Hidden Portugal

LAST-MINUTE DEAL - SAVE GBP100pp - use promo code LATE3**

Enjoy a Portugal far removed from the resorts and golf courses of the Algarve. Away from that package-holiday haven, you'll find a country of rugged coastline and mountains, of vineyards and hilltop villages, historic cities and reserved locals, that remains largely untouched by the more extreme excesses of modern tourism.

Inclusions

Discover Portugal's vibrant second city, Oporto, in its splendid setting above the River Douro
Visit a Port wine lodge
Journey along the scenic Costa Verde
Explore the Vinho Verde vineyards and discover historic Ponte de Lima's ancient Roman bridge
Explore the fishing towns of Povoa de Varzim and Vila do Conde
Guided visits to Viana do Castelo and Valenca do Minho are highlights of a day in the northern Minho region
Seven nights' dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation at the three-star Estalagem Santo Andre, Povoa de Varzim (upgrades available)
Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel and transfers
Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced Tour Manager
Single rooms are available for a supplement

1

Meet your Tour Manager in Oporto and transfer to your hotel.

2

Our first included excursion takes us to Oporto. The ancient, time-weathered city clings haphazardly to the hillsides above the beautiful River Douro. During the day there will also be a visit to one of the famous wine lodges, and an optional boat trip will also be available.

3

Come with us along the Douro River Valley on today's optional excursion. Visit romantic Amarante and picturesque Mesao Frio en route to the port of Regua, the home of Port wine. We'll visit a working quinta, and have the opportunity to stroll through the estate's vineyards.

4

Discover the delightful and historic fishing towns Povoa de Varzim and Vila do Conde on today's included excursion.

In summer, Povoa's population is swollen by visitors drawn to the sea air and beautiful beaches. A selection of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants - most serving freshly caught seafood - as well as the well-known Monumental Casino, ensure the town's reputation as a pleasant holiday resort.

After time to explore Vila's colourful market, we'll continue to Esposende, famous for its wide beaches and the 17th-century Fort of Sao Joao Baptista.

4

Join our full-day, optional tour to Barcelos, home to Europe's largest open-air market: a colourful hive of activity offering a huge range of local goods. From there we continue to historic Braga, former Catholic capital of Portugal, to see the fabled Bom Jesus shrine and its marvellous views.

5

The last of the optional excursions takes us across the border into Spain to visit historic and beautiful Santiago de Compostela. At the city's heart is the marvellously preserved Romanesque cathedral - perhaps the first-ever tourist destination for the millions of medieval pilgrims who visited the shrine.

6

Our included tour of the Minho region takes us to Viana do Castelo, on the River Lima, to see the Basilica de Santa Lucia. From here we'll continue to the historic market town of Ponte de Lima, famous for its 18th-century fountain and Roman bridge.

7

Transfer back to the airport to begin your journey home.

Further Information

Market opening times

The market in Vila do Conde will only be open for tours that depart the UK on a Thursday. The market in Barcelos will only be open for tours that depart the UK on a Sunday.

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 30 minutes.

Combining hotel transfers

We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Foreign Office Travel Advice

Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.

**This offer is valid from 6th April and applies to new bookings departing on 21st, 24th, 28th June & 1st, 15th July 2018 only. Offer is valid from all airports offering the date. Prices shown when booking do not include the discount. The discount will be applied to your booking once the promo code (LATE3) has been entered and will be confirmed before purchase. The offer is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time.