9-DAY TOUR OF PORTUGAL & SENEGAL

Your day begins in the enchanting medieval village of Óbidos, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure known for its castle, flower-lined streets, and beautifully preserved whitewashed houses. Wander through the fortified walls and enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Don’t miss the taste of ginjinha, the region’s beloved cherry liqueur served in chocolate cups. Continue to Aveiro, often called the Venice of Portugal, where colorful gondola-style boats glide along serene canals. Visit the stunning Aveiro Cathedral, a blend of Gothic and Baroque artistry, before heading to Costa Nova Beach, famous for its brightly striped houses and peaceful shoreline. End your day with a delicious seafood dinner at a local restaurant before settling into your hotel for the evening.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast

Hotel: Crowne Plaza

Explore Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city and a captivating blend of culture, history, and riverside charm. Stroll along the Douro River and admire the city’s iconic skyline, dominated by the impressive Dom Luís I Bridge connecting Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia—home of the world-famous port wine cellars. An optional port wine tasting can be arranged for those who want to experience the region’s signature flavors. As you wander through Porto’s historic streets, enjoy the aroma of freshly baked pastries and the lively atmosphere that makes this city unforgettable. Lunch is at your leisure. Overnight in Porto at a 4-star hotel.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast

Hotel: Crowne Plaza

Travel to Coimbra, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the charming Old Town, filled with medieval lanes, historic squares, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the city. Visit the University of Coimbra, a centuries-old institution that has long served as a bridge between Africa and Portugal through cultural and academic exchange. Continue to the Igreja de Santa Cruz, the resting place of Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques. Its architectural details reflect the Islamic influences that once shaped Portugal and echo the region’s deep connections to North Africa. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, savoring traditional Portuguese dishes such as bacalhau or caldo verde, paired with regional wine. Spend the afternoon exploring cultural spaces that host exhibitions and workshops celebrating Coimbra’s artistic heritage. Return to Lisbon in time for your late evening flight to Senegal. Upon arrival in Dakar, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Relax and settle in for the evening as you prepare for the next chapter of your journey.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast

Hotel: Azalai Dakar

After breakfast, we will make our way to the port of Dakar and embark on a 20-minute ferry ride to the charming yet infamous Goree Island, the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Land of martyr and suffering, Goree was an important slave’s transit center before their deportation to the Americas. Among the most famous buildings is the House of Slaves which records the painful history of Goree’s past and was built in 1776 by the Portuguese.

We will learn about the lives of the captives and stand at the “Door of No Return” through which millions of Africans passed through to the Americas. We will stroll through these quiet lanes lined with pastel-colored colonial- era buildings, most of which date back to the 15th century.

Sail back in Dakar for a city tour and sightseeing Visit the African Renaissance Monument: a 164-Feet high monument that is taller than the Statue of Liberty. It features a man, woman, and child pointing, a symbol of renewed African hope. We will visit the westernmost point of west Africa, before returning to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast

Hotel: Azalai Dakar

We will have breakfast and start our visits at the colorful market of Kermel for sea food, fruits and vegetables, and at Soumbedioune Markets for craft We will stop at the Millennium Door, the independence Place in the heart of the city, at the Presidential Palace and then the main Cathedral. Visit the museum of Black civilization, a massive four-story complex which fulfilled the dream of Senegal’s first president Leopold Sedar Senghor. This museum retraces the oldest and first civilizations from Africa to the rest of the world. The architect is inspired by the impluvium huts in Casamance We will continue to Retba Lake, a rare natural phenomenon caused by a unique combination of microorganism. Separated from the Atlantic Ocean only by narrow sand dunes, the pink hue of this Lake is caused by the high salt content (a rate of 380g / Liter). Due to the flooding caused by the heavy rains, the Lake has often filled so much with water, that even the colors may disappear. However, we can embark into some ATV or Jeeps to follow the tracks of the former Paris Dakar race between the Coast, the sand dunes and the Filao’s forest. Lunch on site and then head toward the seaside resort in Saly.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast

Hotel: Azalai Dakar

This morning, we will travel inland to discover rural life and interact with the locals.Once we arrive at the pier of Ndangane, we will go for a boat trip through a vegetation of mangrove forest to encounter the wildlife and some migratory birds. The Saloum river is an important reserve of biosphere covering an area of two hundred thousand hectares, and is the main interest of various amphibians, cetaceans, or shore birds Back on the mainland, drive to visit the thousand-year-old Baobab tree of Fadial Village in Joal Fadiouth for lunch and visits Made famous partly because it is the birthplace of Senegal’s first President, Leopold Senghor. Joal lies on the mainland while Fadiouth is linked by a narrow 400-meter wooden bridge lies on an island built entirely of seashells. For more than a century the villagers harvested fish including mussels and snails. Mountains of empty shells everywhere, on streets, on building facades and in craftwork sold by vendors. We will pass through the village populated by majority Serrere ethnic group, to see the cathedral, the marketplace, the sacred Baobab tree and the famous cemetery where Muslims, Christians and Animists are buried side by side. Row back on the mainland and continue to Saly resort.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast

Hotel: Palm Beach

Depart this morning for a half-day Safari in Bandia Park, which is nestled in the heart of a classified forest. This reserve covers more than 3 thousand hectares of forest. We will see mostly herbivorous animals including buffaloes, antelopes, Impala’s Gazelles, Elans, Rhinoceros, Giraffes, monkeys, zebras, hyenas. During this game drive, we will visit a historic baobab tree for archaeological purposes, which was used as the tomb of the Griots. Griots were people of caste such as story tellers, drummers, singers and once dead, they were often buried inside the hollow of the baobab trees. With our local guide, we will learn more about the history and life of the Griots. Get some refreshments at a local bar to see the crocodiles and then drive back to the resort. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast,Dinner

Hotel: Palm Beach

Today you may take the time to do your packing, enjoy the morning at your own pace or proceed on last minute shopping. The airport transfer will be made 03 Hours before your onward flight.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast