An immersive 8‑day cultural journey through Portugal, from the vibrant city of Porto to the historic capital Lisbon. This carefully balanced itinerary combines UNESCO World Heritage sites, scenic landscapes and authentic local experiences. Discover the green Minho region, cruise through the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley, explore prestigious university towns, major pilgrimage centres and charming coastal villages, while enjoying regional gastronomy, wine tastings and traditional flavours.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Porto: Portugal’s second‑largest city stands out for its rich architectural heritage, historic centre along the Douro River and its world‑famous port wine tradition.
Douro Valley: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s most spectacular wine regions, shaped by dramatic terraced vineyards and the historic Douro River.
Coimbra: A former capital of Portugal and an important cultural centre, renowned for one of the oldest universities in Europe and its prestigious academic heritage.
Fátima: One of the world’s most important Catholic pilgrimage destinations, symbolising faith, devotion and spiritual tradition in Portugal.
Batalha & Alcobaça: Two outstanding UNESCO‑listed monasteries representing the height of Portuguese Gothic architecture and medieval royal history.
Lisbon & Belém: Portugal’s vibrant capital, built on hills overlooking the Tagus River, showcasing monumental architecture linked to the Age of Discoveries and enduring cultural traditions.
Day 1: ARRIVAL PORTO – OFIR (55km – 50min)
Welcome on arrival and transfer to Ofir. Hotel check-in and welcome cocktail. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Ofir.
Day 2: OFIR – GUIMARÃES – BRAGA – BARCELOS – VIANA DO CASTELO – OFIR (229km – 3.25hrs)
A day dedicated to the discovery of the Minho province and a visit to Guimarães. External view of the famous medieval castle, birthplace of Alfonso of Burgundy, the first King of Portugal. Continuation to Braga. Conquered by the Visigoths and later by the Moors, Braga regained prosperity after the Reconquista when it became the seat of an archbishopric. Visit of the impressive Romanesque cathedral and the sanctuary of Bom Jesus. Lunch, then drive to Barcelos, the seat of the first county established in Portugal at the end of the 13th century. The town is well known for its pottery, figurines and carved wooden yokes. Continuation to Viana do Castelo, a charming and lively seaside town dominated by Mount Santa Luzia. Visit of the Costume Museum. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Ofir.
Day 3: OFIR – DOURO VALLEY – OFIR (102km – 1.5hrs)
A day dedicated to discovering the Douro Valley. Surrounded by imposing mountains, the Douro River flows peacefully through a narrow valley. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the valley fascinates with its beauty and terraced vineyards shaped by centuries of human labour. Drive through villages featuring Romanesque churches and traditional quintas, crossing the Marão mountain range before reaching the Douro River at Régua. This route offers some of the most beautiful panoramic views of the valley. Lunch, then continue to Pinhão, a picturesque village located on the riverbank, famous for its railway station decorated with azulejos. Board a traditional rabelo boat for a one-hour cruise on the Douro River. Before returning to the hotel, visit a port wine estate with wine tasting. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Ofir.
Day 4: OFIR – PORTO – OFIR (96km – 1.5hrs)
Visit to Porto, including an external view of the Clérigos Church, built in the 18th century by an Italian architect and featuring the tallest bell tower in Portugal. Visit of the cathedral, originally built in the 12th century, which retains its Romanesque fortress-like appearance despite later alterations. Private visit to the port wine cellars with tasting, located along the banks of the Douro River. Lunch at a restaurant. Afternoon visit to the Stock Exchange Palace (entrance included). Built in 1834, this neo-classical building reveals richly decorated rooms influenced by Renaissance, Baroque and Moorish styles. The highlight is the Arab Hall, inspired by the Alhambra in Granada. Return to the hotel. Folklore evening, dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Ofir.
Day 5: OFIR – AVEIRO – COIMBRA – FÁTIMA (305km – 3hrs)
Visit Aveiro, known as the “Portuguese Venice”. The Ria lagoon penetrates the city, creating a unique balance between urban life and water. Narrow streets are crossed by canals reflecting the colourful azulejo-covered houses. Tasting of ovos moles, a local speciality. Departure to the Bussaco National Park (entrance included), home to an exceptionally diverse vegetation with more than 700 plant species. Lunch, then a visit to Coimbra and its renowned university founded in 1290, one of the oldest in the world. Visit to the university library (entrance included). Perched on a hillside overlooking the Mondego River, Coimbra is a city of arts and letters, immortalised by poets inspired by its romantic setting. Continuation to the Centre Region. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Fatima.
Day 6: FÁTIMA – BATALHA – NAZARÉ – ALCOBAÇA – FÁTIMA (185km – 3hrs)
Visit to Fátima and discovery of the sanctuary, a major centre of pilgrimage reflecting the deep-rooted religious faith of Portugal. Continuation to Batalha and visit to the monastery church of Santa Maria da Vitória, built in 1385. This Gothic masterpiece is renowned for its stone lacework and strong historical symbolism. Drive to Nazaré. Fish lunch followed by a visit to this famous seaside town. Its magnificent beach is one of the most beautiful on the Silver Coast, where fishermen can still be seen repairing their nets. Free time on site. Visit to Alcobaça and the church of its 12th-century monastery, burial place of King Pedro I and Inês de Castro, the “dead queen”. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Fatima.
Day 7: FÁTIMA – ÓBIDOS – LISBON (175km – 2.5hrs)
Drive to Óbidos, a superb medieval fortified town perched on a hill and surrounded by high walls. Its castle, with crenellated towers, partly houses a pousada, while narrow streets lined with flower-covered houses add to its charm. Special lunch with suckling pig tasting. Continuation to Lisbon, a captivating capital built on several hills overlooking the Tagus River, where the country’s history and atmosphere come together. City tour followed by a visit to Belém, including the church of the Jerónimos Monastery, the Coach Museum and its colonial-style streets. Tasting of the famous pastéis de nata. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Lisbon.
Day 8: LISBON DEPARTURE
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport and return flight.
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Portugal. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
