Grand Designs of Portugal
Grand Designs of Portugal
Grand Designs of Portugal
10 Days Starting and ending in UK
Visiting: Lisbon, Vila Viçosa, Arraiolos, Evora, Viseu, Serra da Estrela, Aveiro, Viana do Castelo, Porto
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TTGTP
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 1
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Titan with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
Beyond Portugal’s exciting capital city lies a land of beautiful ancient towns, varied culture, wild landscapes and elegant pousadas (historic converted hotels). On our excellent-value Portugal tours, you’ll get to stand before the dazzling 110m marble facade of the Duke’s Palace, Vila Vicosa. To breathe in the wildflower scents of the tranquil Serra da Estrela mountains. And, along with your new travel companions, to toast adventure with a delicious port wine in Porto, its city of origin.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Lisbon, Vila Viçosa
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pousada de Viseu (4-star)
Meals Included: Dinner
Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flight to Lisbon, ready to begin your Portugal escorted tour. On arrival, we transfer to the delightful town of Vila Viçosa. We’ll check into our pousada, a luxury 16th-century converted convent, right next to the palace and full of history and character.
Day 2
Location: Vila Viçosa
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pousada Convento Vila Viçosa (4-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we explore this small, marble-clad town. Known as the ‘Princess of Alentejo’, it’s home to a splendid palace, charming streets and a sprawling plaza dotted with orange trees. We’ll take a guided tour of the majestic Renaissance-style Palácio Ducal or Duke’s Palace - the symbol of the city and once one of the most important noble houses in Portugal. The 110-metre façade is totally covered in marble from the region making this unique building the town’s most symbolic monument. One of our favourite 'grand designs of Portugal'!
Day 3
Location: Arraiolos, Evora
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pousada Convento Vila Viçosa (4-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a morning tour of Arraiolos, a small town overlooked by the ruins of a Moorish castle, to discover the town’s history and famous carpet-making tradition. In the afternoon we head to Évora, a picturesque UNESCO World Heritage city that dates back to Roman times. Our guide will bring the history of this bustling university town to life as we visit the cathedral, San Francisco Church, university and the Chapel of Bones.
Day 4
Location: Viseu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pousada de Viseu (4-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we wave goodbye to Vila Viçosa and journey towards medieval Viseu. On the way, we’ll stretch our legs among the tree-lined squares and boulevards of Castelo Branco, the provincial capital. This evening we arrive in Viseu and check into our imposing pousada, a one-time 19th-century hospital.
Day 5
Location: Viseu, Serra da Estrela
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pousada de Viseu (4-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today is reserved for leisure time. Perhaps take a walk in the park, around the town, or just relax at the pousada.
Day 6
Location: Viseu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pousada de Viseu (4-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today is yours to spend completely as you please in Viseu, or perhaps join our full-day optional excursion to the Serra da Estrela Mountains. The highest mountains in Portugal, this range forms a beautiful park of craggy peaks, hidden lakes, thick forest and historic villages full of character. Look out for the iconic Estrela Mountain Dog.
Day 7
Location: Aveiro, Viana do Castelo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pousada de Viana do Castelo (4-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We continue north and stop en route in coastal Aveiro, known as the Venice of Portugal due to several canals crossing the town. We continue to our next historic pousada, high above Viana do Castelo’s sailing port and the estuary on which it lies.
Day 8
Location: Viana do Castelo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pousada de Viana do Castelo (4-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Take a morning tour of the coastal town of Viana do Castelo, with its opulent mansions, winding streets and intimate squares, and rich Minho folklore. Together we’ll explore the Santa Luzia Basilica and the Costume Museum. The nearby towns of Ponte de Lima, named after the Roman bridge that aided pilgrims travelling to Santiago de Compostela, and Valença do Minho, are included on this tour.
Day 9
Location: Porto
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pousada de Viana do Castelo (4-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we explore Porto. The city that gave its name to Port wine sits along hills tumbling down to the famous Douro River. Here, you may see some of the elegant, traditional, wooden sailing barges - barcos rabelos - used to transport the famous wine; and Porto’s landmark, the impressive two-tier bridge - Ponte de Dom Luis I.
We’ll amble Porto’s historic Ribeira district together. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its cobbled streets and impressive buildings and grand churches dripping in gold, gives a glimpse into its Roman past. Portugal’s second city never fails to impress. As part of our tour, we’ll stop for a tasting at a historic Port cellar and have some time to wander at leisure.
Day 10
Location: Porto, Viana do Castelo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival, your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.
What's Included
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9 nights in pousadas
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International flights. Prices are based on return flights with TAP Portugal or British Airways from London Heathrow or Gatwick.
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Titan tour manager
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14 meals: 9 breakfasts 5 dinnersundefined excursions and visits
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City tours of Arraiolos; Évora (including cathedral, San Francisco Church & Chapel of Bones); and Porto
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Guided tour of Palácio Ducal in Vila Viçosa
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Guided excursion to Viana do Castelo (with Costume Museum & Santa Luzia Basilica), including Ponte de Lima and Valenca do Minho
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Visits to Castelo Branco; Aveiro
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Port tasting in PortoPlus
What's Not Included
Check out our Q&As
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes
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Do I have to pay a Single Supplement?
In most cases a single supplement will apply. If the price for a Single room for sole occupancy is not shown, please ask our team for details and we will be able to check the details for you.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We've been taking our customers across the world on escorted tours for more than 40 years
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Our commitment to sustainable travel is part of our ethos. We love exploring the world and hope that, alongside our customers, we can be part of a bigger change in respecting the people and wildlife on our planet and minimising the impact we have on our environment.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
With some COVID-19 rules and restrictions still in place there are a few details that you need to know. This information is subject to change. It’s your responsibility to monitor changes and ensure you fulfil all relevant criteria for travel. Rest assured that we’re on hand to help and answer any questions you might have.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
You’ll receive your Final holiday documents via email approximately 14 days prior to your departure.
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Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Titan Travel allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 75 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Titan Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform titan travel, 75 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Titan Travel requires a minimum deposit of 395 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of titan travel 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 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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