16 Day Tastes of Rome and Portugal

DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart for Italy
Depart for Italy

DAY 2, Wednesday - Arrive in Rome
Arrive in Rome and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure in the eternal city originally built on seven hills. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by a reception. We recommend you select flights that arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Rome

DAY 3, Thursday - Rome Walking Tour, Optional Half Day Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour
This morning, take a walking tour from your hotel through the grand piazzas of Rome, including the majestic Spanish Steps, the legendary Trevi Fountain, an exterior view of the Pantheon, and ending in the Baroque Piazza Navona. The afternoon is at leisure or join the optional visit to the Vatican Museums and Michelangelo's masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel. Tonight, explore on your own and choose from one of the numerous restaurants offering delicious local cuisine
Optional: Half Day Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour (PM)
Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Friday - Tour Ancient Rome
The historic tour of ancient Rome begins with a walk along the uneven and irregular paths of the Roman Forum, the original central plaza of the city from which ancient Rome developed. Next, view the triumphal Arch of Constantine, erected by the Roman Senate to commemorate Constantine's tenth year of leadership over the Eternal City. Continue to view the outside of the mighty Colosseum, the largest amphitheater built in the Roman Empire, which seated over 50,000 spectators and hosted gladiatorial contests and public events attended by the rich, the poor, and even the Emperor himself. Discover the delights of Rome on your own this afternoon
Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Saturday - Train to Florence, Walking Tour of Florence
Transfer to the train station in the morning to board your train to Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour* through the heart of Florence to view the magnificent Duomo, with its Brunelleschi-designed dome, the renowned "Gates of Paradise" on the Baptistery, created by Ghiberti, and Giotto's Bell Tower. Proceed to the open-air art museum of Signoria Square and admire the statues of the Loggia dei Lanzi and the Palazzo Vecchio, the former residence of the Medici family, before continuing to the Ponte Vecchio, the "Old Bridge," and Piazza Santa Croce. Spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps visiting museums, shopping for gold and quality leather, before returning by train to Rome
*This is an orientation walking tour of Florence and does not include entrance to any landmarks. Should you wish to visit any museum or site on your own, free time is allotted between 1 and 3 PM.
Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Sunday - Full Day in Rome or Optional Trastevere & Tiber Island Walking Tour, Optional Dinner with Entertainment and Scenic Drive of Rome
Spend the day at leisure, or choose the optional Walking Tour Trastevere & Tiber Island. Situated on the western bank of the Tiber River, the Trastevere district is one of the most authentic areas of Rome. Famous for its narrow cobblestone alleys, Trastevere embodies the true spirit of Roman life. Rich in heritage, Trastevere dates to ancient times when it was predominantly a working-class area. Today, it preserves its old-world charm with medieval dwellings, Renaissance-era buildings, and ancient churches. Continue to the boat-shaped Tiber Island (Isola Tiberina), the only island on the Tiber River within the city of Rome. Connected to the mainland by two ancient bridges, it once housed the Temple of Aesculapius, the ancient god of medicine, and is still today the site of a renowned hospital. Enjoy free time for lunch on your own. The rest of the day is at leisure. Tonight, don't miss the optional dinner with musical entertainment and a scenic drive through Rome
Optional: Trastevere and Tiber Island Walking Tour (AM)
Optional: Dinner with Entertainment and Scenic Drive of Rome
Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Monday - Full Day in Rome or Optional Full Day Pompeii Tour from Rome
On your last day at leisure in Rome, perhaps participate in the optional Full Day Pompeii Tour. Depart Rome and drive along the Sun Route motorway through the regions of Lazio and Campania, both rich in astonishing natural beauty. At a distance (weather permitting), you can view the Abbey of Montecassino perched high on the mountaintop. As you pass the Bay of Naples, the majestic Mt. Vesuvius signals the way to Pompeii, the city that was frozen in time under a thick carpet of volcanic ash nearly 2,000 years ago. Walk through Pompeii's original sloping streets, steps, and inclines. View the tragic fossils of people attempting to escape beside their children and dogs, along with the preserved ruins of the Temples of Apollo and Jupiter, and the Forum. Spend time on your own for lunch before returning to Rome
Optional: Full Day Pompeii Tour from Rome
Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8, Tuesday - Castel Gandolfo & Santa Maria Maggiore
Begin the day with a drive to Castel Gandolfo, which has been the Pope's summer residence for years. Upon arrival, board a dedicated vehicle that winds along the avenues of the Pontifical Villas, passing manicured gardens and elegant fountains. Enjoy lunch before returning to your hotel in the afternoon. Take some time to relax and perhaps finish your last-minute shopping. In the evening, drive to Santa Maria Maggiore for a captivating experience that combines culture, art, and conviviality in one of the city's most fascinating locations. This is a unique opportunity to admire the Papal Basilica, ending the evening with a reception to bid farewell to your Tour Manager
Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 9, Wednesday - Flight to Lisbon, Transfer to Tomar
Head to the airport for your flight to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, and transfer to the city of Tomar, renowned for its rich Templar heritage. Arrive at your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting with your Portuguese Tour Manager at approximately 7 PM
Overnight: Tomar
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 10, Thursday - Tomar Walking Tour, Optional Half Day Constancia & Almourol Castle
Embark on a morning city tour of Tomar, a city shaped by centuries of history. Begin at the Convent of Christ, once the headquarters of the Knights Templar and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue through the Old Jewish Quarter, with its narrow lanes and preserved synagogue, offering a glimpse into the town's diverse past. Conclude with a walk along the banks of the Nabao River. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, or join the optional Half Day Constancia & Almourol Castle. Depart Tomar and travel to Constancia, a riverside town where whitewashed houses and winding cobblestone streets overlook the meeting of the Zezere and Tagus Rivers. Stroll through the town and soak in its tranquil atmosphere. Continue to Almourol Castle, a striking 12th century fortress built by the Knights Templar on a small island in the Tagus. Take a short boat ride to explore the castle. Its rugged stone walls and hilltop setting offer panoramic views. Return to Tomar in the late afternoon
Optional: Half Day Constancia & Almourol Castle
Overnight: Tomar
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 11, Friday - Machado de Castro Museum, University of Coimbra, Casal de Sao Simao
Today's journey takes you to Coimbra, one of Portugal's most historic cities. Upon arrival, visit the acclaimed Machado de Castro Museum, housed in the former Bishop's Palace and renowned for its Roman cryptoporticus and extensive art collections. Continue to the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the courtyards, visit the Baroque Joanina Library with its gilded woodwork and vast collection of ancient volumes. Afterward, enjoy free time to explore in the Baixa district and to have lunch at your leisure. In the afternoon, visit the schist village of Casal de Sao Simao. Wander along its stone-paved alleys lined with traditional houses and learn about the preservation of these mountain communities before heading back to your hotel
Overnight: Tomar
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 12, Saturday - Full Day in Tomar or Optional Half Day Santarem with wine tasting and Lunch, Afternoon Lecture on Portuguese Tiles
Today is free to explore Tomar at your own pace. Perhaps, participate in the optional Half Day Santarem with wine tasting and lunch. Travel to Santarem today, the Gothic capital of Portugal. Begin at the Portas do Sol mirador, where sweeping views stretch across the Tagus River and the fertile plains beyond. Take an orientation walk through the Old Town, admiring the striking Gothic facades of historical buildings and traditional Portuguese azulejo tiles that adorn the streets. Continue to Quinta da Lagoalva, an estate with deep roots in the region's agricultural and wine making heritage. Learn about the history of Lagoalva as you explore its highlights, including the elegant Sao Pedro Church, the Carriage Museum, the working stables, and the wine cellar. Savor a lunch of regional specialties paired with Lagoalva's own wines, then walk through the estate's olive grove to discover the traditions and techniques behind Portugal's prized olive oil before returning to Tomar. In the afternoon at your hotel, attend a lecture on traditional azulejos (decorative tiles). Learn about the history, symbolism, and techniques behind these works. Later, visit a local workshop to see skilled artisans at work, observing the tile-making process
Optional: Half Day Santarem with wine tasting and lunch
Overnight: Tomar
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 13, Sunday - Funicular to Sitio Viewpoint, Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré, São Martinho do Porto, Obidos, Ginginha Tasting
Your day of exploration begins with a visit to the fishing town of Nazare, known for its golden beaches and record-breaking waves. Board the funicular to the clifftop district of Sitio. Take in sweeping ocean views from the dramatic viewpoint before visiting the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazare, an important pilgrimage site steeped in legend. Enjoy free time to wander and have lunch on your own, perhaps sampling fresh seafood. Continue to the sheltered bay of Sao Martinho do Porto for a stroll along its waterfront. Next, travel inland to the town of Obidos, with its cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and flower-bedecked balconies. Conclude the visit with a tasting of the town's famous cherry liqueur, Ginginha. Arrive back at the hotel in the late afternoon
Overnight: Tomar
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 14, Monday - Full Day in Tomar or Optional Half Day Fatima Tour, Optional Lisbon City Walking Tour with Dinner
Spend the day at leisure or choose the optional Half Day Fatima Tour. This morning, set out on an excursion to Fatima, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Catholic world. Visit the humble homes of the three shepherd children who witnessed the apparitions in 1917. Continue to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, adorned with beautiful stained glass and mosaics, and the Chapel of the Apparitions, built in the very spot where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared. Conclude at the Basilica of the Holy Trinity, an architectural landmark that welcomes millions of pilgrims from around the world. In the afternoon, participate in the optional Lisbon City Walking Tour with dinner. Depart for Lisbon this afternoon, making a brief stop in Belem to savor the famous pastel de Belem, Portugal's beloved custard tart. Upon arrival at the capital, begin with a gentle walk to the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, offering sweeping views over Lisbon, followed by the nearby Miradouro da Graça. Descend through cobblestone streets, passing the Calçada da Amália, a tribute to fado singer Amália Rodrigues. Continue to St. George's Castle for a visit, then proceed toward St. Anthony's Church, said to be built on the birthplace of the saint. The walk continues through the lively Baixa district to Praça do Comércio, past the iconic Santa Justa Elevator and into the bustling Praça do Rossio. Conclude with dinner at a local restaurant in Praça dos Restauradores, surrounded by the lively energy of Lisbon by night
Optional: Half Day Fatima Tour
Optional: Lisbon City Walking Tour with dinner
Overnight: Tomar
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 15, Tuesday - Marvao, Castelo de Vide
Depart Tomar and travel into Portugal's eastern hills, beginning in the town of Marvao. Perched high above the Alentejo plain, this walled village offers breathtaking panoramas and a step back into medieval history as you wander its narrow lanes and explore the imposing castle which once guarded the border with Spain. Continue to the nearby town of Castelo de Vide, where you can stroll along the old Jewish Quarter with its historic synagogue, and admire the architecture. There will be free time for lunch at your leisure before making the return journey to Tomar in the afternoon. Tonight, at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager
Overnight: Tomar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 16, Wednesday - Depart Portugal
Transfer to the airport in Lisbon for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast