12 DAYS FROM $1,639 US
Details below or click here for more information INQUIRY FORM
Phone: 1-888-682-6449/1-303-670-5640
Fax: (425) 984-7676
This vacation shows you the best of
Portugal at a leisurely pace. Begin with two overnights in Lisbon and
guided sightseeing that highlights the Alfama, Belem Tower, and a visit
to Jeronimos Monastery. Heading north along the Atlantic coastline,
stop in medieval Obidos, Alcobaça, Nazaré, and at the
pilgrimage village of Fatima before spending the night in Tomar. On to
Oporto for guided sightseeing that includes the Church of Sao Francisco
and a visit and wine tasting at a Port wine cellar. Next up: the former
royal residence town of Evora, where a walking tour with a Local Guide
showcases the gothic cathedral, Sao Francisco Church, and the Ossuary
Chapel. Explore the stunning Algarve, Portugal’s most popular resort
area, with an included excursion to the Promontory of Sagres, Cape
Vincent, and Lagos. Also included are the Roman ruins of Conimbriga,
Buçaco Forest National Park, a visit to Vila Real’s Palacio de
Mateus, and Belmonte, where you’ll enjoy a visit to the Jewish Museum
and an olive tasting.Day 1
(Tue.)
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
Day 2 Arrive in Lisbon, Portugal (Wed.)
Free time to rest or start exploring the Portuguese capital. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and have a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Day 3 Lisbon (Thu.)
Lisbon was the center of Europe’s longest-lived overseas empire. Portugal’s imperial ambitions date back to Prince Henry the Navigator’s 15th-century discoveries in West Africa. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide features a drive through the Baxia quarter’s main squares. Then, enjoy a walk through the cobbled alleys of quaint ALFAMA, the quarter of the seamen. Drive past the Bull Ring to Pombal Statue and along the grand Avenida da Liberdade. Stop for pictures of Belem Tower, guarding the mouth of the Tagus, and visit JERONIMOS MONASTERY with the tomb of Vasco da Gama. Afternoon and evening at leisure. Exciting optional excursions to the royal palace of Sintra and dinner at a typical taverna with Fado-style entertainment are available. (B)
Day 4 Lisbon–Obidos–Alcobaça–Fatima–Tomar (Fri.)
First stop on your northbound journey is medieval Obidos. Go back in time as you pass the main gate in the impressive perimeter wall and walk along the narrow streets. Continue to Alcobaça to visit the CHURCH OF SANTA MARIA MONASTERY, built in the 12th century for 999 Cistercian monks. See the elaborate tombs of King Pedro I and his Castilian lover, Inês de Castro, and hear how she was murdered at the order of Pedro’s father. The fishing harbor of Nazaré is the perfect place for a leisurely lunch break. In the afternoon, mix with the pilgrims at the country’s hallowed national shrine, Fatima’s SANCTUARY OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY. Overnight in Tomar, the historic seat of the mighty Order of the Knights of Christ. (B,D)
Day 5 Tomar–Conimbriga–Coimbra–Oporto (Sat.)
Visit the hilltop CONVENT OF CHRIST with its famous Manueline Window. Further north, the ROMAN RUINS OF CONIMBRIGA are eloquent testimony to centuries of Roman influence. Tour the excavations, view the well-preserved mosaics, and visit the excellent MUSEUM. Continue to Coimbra, strategically situated on a hill overlooking the Mondego River. After a visit to the gilded baroque LIBRARY of its 700-year-old university, drive through the ancient BUÇACO FOREST on your way to Oporto, Portugal’s second-largest city. (B,D)
Day 6 Oporto (Sun.)
Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a panoramic drive to the mouth of the Douro River, the soaring cathedral, the richly decorated CHURCH OF SAO FRANCISCO, and the STOCK EXCHANGE with its contemporary ARABIAN HALL inspired by Granada’s Alhambra. Next, visit a PORT WINE CELLAR where the famous wine produced from grapes of the Douro Valley is aged in huge vats. Afternoon at leisure, and tonight, why not join an optional dinner at one of Oporto’s fine restaurants? (B)
Day 7 Oporto–Vila Real–Viseu (Mon.)
Head inland to Guimaraes, often referred to as the “Cradle of Portugal” because of its association with the country’s first king, Alfonso Henriques. Next is Vila Real, former capital of Portugal’s northeastern region of Trás-os-Montes. Just outside the town, visit the splendid park and manor of PALACIO DE MATEUS, whose picture graces the label of the excellent Mateus rosé wine. From here, a scenic road through the Port wine vineyards leads to Viseu, believed to have been the home of Lusitanian leader Viriate, who resisted the Roman conquest. (B,D)
Day 8 Viseu–Belmonte–Evora (Tue.)
This morning, your first stop is in Belmonte, today a symbol of Jewish awakening, and visit the JEWISH MUSEUM. Also enjoy an OLIVE OIL TASTING. Afternoon break in Castelo de Vide, an enchanting small town. Time to walk through the Jewish Quarter with its white-washed houses and to take pictures of the 14th-century castle. Continue to Evora, the cultural center of southern Portugal and a former royal residence. (B,D)
Day 9 Evora–Algarve (Wed.)
A massive wall surrounds Evora’s medieval center, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Follow your Local Guide on a walking tour through its narrow alleys to the Roman Temple, the early gothic CATHEDRAL, Portas de Moura Fountain, and SAO FRANCISCO CHURCH. Visit the OSSUARY CHAPEL, whose walls are covered with thousands of human bones and skulls. Next, proceed across the arid Alentejo plain to the Algarve, Portugal’s most popular holiday area. Tonight, why not try one of the seafood restaurants for which the Algarve is famous? (B)
Day 10 Algarve Excursion (Thu.)
Today you may prefer to relax, explore this beautiful resort at your own pace, or join the included excursion along the enchanting southern coastline. History comes alive as you reach the wind-swept PROMONTORY OF SAGRES, where Henry the Navigator lived and planned his overseas expansion. Only a few miles away is Cape St. Vincent, the southwestern corner of continental Europe, a dramatic cliff defying the waves of an ever-angry Atlantic Ocean. Time in pretty Lagos before returning to your hotel. (B,D)
Day 11 Algarve–Lisbon (Fri.)
Take the scenic route over the Serra da Arrábida and savor sweeping views of the Tróia Peninsula. Catch glimpses of the castle at Sesimbra, which recall fierce medieval battles between Christians and Moors. After crossing the Bridge of April 25th, you’re back in Lisbon for the last evening of an exciting touring adventure. (B)
Day 12 (Sat.)
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
Day 2 Arrive in Lisbon, Portugal (Wed.)
Free time to rest or start exploring the Portuguese capital. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and have a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Day 3 Lisbon (Thu.)
Lisbon was the center of Europe’s longest-lived overseas empire. Portugal’s imperial ambitions date back to Prince Henry the Navigator’s 15th-century discoveries in West Africa. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide features a drive through the Baxia quarter’s main squares. Then, enjoy a walk through the cobbled alleys of quaint ALFAMA, the quarter of the seamen. Drive past the Bull Ring to Pombal Statue and along the grand Avenida da Liberdade. Stop for pictures of Belem Tower, guarding the mouth of the Tagus, and visit JERONIMOS MONASTERY with the tomb of Vasco da Gama. Afternoon and evening at leisure. Exciting optional excursions to the royal palace of Sintra and dinner at a typical taverna with Fado-style entertainment are available. (B)
Day 4 Lisbon–Obidos–Alcobaça–Fatima–Tomar (Fri.)
First stop on your northbound journey is medieval Obidos. Go back in time as you pass the main gate in the impressive perimeter wall and walk along the narrow streets. Continue to Alcobaça to visit the CHURCH OF SANTA MARIA MONASTERY, built in the 12th century for 999 Cistercian monks. See the elaborate tombs of King Pedro I and his Castilian lover, Inês de Castro, and hear how she was murdered at the order of Pedro’s father. The fishing harbor of Nazaré is the perfect place for a leisurely lunch break. In the afternoon, mix with the pilgrims at the country’s hallowed national shrine, Fatima’s SANCTUARY OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY. Overnight in Tomar, the historic seat of the mighty Order of the Knights of Christ. (B,D)
Day 5 Tomar–Conimbriga–Coimbra–Oporto (Sat.)
Visit the hilltop CONVENT OF CHRIST with its famous Manueline Window. Further north, the ROMAN RUINS OF CONIMBRIGA are eloquent testimony to centuries of Roman influence. Tour the excavations, view the well-preserved mosaics, and visit the excellent MUSEUM. Continue to Coimbra, strategically situated on a hill overlooking the Mondego River. After a visit to the gilded baroque LIBRARY of its 700-year-old university, drive through the ancient BUÇACO FOREST on your way to Oporto, Portugal’s second-largest city. (B,D)
Day 6 Oporto (Sun.)
Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a panoramic drive to the mouth of the Douro River, the soaring cathedral, the richly decorated CHURCH OF SAO FRANCISCO, and the STOCK EXCHANGE with its contemporary ARABIAN HALL inspired by Granada’s Alhambra. Next, visit a PORT WINE CELLAR where the famous wine produced from grapes of the Douro Valley is aged in huge vats. Afternoon at leisure, and tonight, why not join an optional dinner at one of Oporto’s fine restaurants? (B)
Day 7 Oporto–Vila Real–Viseu (Mon.)
Head inland to Guimaraes, often referred to as the “Cradle of Portugal” because of its association with the country’s first king, Alfonso Henriques. Next is Vila Real, former capital of Portugal’s northeastern region of Trás-os-Montes. Just outside the town, visit the splendid park and manor of PALACIO DE MATEUS, whose picture graces the label of the excellent Mateus rosé wine. From here, a scenic road through the Port wine vineyards leads to Viseu, believed to have been the home of Lusitanian leader Viriate, who resisted the Roman conquest. (B,D)
Day 8 Viseu–Belmonte–Evora (Tue.)
This morning, your first stop is in Belmonte, today a symbol of Jewish awakening, and visit the JEWISH MUSEUM. Also enjoy an OLIVE OIL TASTING. Afternoon break in Castelo de Vide, an enchanting small town. Time to walk through the Jewish Quarter with its white-washed houses and to take pictures of the 14th-century castle. Continue to Evora, the cultural center of southern Portugal and a former royal residence. (B,D)
Day 9 Evora–Algarve (Wed.)
A massive wall surrounds Evora’s medieval center, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Follow your Local Guide on a walking tour through its narrow alleys to the Roman Temple, the early gothic CATHEDRAL, Portas de Moura Fountain, and SAO FRANCISCO CHURCH. Visit the OSSUARY CHAPEL, whose walls are covered with thousands of human bones and skulls. Next, proceed across the arid Alentejo plain to the Algarve, Portugal’s most popular holiday area. Tonight, why not try one of the seafood restaurants for which the Algarve is famous? (B)
Day 10 Algarve Excursion (Thu.)
Today you may prefer to relax, explore this beautiful resort at your own pace, or join the included excursion along the enchanting southern coastline. History comes alive as you reach the wind-swept PROMONTORY OF SAGRES, where Henry the Navigator lived and planned his overseas expansion. Only a few miles away is Cape St. Vincent, the southwestern corner of continental Europe, a dramatic cliff defying the waves of an ever-angry Atlantic Ocean. Time in pretty Lagos before returning to your hotel. (B,D)
Day 11 Algarve–Lisbon (Fri.)
Take the scenic route over the Serra da Arrábida and savor sweeping views of the Tróia Peninsula. Catch glimpses of the castle at Sesimbra, which recall fierce medieval battles between Christians and Moors. After crossing the Bridge of April 25th, you’re back in Lisbon for the last evening of an exciting touring adventure. (B)
Day 12 (Sat.)
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)
INCLUDED
FEATURES
Lisbon:
Welcome dinner; guided sightseeing, visit the Alfama quarter and Jeronimos Monastery
Obidos:
Walking tour of the medieval town
Alcobaça:
Visit the Church of Santa Maria Monastery
Nazaré:
Lunch break
Fatima:
Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary
Tomar:
Guided visit of the Convent of Christ
Conimbriga:
Visit of the Roman ruins and the museum
Coimbra:
Visit the University Library
Buçaco Forest:
Drive through the national park
Oporto:
Guided sightseeing, visit the Church of Sao Francisco and the Arabian Hall in the Stock Exchange; wine tasting in a Port wine cellar
Vila Real:
Visit the Palacio de Mateus
Belmonte:
Visit the Jewish Museum; olive oil tasting
Castelo de Vide:
Walk through the Jewish quarter
Evora:
Guided walking tour, visit the gothic cathedral, the Sao Francisco Church, and the Ossuary Chapel
Algarve:
Excursion to the Promontory of Sagres, Cape Vincent, and Lagos
INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.
STANDARD INCLUDED FEATURES
Learn more about transportation, hotels, and other standard included features offered.
MEALS - (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner
Full buffet breakfast (B); 6 three-course dinners (D), including a welcome dinner in Lisbon.
SUPERIOR HOTELS - (D) Deluxe (SF) Superior First-Class (F) First-Class
Lisbon Mundial (F), Tomar Dos Templarios (F), Oporto Dom Henrique (F), Viseu Grao Vasco (F), Evora Albergaria Vitoria (F), Algarve Tivoli Carvoeiro (F) at Carvoeiro
Lisbon:
Welcome dinner; guided sightseeing, visit the Alfama quarter and Jeronimos Monastery
Obidos:
Walking tour of the medieval town
Alcobaça:
Visit the Church of Santa Maria Monastery
Nazaré:
Lunch break
Fatima:
Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary
Tomar:
Guided visit of the Convent of Christ
Conimbriga:
Visit of the Roman ruins and the museum
Coimbra:
Visit the University Library
Buçaco Forest:
Drive through the national park
Oporto:
Guided sightseeing, visit the Church of Sao Francisco and the Arabian Hall in the Stock Exchange; wine tasting in a Port wine cellar
Vila Real:
Visit the Palacio de Mateus
Belmonte:
Visit the Jewish Museum; olive oil tasting
Castelo de Vide:
Walk through the Jewish quarter
Evora:
Guided walking tour, visit the gothic cathedral, the Sao Francisco Church, and the Ossuary Chapel
Algarve:
Excursion to the Promontory of Sagres, Cape Vincent, and Lagos
INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.
STANDARD INCLUDED FEATURES
Learn more about transportation, hotels, and other standard included features offered.
MEALS - (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner
Full buffet breakfast (B); 6 three-course dinners (D), including a welcome dinner in Lisbon.
SUPERIOR HOTELS - (D) Deluxe (SF) Superior First-Class (F) First-Class
Lisbon Mundial (F), Tomar Dos Templarios (F), Oporto Dom Henrique (F), Viseu Grao Vasco (F), Evora Albergaria Vitoria (F), Algarve Tivoli Carvoeiro (F) at Carvoeiro
Departures:
March - October
Prices
From $1,639 US approx per person double occupancy
Many other tours of Spain and Portugal and combinations including Morocco and France available
Contact us for more information
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Phone: 1-888-682-6449/1-303-670-5640
Fax: (425) 984-7676
tours@a-ztravel.com