DAY 1: UK - Faro.
Fly to Faro where you will be met by your representative and transferred to your hotel in the Algarve area for an overnight stay. (D)

DAY 2: Algarve - Lisbon.
Now reclaiming its crown as southern Europe's 'golden city', Portugal's vibrant and cosmopolitan capital was once the hub of the 15th century 'Age of Discoveries', when seafarers such as Vasco de Gama sailed from the city to explore unknown continents. On the estuary of the River Tagus, Lisbon is divided into a captivating patchwork of distinct neighbourhoods each with its own unmistakeable personality and charm. Today, marvel at the major landmarks of this beautiful city including its tree-lined central boulevard, the Avenida da Liberdade, splendid Marques de Pombal Place and atmospheric old Alfama district, where cobbled alleyways stuffed with markets and tiled tapas bars coil up to the hilltop Saint George's Castle. Also, admire the magnificent Jeronimos Monastery and fairytale Tower of Belem, a 16th century tower built beside the Tagus as a ceremonial gateway. Overnight in Lisbon. (B, D)

DAY 3: Lisbon - Tomar - Coimbra - Viseu.
A fascinating day awaits as you leave Lisbon to explore Portugal's wonderful central region. First stop is Tomar, a charming medieval town once the headquarters of the Order of the Knights Templar and home to the majestic monastic fortress of the Convent of the Order of Christ. Next, continue on to stunning Coimbra, a former Portuguese capital renowned for its 12th century University and serene Santa Clara Monastery. Later, travel to Viseu, an attractive provincial city known as a centre for the region's lacework and black pottery. There's time to stroll around its quaint centre perhaps to admire its churches or buy some local handicrafts as souvenirs. Overnight in Viseu. (B, D)

DAY 4: Viseu - Lamego - Regua - Oporto Coast.
This morning, enjoy a brief stop in Lamego, a delightful Baroque town deep in Portugal's lush port wine country. Here, the terraced hillsides sloping down to the River Douro are cloaked in vineyards whose grapes are used in the country's legendary port wine, which has been made here since medieval times. Afterwards, we follow the picturesque Douro through sleepy villages and almond orchards to Regua, a picturesque port town. Enjoy a highlight of the tour here at a local 'quinta', where you'll sit down to a memorable lunch and port wine-tasting session. This afternoon, head to the Oporto Coast where you'll stay overnight. (B, D)

DAY 5: Oporto Coast - Guimarães - Santiago de Compostela.
Today, travel to Guimarães, Portugal's original capital and birthplace of its first king, Afonso I. Brimming with historical monuments, this fascinating city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts well-preserved medieval streets, balconied houses and an imposing 12th century castle. Next, it's on beautiful Braga, dubbed the 'Portuguese Rome' for its stunning cathedral and Bom Jesus Sanctuary, before continuing to historic Santiago de Compostela - a glorious medieval gem that is one of the world's most revered Catholic pilgrimage sites. Named after the Apostle Saint James, whose remains are believed to be buried under its mighty cathedral, this awe-inspiring city is laced with granite-paved streets and breathtaking religious monuments that draw thousands of pilgrims every year. Overnight in area. (B, D)

DAY 6: Santiago de Compostela - Oporto.
This morning, journey to Oporto, a charming city straddling the Douro estuary. Famed for its port wines, Portugal's second largest city is characterised by medieval cathedrals, art treasures and its colourful Ribeira and Vila Nova de Gaia districts, the latter speckled with traditional, timbered wine lodges overlooking the river. Spend time sampling some of the city's rich ports on a fascinating tour of one of these atmospheric lodges. Overnight in Oporto. (B, D)

DAY 7: Oporto - Bussaco - Alcobaca - Obidos - Peniche.
After breakfast, leave Oporto and drive south through the beautiful, waterfall-studded forests of Bussaco National Park, which is home to the ornate Palace Bussaco, once the summer retreat of Portuguese monarchs. From here, continue to Alcobaca, a beautiful medieval town famed for its exquisite medieval monastery, one of Europe's finest examples of Gothic architecture. Founded by King Afonso Henriques, this glorious building houses the ornate tombs of King Pedro I and his murdered lover, Ines de Castro - poignant remnants of one of Portugal's greatest love stories. From here, visit the pretty, whitewashed hamlet of Obidos, home to narrow cobbled lanes, a proud Manueline-style castle, and bougainvillea-draped houses, before continuing to Peniche for an overnight stay. (B, D)

DAY 8: Peniche - Evora.
This morning, head for historic Evora, the capital of the untouched Alentejo province, for a two-night stay. This lovely walled city is UNESCO-listed thanks to the pristine classical and medieval monuments hidden in its Moorish-style streets. Admire its columned Roman temple, wonder at its impressive cathedral and feel your spine tingle inside its grisly Chapel of the Bones, decorated with the bones of 5,000 medieval souls. (B, D)

DAY 9: Evora - Estremoz - Vila Vicosa - Marvão - Castelo de Vide - Evora.
Relish the thought of exploring the little-known, but intriguing Alentejo further today, starting at Estremoz, a stunning fortified town with a 13th century castle, before moving on to Vila Vicosa, another royal city with a handsome Ducal Palace. This afternoon, there's time to enjoy the twin hilltop fortress towns of Alto Alentejo on the Spanish border - perfectly preserved Marvão perched high on a mountain ridge and Castelo de Vide, a picture-postcard town with cobbled lanes, Moorish houses and a quaint Jewish quarter overlooked by an imperious castle. (B, D)

DAY 10: Evora - Reguengos de Monsaraz - Mertola - Algarve.
Known as Portugal's 'bread basket', the Alentejo is laden with wheat fields, cork forests, olive groves and vineyards, all of which flourish during its hot summers. This morning, sample some of its gorgeously fruity wines at an authentic winery before visiting Mertola, a walled village with a strong Moorish legacy spectacularly located above the Guadiana River. Later, return to the Algarve for an overnight stay. (B, D)

DAY 11: Algarve - Faro - UK.
Transfer to Faro airport for your flight to the UK. (B)