Lisbon
Located at the very center of Lisbon, this is a 5 star "Small Luxury Hotel Of The World" offering elegant accommodation, free WiFi and an à la carte restaurant serving authentic Portuguese cuisine. Rooms feature a classical style, with an elegant private bathroom and views of the Terreiro de Paço Square and Áurea Street. Each room comes fully equipped with a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, telephone, safety deposit box, soundproofing, wardrobe and minibar.
Porto This historic 5 star hotel is located in central Porto, a 4 minute walk from Aliados Metro Station. The soundproofed rooms and suites combine neo-baroque and custom made furnishings. Antique chandeliers come together with satellite flat-screen TVs and air conditioning.
A wide range of popular restaurants and shops are within a short walk from the property. Our hotel is a 10 minute walk from the Cathedral. At a 14 minute walk is the top of the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, which provides scenic views over the Douro River and the city.
Evora
Surrounded by beautiful gardens and housed in a renovated 15th-century convent, this 5 star historic hotel and spa is 4 km from Évora city centre.
Algarve
Located inside the walls of Tavira, this stylish boutique accommodation is set in a 160-year old building. Our hotel in Algarve offers a ballroom lounge and rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city. Each individually-designed room blends modern décor with traditional Moorish touches. A fresh buffet breakfast, made from local and seasonal produce, is served in the dining room or on the outside terraces.
Portugal has a mix of beautiful Roman, Moorish and Baroque architecture, lovely small towns, lush green valleys with vineyards, and stunning beaches. Biotrek's 12 day tour is designed to showcase both the famous sights as well as the best places that are off the beaten path. Dine on delicious Portuguese cuisine including the freshest fish. Watch sunsets over the sea while sipping an award winning wine or a superb cup of coffee. The possibilities are endless, and you can do it all while also enjoying the fantastic climate. Portugal offers the most hours of sunshine in all of Europe!
Lisbon
The sunniest European capital, Lisbon enjoys an average of 2799 hours of sunshine per year. Each of Lisbon's colorful districts have there own flair. We visit Alfama, Baixa, Belém and Chiado. Highlights include:
- Belém Tower - Fortified tower that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Monastery of Jerónimos - A masterpiece of Manueline and Gothic architecture built in 1502
- Monument of Discovery - A dramatic work of stone art commemorating Portugal's many famous explorers
- Pasteis de Belém - Famous egg custard tart that is dusted with cinnamon
- Fado Music - Soulful and nostalgic ballads of love that are uniquely Portuguese
Óbidos
A beautiful medieval walled town, with whitewashed houses, well-preserved cobblestone streets and a 12th century castle. Try ginja, a sweet cherry liquor, and warm pão com chouriço, a Portuguese bread stuffed with sausage.
Aveiro
Known as the “Portuguese Venice”, the city is quietly dominated by the Ria de Aveiro. Board a Moliceiro to explore the canals, which are like roads of water. Try the wonderful sweet of Aveiro called Ovos Moles, which is made by the local nuns using egg yolks and sugar.
Porto
Previously designated as Portus Cale, from which the name Portugal was derived, founded in 1123, and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Porto has many ancient streets and medieval alleys.
- Porto Cathedral is built of granite and located on a hilltop in a lively square. It has delightful arches, splendid azulejos (ceramic tiles), and wonderful views over the city.
- Palácio da Bolsa is a 19th-century neo-classical building that once housed the stock exchange. Its Pátio das Nações (Hall of Nations) has a glass dome, and its golden Salão Árabe (Arabian Hall) mimics the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain.
- Clérigos Tower was built in 1763. At 249 feet it is the highest bell tower in Portugal. Its 49 bells form a large carillon. By climbing the 200 steps to the top you will be rewarded with stellar views of the city, its river and bridges.
- Santa Catarina Street – the most famous shopping area of the city
- Take a sunset cruise on the Duoro river passing under dramatic iron bridges. The Maria Pia Bridge was designed by Gustave Eiffel in 1877. The Dom Luis I Bridge is a double-deck metal arch bridge that was the longest of its kind when it was built in 1886.
Guimarães
This medieval city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Castle of Guimarães is the birthplace of Portugal's first king, Afonso Henrique I (The Conqueror) born in 1111.
Duoro River Valley
Portugal's most famous wine making region has steep, twisting valleys with grapevines climbing up the hillsides. A ride on the river in a traditional boat is a must. The region is known for its many Quintas, which are family-owned vineyards.
Lamego
- Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral – Built in Gothic style, it has its original bell tower and later additions, including a Renaissance cloister with well proportioned arches.
Batalha
- The Gothic Santa Maria da Vitória Monastery was built to commemorate the Aljubarrota battle victory over the Castilians in 1385. The monastery's notable features include its gargoyles, pinnacles, and peaceful Manueline cloister and courtyard.
Alcobaça
- The splendid Gothic Monastery of Alcobaça is considered to be one of the "Seven Wonders of Portugal". It is the final resting place for King Pedro I and his mistress Inês de Castro, who was murdered by Pedro's father, Alfonso IV. The tombs are noteworthy as illustrations for the tale of forbidden love, but also for the workmanship of their masonry.
Fátima
- Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima - This church has attracted many religious pilgrims, including Pope John Paul II. It was here in 1917 that three children shared a vision of the Virgin Mary. Pope Francis came to celebrate the centennial of the miracles in 2017.
Évora
Located in the Alentejo region, which is known for its vineyards and olive groves, Évora is a university town that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site noted for its walled old town. It has a Roman temple with Corinthian columns, and Roman baths beneath the city's town hall. Other sights include the Cathedral, Giraldo Square and the St. Antão church, Loios church and convent, St. Francisco church with its bones chapel and the Graça church.
Monsaraz
One of the oldest villages in Portugal, it won the category of “Monument Villages" in the 2017 "Seven Wonders of Portugal" competition. Monsaraz Castle, built in the 14th century, is the perfect perch from which to gaze down upon the walled old town and surrounding countryside.
Faro
Located in the scenic Algarve region, Faro has a historic walled center with gates, a castle, and pleasant shopping streets. Its cathedral, Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo, has an interior laden with Brazilian gold. Behind it is the creepy yet fascinating Capela dos Ossos, a chapel built from the bones and skulls of more than 1200 monks.
Silves
- Silves Castle - Located on a hilltop, the first fortifications here were likely built by the Romans or the Visigoths. The fortress was expanded by the Moors between the 8th and 13th centuries.
Tavira
This ancient town in the Algarve region was built along the banks of the Gilão River. It has many churches and historic buildings with both Portuguese and Moorish influences, including n 11th century castle. Tavira's city walls, traditionally painted houses, scenic plazas and cobblestone streets are delightful. A short water taxi ride will take you to the stunning beaches of the Ilha de Tavira.
Sintra
Sintra is a charming town with a Moorish castle and a fantasy palace on opposing hilltops.
- Castelo dos Mouros – 10th century Moorish castle with panoramic views.
- Pena Palace – Built for King Ferdinand II, construction of this romantic palace began in 1836. It has a mixture of architectural styles including Romanesque Revival and Neo-Manueline. Its colorful facades and natural setting in a vast forest make this one of the most beloved castles in Europe.
Cascais
This seaside resort town has sandy beaches and a busy marina.