3 Day Portugal Small-Group Tour: Porto and Aveiro from Lisbon

Obidos

Our first stop is a charming and historic town, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, lively atmosphere, and Ginna Liqueur... welcome to Óbidos! Maybe you’ll visit the 12th-century castle. Maybe you’ll find a local shop and sample that biting cherry-flavoured spirit that has become a symbol of the town. Or maybe you’ll explore the shops.

1 Hours 15 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Forte de Sao Miguel

This military fortress can be found in the town of Nazaré, strategically poised on a headland overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Back in the 16th century, this gave the fort a great strategic advantage. Today, it makes for a great view. It’s up to you how you’d like to spend your time in Nazaré - explore the fortress, jump on the funicular, or grab a bite to eat and head down to the beach. Maybe all of the above if you’ve got the time and energy!

2 Hours 15 Minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Your day finishes somewhere rather spectacular, if we do say so ourselves. Aveiro is often called the “Venice of Portugal”. This lively and beautiful coastal town is known for its canals filled with colourful Moliceiro boats, surrounded by Art Nouveau architecture. Perhaps grab yourself a souvenir or two before we head back to Porto for the evening.

1 Hours 15 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Porto

There’s so much to do in Porto and even more to love. Your day starts with an included guided tour of the city so make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes. After the tour, the rest of the day is yours to explore this wonderful city. Porto is known for its production of port wine... but you already knew that, right? Have yourself a cheeky glass or two over lunch, why not? And as you wander Porto’s Ribeira district with a Pastel de Nata in hand, you’re sure to appreciate this UNESCO World Heritage site of winding streets, colourful buildings, and historic architecture. Maybe you’ll grab a book from the neo-Gothic Libraria Lello, considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Perhaps you’ll climb the Clerigos Tower for that panoramic view. Or maybe you’ll take a scenic boat cruise along the Douro River for a killer view of the city’s skyline, its historic bridges, and the picturesque hillsides of terraced vineyards that Portugal is so well known for.

6 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Coimbra

ur first stop is Coimbra. This historic city has a blend of history, education, and cultural traditions that make it a compelling destination. We pop into the University library for an included visit, since we had to make sure you saw this beauty. The University of Coimbra was founded in 1290, making it one of the oldest universities in the world. But why the Joanina Library? Among other things, it houses a colony of bats which help preserve the ancient books by preventing insect damage... that’s one way to do it!

3 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Wander around this traditional Schist village, where time seems to slow right down, where historic hamlets are built into the rocks right alongside cute cafes and lounging local cats.

30 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Tomar

Our final stop of the day, and the tour, is the historic town of Tomar. This is the kind of place that makes you go ‘wow’. Backed by a mountain and tucked up alongside a pretty little river, Tomar was once the seat of the Knights Templar. No wonder the buildings here are so incredible. Visit the Church of São João Baptista for its Moorish-inspired architecture. Stroll through the historic centre. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site Convento de Cristo and wander its complex of amazing buildings. We arrive back in Lisbon in the early evening.

1 Hours 15 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free