EXPLORE PORTUGAL 2025

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Experience the beauty, culture, and charm of Portugal with this unforgettable travel package. From vibrant cities to historic landmarks, indulge in the rich heritage, stunning scenery, and world-class cuisine that Portugal has to offer.

• Aug 19th to Sep 3rd, 2025

• $3.980 Per person

• Round trip airfare from Boston
• Hotels
• Tours
• Transfers 
• Douro Valley River Cruise

• TUESDAY Aug 19 Departure from Boston at 9:15pm, arriving Ponta Delgada at 6 am Aug 20, 2 hour layover connecting flight to Porto arriving before noon.

• WEDNESDAY Aug 20 Departure Transfer from Porto Airport to Hotel Check in at Grande Hotel do Porto Location Located right in the heart of Porto, this urban hotel is ideal for guests who appreciate a stylish ambience. Facilities The hotel was built in 1880. Guests have a choice of 8 suites and 86 double rooms located in two 5-story buildings with elevators. English- and French-speaking staff at the reception are happy to assist guests at the reception desk around the clock. Check-in and check-out are available 24 hours a day. Amenities include a baggage storage service, safe, currency exchange service and drinks machine. Wireless internet access allows guests to stay connected while on vacation. The tour desk offers assistance with booking excursions. The hotel has a range of facilities for guests with disabilities. The hotel has wheelchair-accessible facilities. There are a number of shops as well. Additional facilities include a TV room. Guests arriving by car can park their vehicles in the garage or in the parking lot. Further services and facilities include a babysitting service, a childcare service, medical assistance, room service, a laundry service, a coin-operated laundry, a hotel doctor and a hotel shuttle bus. Complimentary newspapers are available. A business center with fax machine and projector is available. Grande Hotel do Porto Rua de Santa Catarina 197, Porto, Portugal

• THURSDAY Aug 21 Full day tour Braga & Guimarães Let's start our trip by visiting Braga, also known as the “Portuguese Rome”. Braga is a deeply religious city and this guided tour allows you to visit the Triangle of Faith: the Cathedral, the Sameiro Sanctuary and the Bom Jesus Sanctuary. Exciting, right? The first stop, Braga Cathedral, also known as Sé de Braga, is a Catholic church and one of the city's most important buildings, considered the cradle of the city. An engaging monument that combines three completely different architectural styles: Romanesque, Manueline and Baroque. It is the oldest cathedral in Portugal - it was built several decades before the country was founded! Find the Sanctuary of Sameiro, a Marian shrine, which attracts a large number of devotees and tourists. Built 570 meters above two valleys, this stunning monument offers a prestigious view over the entire city. Visit the majestic Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte. This pilgrimage site is one of the most impressive sacred hills in Europe, with a staircase of almost 600 hundred steps. It was used to be climbed by pilgrims on their knees to achieve purification of the spirit. Not only a religious monument, but also a truly romantic and relaxing place, with breathtaking views of the city. After free time for lunch, we'll continue this private tour with a stop in Guimarães, the cradle of Portugal and a World Heritage Site since 2001. Guimarães is linked to the foundation of national identity and the Portuguese language. This was the city where Portugal's first king, Afonso Henriques, was born. Explore this World Heritage Site, a perfect example of a typical medieval city with a modern identity. Included: Private transportation; Local English Speaking Guide; Se cathedral entrances; Pick-up and drop off at the Hotel

• FRIDAY Aug 22 Porto Private Tour – Full Day Explore the best of the city of Porto with this complete private tour. Call your friends and family and enjoy one of the most beautiful cities in the world! Feel free to ask all your questions and doubts: you have a private guide! Your day starts with your guide waiting for you at your accommodation. The tour begins in the old part of the city, full of history and with a great rich heritage to explore. The historical centre of Porto, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, allows you to appreciate its Roman and medieval architecture. Observe the imposing Cathedral of Porto, one of the most enchanting buildings of the city, that dates from the 12th-century! We will continue our private tour towards the São Bento Railway Station. This place may be one of the greatest highlights of the tour - this train stations seems like a true tile museum! Its tile panels tell the history of the North of Portugal through dazzling blue and white tiles. The main atrium is covered by more than twenty thousand tiles! Then, discover the city's main avenue, the Aliados Avenue. Completely decorated with high granite buildings, this imposing avenue offers a vast architectural complex with Art Nouveau and Art Deco façades. At the top, stands the building of the City Hall of Porto. Vila Nova de Gaia hosts the famous Port Wine Cellars, your next stop. Have the opportunity to visit a Wine Cellar - either Graham's or Cockburn's - and learn all about the winemaking process that has lasted for centuries and that is the basis of this world-famous wine. In this guided tour, it's included the tasting of 3 port wines. It's the perfect opportunity to savour some of the best. Included: Private transportation; Local English Speaking Guide; 6 Bridges Cruise; Visit to the wine cellar with tasting; Pick-up and drop off at the Hotel

• SATURDAY Aug 23 Private Douro Valley Tour - Full Day Embark on an immersive Douro Valley wine tour with a visit and wine tasting at a familyowned winery, complemented by a delicious lunch, followed by a scenic river cruise on the Douro River. Your day begins with a comfortable pick-up at your hotel in Porto. Enjoy a scenic drive through the captivating landscapes of the Douro Valley, characterized by terraced vineyards and stunning river vistas. Arrive at a picturesque family-owned winery nestled in the heart of the Douro Valley. Take a guided tour of the vineyards, witness the winemaking process, and explore the cellars where the wines age to perfection. Delight in a guided wine tasting session featuring a selection of the winery's finest wines. Learn about the unique grape varieties and winemaking techniques that contribute to the distinct flavors of Douro Valley wines. Indulge in a sumptuous lunch at the winery, featuring traditional Portuguese dishes paired with the estate's wines. Enjoy a leisurely meal surrounded by the vineyard's serene ambiance. Following lunch, head to the Douro River for a relaxing cruise. Cruise along the river, soaking in the breathtaking landscapes of terraced vineyards, historic estates, and charming villages that line the Douro Valley. After the river cruise, your private driver/guide will take you back to Porto. Included: Private transportation with Private english speaking driver/guide; Visit and Tasting of wines at Wine Estate with lunch; Panoramic cruise in Pinhão; Pick-up and drop off at the Hotel

• SUNDAY Aug 24 Check out from Grande Hotel do Porto Grande Hotel do Porto Rua de Santa Catarina 197, Porto, Portugal Departure Transfer from Porto to Coimbra Check in at Vila Galé Coimbra Location Located in the heart of Coimbra, this urban hotel is ideal for business travelers. The nearest airport is Porto (OPO), located about 85 miles away. Lissabon (Lisbon) (LIS) Airport is approximately 120 miles away. Facilities 18 junior suites and 211 double rooms are located on 7 stories and can be reached by elevator. English- and French-speaking staff at the reception are happy to assist guests at the reception desk around the clock. Check-in and check-out are available 24 hours a day. Amenities include a baggage storage service and a safe. Wireless internet access is provided in public areas. The tour desk offers assistance with booking excursions. The hotel has a range of facilities for guests with disabilities. The hotel has wheelchair-accessible facilities. A number of shops, including a supermarket, are great for shopping or just browsing. A garden provides extra space for rest and relaxation in the open air. Additional amenities include a TV room and a library. Guests arriving by car can park their vehicles in the garage (for a fee) or in the parking lot. Further services and facilities include a childcare service, a car rental service, room service (for a fee), a laundry service and a coin-operated laundry. A business center with fax machine and projector is available. Vila Galé Coimbra Rua Abel Dias Urbano 20, Coimbra, Portugal

• MONDAY Aug 25 Coimbra and Aveiro Private Tour Coimbra keeps alive a set of student traditions and symbolic practices: look around and observe the emblematic uniforms of the students. The long black capes embrace perfectly the prestigious tradition of this noble city. But not only this area will surprise you in Coimbra. Walk through its narrow streets, the Roman ruins, the ramparts and every nook full of a strong heritage and secrets to tell. Discover the long staircase of the Quebra-Costas, and the typical neighbourhoods of the historical centre. After visiting Coimbra, head for Aveiro, the city famous for the traditional Moliceiro boats and known as the “Venice of Portugal”. Come with us and discover why! The day starts with a guided tour of the historic centre of the city. Aveiro truly is a special city: where the old and the modern are combined in an impressive way. Admire the charming residences and the streets enchanted with some Art Nouveau details. Did you know that Aveiro is a member of the “Réseau Art Nouveau Network” alongside Barcelona, Brussels, Budapest, Glasgow, Helsinki, or Havana? Also, prepare your cameras and take some pictures of the beautiful Cathedral of Aveiro (in Portuguese, “Sé de Aveiro”). It was founded in 1423, in a Baroque style, and it was declared a National Monument. As you walk, learn more about the History and traditions of Aveiro: a fishing village, founded on salt production and trade. The magic of this journey happens in a 45 minutes boat ride on a classic Moliceiro (traditional boat) along the city’s dazzling canals. Relax and enjoy the landscape on this traditional boat, that once was used to collect seagrass in the lagoon. After this delightful cruise, your guide will show you Costa Nova, a spectacular white sand beach. Discover the famous and colorful fishermen’s houses, typically painted with vertical stripes. Included: Private transportation; English Speaking Guide; Moliceiros boat trip; Pick-up and drop off at the Hotel.

• TUESDAY Aug 26 Fátima, Nazaré and Óbidos - Full Day There are a number of things that make this trip unforgettable. One, you run the risk of falling in love with each of the locations we’ll visit (we’re not kidding, the West is breathtaking). Then, there’s the visit to one of the most enchanting medieval towns in the country. And last, but by no means least, a visit to two of the country's most sacred of places: Nazaré: surfers’ paradise (thanks to the size of its sea's waves, which religiously appeals to everyone), and which is, at the same time, a traditional Portuguese fishing village, and Fátima, the heart of Catholic faith and world pilgrimage site. The Shrine of Fátima, which Pope Francis visited in 2007 during the centennial celebrations of the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is a must see. Nazaré, a fisherman’s village and the most famous surf spot, where you can find the biggest waves in the world. Here the fish is king and it’s time to lunch (optional). Included: Private transportation; Local English Speaking Guide; Pick-up and drop off at the Hotel

• WEDNESDAY Aug 27 Check out from Vila Galé Coimbra Vila Galé Coimbra Portugal Departure Transfer from Coimbra to Lisbon, with a stop in Sintra (approximately 2 hours in the city center) and a panoramic tour of Cascais and Estoril (without a stop). Check in at HF Fenix Lisboa Location Perfect for business travelers as well as families, this urban hotel is located in the heart of Lisbon, with all the popular tourist attractions just outside the door. Facilities 4 suites, 5 single rooms and 188 double rooms are located on 8 stories and can be reached by elevator. English- and French-speaking staff at the reception desk in the lobby are ready to assist you with check-in and check-out. Amenities available at the hotel include a coat check, baggage storage service, safe, currency exchange service and drinks machine. Wireless internet access allows guests to stay connected while on vacation. The tour desk offers assistance with booking excursions. The hotel has a range of facilities for guests with disabilities. The hotel has wheelchair-accessible facilities. Additional amenities include a newspaper stand and a TV room. Guests arriving by car can park their vehicles in the garage or in the parking lot. Further services and facilities include a babysitting service, a childcare service, a car rental service, medical assistance, a transfer service, room service and a laundry service. Complimentary newspapers are available.

• THURSDAY Aug 28 Free Day

• FRIDAY Aug 29 9:00 am - 8 hours Private Lisbon City Tour - Full Day Discover the Portuguese capital on this full day private tour! Make your own itinerary, and choose what to visit in Lisbon at your own pace and in a comfortable private vehicle with a professional driver exclusively for you. In this tailor made tour we offer you the opportunity to visit the most emblematic places of Lisbon like Belém, Alfama, Baixa and S. George Castle, among others. Have the opportunity to discover the local pastry and the so renowned “Pasteis de Nata of Belém”. Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal and during your private experience you will get to know the best attractions of this wonderful city of the Seven Hills. Included: Private transportation; Local English Speaking Guide; Entrances Cristo Rei; Pick-up and drop off at the Hotel

• SATURDAY Aug 30 Check out from HF Fenix Lisboa HF Fenix Lisboa Praca Marques de Pombal 8, Lissabon, Portugal Departure Transfer from Lisbon to Faro Check in at Hotel Algarve Casino Location This conference hotel is located in the heart of Praia da Rocha, right on a main road right by the sea. For beach vacationers and families, it is an ideal point of departure for exploring the city. It is about 40 miles to Faro (FAO) Airport. Facilities Units include 16 suites, 208 single rooms and 192 double rooms located in a 6-story main building and a 3-story auxiliary building. The friendly staff at the reception desk are happy to answer any questions. Amenities include a coat check, baggage storage service, safe, currency exchange service and ATM. Wireless internet access is provided in public areas. The tour desk offers assistance with booking excursions. The hotel has a range of facilities for guests with disabilities. An elevator and wheelchair-accessible facilities are available. There are a number of shops as well. The grounds of the hotel feature a playground and a lovely garden. Additional amenities include a newspaper stand, a TV room and a playroom. Guests arriving by car can park their vehicles in the garage (for a fee) or in the parking lot. Further services and facilities include a babysitting service, a childcare service, a car rental service, medical assistance, room service (for a fee), a laundry service, a hairdresser and a coinoperated laundry. Active guests who wish to explore the surrounding area by bike will appreciate the bicycle rental service (for a fee). Bicycle storage is also available. A business center with fax machine and projector is available. Hotel Algarve Casino Avenida Tomas Cabreira, Praia da Rocha, Portugal

• SUNDAY Aug 31 Private Tour Faro We start our walking tours from Arco da Vila (currently being refurbished). No reservation needed unless you’re with a group of more than 4 people. Join a true ‘farense’ (people born and bread in town!) for a 2 hour tour around the city centre. Our guided tours are held in English. At the end you are able to decide what is your free contribution. Being an independent group of local guides, your contribution is the only source of funding for this initiative. We are very pleased to tell you the rich history of Faro, the capital city of the Algarve, focusing on it’s most interesting episodes. All of this while sharing a bit of our local culture. We take you on a journey through centuries, explaining how the beautiful Ria Formosa lagoon and it’s barrier islands always had a determinant role to play. We are also covering the most relevant heritage left by Romans, Arabs, and other civilizations that influenced the way the city has developed. Included: Private transportation; Local English Speaking Guide; Pick-up and drop off at the Hotel

• MONDAY Sep 1 Private Tour Lagos and Albufeira Visit Lagos and Albufeira Lagos due to its coastal location and economic development was the stage for the beginning of the Portuguese Discoveries in the 15th century. It proudly boasts the statue of Prince Henry the Navigator, considered the “father” of the Discoveries, and the monument in honor of Gil Eanes, son of the land and hero of the discoveries. The city is also known for its beautiful white sandy beaches, with Dona Ana beach being the best known and most beautiful. The Lagos marina, inaugurated in 1994, is considered and distinguished as one of the best in Europe, attracting crews of various nationalities. Albufeira takes you on a journey through the city's most incredible sites. We'll discover the city's hidden treasures, from its breathtaking beaches to its historic monuments. Included: Private transportation; Local English Speaking Guide; Pick-up and drop off at the Hotel

• TUESDAY Sep 2 Free Day

• WEDNESDAY Sep 3 Check out from Hotel Algarve Casino Hotel Algarve Casino Avenida Tomas Cabreira, Praia da Rocha, Portugal Departure Transfer from Hotel to Airport in Faro, on return we will have a 2 hour layover in Ponta Delgada and proceed to Boston, usual arrival time is after 8pm.

Daily breakfast is always included, Douro Valley Lunch is included, others on your own.

Times will be finalized before departure, most tours depart Hotels at 9am and return by 6pm.

Transfers from Bristol to Boston and back to Bristol available for $75. per person round trip on average.

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