North of Portugal Heritage in 6 days

6 Days by Coach | Historic Cities, Spectacular Landscapes & Portuguese Wines

Discover Portugal’s remarkable heritage, from the legacy of the Knights Templar and magnificent cathedrals to charming historic towns and the landscapes of the Douro Valley. Enjoy five nights in 3 or 4-star hotels, with dinner included each evening and free time for lunch throughout the tour.

Before the Tour — Discover Lisbon and Its Surroundings

While staying in Lisbon, we recommend our optional Lisbon city tour, Sintra – Cascais – Estoril tour, and Óbidos – Nazaré – Batalha – Fátima tour—an excellent introduction to Portugal’s history, coastal scenery and traditions.

Day 1 — Lisbon • Tomar • Coimbra • Porto

Depart Lisbon for Tomar, once a stronghold of the Knights Templar. Visit the magnificent Convent of Christ, where medieval architecture and richly carved Manueline decoration reveal centuries of Portuguese history. Entrance included.

Continue to Coimbra, with free time for lunch. In the afternoon, discover this historic university city, beginning with the University precinct, its impressive courtyard and sweeping views over the Mondego River. Visit the Old Cathedral, a striking Romanesque monument, before descending through the picturesque Quebra-Costas lanes, Almedina and Rua Ferreira Borges, into the lively lower town. Cathedral entrance included.

Continue to Porto. Dinner and overnight at a 3 or 4-star hotel.

Day 2 — Porto • Port Wine Experience

Spend the morning discovering Porto, a city shaped by trade, the Douro River and its world-famous wine. Visit the imposing Cathedral, whose origins date back to the 12th century, and explore Avenida dos Aliados, Batalha and the colorful riverside quarter of Ribeira. The panoramic coach tour also takes in Boavista and Foz do Douro, where the river meets the Atlantic. Cathedral entrance included.

Complete the morning with a visit to a Port wine lodge, learning about this celebrated wine and enjoying a tasting. Visit and tasting included.

Free time for lunch and an afternoon at leisure to explore Porto’s shops, cafés and riverside atmosphere.

Dinner and overnight at a 3- or 4-star hotel in Porto.

Day 3 — Porto • Braga • Guimarães • Amarante

Depart for Braga, one of Portugal’s oldest cities. Discover its historic centre and visit Braga Cathedral, whose history predates the foundation of the Portuguese kingdom. Continue to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, renowned for its monumental Baroque stairway and hillside setting. Cathedral entrance included.

Continue to Guimarães, celebrated as the birthplace of Portugal, with free time for lunch. Visit the Castle and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, then stroll through the historic centre, where traditional houses, arcaded squares and narrow streets preserve the atmosphere of medieval Portugal. Castle and palace entrances included.

Travel to Amarante, beautifully situated beside the Tâmega River.

Dinner and overnight at a 3- or 4-star hotel in Amarante.

Day 4 — Amarante • Vila Real • Mateus • Peso da Régua • Lamego • Viseu

Travel to Vila Real and visit Mateus Palace, an elegant example of Portuguese Baroque architecture, set amid attractive gardens. Enjoy a wine tasting as part of the experience. Visit and tasting included.

Continue through the Douro region to Peso da Régua, with a stop to admire the river and vineyard scenery. Free time for lunch during the day.

In Lamego, visit the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, overlooking the town above its magnificent staircase, decorated with traditional Portuguese tiles.

Continue to Viseu. Dinner and overnight at a 3 or 4-star hotel.

Day 5 — Viseu • Serra da Estrela Region • Castelo Branco

Depart Viseu towards Castelo Branco, travelling through the spectacular Serra da Estrela mountain landscapes where weather and road conditions permit. If mountain access is unsuitable, follow the alternative route via Mangualde and Guarda.

In Guarda, visit the imposing Cathedral, whose granite walls and fortress-like appearance reflect the city’s historic character. Entrance included.

Discover Belmonte, one of Portugal’s most fascinating historic villages, associated with navigator Pedro Álvares Cabral and a remarkable Jewish heritage. Continue via Covilhã to Fundão, renowned as Portugal’s cherry capital, for a walk through its traditional streets.

Free time for lunch en route. The day’s routing and sequence of stops will be adapted to weather and road conditions.

Dinner and overnight at a 3 or 4-star hotel in Castelo Branco.

Day 6 — Castelo Branco • Évora • Lisbon

Begin the day with panoramic views from the castle in Castelo Branco, before travelling south to Évora, in the heart of the Alentejo.

Enjoy free time for lunch, followed by a walking tour through the historic centre. Discover the ancient streets and Praça do Giraldo, admire the surviving columns of the Roman Temple, and visit the impressive Cathedral, where medieval architecture reflects the city’s rich religious heritage. Cathedral entrance included.

Continue to Lisbon, arriving at the end of the tour. End of services.

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Included Visits

• Convent of Christ, Tomar.
• Old Cathedral, Coimbra.
• Porto Cathedral.
• Port wine lodge visit and tasting.
• Braga Cathedral.
• Guimarães Castle.
• Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, Guimarães.
• Mateus Palace visit and wine tasting.
• Guarda Cathedral (if Serra da Estrela is excluded).
• Évora Cathedral.

Suggested Exclusions

• Transportation by air-conditioned touring coach
• Official tour guide
• Five nights’ accommodation in 3-4 star hotels
• Daily breakfast
• Dinner at the hotel on Days 1–5
• Guided visits and sightseeing tours as described
• Coach access, drop-off and pick-up points subject to local traffic regulations
• Serra da Estrela itinerary subject to weather and road conditions
• Suggested Exclusions
• Lunches are not included; free time is provided each day.
• Entrance fees, unless otherwise specified
• Personal expenses
• Porterage and gratuities