Overview
Portuguese Escape
Experience the best of Portugal and take in the important cities of Lisbon and Porto, typical towns and villages, and the stunning north-west coastline. Throughout this tour, you’ll view the must-see attractions, including the 16th-century Jeronimos Monastery. Often regarded as Lisbon’s most important landmark, it was traditional for Portuguese seafarers to pray in the chapel before their departure to the unknown.You’ll visit the Sanctuary of our Lady of the Rosary in Fátima, a pilgrimage site where apparitions of the Virgin Mary were reported by three local children in 1917; the 700-year-old university in Coimbra; the Arabian Hall in the Stock Exchange in Porto, and the Ossuary Chapel in Evora, with its bone- and skull-covered walls. For this exceptional escorted tour of Portugal, Globus has arranged some special treats so that you can savor Portuguese cuisine and wine. Enjoy a port wine tasting at one of the local wine cellars in Porto, and tapas with wine at the Quinta da Aveleda winery. All of this and much more awaits you on this wonderful Portuguese Escape!
Highlights of Portuguese Escape
Related Option Title
January & March 2020 Travel
UNESCO Sites
Belem Tower in Lisbon (See Only)|Convent of Christ in Tomar|Historic centre of Evora|Historic Centre of Guimaraes|Historic Centre of Porto|Monastery of Alcobaça|Monastery of the Hieronymites in Lisbon|University of Coimbra
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
Private Touring
6 guests in a party: $1,698*18 guests in a party: $445*
Travelers Notes
Special Features Included in this Tour: • Guided sightseeing in Lisbon includes a photo stop at Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries• Orientation walks in Obidos, and Guimaraes• Visit to Alcobaça and the Church of Santa Maria Monastery• Visit to Fatima’s Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary • Visit to the Convent of Christ in Tomar.• Visit to Coimbra University • Guided sightseeing in Porto includes a panoramic drive, a visit to the Arabian Hall in the Stock Exchange, and a Port wine tasting at an authentic Port Wine Cellar• Visit to the gardens of the Quinta da Aveleda winery includes a Portuguese tapas tasting • Visit to Nazaré and Castelo de Vide• Guided walking tour in Evora includes the Gothic cathedral, Sao Francisco Church, the Ossuary Chapel, and a visit to a traditional cork factory
Notes
Participation in full tour experience may be challenging for guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs due to uneven terrain.
Meals
8 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN LISBON, PORTUGAL Welcome to Lisbon! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Day 2
LISBON Lovely Lisbon This morning, discover the historic grandeur of Lisbon when you join your Local Guide for a fascinating sightseeing drive complete with photo stops at Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. See the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery with its 100-foot façade featuring images of St. Michael the Archangel and Our Lady of Belém. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to explore more of the city. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT The stunning capital city of Portugal is a treasure trove of historic and architectural masterpieces. Lisbon is home to the 16th-century Monastery of Jerónimos, with its 100-foot façade featuring images of St. Michael the Archangel and Our Lady of Belém. See the 16th-century Belém Tower, which served as a fortress but also as an embarkation point for sailors and was their last sight of land before the start of their journey. Lisbon’s Monument to the Discoveries pays homage to great Portuguese explorers with a spectacular carved prow of an ancient ship.
Day 3
LISBON–OBIDOS–NAZARÉ–ALCOBAÇA–FÁTIMA–TOMAR Sea, Surf & Sanctuaries Depart Lisbon and start to discover some of Portugal’s smaller gems. Stop in the medieval town of Obidos and join an orientation walk through some of its picture-perfect streets. Next, visit the charming coastal town of Nazaré, a magnet for surfers. Take a short drive to Alcobaça for some free time to visit the Church of Santa Maria Monastery. Later, en route to Tomar, stop at Fatima, one of the most important Marian shrines, and visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. (B,D)137mi/220 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDARY LIVES The monastery of Alcobaça is a unique masterpiece of Gothic Cistercian art. See the tombs of King Pedro I and his Castillan lover, Ines de Castro, and hear about the heartbreaking tale of these ill- fated lovers. The king never stopped loving Ines even after she was murdered, and during his life he commissioned matching tombs that sit together so that they can look at each other as they rise from their graves.
Day 4
TOMAR–COIMBRA–PORTO Academic Honors Today, three historic towns are on the menu. This morning, visit the stunning town of Tomar and discover the town’s strong links to the Knights Templar when you visit the Convent of Christ. Later, continue to Coimbra and visit the University, one of the oldest in Europe, which gives it the nickname the “City of Knowledge.” Enjoy a scenic drive en route to Porto. (B) 124 mi/ 200 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURE & TRADITION The University of Coimbra is distinguished as the oldest university in Portugal and one of the oldest in the world, it is also one of the best known and internationally celebrated. With a history of more than seven centuries, the students at Coimbra University dress in the traditional black capes with ribbons in varying hues as was the tradition when the school was founded in 1290.
Day 5
PORTO Panoramas & Port Wine Uncover the beauty of the waterfront city of Porto when you follow your Local Guide on a sightseeing tour that features a panoramic drive to the mouth of the Douro River, plus a walk in the center including visits of the Church of São Francisco, and the Stock Exchange with its Arabian Hall. Enjoy a Port wine tasting at a local Port Wine Cellar. This afternoon, explore the city at leisure. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTLOCAL TASTES The grapes from the vineyards in the Douro Valley surrounding Porto provide the main ingredient for one of the world’s most recognized fortified wines. Visit a local wine cellar and taste centuries of tradition in a glass of Port wine in the city that bears its name. Saúde!
Day 6
PORTO–GUIMARAES–PENAFIEL–VISEU Port & Petiscos The treats keep coming today! Start with a visit of Guimaraes, discover why it is called the “Birthplace of Portugal” and enjoy an orientation walk through the medieval center. Continue to Penafiel, [LF] visit the gardens of the Quinta da Aveleda winery, and enjoy a Portuguese petiscos tasting. Later, enjoy a scenic drive through the port wine vineyards en route to Viseu. This evening, delve into some local specialties and wine with dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)149 mi/ 240 kmLOCAL FAVORITE HISTORY & HERITAGE The history of the Quinta da Aveleda estate spans the centuries and generations who have preserved the Portuguese traditions of wine making and proud legacy of the Guedes family. The architectural heritage of this cherished estate is only matched by its wines, produced, and nurtured as the largest Vinho Verde exporter and family-owned winery.
Day 7
VISEU–CASTELO DE VIDE–EVORA Castles & Corks This morning, visit the charming town of Castelo de Vide, dominated by a well-preserved medieval castle, enjoy some free time to stroll in the historic Jewish Quarter and through the characteristic narrow streets. Reach Evora in the heart of Alentejo and visit a traditional cork factory. (B,D) 236mi/380 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT LOCAL CRAFTS Known as the “cork capital of the world,” Portugal is the world’s leading producer and exporter of cork, with the cork oak tree being native to the region of Alentejo. For hundreds of years, one of the best-known uses of cork has been for wine bottles, yet cork is much more versatile! After all, NASA has been using it as insulation for many years—not to mention Lady Gaga’s cork ensemble by a Portuguese designer. From bags and keyrings to jewelry and shoes, a variety of cork products can be found in local shops. Learn all about this traditional artisanship when you visit a Cork Factory in Evora.
Day 8
EVORA–LISBON Gothic Grandeur Discover what makes Evora special this morning when you follow your Local Guide on a guided walking tour through the narrow alleys to see the Roman Temple and visit the Cathedral, São Francisco Church, and the Ossuary Chapel. After some free time for lunch, drive to Lisbon. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner together with your travel companions. (B,D) 93 mi / 150 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION Walk back in time to the Roman era of Evora – a city with roots firmly planted in the 16th century in the home of Portuguese kings. See the white houses, architectural tiles, and embellished balconies with a stroll through the Gothic sites of the cathedral, church, and chapel.
Day 9
LISBON Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Departures
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | Mercure Lisboa | A 104-room modern hotel offering Free Wi-Fi Internet access and year-round heated rooftop swimming pool, with panoramic views over the Águas Livres Aqueduct. International cuisine and Regional wines can be enjoyed in the main restaurant and there is a lobby bar serving a wide range of drinks & cocktails. | Lisbon | Avda Jose Malhoa, 23 | First-Class |
| 2 | Hotel Novotel Lisboa | This modern 249-room mid-scale hotel offers Free Wi-Fi access throughout and has a seasonal outdoor swimming pool with sun terrace and poolside bar. There is a small fitness center, a cool vintage style restaurant and bar serving International cuisine as well as a buffet style restaurant. | Lisbon | Av. Jose Malhoa 1A | First-Class |
| 3 | Dos Templarios | Contemporary 4-Story Hotel in picturesque central location overlooking River Nabao. | Tomar | Largo Candido Dos Reis 1 | First-Class |
| 4 | NH Collection Porto Batalha | Located in the heart of UNESCO's World Heritage Historical City Center, this beautiful 107 room hotel is housed in a renovated 18th century palace overlooking the breathtaking Batalha Square. The cozy Gastrô Bar and restaurant serves modern dishes inspired by regional cuisine and has an outdoor terrace. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property and there is also a gym and wellness center with indoor hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi. | Porto | Praça Da Batalha 60 | Superior First-Class |
| 5 | Grao Vasco | Low-rise Hotel surrounded by gardens & a park in the heart of town. | Viseu | Rua Gaspar Barreiros | First-Class |
| 6 | M'ar De Ar Muralhas | This surprising hotel offers 85 double rooms and the restaurant "Sabores do Alentejo" where one can taste the local gastronomy under the signature of Chef António Nobre. | Evora | Travessa Da Palmeira 4/6 | First-Class |
