Sunday, Aug. 26: Welcome to Portugal
Our trip begins as we all gather at our 4-star hotel in Porto for a "Welcome to Portugal"
get-together, followed by a short orientation walk and dinner.
Monday, Aug. 27: Porto
We begin our explorations with the 12th century Sé do Porto: cathedral and cloisters. This fortress-like cathedral has a rich
history and great views over the city. We will tour the sumptuous rooms of the Palacio da Bolsa, including the ornate Arab Room, an oval chamber that attempted to copy
Granada's Alhambra Palace. Other
highlights in this area are a Tram Museum, São Francisco Church, São Bento Train Station, and others. Next, we head down to Porto’s riverfront Ribeira district. With traditional boats, colorful ancient houses, cafes & restaurants, this is one of the most picturesque spots in the city, and
designated a World Heritage site.
We break early today for you to do as you wish. Options in Porto are: see the
famous São Francisco church; take a boat or a tram ride up the Douro river; or a short
taxi ride away, visit the Serralves Museum, the first large-scale contemporary
art museum in Portugal, with it’s gigantic garden shovel by Claes Oldenberg.
Tuesday, Aug. 28: Porto/Vila Nova da Gaia
In the morning, we head to the Museo Nacional de Soares dos Reis. Founded in 1833, it is Portugal's first national museum. It displays one of
the finest collections of Portuguese art, in particular a gallery of works by
sculptor António Soares dos Reis, and paintings by the Portuguese Impressionists. Later, we
head back down to the
riverfront, this time crossing the Dom Luís Bridge, a metal arch bridge designed by Alexandre Gustave Eiffel that spans
the Douro River, to Vila Nova de Gaia. This is the port wine center of the
world. All the famous port houses have caves built into the hillside where they
age their products.There are a multitude of lodge tours you can take that
include tastings and explanations on how port wine is made and stored.
The view of Porto from this side of the river is wonderful. This is an
opportunity for the artists among us to spend some time painting or taking
photographs. Then top it off with some port!
Wednesday, Aug. 29: Depart Porto for Guimarães
Our bus takes us to another wonderful World Heritage site. Guimarães was chosen by the first king, as the first capital of his Portuguese nation
in 1139. Our 4-star hotel forms part of the original walls of the historic town
center. Here we can explore this medieval village, relax in outdoor cafes,
enjoy sketching or painting, museums, good restaurants and shops. After
checking in to our hotel, there will be an orientation, walking tour.
Thursday, Aug. 30: Day trip to Barcelos
Today we travel to the nearby town of Barcelos for Market Day! This is Portugal’s largest weekly market, selling everything from chickens to ceramics. The town
itself is also fun to explore, with gardens, an octagonal church, and the ruins
of a palace belonging to the Dukes of Bragança, ruined in the 18th century and now a small open-air archeological museum.
There are stones and sculptures dating from the Roman period to the Middle
Ages, one featuring a 15th-century cross depicting the story of the Barcelos cockerel.
Friday, Aug. 31: Guimarães
Free Day to catch up with your postcards, paintings or shop & explore.
Saturday, Sept. 1: Castle & Palace in Guimarães
In the 10th Century this town was said to be ruled by a woman named Mumadona.
She constructed a wooden castle from which she successfully defended her estate
from the Moors and Normans. When Dom Afonso Henriques was proclaimed First King
of Portugal in 1139, he chose Guimarães as his capital. We will visit the castle and nearby medieval Palace of the
Dukes of Bragança, built in the 15th century. From here, the beautiful cobbled Rua de Santa
Maria, which has remained essentially unchanged for centuries, leads back down
into the heart of the old town, where we are staying.
Sunday, Sept. 2: Guimarães
In preparation for our day trip tomorrow, today we visit the Martins Sarmento
Museum, to see the objects gathered by local archaeologist Francisco Martins
Sarmento when he excavated the Iron Age Celtic settlement, Citânia de Briteiros in 1875. The archaeological museum includes fascinating finds,
from jewelry to Lusitanian granite warriors.
The afternoon is yours to do as you like. Options for things to do in Guimarães: visit St. Gaulter Church (with its mummified Crusader, Saint Fortunato);
take a cable-car up to the Penha: the wooded summit with views for miles over
Guimarães; visit the Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, in the main plaza (with a
Gothic shrine erected in 1340 standing before it). In the church's Romanesque
cloister is the Alberto Sampaio Museum, housing a collection of ecclesiastical
art and paintings, sculpture, ceramics, azulejos and other treasures.
Monday, Sept. 3: Day trip to Citânia de Briteiros
Today we explore the excellent Citânia de Briteiros archaeological site.This Iron Age Celtic hill settlement dates
back an incredible 2,500 years. It was inhabited from about 300 BC to 300 AD
and was the Celtiberians last stronghold against the invading Romans. The site
comprises the foundations of more than 150 circular stone houses, two of which
have been restored, and beautiful views to the surrounding countryside.
Tuesday, Sept. 4: Guimarães
Today is our final day in Guimarães. It is a Free Day to enjoy as you wish. This evening we will host a Group
Dinner at one of the local restaurants, to celebrate the food, wine and culture
of Portugal.
Wednesday, Sept. 5: Amarante & Porto
On our way back to Porto, we will stop for an afternoon in beautiful Amarante. Situated on the river Tâmega, this is one of the most picturesque towns in Portugal. With a medieval
stone bridge, and the 15th C Church of Sao Goncalo, the riverside setting makes
a great stop for photos or a quick sketch. We will have lunch here and visit
the small art museum of Cubist/Avant-Guarde artist Amadeo Souza Cardoso.
Thursday, Sept. 6: Porto
Our last day in Porto. Time to wander the city, revisit your favorite spots, or
find some new ones. Go to the marketplace, or take a tram or a river boat ride
out along the Atlantic coast. Paint down at the river.
A Farewell Happy Hour at our hotel.
Friday, Sept. 7: Departure
Boa Viagem!
ABOUT US: Paul Rodrigues and Amy Stark have been visiting and taking travelers to Portugal
since 1994. We have traveled throughout the country, from the south to the
north. Our hands-on experience will provide our group tours with unique
experiences not available to most group travelers. In addition to basing
ourselves in only one or two locations for several days at a time, we will
structure our time in ways which also allow individuals to explore on their
own, or just relax and enjoy the atmosphere of the locations.
We like to stress that every hour of every day on our trips is not strictly
programmed. While visiting the major historical monuments, art and cultural
museums and other attractions, our hope is that travelers will have time to
experience the cultural character of the places - interacting with the people,
eating unique food (markets are always a special cultural experience),
practicing language phrases, listening to local music, etc.
Our local knowledge, experience and pre-trip planning will give our travelers
the confidence to experience Portugal not as a tourist but as a visitor. Our
hope is that after our tour our clients will have gained experiences and
memories that will last throughout their lives.
