Pousadas of Portugal
Pousadas of Portugal
Pousadas of Portugal
8 Days Starting and ending in UK
Visiting: Lisbon, Cascais, Estoril, Sintra, Viseu, Porto, Régua, Guimaraes, United Kingdom
Tour operator:
Tour code:
99853
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
20 - 45
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
21-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$2121
$1910 (USD)
including Flights from the UK
Operator discount: -$212
Tour Overview
Savour the very best of Portugal, and stay in three historic, charming and unique Pousadas (specially created high-quality hotels that reflect Portugal's traditions and culture) along the way.
Enjoy luxurious accommodation in a trio of acclaimed Pousada hotels, each offering traditional hospitality in remarkable settings. Discover some of Portugal’s most delightful locations as you travel through the heart of the country. Explore the colourful capital, Lisbon, elegant Estoril and glorious Sintra. Head north via hilltop Obidos and the university city of Coimbra, and experience the local culture of wine-producing Viseu and Oporto, and on the banks of the 'golden' River Douro, on this wonderful Portuguese tour.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Fly To Portugal
Location: Lisbon
Meals Included: No Meals
Fly into Lisbon, meet your tour manager and transfer the short distance to the sumptuous Pousada de Queluz opposite the Royal Palace. Settle in to your surroundings and, if you have the time, perhaps wander through the beautiful Palace gardens, before dinner is served in the Pousada’s Old Kitchen dining room.
Day 2 : Included Tour Of Lisbon
Location: Lisbon
Meals Included: No Meals
Join your tour manager for a guided introduction to the historic Portuguese capital. Stand on the banks of the River Tagus and imagine the great explorers setting off for the New World, wander through the ornate Belem quarter, or explore the Baixa’s wide, tree-lined avenues fringed with cafes and restaurants. Check out the street-sellers and artists of bustling Rossio Square, and stroll the narrow streets of the Alfama district. In the afternoon, why not enjoy a ride on a historic yellow tram? And, this evening, stay in the city or return to the hotel to dine.
Day 3 : Included Tour Of Cascais, Estoril And Sintra
Location: Cascais, Estoril, Sintra
Meals Included: No Meals
On today’s included tour you'll explore the elegant Atlantic resorts of Cascais and Estoril, and journey to UNESCO-listed Sintra. Estoril’s elegant seafront, lined with bistros and old-fashioned cafes, has long been a favourite destination, while Cascais, on its sweeping bay, is no less alluring. The jewel in the crown, today, is Sintra, a former royal retreat with two remarkable Palacios set in a National Park full of exotic, tropical trees and plants. After a marvellous day, which will also include a visit to windswept Cabo da Roca, at Europe’s westernmost point, you’ll return to the Pousada for dinner.
Day 4 : Travel To Viseu
Location: Viseu
Meals Included: No Meals
Head north, calling at walled, hill-top Obidos to see its cobbled lanes, walls and ancient aqueduct, and former capital and university seat, Coimbra, the "Oxford of Portugal", with its stunning Romanesque cathedral.
In the late afternoon, you'll arrive at your second luxurious Pousada, in Viseu, set on a high plateau in heart of the beautiful Beira Alta region. Make yourself at home, perhaps enjoying a sauna or swim, and join friends in the bar before dinner. Why not accompany your meal with a locally produced Dao wine, and wander the historic streets of the beautiful town before retiring for the night?
Day 5 : Included Wine Tasting At A Local Quinta
Location: Viseu
Meals Included: No Meals
Today is spent enjoying the hotel and its surroundings, and making a short trip through the scenic hills to enjoy a tasting at a local quinta. The regions Dao reds are famed for their Burgundy-like qualities, and its whites are fast gaining a fine reputation. You’ll also enjoy a visit to an artisanal bakery and a local cheese-maker. This evening, you're free to explore Viseu, and to enjoy dinner at your leisure in the city.
Day 6 : Included Tour Of Porto
Location: Porto
Meals Included: No Meals
Journey west down the beautiful Vouga Valley to colourful Aveiro, known as the Venice of Portugal because of its canals, lagoons and gondola-like fishing boats. Here you might like to try a delicious Ovos Moles de Aveiro cake with a morning coffee, before you continue north to Portugal’s glorious second city, Oporto, above the ‘golden’ River Douro.
Enjoy an introductory tour of the city that gave its name to the country. it clings to the hillside above the river, and is connected to its neighbour, the port-wine centre, Vila Nova de Gaia, by several vertigo-inducing bridges. Highlights of Oporto include its ancient cathedral and UNESCO-listed Ribeira district – a beguiling maze of cobbled passageways lined with restaurants, bars and shops. On the quayside, flat-bottomed barcos rabelos, used to carry the port barrels on the river, add to the charm of the setting.
After a marvellous few hours, re-board the coach to head to your final, luxurious, unique Pousada, housed in an ancient monastery in the beautiful northern Minho region. Settle into your sublime surroundings and opt for a drink in the bar, then perhaps wander to the local restaurant, Cruzeiro, which you'll find just a short walk away.
Day 7 : Included Tour Of Regua And Guimaraes
Location: Régua, Guimaraes
Meals Included: No Meals
After breakfast, re-board the coach to begin a last memorable day’s scenic touring. You'll head first to Regua, the bustling Douro town that's one of the most long-standing centres of the region's wine production. Take in the meandering river, and perhaps enjoy a tasting at a working quinta, before heading north once more, to enthralling, UNESCO-listed Guimaraes. Generally regarded as the birthplace of Portugal, Guimaraes boasts an ancient Norman castle, exquisite cobbled squares and cafe-lined plazas. It's a perfect place to enjoy lunch in some splendid surroundings, before you return to the Pousada Mosteiro de Amares to spend a last evening and enjoy a farewell dinner.
Day 8 : Fly Back To The Uk
Location: Porto, United Kingdom
Meals Included: No Meals
Bid “adeus” to your hosts and transfer to Oporto to check in or your flight home, at the end of a marvellous holiday.
What's Included
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Four evening meals
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Seven nights' bed and breakfast accommodation at the four-star Pousada de Queluz, Lisbon (3 nights), the four-star Pousada de Viseu (2), and the four-star Pousada Mosteiro de Amares (2)
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Return flights to Lisbon (returning from Porto)
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Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager
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Coach travel and transfers throughout
What's Not Included
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 30 minutes on arrival and one hour and 15 minutes on departure.
Combining hotel transfers
We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Itinerary changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
Airport development fees
An Airport Development Fee has been introduced at a few UK Airports. You will be required to pay this charge at the following airports prior to checking in for your flight: Blackpool, Newquay and Norwich. The amount varies from airport to airport, but it is generally between £5 and £10 per person. Please visit the airport's website for further information.
Foreign Office Travel Advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.
Travelling to Europe after Brexit
New rules apply when travelling to European Union countries and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. Note that these new rules do NOT apply when travelling within the United Kingdom or to the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or the Republic of Ireland. You do require government issued ID when travelling by air though.
Passport - British passport holders need to have at least six months validity left on their passport and it needs to be less than ten years old; passports which have a longer validity than ten years are not valid for travel once the tenth anniversary of issue has passed. These rules do not apply to travel to Ireland where you can continue to use your passport as long as it’s valid for the length of your stay.
Visa - If you’re a tourist, you do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period. Different rules will apply to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania; if you visit these countries, visits to other EU countries will not count towards the 90-day total. Travel to Ireland will not change and stays there will not count towards the 90-day total.
European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Towards the end of 2022, it is likely that non EU citizens will be required to apply online for an authorisation to visit most European countries. The current details suggest there will be a charge of €7 per person and the authorisation will be valid for all trips made to the EU in a three year period from issue. We will advise you of confirmed details prior to your tour’s departure.
Border Control - At border control, you may need to show proof of your return journey - your travel documentation issued by us will be sufficient for this. You will also need to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens if manual checks are required.
Healthcare Cover - You should always get appropriate travel insurance with healthcare cover before you go abroad which covers pre-existing conditions. You should understand the terms and conditions of your travel insurance and be happy with its cover for healthcare and travel disruption. Newmarket sell a comprehensive travel insurance policy. Ask our travel consultants for more information. You should also apply for a UK Global Heath Insurance Card (GHIC) which lets you get urgent state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Note GHIC is only valid in EU countries and not in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Mobile Roaming - Roaming charges have been re-introduced by some UK providers when visiting the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Prior to travel, please do check with your phone operator for the most up to date information.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Foreign Office Travel Advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.
Airport development fees
An Airport Development Fee has been introduced at a few UK Airports. You will be required to pay this charge at the following airports prior to checking in for your flight: Blackpool, Newquay and Norwich. The amount varies from airport to airport, but it is generally between £5 and £10 per person. Please visit the airport's website for further information.
Travelling to Europe after Brexit
New rules apply when travelling to European Union countries and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. Note that these new rules do NOT apply when travelling within the United Kingdom or to the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or the Republic of Ireland. You do require government issued ID when travelling by air though.
Passport - British passport holders need to have at least six months validity left on their passport and it needs to be less than ten years old; passports which have a longer validity than ten years are not valid for travel once the tenth anniversary of issue has passed. These rules do not apply to travel to Ireland where you can continue to use your passport as long as it’s valid for the length of your stay.
Visa - If you’re a tourist, you do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period. Different rules will apply to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania; if you visit these countries, visits to other EU countries will not count towards the 90-day total. Travel to Ireland will not change and stays there will not count towards the 90-day total.
European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Towards the end of 2022, it is likely that non EU citizens will be required to apply online for an authorisation to visit most European countries. The current details suggest there will be a charge of €7 per person and the authorisation will be valid for all trips made to the EU in a three year period from issue. We will advise you of confirmed details prior to your tour’s departure.
Border Control - At border control, you may need to show proof of your return journey - your travel documentation issued by us will be sufficient for this. You will also need to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens if manual checks are required.
Healthcare Cover - You should always get appropriate travel insurance with healthcare cover before you go abroad which covers pre-existing conditions. You should understand the terms and conditions of your travel insurance and be happy with its cover for healthcare and travel disruption. Newmarket sell a comprehensive travel insurance policy. Ask our travel consultants for more information. You should also apply for a UK Global Heath Insurance Card (GHIC) which lets you get urgent state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Note GHIC is only valid in EU countries and not in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Mobile Roaming - Roaming charges have been re-introduced by some UK providers when visiting the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Prior to travel, please do check with your phone operator for the most up to date information.
Check out our Q&As
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Coach travel and transfers throughout
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
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What is the maximum group size?
45
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
If you’re a tourist, you do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period. Different rules will apply to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania; if you visit these countries, visits to other EU countries will not count towards the 90-day total. Travel to Ireland will not ch
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1983
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Our company’s mission is to enrich lives and improve wellbeing through travel. A big part of that is ‘Travel for Good’. Our ‘Travel for Good’ hub is our first step in a long journey to reduce carbon, offset anything we produce as a company and travel without harming the planet or the people of the destinations we go to.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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Fitness to Travel
We strive to give all our customers full care and attention, but we do need to know at the time of booking if there are any special needs or requirements. It is particularly important that we are advised of any disabilities and also if you intend to bring any specialist equipment such as a wheelchair with you. Please make sure that you make us aware of any requirements.
Reviews of this Operator
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Low Deposit
Newmarket Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 35% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of newmarket holidays charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 48 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 34 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. You can find the travel restrictions for different countries on www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.