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PTG Tours · Escorted tour

Undiscovered Portugal in Style

Eight-day escorted tour of central Portugal by train, coach, and optional flight

Illustration of Undiscovered Portugal in Style

PTG Tours operates this eight-day escorted tour of central Portugal, departing October 15, 2026. The journey begins in Tomar, the Templar town, and concludes at Entroncamento, moving through some of Portugal's oldest and most historic towns: Castelo Branco, Elvas, Evora, and the hilltop border village of Monsaraz. The itinerary chains several train journeys, including a regional ride on the scenic Beira Baixa Line from Entroncamento to Castelo Branco along the north bank of the River Tagus. You stay three nights in Tomar at the Hotel dos Templarios and four nights in Evora at the five-star Hotel M'AR De AR Aqueduto. Days combine guided cultural visits, such as the UNESCO-listed Convento de Cristo and Evora's Roman Temple of Diana, with free time to explore the towns independently. PTG Tours provides a Tour Manager throughout and local guides in key locations. The pace is relaxed, with longer stays allowing deeper exploration. This tour suits repeat rail travellers, history lovers, and couples seeking guided comfort and quality hotels.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only one departure listed: October 15, 2026.
  • The from-price applies to this single departure; availability and pricing for other dates are not published.
  • A single room supplement of 315 GBP (or 545 GBP for the overland option) is charged separately.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Tomar

    Arrival / travel to Tomar

    Both flight and rail options are offered for travelling to Tomar. Fly into Lisbon then take a train directly to Tomar; travelling overland from the UK does not require going via Lisbon. Direct flights available from Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted, Luton, Bristol and Manchester.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Tomar

    Convento de Cristo and optional National Railway Museum

    Guided visit to the 12th-century UNESCO World Heritage Convento de Cristo, founded in 1157 by the Order of the Templars. Option of a free afternoon in Tomar or a train to Entroncamento to visit the National Railway Museum. Return to Tomar for the Welcome Dinner.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Tomar

    Beira Baixa Line to Castelo Branco

    Train to Entroncamento, then the regional Beira Baixa Line as far as Castelo Branco, riding along the north bank of the River Tagus past the 'Gates of Rodao'. Lunch in Castelo Branco, former capital of Beira Baixa, with time to visit the Jardim Episcopal.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Evora

    Elvas and on to Evora

    Coach to Abrantes station to catch the international train towards Elvas (continuing to Badajoz, Spain, with onward connections to Madrid), travelling on the new line linking Evora to Elvas and Badajoz where a suitable service allows. Free afternoon to explore the fortified town of Elvas, including its star-shaped defensive walls and 16th-century aqueduct, before transferring by coach to the five-star Hotel Aqueduto in Evora for a four-night stay. Dinner in the hotel.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Evora

    Beja

    Inter-city train to Casa Branca, changing for a train south to Beja. Lunch at Beja Pousada, then free time to explore the historic town including its castle, before the train back to Evora.

  6. Day 6overnight: Evora

    Evora walking tour

    Guided exploration of Evora with a local guide, including the Roman Temple of Diana, the university, the cathedral and the chapel of bones. Free afternoon to continue exploring or use the hotel's facilities.

  7. Day 7overnight: Evora

    Monsaraz

    Coach to the fortified hilltop border village of Monsaraz for a short guided tour with a local guide, then free time to explore, with views over the Alqueva Dam and into Spain. Farewell lunch in a local restaurant.

  8. Day 8rail

    Return via Lisbon

    Train to Lisbon Oriente, then metro to the airport for departure.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Guided visit to the 12th-century UNESCO World Heritage Convento de Cristo, founded in 1157 by the Order of the Templars.
  • Day 3Regional train on the Beira Baixa Line from Entroncamento to Castelo Branco, riding along the north bank of the River Tagus past the Gates of Rodao.
  • Day 5Inter-city train journey via Casa Branca south to Beja, with lunch at Beja Pousada and time to explore the castle before returning to Evora by train.
  • Day 6Guided exploration of Evora with a local guide, including the Roman Temple of Diana, the university, the cathedral and the chapel of bones.

Included

  • All travel and excursions as outlined in the itinerary
  • Good quality en-suite accommodation
  • Meals as shown in the itinerary (B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
  • Services of our Tour Manager
  • Holiday is fully escorted from and back to Lisbon

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. All travel as outlined in the itinerary is included, including regional, inter-city, and international train journeys.
How do I get to Tomar on Day 1?
PTG Tours offers both flight and rail options. You can fly into Lisbon from Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Bristol, or Manchester and take a train directly to Tomar. Alternatively, you can travel overland from London St Pancras via Paris, Madrid, Caceres, and Badajoz to Entroncamento and Tomar. You can also join locally in Lisbon.
What hotels are included?
The tour stays three nights at the four-star Hotel dos Templarios in Tomar and four nights at the five-star Hotel M'AR De AR Aqueduto in Evora.
What meals are provided?
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included as shown in the itinerary, including a Welcome Dinner in Tomar and a Farewell lunch in Monsaraz.
Is the tour escorted?
Yes, the holiday is fully escorted from and back to Lisbon by a PTG Tours Tour Manager. Local guides accompany visits in Evora and Monsaraz.
How much walking is involved?
You need to be able to walk around locations with steep hills, steps and cobbled streets, keeping up with the main group, and be able to lift your luggage on and off trains.

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