PORTUGAL

Gathering at El. Venizelos airport and flight to Lisbon. Arrival, meeting with our coach and departure for Porto. On the way, we will visit the very beautiful medieval village of Obidos, surrounded and protected by the walls of the castle built in the 13th century. Walking in the paved alleys, one can admire the picturesque houses in intense yellow and blue on the windows. Next stop is Nazare, a small, picturesque, seaside town. It is bathed by the waters of the Atlantic, has large sandy beaches, which are considered among the most beautiful in Portugal. The town was known for the traditional costumes of the fishermen and their wives. Even in our days, one can meet women with the traditional costume. We continue to Coimbra, which is the first university campus in Portugal and one of the oldest cities in the world. We will see the university area and stroll through the streets of the city of poets, with its famous river Mondego. We continue our journey and arrive in Porto. Check-in at the hotel, rest and overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel and we start to get to know the city, which is located along the estuary of the Douro river, in the north of the country. It is one of the oldest European centers and has been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1996. We will start from the Ribeira area, on the banks of the Douro river, where the old buildings and the docks are located, from which the wine was loaded onto the characteristic boats. We continue with the upper city, where we will stroll through the area of the Cathedral and the old railway building. Next is the gilded temple of Saint Francis and the Bolsa Palace, which houses the Commercial Association and formerly the stock exchange. Free time and return to the hotel.

After breakfast, we depart for the northwest of the country. Our first stop is the city of Braga, which combines modern youthful energy with medieval history. One of the most important sights is the oldest cathedral in the country, dating back to the 11th century. The Biscainhos palace and current museum was built in the late 16th century and is an excellent example of baroque architecture, with intricate designs. We will also visit Guimarães, the cradle of the Portuguese nation and the first capital of Portugal. We will see the castle of the area and the historic center, which are UNESCO historical heritage monuments. Then we will depart for Lisbon. Check-in at our hotel.

and we start getting to know the monumental capital of Portugal and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The historic center is built on seven hills and is rich in Gothic and Baroque architecture as well as postmodern constructions. We will pass through the large avenues and continue with the most famous sight, the National Museum of royal coaches, which contains the largest collection of royal coaches in the world. You can visit the Monastery of the Jeronimos, built in 1502 in honor of Vasco da Gama, when he discovered the route to India, and we will take photos in front of the monument to the Portuguese explorers, the Tower of Belém. It was built in 1515 on the banks of the Tagus River and has been characterized by UNESCO as a world heritage monument. Wander through the narrow alleys of the medieval neighborhood of Alfama to enjoy a panoramic view of Lisbon. Free time and return to the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel and we start our all-day trip to the suburbs of Lisbon. First stop is the beautiful mountain Sintra where we will have the opportunity to visit the Royal Palace, which housed the royal families during the 15th/16th and 17th century. Stop for lunch (optional). Next, we head towards Guincho beach passing through the Cape Roca area, the westernmost point in Continental Europe. We will also visit the picturesque fishing village Cascais, with its traditional harbour and colourful boats. Then we will have the opportunity to get to know the cosmopolitan Estoril, with its luxurious villas and famous casino. Return to Lisbon. Rest and overnight stay.

After breakfast, transfer to the city airport for the return flight to Athens.

THE SIGHTS MENTIONED IN EACH CITY ARE INDICATIVE. THE ORDER OF VISITS CAN BE CHANGED.