Grand Tour of Portugal: Lisbon, Porto & Cascais

Take your flight to Lisbon and upon arrival, we'll transfer to our hotel. The rest of the day will be spent at leisure, allowing you time to settle into the hotel and start exploring if you wish.

This morning on our guided coach tour, we set out to discover Lisbon’s highlights, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We’ll stop at the strikingly modern Monument to the Discoveries and its 16th century fortified counterpart, the Belém Tower, then see the church of the Monastery of Jerónimos. One of the most magnificent buildings in Europe, the Monastery is a symbol of Portuguese wealth and power during the Age of Discoveries. We also see the impressive Terreiro do Paço square facing out to sea. 

Part of Lisbon’s appeal is its mix of old and modern, bustling and peaceful - which you choose is up to you this afternoon with time at leisure to explore. You might be tempted by the chic shops of the elegant Baixa quarter, rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1755, or decide to seek out a café to enjoy a bica – an espresso - and a spot of people watching. 

This evening, we enjoy dinner at a local Fado house and experience the haunting sounds of traditional Fado. These expressive melodies are thought to date back to the 19th century and reflect the dangerous sea voyages so many took in search of new worlds.

Today is the day to choose your own adventure in Portugal's capital city with a whole day at leisure. You could go back and revisit some of the highlights we saw on our guided tour to explore in more detail or seek out something new.

Or perhaps, simply walk the city. Between the historic cobbled lanes, sparkling river and striking tiled facades, there's a lot to catch your eye as you amble along. You'll stumble on shady squares lined with orange trees, bars and cafes grilling fish over coals in the open air - even the odd palace or two.

Alternatively, for those who prefer a more relaxing day, there are a surprising number of beaches within easy reach of the city, the closest of which is the long sandy curve of Carcavelos. Or if you prefer the shade, the trees of Monsanto Park offer an ideal escape from the sunshine and the hustle and bustle of the city centre. 

Leaving Lisbon behind this morning, we'll drive north through olive groves and wheat fields to Coimbra, renowned for its impressive Roman aqueduct striding across the city. But it’s most famous for its historic university, which is one of Europe’s oldest along with the likes of Salamanca, Bologna and Oxford University.

Once Portugal’s capital, Coimbra became a major cultural centre in the Middle Ages with the university at its heart. It’s not hard to imagine the cloak-clad learned of the age wandering its tiny medieval streets little changed since that time. With its charming Moorish quarter and pleasant squares, Coimbra is a lovely place in which to immerse yourself in the old city’s labyrinth-like lanes.

This afternoon, we’ll enjoy a visit to the university, a wonderful seat of learning, with entrance fees included. Situated on a hill, the views are stunning but the real jewel in its crown is the library - rich in baroque gilt work, it houses a staggering 300,000 volumes. 

Later this afternoon, we'll continue to Porto, where we stay for four nights.

Set on the Douro estuary and once Roman, Porto’s wealth derived from its knowledge of the sea routes to India. Spices, silks and other fine goods made the fortunes used to build today’s city – Portugal’s second largest. We begin our day with a tour of the major sights - as well as a few surprises.

We’ll experience the splendid Praca da Ribeira square, with its characteristic tiled townhouses and fine views of the wine lodges across the river.

Our tour includes the imposing Dom Luis Bridge and the tangled lanes of the medieval quarter. We’ll gaze up at the city’s imposing fortress, its cathedral and baroque Clerigos Tower. One of the six bridges over the river was designed by Gustav Eiffel - yes, that Eiffel - and you'll immediately see the connection with his more famous Parisian creation!

No visit to Porto is complete without visiting one of the city’s world-famous port wine lodges. So, this afternoon we'll be guests at one of them. We'll learn the fascinating history of port wine and its close British connections.

Taking its name from the city through which it’s shipped, this fortified wine is made with grapes from the terraced vineyards along the Douro Valley which are still staggeringly trodden by foot! The wine is lovingly tended and matured - sometimes for decades - before you can enjoy its subtle flavours. Of course, you’ll get the chance at the end of a fascinating visit to sample this wonderful drink.

Our enhanced and exclusive tasting offers insight into the unique characteristics of port wine. These superb wines will be accompanied by a selection of local delicacies and our location, overlooking the splendours of Porto and its iconic bridges will be rather special too. 

After our visit to Taylors, you'll be free to spend the rest of the day exploring at leisure.

is free for you to explore Porto further. Free from the chain shops that dominate most other countries, you're sure to find something special among the antiquated shops that line the streets. With everything from fine art to antiques and ceramics on offer, you'd better leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs. Book fans may want to see the Lello & Irmão bookstore, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, rumoured to have inspired the likes of J.K. Rowling.

There'll be plenty of opportunities to stop and re-energise -  as is typical in Southern Europe, Portugal has a thriving cafe culture with seating often spilling out onto pavements all over the city - the perfect place for a spot of people-watching and to enjoy some of the most delicious cakes you'll ever taste. Or you could head into one of the many chocolatiers found in the city's historic centre - for a true taste of Porto, you could try a bar of port wine-flavoured chocolate
 

To explore the city from a new perspective, you could cruise the Douro's peaceful waters with Porto on one side and Gaia on the other connected by a series of six bridges, each with its own architecture and personality. 

Today, we head into northern Portugal to explore two of its most atmospheric and historic cities. Our day begins in Braga, where we take a charming return trip on the Bom Jesus funicular, the traditional 19th‑century lift that gently carries us up through the trees to the hilltop sanctuary.
At the summit, we enjoy a guided tour of the magnificent Bom Jesus do Monte, a site known for its sweeping Baroque staircases, peaceful chapels and impressive views across the city. Your local guide will bring its stories and symbolism to life as we explore this remarkable setting.
There’s then some free time to enjoy Braga perhaps wander the historic streets, relax in one of its lovely squares or simply soak up the atmosphere before we continue.

This afternoon, we make our way to Guimarães, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the place often referred to as the birthplace of Portugal. As we stroll through its beautifully preserved medieval centre, you’ll discover why this charming town became the nation’s first capital and the early home of Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques. With its winding lanes, traditional buildings and welcoming squares, Guimarães offers a wonderful glimpse into Portugal’s early history.
A day rich in culture, scenery and stories, showcasing two of northern Portugal’s most captivating destinations.

Bidding a fond farewell to Porto, we'll head south to Óbidos, a fortified town surrounded by imposing medieval walls. It's a maze of narrow streets and alleys, lined with flower-bedecked, whitewashed houses and splashes of bright paint - the perfect place to just lose yourself.

Feel yourself stepping back in time to the days of the Moorish Arabs who once ruled from the town’s castle. If you’re feeling brave (and steady on your feet), you could take the daring walk around the fortifications themselves, but be warned - there are no railings, even at its loftiest height of 13 metres. Some sections here lead the way to beautiful viewpoints (just follow the signs saying 'Miradouro').  

Continuing to Cascais, our final stay is in one of Portugal's classic hotels, within the impressive walls of a 16th-century coastal citadel overlooking the famous marina in a coast town near Lisbon. The four-star superior “Pousada” is a highlight of Cascais, converted from historic buildings, some were actually part of a royal residence.

This evening, savour the flavours of typical Portuguese cuisine and regional products at a local restaurant. Socialise with newfound friends and soak up the atmosphere in a cosy restaurant.

We take a short drive into the forested hills to reach Sintra – a place that feels quietly theatrical from the moment you arrive. Once the summer retreat of Portuguese royalty, this UNESCO-listed town is layered with stories, grand ambitions and Atlantic-fresh air. It's easy to see why Henry the Navigator spend so much of his youth here, surrounded by landscapes that seem to invtie curiosity.

Our visit includes the Royal Palace of Sintra, one of the best‑preserved medieval palaces in Portugal. Inside, we’ll wander through elegant rooms decorated with striking tilework and historic collections, where Moorish influences sit comfortably alongside later royal tastes. Look out for the portraits of Charles II of England – a reminder that Sintra’s story has always stretched well beyond Portugal’s borders.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you please. You might wander the narrow streets, dip into independent shops or settle into a café for a leisurely lunch. If you feel like venturing further, Sintra has a habit of rewarding curiosity. The colourful Pena Palace rises above the town in the wooded heights of Parque da Pena, while the romantic Monserrate Palace offers striking architecture and beautifully kept gardens, perfect for a gentle wander – Sintra has a way of filling the day without ever feeling rushed.