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Tours / Europe tours / Portugal tours / Portugal Express - 3 day tour

Portugal Express - 3 day tour

SMALL GROUP TOUR: Take in the best of central Portugal on this 3-day escorted group tour from Lisbon. Explore Obidos independently and see the famously giant waves of Nazare. Discover Aveiro, the 'Venice of Portugal' and enjoy a great mix of included sightseeing and free time in Porto. Visit the historic university in Coimbra and wander the streets of Tomar, seat of the Knights Templar.

Trip Highlights

Obidos - Explore this medieval town independently, and perhaps find somewhere to try the local Ginna Liquer 

Aveiro - Admire the pretty Art Nouveau architecture and opt for a ride on the canals in the 'Venice of Portugal'

Coimbra - Visit one of the world's oldest universities on an included tour and enjoy free time in the city

Nazare - Watch some of the world's biggest waves crash against the coast (conditions permitting) and admire the Forte de Sao Miguel Arcanjo

Porto - Spend two nights in this famous city, with an included walking tour and free time to explore your way.

Tomar - Take in the picturesque surrounding scenery in this historic town, former seat of the Knights Templar

Included

2 breakfasts

Escorted by a local driver-guide

Entrance to Coimbra University

Tourist taxes

Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go.

2 nights 3-4 star hotels

Guided city walk in Porto

Transportation in 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning

20kg luggage - see Trip Notes for details

Not Included

International flights & visas

Meals not specified in itinerary

Entry fees unless specified

Airport transfers (pick up and drop off information can be found in the Trip Notes)

Tipping - an entirely personal gesture!

Itinerary

Day 1

Obidos, Navare & Aveiro

Lisbon - Obidos - Aveiro - Porto. From the Portuguese capital, we head first to the medieval town of Obidos, known for Ginna Liquer. There is free time to take in the 12th century castle or find a shop in which to sample the iconic cherry-flavoured spirit.

Our next stop is coastal Nazare, known for the largest waves in the world and a 16th century fortress, Forte de Sao Miguel Arcanjo. Strategically located on a headland, it is virtually impenetrable! There's free time to visit the fortress, ride the funicular or find a restaurant by the beach for lunch.

Our final stop of the day is Aveiro, which has earned the nickname 'Venice of Portugal' thanks to its network of canals. Hop aboard a Moliceiro boat if you wish for a ride on this canal network, and admire the city's rich Art Nouveau architecture. We then complete our journey to Porto, where the evening is free.

Please note: Check-in closes at 08:15 on day 1 (tour departs at 08:30) - Lisbon Pick Up Point, Hotel Zenit, Lisbon,.
Overnight: Porto

Day 2

Exploring Porto

We are spending all of today in Porto, with plenty of time to discover one of Portugal's most popular destinations. The day starts with an included guided walking tour, taking in all the highlights of the city.

Our tour ends in the early afternoon, and the rest of the day is free for you to further explore. Find yourself somewhere to sample traditional port wine, or explore the city's vibrant Ribeira district, which is UNESCO-listed and famous for its colourful and historic buildings. Other options include a boat cruise on the Douro River, or perhaps a climb up the Clerigos Tower in order to enjoy panormaic views over the city.
Overnight: Porto | Breakfast

Day 3

Coimbra University Tour

Porto - Coimbra - Candal - Tomar - Lisbon. Our first stop today is Coimbra, home to one of the world's oldest universities, founded back in 1290! We enjoy a guided visit of the University, with highlights including the Joanina Library. A colony of bats lives here, helping to keep the library insect free! After our tour of the University, there's free time to further explore Coimbra and grab some lunch.

Our next stop is the small village of Candal. A traditional Schist village, it is home to historic hamlets built right into the rockface. Then it's on to the historic town of Tomar, former seat of the Knights Templar! Surrounded by a mountain and with a pretty river flowing through, it's an incredibly idyllic spot. We can see the Moorish architecture of the Church of San Joao Baptista and the UNESCO-listed Convento de Cristo before we complete our dirve to Lisbon, where our tour ends.

Please note: This tour ends at 19:00 - Lisbon Drop Off, Hotel Zenit, Lisbon.
Breakfast

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers wanting the privacy of their own room, or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Room sharing is not available on this tour.

Guaranteed Departure

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

Hotel Vila Gale Porto Ribeira, Porto

| Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

Located right on the banks of the Douro River, the 4-star Hotel Vila Gala Porto Ribeira is a wonderful base for discovering the charms of Porto. Rooms are modern and spacious, with ensuite bathrooms, flat-screen TV and air-conditioning. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property and there is an onsite bar and sun terrace. breakfast is served buffet style in the hotel restaurant.