Portugal, positioned at what was once thought to be the edge of the earth, has long been a seafaring nation. At the dawn of the Age of Exploration, mariners believed that two-headed, fork-tongued monsters as big as houses lurked across the Sea of Darkness, waiting to chew up a caravel and gulp its debris down their fire-lined throats.

In spite of these paralyzing fears, Portugal launched legendary caravels on explorations that changed the fundamental perceptions of humankind: Vasco da Gama sailed to India, Magellan circumnavigated the globe, and Dias rounded the Cape of Good Hope. In time, Portuguese navigators explored two-thirds of the earth, opening the globe to trade and colonization and expanding the intellectual horizons of Western civilization for all time.

In spite of its former influence, Portugal still suffers from one of the most widespread misconceptions in European travel -- that it's simply "another Spain," and a poorer version, at that. Before its European political and economic integration in 1986, some dared to call it "the last foreign country of Europe."

Day 1 –  USA - LISBON, PORTUGAL
Depart the USA on any regularly scheduled flight to Lisbon, Portugal.

Day 2 – LISBON
Upon arrival at the Lisbon airport, you will be met by your driver and privately transferred to your hotel.  Here your local Coda representative will welcome you to Portugal and assist with check-in procedures at your hotel. You will be confirmed for three nights at Barrio Alto Hotel in a Standard Room, inclusive of buffet breakfast.

Day 3 – LISBON
Meet your Coda Tours guide and private driver today for a half-day (4 hours) overview tour of Lisbon.  Your tour will include a visit to the Belem district with its magnificent Jeronimo’s Monastery, an extraordinary example of Portugal's 'Manueline" style of architecture. Continue on to the splendid Coach Museum - a collection of painted and gilded baroque coaches accommodated in buildings which once served as a riding school. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Barrio Alto Hotel

Day 4 -- LISBON
Today will be at your leisure to explore independently from your centrally located hotel, shop or relax. Barrio Alto Hotel

Day 5 -- LISBON - OBIDOS – ALCOBACA – BATALHA – TOMAR
This morning you will transfer to Coimbra via Obidos, Alcobaca and Batalha.  The whitewashed medieval town of Obidos is considered by many to be Portugal’s most beautiful.  Afterwards you will visit the Abbey of Alcobaca, the largest church in the country, and the 14th century Abbey of Batalha whose honey-coloured exterior belies an interior of graceful charm. Continuing on to Tomar you will visit the Convent of Christ, the headquarters of the order of Knights Templar from 1160 until the order was forced to disband in 1314.  You may also like to wander through the old town along the narrow flower-lined streets where you will find the Synagogue of Tomar, the oldest Jewish house of worship in Portugal. Upon arrival in Coimbra, check in to your hotel. You will be confirmed for two nights at the Hotel Quinta de Lagrimas in a Garden Room, inclusive of buffet breakfast. Quinta de Lagrimas

Day 6 -- COIMBRA
This morning take a full day (8 hour) sightseeing tour to Coimbra.  In Coimbra you will visit the University of Coimbra as well as the surrounding town.  You will enjoy an entrance into the Old Cathedral in Coimbra.  15 kilometers to the South of the city you will visit the Roman ruins of Conimbriga before heading back to your hotel. Quinta de Lagrimas

Day 7 -- COIMBRA –BUSSACO -  AVEIRO – SANTA MARIA DA FEIRA - PORTO
This morning depart for Porto. Before reaching Aveiro you will have a visit at Bussaco Forest and Palace, the palace is now a hotel so only the common areas are accessible.  You will enjoy sightseeing in the water city of Aveiro and the fairy-tale castle at Santa Maria da Feira. You may like to wander through the narrow, steep passageways of the old university quarter and the old city.  Continue on to Porto where the remainder of the day will be at your leisure. You will be confirmed for three nights at the Le Meridien Park Atlantico in a city view standard room inclusive of buffet breakfast. Le Meridien Park Atlantico

Day 8 -- PORTO
Today you will enjoy a half day sightseeing tour (4 hours) sightseeing tour with your English-speaking guide in the city of Porto, which has a glorious location on a steep hillside above the River Douro.  You will visit the Cais da Ribeira, the quayside of the fascinating Ribeira district, and some of the city’s most beautiful monuments including the opulent 19th century Stock Exchange, the cathedral and Bishop’s Palace. Le Meridien Park Atlantico