Portugal in Depth

Welcome to Lisbon! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Spend Your Day Your Way in Lisbon. Explore more of Lisbon with your choice of an included Globus Choice excursion. Going Medieval Experience the sights and sounds of Lisbon. Hop on one of Lisbon's trams for a short ride in the center. Walk the narrow streets, alleyways, and cobblestones to soak in the city like a true local. Taste traditional ginjinha (berry liqueur) in this medieval world of stories and historical legends. Legends of Lisbon Discover the historic grandeur of Lisbon on an orientation drive through the city, complete with photo stops at Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. Visit the stunning and historically significant Jeronimos Monastery and marvel at its intricately carved cloisters. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to discover more of Lisbon. (B)

Sea, Surf & Sanctuaries Leave vibrant Lisbon behind and start to get acquainted with some of Portugal’s smaller gems. Stop in the medieval town of Óbidos and join an orientation walk through some of its picture-perfect streets. Next, visit the charming coastal town of Nazaré, a magnet for surfers. Take a short drive to Alcobaça for free time to visit the Church of Santa Maria at Alcobaça Monastery. Later, en route to Tomar, stop at Fátima, one of the most important Marian shrines, and visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT The monastery of Alcobaça is a unique masterpiece of Gothic Cistercian art. See the tombs of King Pedro I and his Castilian lover, Inês de Castro, and hear about the heartbreaking tale of these ill-fated lovers. The king never stopped loving Ines even after she was murdered, and during his life he commissioned matching tombs that sit together so that they can look at each other as they rise from their graves.

Academic Honors Today, three historic towns are on the menu. This morning, visit the stunning town of Tomar and discover the town’s strong links to the Knights Templar when you visit the Convent of Christ. Later, continue to Coimbra and visit the University, one of the oldest in Europe, which gives it the nickname, the “City of Knowledge.” Enjoy a scenic drive en route to Porto. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT The University of Coimbra is distinguished as the oldest university in Portugal and one of the oldest in the world. It is also one of the best-known and internationally celebrated. With a history of more than seven centuries, the students at Coimbra University dress in the traditional black capes with ribbons in varying hues as was the tradition when the school was founded in 1290.