Pousadas of Portugal

Day 1: UK/Lisbon/Palmela
You’ll depart on your scheduled flight to Lisbon today. On arrival, transfer to the Pousada de Palmela for a two-night stay.

Day 2: Palmela
Today we include a full-day excursion to Lisbon, the elegant Portuguese capital. Our guided tour will introduce you to all the highlights. Broad avenues and grand 18thcentury squares contrast dramatically with the cobbled alleys and steep stairways of the ancient Alfama district. View the iconic Belem Tower and step back in time at the fascinating Maritime Museum before savouring the opportunity to sample some delicious Portuguese custard tarts.

There will be free time this afternoon – why not soak up the atmosphere in Rossio Square.

Day 3: Crato
You’ll head east today travelling through the sleepy town of Arraiolos which rises jauntily from the flatlands and is famous for handmade Moorish carpets. Your journey continues to the Alentejo region and the ‘marble town’ of Estremoz. You’ll see the city gates and 13th century castle that crowns this fine medieval town before continuing to the Pousada do Crato for a two-night stay.

Day 4: Crato
Relax at the Pousada enjoying its facilities, or choose to join an optional excursion with lunch and drinks included and discover more of the local area. You’ll visit Alter do Chao with its formidable fortress-like castle and splendid views over the surrounding countryside. Continue to the Coudelaria stud farm where Lusitano racehorses are bred and then on to Marvao, which stands atop a rocky cliff overlooking dramatic mountain ranges. Here you’ll discover a labyrinth of picturesque streets, narrow winding staircases and the curious Alentejo chimneys.

Day 5: Vila Pouca da Beira
This morning you’ll travel to the city of Tomar, a fine example of medieval town planning. You may like to visit the renowned Convento de Cristo, one of the largest of the Order of Templar in Portugal. Continue to the atmospheric city of Coimbra which clings to the hills above the River Mondego. A guided tour will introduce you to its quaint streets, pretty houses and the university – the oldest in Portugal.

Your journey finishes at the Pousada de Vila Pouca da Beira, where a two-night stay has been arranged.

Day 6: Vila Pouca da Beira
Enjoy the surroundings of your Pousada today or join a three-quarter-day optional excursion with included lunch and drinks. You’ll visit the city of Viseu which has changed little since medieval times. Step inside the cool interior of the twin- towered cathedral and stroll through atmospheric squares. After lunch you’ll stop at Quintada Lagoa to sample fine wines and local cheeses of the Dao region.

Day 7: Braganca
You’ll travel north today visiting three towns en route. Guarda, with a gothic cathedral towering over its central square, is thought to be a former military base for Julius Caesar. You’ll then move on to charming Pinhel, which sits in the Coa Valley and takes its name from the pine woods of the nearby National Park. Your last stop will be Mirandela, famous for its delicious local sausages. Continue to Pousada de Braganca for an overnight stay.

Day 8: Viana do Castelo
More of Portugal’s finest northern gems will be revealed on today’s included excursion. First you’ll visit Chaves, founded by the Romans as a spa town. The impressive bridge which spans the Tamega River dates back over 2,000 years. Then you’ll continue to Guimaraes, Portugal’s first capital and a city that is bursting with history and fine architecture including the imposing medieval castle. Beautiful Braga with its fine Baroque buildings is the last stop before you reach your destination, Viana do Castelo, one of the most important European harbour cities in the 16th century. You’ll stay here for three nights.

Day 9: Viana do Castelo
The lively city of Oporto, which is set on a great gorge of the River Douro, is the destination of today’s included excursion. Look out for the austere cathedral, the famous bridges that span the river and the fine buildings along the Avenida dos Aliados. Oporto is, of course, home to many fine port wine lodges and a tour and tasting is included at Graham’s Wine Cellars, a wonderful way to round off a fascinating day.

Day 10: Viana do Castelo
This morning you’ll travel north on an included excursion to the fortress town of Valenca do Minho, located close to the Spanish border. Surrounded by huge stone ramparts, the fortress looks out across the Minho River and surrounding countryside. Explore the narrow alleys and shop for local specialities here. This area is renowned for terry cotton, jewellery and ceramics. The rest of the day is free so enjoy some time relaxing at the Pousada.

Day 11: Oporto/UK
Transfer to Oporto airport for your return flight to the UK.

Please note
This holiday includes walking in areas of rough ground, gradients and steps.

Accommodation throughout is in hotels of a comfortable standard, typical of the hotel you will stay in are:

The Pousadas of Portugal are part of a network of charming, individual properties that reflect the culture and best traditions of the regions in which they are located. Included dinners allow guests to sample the regional cuisine.

Pousada de Palmela
Is located in the historic Castelo de Palmela this 4-star property offers panoramic views of the Palmela countryside. All guest rooms feature en suite facilities, air-conditioning, TV and mini-bar. Guests can relax in the bar or enjoy a drink on the terrace.

Pousada do Crato
Originally a 14th century convent this 5-star Pousada was also a castle and palace previously. All guest rooms feature en suite facilities, air-conditioning, private balcony, TV and mini- bar. Other facilities include outdoor pool and sun terrace.

Pousada de Vila Pouca da Beira
This 5-star restored 18th century convent offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the shaded convent cloister and formal gardens are an oasis of calm. All guest rooms feature en suite facilities, air-conditioning, private balcony, TV and mini-bar. Other facilities include outdoor pool and tennis court.

Pousada de Braganca
Enjoy panoramic views of Braganca city and the castle from this 3-star Pousada. All rooms feature en suite facilities, private balcony, TV and mini-bar. Other facilities include a swimming pool and terrace. The centre of historic Braganca is a short walk away.

Pousada de Viana do Castelo
Overlooking the town of Viana do Castelo this 4-star property offers panoramic vistas over the ocean and surrounding landscape. All guest rooms feature en suite facilities, air-conditioning, TV and mini-bar. Other facilities include swimming pool, tennis court and many terraces from where you can admire the views. A walk through local woods will take you to the centre of Viana de Castelo.

All hotels will be confirmed in your final documentation.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Included excursions and visits

Lisbon (full day)
Arraiolos and Estremoz
Tomar and Coimbra
Guarda, Pinhel and Mirandela
Chaves, Guimares and Braga
Oporto including visit to Graham’s Wine Cellars (full day)
Valenca do Minho (half day)

Optional excursions

Alter do Chao, Coudelaria Stud Farm, Marvao and included lunch (three-quarter day)
Viseu with included lunch, local winery visit and cheese tasting (three-quarter day)

Your holiday includes

Scheduled flights
Overseas transfers and other transportation
10 nights’ accommodation
Half-board basis
The services of a Travelsphere Tour Manager and Local Guides
Hotel porterage (one bag per person)
All airport taxes and security charges
UK Airline Passenger Duty
All state and local taxes

With 50 years’ experience in arranging escorted tours to exciting destinations across the globe, Travelsphere have built an excellent reputation founded on quality and value.

By choosing a Travelsphere escorted holiday you can travel with confidence, knowing that every aspect of your holiday has been carefully planned and arranged from start to finish. Further to this they are ATOL bonded and members of ABTA.

Travelsphere’s thorough planning of travel arrangements, itineraries and accommodation combined with the unique insight of their knowledgeable Tour Managers and Local Guides will enable you to experience the culture, traditions and hidden away places less accessible to other travellers.

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