Splendid Evasion

sustainable experiences
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SPLENDID PORTUGAL AUTHENTIC15 DAYS

Duration
15 days
Period
January to December
Geographic area
  • norteNorth
  • centroCenter
  • sulSouth
Level of effort
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
Participants
Min: 2Max: 12
Accommodation type
  • HotelHotel
  • Rural Tourism UnitRural Tourism Unit
  • ApartmentApartment
Interest
  • NatureNature
  • CultureCulture
  • Wine & GastronomyWine & Gastronomy
Prices from
2.599 EUR
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This trip will take you on a 14-night/15-day tour exploring the North, Center and South Region of Portugal Mainland. Being developed for those who seek AUTHENTIC circuits, during these days you will have the opportunity to enjoy the most of Lisbon and mystic Sintra, the Natural Natural Wonder Mira de Aire Caves, the Mountain Schist Villages, the glamour of Porto, the Peneda-Geres National Park, the Douro Valley Wine Region, the Douro International Natural Park and the Alentejo countryside: Crato, Arraiolos, Monsaraz & Evora.

Program

  • Day1
    • ARRIVAL DAY
    • Private Transfer to your Accommodation.
    • Free time for a first glance of Lisbon.
    • Welcome dinner included enjoying a Fado live performance, at one of the most refined and typical restaurant.
    • Accommodation at an Authentic Apartment stay at Lisbon Downtown.
  • Day2
    • HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PORTUGUESE CAPITAL
    • Private half-day walking tour crossing the downtown of Lisbon. Visit Baixa the old downtown district of the city tasting the famous Pastel de Nata along the way, explore Rossio with Figueira and Comércio Squares and enjoy Chiado the glamorous part of the city with its iconic cafés and shops. You will have the opportunity to take a ride on the vintage tram to Alfama.
    • Accommodation at an Authentic Apartment stay at Lisbon Downtown.
  • Day3
    • SINTRA & MIRA DE AIRE
    • Self-Drive from Lisbon to your next destination: Lousã (approx. 2h21 - 213 kms) along your way we suggest you two detours.
    • During the morning a visit to Sintra, taking a special route: side by side with Tagus River, you will be driven until the most western point of mainland Europe, the impressive Cabo da Roca (Roca Cape) that extends its beauty ripping the Ocean on a dramatic setting. Afterwards, drive to Sintra and visit its charming downtown, as well as 1 monuments of your choice (options: Pena National Palace & Park, Monserrate Palace, the Moorish Castle, the National Palace of Sintra, Quinta da Regaleira,…).
    • For a different touch over your afternoon a visit to one of Portugal\'s Natural wonder: The Mira De Aire Caves. Delight yourself with the beauty of this hidden treasure. http://www.grutasmiradaire.com/pt/3/grutas
    • Accommodation at a 4-Star Hotel.
  • Day4
    • SCHIST VILLAGES: HERITAGE & AUTHENTICITY
    • Meet & greet your guide and set off for an morning of hiking along the green mountains of Serra da Lousã, following a path of both natural and historical importance: traveling back in time, we walk along the mountainous routes of the ancient villagers, crossing a Castle and a Chapel before we make way through the 2 of the Official Mountain Schist Villages.
    • Lunch at typical restaurant.
    • Accommodaion at a 4-Star Hotel.
  • Day5
    • PORTO: BEST EUROPEAN DESTINATION 2017
    • Self-Drive from Lousã to your next destination: Porto (approx. 1h33 - 157 kms).
    • Private and adjustable walking tour in UNESCO Heritage Porto historical centre, presenting the history and main attractions from the Cathedral down to the unique Douro riverbanks. Porto is an inviting city of contrasts, with countless museums and ancient churches and it is no wonder that it has won more than once the title of Best European Destination. You will visit as well 3 local small restaurants and try some of our local delicacies!
    • Later, one of the most iconic and must experiences in town: guided tour & tasting at an exquisite Port Wine Cellar a real legacy full of history.
    • Accommodation at an Authentic Apartment stay at Porto Downtown.
  • Day6
    • PORTO & ITS GLAMOUR
    • It is time to explore Porto its glamour and flavors opting for one of these options that we offer for you, so let us know which one suits you best:
    • OPTION 1) Release your inner chef in our deliciously fun, technique based, hands-on cooking classes! Enjoy yourself in the kitchen, make a mess, have a glass of wine and enjoy the process. Performed on a hotel school used to this kind of experiences named The Artist. There will be a professional chef teaching and working with you, taking attention and valuing your capacity of organization, dynamics and group work. At the end you will taste some dishes.
    • OPTION 2) The Sea - During this out of the circuits experience you will learn and taste something that is deeply connected with Portugal’s history and legacy: The Sea! You will have the chance to interact with several stages of the fish production. The day will begin by visiting a nearby beach waiting for the traditional fishermen’s boats to arrive from the sea with the catch of the day. Already on shore the selling and bargaining between fishermen and local sellers begins, where everyone tries to get the best and earn their living. We will visit a very small fish market, while the fishermen arrive with the live fish and do the trade with the local fish sellers. After enjoying this emblematic moment, we will set to visit a top quality sardine canning factory, a typical Portuguese delicacy that is known all over the world. This unit is carefully selected by our team due to its near 100 years of history and the manual labor process that is a live legacy of tradition! At the end of the visit there will be a can fish tasting. This morning of culture and tradition will end at the market where you will have the chance to choose your fresh fish directly from a traditional fish seller, to then be prepared at a restaurant close to the market.
    • Lunch included during the selected activity.
    • Accommodation at an Authentic Apartment stay at Porto Downtown.
  • Day7
    • SIDE BY SIDE WITH NATURE
    • Let\'s get in touch with Nature, here you have your options for this day:
    • OPTION 1) 4x4 tour in the park, we invite you for a full-day tour to explore Portugal’s wild landscape of Peneda-Gerês National Park from Porto. Our guide will pick you up at your stay and take you deep into the Park, enjoying its mountains, local fauna and flora, stopping at some amazing viewpoints and to see some waterfalls. There will be a picnic lunch in the nature with wonderful surrounding scenery as you rest. If the weather allows, you can swim in the therapeutic cold waters of the Park. During the ride into this protected region, recognized as World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO our guide will explain details about the local traditions and wild life.
    • OPTION 2) Hike at the Passadiços do Paiva sideways by the Paiva River (approx. 6h); Paiva Passadiços do Walkays is nowadays one of the most wanted hikes do. This awarded walkways wooden path will give you a close contact with the nature following Paiva River for 8kms. On this full day tour we will take you deep inside “Arouca Geopark” (approx. 1h30 from Porto) meeting the river that flows through a mountain valley. Our guides will leave you at the beginning of the trail and pick you up where the wooden walkways end. The hike will be done along the river enjoying magnificent views and enjoying the fresh air of the Park and being located on a Geopark you can experience a lot of geologic natural features. At the end there will be some time for a swim in the river cold waters (if the weather allows!) followed by a superb lunch where you can taste some of the local and famous tastes like the grilled beef “Posta Arouquesa” or the Portuguese liquor “Pinguça” known in all our land… When ready to go our guides will drive you back to your stay! During the day our team will explain you about the local life and traditions making your day the most pleasant as possible.
    • OPTION 3) Canyoning at Peneda Gerês Natinal Park (adjustable level of difficulty; only available between April and September). Get ready for a day filled with great rappelling moments, sky-high jumps and amazing views and spots that can only be reached with the proper guides and material. Connect with the natural surroundings on a canyoning activity suitable for beginners and the more experienced alike. Navigate your way through the rivers, abseil down rocks and more.
    • Lunch included during the selected activity.
    • Accommodation at an Authentic Apartment stay at Porto Downtown.
  • Day8
    • DOURO REGION: TOURING & TASTING AT WINE ESTATE
    • Self-Drive from Porto to your next destination: Douro Valley - Pinhão (approx. 1h45 - 128 kms).
    • Lunch at one of the most exquisite Wine Estates & Producers of Port and Douro Wines, overlooking the vineyards and the river.
    • Afterwards, guided tour & tasting at their winery.
    • Accommodation at a Wine Estate Property in Douro Valley.
  • Day9
    • DOURO INTERNATIONAL NATURAL PARK
    • Self-Drive from Pinhão to your next destination: Douro International - Miranda (approx. 2h15 - 176 kms).
    • Half Day hiking experience in the amazing Arribas of Douro River to explore the magnificent scenarios and stunning landscapes.
    • Dinner included in a typical restaurant.
    • Countryside House accommodation.
  • Day10
    • BIRDWATCHING & BOAT RIDE ON DOURO RIVER
    • Early rise and go for a birdwatch experience with our expert properly equipped exploring the region and the park - aprox 3 hours. Common species to be spoted: the Golden Eagle Eye, the Bonelli Eagle, the Black Stork, the Griffin Vulture, the Blue Rock Thrush, Kites, the Azure-Winged Magpie, among others.
    • For this afternoon we will prepare a boat ride on Douro Valley inside the Natural Reserve, allowing you to experience some birdwatching and the landscape. This activity will be made on a small boat outside the regular circuits and with the care of not interfering with the natural habitat.
    • Countryside House accommodation.
  • Day11
    • CRATO: A MYSTICAL PLACE LOST IN TIME
    • After breakfast, self-drive from Miranda do Douro to your next destination Crato (approx. 3h51 - 370 Kms).
    • Free day for you to explore Crato is an ancient village that it is bounded deeply with Portugal\\\'s legacy as a Kingdom. It was conquered from the Moorish Empire 1160 by the troops of our 1st King Afonso Henriques. It became a very important and strategically military and religious site where some kings were married. The Prior of Crato was an important and powerful counselor. The Álvares Pereira family and coat of arms ruled this county and some of the most important heroes from our history lived and were trained here, like the Saint Knight Nuno Álvares Pereira one of Portugal\\\'s most important leaders that was decisive to maintain the country\\\'s independency in the XIV century against the kingdoms of Spain.
    • Accommodation at a 5-Star Pousada Mosteiro do Crato – Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
  • Day12
    • ALENTEJO: FLAVOURS & LANDSCAPE
    • Self-drive from Crato to your next destination Évora (approx. 1h25 - 111 Kms).
    • Guided Tour & Wine Tasting to a very special Wine Estate & Producer of the Alentejo Wine: visit to the vineyards, winery, the working bottling line and cellars, topped with a visit to their private and impressive Carriage Museum.
    • Enjoy a typical lunch at the Wine Estate Property.
    • 4-Star Hotel or Countryside House accommodation.
  • Day13
    • MONSARAZ: THE COUNSTRYSIDE OF ALENTEJO
    • On this day you can visit a very special village deep in Alentejo, Monsaraz. This blessed fortified place with narrow streets and typical constructions stands on a natural hill facing the big Alqueva lake where centuries ago the rulers and guardians of the region watched as sentinels for invadiers comming from Spain...
    • 4-Star Hotel or Countryside House accommodation.
  • Day14
    • LISBON BEFORE SAYING FAREWELL
    • After breakfast, self-drive from Évora to your next destination Lisbon (approx. 1h30 - 132 Kms).
    • Free day for final pack and final preparations.
    • Accommodation at a 4-Star or Authentic Apartment stay at Lisbon Downtown.
  • Day15
    • DEPARTURE DAY
    • Private transfer from your hotel unit to Lisbon Airport.
    • Departure from Lisbon Airport.

Included in the Tour

14-Night accommodation as described on each day

 

Meals as follows (soft drinks, beer and house wine included):

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch on day 4, 6, 7, 8 and 12
  • Dinner on day 1 and 9

 

Activities as mentioned on the program, namely:

  • @ LISBON: Private half day walking tour
  • @ LISBON: Live Fado show during dinner on day 1
  • @ LISBON: Private half day tour to Sintra (includes tickets and visit to 1 attraction)
  • @ LOUSÃ: Private half day walking tour and visit to the schist villages
  • @ PORTO: Private half day walking tour
  • @ PORTO: Visit Port Wine Cellar with tasting
  • @ PORTO: Half day activity (one option)
  • @ PORTO: Full day outdoor activity (one option)
  • @ DOURO: Visit with lunch and tasting at a wine Estate Property
  • @ MIRANDA DO DOURO: Half day hiking experience
  • @ MIRANDA DO DOURO: Birdwatching
  • @ MIRANDA DO DOURO: Boat cruise in the valley
  • @ ALENTEJO: Visit with lunch and tasting at a wine Estate Property

 

Private airport transfers

Touristic City Tax in Lisbon and Porto

Personal Accident Insurance for the guided activities

Personal travel journal developed by our team with all the route and coordinates required for the trip (contacts, names, suggestions, etc)

Welcome reception by a member of our team

Permanent local assistance

Not included in the Tour

Meals not specified as included

Any transportation not refered as included on the program

Flights

Personal Expenses

Rental Car

Testimonies

  • It was immensely satisfying, educational and all around pleasurable! Nuno was completely accessible and responsible to us. It meant a great deal to us that he took the time to meet and greet us at our hotel in Porto. Our driver, Tiago, set the stage with punctuality, professionalism and kindness. The cars were clean and beautifully maintained. Our guides, particularly Richardo, were simply amazing. It was as if Nuno (who set up and managed our tour) chose people particularly for us. We have already been recommending Nuno and Splendid Evasion. If we could take the trip again, we'd go TODAY! Thank you!
    Jodi G. May, 2023
  • Nuno and his team at Splendid Evasion knocked it put of the park! My husband and myself along with our two adult children have never felt so well taken care of on a trip. My 23 year old son claimed it may have been the best trip we have ever taken! We had a private walking tour in Lisbon and a cork farm tour outside of Evora that were phenomenal. The tour guides were so friendly and it was like being with an old friend who was showing you around. So personable and welcoming!
    Kim W. Mar, 2023
  • The trip came off exactly as planned and was perfectly what we expected! Our two-week trip in Portugal was fantastic. Our travel company took care of all the planning for each day, with our input, and they were available to us for the entire trip. We really enjoyed the experiences that Splendid Evasion arranged for us, especially ones that we would not have known about or had access to. We were able to immerse ourselves in the local culture including, for example, private boat tours, walking tours, food tastings, and a personalized cooking class just for the two of us. Their selections were spot on to what we were looking for, and their ability to make any changes on the fly, if needed, gave us tremendous comfort. I would absolutely recommend them for anyone looking to make the most of their visit to Portugal.
    Steven B. Oct, 2022
  • Everything about this trip was top-notch! From the hotels we stayed in, the restaurants we ate in, the sites we visited and the tour guides/drivers provided for us. Our primary contact, was very attentive and readily available to respond to any questions we had or minor issues we faced. Our time spent in the Douro Valley was definitely a highlight as well as the day spent in the Peneda-Geres National Park. We also loved the private boat trip on the Alqueva Lake and the walking tour in Evora. Everyone we met throughout the country was very polite, cordial and helpful.
    John B. May, 2023
  • This is a fantastic travel company! Cesar and everyone involved put together a fabulous adventure for our family. They really listened to us, and put together a great customized trip that not only met our goals, but knew all of the local guides and experience we could have never found on our own. They spoiled us and created a stress-free vacation for us. I am very thankful for everything. We would probably make it a little longer to enjoy more unscheduled time in our locations, particularly in Lagos and Sao Miguel - Azores.
    James H. Jul, 2023
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