Portugal
The Best of Portugal: From the Age of Exploration to Today
Program No. 20983RJ
Discover the unique history of Portugal from a local perspective as you examine its architecture, heritage, universities and traditions of port wine on expert-led walks.
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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date.
Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
10 days
9 nights
What's Included
16 meals (
8B, 3L, 5D
)
2 expert-led lectures
16 expert-led field trips
2 performances
An experienced Group Leader
8 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Activity Note
Remember to bring your nametag.
Day
2
Arrive Lisbon, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Lisbon
Meals:
D
Stay:
HF Fenix Urban
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m. The official start of the program is at 6:00 p.m. with orientation in the hotel meeting room.
Afternoon:
Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
3
Portuguese History, Cascais, & the Coast of Lisbon
Location:
Lisbon
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
HF Fenix Urban
Activity Note
Today's coach journey is approximately 65 miles and we will be travelling all day, with stops at sites like Queluz and Cascais. You will encounter winding or hilly roads as well as cobblestone streets and sidewalks.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
To begin our day, we'll board a motorcoach and visit the Palace of Queluz. Built in the 18th century, it was used by the royal couple Pedro III and Maria I as a retreat; following Pedro's death, Maria's mental state deteriorated, and she would use the palace to hide from the outside world. Here, we'll observe the Rococo architecture and impressive gardens. We’ll then drive along the coast to the elegant town of Cascais. From there, continue the drive to Lisbon, back to the city center for lunch.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch join your Group Leader on an orientation walk of downtown Lisbon. At 6:00 PM a historian will give a lecture on the History of Portugal. In the Middle Ages, Portugal was the vanguard of the "Age of Discovery" due to its success in maritime exploration. Navigators including Vasco da Gama and Bartolomeu Dias helped to establish Portugal as the first world power through its discoveries of India, Japan, and Brazil – the latter of which was a Portuguese colony for three centuries – and subsequent intercontinental trade. The country's economic fortune began to decline in the 17th century, culminating in Brazil's 1822 declaration of independence followed by Portugal's transition to a parliamentary monarchy.
Dinner:
On your own to explore local cuisine in Lisbon.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Lisbon City Tour
Location:
Lisbon
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
HF Fenix Urban
Activity Note
The morning in Lisbon will require moderate walking and extensive standing. On some visits, you will encounter cobblestone streets and sidewalks, and steps without railings. Comfortable and sturdy footwear is required
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We'll go out on an expert-led field trip in Lisbon this morning, starting at the Tiles Museum where we’ll learn about one of the great symbols of the city – the beautifully decorated “azulejos” – and trace their history from the 15th century through to modern day. Later we will visit the Lisbon's Belém neighborhood from where the Portuguese navigators set sail on their expedition and "discovery" of India. While here, a local expert will expand upon Portugal’s seafaring history with mention of great Portuguese navigators. We will stop at the Monument of the Discoveries from where the Belem Tower and the Church of Jeronimos (both UNESCO World Heritage sites) can be seen.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy local cuisine.
Afternoon:
Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Your leader can help giving suggestions.
Dinner:
We'll head to a traditional fado house, where we'll dine as we listen to a form of traditional Portuguese guitar music marked by its "saudade," or longing. In 2011, the genre was placed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Evening:
We'll return to the hotel around 10:30pm after listening to more of the fado performance. If you wish to stay for the full performance, you can take a taxi back to the hotel. Please ask your Group Leader for more details.
Day
5
Obidos, Alcobaca Monastery and Figueira da Foz
Location:
Figueira da Foz
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Sweet Atlantic Hotel and Spa
Activity Note
Today's coach journey is approximately 136 miles and we will be travelling all day, with stops at sites between Lisbon and Figueira da Foz. Extensive walking and standing in Obidos where you will encounter cobblestone streets, sidewalks, and steps without railings. The access and visit to Alcobaça monastery has stairs without railings.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning we will depart Lisbon and drive north. Our first stop is the historic walled fortress city of Obidos. Afterwards, we will make our way to the Alcobaca Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Lunch:
On your own in Alcobaça.
Afternoon:
We will continue our drive north to Figueira da Foz to check in at the hotel. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a lecture about contemporary Portugal.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
The University of Coimbra, meet locals
Location:
Figueira da Foz
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Sweet Atlantic Hotel and Spa
Activity Note
Today's coach journey is approximately 54 miles. Extensive walking and standing (4 miles, approx. 1-3 hours, at an even pace). You will encounter cobblestone streets and sidewalks, and steps without railings between the University and downtown.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will transfer to Coimbra where we will have a visit and private presentation of the University of Coimbra, Afterwards, enjoy a guided walking discovery of Coimbra's old town followed by a musical performance with opportunity to chat with the musicians.
Lunch:
On your own to explore local cuisine.
Afternoon:
We will return to Figueira da Foz. From the hotel we will start a short walk with a local to learn about life in a small town in Portugal. Later we will rejoin locals for a chat.
Dinner:
After the chat with locals enjoy dinner in downtown.
Day
7
Montemor o Velho and Porto
Location:
Porto
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Dom Henrique Downtown
Activity Note
The drive from Figueira da Foz to Porto with a stop at Montemor o Velho is 99 miles, arriving in Porto late afternoon. Extensive walking and standing (2-3 miles, approx. 1-3 hours, at an even pace). You will encounter cobblestone streets and sidewalks in the castle of Montemor and in Porto. Comfortable and sturdy footwear is essential. IMPORTANT NOTE: The school may be closed during holidays and is subject to substitution for another site visit.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will begin with a visit to a local school to learn about education in Portugal. IMPORTANT NOTE: The school may be closed during holidays and is subject to substitution for another site visit. Afterward, we will continue to Montemor o Velho, where you will enjoy a guided visit.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will depart for Porto, the spectacular capital of northern Portugal and a city famous for its nearby vineyards. Enjoy a walk with your leader through downtown Porto. We will then check in at the hotel.
Dinner:
On your own to explore local cuisine.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
8
The Douro Valley
Location:
Porto
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Dom Henrique Downtown
Activity Note
Today's coach journey is approximately 177 miles and we will be travelling all day, with stops at sites between Porto and the Douro Valley. You will encounter winding or hilly roads. Extensive walking in the Garden of Aveleda and extensive standing in the winery.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will depart on an exploration of the Douro Valley. Our first stop will be in Quinta da Aveleda where there will be a guided visit to its gardens followed by a tasting of their wines. Then proceed to a vineyard for lunch and a visit.
Lunch:
At a wine estate in the heart of the Douro Valley.
Afternoon:
We will return to Porto through the town of Régua.
Dinner:
Dinner on your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
9
Discovering Old Porto
Location:
Porto
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Hotel Dom Henrique Downtown
Activity Note
This morning is spent in the historic center of Porto. Extensive walking and standing (4 miles, approx. 3-4 hours, at an even pace). During the walk you will encounter cobblestones, hilly streets, sidewalks and steps without railings.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Enjoy a guided tour of Old Porto. The city is one of the most beautiful in Europe and it still retains its charm and beauty. We will explore the tiles at São Bento station and its old streets and squares. Afterward, we will enjoy a river cruise.
Lunch:
On your own to explore local cuisine.
Afternoon:
Take the afternoon to pack or to discover more of the city on your own. Later in the afternoon, you will meet with your group leader for a program wrap up session.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
10
Program Concludes
Location:
Porto
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by Noon. Airport transfers beginning at approximately 3:00 a.m. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet, flight times permitting. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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Please Note:
This program has itinerary variations on certain dates.
Nov 14, 2026 - Nov 23, 2026 (Lisbon to Porto)
May 03, 2025 - May 12, 2025 (Lisbon to Porto)
May 10, 2025 - May 19, 2025 (Lisbon to Porto)
May 17, 2025 - May 26, 2025 (Lisbon to Porto)
May 24, 2025 - Jun 02, 2025 (Lisbon to Porto)
May 31, 2025 - Jun 09, 2025 (Lisbon to Porto)
Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 16, 2025 (Lisbon to Porto)
Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 23, 2025 (Lisbon to Porto)
Jun 21, 2025 - Jun 30, 2025 (Lisbon to Porto)
Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 08, 2025 (Lisbon to Porto)
Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 15, 2025 (Lisbon to Porto)
Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 22, 2025 (Lisbon to Porto)
Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 29, 2025 (Lisbon to Porto)
Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 06, 2025 (Lisbon to Porto)
Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 13, 2025 (Lisbon to Porto)
Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 20, 2025 (Lisbon to Porto)
Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 27, 2025 (Lisbon to Porto)
Oct 25, 2025 - Nov 03, 2025 (Lisbon to Porto)
Nov 01, 2025 - Nov 10, 2025 (Lisbon to Porto)
Nov 08, 2025 - Nov 17, 2025 (Lisbon to Porto)
Nov 15, 2025 - Nov 24, 2025 (Lisbon to Porto)
Feb 14, 2026 - Feb 23, 2026 (Lisbon to Porto)
Feb 21, 2026 - Mar 02, 2026 (Lisbon to Porto)
Mar 07, 2026 - Mar 16, 2026 (Lisbon to Porto)
Mar 14, 2026 - Mar 23, 2026 (Lisbon to Porto)
Mar 21, 2026 - Mar 30, 2026 (Lisbon to Porto)
Apr 04, 2026 - Apr 13, 2026 (Lisbon to Porto)
Apr 11, 2026 - Apr 20, 2026 (Lisbon to Porto)
Apr 18, 2026 - Apr 27, 2026 (Lisbon to Porto)
Apr 25, 2026 - May 04, 2026 (Lisbon to Porto)
May 02, 2026 - May 11, 2026 (Lisbon to Porto)
May 09, 2026 - May 18, 2026 (Lisbon to Porto)
May 16, 2026 - May 25, 2026 (Lisbon to Porto)
May 23, 2026 - Jun 01, 2026 (Lisbon to Porto)
May 30, 2026 - Jun 08, 2026 (Lisbon to Porto)
Jun 06, 2026 - Jun 15, 2026 (Lisbon to Porto)
Jun 13, 2026 - Jun 22, 2026 (Lisbon to Porto)
Jun 20, 2026 - Jun 29, 2026 (Lisbon to Porto)
Aug 29, 2026 - Sep 07, 2026 (Lisbon to Porto)
Sep 05, 2026 - Sep 14, 2026 (Lisbon to Porto)
Sep 12, 2026 - Sep 21, 2026 (Lisbon to Porto)
Sep 19, 2026 - Sep 28, 2026 (Lisbon to Porto)
Sep 26, 2026 - Oct 05, 2026 (Lisbon to Porto)
Oct 03, 2026 - Oct 12, 2026 (Lisbon to Porto)
Oct 10, 2026 - Oct 19, 2026 (Lisbon to Porto)
Oct 17, 2026 - Oct 26, 2026 (Lisbon to Porto)
Oct 24, 2026 - Nov 02, 2026 (Lisbon to Porto)
Nov 07, 2026 - Nov 16, 2026 (Lisbon to Porto)
Nov 14, 2026 - Nov 23, 2026 (Lisbon to Porto)