Gold Tour - The Charming Experience of Portugal (7 days)

Small-Group Tour

Accommodation, Gastronomy & Wine excellency

Tour General Info

The Gold Tour to Portugal from Tours For You, is an exceptional opportunity to know Portugal in a first-class travel service, where any detail of this week was carefully thought by our Team. What you have here is the splendour of Portugal in every single aspect: from history and cultural background, to the sense of the charming accommodation visible in the historical buildings where they're built in ("Pousadas de Portugal"), on their decoration and on their service. Then you'll have the wonderful gastronomic experience that we'll provide to you, selecting the best available restaurants for every single meal (again with 3 important factors in mind: gastronomy, service and ambiance). Finally, and since Portugal is very well-known in the world as an excellent wine producer, we didn't forget to include this thematic on our tour program. This Gold Tour is done with a small group (limited to 12 passengers) to provide the most personalized approach, as also to be possible to visit the deep interior and secrets of Portugal, like the small villages of Marvão and Belmonte, where you'll feel like you are travelling back in time.The small group also allows to overnight in the small and charming hotels that we've mentioned before.

Personalization, charm, discovery, gastronomy, senses, all thought, just For You.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Lisboa - Estoril - Cascais - C. Roca - Sintra - Lisboa

In the morning we shall head to the elegant coast of Estoril and Cascais, the charming areas of exiled kings, and twentieth century spies, not forgetting the companion of the large and wide Tagus River. On the way to Estoril the Atlantic Ocean will be right by your side, the final scenic pretext that will prepare you to visit the Westernmost point of Continental Europe - the Roca Cape. The natural elements will always be present, while living the maritime coast, to enter in the natural reserve of Sintra and Cascais, being welcomed by the luxurious vegetation, of an uneven green, developing the perfect conditions to the romantic ambiance of Sintra, the UNESCO World Heritage, with palaces, stories and legends. To fully appreciate this atmosphere, we'll visit the Pena National Palace on the top of the Sintra's mountain range. Sintra will also be the location of your first gastronomic and wine experience (lunch included). This will prepare you to visit the Portuguese capital, "the Seven Hills City "- with references that go back to the times of the nation's birth (12th century), throughout the glorious age of the Portuguese Discoveries (16th century)-best present on the glorious Jerónimos Monastery and the quaint Tower of Belém- all the way to the modern 21st century present on the busy life of Lisbon's downtown- the Baixa.

Accommodation in Lisbon:

Pestana Palace Hotel & National Monument

"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: Lisboa - Évora - Marvão - Belmonte

We will continue our journey discovering Portugal. We will depart from Lisbon towards the Alentejo region, where you'll visit one of the most interesting cities of this region: Évora ( World Heritage City, classified by UNESCO). A "rendezvous" with Portuguese history and genuine house styles from the South of Portugal with their white washed façades. Free time for Lunch in Evora (not included). Then, it's time to arrive at the memorable village of Marvão. This small town stands at more than 800 meters high and it's surrounded by the old castle walls from (13th -17th century) Since this will be the day dedicated to discover the deep countryside of Portugal, you'll also pass through the beautiful and ancient Portuguese village of Castelo de Vide. This will be a completely different scenery from the other days of this tour. Bring your camera along, or you'll regret it forever...For an idyllic ending of the day in Belmonte, you'll rest at the Pousada do Convento de Belmonte (dinner included).

Accommodation in Belmonte:

Pousada do Convento de Belmonte

"Very near Belmonte, where Pedro Álvares Cabral (Brazil discoverer) was born, the Belmonte Pousada results from the reconstruction of the ruined Convent of Nossa Senhora da Esperança, where there is also a small 13th Century chapel. The Belmonte Pousada preserves all the historical architecture of the convent, including an amphitheatre in the woodlands."

(for more details, please follow the hotel link)

Day 3: Belmonte – Viseu – Lamego - Wine Estate in Regua - Solar de Mateus – Amarante

We'll start the day visiting Belmonte, a beautiful small village where one of the oldest Jewish communities in Portugal still survive. Belmonte is also the birthplace of the navigator who discovered Brazil, Pedro Álvares Cabral. After a visit to its Castle and its narrow streets of the Jewish quarter, we'll continue to another important city of this region: Viseu. Here you'll enjoy its historical town centre with the traditional commerce. Then, the journey will take us to the Douro region. The historical town of Lamego will be the perfect place for another wonderful experience regarding the Portuguese gastronomy (lunch included). We'll enter in a region where the Douro river represents the soul of the natives and where the wine production is decisive to this population. And since we´ve mentioned the internationally renowned wine of this region, we'll visit one the many Wine Estates that exist in this area, where you'll have the opportunity to learn about the producing methods and to enjoy a wine tasting at the end of the visit. The tour will continue towards Vila Real for a visit to "Solar de Mateus". Here you´ll find the delicate Barroque Style decorating a traditional building. The construction of this Manour House was possible due to the wealth that Port wine brought to ancient and traditional Portuguese families. Then we will continue to Amarante, where we will stay on this third day on another beautiful Charming Hotel, Casa da Calçada, who belongs to the prestigious "Relais & Chateaux" Hotel Chain. Amarante has an impressive but yet romantic small historical centre, just in front of this hotel, which will be perfect for an evening promenade. On this night, you'll also have the opportunity to have dinner at this hotel's restaurant for another excellent gourmet experience (dinner included).

Accommodation in Amarante:

Casa da Calçada

"Located near the old bridge over the River Tamega, in the historic heart  of the small town of Amarante, Casa da Calçada is an impressive refined, hotel   set on a  XVI century  Palace, former residence  of  the Counts of Redondo. Magnificent  gardens,  gold coloured walls, and elegant lounges with very comfortable seating in romantic style, welcome guests as they arrive to this beautiful manor house. Rich colours and objects d'art, enhance the ambiences, in a quiet atmosphere of luxurious comfort. The rooms, all uniquely decorated, are equipped with modern accessories to provide the utmost of comfort. Colours and textures, combine perfectly for a cosy, wonderful decoration. A glamorous restaurant offers typical and selected regional cuisine, in a warm and calm environment. The leisure room, or  the bar with its spectacular terrace with views to the vineyards that surround the hotel, are the perfect places,  for relaxing,  drinking or chatting, before of after your meal."

(for more details, please follow the hotel link)

Day 4: Amarante - Braga - Ponte de Lima – Viana do Castelo - Guimarães

After a visit to the historical centre of Amarante, we´ll continue towards Braga, an important religious capital that exhibited its power and importance in the past times, through the original sanctuary of "Bom Jesus of Braga", with its magnificent baroque staircase (with a story to tell on its artistic chapels). Then, the destiny will be the lovely scenic town of Ponte de Lima. Comproving the ancestral human occupation of the region and the economical significance of the town until the 18th century, strolling in Ponte de Lima town centre you'll come across with several traces of of this wealthy past. Here, you will be able to enjoy an unique gastronomy and the singular locally produced Green Wine (Vinho Verde) - free time for lunch. The tour proceeds to Viana do Castelo, the capital of Minho region with a lovely panorama over the Atlantic (a visit to the Santa Luzia Belvedere is mandatory). This is an excellent city to explore its rich historical centre and have a look at the beautiful local embroideries. The day will end at Guimarães, the "cradle" of Portuguese nationality. We'll proudly present you the historical centre of Guimarães, the first important city, of the kingdom of Portugal with references that illustrates more than 800 years of history. In Guimarães, we'll invite you to dinner (included), and try the tasty cuisine, of Northern Portugal.

Accommodation in Guimarães:

Pousada de Sta. Marinha

"Near the historical centre of Guimarães, set on a hill overlooking the city, we find the majestic Santa Marinha Pousada, the XII century Augustin convent, which after being rebuilt and restored, received the National Architectural Prize in 1985. Penha Park, the small gardens and the interior corners with granite fountains, the rich Portuguese glazed tiles, the cloisters, the balconies and terraces over the city will, together with the magnificent cuisine and wines, make you wish to stay for a very long time."

(for more details, please follow the hotel link)

Day 5: Guimarães - Porto

In the morning, we'll do a tour through Guimarães historical centre and then, we'll proceed to Oporto, where we would present you the charm and history of this city. When visiting Oporto, a visit to the Wine Cellars, in Vila Nova de Gaia, is something that no one should miss. Here you'll finally visit the place where Port Wine gains its generous taste, never forgetting a technical explanation on all the processes involved. Free time to lunch in Vila Nova de Gaia.

After lunch, the historical centre will be visited in detail, comprehending important monuments as the St. Francis Church, all covered with gold (about 600 kg) in its interior, an extraordinary artistic work of gilded wood carvings that gains its splendour, with a dimension never seen before. The elegant and ancient "Stock Exchange Market" with an unique beauty, exhibits the careful and detailed 19th century taste. Then, we'll see the north historical area of the city, on the most traditional commercial street of Oporto - the pedestrian street of Sta. Catarina. If shopping is not in your plans, find a table at the Majestic Café, where elegance is expresse on every detail taking you in a time voyage. As the perfect conclusion for this day, we'll take a cruise in Douro River, the best place to see Oporto and the Douro Margins.

At the end of the afternoon, you´ll be welcomed at your hotel. In the evening, youi'll be transported to your selected pleasant restaurant, with dinner included...

Accommodation in Porto:

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 6: Porto - Coimbra

During the morning, we'll give you free time for personal leisure activities (like some of the most appreciated tasks while travelling: visiting expositions, museums or shopping). Oporto is excellent for all of these purposes. After lunch time, the destiny will be the city of Coimbra. It was one of the most important capitals that Portugal had and it is still a reference considering its beauty. The pleasant city centre overlooking the Mondego River gives Coimbra a particular charm, known as the Student's Capital. You'll have a special visit to an extraordinary masterpiece of the 18th century: the library of Coimbra's University. The decoration expresses a magnitude that almost intimidates. The church of Santa Cruz, where we're able to admire the tomb of the first Portuguese King - Afonso Henriques, will be visited, showing also the detailed and beautiful façade that invites us to look inside and forget about the time.

At night, we'll take you to a very nice restaurant in Coimbra (Dinner included).

Accommodation in Coimbra:

Quinta das Lágrimas

"This 18th century palace surrounded by magnificent gardens still vibrates with the memory of the famous romance between Prince Pedro and Inês de Castro. Today, this property has been transformed into a superb hotel, beautifully decorated in the traditional colours of Portugal. Enjoy the charm of its elegant guest rooms with inlaid furniture and savour the innovative cuisine prepared with the finest local produce."

(for more details, please follow the hotel link)

Day 7: Coimbra - Fátima - Batalha - Alcobaça - Óbidos - Lisboa

Today, we'll head south to visit Fátima, considered to be the World's Altarpiece. A chance to understand the expression of Portuguese faith, in one of the biggest mysteries of Catholic Church. Then the tour will proceed to Batalha, where we'll visit the Batalha Monastery church, an icon representing the significance of the religious orders in Portugal and a reference to one of the most important moments of our history - The Aljubarrota Battle. Free time for lunch in Batalha. After lunch, we'll move to Alcobaça, famous for its 12th century monastery. This monastery is not only a beautiful architectural example, but it has also the monuments in memory of King D. Pedro I and D. Inês de Castro (characters of a true romantic Portuguese story from the 14th century, very similar to “Romeu and Juliet”) made in magnificent stone handwork. On our way to Lisbon we will visit Óbidos, a small medieval village, with walls surrounding it and protecting a heritage of narrow streets, whitewashed houses embellished with flowers and whrought iron windows that once again invite us to travel back in time.

And like all good things come to an end we will have to return back to the capital - Lisbon. After visiting our beautiful country, that we have proudly shown you, we have the feeling that you'll wish to come back to Portugal again and again and again...

At night you'll have still the chance to join a Portuguese farewell dinner, where you'll listen and experience the "Fado" music (a genuine Portuguese music style), in one of the best restaurants of Lisbon, as an optional (please check the price for this optional on the general conditions).

End of the Tour

We'll be glad to provide you an extension of your Portugal Holidays. A relaxing stay in Algarve (sun, beach and golf) after or before this tour or, an extension of your holiday in Lisbon and surroundings (Sintra, Cascais, etc.) is very advisable and you can ask us for a personalized vacation proposal.

Please check below the prices and available dates for this tour:

Note: If your available dates are not compatibles with ours, please contact us because we can try to open other tour dates.

Optional Fado Night (Day 7): 110€ per person

Including:

-Transportation, guide escort, dinner with drinks included and Fado show at Casa de Linhares or similar)

Optional "Before and After Tour" Pack: 315€ per person

Including:

- Private arrival Airport Transfer from Lisbon Airport to your Lisbon

- Hotel 2 Nights Accommodation (with breakfast) at Pestana Palace Hotel *****Luxury, based on double room occupancy

- Private departure Airport Transfer from Lisbon Hotel to Lisbon Airport

Optional Lapa Palace Overnight in Lisbon:

If you wish to stay in the most luxury hotel of Lisbon, the Lapa Palace, in a special city/river view room, please add 140€ per person/night for the prices given above with the Pestana Palace Hotel.

Optional Suggestion - "After Tour - Relax at Portuguese Resort"

Including:

- Private Transfer, direct flight or rental car until destination (roundtrip)

- 2, 3 or more Nights Accommodation (with breakfast) in a wonderful Resort at Algarve, Madeira or Estoril Coast (please ask us for suggestion)

Price: as a tailor-made pack, price will be advised.

General Conditions

Minimum 4 passengers (maximum 12)

This tour is operated in English only

What's Included on the price:

• All Transportation in luxury air conditioned minibus
• 6 nights luxury accommodation
• 6 Full Breakfasts

• 7 Gastronomic Meals with drinks included (Lunch or Dinner)
• Expert Bilingual Official Guide (English/Portuguese)
• All Entrance Fees to Cultural Sites
• Civil Responsability Insurance (as obligatory by Portuguese Law)

What's not included:

• Airfare
• Meals not mentioned on the tour program
• Personal Expenses (mini bar, telephone, etc)

Prices quoted are per person, based on double occupancy

• Single supplements apply when not sharing accommodation (495€ supplement for single room).
• 20 % deposit required on booking.
• Full payment required within 30 days of trip.
• The fee for cancellation by client is as follows:
  * up to 30 days prior to departure - 20% (the value of the deposit)
  * 30-7 days prior to departure - 40%
  * from the 6th day prior to departure - 60%
  * during the tour - 100%

Other information:

• We suggest that you take your own medical insurance and, mainly, a trip cancellation insurance, to avoid losing the fee value of a cancellation required by you.
• If any proposed accommodation of our program will be fully booked when you book our tour (since they're charm hotels, they're also small - usually they've about 20 to 30 rooms), we guarantee another accommodation similar or superior in quality and charm. A minor change in the tour itinerary could occur.
• The deposit and full payment can be made by international bank transfer (preferably) or by credit card (VISA, Mastercard or American Express).
• After the payment of your deposit, we will send you a voucher for the tour.

Please feel free to contact us for more information or booking:info@toursforyou.pt or using the following form (click again to close)

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