Must See in Portugal and Galicia – 17 Days

Welcome to Portugal and modern airport of Lisbon. Once you pass immigration, take your luggage at the indicated treadmill and head for the exit. The Operational Manager (OM) will be at the airport to greet and meet you and take you to your hotel.

The afternoon will be free.

For dinner (not included), contact our OM, which can indicate a great restaurant to suit your taste and will also provide private transportation, if you prefer.

After breakfast, around 9 am, our OM starts, from your hotel, the visit to the city. We will know the Eduardo VII Park, Av. da Liberdade and reach the “Baixa Pombalina”, downtown, ending in sumptuous “Praça do Comércio”. In Alfama we will know, one of the most typical neighborhoods and the oldest of Lisbon, not only for its architectural features of Moorish influence, but also the parochial spirit and hospitality of the people living there.
The OM will make a stop at Nossa Senhora do Monte belvedere, where you will have a wonderful view of the city.

We will continue to Belém, where you will meet the beautiful MONASTERY OF S. JERÔNIMO ORDER (5th place among the Seven Wonders of Portugal) century. XVI, UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 and the biggest example of Manueline architecture, also known as “Portuguese Gothic”. Very close there is the traditional Belém PASTEL FACTORY, dated 1837. While you admire the interior of the site, the OM will provide freshly baked pastries for all to taste.

Next, we’ll know the Belém TOWER (7th place among the Seven Wonders of Portugal) and UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.
In addition, we will visit the Monument to the Discoveries, built in 1941 to honor those most responsible for the Portuguese discoveries.

After we go to the town of Sintra, located 20 km from Lisbon. The Village, which refuses to be city, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wooded and quite colorful, it offers clues of its history at every corner.

In Sintra, you’ll have free time for lunch and know the NATIONAL PALACE OF PENA (6th place among the Seven Wonders of Portugal), National Monument since 1910, which is very well maintained and still has the period furniture.

At a time to be determined, we will go to the ROCA CAPE and then CASCAIS, where we have free time for a walk through the village streets.

Return to Lisbon, we will go through ESTORIL, where the largest and most beautiful casino in Europe is.

Arrival at the hotel and free night.

After breakfast at 9am, we will travel to the North of Portugal, through ÓBIDOS, one of the best preserved medieval towns of the country. The town has within the walls of the ÓBIDOS CASTLE RUINS, 2nd place among the Seven Wonders of Portugal.
Be sure to sample a ginjinha in chocolate cup.

Then we will go to ALCOBAÇA. The different name of that location is due to the fact that it is situated between the rivers Alcoa and Baca. The village became famous because of the beautiful ALCOBAÇA MONASTERY or REAL SANTA MARIA ABBEY OF ALCOBAÇA (4th place among the Seven Wonders of Portugal), founded in 1153 and classified as a World Heritage Site by Unesco.
Free time to visit the Church of the Convent, where the tombs of Dom Pedro and Dona Inês de Castro. After the visit, we suggest taste one of the convent sweets, the same as they were made in the monastery.

We will continue to Fátima, which has become one of the major centers of Marian devotion after the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima. The first appearance was in 1917, in place of the Cova da Iria, which is currently the Sanctuary.

After lunch (not included), exit to the VILLAGE of ALJUSTREL, known for being the village where the three children were born. In the backyard of Lucia House, a monument marks the 2nd appearance of the Angel of Peace and the end of the Via Sacra, which began in the Sanctuary.

Check out the lovely Aveiro, which is also known as the “Portuguese Venice”.

Overnight and free night.

After breakfast, we will make a nice ride in a MOLICEIRO BOAT (tour included).
Let yourself be carried by the Canal de São Roque, alongside the neighborhood of Beira-Mar.

We pass the Central Canal to enjoy the facades “art nouveau”, the Channel of the Salt Marine access to the Pyramids or the Cojo Canal, which shows one of the trendiest areas of the city.

We leave then to COSTANOVA and its graceful buildings with facades painted stripes that greet the sea.

Time for photos.
On to the impressive baroque sanctuary in LAMEGO, dedicated to Our Lady of Remedies, which is 600 meters high.
After getting off the many steps, enjoy a port wine in PRESUNTECA.

Afterwards, arrival at the hotel, lunch and lodging.

In the afternoon, We visit a farm in the region to know the Port wine production methods and do a tasting (visit and tasting included).

Return to hotel and overnight.

After breakfast, we will go Pinhão in the center of the Douro region example of hegemony, almost unique, achieved between man and nature, creating an ecosystem modeled by terraces. It is one of the oldest and most important specific regions of the world.
The cultivation of vines in the region recalls the Roman occupation period. ~

Out of curiosity, the N222 road that will take us to PINHÃO, it was declared the world’s best to drive.
In Pinhão, enjoy and visit the railway station, which is decorated with tiles dating from 1937 ordered the Hallelujah factory. It is one of the most beautiful historical heritage of Portugal, consisting of 24 panels with reasons.
Note also the Road Bridge over the River Douro, designed by Gustave Eiffel in the nineteenth century.

In Pinhao, we will make an exciting ride RABELO BOAT by pristine places in the Douro River, where there are only vineyards and estates, and a unique experience (tour included).

We leave then to AMARANTE, one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal.
Free time to admire the Bridge, the Convent and Church of São Gonçalo.

We will continue to the city of Guimarães, cradle of the Portuguese nation, for here was born in 1109, the first king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, Guimaraes is one of the most important historical cities of the country. Its center is considered Cultural Heritage of Humanity and its streets and monuments breathe history and enchant visitors.

The MEDIEVAL CASTLE OF GUIMARAES (1st place among the Seven Wonders of Portugal), was built in the century. X, with the aim of defending the Guimarães monastery. You will love this city.

Overnight.

After breakfast, departure to Bayonne, a city that breathes sea, tradition and tourism. It was in 1493 that reached its port, the Caravel Pinta, giving firsthand the discovery of America. In Bayonne, walk through the historic sector, which is one of the best care of Galicia.
Admire the granite houses, secular churches, cruises, fountains in the squares and narrow stone streets. Marvel at the life and craft, visit the replica of the Caravel Pinta.
We will continue the tour to the town of Combarro and admire the historical sector, its streets and unique region of Rias Baixas.
The granaries are the main attraction for tourists.

Free time for shopping and lunch (not included).

Go to Padrón, the second most important town linked to the apostle Santiago. The Theodore and Athanasius disciples when they came to Jerusalem, with the body of the apostle, tied the boat on a large rock (Pedrón in Galician), which gave rise to the current name of the municipality. This stone is below the altar of Santiago de Padrón Church.

The disciples with the body of Santiago, passed by Iria Flavia, where the apostle had preached for the first time and after, they went to the Libredón lot where the saint buried in the place where later was built the Cathedral of Santiago.
In Santiago de Compostela, we will start the visit by the Cathedral which was built between the years 1075 and 1128, during the Christian Reconquista, during the Crusades.

We will also see the Obradoiro Square, the main and most famous of the city of Santiago de Compostela.

Overnight.

VipTours Tip: Lose yourself in the beautiful and safe streets of the historical center tasting the wines.

After breakfast departure to the Costa da Morte to Cape Finisterre, which hides legends and true wild landscapes, one of the most beautiful and wild regions of Galicia. The Romans thought it was the westernmost point of Europe and that the world was there, was the “finis terrae”. To the pilgrims of the Middle Ages, the Cape Finisterre was literally “the end of the earth” and travel.
Sacred to the Druids, Romans and Christians, a mystic and must-see for all pilgrims. This is where the pilgrims return its shell to the Ocean, burn their pilgrim clothes and plunge naked in the sea ice. When leaving the sea, the pilgrim is reborn.

Free time for lunch (not included).

Finisterre going to Muxía, where we will go to the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Barca. Legend has it that the apostle Santiago tried long, convert the Galicians to Christ’s teachings. One day, discouraged he was sitting on the beach rocks of Muxía, fighting the urge to give up and return to Palestine, saw approaching a barge that seemed to come from the “end of the world.”
The strange vessel was stone and it was Our Lady.
The rowers and helmsman were angels and stone paddles. The Virgin spoke to Santiago and gave him strength to go on with their task and the apostle continued his mission.
The remains of the stone ship were scattered around the beach. The fragment that was the keel is known among the people as “The Stone of Cadrises” and is reputed to be a saint remedy for back pain.
The “d’Abalar Stone” that would be the candle, is a flat, swinging stone and say that it has the property to move when someone steps without sin. If the stone stand firm is a sinner who stood on it.

Santiago, with new life, left the northern region where he was preaching and moved toward the center of the cities Celtic.
Nothing managed, after a while, decided to return to Jerusalem accompanied by his two closest disciples, Theodore and Athanasius giving by closed his preaching in Spain, leaving planted, however, the first seed that would flourish for centuries to come.

Free time for lunch (not included).

Return to Santiago de Compostela. free afternoon and overnight.

Enjoy dinner at one of the nice restaurants in downtown Santiago (not included).

After breakfast, we will leave through Pontevedra and Vigo.

Pontevedra was built with the patience of centuries. Its historic sector is one of the most charming and well-preserved in Galicia.

Free time for a coffee.

To Vigo, where we ascend to the Castro Castle, in the heart of the city. It was in this castle that General Franco ordered the killing of 136 people. Enjoy your gardens and beautiful views of its spectacular viewpoint. We will continue to Minho to the Palace Brejoeira for a wine tasting.

After the tasting, exit to Valencia do Minho. The city is all walled, with a fortress dating back to the twelfth and thirteenthcenturies. You will find numerous shops, restaurants, cafes and fantastic views of the Minho River.

Free time for lunch (not included) and shopping.

At a time to be determined, we will continue to visit the beautiful Ponte de Lima, which is village for refusing to be town. Its name comes from the importance of the bridge over the river Lima, it was the only safe passage to the late Middle Ages. We visit the Camões Square to the Avenue of Platanos, where the chapels and churches stand out.

Continue to Viana do Castelo, capital of the Portuguese folklore, which is located at the mouth of the Lima River, between the sea and the mountains. Historically, the city was a crucial starting point during the Age of Discovery, when many Portuguese explorers embarked to discover the world still unknown.
Currently, Viana do Castelo has a thriving fishing port, known for its advanced architecture with Manueline and Renaissance influences and an innovative contemporary design. Minho colorful costumes, embroidery, crockery Viana and the famous jewels made in filigree, They give it the Lima Princesa nickname.
Our first stop will be to visit the Monte de Santa Luzia and his Sanctuary. Also enjoy the view of the city, the estuary and the sea. At the bottom of the hill of Santa Luzia, the narrow cobbled streets are lined with beautifulmansions and solar built over centuries. Enjoy the many facades adorned with exquisite lines and colors tiles.
Take the opportunity to admire in the city center the monumental wealth, handicrafts, embroidery and jewels in filigree.

Free time.

Overnight

After breakfast we continue to Barcelos, famous for the legend Rooster of Barcelos, which has become a national symbol. This legend tells the story of a dead rooster and a man who was wrongly accused.
We will see the medieval Bridge of Barcelos that since the Middle Ages, it was essential for the pilgrims of the Camino de Santiago.

We will visit the Igreja Matriz, built between 1325 and 1328, Gothic root, but with some motives of Romanesque influence, particularly in the decoration of it´s portal.Admire it´s tiles of the eighteenth century and the rose window on the facade. Do not forget to take a picture next to the Galo de Barcelos.

Then exit to Braga, or Bracara Augusta, as the Romans named it. It was founded by the Celts in 300 BC and was a Roman administrative center in 27 BC. A city of contrasts of ancient and the modern.
Braga visit the BOM JESUS DO MONTE, which is about 5 km from the center, on Mount Espinho, where there is a curious nineteenth century elevator moved to water (entrance included) that works since 1882.

Free time for lunch in the historic center of Braga (not included).

Recommended: Visit the Braga Cathedral which is the oldest chapel of Portugal (not included).
Also visit the Treasure Museum of the Cathedral of Braga (not included), which contains a priceless booty, with pieces that cover a period of 1500 years, and that in many cases epitomize the Christian life energized from the Cathedral.

At a time to be determined, exit to the city of Porto, situated only 50 km away.

Free time.

Overnight.

Breakfast and departure for a regular scenic tour, to show the city.
Capital of northern Portugal and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Port City has an important and incredible historic center, chosen as the Best Tourism Destination 2013 years, the Lonely Planet. Caves of Port wine, all this wonderful city makes your trip memorable, filled environments and historical and cultural wealth.

The tour begins in Monte da Pena Ventosa, cradle of the city of Porto, where we will have the opportunity to visit the Cathedral, built in the twelfth century. Soberly built in Romanesque style, the Oporto Cathedral followed the trend of the times, revealing in their fronts and towers, a multiplicity of artistic elements representatives of some of the major artistic movements of medieval Europe and their demonstration in Portugal.

We continue towards the train station of St. Benedict, founded in 1900 in the same building that was once the Convent of St. Benedict. This station is known for its beautiful tiles that represent important moments in the history and culture of Portugal. Then the tour goes to the area of Clérigos and Lello Bookshop. The Clérigos Church, built by the famous architect Nicolau Nasoni, is known for its classical and Renaissance style, rich in Baroque décor. The symbols of the city, its tower has one of the most beautiful views of Porto.

As for the Lello bookshop, it was built in 1906. It has a Neogothic front and its interior decoration of plaster is considered of great beauty, guaranteeing the classification of 3rd most beautiful bookstore in the world. During the tour, they will be given important references on the streets and squares of the historic center, such as Praça da Batalha, the street of Santa Catarina, the Café Majestic, Bolhão market and the Avenue of the Allies.

Finally, visit to winnery of Port Wine

Free afternoon.

Overnight

Breakfast.

Free day to enjoy the beautiful view, go down the stairs and alleys, to get to Chez Lapin, across the Douro, one of the oldest known restaurants and the city of Porto.
Order a drink, some seafood and delight in the view and joy of this paradise.
From Ribeira, walk to the Bolsa Palace and the Torre dos Clérigos, admire the many historical buildings.

Suggestions for dinner, talk to our OM, which can indicate a great restaurant to suit your taste and will also provide private transportation, if you prefer.

Overnight.

Check with your travel agent the options.

Breakfast, departure to Fatima.

Arrival and free time.

Overnight.

After breakfast, we visit Tomar, the Templar Castle and the Convent of Christ, a historic monument, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which belonged to the Knights Templar.
Founded in 1162 by the Grand Master of the Templars, Dom Gualdim Pais, the Christ Convent still retains memories of those knights and monks heirs of his office, the Order of Christ, which made this building their headquarters (visit included).

After the visit, we will go to the Castelo de Vide, which surprises us with its small white houses surrounding the castle. Within the village we find traces of the Jewish community in Portugal.
The medieval charm enchants us easily. We visit the old synagogue, now a museum, and will ride the streets of mazes, where it is visible Jewish presence in their names and cult signs on the granite doors.
After climbing to the Castle, we return to the center, where there will be time to enjoy the fresh water in the fountains we meet along the way, well known for its thermal properties.

Free time for lunch (not included).

Then we visit Marvão. Stop at the historic town surrounded by walls sec. XIII and that offers us a fantastic panoramic view of the entire region.

We will continue our journey through the beautiful countryside of the Alentejo to the Beautiful town of Estremoz, where we will make a brief stop.
Then we follow the golden plains, where the Romans founded the city of Évora, now a World Heritage Site, registered by UNESCO. Land of vineyards cultivated by Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and currently by large farming and producers who has been signing the Alentejo brand among the great Portuguese wines.

Breakfast and free time to stroll in the historic center.

We suggest strolling through the picturesque streets of the center, the Giraldo square and some of the most important monuments: the Roman Temple of Évora, the Roman-Gothic Cathedral, the church of San Francisco with the “Chapel of Bones” and the University.

Exit to the Algarve, visit Monsaraz, an ancient medieval village surrounded by walls with narrow streets and beautiful xisto caiado stone monuments. The view from the castle is breathtaking of the Alentejo countryside and the Alqueva dam.

Exit to the ESTATE OF ESPORÃO, visit and wine tasting.

We continue the typical Alentejo landscape made of thousands of olive trees and oaks until you get to Beja, Alentejo’s capital. It is a land of vast plains and fertile fields. historic city known as Pax Julia during the Roman Empire, the various Roman roads that pass through the city proves its importance.

Stand out: The keep (late thirteenth century), the Church of Santo Amaro and the Convent of San Francisco.

Free time for lunch (not included).

Continue to get to the Algarve, pass through ALBUFEIRA, coastal town.

Free time to stroll in its lively historic center.

Then we continue to Lagos.

Free time and overnight.

After breakfast, we will visit Lagos, the city from which they came the Portuguese vessels bound for Brazil, with its historical center surrounded by walls.

Free time to visit and walk in the center of Lagos.

We will continue to Ponta de Piedade, a natural monument that consists of several formations of the type that the sea cliffs carved over centuries. It is considered one of the most beautiful places in the entire Algarve region and where a phenomenal view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Lighthouse, one can see the various existing caves, guaranteed a unique experience.

We will continue to Sagres, where we enter a mystical atmosphere, surrounded by a wild landscape, dramatic and not exploited, where the sea and the mountains come together to form a wonderful natural heritage.
The beauty of its beaches, many of them almost deserted, and the imposing cliffs that overlook the sea, along with the historic grandeur is the main charm of this region.

Overnight.

After breakfast, depart for Setubal, the city next to the Sado estuary.

Free time for lunch (not included). Setubal is known for its fresh fish, sardines and fried cuttlefish.

In the afternoon, we will continue through the Arrabida Natural Park which, with its nearly 400 meters high, offers one of the most breathtaking scenery of the coast.

The sights, enjoy the small coves of sand and the Troia peninsula.

Arriving at the small village of Azeitão, we will make a visit to a farm where you can see the production of cheese, visit the vineyards and taste the magnificent wine from the southern Tagus.

On to Lisbon, where we will arrive in the late afternoon.

Free time and overnight.

Breakfast, hotel available until 11am.

Check-out. At a time to be determined, transfer to the airport.

End of our services.