Christmas In Porto & New Year On The Lisbon Coast - Solo Tour

Christmas In Porto & New Year On The Lisbon Coast - Solo Tour

Beaches, palaces and historic hilltop towns - this festive tour to one of Portugal's most stunning regions has the lot. Take it all in as you celebrate Christmas and New Year in great company.

What's Included:

• Just You Holiday Director as your host & Specialist Local Guide
• Return flights from London
• 10 nights half-board in 3 & 4-star hotels
• A guaranteed twin or double room of your own
• 22 included meals: 10 breakfasts, 1 festive Christmas Day lunch, a New Year's Day lunch & 10 dinners including a New Year's Eve gala dinner

• Overseas transfers, other transportation & porterage

  Included Holiday Highlights:

• Tour of Porto with a tasting of port wine
• Celebrate Christmas Day with a traditional lunch
• The city of Guimarães & the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança
• Tour of Viana do Castelo
• Coimbra & its ancient university
• Discover Portugal's capital, Lisbon
• Explore UNESCO-listed Sintra & Cabo da Roca Lighthouse
• Visit the hilltop town of Obidos

Operator: Just You

Day 1: UK - Porto

Today you will fly to Porto. After checking in, unpack and relax, then use your free time to explore the hotel or head into the town before meeting up with your travelling companions for a welcome drink and dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: Christmas Eve, Porto

It's famous for producing port wine, which is indeed delicious, but there's more to Porto than just a great drink! Today we'll tour its highlights, from the Baroque marvel that is Clérigos Church to the centuries-old Lello Bookstore, where books run all the way up to the carved ceiling. Take some free time to explore on your own or with your fellow travellers and enjoy lunch in one of the excellent local restaurants. Afterwards, we'll wander through the winding cobbled streets of historic Ribeira and admire the Neoclassical opulence of the 19th century Stock Exchange Palace. Tonight, a Festive dinner awaits.

Day 3: Christmas Day, Porto

Feliz Natal! Today is a day to spend in the way that makes you happiest. You'll have a joyful Christmas lunch with your fellow travellers at the hotel, as well as dinner at the hotel later on. Otherwise, choose your own activities at the hotel or around the surrounding areas.

Day 4: Boxing Day, Viana do Castelo

Most of today will be spent on an excursion to Viana do Castelo. Prepare to be amazed by the beauty of this area, which has an abundance of all that makes the Costa Verde and Minho regions so special. In contrast with the verdant landscapes and sweeping coastline, the city itself buzzes with an industrial vitality that comes from its long history of shipbuilding. Famous sights include the Pousada de Viana do Castelo, an elegant early 20th century building perched on leafy Monte de Santa Luzia.

Day 5: Guimarães

The city of Guimarães is our next exciting destination. This is where the first king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, was born. Our visit today we will admire the scenic square of Largo da Oliveira and a host of historic buildings, including an atmospheric ruined castle, before exploring the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança.

Day 6: Porto - Coimbra - Cascais

Coimbra was the medieval capital of Portugal and the legacy of that important role is still very apparent, as we'll discover on our visit to the city today. Architectural highlights include the ancient University of Coimbra and the magnificent New Cathedral, which, despite its name, opened in the 17th century. Next we'll continue to the coastal town of Cascais, your base for the remainder of your festive holiday.

Day 7: Lisbon

Today, we discover Portugal's capital on a panoramic tour, showcasing its historic architecture and grand riverfront. Our journey begins in the district of Belém with stops at the iconic Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. We then drive past the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery to admire its intricate Manueline façade. The excursion continues into downtown Lisbon with a short guided walking tour of Baixa Pombalina, an elegant 18th-century district rebuilt in a neoclassical style. Afterward, enjoy some free time before we return to the hotel later for dinner.

Day 8: Sintra & Cabo da Roca Lighthouse

You're sure to fall in love with Sintra, a UNESCO-listed town jam-packed with breathtaking architecture, from the grand villas to the multiple palaces that dominate the skyline. We'll have a tour of Sintra National Palace, with its unmistakable twin chimneys and lavish painted interiors. We’ll also visit the Cabo da Roca Lighthouse - the westernmost point of continental Europe.

Day 9: New Year''s Eve, Óbidos

Today we explore the hilltop town of Óbidos a compact town that is easy to explore on foot with it's narrow cobbled streets, lined with whitewashed buildings. With time to shop for local crafts. You could pick up some local specialties such as cherry liqueur or artisanal handicrafts during free time here. We'll be welcoming the new year with an all-out celebration at a wonderful gala dinner.

Day 10: New Year's Day, Cascais

New Year's Day is usually slow-paced, so you'll have the day to yourself to relax or explore as you choose. After brunch at the hotel, you could explore the gorgeous beaches and gardens of Cascais, or stroll along Rua Direita, the main street. Perhaps you prefer to just unwind in your room or find your fellow travellers and spend time with them around the grounds of the hotel. Back at the hotel this evening, we'll gather for a farewell dinner.

Day 11: Lisbon - UK

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we transfer you to the airport for your flight back to the UK.