_edited_edited_j.jpg){kind=small}
Maritime Odyssey
Itinerary: Viana do Castelo | Apúlia | Vila do Conde | Póvoa do Varzim | Porto | Aveiro | Ovar | Ílhavo | Vieira de Leiria | Nazaré | Peniche | Lisbon | Sines | Aljezur | Sagres | Lagos
This meticulously planned itinerary will guide you through centuries of exploration and adventure that have defined Portugal's rich maritime heritage. Discover historic ports, legendary ships, and the legacy of courageous navigators who left their indelible mark on the country's history. This journey is a celebration of a nation forged by the sea, where every wave tells a story of courage, innovation, and conquest.
PROGRAM:
Day 1: Viana do Castelo | Esposende | Apúlia
A tour exploring the historic center of Viana do Castelo. Ascent to Monte de Santa Luzia. Discovery of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Agony. Visit to the Gil Eanes Hospital Ship Museum. In Esposende, exploration of the historic center. Visit to the Maritime Museum. Discovery of the Apúlia windmills and the village of Fão.
Day 2: Póvoa de Varzim | Vila do Conde | Matosinhos
Time to explore the 16th-century ship in Vila do Conde. Discovery of the Royal Customs House building. Visit to the Church of Our Lady of the Navigators. Guided tour of the Pinhais & Ca. canning factory in Matosinhos. Visit to the Church of Bom Jesus. Stop to observe the statue "Tragedy at Sea".
Day 3: Porto
Walking tour through the city's historic center, linked to shipbuilding and maritime trade. Visit to the Customs House. Discovery of the Lada, Ribeira and S. Nicolau neighborhoods. Visit to a winery and Port wine tasting. 6 Bridges Cruise. Tour of the Douro River estuary.
Day 4: Aveiro | Ovar | Ílhavo
Walking tour through the Beira-Mar neighborhood in Aveiro. Stroll along the central canals. Moliceiro boat trip. Visit to the salt pans and the Aveiro estuary. Stroll through the Costa Nova neighborhood. Visit to the Santo André Ship-Museum in Ílhavo. Discovery of the Barra Lighthouse, the Bacalhoeiro Port, and the Ílhavo Maritime Museum.
Day 5: Figueira da Foz | Nazaré | Peniche
Discovery of the Avieiros neighborhood in Vieira de Leiria. Walk along the Nazaré seafront promenade to learn about the Xávega fishing technique and the Dried Fish Museum. Visit to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré. Descent to the St. Michael the Archangel Lighthouse. Time to appreciate Praia do Norte (North Beach). Visit to the Peniche Fortress and Baleal Beach.
Day 6: Lisbon | Cascais | Azenhas do Mar
A discovery tour of Terreiro do Paço, in Lisbon. Visit to the Belém district: Maritime Museum, Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. Discovery walk through the town of Cascais: Bay, King D. Carlos Maritime Museum and Citadel. Panoramic route to Cabo da Roca. Time to appreciate the Azenhas do Mar (watermills).
Day 7: Sines | Porto Covo | Aljezur | Sagres
In Sines, a discovery tour of the historic center, the fishing port, and Vasco da Gama Beach. Visit to the Castle and Museum. Lunch in Porto Covo. Tour of the historic center of Aljezur: Zambujeira do Mar Beach and Odeceixe. Panoramic drive to Sagres, to visit the Fortress and Cape St. Vincent.
Day 8: Lagos | Faro
A tour to discover Lagos Bay, including a visit to the Slavery Route Museum. Visit to the Boa Esperança caravel, the Xávega fishing technique at Meia Praia, and the Governors' Castle. Walking tour in Faro to discover the historical center. View of the Portas do Mar Quay and the Customs House.
Included:
Tour by tourist bus.
15 meals with a complete menu (Starters or Soup, Main Course, Dessert, Coffee, Wine and Water with meals. Some restaurants offer juices and soft drinks as part of the menu).
Tour guide acting as a company representative.
Local guides for visits and activities.
All the entrances and visits mentioned in the program.
Accommodation in a 4* or 3* hotel with breakfast.
Liability and personal accident insurance.
PLACES ON THE BUS:
Seats on the bus are pre-assigned based on the order of boarding and the seniority of the sign.
PACE: Medium
To participate in this itinerary, you must:
Feel comfortable with several days of visits and an itinerary that alternates between bus journeys and short walks at the sites visited.
To be able to keep up with a group at an average walking pace on sometimes uneven terrain and occasional stairs.
Being able to follow a moderate-paced program, which may involve getting up early for several days and only arriving at the hotel at the end of the day to have dinner and rest.
Feel comfortable following a guide and respecting all instructions given.
Tolerate some temperature changes and unstable weather.
ACCOMMODATION:
Accommodation is planned in a 4-star or 3-star hotel.
DON'T MISS:
Explore historic ports and charming coastal towns that were instrumental in Portugal's maritime rise.
Visit captivating maritime museums, which offer a unique perspective on the evolution of Portuguese navigation.
Immerse yourself in the fascinating narrative of shipwrecks and epic tales of brave navigators.
