Discover Portugal
Join Odyssey Traveller small group journeys with like minded people on this immersive 18-day escorted tour of Portugal. This travel experience takes us from the capital of Lisbon, through Portugal's many historic cities and key UNESCO World heritage sites.
From $12,815NZD
Highlights
- 1. See the colourful Pena Palace, located at the top of the hill in the Sintra Mountains and celebrated as the grandest example of Romantic architecture.
- 2. Enjoy a river cruise on the Douro River and explore the hillsides where Portugal's port grapes are grown.
- 3. Explore Portugal's oldest university, the University of Coimbra, and walk through its historic buildings.
- 4. Visit the Fabrica dos Pasteis de Belem, which has been baking the world-famous Portuguese custard tart since 1837.
Departure Dates
| Departure Date | Price |
|---|---|
| 21 April 2025 Ends 08 May 2025 • 18 days $12,815 Twin $15,316 Single Available | Selected |
| 25 August 2025 Ends 11 September 2025 • 18 days $12,815 Twin $15,316 Single Available | |
| 20 April 2026 Ends 07 May 2026 • 18 days $12,815 Twin $15,316 Single Available | |
| 22 August 2026 Ends 08 September 2026 • 18 days $12,815 Twin $15,316 Single Available |
Discover Portugal
Join Odyssey Traveller on an immersive 18-day small group tour of Portugal, a multi-sensory experience taking us through Portugal's many historic sites, natural wonders and scenery, charming villages and hidden gems. "Discover Portugal" is especially designed for mature-aged or senior travellers and offers a rich sampling of the culture and history of this European country. We will be accompanied by a Program Leader and a local guide or tour guide based in the destinations we will visit.
Our tour itinerary:
As we wind our way up the coast of Portugal, we visit a number of fascinating cities and towns, including:
Lisbon:
Steep hillsides overlooking the Atlantic; cobbled streets and buildings covered in vivid blue and white azulejos (tiles); grand Renaissance monuments: few cities are as picturesque as Portugal's capital, Lisbon. During the European Age of Discovery, Lisbon was the 'Queen of the Sea', as trade from around the world made Portugal one of Europe's richest and most cosmopolitan countries. We explore the legacies of Lisbon's Age of Discovery at the Jerónimos Monastery and Torre de Belém, each built in ornate and exuberant 'Manueline' style. Beyond this, we also uncover Lisbon's Arabic history in the warren-like Alfama and the city's Moorish castle, while giving you plenty of time to explore this extraordinary city for yourself with our travel notes on Lisbon. Whilst based in Lisbon we travel out early one morning to visit the colourful Pena Palace in the Sintra mountains.
Évora:
With a history going back 5000 years, the hillside town of Évora is one of Portugal's best preserved medieval landscapes. As the home of the Portuguese royal family in the 15th century, the UNESCO World Heritage listed historic centre is packed with spectacular buildings, from Manueline convents and churches to Portugal's second university, the azulejo-covered and Jesuit-run University of the Holy Spirit. Our tour delves into Évora's Roman history with a visit to the Roman Temple, the best preserved on the Iberian peninsula, and reflects on the universality of life and death at the Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones), a momento mori with walls and columns decorated in the bones of over 5000 people.
Óbidos:
Nicknamed the Vila das Rainhas (City of the Queens), because of a medieval tradition in which the Portuguese king gave the hilltop town of Óbidos to their queen, Óbidos today feels like a trip back to the Middle Ages, a charming warren of cobblestone streets and whitewashed houses. Make sure to visit the medieval castle and view (or - depending on your tolerance of heights - walk) the city's preserved Moorish walls.
Fátima:
In the summer of 1917, the Virgin Mary is said to have visited three children while they were caring for their family's sheep on the farmlands outside Fátima. Claiming to have seen the Virgin five times, the children predicted that they would see her one more time, on October 13, 1917. Following the children's prediction, a crowd of over 70, 000 pilgrims gathered in Fátima - and aftewards claimed that they had seen a miracle, as the sun performed zig zags in the sky, and moved dramatically toward the Earth. After investigation, the Catholic church declared that the conditions for a miracle had been met, and Fátima became a major destination for Catholic pilgrims from around the world. Today, this small town receives more than 6 to 8 visitors each year. Our visit will take you to the heart of Portugal's Catholic religion: whatever your beliefs may be, it's hard not to be awed by the devotion that brings visitors here from every part of the world.
Luso:
For the Portuguese, agua di Luso is synonymous with good quality water. Historically, Luso brought visitors from all over Portugal to 'take the waters', which were held to cure ailments ranging from kidney failure to skin conditions. Today, Luso remains a spa town, with a medical centre specialising in the treatment of arteriosclerosis, an arterial disease occurring mostly in the elderly. However, even those in good health will enjoy Luso's historic buildings, ranging from the 18th century to the age of Art Nouveau. The highlight is the nearby Buçaco Palace, a 17th century monastery turned into a grand hotel in the late 19th century, built in an elaborate style recalling the Manueline buildings of the Renaissance.
Porto:
The city that gave its name to port wine, Porto's historic centres is one of the best preserved in Europe, with buildings dating back to the 14th century. Here we explore the city's prosperous - and delicious - trade in port wine on a tour through the hillsides where port grapes are grown (including a tasting in a cellar), and take a cruise down the Douro to see the city at its best advantage. Fans of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series will enjoy the beautiful, neo-Gothic Livraria Lello & Irmão (Lello & Irmão Bookstore), which is said to have inspired her writing during her time in Porto in the 1990s.
We also visit several destinations in Portugal listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites, including the historic centre of Sintra, a fairy tale of quirky and gothic castles built in the 19th century; the Convent of Christ in Tomar, once a stronghold of the Knights Templar; the impressive Monastery of Batalha, built to commemorate the 1385 Portuguese victory over the Castilians; and Alcobaca's monastery and church, the first Gothic buildings built in Portugal.
Local Traditions & Unique Experiences
As part of our tour, we will delve into local Portuguese traditions, giving you an authentic experience of this extraordinary country. We will be the audience for a stunning Fado performance at a local restaurant. Fado ("fate") is a uniquely Portuguese expressive and melancholic musical performance, dating back to the 1830s. Developing in the port districts of Lisbon that were home to Portugal's maritime working class of sailors and fishwives, fado is believed to take influence from medieval cantigas (songs), Moorish traditions, and the chants of Africans singing at sea. The mournful tunes tell the stories of Portugal's seafarers and urban poor, with a sentiment of resignation to fate from which the genre takes its name.
In Nazare, we will have a guided half-day tour to learn more about the town's fishing traditions. Even as the town has attracted surfers from around the world, you can still see fisher women wearing traditional clothing: skirts with seven petticoats, wooden clogs and a black scarf. While various reasons are offered for the seven petticoats - the seven days of the week, the seven colours of the rainbow - it is likely that the tradition originated in the old days, when women waited by the shore to see fishermen - sons, boyfriends, husbands - return from their time at sea. In order to keep warm, they would wear seven petticoats to wrap around themselves in protection from the cold Atlantic winds.
Much like the rest of southern Europe, gastronomy is at the heart of Portuguese culture. We will have plenty of opportunities to sample Portugal's unique cuisine, including a visit to the Fabrica dos Pasteis de Belem in Lisbon, which has been baking Portuguese custard tarts according to a top-secret recipe since the 19th century. We will stroll through the beautiful café-factory and taste the creamy tarts. On our day trip to Sintra, we will try the travesseiros (puff pastry filled with almond cream) from the Piriquita, a famous local cafe and bakery. While in Obidos, we will have a chance to taste a favourite local drink: ginginha (cherry liquor native to Portugal). After finishing the liquor, make sure to eat the cup, which is made of chocolate! And of course, a trip to Portugal would not be complete without a visit to its wine cellars to sample port wine and sweet Moscatel.
Our tour also allows you to take in the natural beauty of Portugal's Atlantic coast. We will enjoy spectacular views of the cities from famous viewpoints: Santa Luzia and Portas do Sol over Lisbon, Miradouro do Suberco over Nazare, and Cape Roca - the westernmost point of mainland Europe - which provides a panoramic view of the Atlantic.
Our tours in Portugal mix guided tours with plenty of free time, and the small group setting affords travellers focused attention and flexibility. For more details, click the ‘Top 5’ or ‘Itinerary’ buttons above! If you’re keen to experience this tour, please call or send an email. Or, to book, simply fill in the form on the right-hand side of this page.
If you're interested in this tour, you may also want to look at our Spain and Portugal tour and our in-depth tour of Barcelona.
Articles about Portugal published by Odyssey Traveller.
External articles to assist you on your visit to Portugal
- The culture of Portugal
- A brief history of Portugal
- Portugese Colonial War
- Seaside Traditions in Portugal's Nazare
Other Odyssey Tours:
Our tour of Portugal is only one of the many Spain and Portugal tours offered by Odyssey Traveller. For more details, click the ‘Top 5’ or ‘Itinerary’ buttons above! If you’re keen to experience this tour, please call or send an email. Or, to book, simply fill in the form on the right hand side of this page.
Gallery
Itinerary
18 days
Day 1: Lisbon
Accommodation: Hotel Florida or similar
Upon arrival in Lisbon, we will make our own way to our hotel. The Odyssey Program Leader will greet the group late afternoon for a tour briefing followed by welcome dinner. (D)
Day 2: Lisbon
Accommodation: Hotel Florida or similar
Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal, sitting on the Atlantic coast and serving as the country’s chief port. It is also distinguished as the westernmost capital city in continental Europe. The city’s name is a variant of Olisipo, which may have been derived from the pre-Roman name for the Tagus River (Lisso). Located at the mouth of the river is the Belem district, which we will be exploring today. Many of the city’s iconic monuments are located here. We will have a special visit to the Fabrica dos Pasteis de Belem, which has been baking the Portuguese custard tart since 1837. We will have chance to taste this creamy pastry–its secret recipe guarded since the 19th century–and stroll inside the beautiful café-factory.
We will move on to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites–the Jeronimos Monastery, a former monastery of the order of St. Jerome that has since been secularised; and the Tower of Belem, a 16th century fortification that played a significant role in Portugal during the European Age of Discovery. This era of exploration is celebrated by the Monuments of the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos) on the northern bank of the river where ships used to depart to the East, which we will also view today. We will stroll through the cobbled streets of Alfama, one of Lisbon’s oldest districts, and enjoy spectacular views of the city from the viewpoints in Santa Luzia and Portas do Sol. We will end the day’s tour in the area of the São Jorge Castle (no internal visit) to view the Moorish castle overlooking Lisbon and the Tagus River. (B)
Day 3: Lisbon - Sintra - Cape Roca - Cascais - Lisbon
Accommodation: Hotel Florida or similar
Today we will have a full-day trip to Sintra, Cape Roca, and Cascais. From Lisbon, we travel to the city of Sintra, famous for its 19th century Romantic architecture. Its historic centre is listed as a World Heritage Site. It has many royal palaces and gardens, and early today, to avoid the crowds, we will explore the colourful Pena Palace, located at the top of the hill in the Sintra Mountains. It has a mix of styles running the architectural gamut from neo-Gothic to neo-Renaissance, and is celebrated as the grandest example of Romantic architecture. From the hilltop palace, we will transfer to Sintra Town, where we can try the travesseiros (puff pastry filled with almond cream) from the Piriquita, a famous local cafe and bakery.
Still in Sintra, we will visit the magical Quinta da Regaleira, a palace and a chapel set on a hillside, which also showcases an eclectic mix of architectural styles. The property also has fountains, grottoes, statues, caves, and ponds connected above-ground through pathways and below-ground through tunnels lit with fairy lights. We will transfer to Cape Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, to enjoy a panoramic view of the Atlantic.
From Cape Roca we will travel the coastal road to Cascais, where we will have free time to explore the seaside town on our own, and transfer back to Lisbon. (B)
Day 4: Lisbon
Accommodation: Hotel Florida or similar
After our excursion yesterday, you will now enjoy a free day to spend at leisure. You can spend the day retingt or exploring the area further, and in the evening we will gather together to enjoy dinner and a Fado performance at a local restaurant.
Fado (“fate”) is a type of Portuguese expressive and melancholic musical performance traditionally associated with pubs and cafes. The Lisbon style of Fado dates back to the 1830s and we will have experience this tradition tonight. (B,D)
Day 5: Lisbon - Evora
Accommodation: Hotel M’Ar de AR Aqueduto
From Lisbon, we will travel to the historic town of Evora, capital of Portugal’s Alentejo Province. Evora has roots in Roman times, and today we will visit the Roman Temple (circa 1st to 3rd century) located in the town’s historic centre. We will enter the Capela dos Ossos, or the Chapel of Bones, with a design based on the ossuary of San Bernadino alla Ossa in Milan, Italy. More than 5,000 bodies are interred here, taken from the cemeteries around Evora and displayed in the chapel in the 16th century to serve as a place to meditate about death and the meaning of life. We will then visit the Cathedral of Evora, completed in the 18th century. In the evening we will have dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Day 6: Evora - Cartuxa - Evora
Accommodation: Hotel M’Ar de AR Aqueduto
Our morning is free, and in the afternoon we will visit the Cartuxa Winery, located on the Quinta de Valbom estate, for a tour and wine tasting. We return to Evora later in the afternoon and the remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)
Day 7: Evora - Obidos
Accommodation: The Literary Man Obidos Hotel or similar
Today we will leave Evora to move to Obidos, where we will enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour. Obidos grew from a Roman settlement and a Moorish fortification, until it was extensively remodelled under Dinis I. Dinis I offered the town to his wife, Isabel, in the 13th century, and its architecture was enriched in the following centuries.
While in Obidos, we will also have a chance to taste a favourite local drink: ginginha (cherry liquor native to Portugal) in a chocolate cup, which means after drinking you can eat the cup! In the evening, we will have dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Day 8: Obidos - Nazare - Alcobaca - Obidos
Accommodation: The Literary Man Obidos Hotel or similar
Today we will have an excursion to the town of Nazare and Alcobaca. On the way to the fishing town of Nazare, we will stop en route at the spa town of Caldas da Rainha to view the factory that produces the traditional ceramic of Caldas.
In Nazare, we will have a guided tour to learn more about the town’s fishing traditions and view the beach famous among surfers the world over for its giant waves. It is not unusual to see fisher women here still wearing traditional clothing: skirt with seven colourful layers (said to represent the days of the week), wooden clogs, and black headscarf. We will be afforded a beautiful view of the sea from the famous lookout point, Miradouro do Suberco. We will stop for a fish lunch at a local restaurant before transferring to Alcobaca.
We will visit the Monastery of Alcobaca, established in the 12th century by the first Portuguese king, Afonso. The monastery and the church were the first Gothic buildings built in Portugal and are listed as a World Heritage Site. After the monastery visit, we will have some free time to explore the town on our own before we return to Obidos. (B, L)
Day 9: Obidos
Accommodation: The Literary Man Obidos Hotel or similar
Today is a free day in Obidos, which you can spend by resting in our accommodation or taking a stroll in the area. (B)
Day 10: Obidos - Batalha - Fatima
Accommodation: Hotel D. Goncalo and Spa or similar
Today we will be leaving Obidos to go to Fatima. En route we will stop at Batalha to visit its impressive monastery built in the Gothic and Manueline (Portuguese Gothic) styles. The Monastery of Batalha was built to commemorate the Portuguese victory over the Castilians at the 1385 Battle of Aljubarrota, ending the Castilian plan to capture the Portuguese throne.
We will continue our journey to Fatima and take a guided walking tour of the town. The city of Fatima became an important destination for Catholic pilgrims following the reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary to three children in 1917. The three children–Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta–were canonised in 2017, making them the Catholic Church’s youngest saints. (Of the three, Francisco was the oldest, at age 10.) A collection of buildings called the Sanctuary at Fátima was built in the area where the Marian apparitions took place, and we will have time to visit the Basilica. We will stay in Fatima for the night and have dinner at the hotel. (B,D)
Day 11: Fatima - Tomar - Fatima
Accommodation: Hotel D. Goncalo and Spa or similar
From Fatima, we will travel today to the Convent of Christ in Tomar. The exquisitely designed former Roman Catholic convent was originally a stronghold of the Knights Templar (later the Knights of the Order of Christ) in the 12th century. The convent and castle complex was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. After our exploration in the complex, we return to Fatima and the remainder of the day is free. (B)
Day 12: Fatima - Coimbra
Accommodation: Hotel Quinta das Lagrimas
Today we will take a trip to Coimbra, once a Roman settlement and the former capital of Portugal (12th and 13th centuries), to view the city’s main sights. Coimbra declined as Portugal’s political centre in the late Middle Ages but rose as a cultural centre with the settlement of the University of Coimbra in 1537 (initially established in Lisbon in 1290). We will be exploring Portugal’s oldest university and its historic buildings, including the Royal Palace, the Chapel of St. Michael, the Baroque Library (Biblioteca Joanina), and the College of Jesus. We will also visit Conimbriga, one of the largest Roman settlements excavated in Portugal. From Coimbra we will transfer to the small town of Luso, where we will spend the rest of the day. In the evening we will gather for dinner at the hotel. (B,D)
Day 13: Coimbra
Accommodation: Hotel Quinta das Lagrimas
Today is free to spend at our leisure in Luso. Luso is famous for its agua (water) as the location of Aguas do Luso, a mineral water company, and as a spa town. (B)
Day 14: Luso - Porto
Accommodation: NH Porto Jardim
From Luso we will transfer to Porto, famous for port wine (which is in fact named after the city) and its World Heritage-listed historic centre. We will view the 76-metre Clerigos Tower (no internal visit), the emblematic bell tower of the Clerigos Church. We will explore the beautiful, neo-Gothic Livraria Lello & Irmão (Lello & Irmão Bookstore), which is said to have inspired J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. Rowling taught English in Porto in the 1990s. We will also view the double-deck Dom Luís I Bridge spanning the Douro River, and stroll around the lively Ribeira area on the riverbank. As port, Portugal’s famous liquor export, originates in the city, we will also be treated to a tour and tasting in a port wine cellar. We will transfer to our Porto accommodation and have dinner at the hotel. (B,D)
Day 15: Porto
Accommodation: NH Porto Jardim
Today is free to spend at our leisure in Porto. (B)
Day 16: Porto - Favaios - Porto
Accommodation: NH Porto Jardim
Today we will enjoy a full-day excursion to the majestic Douro Valley. We will transfer by coach to the S. Bento train station and take the train to Regua. At Regua, we will transfer to Pinhao, where we will enjoy a one-hour cruise on the river and view the hillsides where Portugal’s port grapes are grown. After the relaxing cruise, we will transfer to the vineyard village of Favaios and visit the gardens at Quinta da Avesseda. We will also have a chance to taste the sweet Moscatel produced here. After lunch at a traditional restaurant, we will visit Favaios’ Bread and Wine Museum to learn more about the production of these two regional products. We will transfer to Porto by coach. (B,L)
Day 17: Porto
Accommodation: NH Porto Jardim
The day is free to be spent at our leisure. In the evening we will meet again for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Day 18: Porto
The end of breakfast marks the end of the tour and our services. (B)
Includes / Excludes
What’s included in our Tour
- 17 nights of accommodation.
- 17 Breakfasts, 2 lunches & 8 dinners.
- Transport and field trips as indicated.
- Applicable entry fees and services of local guides.
- Services of an Odyssey Tour Leader.
- Service charges and gratuities.
- Detailed tour information booklet.
What’s not included in our Tour
- International return airfares including taxes.
- Comprehensive international travel insurance.
- Items of a personal nature.
Participants must be able to carry their own luggage, climb and descend stairs, be in good health, mobile and able to participate in 3-5 hours of physical activity per day, the equivalent of walking / hiking up to 8 kilometers per day on uneven ground.
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The safety of our travellers, tour leader, local guide and support staff has always been our top priority and with the new guidelines for public health and safety for keeping safe for destinations around the world, we’ve developed our plan to give you peace of mind when travelling with us.
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Reviews
Excellent tour with a friendly and helpful guide. Allowed us to learn about Portugal - its history and culture. Suzanne Apr '24
Reading List Download PDF
Journey to Portugal: In Pursuit of Portugal's History and Culture
Jose Saramago
When José Saramago decided to write a book about Portugal, his only desire was that it be unlike all other books on the subject, and in this he has certainly succeeded. Recording the events and observations of a journey across the length and breadth of the country he loves dearly, Saramago brings Portugal to life as only a writer of his brilliance can. Forfeiting the usual sources such as tourist guides and road maps, he scours the country with the eyes and ears of an observer fascinated by the ancient myths and history of his people. Whether it be an inaccessible medieval fortress set on a cliff, a wayside chapel thick with cobwebs, or a grand mansion in the city, the extraordinary places of this land come alive.
Always meticulously attentive to those elements of ancient Portugal that persist today, he examines the country in its current period of rapid transition and growth. Journey to Portugal is an ode to a country and its rich traditions.
Culture Smart! Portugal
This is the essential guide to customs and culture. It takes you beneath the surface of this fascinating country and shows you how to blend in and make the most of your visit.
Contents includes; local customs and traditions, the impact of history, religion and politics, the Portuguese at home, work and play, eating and drinking, dos and don’ts and taboos, business practices, communication (spoken and unspoken) and many more practical tips.
Split into nine distinct chapters so it is easy to find the reference needed and it is interspersed with images and fact boxes. This guide is particularly helpful if you have business plans as the chapters on Business Briefing and Communicating are very interesting.
The Portuguese: A Modern History
Barry Hatton
Combining history and anecdote, Barry Hatton paints an intimate portrait of a fascinating country and its people
Portugal is an established member of the European Union, one of the founders of the euro currency and a founding member of NATO. Yet it is an inconspicuous and largely overlooked country on the continent's south-west rim.
Barry Hatton shines a light on this enigmatic corner of Europe by blending historical analysis with entertaining personal anecdotes. He describes the idiosyncrasies that make the Portuguese unique and surveys the eventful path that brought them to where they are today.
In the fifteenth-and sixteenth-century Age of Discovery the Portuguese led Europe out of the Mediterranean into the Atlantic and they brought Asia and Europe together. Evidence of their one-time four-continent empire can still be felt, not least in the Portuguese language which is spoken by more than 220 million people from Brazil, across parts of Africa to Asia.
Analyzing present-day society and culture, The Portuguese also considers the nation's often tumultuous past. The 1755 Lisbon earthquake was one of Europe's greatest natural disasters, strongly influencing continental thought and heralding Portugal's extended decline. The Portuguese also weathered Europe's longest dictatorship under twentieth-century ruler António Salazar. A 1974 military coup, called the Carnation Revolution, placed the Portuguese at the center of Cold War attentions. Portugal's quirky relationship with Spain, and with its oldest ally England, is also scrutinized.
Portugal, which claims Europe's oldest fixed borders, measures just 561 by 218 kilometers. Within that space, however, it offers a patchwork of widely differing and beautiful landscapes. With an easygoing and seductive lifestyle expressed most fully in their love of food, the Portuguese also have an anarchical streak evident in many facets of contemporary life. A veteran journalist and commentator on Portugal, the author gives a thorough overview of his adopted country.
Queen of the Sea: A History of Lisbon
Barry Hatton
Lisbon's charm is legendary, but its vibrant 2,000-year history is not widely known, from its Roman legacy to its centuries under Moorish rule. Its journey from port town to Portugal's capital was not always smooth sailing--in 1755 the city was devastated by the largest earthquake ever to strike modern Europe, followed by a catastrophic tsunami and a six-day inferno that turned sand to glass.
Barry Hatton unearths these forgotten memories in a vivid account of Lisbon's colourful past and present, bringing to life the 1147 siege during the Iberian reconquista, the assassination of the king, the founding of a republic and the darkness of a modern dictatorship. He reveals the rich, international heritage of Portugal's metropolis--the gateway to the Atlantic and the unrivalled Queen of the Sea.
Articles
'Queen of the Sea': Lisbon: The Definitive Guide for Travellers
‘Queen of the Sea’: A History of Lisbon In 1554, the writer Damião de Góis claimed that out of all the European cities, only Lisbon and her rival Seville ‘could rightfully be called Ladies and…
Atlantic Ocean and How it Shaped Ancient Communities In Europe
Article of interest for senior couples and mature solo travellers joining a small group European tour to Faroe Islands, Scottish Isles, Morocco or Portugal. Focus is on the early exploration of the Atlantic.
Ancient Routes, Fresh Eyes: European Pilgrimage Routes for the Modern Traveller
Ancient Routes, Fresh Eyes: Nine European Pilgrimage Routes for the Modern Traveller The word ‘pilgrimage’ or ‘pilgrim’ comes from the Modern French word pèlerin, which means ‘foreigner, stranger’, highlighting the concept that the faithful is not of…
Lisbon Travel Notes for mature & senior Travellers
Lisbon Travel Notes for mature & senior Travellers Travellers, meet Lisbon. Lisbon, Travellers. Hello there. Olá! I am Lisbon, an elegant Portuguese city perched upon the banks of the sparkling River Tagus. Locals call me ‘Lisboa’.…
History & European Pilgrim Walks
History & European Pilgrim Walks Walking pilgrimages provide solitude and tranquillity in an increasingly busy and fast-paced world. These walking tours follow ancient pilgrimage routes, giving the modern pilgrim the chance not only to meet new…
Questions About Portugal for senior travellers
Enjoy escorted small group tours for mature and senior travellers to Portugal. Designed for couples and solo travellers who like to explore and enjoy learning as they travel to Lisbon, Mafra, Nazare, and Obidos and beyond.
Alfama, Portugal
Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest extant neighbourhood, built in the 8th century during the Muslim conquest of Portugal and neighbouring Spain.
Óbidos, Portugal
A tiny, charming town with over 3000 inhabitants, Obidos is an hour from Lisbon and feels like stepping back in time. The medieval village's historic centre features picturesque cobbled streets and traditional white houses, surrounded by a crenellated castle wall which is accessible by foot. The entire scene is like something out of a story book, enhanced by the surrounding hilly landscape.
Braga, Portugal
Braga is Portugal's third-largest city and its most important religious centre. With almost four dozen places of worship, Braga is something of an ecclesiastical destination, particularly around Easter. However, a large student population also means that, despite the numerous churches, Braga is not just a historical or religious tourist site but a dynamic and eclectic city with a lot on offer. Braga offers a slice of authentic Portugal, nestled amongst hills beside the spectacular Peneda-Geres National Park and just an hour from Porto. With a moderate climate all year round and unhurried pace of life, Braga offers the perfect environment to explore the city's cultural offerings and culinary scene.
Evora, Portugal
Discover the beautifully-preserved medieval town of Evora with fantastic Roman ruins to explore, Moorish architecture and Gothic churches
Convent of Christ, Tomar, Portugal
The Convent of Christ (Convento de Cristo) in Tomar, Portugal is a former Roman Catholic convent that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the 12th century, it was originally the Convent of the Knights Templar of Tomar.
Mafra, Portugal
A forty-minute drive from Lisbon, you will find the town of Mafra near the west coast of Portugal. The town is known for the landmark that dominates it, the opulent Palácio Nacional de Mafra (Mafra National Palace), a Baroque masterpiece that was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. The beautiful palace complex includes the king's and queen's palaces, a royal chapel, a monastery and an impressive library. The buildings are surrounded by magnificent gardens and a royal hunting park known as Tapada.
Nazare, Portugal
An ancient fishing village turned popular seaside resort, Nazare is only an hour and a half from Lisbon but it feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The town became world-famous almost a decade ago when Garrett McNamara, a 51-year-old from Hawaii surfed a 78-foot wave (23 metres) at one of the town's beaches, breaking the world record for the biggest wave ever surfed. The event put Nazare on the map and surfers flocked to the picturesque coastal village desperate to catch the giant waves that many locals have spent years avoiding. For travellers, it is a great spot to relax and eat fresh fish while taking in the beautiful scenery and watching surfers do their bit.
The Golden Years of Lisbon
Successfully breaking the Venetian monopoly on spices and also cornering the African market made Portugal cash-rich. Pepper, which the Portuguese bought for two cruzados (gold coin) a sack in Cochin, India, was sold for 30 cruzados in Lisbon.
