Portugal: Lisbon, Porto and the Douro Valley

Enjoy a tour of Lisbon with an expert local guide. See the Belém Tower and visit the Jerónimos Monastery. Later, attend a hands-on tile workshop, where you are introduced to this ancient Portuguese craft. This evening, experience a private dinner followed by a performance of fado, the characteristic and emotional folk music of the nation.

Travel just outside Lisbon to the village of Sintra. In this town of palaces, visit Pena Palace decorated with vivid colors and evocative stone carvings. Then enjoy a guided tour of The National Palace of Sintra, the best preserved medieval royal palace in Portugal. Return to Lisbon, where the rest of the day is at leisure for you to explore.

Depart Lisbon for Alcobaça Monastery. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was founded by Portugal’s first king in 1153 and became one of the most important monasteries in the country. Continue to nearby Nazaré, a picturesque coastal village that is also home to some of the world’s largest surf. Savor a seafood lunch, then take a funicular to the old neighborhood of Sitio atop the cliffs. Later, arrive in Coimbra, a small city built on a river and noted for its university and preserved medieval old town, where you settle into your hotel before dinner.

Join a local expert for a tour that introduces you to the University of Coimbra, the oldest in Portugal, and its Johannine Library. Built between 1717 and 1728, this library contains more than 50,000 volumes and was constructed on the ruins of a medieval prison. Then enjoy free time for lunch or exploring. Continue to your hotel in the Douro Valley, where you indulge in a refreshing cocktail before dinner.

The Douro Valley is a splendid wine region rightly celebrated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the grapes grown in its lovely, terraced vineyards yield vintages appreciated the world over. Start your day by exploring the waters of the Douro River on a traditional rabelo boat, as the locals have for centuries. Cruise down the scenic Douro Valley, admiring its vineyards and whitewashed estates. Cap off your cruise with a winery visit, picnic lunch, tour and tasting. The rest of your day is for relaxing or exploring on your own.

Meet a local viscountess to learn about the history of her family and their estate. Enter the old kitchens, where you learn to cook using the original wood-burning stoves, for an authentic and historical culinary experience. Indulge in the hearty lunch that you helped prepare, and then journey to Porto — Portugal’s second-largest city, noted for its beloved port wines.

Set out on a morning walking tour of Porto that features a ride on the gondola-style Gaia Cable Car above a riverfront alive with people, sailboats and shopfronts, and views of the Cathedral, Stock Exchange, São Francisco Church and railway station. Your afternoon is free for relaxing or exploring on your own. Gather this evening for a tour, tasting and farewell dinner at one of the city's iconic port lodges.

After breakfast, take your private transfer to the airport for your departing flight.