Festive
Half Board
Day 2 Christmas Eve, Porto
It's famous for producing port wine, which is indeed delicious, but there's more to Porto than just a great drink! Today we'll tour its highlights, from the Baroque marvel that is Clérigos Church to the centuries-old Lello Bookstore, where books run all the way up to the carved ceiling. Take some free time to explore on your own or with your fellow travellers and enjoy lunch in one of the excellent local restaurants. Afterwards, we'll wander through the winding cobbled streets of historic Ribeira and admire the Neoclassical opulence of the 19th century Stock Exchange Palace. Tonight, a Festive dinner awaits.
Meals included: B,DDay 3 Christmas Day, Porto
Feliz Natal! Today is a day to spend in the way that makes you happiest. You'll have a joyful Christmas lunch with your fellow travellers at the hotel, as well as dinner at the hotel later on. Otherwise, choose your own activities at the hotel or around the surrounding areas
Meals included: B,L,DDay 4 Boxing Day, Viana do Castelo
Most of today will be spent on an excursion to Viana do Castelo. Prepare to be amazed by the beauty of this area, which has an abundance of all that makes the Costa Verde and Minho regions so special. In contrast with the verdant landscapes and sweeping coastline, the city itself buzzes with an industrial vitality that
comes from its long history of shipbuilding. Famous sights include the Pousada de Viana do Castelo, an elegant early 20th century building perched on leafy Monte de Santa Luzia.
Day 5 Guimarães
The city of Guimarães is our next exciting destination. This is where the first king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, was born. Our visit today we will admire the scenic square of Largo da Oliveira and a host of historic buildings, including an atmospheric ruined castle, before exploring the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança.
Meals included: B,DDay 6 Porto - Coimbra - Cascais
Coimbra was the medieval capital of Portugal and the legacy of that important role is still very apparent, as we'll discover on our visit to the city today. Architectural highlights include the ancient University of Coimbra and the magnificent New Cathedral, which, despite its name, opened in the 17th century. Next we'll continue to the coastal town of Cascais, your base for the remainder of your festive holiday.
Meals included: B,DDay 7 Lisbon
Something completely different today, as we make our way to Lisbon for a panoramic tour and change of pace. Admire a wealth of historic architecture in the Moorish Quarter, view the iconic Belém Tower and also the Jerónimos Monastery. We will take a visit to the National Tile Museum and also cross the 25th April bridge to the Statue of Christ the Redeemer to enjoy the fantastic views.
Meals included: B,DDay 8 Sintra & Cabo da Roca Lighthouse
You're sure to fall in love with Sintra, a UNESCO-listed town jam-packed with breathtaking architecture, from the grand villas to the multiple palaces that dominate the skyline. We'll have a tour of Sintra National Palace, with its unmistakable twin chimneys and lavish painted interiors. We’ll also visit the Cabo da Roca Lighthouse - the westernmost point of continental Europe. Meals included: B,DDay 9 New Year's Eve, Óbidos
Today we explore the hilltop town of Óbidos a compact town that is easy to explore on foot with it's narrow cobbled streets, lined with whitewashed buildings. With time to shop for local crafts. You could pick up some local specialties such as cherry liqueur or artisanal handicrafts during free time here. We'll be welcoming the new year with an all-out celebration at a wonderful gala dinner.
Meals included: B,DDay 10 New Year's Day, Cascais
New Year's Day is usually slow-paced, so you'll have the day to yourself to relax or explore as you choose. After brunch at the hotel, you could explore the gorgeous beaches and gardens of Cascais, or stroll along Rua Direita, the main street. Perhaps you prefer to just unwind in your room or find your fellow travellers and spend time with them around the grounds of the hotel.
Back at the hotel this evening, we'll gather for a farewell dinner.
Day 11 Lisbon - UK
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we transfer you to the airport for your flight back to the UK.
Meals included: B