
Creation and Tradition
Itinerary: Porto | Aveiro | Ovar | Viana do Castelo | Póvoa de Lanhoso | Barcelos | Guimarães | Covilhã | Manteigas | Seia | Castelo Branco | Nisa | Arraiolos | Corval | Estremoz | Évora | Azeitão | Lisboa
This tour offers an immersion in the deep-rooted artisanal traditions of Portugal with this unique journey across the country, from the coast to the interior, celebrating the richness of Portuguese arts and crafts. From the centuries-old ceramics of Arraiolos to the filigree techniques of Gondomar, explore the stories and masters who preserve the knowledge passed down through generations. Between the innovation of contemporary workshops and the handmade touch of markets and historic villages, discover a Portugal where creation blends with tradition. Let each city and artisan inspire you, and fall in love with the art that lives in the hands of the Portuguese people.
NOT TO BE MISSED
Dive into the charm of Livraria Lello, one of Porto's treasures, and explore its stunning architecture.
Experience the tradition of the azulejo in Ovar, creating your own piece in an exclusive workshop.
Admire the art of filigree in Viana do Castelo, with a visit to the Museum of Decorative Arts and a gold workshop in Póvoa de Lanhoso.
Explore the villages of Manteigas and Seia and discover the textile heritage of Serra da Estrela.
Be enchanted by the Embroidery of Castelo Branco and the Arraiolos carpets, while interacting with local artisans.
PROGRAMME:
Day 1: Porto
Morning: Begin your exploration of Porto with a walking tour through its historic center, starting at the stunning Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, famous for its architectural design and literary history. Continue to the iconic Clérigos Tower, where you can climb to the top for panoramic views of the city.
Afternoon: Head down to Avenida dos Aliados, Porto's grand central avenue, and visit São Bento Railway Station, known for its stunning tile panels depicting historical scenes of Portugal. Afterward, enjoy a guided tour of the Palácio da Bolsa, a neoclassical building that once housed the Stock Exchange and is famous for its ornate rooms. Conclude your day with a visit to the Ribeira Quay, a charming area along the Douro River. Experience a guided tour of a Port Wine Cellar, where you’ll learn about the wine-making process and enjoy a tasting. End with a 6 Bridges River Cruise, offering a beautiful view of the city from the water.
Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in Porto.
Day 2: Aveiro | Ovar
Morning: Explore the picturesque Bairro da Beira Mar in Aveiro, known for its colorful Art Nouveau buildings. Take a traditional moliceiro boat ride along the canals, a fun and picturesque way to explore the "Venice of Portugal."
Afternoon: Visit the Salinas da Ria de Aveiro, an ancient salt-production site, and discover the eco-friendly initiatives at the Eco Museu da Troncalhada. Then, head to Ovar, a town famous for its vibrant azulejo tiles. Take a guided tour to learn about the history of this Portuguese tile tradition. Participate in a hands-on tile-painting workshop in Ovar, where you can create your own souvenir.
Evening: Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in the area.
Day 3: Viana do Castelo | Póvoa de Lanhoso
Morning: Start the day by visiting the Santa Luzia viewpoint in Viana do Castelo, offering breathtaking views over the town and the surrounding coastline. Next, head to the town center to explore the Costume Museum, showcasing Portugal’s traditional clothing, and the Museum of Decorative Arts.
Afternoon: Discover the rich tradition of filigree jewelry, a craft for which Viana do Castelo is renowned. Afterward, visit the Museum of Gold in Travassos, showcasing Portugal's gold heritage. In Póvoa de Lanhoso, experience a gold jewelry-making workshop, where you’ll learn about this intricate craft.
Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in Póvoa de Lanhoso.
Day 4: Barcelos | Guimarães
Morning: Discover Barcelos, a UNESCO Creative City and famous pottery center. Take a walking tour through the town, visiting local artisan workshops. Climb up to Barcelos’ Medieval Tower, offering panoramic views of the town.
Afternoon: Continue your journey to Guimarães, often considered the birthplace of Portugal. Visit Guimarães Castle, a symbol of the country’s foundation, and explore the historical center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy some free time to explore Guimarães' craft shops, where you can purchase locally-made souvenirs.
Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in Guimarães.
Day 5: Covilhã | Manteigas | Seia
Morning: Visit the Lanifícios Museum in Covilhã, located in the Real Fábrica Veiga, to learn about the textile industry that shaped the region.
Afternoon: Take a scenic walk through Manteigas and Seia, two traditional villages in the Serra da Estrela mountain range. Both are known for their wool heritage and scenic beauty, making them perfect spots to discover local traditions.
Evening: Enjoy a traditional dinner in Seia and rest at your accommodation in the area.
Day 6: Castelo Branco | Nisa | Arraiolos
Morning: Start with a visit to the Embroidery Interpretation Center in Castelo Branco, dedicated to the region's famous textile tradition. Next, explore the Silk Museum and the magnificent Gardens of the Episcopal Palace.
Afternoon: Head to Nisa, a town known for its pottery, particularly the Pedrada pottery. Visit the Pottery and Clay Museum, where you can learn about Nisa's longstanding ceramic traditions. In Arraiolos, visit the Carpet Interpretation Center, dedicated to the region's famous handmade carpets.
Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in Arraiolos, where you can admire the traditional crafts and enjoy local specialties.
Day 7: Corval | Estremoz | Évora
Morning: In Corval, visit the House of Clay, where you’ll learn about the local pottery-making traditions. Explore the artisan workshops in Corval, renowned for their ceramic products.
Afternoon: Visit Estremoz, famous for its figurative ceramics. Climb the Estremoz Castle and the Tower of Menagem for panoramic views. Then, head to Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage city, and discover its historic center filled with ancient monuments and local craft shops. Take a walk through Évora’s historic center to see its traditional craft shops.
Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in Évora.
Day 8: Setúbal | Azeitão | Lisbon
Morning: Visit the traditional fishing heritage of Setúbal, including its bustling market, marina, and fish market, where you can sample local seafood specialties.
Afternoon: In Azeitão, discover its gastronomic specialties, including the famous Tortas de Azeitão. Visit a local cheese factory to taste the region's delicious cheeses.Arrive in Lisbon and visit the Azulejos Museum, which showcases Portugal's iconic decorative tiles.
Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in Lisbon.





