Best of Portugal

Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Lisbon, Portugal.

Welcome to Lisbon! Upon arrival, you’ll be met at the airport by a representative of Mayflower Cruises and Tours and transferred to the hotel. Flights should arrive by 3:30pm. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to begin discovering this capital city. This evening, join your Mayflower Tour Manager and fellow travelers for an included dinner. Meal: D

An included tour highlights the famous sites of the city. During a panoramic coach tour, see ‘Monument to the Discoveries’, and make a photo stop at Belem Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Lisbon’s most beautiful building, Jerónimos Monastery, and discover its unique Gothic Manueline architecture and history. After the tour concludes at the hotel, the afternoon is free to shop, dine and experience this historic yet cosmopolitan city on your own. Meal: B

Today’s excursion showcases the beauty of areas surrounding Lisbon. Depart by coach for the picturesque town of Sintra, where winding alleyways lined with shops and restaurants add to the cozy atmosphere. Visit the Palácio Nacional de Sintra, right in the center of town, formerly the most used royal palace of Portugal and currently a National Monument. See the colorfully painted rooms, including the Magpie Room, with its paintings of magpies that represent the gossiping of the Queen’s ladies-in-waiting. Your guide will tell stories of what happened within the walls of the palace, and how a former king was imprisoned there. After time for lunch on your own, continue to Cabo da Roca – the westernmost point of continental Europe, and the place where the land ends and sea begins. From the clifftop overlook, see the lighthouse and the Atlantic Ocean sprawling as far as the eye can see. The journey continues with a drive along the Atlantic Coast to Cascais, a charming coastal resort town. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the town with your guide and see why it’s famous for its beaches. After a day of touring, return to the hotel in Lisbon via a scenic drive along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Meal: B

As you’ve probably noticed, Azulejos tiles abound in the cities and towns of Portugal, decorating everything from walls of churches and palaces to public fountains, houses and park seats. These tiles represent a rich tapestry of Portuguese heritage and craftsmanship, whether depicting historic scenes or simply used as a street sign. During today’s visit to the National Museum of Glazed Tiles, learn about the history and evolution of these tiles in Portugal. A highlight of the visit may be the workshop where you hear about the different techniques used and paint your own glazed tile. What a perfect, personal souvenir of your trip to Portugal! The remainder of the day is left free of planned activities for you to pursue individual interests. Meal: B

It’s time to depart Lisbon for Porto, the second largest city in Portugal. Explore the medieval walled town of Óbidos enroute. Upon arrival, the guide leads you through its picturesque streets, lined with white-washed houses, draped with colorful, cascading flowers. Visit the Ginjinha factory to learn how this famous local cherry liqueur is produced. Of course, a sampling of the product is also provided! Continue to Sítio, a high vantage point overlooking Nazaré, Portugal’s most famous fishing village. Hear about the ‘big waves’ the area is known for (from November to February) due to the geographical location. Enjoy the spectacular view of the cliffs, beach, and colorful harbor below. Free time for lunch on your own at a local restaurant before continuing to Porto. This evening, a Fado show enhances your dinner at a local restaurant. Witness the emotion of the performers as they sing songs telling tales of life, struggle and passion while you dine. Meals: B, D

Begin discovering this colorful riverside city with a brief walking tour. See the cathedral as well as the amazing azulejos tilework of the São Bento train station in the UNESCO World Heritage historic center. Over 22,000 hand-painted tiles were used to create impressive murals of historic events. The excursion continues with a visit to Sandeman wine cellar. Port wine is a major product of the area, and you’ll discover its heritage and the intricate winemaking process during the guided visit of the wine cellar. A sampling of Port wines concludes the experience before returning to the hotel for the remainder of the day at leisure. Meal: B

Today’s full-day adventure takes you through the scenic Douro Valley. Depart by coach for Amarante, one of Portugal’s most beautiful small towns, on the banks of the Tâmega River. The local guide leads you through the charming streets, adorned with 17th-century architecture, passing the São Gonçalo Church and the historic bridge. Continue to Régua, renowned for its vineyards and rich wine culture, for a walk through the town and free time for lunch on your own. Visit the village of Lamego, home to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies – one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Portugal. Visit the Sanctuary perched atop the hill, with its iconic 686-step granite staircase, beautifully decorated with the traditional blue and white azulejos tiles. The final stop is at Quinta da Pacheca Winery. Stroll through the vineyards, learn about the different grapes and types of wines created from them. Sample some of their vintages before attending a workshop on cork, another local product vital to their economy. Learn about the importance of this traditional craft in winemaking, and the variety of products it’s used for from pens and notebooks to jewelry to shoes and purses. During the workshop, under the guidance of the resident artist, create your own souvenir as you depict an image related to wine culture on a small cork panel. Return to the hotel in Porto for the evening. Meal: B

Often referred to as the ‘Venice of Portugal’, the enchanting city of Aveiro in on today’s agenda. After a brief walk through the colorful city, you’ll understand why it got its nickname! Board a classic ‘moliceiro’ boat for a leisurely cruise through the serene waters of the picturesque canals. While in Aveiro, learn how to make the local specialty, Ovos Moles – a traditional sweet made from egg yolks and sugar, wrapped in a crusty wafer in different shapes. Sample this delicious treat at the end of the workshop and return to Porto. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner in the ambiance of a local quinta. Meals: B, D

This morning, depart for the Porto airport for your flight home. The memories of the sites, scenery, samples of local specialties and local culture from your trip to Portugal are sure to be cherished for years to come. Meal: B