Portugal’s Historic Cities 7 days from $4,685
Experience Portugal from two perspectives during a journey to the vibrant cities of Lisbon and Porto, and get a taste of history—and wine—on excursions to Sintra and the Douro River Valley. HIGHLIGHTS �
Listen to traditional fado music during a dinner of Portuguese specialties in Lisbon.
Get an insider’s view of Lisbon and Porto on guided tours, and sample the region’s traditional cuisine.
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Spend a day in historic Sintra, exploring its whimsical villas and palaces.
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Discover the World Heritage-listed Douro Valley and tour several of its renowned wineries.
The itinerary below is a sample of what’s possible. Your Smithsonian Tailor-Made Journey will be handcrafted just for you. Days 1 & 2 – Lisbon, Portugal Arrive in Lisbon. After time to settle in, head to a fado restaurant for a special dinner accompanied by a live performance of Portugal’s melancholic traditional music. Get to know Lisbon from a local’s point of view on a guided walking tour, exploring the beautiful Bairo Alto neighborhood and the lively streets of the Chiado. Taste a variety of Portuguese delicacies and learn how they fit into the city’s history and traditions. Day 3 – Sintra and Lisbon Spend a day soaking up the ambiance of historic Sintra. With your private driver, explore the sites of the town as you wish today. Venture to the ornate Quinta da Regaleira, surrounded with hidden grottos and lush gardens. Step into Portugal’s royal history on a tour of the National Palace, or visit whimsical Peña Palace. Consider hiking to the ruins of the Moorish castle, where you can climb the ramparts for a view all the way to the coast. Days 4 & 5 – Porto Head north by train to Porto, set on the steep banks of the Douro River and known as the center of the port wine industry. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore the city on your own. Embark on a full-day panoramic tour of Porto with a private guide. Visit the city’s historic heart on foot, seeing remarkable architecture and elaborate azulejos, Portugal’s signature blue-and-white tiles. Stroll through the Old Town to the Dom Luis I bridge, designed by a student of Gustav Eiffel. Then drive to the bustling waterfront at Foz do Douro and take in the vista from the Serra do Pilar viewpoint. On a guided tour of a port lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia, hear the history of port production and sample different vintages. Days 6 & 7 – Douro River Valley and Porto East of Porto, the terraced vineyards of the Douro River Valley have produced port wine grapes for 2,000 years. Spend a full day discovering this World Heritage-listed landscape, and set out on a tasting tour of several wineries. Enjoy a lunch of local specialties in one of the wineries and take an easy hike among the vineyard-covered slopes if you wish. Head back to Porto this afternoon, enjoying the scenic drive through the Douro Valley.
WHERE TO STAY Memmo Príncipe Real Perched on a hillside in the upscale Príncipe Real district, the hotel offers sweeping panoramic views of Lisbon. Outdoor spaces include a large terrace bar and swimming pool positioned to make the most of the city views. InterContinental Porto Set within an 18thcentury palace just around the corner from the São Bento railway station and a few minutes’ walk from many of the city’s attractions. The Astória Restaurant serves traditional Portuguese and Mediterranean cuisine and opens out onto a terrace for al fresco dining while the Cardosas Bar features live fado every Thursday.
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