Porto | Introduction to Portugal Rail Tour

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Ideal for first-time visitors, this 10-day Independent Rail Tour of Portugal is the perfect introduction to three of Portugal's most beloved destinations - Porto, Lisbon & sunny Algarve! 

Day 1: Arrive in Porto

Bemvindo a Portugal! Arriving at Porto airport, collect your luggage, clear customs, and meet your driver who will be waiting to comfortably transfer you to your hotel. After checking in, the remainder of the day is free to relax or start exploring this charming historic city on your own.

Day 2: Porto City Tour

Today you'll be picked up for a half-day panoramic city tour featuring Porto's most important attractions. Capital of the North of Portugal and UNESCO World Heritage, Porto has one of the most remarkable historic centres across Europe, selected as the first 2013 European Destination by Lonely Planet. Discover an environment rich in history, tradition & culture as you tour the city's major sites, including the Cathedral, São Bento Train Station, Lello Bookshop, and the historic city centre. A wine tasting in one of the many Port Wine Cellars completes this memorable journey before returning to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. (B)

Day 3: Porto

Today is free to spend as you chose. Continue exploring Porto's charming old town on your own or perhaps consider booking an optional tour to the beautiful Douro Valley wine region. (B)

Day 4: Porto to Lisbon

Following breakfast at your hotel, a private car transfer will take you to the railway station where you'll board a first-class train to Lisbon. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning views as you journey south from the Douro region toward Portigal's capital city. Once in Lisbon, you will be met at the train station and transferred by private car to your centrally located hotel. Check in and enjoy the afternoon and evening as you wish. (B)

Day 5: Lisbon City Tour

This morning, enjoy a half-day tour to discover Lisbon. Learn about the history and traditions of Lisbon on this visit to the Monuments that pay tribute to the golden era of Portuguese Discoveries, the city's most traditional quarters, and the emblematic museum. Traveling onboard a comfortable air-conditioned bus, drive west along the riverside to reach the Belém Tower, one of Lisbon's finest historic sites, where you'll have some free time. The next stop will be at the Monument to the Discoveries before continuing to the Jeronimos Monastery church, a marvel of stone lacework which you can visit on your own (closed on Monday). You will then visit the Ajuda National Palace. After admiring the lavishly decorated rooms and museum of this former royal residence, you will be taken back to Restauradores Square or Marquês de Pombal Square in central Lisbon. From here, making us of our new Digital Walking Tour available through the "Vox City" APP, explore Lisbon's picturesque historic quarters such as Allfama and baixa-Chiado at your own pace. Please note the Ajuda National Palace is closed on Wednesday and will be replaced with a visit to the Coach Museum. (B)

Day 6: Lisbon

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a full day to continue exploring bustling streets in old town Lisbon on your own, hop on the city's vintage yellow tram, and perhaps make your way up to St George Castle, one of Lisbon's most emblematic landmarks, from where you can admire stunning views of the city and Tagus River below. Alternatively, we suggest taking an optional tour of Sintra, Cascais & Estoril with a visit to the romantic & colourfull Pena Palace. (B)

Day 7: Lisbon to Algarve

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before your driver arrives to transfer you to Lisbon's Oriente train station for your rail journey to the Algarve. Then, from the comfort of your first-class seat, admire the changing scenery as the train travels south to Albufeira on Portugal's sunny Algarve coast, where your driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Albufeira. After checking in, you are free to relax or start exploring your new surroundings. (B)

Day 8: Lagos & Sagres

Today's full-day tour will give you a chance to wander back in time to the era of the Portuguese Discoveries. In Lagos, visit the golden church of Saint Anthony, the first slave market in Europe, and enjoy the spectacular views of the Atlantic and the unique rock formations at Ponta da Piedade. These golden sandstone cliffs of misshaped angles stand in stark contrast to the deep turquoise and green waters of the sea. Continue to Sagres with its beautiful unspoiled harbour, passing by the 15th-century Sagres fortress located on a rocky outcrop. You'll also visit Cape St.Vincent, the most southwesterly point of Europe known as "The end of the World" and have some time to see the most powerful European lighthouse. There will also be free time for lunch on your own. Please note Entrance fees to the monuments & lunch are not included. At the end of the tour which lasts about 8 hours, you will be taken back to your hotel. (B)

Day 9: Algarve

A full day at leisure to spend as you please. Relax by the hotel pool, take a stroll along the beach, or explore Albufeira’s old town and colourful marina. (B)

Day 10: Departure

Sadly your Introduction to Portugal Tour has come to an end. Following breakfast at your hotel and at a time to suit your departing flight, a private car transfer will take you to the airport at Faro for your return flight home. Or ask us about extending your vacation with additional nights in the Algarve. (B)

Departure Dates

This tour departs on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday. 
Some excursions included do not operate daily and the itinerary will be modified to suit.