Picture Perfect Portugal

Welcome to Portugal! Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Porto on your own. This evening, meet your Tour Director and travel companions at the welcome meeting.

On the included sightseeing tour of Porto, a local guide will show you the highlights of this city, built along the banks of the Douro River, close to its estuary. Look out for the painted tiles decorating the city, the colorful houses along the riverbanks, the Porto wine cellars, the cheerful souvenir shops, and much more. Don't miss the opportunity to join an cruise on the Douro river followed by dinner (B)

Today’s exploration starts with a stop in Viana do Castelo, rich in palaces, churches, monasteries, and monumental fountains. Continue to the border town of Valença do Minho, featuring a fortress facing the border with Spain, marked by the Minho River. You may want to walk across the bridge to Spain, and realize that you are on a different time zone! Next is Ponte de Lima, a charming town boasting an ancient Roman bridge, still perfectly maintained. (B)

Two of the main highlights of this picturesque city, set in a green hilly landscape, are the cathedral (Se), and the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary. The Sé is the oldest in Portugal and major religious reference point throughout centuries. Thus comes the popular saying "older than the Braga Sé", to denote something that is extremely old. The Sanctuary is a magnificent Baroque style complex with a stairway leading to the top with granite fountains on each landing. Enjoy free time today to discover the area independently. (B)