Portugal City & Surf

Meeting in the luscious city of Lisbon we'll admire the Gothic glamour, winding cobbled streets, gorgeous cathedrals and scenic views. But the best way to explore this gastronomic capital is through taste, why not sample some delicacies and the Lisbon speciality: green wine, or maybe go for a glass of port in the Bairro Alto and watch the sunset.

See ya, Lisbon. We'll never forget your culinary and cultural charms. En-route to Porto we've got a few special stopovers, such as the sacred place of miracles: Fatima. Said to be the site where the Virgin Mary appeared to peasant children, Fatima attracts 6 million people a year. Today there are two ginormous basilicas to mark the site. This lively city is bursting at the seams with historical monuments. It's home to Portugal's oldest university, and when we stop for lunch we'll fall in love with the old stone walls and tumbling terraces of pastel coloured buildings. And welcome to Porto. Famous for port wine, baroque architecture and a UNESCO-Listed historic centre, you’ll feel right at home in this colourful city… and tonight you’re free to check it out however you like.

Today is yours to explore Porto’s many wonders with your new Contiki crew. Need some inspo? Why not visit the Harry Potter Library, or one of the city’s multiple famous wine cellars? (Magic awaits, whatever you do.)

We're saying 'Tchau' to Porto today. After breakfast we're taking the coach towards Santa Cruz.This mini-Venice is a gorgeous town built on canals. We'll have an optional traditional boat tour to cruise the winding canals, admiring the colourful houses and learning about the area's history.Another stop for lunch, another stunning historic old town to enjoy it in. Obidos will charm us with its whitewashed houses and ruddy blooms of flowers.Arriving on the surf shore of Peniche, we’ll settle into our modern hotel dedicated to surfing, with whitewashed walls, colourful rugs & wall murals, right in front of Alfarroba beach. Complete with indoor & outdoor swimming pools, a bar, Green Key sustainability award status and connections with a local surf school, this is the perfect place to base ourselves whether you’re looking to kick back or hit the waves.

Peniche is famous for its supreme surf beach - Praia dos Supertubos, less than 10mins from our accommodation - with a tubular wave that makes it one of the locations of choice for big time international surf event Rip Curl Pro. The shallow slope combined with the north wind and ocean currents together create a tall, perfectly hollow wave for surfing and bodyboarding. But it’s not all about the professionals - here you’ll find ideal surfing conditions for all abilities, and so many beaches that overcrowding never becomes a problem.

Peniche - you've been a dream. It's time to drag ourselves away this morning as we head to The Algarve. Another trip to the past as we head inside the 14th century walls of Evora, home to grandiose medieval cathedrals, roman baths and a spectacular town square. After wondering the cobbled streets we'll head on towards the Algarve. This picture perfect port-side part of Portugal retains Evora's quaint cobbled lanes but adds a whole bunch of stunning beaches.

Today is yours to enjoy the Algarve. Play golf, eat, take a boat trip, swim, soak up some rays or enjoy some water sports. The choice is yours in this sun-drenched playground.

After breakfast, we have a short drive from the Algarve back to Lisbon today. Thanks for the good times! Welcome to the UNESCO town of Sintra. This fairytale town features turreted palaces and castle ruins - an insta dream.   We head to the coastal town of Cascais, known for its stunning beaches and tasty seafood.  Stroll along the marina or opt in for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience hosted by local residents.  This tour showcases the culture of a neighbourhood shaking off old perceptions by creating an urban art gallery unlike anywhere in the world. Grab your new pals for a farewell feast  - the perfect chance to reflect on how much we've fallen in love with Portugal, and say our sad goodbyes.

Portugal, it's been emotional. Your delicious food, rich culture, paradisaical coastlines and glittering waters will stay in our memories forever. But we'll be back soon enough.