Istanbul (IST) - Porto
Meeting with your guide at Istanbul Airport International Terminal. After baggage and passport procedures, departure to Porto with Turkish Airlines. Upon our arrival in Porto, we leave the airport and begin our city tour of Porto. Places to be seen include the Ribeira district overlooking the Douro River, historical buildings, the Bolsa Palace, the Cathedral (Porto Cathedral), the House of the Prince, Sao Francisco Church, Sao Bento train station, Ponte de Louis I Bridge, and the Douro River, completing our panoramic city tour. After the tour, transfer to our hotel and free time. Guests who wish may join the Porto Boat Tour (50 Euro), which will be organized additionally by our guide. We will have the opportunity to see this magnificent city from the river, and after continuing all the way to the ocean, we will end our tour. After the tour, transfer to our hotel and overnight at the hotel.
Porto
After breakfast at our hotel, we will have free time. Guests who wish may join the optional Port of Portugal Masterpieces tour to Braga & Guimarães (70 Euro). Our first stop is Braga, one of Portugal’s important cities. In Braga, we visit one of the important sacred sites, the Church of Bom Jesus do Monte. This magnificent structure, reached by climbing 650 steps, is one of the finest examples of the granite buildings of Northern Portugal. Devout people ascend these steps on their knees on holy days to reach the sacred site. After Braga, we head to Guimarães, Portugal’s former capital. Under UNESCO protection, Guimarães is a very charming city with its typical houses and squares. After seeing Guimarães, we travel to Porto along the scenic road by the ocean. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and overnight at our hotel.
Porto - Lisbon
After breakfast in the morning, we depart for Lisbon. On the route, a tour of Fatima, Nazare, and Obidos will be conducted. Our first stop is Fatima. This place, where the Virgin Mary appeared to three little shepherds in 1917 and gave them the three secrets, is considered one of the largest pilgrimage and worship centers of Christianity. After Fatima, we head toward the ocean coast and proceed to the fishing town of Nazare, famous for its beach. It is impossible not to be impressed by the cliffs of Nazare, where the famous explorer Vasco da Gama came to pray before setting out on his long sea voyages. Later, we visit the medieval heritage town of Obidos, which has preserved its historical texture and still has its 12th-century walls standing, and then continue to Lisbon. Upon arrival, we take a panoramic city tour of Lisbon. During our tour, we will see Eduardo VII Park, Rossio Street, the famous Liberdade Square, the Tagus River, São Jorge Castle, the Alfama District, the Alcântara District, Belém Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries in Belém, and Jerónimos Monastery. Afterwards, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Lisbon
After breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish may join the extra Sintra & Cascais & Estoril & Cabo da Roca Tour (100 Euro). On this tour, after approximately a 40-minute drive to Sintra, we will first visit the “Palácio da Vila” (Town Palace), famous for its chimneys and tiles, a synthesis of various styles. Afterwards, you will have free time to explore the narrow streets in the city center, where vehicles are not allowed, and for lunch. In the afternoon, we will set foot at Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Europe. Continuing along the ocean coast, we first pass Guincho Cape and then arrive at the “Boca do Inferno” cliff near Cascais. We will head down to central Cascais and visit the fishing harbor. On the way back to Lisbon, we will pass through the affluent Estoril district, famous for its casino, and return to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Lisbon–Istanbul (IST)
After breakfast, we are transferred to the airport. After ticketing and customs procedures, our flight to Istanbul begins with Turkish Airlines. Upon arrival in Istanbul, our tour comes to an end.