Day 1: Overnight Flight Ancient castles and Roman ruins, groves of orange and almond trees, quiet whitewashed villages, and welcoming locals – Portugal is waiting for you.
Day 2: Lisbon, Portugal Say hello to Lisbon, Portugal's capital and a city full of authenticity, where old customs and ancient history intermix with cultural entertainment. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. (D)
Day 3: Lisbon Choose how you want to explore Lisbon today, because it’s your choice! Discover the art and tradition of the Portuguese sidewalks during a locally led walking tour -OR- venture with your Tour Manager on foot and discover the city through the lens of the country's most loved fish, bacalhau (salted codfish). After, travel to Belem where you’ll see the iconic Belem Tower (UNESCO) and the Monument to the Discoveries. Witness the façade of the 16th-century Jeronimos Monastery* (UNESCO) and learn about the importance of this iconic monastery. Tonight, you may choose to join an optional tour to listen to local artists perform traditional Fado music, a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage highlight. (B)
Day 4: Lisbon - Evora Today, you’ll make your way through Portugal’s charming countryside. Visit a family-owned cork factory, where you’ll learn about the product’s importance to the local economy and why Portugal is the world’s top cork producer. Your journey then takes you to Evora (UNESCO) – the “Museum City of Portugal.” A traditional Alentejo lunch will be waiting for you, accompanied by Cante Alentejano music (UNESCO). In the afternoon, take time to explore this medieval walled city and see its well-preserved Roman temple up close. (B, L)
Day 5: Evora - Lagos Journey to the stunning coasts of the Algarve - the southernmost region of Portugal. On the way, indulge in full-bodied wines from the Alentejo region during a winery tour, tasting, and light lunch. Then, explore the historic resort town of Lagos, where Moorish and Renaissance influences meet towering seaside cliffs. Many celebrated voyagers began their explorations from this bustling port city. (B, L)
Day 6: Lagos It is your day to experience the Algarve on your own. Geraniums, camellias, and oleanders grow alongside fig, orange, and almond trees, while brightly coloured fishing boats bob in the sea. Protected by hills to the north and warmed by the sea, the Algarve’s mild climate and beautiful beaches attract visitors from all over the world. You may choose to join an optional boat tour** today that will get you closer to some of the most famous coastal scenery in Portugal. (B, D)
Day 7: Lagos - Portimão - Monchique - Lagos
This morning venture along the coast to discover the importance the sardine canning industry in the Algarve. Then, continue to Monchique, a mountain village nestled among rich landscapes, to learn the secrets of regional bread and fruits. Sample them with a savory lunch featuring freshly prepared Algarve seasonal and local specialties during a picnic. After, return to Lagos for an evening at leisure. (B, L)
Day 8: Lagos - Setúbal - Cascais En route to the Portuguese Riviera, make a stop in Setúbal a colourful industrial city and one of southern Europe's best kept secrets. See the Mercado (Farmers Market) do Livramento up close. It is considered one of the best fish markets in the world, but it’s also rich with displays of fresh fruits and vegetables. Meet local artisans at a family-run shop and learn how the famous hand-painted Portuguese tiles, azulejos, are made. After, head to the Portuguese Riviera. Mansions scattered throughout Cascais and Monte Estoril all hint at this area’s history as a haven for exiled European royals and nobility. (B)
Day 9: Cascais - Obidos - Sintra - Cascais Explore the picture-perfect city of Obidos, where white-washed houses sit snug within medieval city walls. Continue on to Sintra (UNESCO), a breathtaking hub that served as the summer residence of Portuguese kings for six centuries. Then, it’s your choice! Explore this quaint hilltop village and wander through the winding streets lined with cork products and pastries -OR- venture into the National Palace of Sintra and learn about its 1000-year old history. On your return to Cascais, stop to admire the stunning Cabo da Roca, the western most point of continental Europe. Bid Portugal goodbye during dinner in Cascais and celebrate the end of your unforgettable journey. (B, D)
Day 10: Cascais - Tour Ends Your tour ends today. (B)
INCLUDES Round Trip Air from Toronto Intl Airport, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $200 per person (subject to increase until paid in full), Hotel Transfers, 8 Nights Accommodation, 8 Breakfast (B), 3 Lunch (L), 3 Dinners (D)
PER PERSON TWIN $4,299 SINGLE $5,099
DETAILS
Current Price Shows $200 Savings is for those who book before September 14, 2024
A $698 per person deposit is due upon booking (fully refundable until September 14, 2024)
Final Payment is due by December 10, 2024
We strongly recommend each traveler purchases the all-inclusive TRAVEL PROTECTION for $499 per person at the time of booking. This plan guarantees a full refund of all payments (including deposit) except for the plan fee itself, in case of cancellation of travel plans for any reason prior to the day of departure.
The overall activity level of this tour is a level 2. This means you like a balanced approach to travel. Walking two to three miles over the course of a day is no problem for you. You can partake in a two-hour leisurely walking tour, covering up to two miles (with included breaks). You can handle a variety of terrains, from cobblestone streets to moderate hills with relative ease and without assistance. You can climb two flights of stairs with ease. There may be 1 to 2 days on this tour when walking tours can cover 3 to 4 miles over uneven terrain. During your Choice on Tour in Lisbon, one of the walks offered requires walking 2 miles on cobblestone streets and uphill at times. Lisbon is a hilly city and all sidewalks are cobblestoned which can get slippery when wet. Expect some full days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure. You can handle altitudes up to 6,000 feet. While this level is appropriate for travellers that require mobility assistance devices, there could be times when you may have to sit out on some of the included activities.
Optional Pre & Post Tour Extensions Available. Inquire at time of booking.