October 07–15, 2026 | 9 Days
Experience the very best of Portugal—from vibrant cities to charming villages, stunning coastlines, and world-famous wine regions. This thoughtfully designed journey takes you through many of the same breathtaking landscapes and cultural highlights found along the iconic Douro River cruise routes—but at nearly half the cost—offering exceptional value without compromising on experience.
✨ Your Local Experts in Portugal
This journey is a collaboration between Niche Travel Group and a trusted Portuguese tour company with roots dating back to 1840—bringing nearly two centuries of experience to your trip.
All guides are local Portuguese experts, offering authentic insight, deep cultural knowledge, and a true insider’s perspective at every stop along the way. Enjoy lots of free time to dine where you like and explore like a local.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: 07th October 2026 – Arrival to Lisbon
Arrival at Lisbon airport, located on the north bank of the Tagus River,
a few kilometers from the Atlantic.
Reception and transfer to the hotel (most hotels in Europe accept
check-in only after 2:00 PM). Rest of the day free.
Day 2: 08th October 2026 – Lisbon
After breakfast, panoramic tour of Lisbon, known for its unique
luminosity and incomparable charm. According to
legend, the Portuguese capital was originally built on seven hills,
stretching along the Tagus River in an undulating
landscape full of historic buildings, cobbled streets, and beautiful
viewpoints. As the country’s capital, Lisbon was
the stage for some of Portugal’s most important historical moments,
including 400 years of Arab occupation, the
flourishing era of overseas voyages, the great 1755 earthquake, the
end of the monarchy, the years of 20th-century
dictatorship, and the peaceful revolution of April 25, 1974. On this
tour, highlights include the historic Belém
district, home to the Belém Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries,
and the Jerónimos Monastery. Afternoon and
evening free. Consult optional tours for the day.
Day 3: 09th October 2026 – Lisbon / Nazaré / Coimbra / Aveiro / Porto
In the morning, journey to Nazaré, a stunning beach with one of
Portugal’s oldest fishing traditions. Recently, this
city drew worldwide attention for its famous giant waves, attracting
big-wave surfers and global media. head to
Coimbra, birthplace of six kings and capital of Portugal until 1256, also
home to the country’s oldest university,
founded in the 13th century. Upon arrival, panoramic tour featuring
the Mondego River, Rua de Sofia, university
buildings, São Sebastião Aqueduct, and Botanical Garden. Visit to the
Monastery of Santa Cruz, founded by
Portugal’s first king in 1131 and home to the country’s first public
school. Continuation to Aveiro and “moliceiro”
ride with ovos moles tasting. Continuation to Porto, located on the
right bank of the Douro River and Portugal’s
second-largest city. Overnight.
Day 4: 10th October 2026 – Porto In the morning, tour of this city whose old quarter is UNESCO World
Heritage. Highlights include Avenida da
Boavista, Foz neighborhood, Clérigos Tower, Avenida dos Aliados, and
Lapa Church. After crossing Vila Nova de
Gaia, visit to a Port Wine cellar with tasting. Consult optional tours for
the day.
Day 5: 11th October 2026 – Porto / Gondomar /Guimarães
After breakfast, departure to Gondomar for a visit to the Filigree
Museum. Continuation to the Minho region,
famous for its green landscapes dominated by small vineyards and
cornfields. Arrival in Braga and ascent to the
idyllic Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte via the famous 1882 water-
powered funicular. Continuation to the city
center for a short walking tour featuring Praça da República, beautiful
Santa Bárbara Gardens, historic Rua do
Souto, and Braga Sé, Portugal’s oldest cathedral. Free lunch.
Continuation to Guimarães, cradle of the Nation,
birthplace of King D. Afonso Henriques and Portugal’s first capital. Stop
at the Castle and São Miguel Chapel,
followed by a walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage historic
center, highlighting Praça de São Tiago and
Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira. Overnight.
Day 6: 12th October 2026 – Guimarães / Ponte de Lima / Viana do
Castelo / Guimarães
Departure to the beautiful Minho region. Arrival in Ponte de Lima, a
historic village on the banks of the Lima River,
founded by Countess D. Teresa and renowned for its Vinho Verde
production (tasting). Short walking tour.
Continuation to Viana do Castelo and visit to the hospital ship Gil
Eanes, built in this city and operating as a hospital
from 1955 to support the cod fishing fleet in distant Newfoundland and
Greenland banks. In 1998, after restoration,
it opened to the public as a memorial to the heroic cod-fishing era.
Lunch in local restaurant. In the afternoon,
ascent to Santa Luzia Mount where the Sanctuary dedicated to the
Sacred Heart of Jesus stands. At 250 meters
altitude, it is Viana’s most iconic spot offering superb panoramic views
over the city, Lima River estuary, Eiffel
bridge, and sea. Return to Guimarães. Overnight.
Day 7: 13th October 2026 – Guimarães / Peso da Régua / Pinhão /
Viseu Journey to the Douro Valley region. Arrival to Peso da Régua, former
wine export center. Visit to a Douro Winery
with wine taste. Onward to Pinhão with free time to admire Douro
landscapes. Continuation to Beira Alta region
and arrival in Viseu, capital of the famous Dão wine region. Walking
tour of the historic center. Overnight.
Day 8: 14th October 2026 – Viseu / Guarda / Belmonte / Lisbon
Departure to Guarda, Portugal’s highest city (1,056 meters altitude).
Guided walking tour of the historic center
highlighting the Cathedral (entry) and old Jewish quarter. Continuation
to Belmonte—birthplace of Pedro Álvares
Cabral—and visit to the Discoveries Museum, showcasing one of the
most important moments in maritime history:
the arrival in Brazil. Continuation to Lisbon. Overnight.
Day 9: 15th October 2026 – Departure from Lisbon
Breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure. Transfer to the airport for the
return flight.
Confirmed Services:
- 8 breakfast and 1 meal in local restaurant
- Coach tour
- Arrival and departure group transfer
- Stay in double rooms at mentioned hotels
- Hotel taxes and service fees
- Porter service, whenever possible, at hotel check-out
(1 bag per person) - Accompaniment throughout by an English-Speaking
Abreu Guide - Other cities and sites narrated by our guide: Lisbon,
Nazaré, Coimbra, Aveiro, Porto, Gondomar, Braga,
Guimarães, Ponte de Lima, Viana do Castelo, Peso da
Régua, Pinhão, Viseu, Guarda and Belmonte - Entries to museums and monuments per itinerary:
Santa Cruz Church and Monastery (Coimbra), Filigree
Museum (Gondomar), Braga Sé,, Guarda Sé-Cathedral
and Discoveries Museum (Belmonte) - “Moliceiro” boat ride tour with “ovos moles” tasting
- Visit and tasting at a Port Wine cellar
City Hotel Category Nights
Lisbon VIP Executive
Entrecampos Hotel
4 ★ 2 + 1
Porto Fontinha Porto,
Trademark Collection
by Wyndham
4 ★ 2
Guimarães Guimarães Hotel 4 ★ 2
Viseu Grão Vasco Hotel 4 ★ 1
- Ascent on water-powered funicular to Bom Jesus
Sanctuary in Braga - Vinho Verde tasting in Ponte de Lima
- Douro Winery visit and tasting
- Headsets for greater comfort during visits
💼 Group Details
– Maximum 22 guests for a more intimate experience
💰 Pricing
– $2,849 per person (double occupancy)
– $3,849 per person (solo occupancy)
✈️ Flights (Additional Add-On Cost )
Direct with WestJet from Halifax
Outbound – October 7, 2026
Halifax (YHZ) → Lisbon (LIS)
Departs 11:50 AM → Arrives 9:45 PM
Non-stop | Approx. 5h 55m
Return – October 15, 2026
Lisbon (LIS) → Halifax (YHZ)
Departs 6:10 AM → Arrives 8:50 AM
Non-stop | Approx. 6h 40m
Flights to Lisbon are available from most gateways in North America
Flights available at an additional cost. Limited seats on direct service.
✨ Effortless Travel, Thoughtfully Designed
From arrival to departure, every detail is handled—so you can simply relax and enjoy Portugal at its best.
Contact Kim at Niche Travel Group to book: 902-401-6971 or kim@nichetravelgroup.ca
