Worldwide Destinations
Freedom To Wander
Country Roads of Portugal
Travel through the best of Portugal’s cities and countryside on an 11-day women-only tour. Discover Lisbon's historic downtown and Belém Quarter. Cruise the calm waters of Alqueva Lake and indulge in a farm-to-table dinner in the Douro Valley. Taste port wine at Ferreira Cellars, and stroll through Porto to admire the beautiful multi-colored houses and churches.
Travel through the best of Portugal’s cities and countryside on an 11-day women-only tour. Discover Lisbon's historic downtown and Belém Quarter. Cruise the calm waters of Alqueva Lake and indulge in a farm-to-table dinner in the Douro Valley. Taste port wine at Ferreira Cellars, and stroll through Porto to admire the beautiful multi-colored houses and churches.
LISBON - ALGARVE - PORTO & SO MUCH MORE IN BETWEEN WOMEN'S ONLY TOUR
Lisbon - is the capital and largest city of Portugal. From imposing São Jorge Castle, the view encompasses the old city’s pastel-colored buildings, Tagus Estuary and Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge. Nearby, the National Azulejo Museum displays 5 centuries of decorative ceramic tiles. Just outside Lisbon is a string of Atlantic beaches, from Cascais to Estoril.
Algarve - Portugal’s southernmost region, is known for its Atlantic beaches and golf resorts. Whitewashed fishing villages on low cliffs overlooking sandy coves were transformed in the 1960s, and now its central coast between Lagos and Faro is lined with villas, hotels, bars and restaurants.
Porto - is a coastal city in northwest Portugal known for its stately bridges and port wine production. In the medieval Ribeira (riverside) district, narrow cobbled streets wind past merchants’ houses and cafes. São Francisco Church is known for its lavish baroque interior with ornate gilded carvings.
Fatima - is a central Portuguese town that's home to the Sanctuary of Fátima, a Catholic pilgrimage site. The Capelinha das Aparições marks the spot where the Virgin Mary allegedly appeared in 1917. Other sacred sites include the Basílica de Nossa Senhora do Rosário, with its golden angels.
Small group max of 24 women only (because of the 'limited availability it is recommended to book early' )
Travel Protection additional- Travelex Ultimate recommended
$350.00 deposit is non-refundable
Airfare Additional - Please call for rates
Single Supplement Rates - Please call for rates
Price starting at $4,850.00 per person/double occupancy
Day One
On arrival at Lisbon International Airport, there are complimentary transfers to your hotel. Settle in and relax before joining your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. Enjoy the opportunity to mingle with your fellow travelers during a pleasant evening of good food and wine.
DDay Two
Your guided sightseeing tour with a Local Expert takes you along the spacious avenues of the Lower Town and across tree-shaded squares. Pass beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paço. See the ancient Belém Tower and marvel at the Monument to the Discoveries. Explore more of the Belém Quarter as you learn how to make the iconic patisserie Pastéis de Belém. This evening, perhaps gain further insight into Portuguese culture over an optional meet-and-greet with a Fado singer followed by dinner and a Fado show.
FBDay Three
Cross the River Tagus and head for the sun-drenched southern coast to reach Lagos, a fishing port nestled in the bay of Meia Praia. After free time to explore, continue to your resort hotel set within a magnificent 360-acre estate. Simplicity is in the soul of Algarve cuisine, along with seafood so fresh it still tastes of the sea. A short walk away specialized Portuguese seafood restaurants hug the coastline, overlooking the Atlantic.
FBDay Four
Journey to the medieval walled city of Évora where cathedrals, churches, aqueducts and ancient castle walls all serve to create the feeling that this beautiful city is a living, breathing museum to Portugal's rich past. Join your Local Expert to explore the highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the Roman Temple and visit the Capela dos Ossos, an extraordinary 17th century chapel comprising the skulls and bones of 5,000 bones. Visit the cathedral with its attractive mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. With the rest of the afternoon at leisure, you may wish to continue to stroll through Évora’s unique historical center, or the serene city park, following the aqueduct inside the city walls.
FBDay Five
Travel to the striking white village of Monsaraz, situated on an imposing hilltop, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. From the castle ruins, admire the spectacular views across to the dry Spanish plains, contrasting with the blue of Europe's largest artificial lake. Join a local boat captain for a leisurely cruise on the tranquil waters of Lake Alqueva. Relax and enjoy calming waters, picturesque views and tales of river life. Sit down to a delicious Highlight Lunch at local restaurant Sem Fim, once an olive mill. Enjoy a wide range of tasty tapas dishes showcasing the local cuisine and soak up the vibrant; your leisure to explore this beautifully preserved regional capital.
FB, LDay SIx
This morning, enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a visit to Casa Relvas for a wine tasting, featuring uniquely Portuguese grape varietals like Touriga Nacional. Despite the dry climate of the Alentejo region, this family-run estate produces exceptional wine through innovative water-saving techniques. Continue your journey to Fátima, Portugal's most renowned pilgrimage site. Here, you may visit the basilica or the Chapel of the Apparitions, commemorating the Virgin Mary's appearance to three young shepherds in 1917. Journey across central Portugal’s rolling hills to explore Tomar with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Convento do Cristo with a Local Expert, where you’ll admire the octagonal Templars' Rotunda and the Manueline Window, and learn about the daily life of a warrior monk. Alternatively, join a guided city tour and visit the Synagogue of Tomar, one of the best-preserved medieval synagogues in Portugal, as your Local Expert reveals the town’s rich architectural and cultural history.
FB, DDay Seven
In Coimbra, your Local Expert shows you the highlights and insights of the Old Town, including the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the impressive baroque university library, one of the finest in the world. Your journey continues past verdant hills and lush vineyards, along the tranquil waters of the Douro River. Visit Quinta da Pacheca where Maria Pimental, one of the first woman winemakers in the Douro, makes incredible wine. Gain insights into the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley, a premier wine region with a growing presence of female winemakers.
FB, DDay Eight
The mountain ranges of Northern Portugal accompany your morning journey to Guimarães, known as the birthplace of Portugal. Here, you can take in views from the Visigoth castle before wandering the cobbled streets and charming squares that exude medieval character. Continue to Porto, a city steeped in history whose central district is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Porto seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. Accompanied by your Local Expert, visit the São Bento Railway Station, renowned for the hand-painted azulejo tilework depicting scenes of Portugal’s past, and stroll across the Dom Luís I Bridge, a masterpiece of engineering that offers spectacular views of the Douro River. Unwind at your boutique five-star hotel, an esteemed member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, situated in the heart of Porto’s historic district.
FB, LDay Nine
With a full day free to enjoy at your own pace, take a stroll to admire the multi-colored houses and churches covered in beautiful, glazed tiles. Perhaps choose to visit Braga, the capital of baroque. For a different perspective in the evening, consider joining an Optional Experience to view the pastelhued houses of the Ribeira district, cruise aboard a traditional Rabelo boat and savor traditional flavors at a riverside restaurant.
FBDay Ten
Discover the charm of the fortified town of Óbidos. Step inside the medieval town's ancient walls to wander through cobblestone streets, then continue to Lisbon. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a delightful dinner, raising a glass to the unforgettable moments shared on your tour.
FB, DDay Eleven
After breakfast, your departure transfer arrives at Lisbon International Airport.
FBFB=Full Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Suggested Packing
-Comfortable walking shoes
-Hat and Sunscreen
-Cash and Credit Cards (Only those needed)
-Medicine and spare prescriptions
-Extra glasses and/or contacts
-Book, Word Search and/or Crossword Puzzle
-Binoculars
-Seat Cushions and/or Blanket (If attending a parade or show)
-Ear plugs and sleep mask
-Mini-Sewing Kit
-Toiletries and Tissues
-Chargers for devices (Cell phones, Tablets, etc.)
-Extra Memory Cards (Digital Cameras) or Extra Film
Activity Level 3
This travel experience is perfect for those who want to see everything their destination has to offer. With the ability to navigate hills and uneven ground (1-2 hours with little difficulty), as well as climb into various modes of transportation, you'll be able to explore every corner of your destination without missing a thing. Plus, with some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure, you'll have the perfect harmony of flexibility and exploration.
Optional Experiences
Day 2 - Meeting with a Fado Singer - Known as ''the soul of the Portuguese identity,'' Fad is the emotive national song. Take in an unmissable performance of this UNESCO-recognised art in one of the country's famed Fado houses. Meet a Fado singer who shares her passion by exploring the origins of Fado and the Portuguese guitar, highlighting the impact of women throughout the history of this cultural tradition. Complete the experience, with a savory typical Portuguese dinner with drinks. Adult: $104.14 US p/p
Day 3 - Algarvian Delight Dinner - A truly authentic dinner at a local "Taberna" in the Old Quarter of Almancil in the Algarve. Choose from delectable local Portuguese dishes of seafood or a signature meat dish of the area which is accompanied by delicious fresh crisp wine. A welcome to the Algarve in the most traditional way. Adult: $78.38 US p/p
Day 4 - Cork Factory Visit - As we drive through the arid Alentejo region, notice the red bark of the cork trees. This precious, naturally occurring and regenerative resource sits all around us. As a guest of the Caeiro family, we'll learn how they've worked with cork for generations to produce much more than the humble – yet vital – wine bottle stopper. Cork, as you will discover, is a versatile natural material, the attractiveness of which has been recently recognised by fashionistas the world over. Adult: $25.75 US p/p
Day 9 - Braga & Bom Jesus - Spend your morning with a Local Expert traveling through the lush green Minho, Portugal's most northerly province, stopping at its capital, Braga. See Europe's largest and most magnificent sculpted Baroque staircase ascending the forested hillside to the 'Bom Jesus' sanctuary. We arrive using a 19th-Century water-powered funicular, the oldest in the world. Finally, a walk through Braga's historic center brings to life this ancient and innovative city. Adult: $49.27 US p/p
Dinner by the Douro and River Cruise - Aboard a traditional Rabelo boat, marvel at the sites along Porto's Douro River and its delta. As the setting sun highlights Porto's historic skyline, enjoy a range of Portuguese specialties with wine from the comfort of your riverside restaurant. Adult: $95.18 US p/p
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Self Drive to Airport | Self Drive to Airport |
