Portugal Itinerary

April 2025

We picked this tour because it is a Canadian company. What we loved most about it was that it didn't include any dinners. We prefer to eat when we want, on our own, and go for local food.

We've been on tours that have always included meals (eaten too early) and average food. We have had some good ones, but in general they were boring.

It doesn't have a "welcome" meeting either!!

In particular we hate those "farewell" dinners which we usually skip to the annoyance of the tour directors. My money...

There is one lunch in a winery in Porto. 

There is also ample free time to wander on our own. Groups are just too slow!

Having breakfast included is great.

We also prefer to book our own flights. This did come with flights included (at a price) but we prefer to get our own frequent flyer points and/or use some points and have control over our schedule. As well using our own credit cards ensure we have some travel insurance.

Date 18 Apr 2025 Good Friday
Airline KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Origin Toronto, Lester B. Pearson International
Destination Amsterdam, Schiphol

Saturday 19 Apr 25
Airline KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Origin Amsterdam, Schiphol
Destination Lisbon, Portela

Breakfast every day

1 - Lunch

Hotels:

4 nights in Lisbon
3 nights in Porto
4 nights in Madeira 
1 night in Lisbon 

Additional Nights
+ 2 additional nights before tour in Lisbon at the Turim Av Liberdade 4* hotel (or similar) in a standard room

Day 1: Lisbon (Portugal)-April 19 2025
Arrival at the airport (3 PM). You will be greeted by our local representatives after exiting the customs and transferred to your hotel.

The rest of the day is free for you to start your exploration of Portugal's capital city.


Day 1 - Day 3: - Lisbon (Portugal)

2 additional nights from Saturday April 19 2025 to Monday April 21 2025

---- Tour Start ----

Day 3: Lisbon

Monday April 21 2025

The rest of the day is free for you to start your exploration of Portugal's capital city.

Arrival at the airport. You will be greeted by our local representatives after exiting the customs and transferred to your hotel.

Lisbon charms with its historic neighbourhoods, vibrant culture, and timeless atmosphere, where tradition meets modern energy, all enhanced by its renowned culinary delights.

Day 4: Lisbon

Tuesday April 22 2025

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a half-day guided tour of Lisbon. You will begin with stunning views from the Edward VII observation deck, then explore Avenida da Liberdade and the vibrant downtown areas of Rossio and Praça do Comércio. You will continue to Belém, where the Portuguese explorers once set sail.

Visit the Tower of Belém, the Monument of the Discoveries and the Jerónimos Monastery, each a testament to the city’s golden Age of Discovery. After your visit, you will have some time to taste the renowned Pastéis de Belém.

Lunch and afternoon at leisure. Take your time to wander through Alfama’s charming alleys, where colourful streetcars and historic staircases bring Lisbon’s old town to life. Dinner at leisure and overnight at your hotel

in Lisbon. (Breakfast)

Day 5: Lisbon – Sintra – Cascais – Lisbon

Wednesday April 23 2025

Following breakfast at the hotel, you will drive along the road surrounded by ancient aristocratic estates and picturesque villages before reaching Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of the European continent. You will continue to Sintra, a medieval royal residence that became a favourite vacation spot for the aristocracy in the 18th century. You will see from afar the romantic Pena palace, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, known for its elaborate and ornate architecture, which features a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Manueline styles.

Lunch at leisure in Sintra before taking back the road. You will stop at the legendary Devil's Mouth cave and Guincho Beach before taking a stroll in the fishing town of Cascais. On your way back to Lisbon, you will pass by Estoril, a spa town where several noble families lived during World War II. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Lisbon. (Breakfast)

Day 6: Lisbon – Tomar – Fatima – Batalha – Porto

Thursday April 24 2025

Breakfast at your hotel. You will drive towards Tomar, a city steeped in history and the former residence of the Templars. Upon arrival you will visit the convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you will immerse yourself in the Manueline style with its architectural details, reflecting the golden age period. Then, you will take the direction of Fatima, a town that became a place of worship for believers after the Mother of God appeared to three shepherdesses in 1917. Nowadays, Fatima is a must-visit destination, more than 5 million of pilgrims from different countries come to visit it every year.

Lunch at leisure in Fatima before heading to the Monastery of Batalha, one of the best and original examples of Late Flamboyant Gothic architecture in Portugal. Then you will be transferred to your hotel in Porto.

Dinner at leisure and overnight in Porto. (Breakfast)

Day 7: Porto

Friday April 25 2025

After breakfast at the hotel, you will enjoy a half-day guided tour of Porto, a city perfectly blends with historic charm and modern vibrancy. You will begin your day at the iconic Bolhão Market, the famous farmers market, before passing by the stunning Chapel of the Souls. You will then stroll down Santa Catarina Street, home to the renowned Majestic Café, and admire the breathtaking tilework at São Bento Train Station. You will walk along Flores Street to the Stock Exchange Palace, where the group will make a quick stop for an explanation at the statue of Henry the Navigator. Then, you will move towards the charming Ribeira district and cross the famous Luis I Bridge on foot. At the end, you will enjoy a Porto wine tasting in the historic wine

cellars. After your visit, you will be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy your lunch and afternoon at leisure to continue your exploration of the city. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Porto. (Breakfast)

Day 8: Porto – Douro Valley – Porto

Saturday April 26 2025

Breakfast at the hotel. Departing from Porto, where the Douro River meets the sea, you'll journey through breathtaking landscapes and architectural marvels, showing the UNESCO heritage that defines the region.

The Douro Vinhateiro is a microclimate where olives, almonds and grapes all grow easily. You will enjoy a one-hour traditional rabelo boat tour on the Douro River before heading to a winery for a lunch and wine tasting with entertainment. Evening at leisure and overnight in Porto. (Breakfast-Lunch)

Day 9: Porto – Aveiro – Nazare – Óbidos – Lisbon

Sunday April 27 2025

Following breakfast at the hotel, you will head to Aveiro, often called the " Venice of Portugal", renowned for its charming canals and traditional culture. Your first stop will be in Costa Nova village, a picturesque village famous for its colourful striped fishermen's houses. Then, you will arrive in Aveiro city center where you will see the canals and the iconic boats.

You will continue to Nazare, a picturesque Portuguese beach town famous for its fresh seafood, cliffs, and fort. You will have some time at leisure for your lunch and to explore the city. Early afternoon, you will move towards Óbidos, a preserved medieval town. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to stroll through its cobblestone streets, visit quaint handicraft shops, and admire the whitewashed houses adorned with flowers. Later, you will head back to Lisbon. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Lisbon. (Breakfast)

Day 10: Lisbon - Madeira

Monday April 28 2025

After breakfast, you will be transferred from the hotel to the airport for your flight to Madeira.

Arrival at the airport in Madeira, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of your day is free at leisure.

(Breakfast)

Day 11 - Day 13: Madeira

From Tuesday April 29 2025 to Thursday May 01 2025

Breakfasts at the hotel during your stay. Take the opportunity to discover the beauty of Madeira! Right in the middle of the Atlantic, the island of Madeira is well known for its breathtaking landscapes and its absolutely stunning natural heritage.

Opt to book optional excursions ($) at destination, that will take you to a whale & dolphin watching in their natural habitat or go on a tour to visit Pico dos Barcelos, Eira do Serrado, Porto Moniz and more!

Day 14: Madeira – Lisbon

Friday May 02 2025

After breakfast, you will be transferred from the hotel to the airport for your flight to Lisbon.

Arrival at the airport of Lisbon, you will be transferred from the airport to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your own peace. (Breakfast)

Day 15: Lisbon (LIS)

Saturday May 03 2025

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (Breakfast)

Date 03 May 2025

Airline KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

Origin Lisbon, Portela

Destination Amsterdam, Schiphol

OVERNIGHT Schiphol Airport Hotel

THERE IS AN HOUR DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LISBON AND AMSTERDAM. IF IT IS 2 PM IN LISBON IT IS 3 PM IN AMSTERDAM.

DAY 16: May 4 2025  Amsterdam - Toronto

Date 04 May 2025

Airline KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

Origin Amsterdam, Schiphol

Destination Toronto, Lester B. Pearson International