Lisbon, Porto and the Douro Valley

8 days - Escorted Tours

Discover its vibrant cities and majestic palaces, taste Portuguese port and wine and explore the UNESCO-protected Douro Valley. Today Portugal is a country of great contrasts; it’s modern in many ways yet still has one foot firmly set in its past. Full of history and appeal and spared from large-scale industrialisation, its well-preserved medieval towns with their tiny cobbled streets are delightful to explore. There is so much to discover, including bustling cities, grand palaces and cathedrals, the beautiful Douro Valley and delicious produce, most famously port dessert wine. Get to know Portugal's largest cities - Lisbon and Porto - with guided tours and time at leisure to explore alone. Venture out into the countryside, following the winding path of the River Douro, and sites of historical and religious significance.

Highlights

Discover Lisbon’s charm on a guided tour of the city's most iconic highlights.
Discover Porto, the centre of the port wine trade, with a visit and tasting at a local wine lodge and tour the Douro, one of Europe's most dramatically beautiful river valleys, and lined by some of the best vineyards and wineries.
Visit Coimbra University, one of Europe’s oldest seats of learning with its astonishing gilded Baroque library. Visit the 13th-century walled city of Obidos, with its cobbled streets and lofty medieval fortifications.
Wander in the footsteps of the Portuguese monarchy on a visit to Sintra and its Royal Palace.

Inclusions

The price of this holiday is per person, based on two people sharing a twin room. Single rooms are subject to availability at the relevant supplement. The price includes:
Direct return flights
7 nights' accommodation
Daily breakfast plus 3 dinners (only if staying at the Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa)
All tours as mentioned
All local accommodation taxes
All transfers
The services of a Riviera Travel Tour Manager

1

Arrival in Lisbon - You take your flight to Lisbon. On arrival, you will be taken to your hotel. The rest of the day will be spent at leisure, allowing you time to settle into the hotel and start exploring if you wish. Our Lisbon hotel will be either the four-star Tivoli Oriente or the three-star superior MyStory Tejo.

2

Lisbon - This morning on our guided coach tour, we set out to discover Lisbon’s highlights, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We’ll stop at the strikingly modern Monument to the Discoveries and its 16th century fortified counterpart, the Belém Tower, then see the church of the Monastery of Jerónimos. One of the most magnificent buildings in Europe, the Monastery is a symbol of Portuguese wealth and power during the Age of Discoveries. We also see the impressive Terreiro do Paço square facing out to sea. Part of Lisbon’s appeal is its mix of old and modern, bustling and peaceful, and this afternoon is free to explore. You might be tempted by the chic shops of the elegant Baixa quarter, rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1755, or decide to seek out a café to enjoy a bica – an espresso. Signature experience - The morning concludes as you seek out the world-famous Pastel de Nata, the city’s devilishly moreish custard tart. A glass of port will be served as an accompaniment to this delicious pastry. This evening you can savour the rich flavours of the Portuguese kitchen and soak up the unique atmosphere as we enjoy an evening meal at a local Fado house and experience the haunting sounds of traditional Fado. These expressive melodies are thought to date back to the 19th century and reflect the dangerous sea voyages so many took in search of new worlds.

3

Sintra - We take a short drive to the lovely town of Sintra. Perched on a spectacular hillside with panoramic views towards the nearby Atlantic coast, where Henry the Navigator grew up and doubtless gazed out to sea not knowing where his destiny was eventually to lead him. Famous for its Royal Palace, once the residences of the Portuguese monarchy, today it’s a wonderful museum with grand rooms, priceless collections including portraits of Charles II of England, and reflections of its Moorish ancestry plus more modern styles. Entrance fees to the Royal Palace are included. You’ll have time to enjoy lunch in Sintra before we return to Lisbon, where the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. Returning to Lisbon, you have time at your leisure to explore this fascinating city. Lisbon has an amazing old quarter; still following the centuries old Phoenician Street grid, so spend this evening wandering through its charmingly tangled, cobbled lanes, lined with ancient bars and tiny restaurants. Many will be buzzing with the sound of ‘fado’ – a unique and infectious musical mix evolved from traditional folk, colonial African and Brazilian styles.

4

Coimbra University - Continuing north, we reach Coimbra, renowned for its impressive Roman aqueduct striding across the city. But it’s most famous for its historic university, one of Europe’s oldest along with Salamanca, Bologna and the Sorbonne. Once Portugal’s capital, Coimbra became a major cultural centre in the Middle Ages with the university at its heart and it’s not hard to imagine the cloak-clad learned of the age wandering its tiny medieval streets little changed since that time. With its charming Moorish quarter and pleasant squares, Coimbra is a lovely place in which to immerse yourself in the old city’s labyrinth-like lanes. This afternoon we’re privileged to enjoy a visit to the university, a wonderful seat of learning, with entrance fees included. Its superb library is rich in baroque gilt work and houses a staggering 300,000 volumes. Situated on a hill, the views are stunning. Later this afternoon, we continue to Porto, where we stay for three nights. *Please note dinner is only included for guests staying at the Sheraton Hotel and Spa. For all other hotels, the board basis will be on a bed and breakfast basis.

5

Porto - Set on the Douro estuary and once Roman, Porto’s wealth derived from its knowledge of the sea routes to India. Spices, silks and other fine goods made the fortunes used to build today’s city – Portugal’s second largest. Our tour unveils its surprising, as well as the major sights. You’ll experience the splendid Praca da Ribeira square, with its characteristic tiled town houses and fine views to the wine lodges across the river. You’ll see the imposing Dom Luis Bridge and the tangled lanes of the medieval quarter. You’ll gaze up at the city’s imposing fortress, its fine cathedral and baroque Clerigos Tower. One of the six bridges over the river was designed by Gustav Eiffel - and you can immediately see the connection with his more famous Parisian creation! Free of the chain shops dominating other countries, you’ll enjoy the tiny, antiquated shops specialising in fine art, antiques, ceramics and some of the most wonderful cakes you’ll ever taste. No visit to Porto is complete without seeing one of the city’s world-famous port wine lodges. So, this afternoon we are guests at one of them all. You’ll learn the fascinating history of port wine, and its close British connections. Taking its name from the city through which it’s shipped, this fortified wine, is made with grapes from the terraced vineyards along the Douro valley which are still staggeringly trodden by foot! The wine is lovingly tended and matured, sometimes for decades, before you can enjoy its subtle flavours. Of course, you’ll get the chance at the end of a fascinating visit to sample this wonderful drink. You're free to spend the rest of the day exploring at your leisure. Signature experience - Gain greater insight into the unique characteristics of port wine with an enhanced and more exclusive tasting. These superb wines will be accompanied with a selection of local delicacies and our location, overlooking the splendours of Porto and its iconic bridges will be rather special too.

6

The Douro Valley - Today we explore the sinuous and scenic River Douro – the river of gold, spending a leisurely day exploring its delightfully peaceful villages and intricately terraced valley sides. After leaving the Atlantic’s influence behind, the climate becomes noticeably warmer and dryer, and the landscape changes from verdant greens to Mediterranean sun-kissed ochre. The route is nothing short of spectacular! The winding road, sometimes almost in the water, sometimes hugging the lofty valley sides, gives us wonderful views of the shimmering ribbon of the river and its classic vine-clad terraces. We eventually reach the delightful small town of Pinhão, the heart of the port wine producing region. Port truly dominates the life here, with even the station tiles depicting the wine harvest. We also visit one of the local Quintas and sample some of the wines that are produced in this region.

7

Óbidos & Cascais - Leaving Porto, we head south, past olive groves to remarkable Óbidos, a fortified town surrounded by imposing medieval walls encompassing a maze of narrow streets and alleys. With its whitewashed houses, abundant flowers and splashes of bright paint, this is a delightful place to just lose yourself. Feel yourself stepping back in time - to the days of the Moorish Arabs who once ruled from the town’s castle. If you’re feeling brave, take the somewhat daring walk around the fortifications themselves. But do try the town’s own special way of serving southern Portugal’s favourite cherry liqueur Ginjinha– in an edible chocolate cup. Continuing to Cascais a chic coastal town near to Lisbon, for our final night. Nestled along Portugal’s sun-drenched coastline, Cascais is a stylish seaside town that effortlessly blends charm, culture, and elegance. Once a royal retreat, it now offers visitors a perfect mix of golden beaches, vibrant cafés, and historic architecture. Whether you're strolling its cobbled streets, admiring the Atlantic views, or exploring its art galleries and museums, Cascais is a coastal gem that invites relaxation and discovery. A perfect ending to our holiday.

8

Return home

My Story Tejo Hotel

Nestled in the heart of Lisbon’s historic Baixa district, My Story Hotel Tejo offers unbeatable access to the city’s most iconic sights. Just 300 metres from Rossio and a short walk to Commerce Square and the Tagus River, it’s the perfect base for exploring the capital. The hotel is located in a historic building, offering a modest, yet comfortable stay. Each room includes Satellite TV, air-conditioning, free WIFI and a minibar. A buffet breakfast is served daily, but please note there is no restaurant service for lunch or dinner. Fortunately, the hotel’s central location means you are just steps away from a wide variety of fantastic restaurants and local eateries. **Please note the use of air conditioning is at the discretion of the hotel.

Tivoli Oriente Hotel

The four-star Tivoli Oriente Hotel is located out of the city centre in the Parque das Nações, by the Tagus River. It has a restaurant serving international cuisine and a bar providing panoramic views over Lisbon. A complimentary coach service will take you to and from the centre of Lisbon on days two and three should you wish to spend more time in the heart of the city, while public transport links nearby provide easy access at any time. Please note the use of air conditioning is at the discretion of the hotel. Local charges may be applicable for spa and wellness facilities.

Royal Bridges Hotel

Stays at this hotel include daily breakfast, giving you the opportunity to sample the local restaurants for dinner. The superbly appointed rooms feature air-conditioning, satellite TV, minibar (local charges apply), safe, hairdryer, complimentary Wi-Fi and an ensuite bathroom. Please note the use of air conditioning is at the discretion of the hotel.

Pousada Cascais

The four-star superior Pousada is one of Portugal’s classic hotels. Converted from historic buildings (similar to Spain’s Paradores) the hotel is set within the impressive walls of a 16th century coastal citadel. Some buildings were actually the Portuguese monarchy’s summer residence and a stylishly sympathetic restoration of centuries-old buildings and stonework - completed at a cost of 18 million Euros in early 2013 - combines historical legacy with modern comfort, art and stunning style. Rooms are beautifully appointed, and guests may enjoy use of the spa pool. Please note the use of air conditioning and outdoor pool opening is at the discretion of the hotel. Local charges may be applicable for spa and wellness facilities.

Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa

As well as an impressive marble reception, the Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa has well-appointed rooms, a bar and restaurant. It also has Spa Facilities and an indoor pool (local charges apply). Please note the use of air conditioning is at the discretion of the hotel.

Eurostars Porto Centro

Situated in the city centre, the Eurostars hotel in Porto merges the essence of Portuguese culture with a more bohemian and cosmopolitan environment. At the end of a busy day, why not sip on a cocktail in the hotel bar swapping highlights with new-found friends? Then retire to your comfortable room to relax before enjoying a peaceful night's sleep. Every room features air conditioning, an LCD TV, minibar and welcome products. Please note: The use of air conditioning is at the discretion of the hotel. This hotel is for 2025 departures only.