PORTUGAL | LISBON, COIMBRA & PORTO |

Bem-vindo/a (Welcome) to Portugal!

Today, we'll arrive in the stunning city of Lisbon. Upon landing, the levarTravel leader will warmly welcome you at the hotel. Once settled in, we'll take some time to get to know each other, review the trip itinerary, and address any questions you may have.

There are no activities scheduled for this day. However, the leader will be available to help and advise you on what you should do and visit on this day.

As the evening sets in, we'll all come together for our first taste of authentic Portuguese cuisine. Your leader will recommend the best local restaurants and signature dishes, ensuring a delicious start to our adventure.

Accommodation: Hotel Açores Lisboa 4★

We begin our adventure in Lisbon, a city that hums with history and beauty at every turn. As the sun casts a golden glow over the rooftops, we explore the soul of the city in the Alfama district — a maze of narrow streets, steep staircases, and hidden courtyards where the scent of grilled sardines and the echo of fado melodies fill the air.

We'll visit the Sé de Lisboa, the city’s ancient cathedral, and enjoy sweeping views from the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, where bougainvillaea frames the Tagus River like a postcard. Along the way, tiled façades and wrought-iron balconies tell stories of a bygone era, while vibrant street life reminds us we are in a city that lives fully in the present.

The day continues through Baixa Pombalina, Lisbon’s elegant downtown rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake, and Rua Augusta, where cafés buzz with life beneath the triumphal arch. At Praça do Comércio, once the gateway to the world for Portuguese explorers, we feel the grandeur of an empire that shaped continents.

As the afternoon turns to evening, a ride on the iconic Tram 28 takes us through centuries of Lisbon’s charm — a living museum on wheels. And as the city lights begin to twinkle, we’ll raise a glass of ginjinha and toast to the beauty of discovery.

Accommodation: Hotel Açores Lisboa 4★
Meals: Breakfast

This second complete day in Lisbon leads us west, to Belém, the district of discoveries — where the Age of Exploration comes to life in stone, sail, and story.

We begin at the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery, a masterpiece of Manueline architecture, where the tomb of Vasco da Gama rests beneath intricately carved arches that seem to float in the air. Steps away, the Monument to the Discoveries rises like the prow of a ship, honouring the navigators who set out to map the unknown.

We pause at the iconic Belém Tower, once a fortress guarding the river, now a symbol of Lisbon's maritime soul. As we stroll along the riverside promenade, the scent of the sea mixes with the warm aroma of pastéis de nata, which we enjoy — still warm — from the original Pastéis de Belém bakery.

In the afternoon, we enter the realm of modern art at the MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology), a beautiful and very recommended museum in the capital.

As the sun lowers over the Tagus, we return with hearts full of stories, images, and flavours that remind us why Lisbon is not just a destination, but a feeling.

Accommodation: Hotel Açores Lisboa 4★
Meals: Breakfast

As dawn breaks over Lisbon, we set out northward, our journey unfolding along the scenic landscapes of central Portugal, bound for a city where time whispers through cloisters and academic gowns still rustle with tradition. Welcome to Coimbra — ancient, poetic, and eternally young.

Our day begins at the heart of it all: the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in 1290, it sits proudly atop the city, a beacon of learning that has shaped Portugal's history for centuries. We step into the breathtaking Joanina Library, a Baroque jewel adorned with gilded woodwork and frescoed ceilings, home to thousands of precious volumes and… a few nocturnal bats that protect the books from insects.

Nearby, the Royal Palace and Chapel of São Miguel reveal Coimbra’s regal and religious roots, while the tower offers a panoramic view over the city and the River Mondego below — a scene straight out of a painting.

Afterwards, we wander through the winding streets of the Alta, where student life and centuries-old stone coexist in harmony. We visit the Old Cathedral (Sé Velha), a Romanesque fortress-like church where generations of scholars and kings once prayed.

In the Baixa (downtown), Coimbra shows us its lighter side — cafés humming with conversation, bookstores filled with poetry, and riverbanks that invite reflection. Perhaps we’ll hear the melancholic strains of Coimbra’s fado, sung only by male voices, echoing the city’s unique tradition of saudade.

As the sun sets over the Mondego, we leave Coimbra inspired — hearts full of history, minds lit by knowledge, and already dreaming of the next page in our journey.

Accommodation: Stay Hotel Coimbra Centro 4★
Meals: Breakfast

As we journey further north, the Douro Valley opens before us in rolling waves of green, leading us to the magnificent city of Porto — a place where granite meets gold, tradition meets innovation, and every street holds a story. This is a city that stirs the senses, both rugged and romantic, where time doesn't rush; it lingers.

We begin in the historic Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where colourful houses lean over the river like old friends and clothes still hang from iron balconies, fluttering in the breeze. Cobblestone alleys lead us to Praça da Ribeira, a vibrant square perfect for watching boats glide along the Douro River.

We cross the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, designed by a disciple of Gustave Eiffel, and admire the city from Vila Nova de Gaia, on the south bank — home to the legendary Port wine cellars.

After lunch, we climb to the Clérigos Tower, one of Porto’s most emblematic monuments, and visit the adjacent Clérigos Church, a Baroque masterpiece. A short walk brings us to the enchanting Lello Bookstore, where ornate woodwork and stained glass make every bibliophile’s dream come true — and where legends say J.K. Rowling found inspiration for Hogwarts.

We end the day with a relaxing stroll through Avenida dos Aliados, Porto’s elegant heart, framed by Belle Époque architecture and crowned by the striking City Hall. As the evening lights shimmer over the Douro, a traditional dinner awaits — perhaps a francesinha, if you're brave enough — accompanied by the deep, velvety notes of a local red.

Accommodation: Hotel Mercure Porto Centro Santa Catarina 4★
Meals: Breakfast

Today, we leave the bustle of the city behind and set our sights on the serenity of the Douro Valley, one of the most captivating wine regions in the world — where time slows, the river winds like a ribbon of silver, and terraced vineyards tell stories of centuries-old traditions.

In the early morning, we board a cruise boat in Porto, beginning a tranquil ascent along the Douro River. As the city fades into the distance, landscapes shift — from urban charm to lush, layered hills, where every bend in the river unveils a new postcard-perfect view. The rising sun paints golden reflections on the water, while small villages cling to the hillsides, seemingly untouched by time.

As we glide past vineyard estates, olive groves, and old quintas, the rhythm of the river carries us deeper into Portugal’s wine heartland. We pass through impressive locks, engineering marvels that gently lift our boat higher into the valley — each transition offering a moment to pause and take in the vast silence and beauty of nature.

By midday, we arrive at Peso da Régua, the capital of the Douro. After disembarking, we explore this peaceful riverside town, where wine is more than tradition — it’s identity. We may visit a local wine estate (quinta) for a tasting and learn how the unique terroir and centuries of dedication create the iconic Port and Douro wines.

For those wanting to see more, we might also take a short journey to Lamego or Pinhão, each offering its own slice of regional charm — from ornate baroque sanctuaries to azulejo-covered train stations.

In the late afternoon, we board the scenic Douro Line train back to Porto — a journey that hugs the river closely, passing through tunnels, bridges, and idyllic valleys. The golden light of the setting sun flickers through the windows as we glide back to the city, hearts full and eyes still wide with wonder.

As we arrive in Porto once more, we recommend finishing the day with a quiet dinner near the river, toasting to the memories made in the valley of wine and dreams.

Accommodation: Hotel Mercure Porto Centro Santa Catarina 4★
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

As our adventure comes to an end, we must say our goodbyes. Let us cherish every moment shared, each experience embraced, and every smile exchanged along the way.

Thank you for trusting us to take you on this unforgettable journey. See you soon: Adeus!

Meals: Breakfast