$1,795
Today is devoted to Santiago de Compostela, one of the true jewels of Spain. Hundreds of years of history, pilgrimages, hopes, prayers and energy have molded its beautiful stone buildings, vivacious squares and colorful corners into a vibrant place that has no equal. Though you will not reach the city on foot or by bike like many visitors do, you will still experience the city’s traditions, music, and history while taking in some of its most important sights. Sleep in Santiago de Compostela.
This morning you will travel south to the city of Porto, known as the Jewel of the North. Porto is the second most important city in Portugal, and it is also a UNESCO Heritage site. En route to Porto, you will visit Vila Nova de Gaia, a lovely town just across the Douro River famous for lodges -- the traditional storage caves for Port wine. You will visit one of the best producers of Port wine in the world and then have lunch overlooking the river and the city. You will then head to Porto, where you can tour the city with a local guide and take a river cruise. In the late afternoon, you will have time to soak in the lively atmosphere of Porto’s city center and pay a visit to Lello, one of the oldest bookshops in Portugal and the inspiration for Harry Potter’s library in Hogwarts. Sleep in Porto.
You will say adeus to Porto this morning and drive south to visit Coimbra and Obidos. Coimbra is known as Portugal’s most intellectual city and is home to its oldest University, Universidade de Coimbra -- a public university dating back to the 13th century. After a guided tour of this famous university, you will reach the charming city of Obidos in the afternoon. With its tiny alleys, quaint white houses, and bright flowers, Obidos is a truly enchanting place. You will have time to explore on your own before heading to Lisbon for the evening. Sleep in Lisbon .
Today you will visit the impressive UNESCO World Heritage site of Palacio de Pena in Sintra. This romantic castle is an architectural masterpiece that was built to host the friends of King Ferdinand II. The gardens that surround the castle are arguably the most beautiful of Portugal and inspired Richard Strauss to create a few of his masterpieces. In the afternoon you will journey to Cascais, a former fishing village that grew up to be an elegant beach town. Sleep in Lisbon
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your departure.
Extension Price: $1,795 USD per person (double occupancy, min. 6)
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