The historic heart of Portugal

The heart of Portugal brims with historical treasures. During this experience trip you will visit no less than four places classified as World Heritage Sites. Let yourself be enchanted by the irresistible mix of old and new.

Nowhere is that contrast more apparent than in Lisbon, where your trip begins. It is found in the working-class district of Alfama, for example, where the silence is only interrupted by nostalgic fado music. Or in the Bairro Alto, one of the city's most beautiful neighbourhoods.

Via Mafra, with its impressive palace of Dom João V, you will head to the historical heart of Portugal. In Alcobaça, Batalha, Coimbra and Tomar you can visit monumental monasteries and cathedrals, a medieval castle and the second oldest university in Europe.

Finally, you can get some fresh air in Peniche, a cosy, traditional fishing port with excellent fish restaurants, kilometres of sandy beaches and a beautiful nature reserve.

Day 1 : Departure to Lisbon

Take a taxi or public transport to your hotel. You will stay in Lisbon for two nights at a hotel of your choice.

Day 2 : Lisbon

Explore Lisbon in an active mode. This atmospheric city on the Tagus has surprises lurking behind every corner. As you walk through the maze of streets and staircases and pass cute little squares, you'll discover breathtaking panoramas of the Tagus, beautiful botanical gardens, unique shops, impressive art galleries, cosy cafes and excellent restaurants. Each neighbourhood has its own character. Discover the working-class neighbourhood of Alfama, where fado music breaks the silence, the neoclassical class of the Baixa (lower town) and the charming Bairro Alto district, located on a hill and among the city's most beautiful districts. Make sure you also visit Belém, to the west of the city centre, where you can admire the Torre de Belém and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, both testaments to Portuguese power and wealth in the early 16th century, the Golden Age.

Day 3 : Lisbon - Mafra - Alcobaça

Continue your visit of Lisbon. Pick up your rental car at the airport (or at the city office) and depart for the historic heart of Portugal via Mafra, with its impressive palace of Dom João V. You will stay for five nights in a Caractère hotel of your choice.

Day 4 : Alcobaça - Nazaré

Visit the monumental monastery of Alcobaça, an impressive pinnacle of Gothic architecture, including the magnificent tombs of King Pedro I and Ines de Castro. This complex, whose history is closely linked to Portuguese royalty, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1930. Afterwards, you can enjoy the beautiful beach of Nazaré, which is surrounded by rocks. This fishing village has preserved much of its traditional character.

Day 5 : Batalha - Tomar

Visit the impressive Monastery of Batalha, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture made of limestone and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monastery was built to commemorate the Portuguese victory at Aljubarrota in 1385. João I had vowed to dedicate a magnificent church to Mary if he won the battle against the Castilians. Then go to Tomar, a medieval city dominated by the imposing 12th-century castle of the Templar Knights' Order, with the Convento de Cristo, one of the country's main attractions. After visiting the castle, you can relax in the lower town, where it is pleasant to wander around.

Day 6 : Coïmbra

You should also discover Coïmbra, Portugal's main university town, with its rich historical monuments. While visiting the monastery and church of Santa Cruz, you'll be introduced to a variety of architectural styles, from Manueline to Romanesque to Renaissance. Make sure to also explore the beautiful surroundings of Coïmbra, such as the Serra da Estrela Natural Park.

Day 7 : Obidos - Peniche

Soak up the sea breeze in Peniche. This authentic fishing port is a bustling and lively place. Along the Avenida do Mar you will find excellent seafood restaurants and kilometres of beautiful sandy beaches are a short distance from the town. From Peniche you can also make excursions, such as to the Ilha da Berlenga, a nature reserve that is home to thousands of seabirds. You should also take a detour to Óbidos, famous for its whitewashed houses decorated with flowers.