Discover Portugal 2022
Discover Portugal 2022
Discover Portugal 2022
10 Days Starting in Lisbon and ending in Porto
Visiting: Portugal
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BEHDPLP-2
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 18
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
18-90
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
From charming medieval villages to the cobbled streets of Porto, the empires of the past have left their mark on this captivating Iberian nation. Uncover the real Portugal as we journey from Gothic cities to cinematic rural scenery - taking in world-famous pilgrimage sites, sumptuous local cuisine and ancient customs as we go.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Lisbon
Accommodation: Turim Terreiro do Paço Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Lisbon – a mesmerising capital filled with Gothic glamour and enthralling culture. After meeting the group at the hotel, we’ll kick-off our adventure with a group dinner accompanied by an atmospheric Fado performance. Here’s to the journey ahead!
Day 2: Lisbon – Sintra – Lisbon
Accommodation: Turim Terreiro do Paço Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we’ll pay a visit to a local tile painting atelier – where you’ll have the opportunity to try your hand at producing your own keepsake before we move on to medieval Sintra. Here, we’ll enjoy a guided tour of Sintra National Palace – a treasured regal residence and designated UNESCO World Heritage site. After enjoying an afternoon of free time to explore this captivating town, we’ll return to Lisbon.
Day 3: Lisbon – Óbidos – Nazaré – Alvados
Accommodation: Cooking and Nature Emotional Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The gorgeous village of Óbidos will be our first point of call today - where we'll marvel at the historic architecture and explore the labyrinth of cobblestoned streets on an orientation tour. Our next stop is the charming fishing town of Nazaré. Here, we'll enjoy some free time to wander at our leisure before continuing to Alvados - where a Portuguese cookery lesson and sumptuous dinner awaits. Ready to roll up those sleeves?
Day 4: Alvados – Tomar – Alvados
Accommodation: Cooking and Nature Emotional Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we'll continue our journey to Tomar, where we'll visit the World Heritage-listed Convent of Christ. Known as the Knights Templar City, Tomar is a historic jewel just waiting to be uncovered - and we'll have some free time to do just that. Before returning to Alvados, there's a treat in store for the food connoisseurs among us! We'll pay a visit to an olive oil producer, where we'll learn about their production processes and have the chance to taste some of the local oil. This evening is ours to enjoy the hotel facilities or explore the surrounding walking trails.
Day 5: Alvados – Coimbra – Viseu
Accommodation: Hotel Palacio dos Melos (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Along the road to Viseu, we'll travel to Coimbra - where a visit to the famous University and legendary Joanina Library awaits. Enjoy wandering the historic grounds and admiring the magnificent views over the River Mondego before having some free time to explore the city's medieval centre. Later, we'll make tracks to Viseu. Here, a traditional cheesemaker will let us in on the secrets behind Viseu's delicious buttery cheese and we'll have the chance to taste some for ourselves. Then, the evening is ours to enjoy at leisure.
Day 6: Viseu – Lamego – Pinhão – Peso Da Régua – Douro Valley
Accommodation: Quinta da Pacheca (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
First up today, Lamego: a historic town nestled deep within the Douro Valley and home to an astonishing Baroque staircase. After an included visit to the beautiful 18th-century Shrine of Our Lady of Remedies, we’ll have some time to explore at our own pace. Later, we’ll turn our attention to Pinhão –where a cruise in a traditional rabelo boat awaits. Bask in the cinematic scenery of the Douro Valley as we enjoy a leisurely ride to Peso da Régua. And tonight? There’s another sumptuous dinner in store at our hotel.
Day 7: Douro ValleyÂ
Accommodation: Quinta da Pacheca (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The scenic, vineyard-dotted landscapes of the Douro Valley make a serene backdrop for our free day today. Enjoy the day relaxing by the pool at our hotel or exploring the surrounding landscape on a leisurely hike – there’s plenty of time to indulge in a drop or two of the region’s famous wines before we reconvene for a delicious dinner at the hotel.
Day 8: Douro Valley – Amarante – Penafiel – Braga
Accommodation: Hotel Vila Galé (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we'll head to Amarante - a sleepy riverside town dominated by its striking arched bridge and 16th-century São Gonçalo Church. We'll take some time to marvel at the lofty interiors of the church before exploring the town at our leisure. After lunch, we'll set a course for Penafiel where we'll savour a glass of the region's famous green wine and learn more about the winemaking process. An evening of leisure awaits once we arrive in lovely Braga.
Day 9: Braga – Guimarães – Braga
Accommodation: Hotel Vila Galé (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we'll set our sights on Guimarães - where we'll learn about the castle, the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza and the historic city centre on a guided walking tour. After our tour, we'll have time to roam the medieval streets at our own pace before returning to Braga for an afternoon of free time. While you're here, be sure to tick off the Bom Jesus Sanctuary - it's one of Portugal's most famous attractions for good reason! This evening, we'll tuck into one last dinner together - with a traditional folk performance as the grand finale.
Day 10: Braga – Porto
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our final destination will be Porto, where we'll tick off some important landmarks - including the Clérigos Tower, Aliados Avenue, the Ribeira district and the cathedral on an orientation tour. Later this afternoon we'll say our goodbyes as our journey comes to an end.
What's Included
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Entrance Fees
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Accommodation
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Fully Guided
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Guide
Experienced Back-Roads Tour Leader and Driver
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Transport
Premium mini-coach transportation
What's Not Included
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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International Travel
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Country Entry Visas
Check out our Q&As
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
Please see your local governments for rulings on destination Visa's
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
A Small supplement, but dedicated allocation on every tour
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, All guides are English speaking
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Ample free time due to low drive days
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Yes there is - 20kg and a max dimension of 158cm (W+D+L)
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What is the tipping policy?
At the discretion of the guest
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No they are not.
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes the Coach is air-conditioned
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Are flights included in this tour?
No they are not.
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What is the maximum group size?
18 is the maximum on any tour
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Guests from all over the world could be joining you
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
From the Age of 13
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What currencies are required for this tour?
Euro
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
A Tour Leader and separate driver will take you on your journey
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
This will be provided on final documentation
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
Hand Picked and Boutique
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
All Entrance fees listed are included
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes, please request at time of booking
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
We have solo capacity, however no single share.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Upon final payments, we will distribute E-Documentation to all of our guests. Dont forget we also have our App to download as an added feature.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Like-minded travellers awaiting the opportunity to explore the less explored regions. Interests in food, wine, history, art as well as wartimes there will be a great mix of people to connect with on tour.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have our COVID Assurance Policy, Book now and relax knowing you are covered under our new COVID-19 Assurance Policy. At no additional cost to you, new bookings are now 100% refundable in the unfortunate event you are diagnosed with COVID-19 or unable to travel due to government-enforced lock downs prior to your scheduled departure date.
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What level of mobility do I need?
You need to be fit enough to get on and off the vehicle on a regular basis, and to walk both to attractions and around towns and villages. You also need to be able to walk up and down stairs in the hotels and use a shower over the bath. We frequently use traditional style hotels and the majority will not have lifts or ground floor rooms.
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Who goes on Back-Roads tours?
The majority of our guests come from Canada, the USA, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. All tour commentaries are in English. Our tours appeal to those looking for a more relaxing style of travel, and who enjoy culture, good food, meeting like-minded people and exploring destinations in depth.
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What is the minimum age for any Back-Roads Touring trip?
The minimum age on all of our trips is 18 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All Hotels in line with protocols following the World Health Organisation meet and exceed requirements for all Touring with us.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Back-Roads Touring has been operating from the UK for over 30 years.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Inline with our booking flexibility policy, you are able to make as many changes as required up to 60 days from departue - with 1 last included up until 30 days out.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Generally no, but in extraordinary circumstances it can be looked at.
Reviews of this Operator
Please note, this tour is not available for booking in your country.
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Back-Roads Touring allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Back-Roads Touring allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform back-roads touring, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Back-Roads Touring requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of back-roads touring charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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