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Portugal

The Best of Portugal: From the Age of Exploration to Today

Program No. 20983RJ
Discover the unique history of Portugal from a local perspective as you examine its architecture, heritage, universities and traditions of port wine on expert-led walks.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
10 days
Program Begins
Lisbon
Program Concludes
Porto
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
16 ( 8B, 3L, 5D )
Activity Level
In a land known for its explorers, make your own discoveries in Portugal on this journey to medieval monasteries, fertile vineyards and cities that are equal parts history and modern energy. This program combines field trips led by local experts with some time for independent exploration.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Examine architectural treasures of the Age of Discovery in Lisbon and enjoy a lively evening of music at a fado house.
  • Set off on a trip to one of the world’s oldest universities, the University of Coimbra, founded in 1290.
  • Taste and learn about port wine at the vineyards of the Alto Douro Wine Region.
General Notes
Program includes independent time to explore the city and several meals on your own. Group Leaders will provide directions for self-directed excursions and suggestions for free-time activities.
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Paula Bizarro Moreira
Paula Moreira was born in Portugal and currently lives in Lisbon. She enjoys art, learning about different cultures and cinema. She has taken a variety of different courses ranging from art and image to Judaism and Jewish heritage in Portugal. Paula also speaks four languages. Since 1980, she has been leading groups throughout Europe and has worked as a consultant in tourism product planning, designing and development. Paula studied psychology, tourism and cinema at University in Lisbon, receiving a master’s degree in psychology.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
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Adriana Alves
Adriana Alves earned her master's degree in strategic management of travel destinations. Adriana is an energetic and knowledgeable group leader who delights in sharing her experiences as well as cultural, historical information on Portugal with Road Scholar participants. She is fluent in English and her native Portuguese.
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Luisa Maria Gonçalves Gomes
Luisa Gomes graduated with a degree in Tourism from the Superior School of Tourism of Lisbon and has been working as a National leader since 1992. Her interests range from art history and languages to geography and religious studies. She continues to take many courses at various universities and cultural centers in Lisbon to further her knowledge. Luisa is fluent in French, English, and loves to travel throughout her home country, bringing her course work and expansive knowledge to every program she leads.
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Helena Baltazar
Helena Baltazar has a degree in art history from the University of Porto where she also completed a postgraduate degree in museum studies. She then completed her master's thesis in the university’s heritage department. Helena is passionate about her country and has dedicated the past 25 years to lecturing on Portugal’s art and history, participating in projects of museum evaluation and leading educational visits for travelers interested in Portuguese culture, art, and architecture. She also develops programs in Portugal for Road Scholar.
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Miguel Metelo Seixas
Miguel Seixas, Ph.D. is a research fellow at the Institute for Medieval Studies, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, NOVA University of Lisbon, where he teaches Portuguese medieval history. His main interests focus on visual forms of representation of power and the study of images as political and cultural communication devices. He has published around a hundred works – mainly on heraldry and iconography – has participated in several internationally funded research projects, and has been invited as visiting professor at French, Italian, Spanish, and Brazilian universities.
Profile Image of Ileana Alves
Ileana Alves
Ileana Alves was born in Angola, a former Portuguese colony in Africa. She now lives in Portugal, where she studied tourism information and promotion, and for the last 25 years has worked in the business of helping create amazing travel memories. Ileana is grateful every day to have the world as her office. As a Group Leader, she finds herself in her element.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Varies by date
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (16 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
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Call 800-454-5768
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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.