10 days along the Portuguese coast

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On this tour we will have the opportunity to visit Portugal from north to south, pass through beautiful landscapes, taste the local gastronomy, discover thousands of years of history up to the present day, and experience the daily life of the Portuguese.

It will be an honor for Tours and Champagne to be your companion on these 10 very special days.

City of Porto

The city of Porto, also known simply as Porto, is the second largest city in Portugal, located in the northwest of the country along the Douro River. It is famous for its charming architecture, its iconic bridges, and of course, for Port wine, which has a strong connection to the region.

The historic center of Porto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with narrow streets, charming squares, and an atmosphere that blends the old with the modern. The city has several must-see attractions, such as:

Ribeira is a historic riverside area, with colorful houses and cobbled streets.

The most famous bridge in Porto is the Dom Luís I Bridge, which offers a spectacular view of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, the city on the other side of the Douro, where the Port wine cellars are located.

In Vila Nova de Gaia, many wineries offer Port wine tastings, which is aged in the cellars along the river.

The Lello Bookstore is considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, and it is said to have inspired J.K. Rowling when creating Hogwarts.

The Church of São Francisco is known for its golden interior and impressive Gothic architecture.

In addition, Porto has a rich gastronomy, with typical dishes such as francesinha (a sandwich filled with meat, covered with cheese and sauce) and codfish. The city also has a vibrant cultural life, with many museums, galleries, and theaters.

Douro Valley

The Douro Valley is one of the most stunning regions in Portugal, famous for its mountain landscapes, terraced vineyards, and for Port wine, which is produced in its vineyards. The valley is crossed by the Douro River, which winds through the region and offers breathtaking views.

The Douro region is world-renowned for the production of Port wine. Many wineries offer wine tastings and guided tours of their cellars. In some of them, it is possible to see the production process, from the grape harvest to the aging in barrels. Some of the best-known estates are Quinta do Noval, Quinta da Pacheca, and Quinta do Crasto.

Peso da Régua, considered the “capital” of the Douro Valley, is a great starting point to explore the region. The city is home to the Douro Museum, which explains the history of viticulture and Port wine.

Pinhão is a small village, but with immense charm. It is one of the most sought-after places for those who want to experience the Douro to the fullest, with its wineries and landscapes.

Vila Nova de Foz Côa is famous for its prehistoric artifacts and rock engravings, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

City of Braga

Braga is one of the oldest cities in Portugal, known for its rich history, religious traditions, and for being one of the main cultural and tourist centers in the north of the country. With a unique charm, Braga combines the old and the modern in an impressive way, offering a wide variety of attractions, from churches and sanctuaries to a vibrant urban life.

Braga has a lively nightlife, with many bars, pubs, and clubs for younger crowds, but also quieter places for those who prefer a calmer atmosphere. In addition, Braga is famous for religious festivals such as Holy Week and the celebrations in honor of Saint John (a traditional festival of Braga, celebrated in June).

Braga is a city that offers a perfect mix of history, religion, nature, and urban life, making it an interesting destination to explore, both for those who love culture and for those seeking beautiful landscapes and delicious gastronomy.

Guimarães

Guimarães is one of the most important and historic cities in Portugal, known as the “cradle of the nation,” because it was here that D. Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, was born, and where decisive battles for the country’s independence were fought. Located in the north, in the district of Braga, Guimarães combines a well-preserved historic center (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) with a strong cultural, artistic, and university identity.

The Castle of Guimarães is one of the most emblematic in Portugal. Built in the 10th century, this castle served to defend the territory against Moorish and Norman attacks. It is said that D. Afonso Henriques was born here. Climbing its walls offers a beautiful view of the city and the surroundings.

There is also the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, a 15th-century palace with features inspired by Burgundian architecture. It is a must-visit. Inside, there are period furnishings, tapestries, medieval armor, and a chapel. Today it is also the official residence of the President of the Republic in the north of the country.

Guimarães has one of the best-preserved historic centers in Europe, with narrow stone streets, medieval houses with wooden balconies, and many charming squares.

City of Aveiro

Aveiro, often called the “Venice of Portugal,” is a charming city located on the west coast of the country, between Porto and Coimbra. Famous for its navigable canals, colorful moliceiros (traditional boats), Art Nouveau architecture, and ovos moles (a local sweet), Aveiro is an increasingly popular destination for those seeking a different and relaxing experience in Portugal.

The canals of Aveiro cross the city center and are navigated by moliceiros, boats painted with caricature-like designs and popular sayings. Originally used to harvest moliço (aquatic plants), today they are used for tourist rides.

Aveiro is a true open-air museum of Art Nouveau, with façades richly decorated with tiles, wrought iron, and flowing shapes.

The Ria de Aveiro is a lagoon system that stretches for more than 45 km, rich in biodiversity and ideal for birdwatching, kayaking, sailing, or stand-up paddleboarding. Some agencies offer quieter tours, away from the tourist canals, for those seeking nature and silence.

Costa Nova

About 10 km from the center of Aveiro lies one of its most iconic sights: the red, blue, and green striped houses of Costa Nova. Once used as haystacks by fishermen, they are now summer houses. Beyond their unique look, it is also an excellent beach to relax or practice water sports.

Coimbra

Coimbra is one of the most emblematic cities in Portugal, famous for its historic university, academic traditions, and rich cultural heritage. Located in the center of the country, on the banks of the Mondego River, Coimbra was the capital of Portugal in the Middle Ages and remains a symbol of knowledge and culture to this day.

The University of Coimbra, founded in 1290, is one of the oldest universities in Europe and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013. The university is the heart of the city and is well worth a visit.

We can also find the Roman ruins of Conímbriga. Conímbriga was a Roman city built on an ancient Celtic settlement. During Roman rule, especially in the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, it became a flourishing urban center, with luxurious houses, baths, a forum, and advanced sanitation systems.

Sanctuary of Fátima

The Sanctuary of Fátima is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world, located in Cova da Iria, in the parish of Fátima, municipality of Ourém, in central Portugal. Every year, it is visited by millions of pilgrims and tourists from all over the globe.

The sanctuary was built on the site where, according to Catholic tradition, Our Lady appeared to three shepherd children — Lúcia, Francisco, and Jacinta — in 1917, in a series of apparitions officially recognized by the Catholic Church. In these apparitions, Mary called for prayer and penance for world peace and revealed the so-called three secrets of Fátima.

The Chapel of the Apparitions was built on the exact spot where the Virgin Mary appeared and is the spiritual heart of the sanctuary. It houses the original image of Our Lady of Fátima.

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fátima, inaugurated in 1953, is the most recognizable building of the complex, with its tall central tower rising 65 meters. It contains the tombs of the three little shepherds: Francisco, Jacinta, and Lúcia.

The Basilica of the Holy Trinity is a modern and minimalist basilica, completed in 2007. It is one of the largest Catholic churches in the world, with a capacity of more than 9,000 people.

The Way of the Shepherds is a route that links Aljustrel (the shepherds’ birthplace) to the sanctuary, with several stations representing moments of the apparitions.

Nazaré

Nazaré is one of the most charismatic and impressive coastal towns in Portugal. Famous for the giant waves that attract surfers from all over the world, it also enchants visitors with its fishing traditions, vibrant culture, and stunning Atlantic landscapes.

Praia do Norte, next to the Sítio da Nazaré promontory, is where some of the biggest waves in the world are surfed, thanks to the Nazaré Canyon, an underwater geological fault that concentrates the power of the sea.

The best time to see these waves is between October and March, during the Nazaré Big Wave Challenge.

The Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo, an iconic spot with viewpoints to watch the giant waves, houses the lighthouse and the Surf Museum, with historic surfboards and exhibitions about the giant wave phenomenon.

Óbidos Castle

Óbidos Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval fortifications in Portugal and the ultimate symbol of the village of Óbidos, one of the most charming and romantic places in the country. Perched on top of a hill, the castle dominates the landscape and is surrounded by complete walls that enclose the entire historic center of the village.

It is a true journey into the past, with narrow stone streets, whitewashed houses, flowers in the windows, and traditional shops—one of the most photogenic and popular destinations for those visiting central Portugal.

The site’s occupation dates back to Roman and Visigothic times, but the castle as we know it was reinforced by the Moors in the 8th century.

After the Christian Reconquest, it was taken by King Afonso Henriques in 1148.

It was heavily restored and expanded between the 13th and 15th centuries, especially during the reign of King Dinis, who offered it as a wedding gift to his wife, Queen Isabel.

For centuries, Óbidos was traditionally included in the dowry of the queens of Portugal, which earned it the nickname “Town of Queens.”

Lisbon

Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal. On the banks of the Tagus River, it is a historic, vibrant, and multicultural city that enchants visitors with its charm, natural light, steep hills, and views of the Atlantic Ocean.

With roots dating back to the Phoenicians, Romans, and Moors, Lisbon was officially reconquered by the Christians in 1147 and became the kingdom’s capital in the 13th century. During the Age of Discoveries in the 15th century, Lisbon was one of the most important ports in the world, serving as the departure point for great maritime voyages. This heritage is still visible today in monuments such as the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery, both classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Lisbon is a city marked by the diversity of its neighborhoods. In Baixa, you’ll find the commercial heart of the city, rebuilt with a geometric layout after the 1755 earthquake. In Alfama and Mouraria, old labyrinthine quarters, you can hear the sound of fado, the traditional Portuguese music. Chiado and Bairro Alto blend tradition and modernity, with century-old bookstores, historic cafés, bars, and a lively nightlife.

Among its main symbols are the yellow trams climbing the city’s hills, panoramic viewpoints, colorful tiles decorating façades, and the Pastel de Nata, a typical pastry that attracts visitors from all over the world.

Lisbon is also a modern and dynamic city. In Parque das Nações, an area built for Expo 98, you’ll find contemporary buildings, green spaces, the Oceanarium, and cultural centers. The city is a technological and cultural hub, hosting international events and a growing international community.

Beyond its beauty and history, Lisbon stands out for its mild climate, the hospitality of its people, and its rich and affordable gastronomy. It is a destination that combines tradition with innovation, where past and future walk side by side.

Sintra

Sintra is a historic town located in the Lisbon region, about 30 km from the Portuguese capital. Nestled in the mountain range that bears its name, it is known for its magical atmosphere, fairytale palaces, lush gardens, and mysterious mists that blanket the hills. For its natural beauty and historical importance, the historic center of Sintra was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.

Over the centuries, Sintra has been a refuge for kings, nobles, artists, and writers. The mix of exotic architecture, dense forest, and cool climate turned the town into an almost mystical place. The most emblematic of its monuments is the Pena Palace, a colorful 19th-century palace built on the ruins of an old monastery. With elements of Neo-Gothic, Manueline, and Moorish styles, the palace looks like something out of a romantic dream.

Another highlight is the Moorish Castle, an ancient fortress built in the 10th century, from where you have a spectacular view over the entire region, all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. In the center of the town stands the National Palace of Sintra, with its iconic white conical chimneys, which served as a royal residence for centuries.

Sintra is also famous for its gardens and manor houses, such as the Quinta da Regaleira, a place full of symbolism, grottoes, and secret tunnels linked to Freemasonry, featuring the mysterious Initiation Well. Other attractions include the Monserrate Palace, with its oriental-inspired design, and the Capuchos Convent, a Franciscan convent carved into the rock that reflects an austere and contemplative lifestyle.

Beyond its heritage, Sintra is a place where nature reigns supreme. The Sintra Mountains, also known as the Moon Hill, are covered in lush vegetation and home to hiking trails with impressive viewpoints. Nearby, Adraga Beach and Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, offer breathtaking scenery.

The local gastronomy is also worth noting, with traditional sweets such as queijadas and travesseiros de Sintra delighting visitors.

Cascais

Cascais is a charming coastal town located about 30 km west of Lisbon, in the Lisbon district. Known for its stunning beaches, sophisticated atmosphere, and high quality of life, Cascais combines traditional Portuguese charm with a cosmopolitan and modern lifestyle.

Originally a fishing village, Cascais transformed in the 19th century into one of the favorite destinations of the Portuguese royal family and European aristocracy, who built mansions, gardens, and summer residences here. Since then, the town has maintained its elegant air and has become one of the most sought-after places for both tourists and residents.

The historic center of Cascais is picturesque, with narrow streets paved in Portuguese cobblestone, traditional shops, terrace cafés, and a welcoming atmosphere. Cascais Bay, with its small harbor and view of the Atlantic, is the heart of the town. In the surroundings, you can visit beautiful beaches such as Praia da Rainha, Praia da Conceição, and Praia do Guincho, highly popular with surfers thanks to its rough seas, as well as the dramatic cliff formation known as Boca do Inferno.

Palmela Castle

Palmela Castle is one of the most imposing and well-preserved castles in Portugal, located on top of a hill in the town of Palmela, in the district of Setúbal. With a strategic location between the Tagus and Sado rivers, it offers spectacular panoramic views over the Arrábida Mountains, the Sado estuary, Setúbal, Tróia, and even Lisbon on clear days.

The site has been occupied since ancient times, dating back to the presence of the Romans and Visigoths, and was later fortified by the Muslims in the 8th century. In 1147, it was conquered by King Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, the same year he took Lisbon.

In the 12th century, the castle was handed over to the Order of Santiago, a military and religious order that played a key role in the Reconquest. The castle then became the headquarters of the order in Portugal, gaining religious, military, and administrative importance.

Tróia

The Tróia Peninsula is a narrow strip of sand located on the southwest coast of Portugal, in the municipality of Grândola. Separating the Sado estuary from the Atlantic Ocean, Tróia is known for its paradisiacal beaches, calm and crystal-clear waters, and the contrast between wild nature and modern tourist developments.

Tróia stretches for about 17 km, from the opposite bank of the city of Setúbal to the area of Comporta and Carvalhal, forming part of the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve.

The region is rich in biodiversity. One of its greatest natural attractions is the presence of bottlenose dolphins in the Sado estuary, one of the few places in Europe where it is possible to observe resident dolphins living freely all year round.

Tróia also holds important archaeological heritage. Here lie the Roman Ruins of Tróia, one of the largest fish-salting industrial complexes of the Roman Empire (1st to 6th centuries AD).

This archaeological site highlights the economic importance of the region in Antiquity.

Sines

Sines is a coastal city located on the Alentejo coast. With a long history tied to the sea, Sines is known as the birthplace of Vasco da Gama, the famous Portuguese navigator who discovered the sea route to India in the 15th century. Today, Sines is a city that blends tradition, culture, industry, and nature.

Human occupation in the Sines region dates back to Prehistoric times, with evidence of Phoenician, Roman, and Moorish presence. Over the centuries, its natural harbor played a strategic role in trade and in the defense of the Portuguese coast.

The symbol of the city is Sines Castle, built in the 15th century to protect the town from maritime invasions. Inside its walls lies the Sines Museum, which presents exhibitions about local history, as well as a statue of Vasco da Gama, who was born here around 1469.

Vila Nova de Milfontes

Vila Nova de Milfontes is a Portuguese town located in the municipality of Odemira, in the heart of the Alentejo Coast, between the cities of Sines and Lagos. Washed by the Mira River and the Atlantic Ocean, Milfontes is a top destination for those seeking stunning beaches, preserved nature, tranquility, and authenticity.

Milfontes lies within the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, one of the best-preserved natural areas in Europe. The town is crossed by the Mira River, which flows into the sea here, creating a unique landscape where cliffs, sand, estuaries, and native vegetation blend together.

The town was founded in the late 15th century by order of King João II, with the aim of protecting the coast from pirate attacks. The Fort of São Clemente, built in the 16th century, is Milfontes’ main historical landmark. Located by the river mouth, it once defended the town and today stands as a local symbol, visible from various points along the coast.

Milfontes also has a close connection with aviation: it was from here that, in 1924, the airplane Pátria departed on the first aerial crossing between Portugal and Macau, commanded by Sarmento de Beires.

Sagres

Sagres is a village located in the far southwest of Portugal, in the Algarve, known for its historical importance, stunning natural landscapes, and the mysticism that surrounds it. It sits on the tip of the Sagres Peninsula, where the Atlantic meets Europe’s most southwestern cape, Cape St. Vincent.

Sagres played a fundamental role in the Portuguese Age of Discoveries. In the 15th century, Prince Henry the Navigator was based here, where he is said to have founded a school of navigation to explore the unknown and expand the world’s horizons. Although the existence of this school is debated, it is certain that Sagres was a strategic point for the development of the great maritime voyages.

The Sagres Fortress, built in the 15th century, still stands guarding the coast and bears witness to that era of maritime expansion.

The region is famous for its dramatic cliffs and the wild sea that bathe the coast. Cape St. Vincent, located just a few kilometers from Sagres, offers breathtaking views and is considered the southwesternmost point of mainland Europe. In antiquity, it was known as the “end of the world,” where sailors gazed at the open ocean and dreamed of new worlds.

Lagos

Lagos is a historic city located in the Algarve, in southern Portugal, known for its cultural richness, stunning beaches, and vibrant atmosphere. With a long tradition tied to the great Portuguese explorations, Lagos was one of the main ports during the Age of Discoveries, playing host to important maritime and commercial events.

Lagos offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve, famous for their unique rock formations, crystal-clear waters, and golden sands.

Lagos is a lively city, with many cultural events, festivals, and a buzzing nightlife. During the summer, its streets and squares fill with music, craft markets, and traditional gastronomy.

The port of Lagos is also a departure point for boat trips, including dolphin watching, visits to the caves of Ponta da Piedade, and water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding.

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