A Taste of Portugal: Lisbon, Porto & the Douro Valley

Lisbon - 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, and this afternoon is free 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.

Sintra - We take a short drive to the enchanting, UNESCO‑listed town of Sintra, set among forested hills with wonderful views towards the Atlantic. Once the summer retreat of Portuguese royalty, Sintra is full of atmosphere and stories, and it was here that Henry the Navigator spent much of his youth, surrounded by landscapes that must have sparked his sense of adventureOur visit includes the impressive Royal Palace of Sintra, one of the best‑preserved medieval palaces in the country and the former residence of the Portuguese monarchy. Inside, you’ll find grand rooms, beautiful tilework and historic collections, including portraits of Charles II of England, all reflecting the palace’s rich mix of Moorish and later royal influences. With the rest of the day free, there’s plenty of time to enjoy Sintra at your own pace. You may like to wander the narrow streets, browse the shops or settle into a local café for a relaxed lunch. If you’d like to explore further, the colourful Pena Palace is one of Sintra’s most iconic sights, set high above the town in the lush surroundings of Parque da Pena. Another lovely option is the romantic Monserrate Palace, known for its striking design and beautiful gardens.Whether you spend the afternoon exploring the town, visiting another of its remarkable landmarks or simply taking in the scenery, Sintra offers a full and rewarding day in one of Portugal’s most captivating destinations.

Coimbra University - Continuing north, we reach Coimbra, renowned for its impressive Roman aqueduct striding across the city. But it’s most famous for its historic university, one of Europe’s oldest along with Salamanca, Bologna and the Sorbonne.Once Portugal’s capital, Coimbra became a major cultural centre in the Middle Ages with the university at its heart and 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’re privileged to enjoy a visit to the university, a wonderful seat of learning, with entrance fees included. Its superb library is rich in baroque gilt work and houses a staggering 300,000 volumes. Situated on a hill, the views are stunning. Later this afternoon, we continue to Porto, where we stay for four nights on a bed & breakfast basis.

Porto - 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. Our tour unveils its surprising, as well as the major sights. You’ll experience the splendid Praca da Ribeira square, with its characteristic tiled town houses and fine views to the wine lodges across the river.You’ll see the imposing Dom Luis Bridge and the tangled lanes of the medieval quarter. You’ll gaze up at the city’s imposing fortress, its fine cathedral and baroque Clerigos Tower. One of the six bridges over the river was designed by Gustav Eiffel - and you can immediately see the connection with his more famous Parisian creation!Free of the chain shops dominating other countries, you’ll enjoy the tiny, antiquated shops specialising in fine art, antiques, ceramics and some of the most wonderful cakes you’ll ever taste. No visit to Porto is complete without seeing one of the city’s world-famous port wine lodges. So, this afternoon we are guests at one of them all. You’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.You're free to spend the rest of the day exploring at your leisure.

The Douro Valley - Today we explore the sinuous and scenic River Douro – the river of gold, spending a leisurely day exploring its delightfully peaceful villages and intricately terraced valley sides.After leaving the Atlantic’s influence behind, the climate becomes noticeably warmer and dryer, and the landscape changes from verdant greens to Mediterranean sun-kissed ochre. The route is nothing short of spectacular! The winding road, sometimes almost in the water, sometimes hugging the lofty valley sides, gives us wonderful views of the shimmering ribbon of the river and its classic vine-clad terraces. We eventually reach the delightful small town of Pinhão, the heart of the port wine producing region. Port truly dominates the life here, with even the station tiles depicting the wine harvest. It wouldn’t be a true visit to the Douro Valley without sampling some of the local wine so after drifting down the Douro on a short cruise we visit one of the local Quintas and sample some of the wines that are produced in this region.

Free day in Porto - Today 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.

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