Italy & Portugal Stay & Explore – 16 Days

Discover the best of Italy and Portugal with this unique 16-day itinerary combining iconic cities, historic landmarks, Mediterranean charm, and Portuguese cultural treasures. This tour style emphasizes comfort and depth: stay in central hotels for multiple nights while exploring at your own pace with optional guided excursions.

Perfect for travelers seeking first-class accommodations, local experiences, and a hassle-free, immersive journey.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Tuesday: Depart for Italy

Board your flight to Italy and prepare for your Italian adventure.

Day 2 – Wednesday: Arrive in Rome

Arrive in Rome, the eternal city built on seven hills, and transfer to your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Meet your Tour Manager at 6 PM for an orientation and welcome reception.

Overnight: Rome

Day 3 – Thursday: Rome Walking Tour & Optional Vatican Visit

Explore Rome’s iconic piazzas on a walking tour:

• Spanish Steps

• Trevi Fountain

• Exterior views of the Pantheon

• Piazza Navona

Optional: Visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel in the afternoon.

Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 – Friday: Ancient Rome Tour

Walk through Roman Forum and see the Arch of Constantine. View the iconic Colosseum exterior and explore Rome independently in the afternoon.

Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 – Saturday: Florence Orientation by Train

Take a scenic train ride to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Orientation walking tour:

• Florence Duomo

• Gates of Paradise

• Ponte Vecchio

• Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio

Afternoon free for museums, shopping, or personal exploration before returning to Rome.

Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 – Sunday: Leisure in Rome / Optional Trastevere & Tiber Island

Spend a day at leisure or explore authentic Roman life in Trastevere and Tiber Island. Optional evening dinner with musical entertainment and a scenic city drive.

Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 – Monday: Optional Pompeii Tour

Optional full-day tour to Pompeii, passing the Abbey of Monte Cassino and Mt. Vesuvius. Explore preserved ruins, temples, and ancient streets.

Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 – Tuesday: Castel Gandolfo & Santa Maria Maggiore

Visit the Castel Gandolfo, Pope’s summer residence, and enjoy lunch with panoramic views. Evening visit to Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica followed by farewell dinner.

Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 – Wednesday: Fly to Lisbon, Transfer to Tomar

Fly to Lisbon and transfer to Tomar, known for its Knights Templar heritage. Orientation meeting with your Portuguese Tour Manager.

Overnight: Tomar
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 – Thursday: Tomar Walking Tour & Optional Constancia & Almourol Castle

Morning tour of Convent of Christ and the Old Jewish Quarter. Optional excursion to Constancia and Almourol Castle.

Overnight: Tomar
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 – Friday: Coimbra & Casal de São Simão

Visit Coimbra and its University of Coimbra, including the Baroque Joanina Library. Enjoy Fado music and explore the schist village of Casal de São Simão.

Overnight: Tomar
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 – Saturday: Optional Santarem Tour & Azulejos Workshop

Leisure day in Tomar or optional half-day tour to Santarem with wine tasting, lunch, and a visit to Quinta da Lagoalva. Afternoon lecture on traditional Portuguese tiles (azulejos).

Overnight: Tomar
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 – Sunday: Nazaré, São Martinho do Porto & Óbidos

Visit Nazaré, including the Sitio viewpoint and Sanctuary of Our Lady. Stop at São Martinho do Porto and Óbidos, with a tasting of local cherry liqueur, Ginginha.

Overnight: Tomar
Meals: Breakfast

Day 14 – Monday: Optional Fatima & Lisbon Walking Tour

Optional visit to Fatima, including Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary and Chapel of Apparitions. Afternoon optional Lisbon City Walking Tour with dinner, visiting Belem, St. George’s Castle, Miradouros, and Praça do Comércio.

Overnight: Tomar
Meals: Breakfast

Day 15 – Tuesday: Marvão & Castelo de Vide

Day trip to Marvão and Castelo de Vide, exploring medieval lanes, castles, and historic synagogues. Farewell dinner in Tomar.

Overnight: Tomar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 16 – Wednesday: Depart Portugal

Transfer to Lisbon airport for your flight home.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay & Explore Package Includes

• International flights: New York–Rome / Lisbon–New York

• Intra-flight: Rome–Lisbon

• 14 nights first-class accommodations: Rome (7), Tomar (7)

• 16 meals: 14 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

• Guided sightseeing, entrance fees, and local guides

• English-speaking Tour Managers in Italy & Portugal

• Modern air-conditioned motor coach transfers

• Hotel porterage and taxes

• Wireless headsets for enhanced touring

Why Choose This Tour?

• Experience the heart of Rome with its piazzas, Colosseum, Vatican, and authentic neighborhoods

• Immerse in Portuguese culture: Tomar, Fatima, Coimbra, Óbidos, and coastal Nazaré

• Optional guided excursions to Pompeii, Trastevere, Almourol Castle, Santarem wine estates, and Fatima

• Comfortable central stays allow for deep exploration without packing and unpacking

• Authentic culinary experiences and cultural immersion throughout

Book now to secure your place on this unforgettable Italy & Portugal journey!