Panorama of Portugal

Meet at the airport and fly direct to Lisbon. On arrival we drive towards Coimbra, Portugal's first university town and one of the oldest in the world. Our first stop is Fátima, the great centre of Catholicism 142 km north of Lisbon. Fátima became famous after the apparition of the Virgin Mary to three shepherd children in the Cova da Iria valley in 1917 and has since become one of the largest places of pilgrimage in the world. In Coimbra we tour the university and the streets of the city of poets on the much-sung Mondego river, and visit the forecourt of the church of Santa Clara-a-Nova for a panoramic view of the whole city. Check-in at our hotel. Overnight.

After breakfast we leave for Porto. Our first stop is the Buçaco forest, Portugal's national forest and one of the richest in plant species in Europe. On the way we stop in the city of canals, the "Venice of Portugal", Aveiro, to admire its boats that resemble Venetian gondolas. We then continue to Porto, a city that embodies the tradition, human values, hard work and strength of spirit of the Portuguese nation. It also gave its name to the famous port wine, made from local grape varieties under the guidance of a British community that grew up in the city's harbour. Overnight.

After breakfast we tour this impressive city on the banks of the Douro river, spreading harmoniously over the hills and still keeping its medieval look. In the Ribeira district along the river lie the old quarters with many traditional shops and the open-air market on the quay, where boats were once loaded with port wine.

In the upper town we explore the area around the Cathedral and the old railway station. We then visit the gilded church of São Francisco and the Bolsa Palace, home of the Commercial Association and formerly the stock exchange. Finally we visit an old wine lodge where the famous port wine has matured for many years, and taste its wonderful flavour and rich aroma from a special "cálice" glass. Overnight.

After breakfast we leave on a full-day excursion to the Minho province. Our first stop is Braga, where we admire the cathedral and the sanctuary of Bom Jesus, an important example of Baroque style. We then visit Guimarães, the cradle of the Portuguese nation and the first capital of Portugal, birthplace of Portuguese nationhood and of the first king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques. We see the castle and the historic centre, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Return to Porto. Overnight.

Morning departure for Lisbon. Our first stop is the Batalha Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We then go to the Atlantic fishing village of Nazaré, an unforgettable experience thanks to the warmth and liveliness of its people and the unique feel of a small village steeped in tradition, where we can taste the local cuisine. Finally we visit the beautiful medieval artists' village of Óbidos, walking its narrow lanes between white houses covered in colourful flowers and enjoying a panoramic view from the 13-metre walls that surround the village. Late afternoon arrival in Lisbon and check-in. Overnight.

Today is devoted to this picturesque and welcoming city, which despite centuries of invasions still keeps its glorious Latin character. One of its most famous sights, and perhaps the most beautiful of its kind in the world, is the National Coach Museum, with a collection of unique luxury and richness dating from the 17th to the 19th century. We visit the Jerónimos Monastery, the most impressive symbol of Portuguese power and wealth, built in 1502 by order of King Manuel I to honour Vasco da Gama's successful return from India. Finally we see the Monument to the Discoveries and the iconic Belém Tower, from where Portuguese navigators set off for the ends of the earth. This famous tower, which looks more like a tiny castle, was built in 1515 on the banks of the Tagus to protect the river mouth and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening we suggest traditional Portuguese fado, made famous around the world by the great singer Amália Rodrigues. Return to the hotel. Overnight.

After breakfast we leave on a delightful excursion around Lisbon: Sintra, the summer residence of the kings; Cascais, a lovely fishing village; Estoril, Portugal's famous resort; and Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe on the Atlantic. Back in Lisbon we end the day at the Parque das Nações, built for Expo '98, where we can admire the Vasco da Gama bridge among other sights. The park is also home to the Lisbon Oceanarium. Overnight.

Our last day in the Portuguese capital. Full of memories, we fly back to Greece. Arrival in Athens.