Portugal, Charms & Treasures
4 Oct –
18 Oct 2024
- 15 Days
- Hotels
- Group size: 12
Menu
Itinerary
We meet at O.R. Tambo and check in for our flight to Lisbon, Portugal. Sandwiched between sun-drenched Spain and the wild Atlantic Sea, Portugal is tiny – it’s slightly smaller than the U.S. state of Maine – yet, this seafaring nation has had a profound global impact with a legacy of around 250 million Portuguese speakers around the world. With its regal architecture, rich art scene and breathtaking landscapes, Portugal is pretty, but it’s not polished, and the country shines with authenticity. As we settle into our flight, we cast our minds towards a tour that will reveal the many charms of Portugal.
Lisbon
Highlights:
On arrival in Lisbon, we are met by our English-speaking guide and transferred to the hotel. A pre-arranged early check-in gives us access to our rooms to relax and refresh before setting out on a half-day city tour.
Lisbon sprawls over seven rolling hills, a patchwork of terracotta-tiled rooftops and twisting narrow streets. Vintage yellow trams traverse its cobblestoned avenues, passing by colourful azulejo tiled façades glinting in the Iberian sun. Set on the immense estuary of the Targus River, Lisbon has the laidback atmosphere of a coastal city. Life often spills out into the streets, which are filled with smells of chorizo sizzling over warm coals and the sounds of locals gathering on the city’s many miradouros (viewpoints) to unwind after the day.
Our tour takes us to the Belém neighbourhood, where we visit two of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. Clad in limestone, these structures are built in the Manueline style and showcase a unique blend of European, Moorish and Eastern influences. We also see the Monument of the Discoveries, a homage to the great Portuguese explorers. Look out for Vasco da Gama, the first known European to round the Cape of Good Hope.
We return to the hotel in the evening and enjoy a three-course meal.
Lisbon
Highlights:
After breakfast, we set out to explore Lisbon’s food culture with a tour of one of the city’s famous food markets, followed by a Portuguese cooking class. Lisbon’s food scene is varied and exciting, ranging from traditional tascas – typical casual eateries serving local dishes – to avant-garde Michelin-star restaurants. Lisbonites take their food seriously, and in most cases, seasonality and simplicity are favoured above bells-and-whistles fine dining. While in Lisbon, be sure to try the local seafood, indulge in pastelaria (cakes), and sip on ginjinha (a cherry liqueur).
We savour the fruits of our cooking class for lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure. Use your free time to wander through the city. Don’t worry about navigating a route, aim to get lost, and you’re bound to discover something beautiful or exciting. Just remember to wear your trainers – Lisbon’s many hills will have you catching your breath!
Later, we gather at the hotel for dinner.
Lisbon – Sintra – Cape Roca – Cascais – Lisbon
Highlights:
We enjoy breakfast at the hotel and set out for a full-day excursion to Sintra, Cape Roca and Cascais.
Nestled in the mountains of the São Martinho area, Sintra is a charming town with a storybook aesthetic, and it’s surrounded by some of Portugal’s most famous landmarks. We visit the National Palace of Pena, a colourful and eccentric assortment of domes, towers and Moorish-style windows in shades of bright red and lemon yellow. Some say King Ferdinand II designed the palace to rival the castles of Bavaria, while others say it was a romantic gesture for his mistress. Regardless, the palace and surrounding gardens are a feast for the eyes.
We have some free time to see the town and have lunch before setting off to the Quinta da Regaleria, a whimsical villa enveloped in lush gardens. Designed by an Italian opera-set designer, the villa is an extravaganza of gothic towers, Renaissance-style turrets and elaborate stonework.
Afterwards, we set out for Cape Roca, the Westernmost point of continental Europe, where rocky cliffs fall away into the Atlantic Ocean. We zigzag our way back to Lisbon, stopping at Guincho, a popular beach and Cascais, a coastal town.
Tonight, we have dinner at the hotel.
Lisbon
Highlights:
The city is your playground, as a full day of leisure in Lisbon awaits today. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and head out on your own, or join us on an excursion:
Arràbida National Park (Optional)
Arrabida National Park lies south of Lisbon, wedged between the port city of Setùbal and the fishing village Sesimbra. Named after the Serra da Arràbida mountains that snake along the coastline, the park is known for its panoramic views of the Portuguese coast. Densely forested cliffs, long sandy beaches and shimmering blue water make for a relaxing scenic drive.
Fado Dinner Show (Included)
Tonight, we immerse ourselves in traditional culture with a Fado show. Born in Lisbon’s waterfront alleys and taverns in the 1800s, the mournful and melancholy songs of fado speak of life, struggle and longing. Fado is sung with such passion that you’ll feel you understand every word. A three-course meal, including select drinks and tea or coffee, accompany the show.
Lisbon – Malveira – Ericeira – Óbidos
Highlights:
This morning after breakfast, we set out for the enchanting town of Óbidos, travelling via Malveira, Ericeira and Bombarral.
The rural village of Malveira is a charming place to explore, but we’re here to learn how to make Pastel de Nata, the nation’s favourite pastry. These golden, creamy, delicious egg custard tarts abound in Portugal’s many bakeries, but their proliferation belies just how tricky they are to make. We get stuck in and relish the results of our hard work: a freshly baked Pastel de Nata.
Next, we travel to Ericeira, historically a traditional fishing village but more recently crowned the surfing capital of Europe. The town’s easygoing beach vibe is contrasted with cobblestones streets lined with quaint, tiled houses. Spend some time exploring the town and seek out a cosy café or trendy eatery for lunch.
We continue northwards to Óbidos, stopping at the Buddha Eden Garden outside Bombarral. Spread over 35 hectares, this immense oriental garden was created by Portuguese-South African businessman José Berardo in reaction to the destruction of the Buddhas of Banyan in Afghanistan. We take a train tour through the garden to admire the many Buddhas, pagodas and statues displayed in the zen surroundings.
In the afternoon, we arrive in Óbidos, where a three-course meal is served for dinner.
Óbidos – Tomar
Highlights:
Eat breakfast at the hotel and then jet out to sightsee in Óbidos. Nicknamed “The Town of Queens” after King Alfonso II gifted it to his queen, Óbidos is a beautiful maze of cobbled streets and white-washed houses topped with terracotta tiles. The city’s core is encircled by medieval walls that visitors can walk along, while the main shopping street is filled with boutiques selling chocolate and ginjinha liqueur. Óbidos is a book lover’s dream. It was named a UNESCO City of Literature in 2015, and contemporary bookshops can be found in many of the town’s repurposed historic buildings.
Later we depart Alcobaça Monastery. Founded in the 12th century by King Alfonso I, Alcobaça is a masterpiece of Cistercian Gothic art. It has the UNESCO stamp of approval for the purity of its architectural style, the beauty of the materials and the care with which it was built. We marvel at the soaring central nave and detailed stone carvings adorning the exterior before heading to Batalha Monastery. Equally impressive but with a very different architectural style, Batalha was completed in 1517 after over a century of construction.
This evening we arrive in Tomar, the Templar City. Dinner is enjoyed at the hotel.
Tomar – Condeixa-a-Nova – Coimbra
Highlights:
We have breakfast at the hotel and set off to uncover the many secrets of Tomar before making our way to Coimbra via the ruins of Conímbriga.
Tomar is a city steeped in history, and its narrow streets hold hundreds of years of stories, many of which have entered the realms of myth and legend. In 1160, Gualdim Pais, the Grand Master of the Order of the Knights Templar in Portugal, laid the first stone of the Castle and Convent of Christ. Built over five centuries, the complex is a tapestry of architectural sites. We visit the Convent of Christ and the main sights of the city associated with the Knights Templar.
Next, we drive into the countryside to the ruins of Conímbriga, an important city in Roman times. The ruins are remarkably well-preserved, with large, impressive mosaics adorning the floors. In-tact walls and exterior structures give excellent insight into the bustling city that once flourished here.
Afterwards, we continue through the rolling countryside to Coimbra. Tonight we have dinner at a local restaurant.
Coimbra
Highlights:
Awake in Coimbra and head out on your own, or join us for an optional tour of the university.
Coimbra rises from a bend in the River Mondego, its tightly-packed colourful buildings winding their way up a steep hill to the jewel in its crown: the University of Coimbra. The university is the oldest academic institution in the Portuguese-speaking world and one of Coimbra’s many historical sites. Notable treasures include the majestic Sé Velha Church, the Coimbra Botanical Garden, the Pedro e Inês Bridge and the Machado de Castro National Museum.
Tour of the University of Coimbra (Optional)
The university was established in Coimbra in 1537, and due to its strong ties with Portuguese royalty, it was installed in some of the city’s grandest buildings: the Bishop’s Palace and the Alcazar of Coimbra. Today, the campus is a sprawling complex of libraries, churches and chapels, each more beautiful and ornate than the next. See the University with a guided tour that dives into its exciting history.
In the evening, we reconvene for dinner at a local restaurant.
Coimbra – Aveiro – Lamego
Highlights:
We depart from Coimbra and continue our journey northwards to Lamego, stopping in Aveiro.
Aveiro is known for its saltpans which we discover with a guided tour. The fine salt made in Aveiro is known as “white gold” due to its high quality and delicate taste. After our tour, we have some free time to sightsee in town and eat lunch.
A system of canals runs through Aveiro’s historical centre, earning it the nickname the Venice of Portugal. Colourful boats resembling gondolas, barcos moliceiros, float through the city. Traditionally used to harvest and transport seaweed to be used as crop fertiliser, the barcos moliceiros are part of Aveiro’s cultural heritage. Art nouveau buildings, restaurants, cafes and shops line the waterways creating a charming scene.
From Aveiro, we head inland, travelling through rolling hills and valleys to the heart of the Portuguese countryside: the Douro Valley. Renowned as one of the best wine regions in the world, the Douro Valley is known for its fine port wines, which we will taste while here. We overnight in Lamego, a historic town with views over the mighty Duoro River and the terraced vineyards that wind along its steep banks. We enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Lamego – Pinhão – Porto
Highlights:
We wake up in Lamego and prepare to hit the road in the Duoro Valley. Scenic drives, tastings at traditional wine cellars and a cruise on the Duoro River lay in wait.
We start with a visit to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, a profusely decorated shrine perched on a hilltop in Lamego. An enormous Baroque staircase with 691 stairs climbs the hill, giving access to nine different levels decorated with fountains, azulejos panels, statues and beautiful gardens.
Next, we travel to the wine town of Pinhão, pausing to admire the views of the valley in Somodaes. In Pinhão, we visit a Quinta (wine farm) to taste some of the region’s excellent wines. The Duoro Valley’s nutrient-rich soils are complemented by cold winters, hot summers and low rainfall, creating the ideal terroir for various grape varieties.
We have lunch at a local restaurant and sample more of the local wine before setting off on a cruise of the Duoro River on a Rabelo boat. Beautiful vistas of terraced vineyards, traditional homesteads, quaint villages and rural life pass us by.
In the afternoon, we make our way to Porto, the namesake of the region’s most famous wines. We tour a port wine cellar and taste the delicious dessert tipple. Later, we check into our hotel. Tonight, dinner is for your account, so venture into the city to find a bite to eat.
Porto
Highlights:
Afternoon Food and Wine Tasting Tour
We spend the day touring the streets of Porto and experiencing its many historical, cultural and culinary treasures.
Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal and one of the oldest cities in Europe. Stretching along the banks of the Duoro River and the Atlantic coast, Porto is inextricably linked to the sea, and its name in Portuguese includes a definite article: o Porto, meaning “the port” or “the harbour”. Port wine, named after Porto, has flowed from the Duoro Valley through the city and to the rest of the world for centuries.
A half-day city tour shows us the key sights: the Ponte de Dom Luís I, the fascinating Ribeira district, Aliados Avenue and São Bento Station. In Porto, colourful houses stand tall, tightly packed along the water’s edge, hiding a warren of cobblestone lanes, impressive azulejo murals and stunning architecture – a photographer’s paradise.
We visit Livraria Lello, undoubtedly the world’s most beautiful bookshop. Curved wooden staircases swirl upwards to a ceiling made of stained glass, and ornate carvings adorn every surface. The shelves are packed with rare books, special editions and luxury volumes.
We dive into Porto’s culinary scene in the afternoon with a food and wine tasting tour.
Dinner is savoured at a local restaurant.
Porto
Highlights:
Enjoy a slow day in Porto, walking the streets and uncovering the city’s secrets at your own pace.
Tonight, we gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Porto – Johannesburg
A late check-out at the hotel guarantees a leisurely morning. Later, we depart for Porto airport and check-in for our flight to Johannesburg.
Day 15
Johannesburg
We arrive in Johannesburg and part ways after an eventful trip. Seagull Travel & Tours hopes that the charms, treasures and flavours of Portugal remain with you for years to come. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
We meet at O.R. Tambo and check in for our flight to Lisbon, Portugal. Sandwiched between sun-drenched Spain and the wild Atlantic Sea, Portugal is tiny – it’s slightly smaller than the U.S. state of Maine – yet, this seafaring nation has had a profound global impact with a legacy of around 250 million Portuguese speakers around the world. With its regal architecture, rich art scene and breathtaking landscapes, Portugal is pretty, but it’s not polished, and the country shines with authenticity. As we settle into our flight, we cast our minds towards a tour that will reveal the many charms of Portugal.
Lisbon
Highlights:
On arrival in Lisbon, we are met by our English-speaking guide and transferred to the hotel. A pre-arranged early check-in gives us access to our rooms to relax and refresh before setting out on a half-day city tour.
Lisbon sprawls over seven rolling hills, a patchwork of terracotta-tiled rooftops and twisting narrow streets. Vintage yellow trams traverse its cobblestoned avenues, passing by colourful azulejo tiled façades glinting in the Iberian sun. Set on the immense estuary of the Targus River, Lisbon has the laidback atmosphere of a coastal city. Life often spills out into the streets, which are filled with smells of chorizo sizzling over warm coals and the sounds of locals gathering on the city’s many miradouros (viewpoints) to unwind after the day.
Our tour takes us to the Belém neighbourhood, where we visit two of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. Clad in limestone, these structures are built in the Manueline style and showcase a unique blend of European, Moorish and Eastern influences. We also see the Monument of the Discoveries, a homage to the great Portuguese explorers. Look out for Vasco da Gama, the first known European to round the Cape of Good Hope.
We return to the hotel in the evening and enjoy a three-course meal.
Lisbon
Highlights:
After breakfast, we set out to explore Lisbon’s food culture with a tour of one of the city’s famous food markets, followed by a Portuguese cooking class. Lisbon’s food scene is varied and exciting, ranging from traditional tascas – typical casual eateries serving local dishes – to avant-garde Michelin-star restaurants. Lisbonites take their food seriously, and in most cases, seasonality and simplicity are favoured above bells-and-whistles fine dining. While in Lisbon, be sure to try the local seafood, indulge in pastelaria (cakes), and sip on ginjinha (a cherry liqueur).
We savour the fruits of our cooking class for lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure. Use your free time to wander through the city. Don’t worry about navigating a route, aim to get lost, and you’re bound to discover something beautiful or exciting. Just remember to wear your trainers – Lisbon’s many hills will have you catching your breath!
Later, we gather at the hotel for dinner.
Lisbon – Sintra – Cape Roca – Cascais – Lisbon
Highlights:
We enjoy breakfast at the hotel and set out for a full-day excursion to Sintra, Cape Roca and Cascais.
Nestled in the mountains of the São Martinho area, Sintra is a charming town with a storybook aesthetic, and it’s surrounded by some of Portugal’s most famous landmarks. We visit the National Palace of Pena, a colourful and eccentric assortment of domes, towers and Moorish-style windows in shades of bright red and lemon yellow. Some say King Ferdinand II designed the palace to rival the castles of Bavaria, while others say it was a romantic gesture for his mistress. Regardless, the palace and surrounding gardens are a feast for the eyes.
We have some free time to see the town and have lunch before setting off to the Quinta da Regaleria, a whimsical villa enveloped in lush gardens. Designed by an Italian opera-set designer, the villa is an extravaganza of gothic towers, Renaissance-style turrets and elaborate stonework.
Afterwards, we set out for Cape Roca, the Westernmost point of continental Europe, where rocky cliffs fall away into the Atlantic Ocean. We zigzag our way back to Lisbon, stopping at Guincho, a popular beach and Cascais, a coastal town.
Tonight, we have dinner at the hotel.
Lisbon
Highlights:
The city is your playground, as a full day of leisure in Lisbon awaits today. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and head out on your own, or join us on an excursion:
Arràbida National Park (Optional)
Arrabida National Park lies south of Lisbon, wedged between the port city of Setùbal and the fishing village Sesimbra. Named after the Serra da Arràbida mountains that snake along the coastline, the park is known for its panoramic views of the Portuguese coast. Densely forested cliffs, long sandy beaches and shimmering blue water make for a relaxing scenic drive.
Fado Dinner Show (Included)
Tonight, we immerse ourselves in traditional culture with a Fado show. Born in Lisbon’s waterfront alleys and taverns in the 1800s, the mournful and melancholy songs of fado speak of life, struggle and longing. Fado is sung with such passion that you’ll feel you understand every word. A three-course meal, including select drinks and tea or coffee, accompany the show.
Lisbon – Malveira – Ericeira – Óbidos
Highlights:
This morning after breakfast, we set out for the enchanting town of Óbidos, travelling via Malveira, Ericeira and Bombarral.
The rural village of Malveira is a charming place to explore, but we’re here to learn how to make Pastel de Nata, the nation’s favourite pastry. These golden, creamy, delicious egg custard tarts abound in Portugal’s many bakeries, but their proliferation belies just how tricky they are to make. We get stuck in and relish the results of our hard work: a freshly baked Pastel de Nata.
Next, we travel to Ericeira, historically a traditional fishing village but more recently crowned the surfing capital of Europe. The town’s easygoing beach vibe is contrasted with cobblestones streets lined with quaint, tiled houses. Spend some time exploring the town and seek out a cosy café or trendy eatery for lunch.
We continue northwards to Óbidos, stopping at the Buddha Eden Garden outside Bombarral. Spread over 35 hectares, this immense oriental garden was created by Portuguese-South African businessman José Berardo in reaction to the destruction of the Buddhas of Banyan in Afghanistan. We take a train tour through the garden to admire the many Buddhas, pagodas and statues displayed in the zen surroundings.
In the afternoon, we arrive in Óbidos, where a three-course meal is served for dinner.
Óbidos – Tomar
Highlights:
Eat breakfast at the hotel and then jet out to sightsee in Óbidos. Nicknamed “The Town of Queens” after King Alfonso II gifted it to his queen, Óbidos is a beautiful maze of cobbled streets and white-washed houses topped with terracotta tiles. The city’s core is encircled by medieval walls that visitors can walk along, while the main shopping street is filled with boutiques selling chocolate and ginjinha liqueur. Óbidos is a book lover’s dream. It was named a UNESCO City of Literature in 2015, and contemporary bookshops can be found in many of the town’s repurposed historic buildings.
Later we depart Alcobaça Monastery. Founded in the 12th century by King Alfonso I, Alcobaça is a masterpiece of Cistercian Gothic art. It has the UNESCO stamp of approval for the purity of its architectural style, the beauty of the materials and the care with which it was built. We marvel at the soaring central nave and detailed stone carvings adorning the exterior before heading to Batalha Monastery. Equally impressive but with a very different architectural style, Batalha was completed in 1517 after over a century of construction.
This evening we arrive in Tomar, the Templar City. Dinner is enjoyed at the hotel.
Tomar – Condeixa-a-Nova – Coimbra
Highlights:
We have breakfast at the hotel and set off to uncover the many secrets of Tomar before making our way to Coimbra via the ruins of Conímbriga.
Tomar is a city steeped in history, and its narrow streets hold hundreds of years of stories, many of which have entered the realms of myth and legend. In 1160, Gualdim Pais, the Grand Master of the Order of the Knights Templar in Portugal, laid the first stone of the Castle and Convent of Christ. Built over five centuries, the complex is a tapestry of architectural sites. We visit the Convent of Christ and the main sights of the city associated with the Knights Templar.
Next, we drive into the countryside to the ruins of Conímbriga, an important city in Roman times. The ruins are remarkably well-preserved, with large, impressive mosaics adorning the floors. In-tact walls and exterior structures give excellent insight into the bustling city that once flourished here.
Afterwards, we continue through the rolling countryside to Coimbra. Tonight we have dinner at a local restaurant.
Coimbra
Highlights:
Awake in Coimbra and head out on your own, or join us for an optional tour of the university.
Coimbra rises from a bend in the River Mondego, its tightly-packed colourful buildings winding their way up a steep hill to the jewel in its crown: the University of Coimbra. The university is the oldest academic institution in the Portuguese-speaking world and one of Coimbra’s many historical sites. Notable treasures include the majestic Sé Velha Church, the Coimbra Botanical Garden, the Pedro e Inês Bridge and the Machado de Castro National Museum.
Tour of the University of Coimbra (Optional)
The university was established in Coimbra in 1537, and due to its strong ties with Portuguese royalty, it was installed in some of the city’s grandest buildings: the Bishop’s Palace and the Alcazar of Coimbra. Today, the campus is a sprawling complex of libraries, churches and chapels, each more beautiful and ornate than the next. See the University with a guided tour that dives into its exciting history.
In the evening, we reconvene for dinner at a local restaurant.
Coimbra – Aveiro – Lamego
Highlights:
We depart from Coimbra and continue our journey northwards to Lamego, stopping in Aveiro.
Aveiro is known for its saltpans which we discover with a guided tour. The fine salt made in Aveiro is known as “white gold” due to its high quality and delicate taste. After our tour, we have some free time to sightsee in town and eat lunch.
A system of canals runs through Aveiro’s historical centre, earning it the nickname the Venice of Portugal. Colourful boats resembling gondolas, barcos moliceiros, float through the city. Traditionally used to harvest and transport seaweed to be used as crop fertiliser, the barcos moliceiros are part of Aveiro’s cultural heritage. Art nouveau buildings, restaurants, cafes and shops line the waterways creating a charming scene.
From Aveiro, we head inland, travelling through rolling hills and valleys to the heart of the Portuguese countryside: the Douro Valley. Renowned as one of the best wine regions in the world, the Douro Valley is known for its fine port wines, which we will taste while here. We overnight in Lamego, a historic town with views over the mighty Duoro River and the terraced vineyards that wind along its steep banks. We enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Lamego – Pinhão – Porto
Highlights:
We wake up in Lamego and prepare to hit the road in the Duoro Valley. Scenic drives, tastings at traditional wine cellars and a cruise on the Duoro River lay in wait.
We start with a visit to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, a profusely decorated shrine perched on a hilltop in Lamego. An enormous Baroque staircase with 691 stairs climbs the hill, giving access to nine different levels decorated with fountains, azulejos panels, statues and beautiful gardens.
Next, we travel to the wine town of Pinhão, pausing to admire the views of the valley in Somodaes. In Pinhão, we visit a Quinta (wine farm) to taste some of the region’s excellent wines. The Duoro Valley’s nutrient-rich soils are complemented by cold winters, hot summers and low rainfall, creating the ideal terroir for various grape varieties.
We have lunch at a local restaurant and sample more of the local wine before setting off on a cruise of the Duoro River on a Rabelo boat. Beautiful vistas of terraced vineyards, traditional homesteads, quaint villages and rural life pass us by.
In the afternoon, we make our way to Porto, the namesake of the region’s most famous wines. We tour a port wine cellar and taste the delicious dessert tipple. Later, we check into our hotel. Tonight, dinner is for your account, so venture into the city to find a bite to eat.
Porto
Highlights:
Afternoon Food and Wine Tasting Tour
We spend the day touring the streets of Porto and experiencing its many historical, cultural and culinary treasures.
Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal and one of the oldest cities in Europe. Stretching along the banks of the Duoro River and the Atlantic coast, Porto is inextricably linked to the sea, and its name in Portuguese includes a definite article: o Porto, meaning “the port” or “the harbour”. Port wine, named after Porto, has flowed from the Duoro Valley through the city and to the rest of the world for centuries.
A half-day city tour shows us the key sights: the Ponte de Dom Luís I, the fascinating Ribeira district, Aliados Avenue and São Bento Station. In Porto, colourful houses stand tall, tightly packed along the water’s edge, hiding a warren of cobblestone lanes, impressive azulejo murals and stunning architecture – a photographer’s paradise.
We visit Livraria Lello, undoubtedly the world’s most beautiful bookshop. Curved wooden staircases swirl upwards to a ceiling made of stained glass, and ornate carvings adorn every surface. The shelves are packed with rare books, special editions and luxury volumes.
We dive into Porto’s culinary scene in the afternoon with a food and wine tasting tour.
Dinner is savoured at a local restaurant.
Porto
Highlights:
Enjoy a slow day in Porto, walking the streets and uncovering the city’s secrets at your own pace.
Tonight, we gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Porto – Johannesburg
A late check-out at the hotel guarantees a leisurely morning. Later, we depart for Porto airport and check-in for our flight to Johannesburg.
Day 15
Johannesburg
We arrive in Johannesburg and part ways after an eventful trip. Seagull Travel & Tours hopes that the charms, treasures and flavours of Portugal remain with you for years to come. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
Join Seagull Travel & Tours for a 12-night discovery of the charms and treasures of Portugal. Travelling from Lisbon to Porto, we dive into the history, art, architecture and food of this colourful, cultural and stylish destination.
We walk through cobblestoned streets lined with colourful buildings, see UNESCO World Heritage Sites, admire centuries-old monasteries and uncover layers of history in some of Europe’s most ancient cities.
We enjoy authentic Portuguese cuisine with tours of Lisbon and Porto’s food markets, traditional cooking classes and meals in local restaurants. A night in the Duoro Valley offers us the chance to taste some of the region’s world-famous port wines while beautiful experiences like an intimate fado performance and a cruise along the Duoro River bring the essence of Portugal to life.
Local English-speaking guides light up our trip with their knowledge and insight, while hand-picked hotels provide the ideal place to rest and relax after days under the Iberian sun. Join Seagull Travel and Tours and experience almost 30 years of passion for creating exciting, elegant tours.
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Seagull Travel & Tours crafts small group tours that offer luxury, convenience, and spontaneous moments of joy.
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We are here to help
The tour leader collects a set amount from each member of a tour. This kitty is then used to tip the local tour guide and city guides, bus drivers, any other assistants, and restaurant staff. We believe in tipping for good service as a token of appreciation, especially as many workers in tourism rely on tips to supplement their income.
Although we cannot apply on your behalf, we are more than willing to give guidance and assistance with completing forms. We do this for many clients on a near-daily basis. It does, however, remain the responsibility of the client to ensure that they get the correct visa on time.
Remember that we limit the number of guests on our tours. This means more time at stops and sites. We definitely do not do groups of 30 pax, where guests are rushed from one site to the other. There is enough time to explore on your own.
We always suggest USD/Euro 50 to USD/Euro 100 per person per day. As we mostly include two meals per day on our tours, this will be enough for lunch/dinner, some snacks, and memento shopping. Should you want to buy larger items, we suggest taking along your credit card. Remember to advise the bank that you will be travelling.
