Active pace with longer touring days. Expect intermittent walking at a moderate pace for 2–3 hours over a variety of terrain, including cobblestones, hills and uneven pavements. Must be able to negotiate stairs of varying heights, sometimes without handrails. Can tolerate periods of standing during guided tours and be able to climb in/out of various modes of transportation. Some days may include 5–7 km of walking over the course of the day.
Fly non-stop from Toronto to Lisbon
We arrive in Lisbon and enjoy a panoramic tour of this lively city, before transferring to our hotel. Afternoon at leisure before a delicious Welcome Dinner.
Begin with a visit to the National Palace of Queluz, with its wonderful Rococo architecture, then wander through the charming village of Sintra. Take a scenic drive along Cabo da Roca, passing Guincho Beach and the seaside chasm of Boca do Inferno (“Hell’s Mouth”).
Today we discover the whitewashed city of Obidos. This beautiful city is located on a hilltop, with very well-preserved medieval architecture on the cobbled streets and squares, and encircled by a fortified wall.
Coimbra was the medieval capital of Portugal for over a hundred years, and site of the country’s greatest university for the past five centuries. We’ll visit the University, and possibly the famous library (subject to availability). On our walking tour of the old town we’ll see the cathedral and the famous Arch of Almedina.
Start at the Underground Museum, located in traditional wine cellars and featuring private artifact collections. After a winery lunch, visit colourful Aveiro, known as the “Portuguese Venice” due to its gondola-shaped boats, natural lagoons, 19th-century architecture and cobblestone streets. Next, visit the Maritime Museum of Ilhavo and taste Ovos Moles, the heavenly local delicacy. End the day in Matosinhos for a three-night stay.
Experience a panoramic tour of Oporto, rich in medieval relics, soaring bell towers, baroque churches and beaux-arts buildings. Tour São Francisco Church, the Stock Exchange Palace and the historic Ribeira neighbourhood. Finish with a lovely river cruise.
Discover the old town of Guimarães and visit a vineyard famous for Vinho Verde in Penafiel where you’ll see the production process and enjoy a tasting (May tours only). Discover the old town of Guimarães and visit a vineyard famous for Vinho Verde where you’ll see the production process and enjoy a tasting (Sep-Oct tours)
Traverse the beautiful Douro Valley’s quiet towns, lush vineyards and clifftop castles on your way to a regional farm to learn about local port wine production. After lunch on the farm, we’ll visit the magnificent gardens of Palacio de Mateus, then continue to historic Viseu for an overnight.
Cross the Tagus River valley and enjoy spectacular views of the Serra da Estrela Mountains. Stop at the Castelo de Vide and wander the town’s narrow alleys and Jewish quarter before continuing to Évora, heart of the Alentejo region, for a two-night stay.
We enjoy a walking tour of Évora’s 14th century architecture, elaborate cathedral (May tours only*), Roman temple, and Ossuary Chapel. We then proceed to a traditional winery for a tasting. *replaced by a cork factory for Sep-Oct tours
Discover historic Beja on the way to Ponta da Piedade, where you’ll find unique sandstone cliffs and rock pinnacles. Visit the resort town of Lagos before proceeding to Albufeira, another resort town, for two nights.
We first visit the Moorish fishing village of Olhão, where we’ll see the lively fruit and vegetable market. We’ll then travel to the age-old city of Faro, Algarve’s walled capital, where we’ll explore the old town, and the Cathedral (for May tours only), before returning to Albufeira.
After a stop at the fisherman’s port of Setúbal, proceed through picturesque Arrábida Mountains to Lisbon for a two night stay.
Take a city tour of Alfama, Jeronimos Monastery (interior), Monument of the Discoveries, and Belém Tower. After, enjoy a tasting of the famous Belém custard tart. This evening we will enjoy a Farewell Dinner along with a Fado show of traditional folk music.
We return to Canada, non-stop to Toronto.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (120 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
