PORTUGAL – 11 days

Following a relaxing cruise from the UK to Santander, across Spain to Portugal and explore the wonderful Atlantic  coastline. This two centre tour includes stays in the stylish coastal towns of Póvoa de Varzim and Ericeira, near Estoril. Each of these attractive towns provides an excellent base from which to explore.

Grande Hotel de Povoa – Tel: 0035 0252 290400

The Grande Hotel de Póvoa, Póvoa de Varzim is a three star hotel located in the centre of Póvoa De Varzim overlooking the sea and approximately 40 minutes drive from Porto. The hotel features a bar and restaurant serving buffet style meals and all bedrooms are equipped with private facilities, air conditioning and hair dryer.

Hotel Vila Gale – Tel: 00351261869900

The Hotel Vila Gale, is a four star hotel located close to the centre of Ericeira on the coast and close to Portugal’s western most point. Nearby are the famous towns of Cabo da Roca, Sintra and Estoril. The hotel features a bar and restaurant serving buffet style meals and all rooms are equipped with private facilities and hair dryer.

Itinerary

Day 1: Travel to Devon for our overnight hotel
Day 2: Board the Brittany Ferries cruise ferry service to Santander. Relax and enjoy a night on board ship.
Day 3: Arrive Santander and proceed to the wonderful old town of León for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 4: Leave León and continue west, into Portugal and on to Póvoa de Varzim for a 2 night stay at the Grande Hotel.
Day 5: A full day at leisure. Póvoa de Varzim is a cosmopolitan resort. The town is fortified by a small 18th century fort  which guards the busy harbour.
Day 6: Leave Póvoa de Varzim and travel to Porto, home of the Port wine trade. It is filled with narrow alleys, steep winding streets and historic buildings. We include a  visit to a Port Wine House and museum. In the afternoon depart Porto and proceed to Ericeira for a 3 night stay at the Hotel Vila Gale.
Day 7: Enjoy a leisurely day exploring the Lisbon coast to include Cabo da Roca, Sintra and, of course, time in the charming coastal town of Estoril.
Day 8: A full day excursion to Lisbon. See the busy Rossio Square, the Black Square and the old quarter of Alfama with its narrow streets, which lead up to Saint Georges  Castle.
Day 9: Leave Portugal and travel east, back into Spain, for dinner and an overnight stay near Valladolid.
Day 10: Travel to Santander to board the afternoon cruise-ferry crossing back to the UK.
Day 11: Arrive back on the south coast and after breakfast, continue the journey home arriving early evening.