Soul of Portugal

Your Small-Group Discovery Begins! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

Regal Residences This morning, your Portuguese discovery starts with a drive to the Sintra mountains for a guided visit of the whimsical and colorful Palácio de Pena, once a royal summer residence. Later, return to Lisbon and experience its sights and sounds during an adventurous guided tour. Hop on one of Lisbon’s trams for a short ride in the center, then stroll the narrow streets, alleyways, and cobblestones to soak in the city like a true local. Top the tour off with a taste of the local ginjinha liqueur. Explore more of the city during your evening at leisure. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT The stunning capital city of Portugal is a treasure trove of historic and architectural masterpieces. The charming old neighborhoods that populate the sides of its hills provide a captivating insight into Lisbon. Today visitors explore the city, in the past it was an embarkation point for many voyages of discovery, the last sight of land for the sailors starting their journey.

Trendy Trees This morning, visit a traditional family-owned cork factory and learn about the versatility of this natural product. Continue to UNESCO-listed Evora and discover what makes it special when you follow your Local Guide on a walking tour through the narrow alleys to see the Roman Temple and visit São Francisco Church and the Ossuary Chapel. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT LOCAL CRAFTS Known as the “cork capital of the world,” Portugal is the world’s leading producer and exporter of cork, with the Cork Oak tree being native to the region of Alentejo. For hundreds of years, one of the most well-known uses of cork is that of a wine bottle seal, however it’s much more versatile and many articles such as bags, keyrings, jewelry, and shoes made of cork can be found in local shops. Lady Gaga wore a dress made of cork and NASA has been using it as insulation for many years. Learn all about this traditional artisanship when you visit a cork factory in Evora.

A Tasty Challenge Enjoy a scenic drive through Alentejo, with its abundance of vineyards and olive trees. Stop at the medieval hilltop town of Monsaraz, nominated as a “Monument Village” due to its history and architecture. Enjoy an orientation tour and free time. Later, enjoy a “backstage visit” of a local winery before embarking on a wine tasting with a twist! (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Gaining access to interactive experiences is a big advantage for a small group! Your wine tasting reaches a new level of knowledge and fun during this experience. Whilst trying the white and rosé wines your host will share information about them, when the red wine arrives, it’s time to challenge your senses with “Blind Wine Tasting”!

Ancient Roots Olives have been cultivated in Portugal for over two-thousand years. Join your small group for a special visit to an olive estate in Alferrarede, featuring a guided tour of the olive grove, orchard, gardens, and olive mill. Enjoy an olive oil tasting accompanied by local specialties. Later, visit the stunning town of Tomar and discover the town’s strong links to the Knights Templar when you visit the Convent of Christ. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEM Oozing in history, Tomar is a Portuguese jewel, a UNESCO-listed site that offers history and charm, it played a leading role for both the Knights Templar and the Age of Discovery. The Templars built the castle and church to protect pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land. Later Prince Henry the Navigator’s made Tomar his expedition base.

Academic Honors Today, two historic towns are on the menu. Drive to Coimbra and visit the UNESCO-listed University, one of the oldest in Europe, which gives it the nickname the “City of Knowledge.” Admire the Pátio das Escolas (central courtyard), at the hub of the university. Later, enjoy a scenic drive en route to the beautiful city of Porto. Spend an evening at leisure exploring Porto. (B) 155 mi / 250km TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION 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 traditional black capes with ribbons in varying hues as was the tradition when the school was founded in 1290.

Wine & Dine This morning, a special small group exclusive treat awaits with a hands-on visit to a Sardine Can Factory. Take a guided tour of the traditional factory, see how the fish is processed and canned, fill and wrap your own souvenir can, and enjoy a tasting of the products. Later, enjoy an orientation drive of Porto to see some of the main highlights before refreshing your palate with a Port wine tasting. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE FISHY BUSINESS In the early 1920s, whist other European countries were experiencing shortages, Portugal had an abundant supply of sardines. An influx of European entrepreneurs came to Portugal to open canning factories, especially in the Porto district. This era became known as the “Portuguese Gold Rush.” The sardine remains an important symbol in Portugal, connected to national identity and resilience. Today, enjoy a small group interactive Sardine Can Factory visit!

Safe travels until we meet again! Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)