Flight from UK to Lisbon. Our friendly and competent, English-speaking cultural tour guide welcomes us. Together we drive to our modern hotel in the Lisbon area, where we spend two nights. Today, Lisbon, the enchanting capital of Portugal, awaits us. Discover the picturesque alleys and cultural highlights of the beautiful port city on your own or join us for an interesting, optional city tour. Here, you will visit the famous Monastery of the Hieronymites, a distinguished UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will also admire the unique Tower of Belém, the Monument of Discoveries and the historic city centre, the Baixa. You will be thrilled. After breakfast, we head to the venerable Tomar, whose cityscape is dominated by the impressive Christ Convent (UNESCO World Heritage). The Knights Templar built this majestic combination of castle and convent on a hill above the city. Shortly thereafter, we reach Coimbra, famous for its university, which has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013. Housed in the ancient palace of the first monarchs of Portugal, it is not only the oldest university in Portugal, but also one of the oldest universities in Europe. We stay comfortably in the Coimbra area. Today we continue on to Aveiro, known as the ‘Venice of Portugal’. Here we observe the colourful hustle and bustle of the boats on the water. Afterwards, we move on to Guimarães, whose historic city centre is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is known as the ‘Cradle of Portugal’, as the country’s first king was born here. Admire the sight of the Church of Nossa Senhora de Oliveira and the famous Palace of the Dukes of Bragança. Soon after, we reach Braga, an archdiocese with extraordinary religious architecture such as the Church of Bom Jesus do Monte, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019. Braga is a venerable metropolis with a turbulent history, as Romans, Germans, and Moors have all left their fascinating marks here. We stay modern in the Minho region for two nights. After a restful night, we head to Porto. The second largest city in Portugal is world-renowned for its delicious port wine. The city on the Douro has much to offer. We marvel at, among other things, the São Bento railway station with its well-preserved murals made from intricate tiles, as well as the exterior of the São Francisco church. We then explore the old town of Porto, one of the best preserved historical sites in the country (UNESCO World Heritage). We see the Ribeira district, which is located directly on the banks of the Douro and is one of the most beautiful corners of Porto. There is plenty of free time for a stroll. As part of a unique optional excursion, a breathtaking boat trip on the Douro River awaits you. Admire the city’s most famous buildings from the deck. Afterwards, you will visit a traditional wine cellar on the other side of the river, followed by a wine tasting. You will enjoy a relaxed and indulgent end to an impressive day. Today we continue to Batalha, where we will admire the unique monastery from the outside (UNESCO World Heritage). The construction of the monastery took many years, which is why the architecture reflects different styles. In the afternoon we reach Nazaré, a small fishing village with a spectacular white sandy beach. We observe there how the fishermen dry and mend their nets on the beach. Their houses are located high up on the steep coasts of the Atlantic – a fantastic sight. Afterwards, we make our way to the small town of Fátima, famous for the apparition of Mary in 1917. Óbidos is our first exciting destination today: a medieval village, dominated by an ancient castle and completely surrounded by a walkable city wall. Then we move on to the town of Sintra, well-known for its numerous love stories and fairy tales, with romantic architecture and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Finally, we reach Cape Roca, the westernmost point of the European mainland. From here, approx. 460 feet high above the glittering Atlantic, we enjoy a sensational panoramic view. Afterwards, we see Cascais and Estoril, picturesque fishing and bathing resorts, which were once seats of the royal family. We stay in a modern and well-located accommodation in the Lisbon area. This extraordinary holiday week has flown by. We will be transferred directly to the airport for the return flight. We come back home fully rejuvenated and also made new holiday friends.Day 1: Short flight to Lisbon
Day 2: Lisbon (UNESCO World Heritage) – the enchanting capital
Day 3: Tomar & Coimbra (2× UNESCO World Heritage)
Day 4: Aveiro, Guimarães & Braga (2× UNESCO World Heritage)
Day 5: Porto (UNESCO World Heritage) – the Pearl of Portugal
Day 6: Batalha (UNESCO World Heritage), Nazaré & Fátima
Day 7: Óbidos, Sintra (UNESCO World Heritage), Cape Roca & Estoril
Day 8: Homeward journey
Package includes:
The package includes the 3 fascinating excursions ‘City tour of Lisbon incl. entry to the Monastery of the Hieronymites (World Heritage)’, ‘Guided tour incl. entry to Coimbra University (UNESCO World Heritage)’ and ‘Breathtaking Douro boat trip & visit to a winery in Porto incl. wine tasting’: only £179 p. p.
Single room surcharge: £300 p. p. (subject to availability)
Example hotels
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lisbon | 11 | 13 | 13 | 15 | 18 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 23 | 20 | 16 | 14 |
| London | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 15 | 20 | 21 | 20 | 19 | 15 | 10 | 7 |
Below is an information overview. The conditions of entry, as well as the political and health situation, can change anywhere in the world at any time. We therefore recommend checking before your trip. Please check the website of the Foreign Office (www.gov.uk) before your departure.
Most westerly point of the European continent and the Iberian Peninsula; North-south expansion: 577 kilometres; East-west expansion: 286 kilometres
Parliamentary Republic. As President, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has been the head of state since 9 March 2016. As Minister President, Luis Montenegro has been the head of government since 2 April 2024.
Lisbon (Lisboa), city centre 540,000, incl. fringes (‘Grande Lisboa’) 2,08 million inhabitants.
85 – 95% per cent Roman Catholic
Portuguese
Atlantic and Mediterranean climate
Electricity in Portugal is supplied at a voltage of 220 / 400 V and in the form of alternating current with a frequency of 50 Hertz. An adapter is required.
The time in Portugal is Central European Time (CET) – 2 with summer / winter time changes. Throughout the year there is no time difference to the United Kingdom.
To make phone calls to the UK, pre-dial 0044 (+44). To make phone calls from the UK to Portugal, pre-dial 00351 (+351).
If you are planning to travel to an EU country you must meet the Schengen area rules. Your passport must meet 2 requirements:
– less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)
– valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. Check your passport is stamped if you enter or exit the Schengen area through Portugal as a visitor. Border guards will use passport stamps to check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen area. If relevant entry or exit stamps are not in your passport, border guards will presume that you have overstayed your visa-free limit. Nationals of other countries are advised to inquire at the Portuguese Embassy about the entry requirements applicable to them.
From November 2024, the new EU Entry / Exit System (EES) will start for all non-EU nationals, including British nationals, travelling in or out of the Schengen area. The Schengen area is made up of 29 European countries, 25 of which are EU Member States. The EES is a digital border system which registers non-EU visitors travelling into the Schengen area instead of stamping their passports. You will need to have your fingerprints and your photo taken when entering the Schengen area. You may experience longer queues at borders when the new system starts (https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees_en). Next to this the EU will implement a new visa waiver system in 2025, called ETIAS, which will be valid for three years. British passport holders travelling to the EU will need to apply and pay for an ETIAS, via an online system (https://etias.com/).
Whilst we endeavour to provide guidance where necessary, we can not be responsible for any problems encountered (whether at any point of entry or elsewhere) in the event that passport and visa requirements are not satisfied.
Your expert tour guides will be able to provide you with detailed information about the country, people, history, culture etc., and offer advice and assistance for organising your trip. They can also help with room allocation and look forward to welcoming you with initial information. Here you will find out all you need to know and useful information about the trip. We have put together a varied programme including numerous highlights, enabling you to experience the culture and diversity of landscape that Portugal has to offer, and learn all about the country and its people.
Although your trip already includes a comprehensive package, you also have the option of choosing added extras. We recommend booking the following packages:
Gourmet package: The package includes 7× tasty evening meals in buffet or menu form: only £199 per person.
Explorer package: The package includes the 3 fascinating excursions ‘City tour of Lisbon incl. entry to the Monastery of the Hieronymites (UNESCO World Heritage)’, ‘Guided tour incl. entry to Coimbra University (UNESCO World Heritage)’ and ‘Breathtaking Douro boat trip & visit to a winery in Porto incl. wine tasting’: only £179 per person.
The currency is the Euro. Exchange rate (as at november 2024): 1 GBP = 1,20 EUR; 1 EUR = 0,84 GBP.
Purchases can be paid for in cash and using the most popular credit cards. This payment system is typical in Portuguese shops; the symbols of credit cards accepted are usually displayed at the entrance to shops. ID cards are required when paying by credit card. Travellers’ cheques (in dollars or Euro) can also be cashed in banks. It is also possible to withdraw cash from ATMs using EC / Maestro cards but high fees may be charged by the respective bank.
Private persons travelling can carrying goods – personal items and / or purchases – not intended for commercial purposes, in the amounts permitted by law and whose circulation is not prohibited or restricted. If you are transporting cash or monetary assets in an amount equal to or greater than 10,000 euros, or an equivalent in a different currency, you must declare it.
Important: If you are travelling to Great Britain from outside the UK, your personal allowances mean you can bring in a certain amount of goods without paying tax or duty. If you go over your allowances you must declare all your goods and pay tax and duty on all the goods in that category. Please inform yourself about the current customs regulations: www.gov.uk/bringing-goods-into-uk-personal-use/arriving-in-Great-Britain.
Pepper spray is covered by the Weapons Act in Portugal; possession is only authorised for holders of a cat. E firearms licence. Violations usually result in criminal charges.
Crime: Vigilance should be exercised regarding pickpockets and petty crime in larger tourist centres in particular. The number of pickpocket thefts has significantly increased in recent months. In Lisbon, the historical trams are traditionally affected to a particular degree. As for any holiday trip, the rule is to only ever carry what is absolutely necessary when out for a walk or on an excursion. Large amounts of cash and original identification documents should always be deposited in the hotel safe. If necessary, only carry secure credit cards (protected by PIN) on your person. Take photocopies of your documents with you when you travel. Alternatively, you can save the files on a private e-mail account, enabling them to be accessed wherever you are in the world. You should try to steer clear of large groups of people and keep an eye on your valuables at tourist spots, airports, including in the security area, railway stations, the metro, buses etc. Keep your valuables close to your body.
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC – https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries) on the Travel HealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad.
The quality of medical care is generally satisfactory. In Portugal, anyone with state insurance in the UK is entitled to medical treatment – where urgently necessary – by doctors, dentists, hospitals etc. registered with the foreign statutory health insurance association. You are urgently recommended to take out travel health insurance for the duration of your holiday which covers risks not assumed by the statutory health insurance companies (e.g. repatriation to the UK in the event of illness, treatment by private doctors or in private hospitals). You can also contact your health insurance company for information on current regulations. Please note that the excursions are accessible by foot only and that the buses used for the roundtrip are not customised to transport wheelchairs or similar devices.
Customers must ensure that they are in good physical and mental health in line with the trip in question. Customers must enquire about the physical mobility and psychological autonomy required for this trip.
All information is subject to change/Last updated: november 2024
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