Private Tour - Lisbon and Porto (3 or 4 days)
Itinerary
Day 1: Lisbon - Sintra – Estoril Coast - Lisbon
On this starting day you will have the opportunity to explore Lisbon, capital of Portugal, colonized by many civilizations along the centuries: Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Moors and finally the Portuguese after 1147. This city is linked with the heroic deeds of the Portuguese maritime exploration, in the 15th and 16th centuries. This was the Age of Discoveries and the Golden Era of Portugal, transforming Lisbon into the opulent centre of a vast empire. Part of the wealth from these expeditions was used to build magnificent monuments in a unique Portuguese style: the extravagant Manueline architectural style, best typified in Jerónimos Monastery. Some of these monuments can still be seen, especially in the area of Belém, where you can also overlook the Tower of Belém and the Monument to the Discoveries.There will be also time to visit St. George Castle, including its surrounding quarter and Alfama, Lisbon's oldest quarter. But Lisbon has more than just monuments! The traditional commerce zones of the city, with their 18th century buildings: the Downtown and the Chiado, are worthy of a visit! In the afternoon it will be time to continue to Sintra.The town of Sintra and its natural surroundings is one of Portugal's ex-libris, classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site! Here you will browse through hundreds of years of history and culture. As soon as you arrive to Sintra you’ll be dazzled by the mountain, its exuberant vegetation and the very special micro climate. The high humidity provides an extraordinary Flora, which helps creating the romantic and natural ambiance that so much characterizes Sintra. Driving around the mountain passing by amazing chalets and aristocratic residences you will reach the 19th century Pena Palace in the most incredible combination of architectural styles, colors and shapes that you will find in Portugal. Later in the afternoon we will continue along the famous Estoril Coast passing by the the old fishing village of Cascais where once royalty and nobility strolled enjoying the beautiful views over the Atlantic.
Accommodation Suggestion in Lisbon:
Pestana Palace Hotel
"Located in Lisbon city but only a short drive from the Estoril Coast and its beaches, the hotel incorporates a nineteenth century palace, now fully restored to its former glory and classified as a National Monument. The Pestana Palace looks over an inner private park lush with many subtropical trees and plants and enjoys panoramic views over the Tagus River."
(for more details, please follow the hotel link)
Day 2: Lisbon - Porto
In the morning we will continue to Porto, the capital of the North of Portugal. As soon as you get in Porto, you’ll understand how diversified Portugal is, although being a quite small country. Considered to be the second largest Portuguese city, Porto is completely different from Lisbon: in its size, colours, traditions and even in what concerns the local population. On the north bank of Douro river, the city of Porto is still one of the most conservative and impressive Portuguese cities, having still nowadays a certain feeling of rivalry towards Lisbon. The riverside quarter of Ribeira is delightful to be visited, with its narrow streets, typical houses and picturesque life-style: it has been recently restored, now including some fashionable restaurants and bars. Afterwards you will head to the city centre and have a look at some of the most significant monuments (Stock Exchange Palace, St. Francis Church and Clérigos Church and Bell Tower) and also go to the commercial and pedestrian street of St. Catherine. On the other bank of Douro River (at Vila Nova de Gaia) we will also have the chance of visiting the Port Wine cellars, including some Port Wine tasting as well. These were some of the reasons for UNESCO to classify Porto as a World Heritage Site.
Accommodation Suggestion:
Hotel Infante de Sagres
"The Hotel Infante de Sagres is located few meters far from Porto's most famous thoroughfare, the Avenida dos Aliados, and right in the heart of the city`s main shopping and banking districts. A first choice among visiting royalty and other dignitaries, it offers an unparalleled level of service for guests staying in its 73 rooms, which are all equipped with satellite TV, mini-bar, stylish traditional furniture and double-glazed windows. Wide and luxurious spaces recently decorated with a unique sensibility, adapted in the perfection to the realization of a whole type of events. Supported by traditional kitchen of high quality. Rare works of chimney cuts, ceilings and walls, chinese porcelains or vitrais of Ricardo Leone and the historical involvement of the noble center of the city provide a unique experience that the staff of the Hotel Infante Sagres complements with the passion imposed to the art of well serve."
(for more details, please follow the hotel link)
Day 3 (optional): Douro Valley
The Douro Valley is the unique region where the worldwide famous Port Wine is produced. For over two thousand years that this region has been used for the production of the renowned Douro wines. As time went by the steep slopes of the river banks were carved by the human hands transforming a harsh landscape into one of the most magnificent landscapes in the world. Our first stop of the day towards the Douro Valley will take us to the little town of Amarante. With its genuine town centre on the banks of the river Tâmega Amarante still keeps its old bridge leading to the locally famous church of São Gonçalo, where, according to a local belief, young women touch the tomb of the Saint hoping for a miraculous pregnancy. After leaving Amarante we will continue towards the deep Douro Valley, to a region where wine is certainly more than a drink, it is a way of life. Once we reach this area you will be able to taste and learn about all the techniques behind the famous Douro and Port Wines during a wine tasting and visit to a local Wine Producing Estate. Before the end of the day we will still have time to continue towards the outskirts of the city of Vila Real to visit one of the most amazing 18th century manor houses of Portugal: the Casa de Mateus. Eternalized on the label of the famous "Mateus Rosé" wine, this barroque masterpiece clearly shows the presence of the old money in the North of Portugal. At the end of the day it will be time to return to Porto and rest from a long day.
Accommodation Suggestion:
Hotel Infante de Sagres
Day 3 (or Day 4): Porto – Batalha - Alcobaça - Óbidos - Lisbon
This will be our last day. After leaving Porto we will head South towards the spectacular Monastery of Batalha, with its exuberant late gothic style, being also the pantheon of several Portuguese Kings. Nearby you will find another incredible monument in the town of Alcobaça. Dating back to the 12th century, the Monastery of Alcobaça is one of the most simple and yet most grandious buildings of Portugal, still today embellished by the tombs of Pedro and Inês, reminding us of the tragic love story between these two historical characters. Before the end of the day we will reach the medieval town of Óbidos. For several hundreds of years this town was ruled by the Queens of Portugal. The Queens showing sheer determination on keeping the town as a nice refuge outside of Lisbon donated enough money to transform this town into of of the nicest small villages of Portugal. The old 11th century castle still overlooks the white washed houses that make it a trully special place to walk. At the end of the afternoon we will finally return to Lisbon for a deserved rest.
Accommodation Suggestion in Lisbon:
Pestana Palace Hotel
"Located in Lisbon city but only a short drive from the Estoril Coast and its beaches, the hotel incorporates a nineteenth century palace, now fully restored to its former glory and classified as a National Monument. The Pestana Palace looks over an inner private park lush with many subtropical trees and plants and enjoys panoramic views over the Tagus River."
(for more details, please follow the hotel link)
Please feel free to contact us for more information or booking:info@toursforyou.pt or using the following form (click again to close)