Day 1

We fly to Porto and transfer to the Hotel Cristal Viera Praia & Spa, where we stay for the next five nights.

Day 2 - Praia da Veira and Marinha Grande

This morning, we take a guided walking tour of Praia da Veira to get our bearings. Still a fishing community, it has plenty to offer its visitors along the pretty seafront.

Later, we head to the nearby town of Marinha Grande, the centre for Portugal’s glass industry, once spearheaded by English entrepreneur William Stephens. To find out more about its history, we visit the Glass Museum, located on the site of the country’s first major glassworks and full of beautiful items from the 17th century to the present day.

Day 3 – Lisbon

Today we enjoy a guided tour and free time in Lisbon, a city of canary-yellow trams, delicious pastel de natas and spectacular architecture bejewelled with emblematic azulejos (Lisbon tiles). Find out the story of this decorative feature at the Lisbon Tile Museum, soak up the capital’s atmosphere at the magnificent royal square, admire the intricate Jerónimos Monastery, seek out one of the many viewpoints to admire the terracotta-hued views or head up to the imposing São Jorge Castle, perched high above the city.

Day 4 – Obidos, Nazare and Alcobaca

We head to picturesque Óbidos, a designated UNESCO Creative City and City of Literature, surrounded by a fortified wall. There are famously 14 bookstores here, with one of them housed in a church, as well as a preserved castle, charming squares and a tangle of pretty streets lined with whitewashed houses. Don’t miss the local specialty here; Ginjinha de Óbidos (sour cherry brandy), traditionally served in a chocolate cup.

Next, we spend some time in the picturesque town, fishing community and surfing mecca of Nazaré. Offering one of the best beaches in Portugal, be sure to take a leisurely stroll along the seafront here or head to one of the charming restaurants for some fresh local fish.

Our last stop of the day is Alcobaça to visit its spectacular monastery. Founded by King Alfonso I in the 12th century, this UNESCO-listed gem is a splendid example of Cisterian Gothic architecture, complete with a Monk’s Room, Dormitory, Chapter House, Refectory and more (please note that entrance to the cloisters is not included).

Day 5 – At leisure

Free time to relax around the pool, enjoy the hotel facilities or explore the local resort area.

Day 6 – Coimbra

After checking out of our first hotel, we head to the city of Coimbra, once Portugal’s medieval capital and home to a prestigious university. Originally founded in 1290 in Lisbon and relocated in 1527, its historic buildings are a delight to explore – don’t miss the baroque library, where its 18th-century walls are lined with elaborate frescoes, thousands of books and beautiful golden detailing. The city is also renowned for its many monuments that represent each chapter of Coimbra’s history as well as the Igreja de Santa Cruz, one of the country’s most significant churches due to its Gothic royal tombs, a 15th-century frieze depicting the Age of Discovery and a 4,000-pipe organ which only four people can play.

Later, we check into the Axis Vermar Hotel, where we stay for the remaining five nights of our tour.

Day 7 –  Viana do Castelo

This morning, we take a guided walking tour of Viana do Castelo, which features beautiful religious architecture, lovely riverside walks and a charming Costume Museum which delves into Portuguese traditions and embroidery. Its port was once one of the gateways to the country, where brave explorers and traders returned from their voyages to the new world, and built its wealth through the wine, salt, textile, ceramic and glass industries.

Day 8 - Porto

Porto is one of the highlights of our holiday, with its lovely waterfront, local delicacies, quirky street art and stunning Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site plaited with atmospheric alleyways, historical buildings and fado houses. We include entrance to one of Porto’s most distinguished buildings, the Palácio da Bolsa, built in the 19th century to provide a dignified setting for the city's merchants and to impress international business visitors. One of the most notable features of the Stock Exchange Palace is its stunning interior, which features the famous Arab Room. This room, inspired by the Alhambra in Granada, is adorned with intricate Moorish Revival architecture and lavish decorations, making it a popular attraction for tourists and a venue for official receptions. Later on, we also head to a renowned Port cellar for a tasting of this fortified wine – a must-do while in this special Portuguese city!

Day 9 - At leisure

Relax at the hotel or why not head in to Póvoa de Varzim for a spot of souvenir shopping?.

Day 10 - Braga and Guimaraes

Today we take a guided tour of Braga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the third largest city in Portugal. The vibrant metropolis offers a wonderful mix of baroque churches, narrow streets and delightful squares soundtracked by the regular chiming of bells, as well as the oldest cathedral in the country, built centuries ago, on the ruins of a Roman temple.

We then continue with a guided tour of Guimarães, where the first king of Portugal, Alfonso Henrique, was born in 1110. As a previous European Capital of Culture and with a UNESCO-listed old quarter, there’s plenty to see amongst its warren of ancient lanes, or the café-lined plazas offer the perfect setting to enjoy a Portuguese coffee. Just one of the city’s highlights is the Ducal Palace, ordered to be built in the 1400s and once occupied by the first Dukes of Braganza. The museum here is full of treasures, from tapestries and furniture to porcelain and more.

Day 11 

We check out of our hotel and transfer to Porto airport for our flight home.

National Holidays brochure price in RED

Travel 55 discount price in BLACK

Tel National Holidays reservations on 0333 234 2498 quote Travel 55 code PTR557