Day 1: Depart to Lissabon - Coimbra
Departure to and arrival at Lissabon. Welcome to our local host and transfer to Coimbra. Arrival at hotel Best Western Dom Luis 3* (or similar). Diner and overnight stay.

 

Day 2: Coimbra - Porto
Breakfast - In the morning we visit Coimbra. It was the capital of Portugal in the middle ages and became the capital of sience after Dom Joåo decided to move the university here. It is one of the oldest university cities of Europe (14th century). It's a small and cosy city that is dominated by the medieval university. We visit the baroque monastery of Santa Clara where you can find the crypt of Santa Isabel, widow of King Dinis. Later you have free time to explore the peaceful atmosphere of the charming city. Afterwards we continue to Porto. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel Porto Gaia 4* (or similar). 

 

Day 3: Porto - Aveiro
Breakfast - We continue per bus for a sightseeing in Porto. It is the second capital of Portugal, from which the city centre is declared UNESCO patrimonio. Two of the entrances to the city are steal bridges from the 19th century, designed by the architect of the Eiffel tower. In the old city center you can find steep and narrow little streets with interesting stores and places to eat. We will stop at a bodega for a degustation of porto wine. Free lunch in Porto. Later we head to Aveiro. In the 16th century the city had a blooming business, due to the salt making and cod fishing. After a storm in 1575, the mouth of river Rio Vouga disappeared and the city loses its wealth. At the beginning of the 19th century a new entrance to the ocean appeared, which fixed the economical situation of the city. Aveiro is known for the porcelain, crystal and pottery. At the left bank you can witness the gracious buildings that reflect on the water. Make a stroll through the fish market (Mercado do Peixe), through the borough of Beira Mar and over the banks of the river. At the right bank you have the museum of Aveiro (Museu de Aveiro) in the monastery Convento de Jesús. Monuments and churches, but also the urban life in the light of the Ria, will complete the cities atmosphere. Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel Meliá Ria Aveiro 4* (or similar).

 

Day 4: Aveiro - Batalha - Fatima/Leiria
Breakfast - We start the day with a visit at the monastery of Santa Maria da Vitoria in Batalha (Unesco patrimonio). Later we continue our trip to Fátima, the world famous pilgrimage of Portugal and Europe. In the afternoon there is some free time. Afterwards we have dinner and the overnight stay at hotel Cinquentenario 4* (or similar).

 

Day 5: Fátima/Leiria - Tomar - Evora
Breakfast - Departure to Tomar, a beautiful town in the Portuguese district Santarem. We visit the castle and the monastery. Later on we head north to Evora. The squares and fountains from the Renaissance and the Moorish influences are truly unique there. Artists from Flanders, Italy and Spain arrived here to get inspired for their masterpieces of art. The university opened in 1553 and is still an important point for the city. The city has been declared being world heritage by UNESCO. Free lunch. Diner and overnight stay in hotel.

 

Day 6: Evora - Lissabon
Breakfast - Departure to Lissabon. De city of Lissabon got founded 20 centuries ago on the banks of the river Tagus. One of the oldest boroughs is Alfama, an Arab looking place with lots of narrow streets, squares and lanes. The cathedral of The Sé and the flea market 'Feira da Ladra' can be found there as well. In the West of the city you have beautiful monuments, such as the Belém tower, the Jerònimos monastery and so on. Free lunch. Diner and overnight stay at hotel Fénix Garden 3* (or similar).

 

Day 7: Lissabon
Breakfast - Free day to discover the city and the hotel. Diner and overnight stay in the hotel.

 

Day 8: Lissabon - Home
Breakfast - Transfer to the airport of Lissabon for the flight home.

 

Included meals:
Breakfast: 7x
Dinner: 7x