A Taste of Portugal
Portugal: Land of Awesomeness!
Still off the mainstream tourist’s radar, small and slow-paced Portugal hides a diversity of experiences – a delightful capital city, whitewashed villages, sun-soaked beaches, medieval walled towns, stellar food and wine, and dazzling countryside. Portugal has fine beaches, great weather, and a scattering of world heritage sites to visit.
Much of Portugal remains as it may have been two hundred or more years ago. There are many beautiful buildings to visit that have not been knocked down to make room for high-rises, and lots of quaint villages that hardly seem to have noticed the onset of the 21st century.
Your Taste of Portugal holiday includes:
- Return flights from London Gatwick - includes one piece of hold luggage per person
- Return private airport transfers accompanied by an English speaking representative
- 7 nights half-board at the 4* Hotel Ofir in Esposende - all rooms with en suite facilities and balcony
- Included excursion package with, guides and transportation as set out below
Taste of Portugal Itinerary
Day one
We take our scheduled flight from London Gatwick to Porto where we are met by our professional guide who will accompany us on all transfers and day trips. Transfer in our executive coach to the 4* Hotel Ofir at the resort of Esposende on the Atlantic coast for a seven night stay on a half-board basis.
Day two - Porto & River Douro
Our guided tour of Porto, Portugal's second largest town and one of the most ancient in Europe, takes in the Sao Fransisco Church, Bolsa Palace and the Stock Exchange and also a tasting at Villa Nova de gaia, one of the greatest port cellars. In the afternoon we enjoy a cruise on the River Douro where we see porto from a different perspective.
Day three - Fátima, Batalha & Alcobaça
This morning we explore the sanctuary of Fátima, a pilgrim destination on par with Santiago de Compostela in Spain or Lourdes in France. After lunch we continue to the UNESCO listed Domincan Abbey of Santa Maria of Vitória at Batalha. Dating back to 1388, the monastery celebrates the victory at Aljubarrota in 1385 and took almost two centuries to complete. We finish the day at the UNESCO listed Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Alcobaça, Portugal’s largest church, which was founded in 1153.
Day four - Esposende
A day at leisure to take a stroll along the beach and enjoy the leisure facilities which the hotel has to offer.
Day five - Braga & Guimarães
Today we visit Braga, the country’s religious capital during the 12th century. We visit Bom Jesus do Monte, Portugal’s most spectacular religious sanctuary and famous for its giant Baroque Escadaria stairway dating from 1722. We continue to Guimarães, celebrated as the birthplace of the nation after King Afonso Henriques chose the city as his capital in 1139. Our guided tour takes in the narrow streets of the medieval quarter, the cobbled Rua de Santa Maria and the Castelo de São Miguel.
Day six - Amarante
The pretty riverside town of Amarante is one of northern Portugal’s hidden gems. Rows of 17th century mansions with brightly painted wooden balconies line Amarante’s narrow streets and the spectacular São Gonçalo Bridge dates back to the 13th century. We then enjoy a scenic train journey from Amarante to Arco de Baulhe.
Day seven- Barcelos
The pleasant riverside town of Barcelos is our destination this morning, home to the country’s leading ceramics and crafts market and the source of the legendary cock that has become Portugal’s national symbol. We visit the Feira de Barcelos weekly market where you have the opportunity to purchase last minute souvenirs. The afternoon is then at leisure at our hotel.
Day eight
We transfer by coach to Porto airport for our scheduled TAP flight back home.