Porto, Aveiro & Passionate Portugal
3 day tour
Homes fused into rock faces. Memories of famous knights. Flavours that will liven the senses. Coastlines that sparkle in your memory. This is the beauty of central Portugal.
Tour map
Tour Highlights
Coimbra - This historic, cultured town was once the capital of Portugal and is known for the oldest university in the country
Porto - A historic centre, charismatic locals, sumptuous food, and famous port: no one can resist the charms of this UNESCO World Heritage city
Óbidos - Sample the famous cherry-flavoured spirit that this charming town is famous for
Aveiro- Fall in love with the winding streets and beautiful canals of the “Venice of Portugal”
Tomar - This epic town was once the home of the Knights Templar
Your journey
After this trip, you’ll never go back. Go back to not loving Portugal, we mean. Because there’s something about Portugal that people seem to fall in love with. Whether it’s the fascinating history, the colourful buildings, the kindness of the locals, or the incredible drinks and food on offer... something grabs hold of people and never lets go.
That’s a true adventure, exploring a place that sets your mind and heart ablaze the way a spicy dish sets your whole body on fire. Undeniable and unforgettable. Something so more-ish in it. And when all is said and done, you’ll be just as obsessed with Portugal and the city of Porto as we are.
Tour Details
Check-in closes at 08:15 (tour departs at 08:30) - Lisbon Pick Up Point, Hotel Zenit, Lisbon,
19:00 - Lisbon Drop Off, Hotel Zenit, Lisbon,
You're restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.
- Pack comfortable shoes for walks up to beautiful views
- Transport in a luxury mini-coach with a local driver
- Air conditioning as standard
- The stories and services of an English-speaking guide
- 2 nights in 3-4 star hotels with continental breakfast
- Guided city walk Porto
- Entrance to Coimbra University
- Meals, unless listed above
- Attractions, unless specified above
Itinerary
Day 1
- Charming, lively, historic... this is Óbidos
- Think strategically at the military fortress of Forte de Sao Miguel Arcanjo
- Wander the canals of Aveiro, the “Venice of Portugal”
We hope you’ve had fun in Lisbon because it’s time to leave it behind and explore beautiful Portugal. Our first stop is a charming and historic town, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, lively atmosphere, and Ginna Liqueur... welcome to Óbidos! Maybe you’ll visit the 12th-century castle. Maybe you’ll find a local shop and sample that biting cherry-flavoured spirit that has become a symbol of the town. Or maybe you’ll explore the shops.
After a lovely morning exploring Óbidos, we head to the Forte de Sao Miguel Arcanjo. This military fortress can be found in the town of Nazaré, strategically poised on a headland overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Back in the 16th century, this gave the fort a great strategic advantage. Today, it makes for a great view. It’s up to you how you’d like to spend your time in Nazaré - explore the fortress, jump on the funicular, or grab a bite to eat and head down to the beach. Maybe all of the above if you’ve got the time and energy!
Your day finishes somewhere rather spectacular, if we do say so ourselves. Aveiro is often called the “Venice of Portugal”. This lively and beautiful coastal town is known for its canals filled with colourful Moliceiro boats, surrounded by Art Nouveau architecture. Perhaps grab yourself a souvenir or two before we head back to Porto for the evening.
Accommodation
Hotel Vila Gale Porto Ribeira 4* or similar, Porto
Day 2
- Enjoy an included guided tour of the city of Porto before you're given the rest of the day free to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site
There’s a reason we chose Porto as our overnight stay on this trip. There’s so much to do in Porto and even more to love. Your day starts with an included guided tour of the city so make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes. After the tour, the rest of the day is yours to explore this wonderful city. Porto is known for its production of port wine... but you already knew that, right? Have yourself a cheeky glass or two over lunch, why not? And as you wander Porto’s Ribeira district with a Pastel de Nata in hand, you’re sure to appreciate this UNESCO World Heritage site of winding streets, colourful buildings, and historic architecture.
Maybe you’ll grab a book from the neo-Gothic Libraria Lello, considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Perhaps you’ll climb the Clerigos Tower for that panoramic view. Or maybe you’ll take a scenic boat cruise along the Douro River for a killer view of the city’s skyline, its historic bridges, and the picturesque hillsides of terraced vineyards that Portugal is so well known for.
Included Activities
- Guided city walk Porto
Accommodation
Hotel Vila Gale Porto Ribeira 4* or similar, Porto
Day 3
- The compelling city of Coimbra is a blend of history, education, and culture
- Time slows down as you explore a traditional Schist village, Candal
- Explore Tomar, once the seat of the Knights Templar
Don’t despair that this is the final day of your adventure... there’s still so much to love about today. Our first stop is Coimbra. This historic city has a blend of history, education, and cultural traditions that make it a compelling destination. We pop into the University library for an included visit, since we had to make sure you saw this beauty. The University of Coimbra was founded in 1290, making it one of the oldest universities in the world. But why the Joanina Library? Among other things, it houses a colony of bats which help preserve the ancient books by preventing insect damage... that’s one way to do it!
After the tour, you have free time in the city to explore and grab a bite to eat before we head to our next destination, the village of Candal. Wander around this traditional Schist village, where time seems to slow right down, where historic hamlets are built into the rocks right alongside cute cafes and lounging local cats.
Our final stop of the day, and the tour, is the historic town of Tomar. This is the kind of place that makes you go ‘wow’. Backed by a mountain and tucked up alongside a pretty little river, Tomar was once the seat of the Knights Templar. No wonder the buildings here are so incredible. Visit the Church of São João Baptista for its Moorish-inspired architecture. Stroll through the historic centre. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site Convento de Cristo and wander its complex of amazing buildings.
We arrive back in Lisbon in the early evening.
Included Activities
- Entrance to Coimbra University
Accommodation
Where does this tour stay overnight?
You stay two nights in Porto. For examples of the accommodation, please see the tour itinerary.
How does the accommodation work?
A good night’s sleep is often needed for a good day of travel.
So we’ve hand-picked three-star to four-star hotels in remote coastal villages, bustling towns, and mountain valleys.
Your accommodation is included in the tour price; and when you book your trip, you can choose whether you want a double room, a twin room, or a single room.
Are there any extra accommodation costs?
The price you see is for all your tour accommodation and for the tour itself. It also includes a tourist tax. This figure is based on shared accommodation. When you're booking your tour and select a single room, an additional single room supplement will be added to the price.
FAQs
Do I need a visa to take this tour?
You may need a Schengen Visa to travel throughout Europe. Check the official tourism website of the country you’re visiting for up-to-date and reliable information. Travel between countries is easy because there are no passport checks at the borders.
Are the tours suitable for people with mobility issues?
Most people can comfortably enjoy our tours, but it's worth bearing in mind that we often include optional short walks in scenic locations. Please also be aware that many of the old European towns are built on steep hills with cobbled lanes, and you may have to carry your own luggage at times.
So that we can ensure you're comfortable travelling with us, please let us know about any special requirements or needs at the time of booking. If you have any more questions, simply email tours@rabbies.com .
Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?
Europe's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure and avoid contributing to congestion issues, we start our trip from hotels located conveniently on the edge of cities. We choose hotels with good public transport connections to the city centre, so you can enjoy your evening explorations.
To make your tour more convenient, you can add an optional pre and post-departure accommodation in the hotel we use as a pick up or a drop off point.
When should I get to the departure point?
Arrive at the hotel lobby 15 minutes before your departure time. Unfortunately, we’re unable to wait for you if you’re late due to vehicle restrictions. But depending on your situation, we may be able to help you catch up with your tour.
What are your cancellation policies?
We have a cancellation period of 42 days for our Europe tours. If you cancel your trip before this period, we give you a full refund minus a 10% admin charge. If you cancel inside this time frame, you’re liable for the cost of the tour package.
We understand how disappointing it is when you have to cancel a trip with us, so please contact our friendly team who will try their best to resell your ticket and refund you.
Click here to view full terms and conditions.
What is a guaranteed departure?
It's simple: you book, you go. This means we'll never cancel your tour because of a minimum numbers policy.
Can routes change?
Your friendly driver and guide are passionate about the places they visit and know all the local gossip. This means your tour itinerary can change a little due to festivities, attraction opening hour changes, and spontaneous photo opportunities.
Can I pre-book a specific seat?
Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable mini-coaches offer a good view.
Are there toilets on the bus?
We like to keep our coaches small, nimble, and odour free. This means we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you frequently stop in local towns and villages for comfort breaks.
Do you take children on your tours?
We're unable to permit children under 16 years old on our Europe tours due to the nature of the activities that are included.
How much time do I get off the bus?
We want you to enjoy your trip to Europe. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of stops to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.
What are 'included activities' and 'optional activities'?
We've arranged experiences for you on your tour. The 'included activities' are already booked and paid for as part of your trip, whereas you can purchase 'optional activities' while on your tour. You also have free time in many destinations to pick and choose which attractions you visit.
Do we need to bring our own lunch?
You don't need to pack or bring along food on the mini-coach. We stop in small European towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.
What should I do if I have too much luggage?
It’s more enjoyable to travel with light luggage. You can take less by cleaning clothes along the way. Most hotels provide affordable laundry service.
But if you're travelling with more than 20kg, don't worry! There are left luggage facilities close to the majority of our departure points, and courier companies who could ship your excess luggage on to your chosen destination. Our team are happy to help if you need any suggestions or recommendations.
Should I tip the driver and the guide?
Let's be honest, our drivers and guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.
What about travel insurance?
We highly recommend you take out travel insurance, so you can enjoy a stress-free journey.
What is ABTOT?
You're protected by ABTOT when you book a tour with us. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we run into any issues. Read our terms and conditions for more information.
Our packages are covered by the Package Travel Regulations. For full details of your key rights please click here.
I have more questions, who can help me?
If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email tours@rabbies.com, or check out our full FAQs.
Restrictions
This tour is exclusively for passengers aged 18 years and over due to the inclusion of a distillery visit and alcohol tasting. This means children are not permitted on this tour.
You're restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.