Cox & Kings
Lisbon to the Algarve by Rail
8 daysfrom $2,865
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour
Lisbon, Porto & the Douro Valley
Historic Lisbon, picturesque Porto and the delectable Douro Valley on this escorted rail tour.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Lisbon
Arrival in Lisbon
Your holiday starts at London Gatwick where you meet the Tour Manager before boarding a flight directly to Lisbon. On arrival, transferred by coach to the hotel with four nights to explore the city. Set in the heart of Lisbon's Old Town, the hotel is conveniently close to the public elevator designed by Gustav Eiffel, giving easy access to the Bairro Alto. Tonight, first dinner together at a local restaurant. Note: For departure 29th April, stay at the Turim Europa Hotel in Lisbon.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2overnight: Lisbon
Guided tour of Lisbon and an afternoon to explore
Explore the historic heart of Lisbon on a guided tour by coach and on foot. The tour starts at Rossio Square, Lisbon's central plaza and social hub, continuing through the city's narrow streets to the district of Belém. The afternoon and evening are free to sightsee, visit viewpoints, or soak up Lisbon's atmosphere.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 3railovernight: Lisbon
Sintra's vibrant palaces
Take the train to Sintra, a historic city with a Moorish castle and palaces nestled in forested hills. Sintra was the summer residence of Portugal's royal family for over 600 years. A Day Pass includes travel on Sintra's shuttle bus to the different palaces. Palace entrance fees are payable locally. Return to Lisbon with the group or at your own pace using the Day Pass. Evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 4railovernight: Lisbon
The coastal town of Cascais
A rail trip to the coastal resort of Cascais, known for its golden beaches and pretty marina. The route follows the coast passing the resort of Estoril. Free time to explore Cascais – stroll cobbled streets, walk along the seafront, relax on the beach, or visit the Museum Quarter. Travel back to Lisbon by train in the afternoon; evening free to dine independently.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 5railovernight: Porto
Arrival in historic Porto
A three-hour rail trip to Porto, showcasing beautiful vistas of the Portuguese countryside and cities like Coimbra and Aveiro, before following the Atlantic coast. Three nights at an elegant three-star hotel, centrally located. After free time for lunch, a guided city tour in the afternoon discovering Porto's important landmarks and heritage. Dinner at a local restaurant this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 6railovernight: Porto
The picturesque Douro Valley and Quinta de São Luiz
Rail journey into the stunning Douro Valley – a UNESCO World Heritage region – through terraced vineyards and lush vegetation. Destination is Pinhão, a pretty town surrounded by rolling hills and historic port wine estates. A one-hour boat tour along the Douro, sailing towards Romaneira then downstream past several quintas. Free time over lunch. Later, visit Quinta de São Luiz by coach for a vineyard tour and port wine tasting. Travel back to Porto by coach; free evening.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 7overnight: Porto
At leisure in Porto
Free day to discover Porto independently. Options include visiting medieval Ribeira, riding historic trams (Eléctrico), or travelling across the Douro to Vila Nova de Gaia where the first port wine houses were established in the 17th century. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 8
Homeward bound
After breakfast, a coach takes the group to Porto's airport for the flight back to London Gatwick. On arrival, free to continue the journey home.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
- 7 nights' 3-star hotel accommodation
- Standard class rail travel
- All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
- Return flights from London Gatwick to Lisbon, Porto to London Gatwick (Manchester departures available)
- Breakfast each day
- 3 dinners
- All guided tours and excursions
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance
