Upon arrival into Lisbon, you can see why the popularity of Portugal as a destination continues to be on the rise. From Lisbon’s historic centre and neighbourhoods with wonderful cafes and restaurants, it is hard not to fall in love with the Portuguese lifestyle. Consider a combination of an escorted tour and independent style of travel, to get the most out of your visit. Here is our recommendation for one of the best ways to get the most out of your Portugal tour in a two week period. See all that Lisbon has to offer, from the Monument of Discoveries to the Tower of Belem. There is a rich history and unique story to this fascinating country. At the end of the day, catch your breath by enjoying a delicious coffee or glass of Vino Verde, and watch the world pass by. Remember, the Portuguese tend to come out later to enjoy dinner, and so restaurants can get very busy after 7:30pm.
If you are comfortable in a small group tour, Goway has a few options. One is our 9-Day Discover Portugal Back Roads: Lisbon to Porto. On this Portugal tour, you will travel to the beautiful town of Sintra, where you'll visit the famous fairytale-like structure of Pena Palace. This colourful building is a must-see when exploring this region. It stands high above the village, and its striking colours stand out against the blue skies. You will also see the beautiful fishing village of Cascais. This journey will then take you to the Monastery of Batalha, a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site that commemorated Portugal’s battle against the Spanish Forces in 1385. As you explore this region, you may discover whitewashed villages and feel a sense of the traditional Portugal, infused with its modern counterpart.
It has been 100 years this year since the Virgin Mary appeared before three shepherd children, the town of Fatima is one of the must-see stops along the way. It is a hot spot for any Portugal tour, as people pilgrim to the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. Entrenched in rich history, discover the Conimbriga, where it is believed that history goes as far back as the Iron Age. There is so much to see in this central part of the country. If you choose not to travel as a group, take the time and visit the interesting Geoparque Naturtejo. Its topography and wildlife will fill up the memory card of any avid photographer, and leave you wanting more. From here, visit the Douro Valley. It is famous for its Port wine, as well as the beautiful town of Porto, a World Heritage city where history is visible in its ancient churches and monuments. Porto is the perfect end to a Portugal tour. Once you've explored history in this northern part of the country, it is time to fly south and live as the Portuguese do, by exploring the beaches of the Algarve.
These bustling towns still maintain a laid back vibe, even in the peak season. It's a destination where you can do as much or as little as you like. Our goal is to help you come back from your Portugal vacation feeling relaxed and refreshed, which is why we recommend a bit of downtime in one of the fishing villages of the Algarve. It's an excellent end to a fantastic two-week discovery of Portugal. Reconnect with that Vino Verde or glass of port, and watch the world go by as you plan your next trip back to Portugal.
Although born in Canada, Nadya has spent much of her life globetrotting, as her parents believed that travelling was a form of education. At 20, she packed her backpack and set off to Australia for a work holiday, where she would later return to earn her degree in Tourism Management. She has also lived and worked in Ireland.
Having extensively explored Europe and South America, Nadya has since been to all 7 continents and is always looking to see and experience more.
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