Welcome to Portugal! Porto is one of the country's most romantic cities, picturesquely situated on the banks of the Douro River. The city captivates visitors with its majestic bridges, the medieval riverside quarter with its cobbled streets, historic merchant houses, and cozy cafes. And let's not forget: Porto is the birthplace of the world-famous port wine. Today at 6 pm there will be an important welcome meeting where you'll meet your tour guide and fellow travelers. Afterwards, you can join the group for an optional dinner – your tour guide will surely have some great restaurant recommendations for you.

This morning you'll take an orientation walk to get your bearings in Porto. The rest of the day is entirely up to you. Stroll through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ribeira district with its winding streets, staircases, and Baroque churches – all easily explored on foot. The Church of São Francisco impresses with its opulent interior of gilded carvings, while the Palácio da Bolsa, a palatial 19th-century building, once served as the stock exchange and was built to impress potential European investors. A visit to the Mercado do Bolhão, Porto's traditional market since 1914, is also worthwhile. For a magnificent view over the city, you can climb the Torre dos Clérigos or stroll along the Avenida dos Aliados with its French-inspired buildings. In the late afternoon, you'll meet your tour guide and the group again for a port wine tasting, where you can sample Portugal's famous wine. Those who wish can also round off the evening with a boat trip on the Douro River aboard a historic "Rabelo" boat and experience the city from the water.

The morning is all yours – use the time to discover Porto at your own pace. You can stroll through the narrow streets, do some last-minute souvenir shopping, or linger one last time in your favorite spot. In the late afternoon or early evening, you'll travel to Coimbra. You can safely store your luggage for the day, allowing you to explore the city without any worries. After arriving at your hotel, you'll have the opportunity to relax and enjoy a restful night in Coimbra. Please note: As the journey to Coimbra takes place in the early evening, dinner after arrival may also be quite late.

Today Coimbra is all yours – you can spend the day as you please. Stroll through the picturesque streets of the old town on the banks of the Mondego River, feel the royal heritage and the historical atmosphere that Coimbra, as a former capital, exudes. The University of Coimbra, the oldest in Portugal, is particularly worth seeing. A walk through the winding streets and squares of the old town with your tour guide will give you a good overview of the city and its history. In the afternoon you have time to stroll through the city at your leisure, enjoy cafes or simply soak up the atmosphere. In the evening, you'll meet the group again for a Fado show. Coimbra's Fado is closely linked to the academic tradition: the musicians wear dark robes and cloaks, and the music often tells of sorrow, melancholy, and the lives of ordinary people – an intense, unforgettable experience.

Today you'll travel to the schist villages, a fascinating part of Portugal that remains a well-kept secret. The locals are looking forward to welcoming you to their villages. The area comprises 26 small villages, harmoniously nestled between hills and riverbanks. All the houses are built from schist, a metamorphic rock, and blend perfectly into the landscape. Originally abandoned in the 20th century when many people moved to the cities, the villages are now experiencing a renaissance thanks to a government sustainable tourism project. After your arrival, you can take a nice walk through the hills around your overnight village. Special notes: The group is staying overnight in two adjacent houses. You should wear sturdy footwear for the hike through the mountains. The hike includes steep and rocky sections, so a moderate level of fitness is recommended. If you don't want to go hiking today, you can simply enjoy the picturesque village and soak up the atmosphere.

Today you will first travel back to Coimbra in a private vehicle and then continue your journey to Lisbon by train. Upon arrival, you will take a short orientation walk before the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Lisbon enchants with its beautifully renovated buildings, wide boulevards, imposing castles, and churches – a stroll through the city is always worthwhile. For example, you could visit Lisbon Cathedral, built in 1150 by the first bishop, Gilbert of Hastings, on the site of an old mosque. Inside, you'll find nine chapels, each with its own story, and a particularly impressive Gothic cloister. Alternatively, you can climb the medieval São Jorge Citadel, which sits atop the highest point of the old town. Dating back to Moorish times, and although much of the original castle was destroyed, you can still see some of the walls and 18 different towers. From up there, you have a breathtaking view over the city, which seems to teem endlessly with white houses and red terracotta roofs.

In the morning you can explore Lisbon on your own. Stroll through the charming, narrow streets of the city's neighborhoods, observe the colorful hustle and bustle of the people, and visit the Torre de Belém, a beautiful building that originally served as a lighthouse, as well as the imposing Jerónimos Monastery. If you fancy a day trip, a visit to Sintra is a great option – a royal sanctuary with pastel-colored, romantic buildings that looks like something out of a fairy tale. In the evening, you'll experience the Portuguese way of life with a sunset stroll together with your group. Enjoy a picnic with wine and cheese as the sun slowly sets over the city – a perfect end to your day in Lisbon.

Your trip ends today after breakfast. Since no activities are planned for the day, you are free to depart at any time. But don't worry – your Portuguese adventure doesn't have to end here! If you'd like to extend your stay in Lisbon, we'd be happy to arrange additional accommodation for you.