Portugal Panorama, 8 days

Gathering at the "Macedonia" airport of Thessaloniki at 07:25 at the counters of Turkish Airlines - flight (09:25) with a stopover in Istanbul and arrival (15:45) in Porto, a city that represents human values, the hard work and strength of the soul of the Portuguese Nation. The city also gave its name to the famous "PORT" wine of the same name produced by cultivating grape varieties under the guidance of a British community that developed in the city's port. Transfer and check-in at the hotel.

After breakfast, we will take a guided tour of the impressive city that is built on the banks of the Douro River and spreads harmoniously over the hills, maintaining even today its medieval outlook. In the Ribeira area, along the river, stretches the old quarters with the many traditional shops and the open market located on the quay, from where the wine of the same name used to be loaded onto the typical boats.

In the upper town we will tour the Cathedral area and the old railway building. We will then visit the gilded church of Saint Francis and the Bolsa Palace, which houses the Chamber of Commerce and formerly the stock exchange. Finally, we will visit an old winery of the city, where for many years the famous "PORT" wine matures and we will have the pleasure of tasting its wonderful taste and rich aroma in a specially made "calice" glass.

After breakfast, departure for a full-day excursion to the province of Minios. The first stop of our route will be Braga where we will admire the cathedral and the sanctuary of Jesus which presents important examples of the Baroque style. Then we will visit Guimaraes the cradle of the Portuguese nation which was the first capital of Portugal. It is the birthplace of the Portuguese nationality as well as the city where the first king of Portugal "Afonso Enriques" was born. We will see the castle of the area and the historical center, which are UNESCO historical heritage monuments. Return to Porto.

After breakfast departure for Coibra. Our first stop at the Bushako forest, the national forest of the Portuguese and one of the richest in Europe in plants. On our route we will make a stop in the city of canals, the "Venice of Portugal", Aveiro, where we will admire the boats that look like traditional Venetian gondolas. We continue with a tour of Coibra, the first University Campus in Portugal and one of the oldest in the world. We will visit the church of Santa Clara Nova, the site of the University and tour the streets of the city of poets with its much-sung river Montego. Transfer to our hotel.

Departure in the morning to Lisbon. Our first stop is the temple of Batalha, a world cultural heritage monument under the protection of UNESCO. Then we will go to the Atlantic tourist fishing village of Nazare. An experience you will never forget because of the cordiality and liveliness you will receive from its inhabitants as well as the unique feeling created by a small village steeped in tradition and where we will have the opportunity to try the local cuisine. Finally, we will also visit the beautiful medieval village of the artists Obidos. We will walk through the narrow streets between white houses decorated with colorful flowers and enjoy a panoramic view from the 13 meter high walls that surround the village. Late afternoon arrival in Lisbon and check-in at the hotel

Our today's tour is dedicated to the picturesque and welcoming city, which despite the continuous invasions of the barbarian peoples for many centuries, still maintains its glorious Latin character. One of the most famous attractions of the city and perhaps the most beautiful and elaborate in the world is the Royal Carriage Museum, where we will admire a unique collection of luxury and wealth dating between the 17th and 19th centuries. We will visit the Hieronymite Monastery, the most impressive symbol of Portuguese power and wealth, built in 1502 by order of King Manuel I to commemorate Vasco da Gama for his successful return from India. Finally, we will visit the monument of the Discoveries as well as the characteristic Belem Tower, from where the Portuguese navigators set out for the ends of the earth. This famous tower, which looks more like a miniature castle, was built in 1515 near the banks of the TEJO River to protect the river's estuary and has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. In the evening we suggest you to enjoy the traditional Portuguese fado songs, made famous all over the world by the famous singer Amalia Rodriguez. Return to the hotel

After breakfast, we depart for a pleasant excursion to the outskirts of Lisbon. Our first stop is Sintra, summer residence of the kings, a city that abounds in natural beauty and is characterized by its historical and cultural heritage. The Palacio Real, dominates the top of a green mountain. Then we will pass by Cascais, a traditional fishing village that grows next to the capital and Estoril, the resort of all time, which is considered one of the most important tourist spots worldwide and provides a variety of activities such as a golf course, a racing track as well as one of Europe's biggest casinos. Our last visit is the westernmost point of Europe, Cabo da Roca.

Return at noon to the hotel and afternoon at leisure.

After our morning transfer to the airport for the return flight (via Istanbul) we depart at 10:55 arriving in the city at 17:35. Flight to Thessaloniki at 18:50 with arrival at 20:10.