence since the 17th century. The interior is exquisitely decorated, where you can admire various rooms and antique collections. Best of all, it is not crowded, allowing you to take photos at your leisure. Outside, there is also a lovely French-style garden for taking wonderful photos.

hotel Overnight Lisbon, Hotel Expo Astoria *** (second night)

Today, we will take you to visit Évora, located 137 kilometers from Lisbon (about a 1 hour and 40 minute drive). Évora is a UNESCO World Heritage cultural city that has preserved architectural remains dating back to Roman times. Visit the Roman Temple of Évora, a distinctive Roman landmark reflecting the grandeur of the Roman Empire that once extended into Portugal. We will then take you to Giraldo Square, the important center of the city and home to a Renaissance-style fountain plaza.

When it is time, we will travel back to spend the night in Lisbon.

hotel Overnight Lisbon, Hotel Expo Astoria *** (third night)

Today, we will take you to visit Faro, an important port city in Portugal located in the country's southernmost region. It holds historical significance as a port city near Spain. Faro offers beautiful coastal views. Enjoy the scenery along the Algarve region and take a relaxing stroll through the old town, Cidade Velha.

When it is time, we will travel back to spend the night in Lisbon.

hotel Overnight Lisbon, Hotel Expo Astoria *** (fourth night)

Depart for Sintra, the westernmost town, a town of castles and a UNESCO World Heritage site located not far from Lisbon—just 30 kilometers away, taking about half an hour of travel time.

Visit Pena Palace, a hilltop palace and World Heritage site built in 19th-century Romanticism style, celebrated as one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal with its vibrant, whimsical colors. Next, we will take you to see the National Palace of Sintra, followed by The Palace of Monteiro the Millionaire.

Visit Cabo da Roca by the sea, the westernmost point of continental Europe bordering the Atlantic Ocean.

hotel Overnight Sintra · example hotel Tivoli Sintra ****

Today on the tour, we will take you to Lisbon Portela Airport in Lisbon for your return flight to Bangkok.