Portugal’s Golden Beaches

Welcome to Portugal! After you’ve arrived and cleared customs, meet your driver outside for the drive to your hotel. If your room isn’t ready, drop your bags with the concierge and begin exploring!

This afternoon, you’ll meet your local guide for a private city tour including the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower, both of which have been classified as UNESCO World Heritage sites. As you wander cobbled alleyways, discover ancient ruins and marvel at the city’s cathedrals, take time to reflect on Lisbon’s more modern history. On November 1, 1755, a devastating earthquake destroyed the city – and the architecture that came after is some of the most seismic resistant in all of Europe. The Carmo Convent ruins stand in the middle of the city as a testament to the aftermath.

For dining in Lisbon, there’s a wealth of choices, but seafood will be on most menus. Try Portugal’s iconic bacalhau (dried and salted cod fish). This dish is prepared in so many ways – for example, bacalhau à Brás (shredded cod with onions, eggs and potatoes) is unique to Bairro Alta. You’ll also find octopus, tuna, monkfish, shrimp, sardines, clams and snails everywhere from gourmet to the corner tascas (taverns).

You will have the day to explore before meeting your guide. While exploring today, you may wish to enjoy the Bairro Alta, a traditional but lively neighborhood with shops, cafes and nightlife. The popular tram 28E from Largo Martim Moniz will let you see the city (and save your legs the uphill walk!) at a slow, old-fashioned pace. Plan on a 45-minute ride, every minute worth it in the authentic – creaks and all – 100-year-old tram car.

Other points of interest during your exploration are the Museu Nacional de Arqueologia, Chiado neighborhood and Livraria Betrand – the world’s oldest bookshop that is still in operation today. 

In the afternoon, meet your guide for a Wine & Gastronomic tour. Portugal’s role in world exploration and colonization began as far back as 1279 when King Diniz invested in expanding the country’s navy. This evening, you will get to enjoy a Fado Experience! Fado is unique to Portugal. You won’t hear it anywhere else. You don’t really need to know the lyrics or understand Portuguese. It evokes the emotion of saudade, which is a yearning or longing for something lost. Similar to what Americans call “the Blues,” Fado is music that is meant to be felt rather than understood. 

Today, you will leave Lisbon and head to Sintra with your private English-speaking guide to visit the most emblematic monuments of the city. Hit all the main sites, from the famous Pena Palace to Sintra’s Historical Center, the curious Roca Cape, and the shores of Cascais and Estoril. Exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site also includes a Moorish Castle that is sure to impress – all tucked into the foothills of the mountains.

From the Palace, it’s a downhill stroll to the 9th-century ruins of the Castelo dos Mouros. These ruins are backdropped by a lush forest, making a spectacular setting. Wander the castle walls for some great views across the town and valley.

Next, visit Roca Cape, the westernmost point of continental Europe. You’ll travel along the Atlantic coast to Cascais, passing by Guincho Beach and Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth). Cascais is worldly known for being a former fisherman’s village that became an aristocratic retreat in which many noble families lived and built summer houses and villas.

Cascais stands out for its beautiful beaches, vibrant seaside life with fashionable cafes, cloth, gift shops and colorful streets. On the way back to Lisbon, enjoy the panoramic views of the Casino Estoril, one of Europe’s biggest casinos. 

Your private driver will meet you this morning to take you to the hidden gem of Évora. Along the way, you’ll visit a wine cellar. The Alentejo region is one of the best wine regions to visit in the world. It is one of the largest regions in Portugal with delicious gastronomy and great wines, which you’ll get to sample today!

In Évora, you will find narrow streets lined with white houses, plenty of wonderful places to sit and watch the world go by, and the second-oldest university in the country. As with most Portuguese cities, you can view numerous churches and the town’s cathedral although you may want to look out for the chapel embellished entirely with human bones to mix things up.

While in Évora, two memorable attractions include the Bones’ Chapel, built in the 16th century by Franciscan monks, and Viana do Castelo, a remarkable castle built in Gothic style. 

Explore Évora’s history today with a full-day private tour. Pick up from your hotel and set off on a tour by car. Visit key sites of interest, including the Roman Temple, Évora’s historic center and Évora Cathedral. 

The Roman Temple in Évora was considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986. It’s located in Évora’s historic center near Évora Cathedral, Évora Library, and the beautiful inn Pousada Convento de Évora. We suggest a stroll through Diana Garden (Jardim de Diana) to relax, have a cold drink and rejoice with the magnificent view of the city and the Alentejo plateau surrounding it. 

This morning, you’ll head to the rental car office to pick up the vehicle you’ll be using for the duration of your trip. Portimão is about a 3-hour drive from Évora.

Boasting a privileged and unique location on the far south-westerly tip of Europe and creating a bridge between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean, Portimão is a place that has a fantastic climate and vibrant natural beauty. It is a land with high esteem in its rural and maritime roots.

Portimão is a popular vacation destination due to its sandy beaches and warm, calm waters. One of its main beaches, Praia de Rocha, is also considered one of the most famous in Portugal. It’s one of the liveliest in the region with its numerous restaurants, bars, clubs, shops, hotels and casino. 

Today, you’ll head to Lagos where you will depart for a cruise to the amazing caves of Benagil. Discover hideouts for pirates and sea stacks of incredible beauty. Just note that the caves and areas you can visit will be dependent upon the tide and sea conditions. 

Upon arrival, you may wish to explore Lagos, a city that offers a rich seafaring heritage and a coastline of dramatic natural scenery. It’s a popular destination for many travelers but still manages to withhold its small-town charm.

We recommend visiting the Governor’s Castle and Igreja de Santo António (St. Anthony’s Church).

Today is a free day in Algarve! Feel free to explore these regions we suggest, or just relax. It is entirely up to you, however, we’ve recommended a few places of interest to help get you started.

Vilamoura – Probably best known for its golfing spots, Vilamoura is also one of the best places in the Algarve to visit for Roman history. Although in ruins, you can still get a good sense of the buildings, and there’s also a museum if you want to learn more. Another option is Vilamoura Beach. 

Loulé – If you are tired of following the coast, head inland to Loulé. In this market town, you can peruse for local delicacies to your heart’s desire. For history, head to the Castle of Loulé, located in the center of the city.

Today, you’ll be heading to the eastern part of the Algarve; specifically, Tavira and Faro.

Included for you today is a cooking class during which you can discover the Algarve culture through colors, smells, flavors and traditions. After this sensory journey in Faro’s Municipality Market, you will learn how to cook a real Algarve Cataplana. In the end, surprise yourself with a traditional meal with authentic flavors and fall in love with the Algarve.

Your magical Portuguese journey comes to an end. Drop your car off before checking in to your flight and heading home. We wish you safe travels along your journey and extend a warm “Obrigada!” to you for your consideration of Tenon Tours.