Portugal City & Surf

DAY 1 - Arrive Lisbon

Lisbon

Meeting in the luscious city of Lisbon we'll admire the Gothic glamour, winding cobbled streets, gorgeous cathedrals and scenic views. But the best way to explore this gastronomic capital is through taste, why not sample some delicacies and the Lisbon speciality: green wine, or maybe go for a glass of port in the Bairro Alto and watch the sunset.

DAY 2 - Lisbon to Porto via Fatima and Coimbra

Lisbon

See ya, Lisbon. We'll never forget your culinary and cultural charms.

Fatima

En-route to Porto we've got a few special stopovers, such as the sacred place of miracles: Fatima. Said to be the site where the Virgin Mary appeared to peasant children, Fatima attracts 6 million people a year. Today there are two ginormous basilicas to mark the site.

Coimbra

This lively city is bursting at the seams with historical monuments. It's home to Portugal's oldest university, and when we stop for lunch we'll fall in love with the old stone walls and tumbling terraces of pastel coloured buildings.

Porto

Cruising into the terracotta washed city of Porto, you'll have the day to get acquainted with the city. Tonight, we've got the chance to join an optional EatWith. This brings you into the homes of locals, who host and cook for you for a uniquely authentic dining experience. As well as sampling a delicious array of traditional Portuguese food, you'll sample some port, and hear stories from your hosts about their lives in this spellbinding city.

DAY 3 - Porto

Porto

The day is yours to explore all the wonders Porto has to offer. But if you don't want to go it alone, there's a chance to learn more about these colourful streets on an optional walking tour. And during our meanderings, we'll stop for a tipple on a local port tasting.

DAY 4 - Porto to Peniche via Aveiro and Obidos

Porto

We'll bid farewell to Porto as it's time to head for sand and surf...

Aveiro

This mini-Venice is a gorgeous town built on canals. We'll have an included traditional boat tour to cruise the winding canals, admiring the colourful houses and learning about the area's history.

Obidos

Another stop for lunch lunch, another stunning historic old town to enjoy it in. Obidos will charm us with its whitewashed houses and ruddy blooms of flowers.

Peniche

Arriving on the surf shore of Peniche, we’ll settle into our modern hotel dedicated to surfing, with whitewashed walls, colourful rugs & wall murals, right in front of Alfarroba beach. Complete with indoor & outdoor swimming pools, a bar, Green Key sustainability award status and connections with a local surf school, this is the perfect place to base ourselves whether you’re looking to kick back or hit the waves.

DAY 5 - Peniche

Peniche

Peniche is famous for its supreme surf beach - Praia dos Supertubos, less than 10mins from our accommodation - with a tubular wave that makes it one of the locations of choice for big time international surf event Rip Curl Pro. The shallow slope combined with the north wind and ocean currents together create a tall, perfectly hollow wave for surfing and bodyboarding. But it’s not all about the professionals - here you’ll find ideal surfing conditions for all abilities, and so many beaches that overcrowding never becomes a problem. We’ll start with the chance for a surf lesson today at the beach on the doorstep to our hotel, Praia da Cova da Alfarroba. It’s just you and your board, and as well as being an incredible core strength workout, it’s a fun and unique way to explore the glorious ocean.

DAY 6 - Peniche to The Algarve via Evora

Peniche

Peniche - you've been a dream. It's time to drag ourselves away this morning as we head to The Algarve.

Evora

Another trip to the past as we head inside the 14th century walls of Evora, home to grandiose medieval cathedrals, roman baths and a spectacular town square. After wondering the cobbled streets we'll head on towards Lagos.

The Algarve

This picture perfect port town retains Evora's quaint cobbled lanes but adds a whole bunch of stunning beaches.

DAY 7 - The Algarve

The Algarve

Today is yours to enjoy The Algarve. Play golf, eat, take a boat trip, swim, soak up some rays or enjoy some watersports. The choice is yours in this sun-drenched playground.

DAY 8 - The Algarve to Lisbon via Cascais & Sintra

The Algarve

After breakfast, we head north back to Lisbon stopping en route in Cascais and Sintra. See ya the Algarve, thanks for the good times!

Cascais

We head to the coastal town of Cascais, known for its stunning beaches and tasty seafood.  Stroll along the marina or opt in for a Contiki Cares experience hosted by local residents.  This tour showcases the culture of a neighbourhood shaking off old perceptions by creating an urban art gallery unlike anywhere in the world.

Sintra

We have one last stop to make in the UNESCO town of Sintra, before heading back to Lisbon.  This fairytale town features turreted palaces and castle ruins with the real star of the show being the insta-famous Pena Palace.  

Lisbon

Later, we'll enjoy an optional farewell feast  - the perfect chance to reflect on how much we've fallen in love with Portugal, and say our sad goodbyes.

DAY 9 - End Lisbon

Lisbon

Portugal, it's been emotional. Your delicious food, rich culture, paradisaical coastlines and glittering waters will stay in our memories forever. But we'll be back soon enough.