Grand Pousadas Of Portugal

Itinerary

Grand Pousadas of Portugal

You are cordially invited to stay in several grand pousadas in Portugal; centuries-old monasteries, castles and other icons of the country's history that have been converted into hotels and restored to their former glory. Alongside our nine nights in memorable accommodation, we include an exciting itinerary to delve further into the heritage and culture of this stunning land. From the vibrant cities of Braga, Porto and Lisbon to the quieter UNESCO-listed towns filled with symbols of Portugal’s Golden Age, plus two authentic wine tastings, there is plenty to look forward to on this Portuguese adventure.

Grand Pousadas of Portugal

Itinerary

Day 1

We fly to Porto and transfer to the Pousada Viana do Castelo, where we stay for the next three nights.

Day 2 – Valença do Minho & Ponte de Lima

For our first visit we head to the walled town of Valença do Minho. As well as wonderful views over the Minho River and across to Spain, Valença boasts a hillside fortress, a Roman milestone with a 1st-century AD inscription, pretty churches, an 18th-century Eiffel Tower-inspired bridge and historic cannons that serve as a reminder of the town’s defensive past.

Our next stop is the charming town of Ponte de Lima, renowned for its wine production and ancient stone bridge, once a vital crossing on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. We enjoy a visit to the home of the Calheiros family for hundreds of years, Paço de Calheiros, an atmospheric manor house with breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards and idyllic Lima Valley. We are treated to a delicious wine tasting here, sampling the region’s refreshing tipple of Vinho Verde, produced on the estate and made from young grapes.

Day 3 – Braga & Guimarães

For our first visit, we head to Braga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the third largest city in Portugal. The vibrant metropolis offers a wonderful mix of baroque churches, narrow streets and delightful squares soundtracked by the regular chiming of bells, as well as the oldest cathedral in the country, built centuries ago, on the ruins of a Roman temple. After some time here we head to the nearby Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Morte (Good Jesus of the Mount), an impressive Catholic shrine in Tenões and a famous site of Christian pilgrimage. Cameras at the ready for its monumental baroque staircase, zig-zagged in shape and dedicated to the five senses, with a different fountain symbolising each one.

We then continue to the city of Guimarães, where the first king of Portugal, Alfonso Henrique, was born in 1110. As a previous European Capital of Culture and with a UNESCO-listed old quarter, there’s plenty to see amongst its warren of ancient lanes, or the café-lined plazas offer the perfect setting to enjoy a Portuguese coffee. Just one of the city’s highlights is the Ducal Palace, ordered to be built in the 1400s and once occupied by the first Dukes of Braganza. During our visit here, don’t miss the storied treasures in the museum, from tapestries and furniture to porcelain and more.

Day 4 – Porto

After checking out of our first pousada, we travel to Porto with its lovely waterfront, local delicacies, quirky street art and stunning Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site plaited with atmospheric alleyways, historical buildings and fado houses. We take a panoramic tour and head to a renowned Port cellar for a tasting of this fortified wine – a must-do while in this special Portuguese city!

Later we check into the Conímbriga Hotel do Paço, our base for three nights.

Day 5 – Coimbra & Conímbriga

Today we head to the city of Coimbra, once Portugal’s medieval capital and home to a prestigious university. Originally founded in 1290 in Lisbon and relocated in 1527, its historic buildings are a delight to explore – don’t miss the baroque library, where its 18th-century walls are lined with elaborate frescoes, thousands of books and beautiful golden detailing. The city is also renowned for its many monuments that represent each chapter of Coimbra’s history as well as the Igreja de Santa Cruz, one of the country’s most significant churches due to its Gothic royal tombs, a 15th-century frieze depicting the Age of Discovery and a 4,000-pipe organ which only four people can play.

We then step back in time at the Roman ruins of nearby Conímbriga, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Portugal and a National Monument since 1910. Walking around the remarkable excavations is a fascinating experience, featuring storied villas, temple and forums plus incredibly well-preserved mosaics depicting gods, mythological creatures and hunting scenes. The most impressive spot is no doubt the House of Cantaber, one of the biggest houses ever unearthed from this era, which was home to a wealthy nobleman and included its own bathing complex, heating system and columnated gardens. There is also a small museum to find out more about what daily life was like here.

Day 6 – Tomar, Fátima & Batalha

Charming Tomar awaits today, with its cross-shaped historic centre and spectacular architecture dating back to times gone by, when the town was one of the most powerful in Portugal. We discover a real highlight, the UNESCO-listed hillside Convent of Christ, a fascinating former convent, castle and masterpiece of the Portuguese Renaissance which was originally founded in the 12th century by the Order of the Knights Templar. There is plenty to discover, including the breathtaking paintings in the centuries-old Rotunda.

We then visit the small pilgrimage town of Fátima for a brief look at the world-famous Sanctuary of Fátima, started after the Virgin Mary appeared to three young shepherds in 1917, before heading to Batalha. A town well known for its Gothic and Manueline monuments, we visit the stunning monastery here. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was ordered by King John I to mark the Portuguese victory at the Battle of Aljubarrota in the 1300s – it really is a sight to behold with intricate stonework, stunning stained glass and flying buttresses.

Day 7 – Alcobaça & Óbidos

After checking out of our second pousada, we travel to Alcobaça to visit its spectacular monastery. Founded by King Alfonso I in the 12th century, this UNESCO-listed gem is a splendid example of Cisterian Gothic architecture, complete with a Monk’s Room, Dormitory, Chapter House, Refectory and more.

We then continue to picturesque Óbidos, a designated UNESCO Creative City and City of Literature, surrounded by a fortified wall. There are famously 14 bookstores here, with one of them housed in a church, as well as a preserved castle, charming squares and a tangle of pretty streets lined with whitewashed houses. Be sure to try the local specialty here; Ginjinha de Óbidos (sour cherry brandy), traditionally served in a chocolate cup.

Later on, we continue to the Pousada Castelo de Alcácer do Sal, where we stay for the remainder of our tour.

Day 8 – Lisbon

Today we enjoy some free time in Lisbon, a city of canary-yellow trams, delicious pastel de natas and spectacular architecture bejewelled with emblematic azulejos (Lisbon tiles). Find out the story of this decorative feature at the Lisbon Tile Museum, soak up the capital’s atmosphere at the magnificent royal square, admire the intricate Jerónimos Monastery, seek out one of the many viewpoints to admire the terracotta-hued views or head up to the imposing São Jorge Castle, perched high above the city.

Day 9 – Optional excursion to Évora & Arraliolos

Our optional excursion takes us first to Évora, a wonderful city with a history stretching back to Celtic rule on the Iberian Peninsula and best known for its mix of Roman ruins and Gothic churches. After a wander through the narrow streets, why not browse the traditional market, explore the impressive cathedral and enjoy a rest stop at the nearby 13th-century Giraldo’s Square.

We continue to the quaint village of Arraliolos, famous for its beautifully designed hand-woven rugs which have been made here since the Middle Ages. Head to the interactive Museu do Tapete de Arraiolos to learn more about this preserved tradition, enjoy a spot of souvenir shopping and don’t miss the panoramic views from the medieval castle here.

Day 10

We check out of our hotel and transfer to Lisbon airport for our flight home.

Grand Pousadas of Portugal

• Return flights to Lisbon
• Airport taxes & luggage allowance (one piece of checked-in hold luggage per person)
• Airport transfers in Portugal
• 3 nights at the Pousada Viana do Castelo (JG4 rating) with dinner & breakfast
• 3 nights at the Conímbriga Hotel do Paço, Condeixa a Nova (JG4 rating) with dinner & breakfast
• 3 nights at the Pousada Castelo de Alcácer do Sal (JG4 rating) with dinner & breakfast
• Excursions to Valença do Minho, Ponte de Lima, Braga, Guimarães, Porto, Coimbra, Conímbriga, Tomar, Fátima, Batalha, Alcobaça, Óbidos & Lisbon
• Wine tasting at Paço de Calheiros & a Port cellar in Porto
• Panoramic tour of Porto
• Guided city tour of Lisbon
• Services of a local Tour Manager

Optional excursion to Évora & Arraliolos (£39pp)

Grand Pousadas of Portugal

• Excursions to Valença do Minho, Ponte de Lima, Braga, Guimarães, Porto, Coimbra, Conímbriga, Tomar, Fátima, Batalha, Alcobaça, Óbidos & Lisbon
• Wine tasting at Paço de Calheiros & a Port cellar in Porto
• Panoramic tour of Porto

JG4

Accommodation in our JG4 category is of an even higher standard, typically offering a wide range of facilities and services. Bedrooms are designed to make your stay the most comfortable possible and the staff provide a service that reflects the detail and quality. You can also expect higher standards of food and beverages.

Grand Pousadas of Portugal

Accommodation

Pousada Viana do Castelo

JG4 rating

Our first pousada boasts one of Portugal’s best views, looking out over the waterfront city of Viana do Castelo, the Lima River, the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding mountainous landscape, with the nearby basilica dominating the skyline. Located atop the Monte de Santa Luzia and designed by architect Miguel Ventura Terra, its retained stately features beautifully combine with modern facilities. The panoramas from the outdoor swimming pool are stunning, and there is also a billiards room, welcoming bar and restaurant, luxurious spa (treatments are available at an extra cost), lovely verandas and spacious bedrooms with free Wi-Fi.

Conímbriga Hotel do Paço, Condeixa a Nova

JG4 rating

Nestled near the ruins of Conímbriga, the foundation of this historic hotel dates back to the 14th century and has provided a place of rest to past kings and members of European nobility. While the main building was largely destroyed during the French Revolution, it was built back up in the early 1900s and boasts a classical décor. You can expect a garden, outdoor swimming pool, calming spa with an indoor pool, sauna, Turkish bath and Jacuzzi (treatments are available at an extra cost) and relaxing bedrooms with a flat-screen TV, minibar and complimentary toiletries. Although this property is no longer officially part of the pousada group, it is still a must-stay and in keeping with the theme of the tour.

Pousada Castelo de Alcácer do Sal

JG4 rating

Housed in a medieval castle that once was nearly impenetrable with over 30 25-metre towers, our last pousada is situated in the pretty town of Alcácer do Sal, with peaceful views of the Sado River. After busy days of sightseeing, the elegant bedrooms offer a wonderful space to unwind, complete with a TV and free Wi-Fi, while other facilities include a restaurant, bar, cloister terrace and outdoor swimming pool with plenty of sun loungers and surrounded by gardens. The pousada is also home to the Archaeological Crypt, a fascinating underground museum which documents 27 centuries of local history.