Lisbon and Porto City Break

On arrival at Lisbon Airport, take the tram to the city to your hotel in Lisbon. Depending on your arrival time, there may have an orientation walk before dinner at a local restaurant.

With Lisbon being built on seven hills, you will have the opportunity to make use of the historic funicular, trams and elegant street lifts to make your way around the city. Explore Mouraria and Alfama, the oldest quarters in Lisbon. Head to the Castelo de Sao Jorge, a Moorish castle, which was the seat of power for Portugal for over 400 years and holds a commanding hilltop position overlooking the historic centre of Lisbon. You'll visit the castle and descend the hill, seeing various monuments including the cathedral along the way and visit the Cloister of S. Vicente de Fora, a monastery famous for its beautiful tile panels. 

There will be time to visit Bairro Alto, walking through the historic quarter and enjoying the views over the city and River Tagus, and down to the large square of Praça do Comércio. The small streets and colourful buildings are fun to explore! 

There will be free time for you to explore Lisbon independently, using the included Lisbon City Card. Perhaps visit the Botanical Gardens, a peaceful refuge from the bustling city.

Take the picturesque 30 minute train journey westwards to Cascais, once a traditional fishing village that gracefull evolved into a picturesque coastal town. A favoured summer retreat for the Portuguese nobility due to its proximity to the city, Cascais boasts a charming pedestrianized old town adorned with inviting cafes, boutique shops, lively bars, and enticing restaurants—all within a leisurely stroll from its expansive sandy beach. Take advantage of the free time to wander through the cobbled streets, delve into local museums, or marvel at the 15th-century Cidadela de Cascais Fort, positioned alongside the captivating marina. 

Later you’ll follow the coastal path past scenic harbours and long sandy beaches to the charming town of Estoril, known for its stylish restaurants and bars. Take your time to soak in the town's unique charm before boarding the train for a comfortable return to Lisbon. 

Tonight dinner will not be included so you can explore Lisbon’s fantastic restaurants independently.

Today is dedicated to Portugal’s sea-faring past with visits to the Monument of Discoveries, Jeronimo’s Monastery, and Belém Tower. The Monument of Discoveries is home to a row of impressive sculptures that represent the Prow of a Caravel, a small sailing ship constructed by the Portuguese to explore the Atlantic ocean. The Belém Tower is located on the north bank of the River Tagus to defend the city. It was built between 1514 and 1520, and is home to cannons, prisoner pits and a roof terrace with panoramic views of the River Tagus and Lisbon. The tower was transformed into a lighthouse and is now a tourist attraction. Jeronimo’s Monastery is a gothic style UNESCO World heritage site. This area is also an important cultural district with many traditional and contemporary museums, which you can visit with the Lisbon card. Maybe you want to continue the visit with some time in the Planetarium, Ancient History Art Museum or Berardo Collection Museum to name a few.

To finish the day you'll visit the original factory of Pastel de Nata, Portugal's famous custard tarts.

Today you transfer by train to Porto.

Explore Porto today! Visit the old town and explore the colourful historic buildings and magnificent churches that comfortably rub shoulders with the picturesque old quarters and squares. Discover the Clerigos Tower and cathedral, amongst other sites. Narrow cobbled streets open onto shady squares and the river front, a nice spot to have lunch or a coffee. There are a number of restaurants along Porto’s streets, many serving both traditional Portuguese food and international dishes.

Indulge in the flavours of Portugal during the afternoon with a visit to a prestigious port wine lodge, followed by a delightful cruise along the serene Douro River.

Walks

Distance: 11.3 miles

Time: 4 hours

Embark on a scenic coastal stroll from Porto, meandering along charming boardwalks and promenades that unveil the picturesque beauty of the western coast and its inviting sandy beaches. 

En route, make sure to visit the Capela do Sr da Pedra, a delightful stopover. Reach the charming fishing village of Afurada, replete with relaxed cafes and enticing restaurants. Enjoy a seafood lunch before tracing the creatively designed walkway along the river's south bank, leading you back to the heart of Porto.

Tonight dinner will not be included so you can explore Porto's fantastic restaurants independently. miles

Walks

Distance: 2.2 miles

Time: 1 hours

Constructed in the 17th century to protect the coastline from pirates, the Fort of S. Francisco Xavier, situated atop a distinctive cheese-shaped rocky hill, aptly earns its moniker, "Castelo do Queijo" (Cheese Castle). Your walk commences here, tracing the coastline, where the Atlantic Ocean ripples beside you, eventually leading to the serene river Douro estuary. On return to Porto, there will be time some free time to enjoy your last evening,. Perhaps explore more sights of Porto including the renowned Stock Exchange, also known as the "Palácio da Bolsa". miles

Say farewell to Porto before transferring to the airport for your return flight home to the UK.