An 8‑day guaranteed departure journey through the heart of Portugal, combining culture, history and gastronomy. Discover Porto and its wine heritage, cruise through the UNESCO‑listed Douro Valley, explore historic cities such as Coimbra and Braga, experience iconic pilgrimage sites like Fátima, and end in vibrant Lisbon. The tour features regional tastings, traditional cuisine, guided visits, scenic landscapes and authentic local experiences.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Porto: Portugal’s second‑largest city stands out for its rich architectural heritage, historic centre along the Douro River and its world‑famous port wine tradition.
Douro Valley: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s most spectacular wine regions, shaped by dramatic terraced vineyards and the historic Douro River.
Coimbra: A former capital of Portugal and an important cultural centre, renowned for one of the oldest universities in Europe and its prestigious academic heritage.
Fátima: One of the world’s most important Catholic pilgrimage destinations, symbolising faith, devotion and spiritual tradition in Portugal.
Batalha & Alcobaça: Two outstanding UNESCO‑listed monasteries representing the height of Portuguese Gothic architecture and medieval royal history.
Lisbon & Belém: Portugal’s vibrant capital, built on hills overlooking the Tagus River, showcasing monumental architecture linked to the Age of Discoveries and enduring cultural traditions.
Day 1: ARRIVAL PORTO – OFIR (55km – 50min)
Welcome on arrival and transfer to Ofir. Hotel check-in and welcome cocktail. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Ofir.
Day 2: OFIR – GUIMARÃES – BRAGA – BARCELOS – VIANA DO CASTELO – OFIR (229km – 3.25hrs)
A day dedicated to the discovery of the Minho province and a visit to Guimarães. External view of the famous medieval castle, birthplace of Alfonso of Burgundy, the first King of Portugal. Continuation to Braga. Conquered by the Visigoths and later by the Moors, Braga regained prosperity after the Reconquista when it became the seat of an archbishopric. Visit the impressive Romanesque cathedral and the sanctuary of Bom Jesus. Lunch featuring a regional speciality: “Rojões à la mode du Minho”, accompanied by a glass of Vinho Verde. Continue to Barcelos, home to the first county established in Portugal at the end of the 13th century. The town is well known for its pottery, figurines and carved wooden yokes. Continue to Viana do Castelo, a charming and lively seaside town dominated by Mount Santa Luzia. Visit the Costume Museum. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Ofir.
Day 3: OFIR – DOURO VALLEY – OFIR (102km – 1.5hrs)
A day dedicated to discovering the Douro Valley. Surrounded by imposing mountains, the Douro River flows peacefully through a narrow valley. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the valley fascinates with its beauty and terraced vineyards shaped by centuries of human labour. Drive through villages featuring Romanesque churches and traditional quintas, crossing the Marão mountain range before reaching the Douro River at Régua. This route offers some of the most beautiful panoramic views of the valley. Visit a wine estate in the Douro region for a guided wine tasting, followed by lunch at the estate. Then continue to Pinhão, a picturesque village located on the riverbank, famous for its railway station decorated with azulejos. Board a traditional rabelo boat for a one-hour cruise on the Douro River. Before returning to the hotel. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Ofir.
Day 4: OFIR – PORTO – OFIR (96km – 1.5hrs)
Guided tour of Porto, including entrance to the Stock Exchange Palace (Palácio da Bolsa), a magnificent neoclassical building renowned for its richly decorated rooms and impressive Arab Room, inspired by the Alhambra in Granada. Exterior view of Clérigos Church, famous for its tall bell tower, and visit to Porto Cathedral, originally built in the 12th century. Lunch at a local restaurant featuring the famous francesinha, Porto’s iconic sandwich. Private visit to the Port wine cellars, including a guided Port wine tasting accompanied by a selection of regional cheeses. Continue to Bolhão Market, one of Porto’s most emblematic markets, recently restored, where you can discover local produce, Portuguese specialities and crafts, with an opportunity to taste regional products depending on the season. Return to the hotel. Folklore evening, dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Ofir
Day 5: OFIR – AVEIRO – COIMBRA – FÁTIMA (305km – 3hrs)
Visit Aveiro, known as the “Venice of Portugal”, with its picturesque canals and colourful houses decorated with azulejos. Enjoy a traditional moliceiro boat ride along the canals, followed by a visit to a workshop dedicated to Ovos Moles de Aveiro IGP, where you will discover how this local sweet speciality is made, participate in the filling process and enjoy a tasting. Lunch featuring bacalhau à Brás, a traditional Portuguese dish made with cod, eggs and finely sliced potatoes. Continue to Coimbra, home to one of the world’s oldest universities, founded in 1290. Visit the university library (entrance included) and discover this historic city, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and romantic setting. Continue to the Central Region. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Overnight in Fátima.
Day 6: FÁTIMA – BATALHA – NAZARÉ – ALCOBAÇA – FÁTIMA (185km – 3hrs)
Visit the Sanctuary of Fátima, one of Portugal’s most important pilgrimage sites. Before leaving Fátima, visit the Olive Oil Museum to discover the history and production of this emblematic Portuguese product. Continue to Batalha and visit the church of the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória, built in 1385. This Gothic masterpiece is renowned for its intricate stonework and historical significance. Continue to Nazaré for a typical fish lunch. After lunch, discover Nazaré’s magnificent beach on the Silver Coast, with free time to enjoy the seaside and observe local fishermen. Visit the harbour to discover traditional fishing and fish-drying techniques still practised by local fishermen. Proceed to Alcobaça and visit the church of its 12th-century monastery, burial place of King Pedro I and Inês de Castro, known as the “Dead Queen”. Return to Fátima for dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Overnight in Fátima.
Day 7: FÁTIMA – ÓBIDOS – LISBON (175km – 2.5hrs)
Drive to Óbidos, a charming medieval fortified town perched on a hill and surrounded by high walls. Discover its picturesque streets lined with flower-covered houses and enjoy a tasting of the famous ginjinha, a traditional cherry liqueur served in a small chocolate cup. Special lunch featuring Leitão à Bairrada, a renowned regional speciality of suckling pig, slowly spit-roasted to achieve tender, juicy meat and deliciously crispy skin. Continue to Lisbon, a captivating and distinctive capital reflecting Portugal’s rich history and cultural heritage. Visit Belém, including the church of the Jerónimos Monastery and the Coach Museum, and discover its charming streets with their colonial character. Enjoy a tasting of the famous pastéis de nata, Portugal’s traditional custard tarts. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Overnight in Lisbon.
Day 8: LISBON DEPARTURE
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for your return flight.
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for city visits, historic centres and cobbled streets.
- Bring light, comfortable clothing suitable for sightseeing, along with a light jacket for evenings and coastal areas.
- A small day backpack, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen) and a reusable water bottle are advised.
- Modest clothing is recommended for visits to religious sites such as Fátima.
- Don’t forget a camera, personal medications, and any necessary travel documents.
