Portugal by Train: Top Duo (2024)

1

Welcome to Porto! Breathe easy upon arrival in Porto with convenient airport transfers included in your package. Sit back, relax, and let us take care of getting you to your hotel.

Suggestion for the day:

• Start by exploring and walking around downtown Porto and get to know the city's unique highlights! These are some that you can't miss:
  • D. Luís I Bridge: This iconic double-decker bridge offers stunning panoramic views of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Take a walk across the bridge for a unique perspective, or hop on a tram for a thrilling ride.
  • Ribeira District: Explore the heart of Porto's historic center. Wander through the charming Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its colorful houses, narrow streets, and lively atmosphere.
  • Livraria Lello: A haven for bookworms, this historic bookstore boasts a beautiful neo-gothic facade and a grand staircase said to have inspired J.K. Rowling. Be prepared for queues, though!
  • Torre dos Clérigos: Climb the 225 steps of the Clérigos Tower for breathtaking 360-degree views of the city. Don't miss the adjacent Igreja do Clerigos church, known for its baroque architecture.
  • Porto Cathedral (Sé Catedral do Porto): This imposing Romanesque cathedral is the oldest church in Porto. Climb the bell tower for stunning city views and admire the intricate architecture.
  • São Francisco Church: Immerse yourself in the extravagant Baroque style at São Francisco Church. Be sure to marvel at the opulent gilded woodwork and the azulejo tilework within.
  • Majestic Café:Step back in time at the Majestic Café, a Belle Époque gem known for its art nouveau interior and delicious Portuguese pastries.

Suggestion for the day:

• Explore other highlights in Porto. You can easily walk or catch the metro to visit these places.
  • Capela das Almas: This captivating 18th-century chapel is a visual feast, adorned with thousands of blue and white azulejo tiles depicting scenes from the lives of saints.
  • Mercado do Bolhão: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Porto's bustling Bolhão Market. Explore the stalls overflowing with fresh produce, local delicacies, and Portuguese crafts.
  • Jardins do Palácio de Cristal: Escape the urban buzz and find tranquility in these beautifully landscaped gardens. Explore the pavilions, wander through the serene walkways, and enjoy a moment of peace surrounded by nature.
  • Casa da Música: Witness a symphony of architecture at Casa da Música, a modern concert hall known for its unique and eye-catching design. Take a tour or catch a performance and experience the magic of music in this stunning setting.
  • Serralves Museum & Gardens: Go into the world of modern and contemporary art at this museum. Explore the impressive collection and don't miss the beautifully manicured gardens, a haven for art and nature enthusiasts alike.
  • Vila Nova de Gaia: Venture across the iconic D. Luis I Bridge by tram and explore the neighboring town of Vila Nova de Gaia. Here, you can delve into the world of Port wine with tours and tastings at the many cellars, or simply relax on the waterfront and soak up the beautiful scenery.

Suggestion for the day:

• Douro Wine Region: This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts dramatic landscapes unlike any other, with terraced vineyards cascading down steep hillsides alongside the Douro River. Witness the fruits of this labor with winery tours and tastings, savoring the world-renowned Port wines produced here for centuries. Beyond the wine, the Douro Valley offers charming villages, historic sites, and breathtaking viewpoints – a perfect escape for nature lovers, history buffs, and anyone seeking a taste of Portuguese serenity.

Suggestion for the day:

• Explore the city of the archbishops and the birthplace of Portugal.
• • Visit Braga & Guimarães: Explore the captivating north of Portugal on this exciting tour that unveils the region's rich history and youthful energy. Discover the ancient Roman city of Braga, famous for its stunning churches and enduring role as a religious center. Immerse yourself in the city's youthful atmosphere, a bustling hub for students. Travel back in time to Guimarães, the cradle of Portugal. Witness the city where the first king, Afonso Henriques, launched the Christian reconquest, shaping the nation's destiny.

2

Embark on a picturesque train journey from Porto to Lisbon, traversing scenic landscapes and witnessing the seamless blend of history, culture, and natural beauty along the way. (approx. 3.35 hours). Pssst.... transfer is included from your Porto hotel to Porto train station and once you arrive at Lisbon train station, a transfer to your Lisbon hotel is also included.

Suggestion for the day:

• Once you've settled in, stroll around Lisbon's vibrant districts (Chiado, Baixa, Belém & Bairro Alto), and make sure to check these highlights:
• • São Roque Church
  • São Pedro de Alcântara Garden
  • Ruins of Carmo Church
  • Santa Catarina Viewpoint
  • Luís de Camões Square
  • Torre de Belém
  • Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
  • Pastéis de Belém
  • Augusta Street
  • Terreiro do Paço
  • Santa Justa Lift

Suggestion for the day:

• Visit Sintra: Historically known as being the illustrious home to Portugal’s most storied monarchs, the town of Sintra is not only historically relevant, but aesthetically speaking, it is a true marvel of magnificence and romantic beauty. This dream destination is also known as being filled with heavenly mansions tucked among rolling green hillsides, and fantastical castles that make you feel as if you have stepped into an actual real-life fairytale, including must-see marvels of the Palácio Nacional de Sintra, Palácio da Pena, Quinta de Regaleira, the Castelo dos Mouros, and the Palácio de Monserrate.
  • Pena National Palace
  • Local pastries (travesseiros de Sintra)
  • Ginginha (local licour)
  • Quinta da Regaleira
  • Monserrate Palace
  • Moorish Castle
  • Old-Town

Suggestion for the day:

• Visit the UNESCO City of Évora: The Alentejo region of Portugal is a feast for all the senses, from its northernmost tip to its sunkissed southern shores. While the north offers visitors pastoral scenery, like horses grazing in the flatland, the central portion of the region is marked by the vast plain with rows of cornflowers blowing in the wind. As one makes their way to the Alentejo coast, wild and unmarred natural beauty awaits to awe and inspire.
  • Sé Cathedral
  • Roman Temple
  • Capela dos Ossos
  • Giraldo Square
  • Évora university
  • Água da Prata aquaduct
  • Cromlech of Almendres

Suggestion for the day:

• Visit Óbidos: The romantic appeal of Óbidos — a marvelous medieval town in Portugal chocked full of intriguing history — provides a true experience as if you have actually stepped back in time to explore the nation’s amazingly rich history. Wandering among this enclave´s charming cobbled streets — flanked by an ancient walled labyrinth — and visiting its magnificent medieval castle will be memories you will never forget.
  • Porta da Vila, Óbidos castle
  • Santa Maria church
  • Santa Maria Square
  • Bom Jesus da Pedra Sanctuary
  • Óbidos lake
  • Porta da Vila
  • Óbidos Aquaduct
  • Óbidos Medieval Market.

No Amendment Fees on Our End

Full flexibility on Land Arrangements

Travel Support Anytime, Anywhere