Colorful Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal, surrounded by lush greenery with panoramic views, perfect for cultural tours.
Panoramic view of Porto's vibrant Ribeira district, showcasing colorful historic buildings and the iconic Clerigos Tower under a clear blue sky.
Stunning view of the historic Aqueduct of Pegões in Tomar, Portugal, showcasing its impressive arches and lush green surroundings.
Historic Alcobaça Monastery in Portugal, featuring Gothic architecture and stunning façade, ideal for cultural heritage tours.
Gothic architecture of Batalha Monastery in Portugal with intricate stonework and lush garden, perfect for cultural tours.
Historic Guimarães Castle with vibrant flower gardens in Portugal, showcasing medieval architecture and lush landscapes.
Exterior view of the historic Sé Velha Cathedral in Coimbra, Portugal, showcasing Romanesque architecture under a clear blue sky.
Blue azulejo tiles depicting historic religious scenes, showcasing Portugal's rich cultural heritage and traditional artistry.
Sunset view of Lisbon's historic São Jorge Castle overlooking colorful buildings and the Tagus River, a top Portugal attraction.
Aerial view of Lagos, Portugal featuring vibrant coastal town, scenic waterfront, and azure sea, perfect for travel exploration.
Baroque-style church facade in Porto, Portugal, showcasing intricate stonework and ornate architectural details against a blue sky.
Historic University of Coimbra courtyard with clock tower against a vibrant blue sky, showcasing Portugal's rich architectural heritage.
Monument to the Discoveries in Lisbon, Portugal, showcasing iconic explorers against a clear blue sky, perfect for cultural tours.
Ancient Roman aqueduct in Portugal under a blue sky, showcasing historical architecture on "The Best of Portugal" tour.
Historic Portugal tour featuring the scenic Praça do Giraldo in Évora with its iconic fountain and 16th-century architecture.
Ancient Roman Temple of Évora under a clear blue sky, showcasing Portugal's rich historical and cultural heritage.
Stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean from a scenic cliffside promenade in Nazaré, Portugal, perfect for coastal exploration tours.
Stunning evening view of Nazaré beach and town lights, capturing Portugal's coastal charm for an unforgettable travel experience.
Historic Lisbon skyline with the iconic São Vicente de Fora monastery, offering stunning views and rich cultural heritage.
Portuguese custard tarts with coffee on traditional blue tile background, showcasing authentic flavors of Portugal.
Listing ID : 45817

Activity

Duration11 Days
Group SizeSmall Group
Starts AtMarques de Pombal Square, Lisbon
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish, French, Portuguese
Portugal Multi-City Tour

The Best of Portugal: An 11-Day Journey Through History, Culture, and Natural Beauty

From Lisbon's storied avenues to the golden cliffs of Algarve, discover Portugal's most iconic destinations in one seamless adventure.


This Portugal multi-city tour traces a sweeping arc across the country, connecting medieval walled towns, UNESCO-listed heritage sites, vine-covered valleys, and sun-drenched Atlantic coastlines over eleven carefully structured days. Each destination reveals a distinct layer of Portuguese identity, from the gothic grandeur of Alcobaca to the baroque waterways of Aveiro. The itinerary is designed for travellers who want breadth without sacrificing depth.

Departing from central Lisbon, the route moves north through the heartland, pausing at pilgrimage sites and university towns before reaching Oporto, Portugal's second city and a living monument to riverside culture and port wine tradition. The journey then curves inland through the Douro Valley and the Dao wine country before looping back south via Tomar, Sintra, Evora, and finally the Algarve coast.

Accommodation is provided on a bed-and-breakfast basis throughout, allowing mornings to begin with a proper meal before each day's explorations. The pace is deliberately unhurried, with dedicated free time built into the Oporto stay and optional leisure hours in Evora and Lagos so travellers can follow their own curiosity.

The return drive to Lisbon on the final day passes through Setubal and the Serra da Arrabida Natural Park, offering a scenic finale across one of Portugal's most underrated coastal mountain ranges before crossing the Tagus River bridge back into the capital.

Tour Highlights

Lisbon: Portugal's capital rewards visitors with fado music, the pasteis de Belem pastry shops of Belem, and sweeping city panoramas from its hilltop viewpoints.

Fatima: One of the most visited Catholic pilgrimage destinations in the world, welcoming up to six million visitors annually, including the atmospheric candlelit procession.

Sintra: A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring colourful royal palaces, romantic gardens, and the dramatic westernmost point of mainland Europe at Cabo da Roca.

Oporto: Portugal's second city and a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site, celebrated for its riverside architecture, historic palaces, and the world-famous port wine tradition.

Evora: A remarkably intact medieval city whose streets hold a Roman temple, a Romanesque-Gothic cathedral, and the striking Chapel of Bones inside St. Francis Church.

Lagos and the Algarve: A captivating combination of Moorish history, dramatic sea-carved cliffs at Ponta da Piedade, and a vibrant marina town known for fresh cataplana seafood.

Douro Valley and Bussaco Forest: Sweeping vineyard landscapes and a rare botanical forest surrounding a former royal hunting lodge offer a restorative contrast to the urban stages of the journey.

Itinerary Overview

1
Lisbon to Fatima via Obidos, Alcobaca, Nazare, and Batalha

Depart Marques de Pombal Square and travel north through a landscape of windmills and fruit orchards. Visit the medieval walled town of Obidos, the gothic Monastery of Alcobaca, the fishing village of Nazare, and the Battle Monastery at Batalha before arriving in Fatima for the candlelit evening procession.

2
Fatima to Oporto via Coimbra and Aveiro

Explore the ancient University of Coimbra with its baroque library and distinctive black-caped student traditions, then continue to Aveiro, the canal city nicknamed the Venice of Portugal, before checking in to the Oporto area hotel.

3
Oporto and Minho Region: Guimaraes and Braga

Discover Oporto's riverside heritage and sample a glass of port wine, then travel into the Minho region to visit Guimaraes, the birthplace of Portugal's first king, and Braga, known for its concentration of religious architecture and the baroque Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary.

4
Douro Valley and Dao Wine Country to Urgeirica via Amarante, Vila Real, Lamego, and Viseu

Pass through the charming town of Amarante, visit the Mateus estate gardens in Vila Real, sample local specialities in Lamego, and explore the granite old town of Viseu before resting in the Urgeirica area.

5
Bussaco Forest and Tomar to Lisbon

Walk through the rare botanical forest of Bussaco and visit the extraordinary Convent of Christ in Tomar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site shaped by the Knights Templar, before returning south to the Lisbon area for overnight accommodation.

6
Sintra, Cabo da Roca, Cascais, and Estoril; then Evora, Lagos, and Return to Lisbon

Spend a day along the Sintra-Cascais coastline before heading south to the UNESCO-listed city of Evora, continuing to Lagos and the Algarve for cliff walks and a visit to the Sagres fortress, and finally driving back to Lisbon via the Arrabida Natural Park on the last day.

What Is Included

Included

  • Transport by air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour
  • Accommodation on a bed-and-breakfast basis for 10 nights
  • Daily breakfast at the hotel
  • Professional guide services during excursions
  • Entrance to selected monuments and sites as per itinerary
  • Pick-up and drop-off at Marques de Pombal Square, Lisbon

Not Included

  • Lunches and dinners unless stated otherwise
  • Personal expenses and gratuities
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional excursions or activities not listed in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees to sites not specified as included

Important Information

Please read the following details carefully before booking to ensure the experience is right for you.
Duration
11 days total, with daily departures structured around morning starts. The tour covers significant distances by road and involves multiple overnight hotel changes.
Meeting Point
The tour begins at Marques de Pombal Square in Lisbon. Travellers are advised to arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes are essential given the cobblestone streets and hillside sites. Bring layered clothing suitable for variable coastal and inland temperatures, a light rain jacket, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation terms are outlined at the time of booking. It is strongly recommended to review the applicable policy and to hold valid travel insurance covering trip cancellation and interruption.
Accessibility
The tour is rated very easy in terms of physical difficulty. However, several historic sites involve uneven surfaces, steps, and steep terrain. Travellers with specific mobility requirements should contact the operator in advance.
Age Range
This tour is suitable for most age groups given its very easy difficulty rating. Children are welcome, and the varied itinerary offers points of interest across different age groups. Specific age restrictions should be confirmed at booking.

Ready to Explore the Best of Portugal?

Eleven days, two UNESCO World Heritage cities, Atlantic coastlines, medieval pilgrimage towns, and vine-terraced river valleys — all in a single well-organised journey. Secure your place and start planning the trip today.

Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts and ends in Lisbon. Pick-up and drop-off take place at Marques de Pombal Square in the city centre.
Is breakfast included every day?
Yes, breakfast is included on a bed-and-breakfast basis at each hotel throughout the 11-day itinerary. Lunches and dinners are not included unless specifically stated in the day-by-day programme.
How physically demanding is this tour?
The tour is rated very easy in terms of physical difficulty. Most activities involve gentle walking at your own pace, though some historic sites feature cobblestones, steps, or uneven terrain.
Which UNESCO World Heritage Sites are visited on this tour?
The tour visits multiple UNESCO-listed sites including Oporto's historic centre, Sintra's cultural landscape, the Convent of Christ in Tomar, and the historic centre of Evora. The University of Coimbra is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Is there free time built into the schedule?
Yes. A full day at leisure is included during the Oporto stay, and additional free time is available in Evora and Lagos, allowing travellers to explore independently or simply relax.
What type of vehicle and guide are provided?
Transport throughout the tour is provided by an air-conditioned vehicle. A professional guide accompanies the group during excursions and site visits as outlined in the itinerary.
Portugal TourLisbonOportoAlgarveSintraEvoraFatimaDouro ValleyUNESCO HeritageMulti-City TourCultural TravelHistorical Sites
Last updated: 2025-07-14 | Product ID: best-of-portugal-11days

Activity

Availability

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Additional Information

Physical: Wheelchair Not accessible

Duration

11 days

Languages

English - Speaking Guide

Spanish - Speaking Guide

French - Speaking Guide

Portuguese - Speaking Guide

Additional Information

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Cancellation Policy

Select Date

Meeting Point

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

End Point

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

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