Day 1: Overnight Flight

Discover Portugal’s ancient castles, Roman ruins, whitewashed villages, wineries, fine dining and kind people.

Day 2: Palmela, Portugal - Tour Begins

Begin in Palmela, a small hill town with a 12th century castle, situated in the heart of a rich wine growing region • Take in panoramic views of the countryside • Join your fellow travelers this evening for a welcome dinner.

Day 3: Palmela - Azeitão - Evora - Vila Viçosa

On to Azeitão, an agricultural village known for its muscatel, red wines, olive trees and country estates • Visit a family-run shop for a demonstration on how azulejos, the famous hand-painted tiles, are crafted • Taste the region’s famous pastry “Tortas de Azeitão” • Savor local wines (including muscatel) when you visit a wine maker • Travel across Alentejo’s limitless plains and vineyards to historic Evora, a UNESCO World Heritage site • Experience a true open-air museum inside Evora’s medieval walls • A 2nd century Roman temple to Diana and well-preserved monuments set the scene • End your day in Vila Viçosa, known for its medieval castle, royal palace and marble.

Day 4: Vila Viçosa - Royal Palace Ducal-Marble Museum-Winery Tour and Tasting

Tour the Royal Palace Ducal with its marble facade and vibrant mixture of tapestries, porcelain and Brazilian ebony • Stop at the intimate and interesting Marble Museum • Visit a local wine producer and indulge in a tour, then a tasting of the full-bodied character of Alentejo's red wines • Enjoy Vila Viçosa's peaceful tree-lined streets.

Day 5: Vila Viçosa - Tomar - Viseu

Visit Tomar’s Convent of the Order of Christ (Castle of the Knights Templar), a UNESCO World Heritage site • Begun in 1160 to defend against the Moors, this stronghold incorporates nearly five centuries of architectural styles • The rotunda is modeled after Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Dome of the Rock • The intricately sculpted Window of the Chapter House reveals a wealth of details illustrating Portugal's status as a sea power • Continue to Viseu, whose center has changed little since medieval times.

Day 6: Viseu - Douro Vineyards - Lamego - Vila Real - Mateus Palace - Porto

Follow the contours of the Douro River • View the terraced vineyards and hilltop castles of the world’s oldest wine region, a UNESCO World Heritage site • Stop in Lamego for a tasting of Raposeira sparkling wine • In Vila Real visit the famous Baroque Mateus Palace and gardens for a glimpse into the aristocratic lifestyle • Continue to charismatic Porto.

Day 7: Porto

Welcome to Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage site and birthplace of the legendary Prince Henry the Navigator • This ancient port is known for its striking contemporary monuments and Baroque carvings • Discover Porto’s riverfront, San Francisco Church’s golden interior, and the exuberant interior of the Stock Exchange Palace with a local expert • See the 18th century fortress-like Clerigos Tower; the impressive Dona Maria Pia Bridge, designed by Gustave Eiffel; and the medieval quarter with traditional boats floating by the riverbanks • Conclude your day with a view of Porto’s stunning skyline, a cellar tour, and a tasting of its famous port wine.

Day 8: Porto - Guimarães - Cooking Class - Porto

Travel to medieval Guimarães, a UNESCO World Heritage site, first capital of Portugal, and birthplace of the nation's first king • A guided tour features the imposing 10th century castle; the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, with 39 unusual brick chimneys; and the town’s superbly restored buildings • Later, explore a 12th century monastery • Learn the secrets of Portuguese cuisine during an interactive cooking class followed by dinner featuring local food and wines.

Day 9: Porto - Vista Alegre Porcelain - Coimbra - Batalha Monastery - Cascais

Tour the Vista Alegre Museum, factory and 19th century social quarter • Learn the art of hand-made Portuguese porcelain • Join a local expert in exploring Coimbra, home to one of the world's first universities • See the Baroque library, lined with 300,000 books; the 12th century Old Cathedral and the 16th century aqueduct • Complete your tour with a view of the ruins of the gothic Convent of Santa Clara-a-Velha • View magnificent Batalha Monastery, a monument to Portugal’s history and a UNESCO World Heritage site • Prince Henry the Navigator rests here.

Day 10: Cascais - Sintra - Cabo da Roca - Estoril Coast - Cascais

Explore picturesque Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site and favorite summer residence of Portuguese kings for six centuries • Travel to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point on the European continent • The great poet Camões called it "where the land ends and the sea begins" • Follow the Estoril Coast back to Cascais • Tonight, savor Portuguese cuisine and wine while local artists perform traditional folkloric dances and songs, including the Fado, a UNESCO experience.

Day 11: Cascais - Lisbon - National Museum of Coaches - Cascais

Embark on a Lisbon city tour highlighting the Moorish Alfama Quarter • View Jeronimo’s Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Monument to the Discoveries • See the Belem Tower, another UNESCO World Heritage site • Its balconies watch over the spot from where great expeditions set forth • Visit the National Museum of Coaches, the largest and most valuable collection of its kind • Taste Portugal’s famous hand-crafted pastry, “pastel de belem” • Enjoy leisure time in Cascais • Stroll its cobblestone streets or walk the ocean-side promenade • Shop for ceramics, lace, filigree and tapestries.

Day 12: Cascais - Tour Ends