Portugal Vacation With Lagos Beaches in Algarve

Itinerary

• Day 1: Porto, Arrival

  Olá! Welcome to Porto! After you land in this fascinating city, meet your private driver who will greet you with a big smile for a smooth transfer to your centrally-located hotel. Settle down, and the rest of the day is for you to recover from jet lag or explore this city under your own steam.

  Wandering the streets of Porto, you'll be captivated by its charming atmosphere. Portugal's second-largest city has a history of over two thousand years, and its beautiful architecture in Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles tells stories of the past.

  • Porto

• Day 2: Essence of Porto Walking Tour

  Delve into Porto's fascinating culture on this walking tour! Learn about the city's culinary traditions at the Mercado do Bolhão, a hub of bustling activity selling a kaleidoscope of local produce. Stop in front of the Lello Bookshop, renowned as one of the world's most beautiful, and the Clérigos Tower, an icon of the city, towering at 76 meters. Next, visit São Bento Station for its well-preserved tilework showing stories of the past, and step into the Porto Sé Cathedral, whose fusion of Baroque, Romanesque, and Gothic styles will leave a deep impression. Strolling through the Ribeira neighborhood, you'll reach the riverbanks to admire the towering Luís I Bridge. Also included in the tour is a Port wine-tasting session.

  Explore this city on your own for the rest of the day. You may want to visit the Palace of the Stock Exchange in an elegant neo-classical style and the Church of Saint Francis, one of Porto's most prominent Gothic architecture.

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  • Porto

• Day 3: Douro Valley Wine Tasting Tour

  Featuring picturesque landscapes, sleepy villages, terraced vineyards rolling down to the riverbanks, and a wine-making tradition passed down through the centuries, the Douro Valley is Portugal's top wine region, offering visitors an unparalleled experience of savoring fortified port wine, table wine, and indeed, the area's rich heritage. Today, slow down and delight yourself with the Douro Valley's precious produce on a day trip with a driver-guide!

  Visit a wine estate (Quinta in Portuguese) to learn about the current practices and the stories behind the bottles, and savor the rich, complex flavors of Douro Valley wine. After having lunch at a Quinta, head to the Casal de Loivos Viewpoint to enjoy the panoramic view of the undulating vineyards in the valley. You'll take a leisurely walking tour in the Douro Valley, gain a deeper understanding of the local charming culture, and experience the traditional cuisine.

  In the evening, return to Porto for the night.

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  • Porto

• Day 4: Onwards to Lisbon With Coimbra Visit

  Travel south by private car to Lisbon today! After around one and a half hours, arrive in Coimbra for a visit to the nation's ancient capital and intellectual center. Stroll the winding lanes to the University of Coimbra (exterior view), one of the oldest in Europe, and admire its elegant Baroque architecture. Next up is the Santa Cruz Church, the final resting place of Portugal's first two kings, featuring beautifully preserved Manueline architecture. It was also where St. Anthony of Padua once studied.

  Continue your journey south and reach Lisbon in another two hours. This bustling city boasts a vibrant food scene, and for the rest of the day, you can explore its streets and alleys on your own and locate a restaurant for a taste of bacalhau salted cod and caldo verde soup (own account).

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  • Lisbon

• Day 5: Lisbon Highlight Tour With Private Guide

  Discover Lisbon's historic center on this half-day private tour! Head to the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte Lookout for a spectacular view of the cityscape. Then, go on a walking tour of the old quarter of Alfama. Visit the Lisbon Cathedral, the city's oldest church and a witness to seven hundred years of changes, and stroll along Alfama's narrow cobblestone streets flanked by pastel-colored buildings. Then, visit the Commercial Plaza, where the imposing Rua Augusta Arch stands.

  Afterward, admire the Belém Tower from the outside. A symbol of the Age of Discoveries, this limestone fortification jutting out to the river awes visitors with Manueline-style design and delicate details. The rest of the day is for you to explore the city on your own, perhaps visiting the Hieronymus Monastery or enjoying a tasty bite at a pastry shop (at your own expense).

  In the evening, enjoy a Fado Show & Dinner to immerse yourself in this soulful music deeply rooted in Portuguese culture. Private round-trip transfer is included.

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  • Lisbon

• Day 6: Sintra Pena Palace & Coastal Views Day Tour

  Unveil the allure of Sintra, once the summer retreat for Portuguese royalties with opulent palaces, fairytale castles, and exquisite gardens dotting verdant forests. Be awed by the Pena Palace, an architectural masterpiece constructed under the orders of King Ferdinand II where Gothic, Renaissance, Moorish, and Manueline styles come together and vibrant yellow and fiery red collide. Roam around the ornate halls and rooms and imagine the extravagant lifestyle led by the royals. You'll also visit the charming Sintra town.

  Afterward, your journey takes you to the coastal town of Cascais. Soak up the laid-back vibe of the Portuguese Riviera and savor a delicious lunch here (own account). Traveling along the coast to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, you'll be rewarded with gorgeous views of the sparkling blue ocean and rugged shoreline. Get back to Lisbon for a good night's rest.

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  • Lisbon

• Day 7: Journey to Lagos With Évora Tour

  Venture further south to the sun-kissed beaches and lazy towns of the Algarve region with a visit to the World Heritage-listed city of Évora! Visit the Évora Cathedral. This grand church is one of the finest examples of religious architecture in the country, blending Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles. Next up is the St. Francisco Church and its Chapel of Bones. Built by Franciscan monks in the 16th century, the Chapel provokes thought on the fragility of life in the face of inevitable mortality with walls covered by human bones and skulls.

  Arriving at the Roman Temple, you'll learn about the city's history under Roman occupation. Afterward, it's a three-hour road trip to Lagos, a charming seaside town in the western Algarve. 

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  • Lagos

• Day 8: Silves and Monchique Scenic Day Tour

  Join your private driver for a comfortable ride to Silves, the region's medieval capital with a hilltop castle (own account). Strolling around this monumental Moorish complex in a reddish hue, you'll gain a deeper appreciation of the area's past. Next up is the Cathedral of Silves (own account) with a Gothic exterior and Baroque details. There's the option of enjoying a cup of coffee just outside the castle walls if you'd like to spend this day in a more laid-back way.

  Driving towards the foothills of the Monchique Mountains, you'll stop in the town of Caldas, famous for its thermal baths, before reaching Fóia, the highest mountain peak in the Algarve, offering unbeatable views on a clear day. Then, visit a handicraft shop in Monchique town to learn about local crafts. During the tour, you'll also enjoy a wine-tasting experience. Delight in the aroma of fruits that characterize the region's wines and savor the velvety texture.

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  • Lagos

• Day 9: Enjoy Lagos in Your Way

  Today, you can discover more of Lagos and the Algarve in your own style!

  For a perfect beach day featuring soft, golden sands, refreshing dips in the turquoise waters, and gorgeous views of dramatic rock cliffs, consider making your way to Praia Dona Ana and Praia dos Estudantes, two of Lagos' best beaches.

  If you are into outdoor activities and sports, then you're spoilt for choice in Lagos. Immerse yourself in stunning views as you paddle a kayak across blue waters sparkling under the sun, hike one of the many coastal walks to admire the breathtaking panoramic vistas, or if you're into surfing, join a surfing lesson to hone your skills and feel the thrill of riding the waves. Enjoy Lagos!

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  • Lagos

• Day 10: Lagos to Faro, Departure

  Unwind in Lagos' warm sunshine and laid-back atmosphere for some more time before a driver escorts you to Faro Airport for your departure flight. The drive usually takes a little over an hour, and you can enjoy the comfort of a private transfer during the ride.

  Then, say goodbye to Portugal, its fascinating culture, vibrant food scene, and lovely people, and board your flight home. Safe travels!

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