Picturesque Portugal

Picturesque Portugal

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Picturesque Portugal

8 Days Starting in Porto, Portugal and ending in Lisbon, Portugal

Visiting: Porto, Guimaraes, Vila Real, Pinhão, Douro Valley - Casa Vale do Douro, Aveiro, Coimbra, Lisbon, Óbidos, Sintra, Cabo da Roca, Cascais, Estoril

Tour operator:

Just You

Tour code:

SPPO

Specialist Group:

Singles Solo

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

15 - 30

Physical rating:

Low, Classic Touring

Age range:

18-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans, Please make us aware of any specific dietary requests

Tour operated in:
English
Interests:

Cultural, History

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Discover charming old towns, golden sands and tempting local delicacies on this wonderful holiday, which includes visits to bustling Porto, historical Lisbon and Aveiro – the 'Venice of Portugal'. Taste port wine and traditional pastries, and delve into the diverse highlights that await in the Douro Valley, including a memorable cruise along the river.

Highlights

  • Porto tour including River Douro cruise

  • Sample traditional pastéis de Belém (custard tarts) and rich port wine

  • UNESCO-listed Sintra

  • Cosmopolitan Cascais

  • Dedicated Just You holiday director with you on the trip

  • Your own room guaranteed & no single supplement

  • Tour the ‘Venice of Portugal’

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Uk - Porto

Location: Porto

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Vila Gale Porto

Meals Included: Dinner

Today, you fly to Porto, after which, we will transfer you to your hotel. Get to know your fellow travellers over a welcome dinner this evening.

Day 2 : Porto

Location: Porto

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Vila Gale Porto

Meals Included: Breakfast

Porto, known for its production of port wine, is a lively city set on a great gorge of the River Douro. We’ll explore on today’s tour, taking in the Baroque Clérigos Church, whose soaring bell tower can be glimpsed throughout the city, before passing by the famous Lello Bookstore - one of the country’s oldest bookshops and amongst the best in the world. Perhaps join some of your fellow travellers for lunch before we visit the town’s old quarters, Ribeira, and the neo-classical Stock Exchange Palace.

Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Douro – a chance to enjoy fantastic views of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, which line the banks of the river. Admire the six bridges that unite these two delightful towns before stepping ashore in Gaia, also famed for its production of port wine, which is made exclusively in the Douro Valley. What better way to end the day than with a visit to one of the town’s numerous port wine cellars for a tasting of this sweet red wine, before heading back to the hotel.

Day 3 : Porto - Douro Valley

Location: Porto, Guimaraes, Vila Real, Pinhão, Douro Valley - Casa Vale do Douro

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Regua Douro

Meals Included: Breakfast

With a UNESCO-listed historic centre, Guimarães is the proud birthplace of Afonso Henriques, Portugal's first independent king. We'll head here today where there will be the opportunity to discover castle ruins, charming narrow streets and the beautiful square of Largo da Oliveira. After time to explore and enjoy lunch, we'll head to Vila Real to discover the 18th century Mateus Palace. We'll also take in Pinhão's pretty train station, decorated with tiled panels depicting traditional scenes of the Douro region, before finally reaching our hotel in the Douro Valley.

Day 4 : Aveiro

Location: Aveiro, Coimbra

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel D. Luis

Meals Included: Breakfast

Heading to Aveiro, known as the 'Venice of Portugal', and considered one of the most beautiful destinations in the country, famous for brightly patterned 'Moliceiro' boats & pastel toned Art Nouveau houses. Finally we reach Coimbra for an overnight stay.

Day 5 : Coimbra - Lisbon

Location: Coimbra, Lisbon, Óbidos, Lisbon

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Vila Gale Opera

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we’ll explore Coimbra, the medieval capital of Portugal for over 100 years. Discover one of the oldest universities in Europe, with its New Cathedral – the current bishopric seat of the city. Next, we’ll visit Óbidos, surrounded by an old wall flanked by round towers and square bastions. The town was given by King Denis to his young wife, a gesture that was repeated by future monarchs until 1833. We’ll explore the town, which is also known for its unique cherry liqueur. Our final destination today is Lisbon.

Day 6 : Lisbon

Location: Lisbon

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Vila Gale Opera

Meals Included: Breakfast

The beautiful Alto do Parque Belvedere offers brilliant views over Lisbon, and we'll head here to gaze over the city this morning. Admire the bronze statue of the Marques of Pombal, who rebuilt Lisbon after the 1755 earthquake, and explore the historic Rossio Square. A walking tour of the historic centre will introduce us to the magnificent St George Castle, which watches over the city from a towering hill, and Lisbon Cathedral the city's oldest church and a National Monument. Next we'll explore the cobbled alleys and steep stairways of the ancient Alfama district, the Belem Tower, the imposing St Jerome Monastery and the Monument to the Discoveries. Along the way, we will sample a pasteis de Belem, a famous and deliciously sweet Portuguese egg custard tart.

Day 7 : Sintra & Cascais

Location: Sintra, Cabo da Roca, Cascais, Estoril, Lisbon

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Vila Gale Opera

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Sintra is an enchanting town with a fascinating UNESCO-listed centre, and it’s the first stop on today’s tour. See the spectacular Sintra National Palace, which for an extra cost you can enter, or enjoy a spot of lunch before we begin our journey back to Lisbon. En route, we’ll stop at Cape Roca – the most westerly point of Continental Europe – and Cascais, an ancient fishing village which has been transformed into a cosmopolitan hotspot thanks to its gorgeous beaches, picturesque gardens and pedestrianised Old Town. Just before we reach Lisbon, we’ll take a panoramic tour of Estoril, once a summer retreat for royal families and now known for its sandy beaches and popular casino. This evening, we'll gather together for a farewell dinner, the perfect finalé to your Portuguese holiday.​

Day 8 : Lisbon - Uk

Location: Lisbon

Meals Included: Breakfast

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

What's Included

  • Return flights from London

  • A guaranteed twin or double room of your own

  • All highlights included

  • Overseas transfers, other transportation & porterage

  • Accommodation

    7 nights in 3 & 4-star hotels

  • Meals

    9 included meals: 7 breakfasts, 2 dinners including a welcome & farewell drink

  • Just You Holiday Director as your host & Specialist Local Guide

What's Not Included

Accommodation

    • Vila Gale Porto
    • Located in Porto, close to the metro station, the hotel is only a 10 minute walk away from the famous Rua de Santa Catarina. Hotel facilities include restaurant and bar, as well as Health Club with a heated indoor pool, sauna and gym. Bedrooms have private facilities.
    • Hotel Regua Douro
    • Located on the Douro, the hotel offers fantastic views over the river. Hotel facilities include a restaurant and a bar, as well as an outdoor pool. Bedrooms have private facilities.
    • Hotel Dona Ines
    • The hotel is located in the city beside the River Mondego and is a ten minute walk from the centre of Coimbra. Hotel facilities include an outdoor pool, restaurant and bar. Bedrooms have private facilities.
    • Vila Gale Estoril

Excursions Included


  • Oporto tour including a river cruise 

  • Visit to the famous port wine cellars with tasting 

  • Douro Valley, including visits to Guimarães, Mateus & Pinhao

  • Tours of Viseu & Aveiro 

  • Coimbra & Óbidos 

  • Lisbon including tasting of pastéis de Belém 

  • Sintra & Cascais

Check out our Q&As

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    No

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes, overseas transfers, other transportation & porterage

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Yes

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    Yes, Return flights from London

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    No and your own room is guaranteed!

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    All the people in your group will be solo travellers and will share your sense of adventure and passion for travel. There’s usually a good mix of ages too, so you’ll meet a variety of solo travellers who have more, or in some cases less, life experience. We find the overall mix of people really adds to the whole experience and there are certainly plenty of l

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    A few years ago we set up Just You Cares, a programme that gives back to some of the places we love. We have always believed in taking care of the communities we visit, and have taken the time to really get to know the local people and understand the challenges they face. Some of our holidays give our Customers the chance to see how the money from their trips has been spent.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    At Just You, we are committed to operating our business operations responsibly, with integrity and always act ethically in all our business dealings and relationships. We are committed to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure slavery and human trafficking does not take place in our own business or in any of our supply chains

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If we can accommodate a change in date - we will always do our best to help you. Just pick up the phone and ask one of our friendly advisors - just make sure you have your booking number to hand.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes, and all of our accommodation providers will be working to the very highest standards of hygiene – you already always enjoy a private room of your own on all of our trips, all of our partners will be guided by local government operational standards of hygiene and the new protocols we have issued to them.

  • Will I eat alone?

    We find there’s always a social element to dining, so you’ll never eat alone, unless you want to! Every holiday includes a welcome get-together, all breakfasts and many other meals. When a meal is not included we find travellers meet and dine together.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    No, given the nature of our holidays, it is not possible to join the tour once it has departed.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Just You has been operating solo holidays for more than 15 years.

  • Am I guaranteed a room of my own?

    Of course, you’ll always have a twin or double room all to yourself. It’s great to have that space to relax and reflect at the end of the day. In some hotels you can also pay a little extra to upgrade for more space or a lovely sea view.

  • What is the typical age range on a Just You holiday?

    Typically, our customers are solo travellers in their 40s, 50s and 60s, but it’s quite possible you could meet 20-year-olds or 70-year-olds (or anyone in between)... After all, age is just a number!

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We have received the World Travel and Tourism Councils (WTTC) Safe Travels stamp, which recognises businesses and destinations worldwide that have adopted a new set of global protocols to support the return of 'Safe Travel' around the world. The 'Safe Travels' stamp provides you, with assurance and peace of mind that we have implemented enhanced health and hygiene prprotocols on all holidays.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Once you book, you will receive a confirmation invoice within 7 days, prior to departure, we will send you further information to help prepare for your trip.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Just You is exclusively for solo travellers, every tour includes a twin or double room of your own, with no single supplement.

Reviews of this operator

Jenny Elliott  

Fabulous Holiday with Just You

28-Oct-2021

Fabulous holiday with Just You - well organised, excellent accommodation and our tour leader absolutely made the trip! Would highly recommend.

Featured on Trustpilot
Russell Kerfoot  

Travels 2013 -2019

21/06/2021

Have taken about 15 tours with JY, mainly long haul, and found the experience exhilarating. Apart from the company's professionalism and extensive and varied tour options, I have made so many friends for life. Looking forward to resuming my travels in 2022.

Featured on Trustpilot
Jan Clark  

My Go-to tour company!

16-Nov-2021

I’ve travelled many times with Just You and have always experienced 5-star service from them; so much so that they are always my go-to travel company. Realising a life-time’s dream of visiting Petra and touring Jordan with JY was amazing. Every day was a highlight and the tour manager, Jenny, was lovely and so professional. I can even see me doing this tour again next year.

Featured on Trustpilot
aled blackshaw (Google Reviewer)  

Been on 5 holidays with...

13-Oct-2023

Been on 5 holidays with this company they have generally been good but the prices have risen considerably and i feel do not provide true value for money. In my opinion all the excursions and meals should be included in the total cost as they not worth the extra cost. Also they are very dismissive of any complaints once you have paid for the holiday they are not interested. I think i will try another company next time

Sue Sweeney (Google Reviewer)  

Great holidays for singles. I've been...

28-Jun-2023

Great holidays for singles. I've been on 4 holidays with them. Only issue is the hotel rooms. They generally use 3* hotels and I've booked at the same time and price as my friends but the difference in rooms is unbelievable. I've been lucky, but I've heard horror stories from friends of rooms like a dungeon with one small high window whilst I've had a fabulous sea view.

COLIN BROAD (Google Reviewer)  

I went on a spirit...

08-Apr-2024

I went on a spirit of an India trip with Amritsar add on. It looks good in the brochure, but things aren’t always as they seem. If like me you like a toilet break every two hours (discussed with the company in depth in advance) or have a hidden disability. then this holiday is not for you - use a different holiday company! Their planned toilet stops are every 3.5 hours, so ladies bring your pads and gents be prepared for “natural stops” while all the passengers watch you out the window or bring a bottle and a blanket as a screen. The Taj Mahal in Agra was good, along with the two trips to the Ganges river and the Golden Temple at Amritsar too. Rarely are you in the same spot for more than one night and a 6 hour daily coach or train journey became the norm. It was a shame that there was not an opportunity to enjoy the hotels that we’d obviously paid a lot of money for. If you’re looking for tigers in the game park, don’t get your hopes up. 99% unlikely. It is also a disappointment that there is little opportunity to explore the areas in the major cities that we’d traveled too If you are lucky enough to find some companionship from the opposite sex and wish to be bring them “home” this is frowned upon by the company - even if you have paid extra due double occupancy as required by the hotel I received a letter on holiday basically saying that the two hourly toilet stops required (and discussed in advance) due to diabetes was a disruption to the schedule. That photos sent to me by a girlfriend were “illicit”. Photo uploaded - make your own mind up” Also that managing to get lucky a couple of times and bringing them back to the hotel was an issue - very strange due a so called singles holiday

Maureen May (Google Reviewer)  

Just returned from St Lucia....

29-Feb-2024

Just returned from St Lucia. Hotel dreadfully shabby. Breakfasts very limited with very little fresh fruit. Our hotel was a 20 minute walk in 29C or a free bus on the hour to the beach and sister hotel. Location good for nearby local shopping and restaurants. The sunset cruise was brilliant as was the whale watching, but surf and safari trip was a disaster. We travelled in two open topped trucks with a two and a half hour drive to the surfing destination. During the trip smoke started from the gear box and we had to abandon the vehicle until the situation was rectified, which, to their credit, was sorted very quickly. Unfortunately the sea was too rough for the boat so we had to return back in the trucks. Extremely uncomfortable on side bench seats, hanging on in the rain. So, all in all we don’t over 6 hours on the trucks - not good. The tour guide left before the 5 day extension period without a handover to the local tour operators. No Information was given except by the hotel. I had already booked to go the Athens with Just You in May, now I wish I hadn’t.

Lynda Martin (Google Reviewer)  

Don't go to the Mercure...

10-Feb-2024

Don't go to the Mercure Hotel in Brighton for a Christmas holiday. Dingy rooms, small tables so you are encouraged to sit on your own when you have expected to be able to chat. But this is nothing compared to the Christmas lunch. Reconstituted white meat that could have been anything, no roasties, no stuffing, no cranberry sauce, you couldn't cut the sprouts because the knife wasn't sharp enough. I had pre ordered prawn cocktail as my starter but on the day when we all turned up together, there was no prawn cocktail for me they had run out, so all I had was soup. No dancing, no music. The carpets were stained and it was a very sorry affair. I paid £1348 for 4 nights of this very shabby standard. Sorry Just You, butbit is the last holiday I will have with you. This year, whether I go to Aldi or Waitrose, I will buy the whole shebang and cook it myself, and then I will be sure to enjoy it.

eamonn young (Google Reviewer)  

Great holiday but then no...

21-Sep-2023

Great holiday but then no response to email concerning an important point concerning incorrect information in documentation. Turkish Airlines do have online check in..saves being put on standby. Documentation says you can't check in online..you can. Just wanted to save other travellers having the same problem about being put on stand by. Just You don't seem to care.

Janet Roe (Google Reviewer)  

Travelled with Just You to...

10-Jan-2024

Travelled with Just You to South America - Chile Argentina and Brazil in Nov 2023. Tour guide was totally inexperienced for this long haul tour and was completely out of her depth. This caused massive problems with the holiday when we were unable to travel to Mendoza due to snow blocking the road across the Andes. The company head office did not address the group's concerns and did not offer us alternative air travel. Lots of other issues with this holiday and tour manager. Despite having made a formal complaint my concerns have not been addressed. I can't see me travelling with this company again.

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Just You requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 84 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of just you charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

  • Book with Confidence

    When you book your holiday with Just You, you can have complete peace of mind. Your money is 100% protected through our Independent Trust Fund, any money you pay to us is held by them & governed by 3rd?party trustees. It is also a condition of our ATOL license and is regularly monitored by the Civil Aviation Authority. We don’t receive any money until after you’ve come back from your holiday – so your money is 100% protected no matter what. If you have any questions you can speak to one of our friendly and knowledgeable holiday advisors.

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