Discover Portugal · Medieval Villages & Cultural Cities

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Discover Portugal · Medieval Villages & Cultural Cities
Lisbon, Portugal
Sep 18 - 27, 2026
Alt-Esc Travel Clan image
Alt-Esc Travel Clan
$3,200
Deposit: $600

About this trip

Portugal Discovery Tour: A Journey Through History, Culture, and Scenery

Lisbon, Porto, Braga, Douro Valley, Evora, Guimaraes, Monsanto, Nazaré, Obidos

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Portugal's most captivating destinations. This curated tour takes you from the vibrant capital of Lisbon to the picturesque coastal charm of Nazaré, and deep into the heart of the country's rich heritage and natural beauty.

Begin in Lisbon, where cobbled streets, historic trams, and grand plazas meet contemporary culture. Explore the city's iconic neighborhoods like Alfama and Belém, savoring pastel de nata and soaking in panoramic views from hilltop miradouros.

Next, venture north to Porto, Portugal’s second city, renowned for its medieval riverside district, colorful architecture, and world-famous Port wine. Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Douro River and discover the charm of Ribeira’s narrow alleys and lively atmosphere.

Delve into the lush landscapes of the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where terraced vineyards and river vistas create a breathtaking backdrop for wine tasting and relaxation.

Continue to Braga, one of the country’s oldest cities, blending Roman history with elegant Baroque churches, and on to Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal, where medieval streets and a majestic castle echo the country's founding moments.

Step back in time in Évora, a UNESCO-listed city in the Alentejo region, known for its Roman temple, Gothic cathedral, and unique Chapel of Bones.

Experience the fairy-tale charm of Óbidos, a walled medieval town filled with whitewashed houses, flowered balconies, and artisan shops. Then witness the Atlantic’s might in Nazaré, a traditional fishing village famed for its giant waves and vibrant coastal culture.

Conclude your journey in Monsanto, often called the "most Portuguese village in Portugal," where granite houses are wedged between massive boulders in a surreal and timeless landscape.

From ancient cities to dramatic coastlines and vineyard-covered valleys, this tour offers a rich tapestry of Portuguese culture, history, and natural splendor.

Payment Schedule

Due to the high interest, low inventory and strict supplier terms and conditions, the following deposit, payment and refundability schedule is necessary. 

     Payment Schedule

    Registration & Deposit $600

    Remaining Balance  May 1, 2026

   Refund/Cancellation Schedule

       $600 Registration/Deposit at registration -Please see breakdown below:

  •  $100 Registration fee to Alt Esc is due at registration - this is refundable for two weeks after registration. It allows time to get vacation approval, pet coverage, etc. Two weeks after registration, the $100 registration fee is no longer refundable.

  • $500 Deposit to supplier is due at registration and refundable until Jan 18, 2026.

Any payments made after May 1, 2026 are NON-REFUNDABLE.

What's included

Guide

Specially trained English-speaking host

Transportation

Private air-conditioned vehicles as listed in the itinerary.

Accommodations

10 Nights in Superior-category hotels.

Meals

Daily breakfast included at hotels.

Entrance

Palace of Bragança Duques & Chapel of Bones

Boat Tour

Boat tour in Régua

Panoramic Tours

Lisbon, Evora & Porto. Visit Braga, Guimaraes, Nazaré, Obidos, Monsanto, Marvão and Castelo de Vide

Half Day Tour

Tour to Sintra

Entrance

Pena Palace

What's not included

Airfare

Flights in & out of Portugal are not included.

Gratuities

Local guides, drivers, guides.

Meals

Not specified in the itinerary.

Alcoholic beverages

Unless specified in an itinerary.

Personal Expenses

Drinks, souvenirs, free-time activities, additional activities not noted, etc.

Tourist tax

Approximately €4 per person, per night in Lisboa and Porto. To be paid upon check-in at hotel.

Fri, Sept 18

Fri, Sept 18 image

Depart USA

Most likely an overnight flight. Many travelers prefer to book their own international flights. Some want to use miles or credits and others want to control their departure and arrival times - possibly adding a pre or post trip to this adventure.

Sat, Sept 19 Lisbon

Sat, Sept 19 Lisbon image

Arrival in Lisbon

Touch down in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, known for its dramatic coastline and pastel-colored buildings. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Why not explore the oldest parts of the city to admire the ornate architecture or simply enjoy the views of the River Tagus from one of the many riverside cafes and bars.

Overnight: Hotel Açores Lisboa

Sun Sept 20

Sun Sept 20 image

Lisbon & Sintra

After our delicious breakfast at the hotel, we take a fascinating half-day tour of Lisbon to get an eye-opening overview of this amazing city. We begin with a panoramic tour of the city center through Avenida da Liberdade and Praça do Comércio. Next head to the church of the Jerónimos Monastery, home to the tomb of Vasco de Gama and the famous poet Camões. We contemplate the incredible Belém Tower and head to the very famous Pastéis de Belém bakery where you will have some free time to buy and taste the typical and delicious cream cakes.

In the afternoon, we have included the optional excursion to Sintra into our itinerary. Visit this unforgettable city—declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site—full of 19th-century romantic architecture, fairytale castles and exquisite gardens. We visit the National Palace of Pena, also declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco, an impressive work that mixes numerous architectural styles and is seated on large rocks offering a captivating image. We see the walls with its drawbridge, the convent, the courtyard of the arches and the palace area decorated in cathedral style.

Overnight: Hotel Açores Lisboa

Mon, Sept 21

Mon, Sept 21 image

Lisbon - Evora

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and depart to historic Evora this morning. Evora is the capital of Portugal's south-central Alentejo region and is well-known for its impressive monuments, including the ancient Roman Temple of Evora! On arrival, enjoy a walking tour of the city including a visit to the Church of St. Francis and the famous Chapel of the Bones.

Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, why not visit some of the medieval castles and have a bite to eat at the beautiful square in the Historic Center? Or, enjoy a wine tasting of the local wines!

Overnight: Hotel Vila Galé Évora

Tues, Sept 22

Tues, Sept 22 image

Evora - Marvão y Castelo de Vide - Covilhã

This morning, after breakfast, you’re heading to the medieval village of Marvão, a municipality in the Portalegre District that has been described as an eagle’s nest hidden away in the hills. Visiting this quaint town has become popular thanks to its appearance in the New York Times’ Top 1000 bucket list destinations.

Visit the beautiful Marvão hill, with time to stroll around the castle and the city to admire the wonderful views and landscapes. Next, Visit the city of Castelo de Vide and its famous jewish quarter to understand the history of the Jewish culture in Portugal. Finally, head to Covilhã, a city that lies among rivers and mountains, where you will check-in to your hotel.

Overnight: Sport Hotel Gym + SPA

Wed, Sept 23

Wed, Sept 23 image

Covilhã - Monsanto - Covilhã

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, head to the most famous Portuguese village of Monsanto, an old templar castle that is the backdrop for the world-renowned series The House of the Dragon. Enjoy time to wander around the castle’s incredible medieval surroundings. The experience will truly transport you back to the past. Head back to Covilhã and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to discover the city. Check out the Praça do Municipio and the church of Santa Maria, or maybe pay a visit to the Museu de Lanifícios to learn more about the history of the largest wool producers in Europe.

Overnight: Sport Hotel Gym + SPA

Thurs, Sept 24

Thurs, Sept 24 image

Covilhã - Régua - Porto

Today you'll discover the town of Regua, on the banks of the River Douro, well-known for its fundamental role in the production of Port Wine. On the way, admire the incredible world-famous landscapes of the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a pleasant boat trip in Régua to admire the landscape from the river to gain a new perspective. After today’s tour, head to Porto passing by the phenomenal landscapes till you reach your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to begin discovering this stunning Portuguese city.

Overnight: Hotel Dom Henrique Downtown

Fri, Sept 25

Fri, Sept 25 image

Porto

We begin with breakfast at the hotel before a walking tour of Porto, starting at your hotel, to see the main attractions of the city such as the impressive Sao Bento train station. Afterwards, walk down to the riverside, crossing the most characteristic quarters of Porto. In the afternoon, soak up the delights of Porto at your own pace, admiring the famous tiled facades or sampling the authentic local port in a cozy cafe.

Overnight: Hotel Dom Henrique Downtown

Sat, Sept 26

Sat, Sept 26 image

Porto - Braga and Guimaraes - Porto

Today we will head to the town of Braga, known for its historical buildings, monuments, gardens and fountains. Visit The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, located on the slopes of Mount Espinho, overlooking the city of Braga in the north of Portugal, this cultural landscape recreates a sacred mount crowned with a church. Afterwards, enjoy free time in the medieval city center of Braga. In the afternoon, take a trip to Guimarães, known for well-preserved medieval buildings like the hilltop, 10th-century Guimarães Castle, with its sweeping city views. Enjoy a walking tour through the historic center of Guimarães, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Paço dos Duques de Bragança, a medieval estate and noble palace that still stands today a true example of the architecture of its time. After the tour is over, head back to Porto to your hotel.

Overnight: Hotel Dom Henrique Downtown

Sun, Sept 27

Sun, Sept 27 image

Lisbon - Nazare - Obidos - Lisbon

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy your last day in Portuguese land with a trip to the well-known fishing village of Nazaré by road. Visit the cliff of Nazaré, home to the Shrine of Our Lady of Nazaré, a religious pilgrimage that still subsists to this day. Enjoy free time at lunchtime to grab a bite to eat at the beach before heading to Óbidos, one of the best-known villages in Portugal thanks to its magical cobblestone streets and charming architecture, enclosed within medieval city walls, where you will feel like you have stepped back in time. Make the most of your free time to explore the village. Finally, transfer to Lisbon to your hotel.

Overnight: Hotel Açores Lisboa

Mon, Sept 28

Mon, Sept 28 image

Lisbon - Home or Azores Trip Extension

Breakfast at the hotel prior to beginning your journey home or continue on to the Azores adventure.

About your organizer

Book your next getaway with Alt Escape, a boutique international adventure travel company that specializes in ultra-personalized itineraries. We focus on our guests experiencing the land, the people, and the culture in the most immersive, energizing, and inspiring way possible. With decades of experience, it is a pleasure to get to know you – my guest – and help generate ideas for your ideal trip and research the unknown gems that will create the most extraordinary trip imaginable for you.

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