Portugal Discovery

24 nights of discovery, exploration & relaxation

Enjoy touring in some lesser-known areas of Portugal as we discover the countries many
gems.
The tour starts in the north of the country near its second city of Porto. A fascinating city and
home to the country’s Port production. Whilst in the region we will discover all about this,
including tastings of the products as we travel along the Douro Valley.
We then slowly travel the length of the country, seeing the diverse nature between north
and south. We visit the country’s most scenic classical cities of Coimbra and Aveiro, spend
time along the picturesque Atlantic Coast including a visit to Nazare home of the ‘big surf’,
pass though the countries cork growing region, make stops at two Quintas (winery) in
different wine growing regions, before reaching the south Algarve coast. Here fantastic
coastal scenery awaits, along with golden sand beaches.
This tour can be preceded by the Northern Spain Discovery tour to give a total holiday of
40 nights. It is just a 145 miles drive and 2 days from the finish of the Northern Spain tour
to the start of the Portugal Discovery tour.

Day 1 – Friday 1st October
Welcome to Portugal. We meet at a campsite just to the north of the River Douro’s mouth,
at Lavra near Porto in the north of the country. This evening join with the Tour Directors at
their motorhome as they host a welcome drink, giving an opportunity to meet with fellow
tour participants.

Day 2
It is into Porto today, our coach will collect us from the campsite for a full day in this historic
city, including a guided walking tour of the centre. Lunch in a city centre restaurant is
included.

Day 3 – Sunday 3rd October
A free day. There is a local bus service into Porto from near to the campsite for those who
would like to see more of this fascinating city; or just relax on the campsite and visit the
local village & beach area, which is close by.

Day 4
Move on today into the Douro Valley and to our camping situated 600m above sea level at
the old town of Lamego. You have the opportunity to take the picturesque route closely
following the river or for the less adventurous, the motorway will take you direct.
Whichever route you choose, you will have some amazing views. Group evening drinks
around camping bar this evening. 80 miles

Day 5
A tour today of the picturesque Douro Valley. We are collected by coach to travel along the
river’s edge, through the vineyards that cling to the valley sides, affording amazing views all
around. Light group lunch included.

Day 6
Free day allowing time to visit Lamego’s Cathedral, Museum or Castle. The old town can be
reached by foot in around 15 minutes via an interesting route, or a taxi (payable locally) can
be used.

Day 7
We drive across the mountainous northern region of Portugal to arrive on the Atlantic Coast
and a campsite right on the beach. 120 miles

Day 8
A free day. You may join with the Tour Directors for a 3km beach & board walk to arrive at
Figueira da Foz, which includes taking the local ferry across the estuary.

Day 9
Excursion with coach and local guide, firstly to the university city of Coimbra and then to the
canal city of Aveiro. Lunch included in a local restaurant.

Day 10 – Sunday 10th October
A free day. Our campsite is located on the beach so take it easy, it is Sunday after all. The
site is also well appointed for catching up on any chores required.

Day 11
A short drive continuing south, where for parts the route sticks close to the sea. Take the
opportunity to stop at some of the great beaches along this stretch of Atlantic coastline. Our
destination is another coastal campsite at Sao Pedro de Moel, where this evening we stroll
into town for a group dinner. 50 miles

Day 12
Transport is arranged for spending time in the interesting towns of Nazare (Big Surf) &
Obidos (Fortified Town).

Day 13
A full day excursion with coach and guide as we visit local places of interest, including
Tomar, home of the Knights Templar and the pilgrim destination of Fatima. Today Fatima
receives over 4 million pilgrims each year, after it became famous following the events there
in 1917. Free time for own lunch.

Day 14
Free day. Take it easy with a walk to the beach or just relax around the campsite.

Day 15
Leave the coast and travel inland for an overnight stop at a Quinta (winery) in the heart of
Portugal’s cork growing region. Tonight is simply parking at the Quinta, so use of
motorhomes own facilities is required with no hook-up. Throughout the afternoon we will
tour the Quinta and have tastings of the wines with local foods. 70 miles

Day 16
Travel to the city of Evora, passing through more of Portugal’s cork growing region. Here 6
million wine corks per day are produced and exported worldwide. 70 miles

Day 17 – Sunday 17th October
Evora is one of Portugal’s best preserved medieval towns and inside its 14th century city
walls numerous narrow lanes await, leading to its many historical monuments, including the
infamous ‘Chapel of Bones’. This morning we meet our English-speaking guide for a walking
tour of this ancient city. After our tour there will be free time in the city for further
independent sightseeing or to stop in town for a relaxed Sunday lunch. Travel (payable
locally as used) between camping and the centre can be by local bus, taxi or walking (2km).

Day 18
For those who would like to visit Lisbon (Portugal’s capital) it is possible to join with the Tour
Directors today using the train from Evora (payable locally), which takes a little over an hour
to reach the capitals centre.

Day 19
A visit to Palace Vicosa is included today, as we travel on-route to Winery Ribafreixo for an
evening group wine tour followed by tastings and dinner. Our journey today will take us
through the fruit growing region passing many orange and lemon orchards. We overnight at
the winery, using our motorhomes own facilities without a hook-up. 90 miles

Day 20
Today we arrive to Portugal’s south and its Algarve coast. Our campsite is located near to
the resort of Albufeira in the centre of the coastline. 95 miles

Day 21
Today we are collected by Tuk-Tuk from the camping to be shown around the Albufeira
area. Enjoy this alternative way to travel along the stunning coastline. Later you can be
returned to the camping or dropped in town for further exploration by foot.

Day 22
A free day. The campsite has good facilities to enjoy or maybe have a walk along the
dedicated footpath into Albufeira centre (2km).

Day 23
Full day excursion with coach and guide as we travel inland to see some of the Algarves best
preserved Moorish towns, before taking a journey along the western half of the Algarve
coast. Lunch included in a local ‘Piri-Piri’ restaurant.

Day 24 – Sunday 24th October
A free day. This evening, we have a ’Farewell Dinner’, a chance to look back at the places
visited throughout the tour, whilst enjoying food and drinks in a local restaurant.

Day 25 – Monday 25th October
Tour ends. It is possible to travel to northern Spain (600 miles) over the next few days to
take the overnight ferry from Santander/Bilbao to Portsmouth, or to make a longer journey
back home through France. The Tour Directors can assist with any route planning required.

PRICE                      TOUR DEPOSIT £500

6m Motorhome with 2 people – £2499 per person
6m Motorhome with 1 person – £3499

Balance 10 weeks prior to start of tour

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• 22 Campsite nights with electric hook-ups
• 2 overnights parking at winery – No facilities or hook-up
• All transfers required for excursions unless stated otherwise
• Entrance fees on excursions unless otherwise specified
• Portugal Michelin map
• Portugal DK guidebook
• Tour information pack with suggested routes and GPS Co-ordinates
• Services of two experienced Tour Directors travelling in their own motorhome
throughout the tour
• Minimum of 1 drink with all group lunches and 2 drinks with all group dinners (beer,
wine, soft drink)

EXCURSIONS & EVENTS INCLUDED

• Welcome tour drinks reception
• Porto excursion with local guide
• Lunch in Porto restaurant
• Lamego group evening drinks around camping bar
• Excursion of Douro valley
• Lunch in Douro valley
• Excursion of Coimbra and Aveiro
• Lunch in Aveiro restaurant
• Group evening dinner in Sao Pedro de Moel restaurant
• Transport for visit to Nazare & Obidos
• Excursion of Tomar and Fatima
• Visit to winery with tastings and local foods
• Guided walking tour of Evora
• Visit to Palace Vicosa
• Evening at Winery Ribafreixo with tour, tastings and dinner
• Albufeira tuk-tuk tour
• Algarve excursion
• Piri-Piri lunch
• Farewell Dinner in local restaurant

This tour starts in northern Portugal. For your journey UK to Portugal, GB motorhome
Tours can provide you with route suggestions and possible campsites as required.