Best of Portugal
Day 1 - Depart USA Overnight flight to Lisbon.
Day 2 - Arrive Lisbon You are met and transferred to your hotel. Time to relax or perhaps explore before meeting with your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Drink.
Day 3 - Lisbon — Albufeira (2 nights) This morning we cross the river Tagus and head towards the Serra de Arrabida Mountains. We drive via the port of Setubal and then continue on the road to the Algarve coastal region and Albufeira for our two night relaxing stay. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 4 - Algarve Excursion We drive to the Sagres Peninsula where we admire the view across the wild beauty of Baleeira Beach and continue to Cape St Vincent. Later we return to our hotel via the pretty resort of Lagos where Henry the Navigator set sail to discover the New World. Then time at leisure. (Buffet Breakfast/ Highlight Dinner)
Day 5 - Albufeira — Evora This morning we journey across the Serra de Caldeirao and the towns of Castro Verde and Beja. Then to Evora, Portugalís most important town in the Renaissance period. We visit the Cathedral, the macabre Ossuary chapel and the Roman temple. Later time to explore this unique walled town. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 6 - Evora - Castelo de Vide - Belmonte - Viseu First we drive to Castelo de Vide with time to wander through the narrow alleys and explore the Jewish quarter. Then across the valley of the river Tagus towards the Serra da Estrela mountains and Belmonte with its old Roman Tower. We continue to Viseu in the region of the famous Dao vineyards, where we stay tonight. (Buffet Breakfast/ Dinner)
Day 7 - Viseu - Mateus - Guimaraes - Oporto (2 nights) Today our Tour Director will reveal a Hidden Treasure to us all! We travel to the Douro valley where the world famous port wines are produced. Then we visit the gardens of the Palacio de Mateus, depicted on the label of the Mateus wine bottles. On to Guimaraes with its impressive castle before arriving in Oporto. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 8 - Oporto sightseeing & at leisure Our morning sightseeing shows us the remarkable bridges across the Douro river plus the Vila Nova de Gaia wine stores. We also see the baroque church of St Francis and visit the Stock Exchange with its Arabian Hall and then continue to a port cellar for wine tasting. This afternoon is at leisure. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 9 - Oporto - Coimbra - Conimbriga - Fatima We travel through the Bucaco National Park en route to Coimbra, where we see the ancient streets and squares and visit the Old University with an ornate baroque library. Next the old Roman town of Conimbriga and Tomar where we visit the Convent of Christ, before arriving in the pilgrimage city of Fatima. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 10 - Fatima — Lisbon (2 nights) First we visit the Basilica at the pilgrimage site where the three young shepherds saw the apparition of the Virgin. Then to the monastery at Batalha and the fishing village of Nazare on the coast. Finally on to Lisbon, pausing en route to visit medieval Obidos. This evening the chance to dine on local specialities. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 11 - Lisbon sightseeing & at leisure This morning on our guided tour we will see Vasco da Gamaís tomb inside the Hieronymite Monastery and admire views of the Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoverers. Later time at leisure to relax or maybe take an excursion to nearby pretty Cascais. Tonight enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your Tour Director and new found friends. (Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)
Day 12 - Lisbon — USA After breakfast there's time to bid farewell to this beautiful country and fellow travellers as we transfer to the airport for our return flight to America. (Buffet Breakfast)
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