Portugal – September 2025

Our journey begins at Newark International Airport... traveling beyond the pond to the amazing country of Portugal. We'll leave Sunday, September 28, 2025, on an overnight flight.

Arriving at Lisbon Airport we will collect our luggage and board our coach and travel to the Altis Avenida Hotel, located in the heart of Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city. Along the way we will enjoy a brief guided coach tour of the city with a stop at the Belem Tower. Upon arriving at the hotel, our luggage will be stored until our rooms are ready. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore Lisbon

Following breakfast at our hotel we will head to Castelo de São Jorge. Perched high above the city of Lisbon, the citadel was first built more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Since then, it has been developed by subsequent rulers of the city, from the Berbers to the Reconquista knights. Following our guided tour you can return to the hotel with the group or head back at your leisure, exploring Alfama, one of Lisbon’s oldest areas. Here, the narrow streets and walkways are lined with cafes and shops selling traditional crafts. The afternoon is yours to explore.

Breakfast Included

Our last day in Lisbon is yours to continue your experience in this historic city. Some of the essential places to visit include the waterfront to discover the city’s maritime heritage, the Monastery of Jerónimos, National Museum of Ancient Art, Lisboa Story Centre, and the Grand Palace of the Marquises of Fronteira. Or simply enjoy the many shops and cafes in the areas surrounding our hotel.

Breakfast Included

After breakfast we will say goodbye to Lisbon and make our way to Tomar.

Our first stop will be Óbidos, a small, walled medieval town that is a fairytale destination to explore. Founded in 208 BC, Óbidos is commonly known in Portugal as the 'wedding present town', as it was a gift from King Dinis to Queen Isabel on their wedding day in 1282. Following our guided tour enjoy free time to explore the village’s medieval fortress, narrow streets, colorful houses and Gothic doorways and windows decorated with flowerpots and dazzling tiles. Enjoy a light lunch at any of the cafes or browse around the tiny shops that offer a varied collection of beautiful handmade ceramic art.
Following Óbidos we will depart for Tomar. Along the journey we’ll stop at a local winery for a presentation of Portuguese wine followed by a tasting.

Today we finish our journey in the town of Tomar, staying at the Hotel dos Templários

Breakfast Included

Following breakfast we will walk to the Castle of Tomar and Convent of Christ. Originally a 12th-century Templar stronghold, The convent and castle complex are a historic and cultural monument and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983.

Following the guided tour of the castle and convent the rest of the afternoon is yours to explore this historical medieval town.

Breakfast Included

After breakfast we board our coach for the coastal town of Cascais

First, we’ll stop in Fátima, the central Portuguese town that’s home to a famous Catholic pilgrimage site known as the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima. Taking a guided tour of Fatima we will learn about how the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared six times in as many months before three young shepherds.

Next, we’ll make our way to Batalha to visit the 14th-century Batalha Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that illustrates the rich artistic heritage of the late 1300s and the final resting place of Portuguese royalty.

Lastly, we’ll stop in Nazaré. This seaside town is famous for it’s giant waves and offers one of the best views of the Portuguese coastline. Reaching 100 feet high, Nazaré holds the Guinness World Record for the highest wave ever surfed, surfers from all over the world try to set new records and conquer the giant waves of Nazaré.

Finally, we’ll arrive in the town of Cascais, located on the Portuguese Riviera, for our stay at the Hotel Vila Galé Cascais

Breakfast Included

Today we’ll head out to visit the palaces and gardens of Sintra. We’ll first stop at the National Palace of Pena, perched on top of the second highest point of the Sintra Mountains. The Palace is one of the best expressions of 19th century Romanticism in the world. The Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.

Folling a lunch stop in the town of Sintra we’ll visit the Quinta da Regaleira. Steeped in history and mysticism this Gothic palace offers gardens, hidden caves, and a surrealistic initiation well for your exploration.

After our visit to the palaces, we’ll head back to our hotel in Cascais traveling along the scenic rugged Atlantic coast.

Breakfast Included

Our last full day in Portugal is yours free to explore the seaside town of Cascais. Located on the Portuguese Riviera, Cascais is home to beautiful beaches, shopping, cafes, art galleries, museums, and upscale dining.

Breakfast Included

Following breakfast we bid farewell to Portugal as we transfer by coach to Lisbon Airport for our return flight to the United States.

Breakfast Included