LISBON, EVORA & THE ALGARVE (SAMPLE ITINERARY)

Transcription

1 LISBON, EVORA & THE ALGARVE (SAMPLE ITINERARY) 121 West 27 th Street Suite 1201 New York, NY F HTprivatetravel.com Day 1: Upon your arrival at Lisbon s airport, your private driver and vehicle will escort you to your hotel. You will check in at the Pestana Palace, built around a restored 19 th century palace. The property is surrounded by lush gardens. After you have had time to settle in, meet your expert guide, who will show you a Lisbon that is first and foremost a city of neighborhoods. Each neighborhood is different and offers its secrets to those who allow themselves the pleasure of discovery. As you explore, you may find 19 th century pharmacies still in use; hidden courtyards; sprawling bookstores; local fado bars; rounded storefronts; artisanal workshops; full-to-the-brim antique stores; local bakeries and elegant villas. You will have the opportunity to see both the monuments and the little nooks and crannies known only to the true insider. You will experience the rich variety of architecture and the local flavor that makes Lisbon special. With your expert guide at your side, and in your favorite walking shoes, you will discover the beauty, soul and intrinsic character of Lisbon s neighborhoods, while also enjoying the ever-changing views of the River Tagus. You will have a private driver and vehicle at your disposal. Your tour will focus on some of the most interesting neighborhoods, including Bairro Alto, Baixa and Alfama. It will end at the Crusader Castle of St. Jorge. At the end of your day, you will be escorted back to your hotel where you will have some time to relax and refresh before dinner. Day 2: Today your expert guide will introduce you to Lisbon. You will have a private driver and vehicle at your disposal. Morocco Spain Portugal Turkey Sub-Saharan Africa

2 Day 2 (continued): Lisbon sprawls along the banks of the Tagus River estuary. Its name comes from the Phoenician words meaning "enchanting port. From the city s hills, you can look toward the Atlantic, where the Portuguese inaugurated the Age of Discovery. The low-lying lying areas of the city were rebuilt after the destructive Great Earthquake of Recent decades have seen a similar renaissance in Lisbon s cultural landscape. Since Portugal emerged from dictatorship and joined the EU, the capital has built infrastructure, hosted numerous international events and developed a thriving nightlife. You might start at the Belém Tower. It originally stood in the middle of the Tagus River, but now is just off the shore. For centuries, Portuguese explorers set off from this 16 th century fortress in search of the riches of the new world. After a short walk inland, you will find the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). This incomparable monastery epitomizes the Manueline style, a highly decorative form of architecture that emerged during the reign of Manuel I ( ). The ambitious building reflects the confidence that Portugal enjoyed when its explorers roamed the seas. In fact, one of the greatest navigators, Vasco da Gama, is buried in the monastery s church. After your visit, you might stop for pastéis de Belém, the delightful creamfilled pastries that are named for the neighborhood. If you wish, visit the nearby 19 th century Palácio de Ajuda and the 16 th century Church of São Roque, founded by Jesuits in the 16 th century and used until they were expelled between 1759 and Next, you will be driven into the heart of Lisbon to the Baixa neighborhood. After its destruction in the 1755 earthquake, the Marquês de Pombal created avenues and plazas laid out in a grid plan. You can admire his creation at the Rossio, modern Lisbon s central square. From here you might wish to take the tram, the oldest form of transportation in the city. The ride will take you through narrow streets and hills, ending up at the Castelo de São Jorge formerly a Moorish citadel. The castle boasts panoramic views of the city (an uphill walk is required to get to the castle). You might instead walk through the Bairro Alto, the bohemian sector of Lisbon. You will continue to the Alfama, Lisbon s heart during Moorish times. The Moors (and Lisbon) have moved on, but the neighborhood retains an exotic atmosphere, with its maze of alleyways, its tiles houses and its views of the city below. Fans of architecture might choose to visit Lisbon s remarkable public elevator. This cast iron masterpiece, which connects the High and the Low districts, recently celebrated its 100 th birthday (the café at the top offers great views). When your tour concludes you will say goodbye to your guide and be driven back to your hotel. Lisbon, even from afar, rises like a fair vision in a dream, clear-cut against a bright blue sky which the sun gladdens with its gold. - Fernando Pessoa, 20 th century Portuguese author

3 Day 3: Today your expert guide, private driver and vehicle will meet you at your hotel for a full-day tour of the picturesque town of Sintra. You will tour Sintra s narrow lanes with your expert local guide. Traditionally, the Portuguese royals and nobility have maintained residences here. You might visit the Palacio da Vila, originally built as a hunting lodge, and used as a royal summer residence until the 20 th century. You will see the two famous conical chimneys and a remarkable collection of ceiling panels dating to the 16 th century that represent the coats of arms of 71 Portuguese noble families. After lunch on your own, you might visit the Palácio da Pena. Maria II and Ferdinand created this rural retreat in the same outrageous style as their Palácio de Ajuda in Lisbon. Nearby you can visit a similarly fanciful dwelling, the Quinta de Regaleira. Built around the turn of the 20 th century, it features Art Noveau and Rococo features, plus an initiation room inspired by the Freemasons. On the way back to Lisbon, you might stop at the Palácio de Queluz, where you can tour the Rococo building and its formal gardens. You will return along the coastal road where you will enjoy wonderful views of the Atlantic Ocean and Tagus River. You might wish to stop at Boca do Inferno and Cabo da Roca, where you will find the most western point of the European continent, with impressive cliffs and ocean views. You will stop briefly in Estoril and Cascais, a seaside resort that serves as a popular summer retreat for Lisboetas. Lo! Cintra s glorious Eden intervenes in variegated maze of mount and glen. - Lord Byron Day 4: This morning, expert guide, private driver and vehicle will meet you at your hotel. Together you ll set off into the countryside towards the Spanish border. You will have the opportunity to take in the dramatic mountain scenery and visit some of the small villages of the region, such as Castelo de Vide. Many have charming historic centers with churches and small monuments and narrow cobblestone streets.

4 Day 4 (continued): Your final stop will be the fortified village of Marvao located on a hilltop with impressive panoramic views of the region. It was the perfect vantage point for spotting potential intruders arriving from Spain. You will check in at the Pousada de Marvao. A portion of the building dates back to the 13 th century. The Pousada boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding valley. Overnight: Pousada de Marvao suite. Day 5: This morning, you and your private driver and vehicle will drive to Evora, approximately an hour and 45 minutes away. Upon your arrival you will check into the Convento do Espinheiro, a luxuriously appointed 5-star hotel that was converted from a 15 th century building, and is now considered a national monument. When you are ready, you will meet your expert guide for a private walking tour of the city of Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As your walk, you will come to understand the legacy that successive empires have left here. You might start at the Roman temple, which dates to the 2 nd century. The Romans also built parts of the city walls. The Moors and medieval Portuguese made later additions to the walls. With your guide, you will explore the evidence of these eras, as you walk along Évora s cobble-stoned lanes and squares. The town is a living history museum, where every corner has its story. Overnight: Convento do Espinheiro convent room. Day 6: Your private driver and vehicle will pick you up this morning, to head to the Algarve region, approximately two and a half hours away. Upon your arrival, you will check in at Vila Joya, which may be the premier boutique hotel in southern Portugal, as well as the home to one of Portugal s finest restaurants. You will have the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight: Vila Joya.

5 Day 7: This morning your private driver and vehicle will take you to the harbor. Here you will board a private sailboat for a half-day adventure. You will head to Lagos admired by its Phoenician founders for its natural harbor. Here you will find sandy coves and seaside grottoes. You can board dinghies to get closer to the rock formations. Fishing can also be arranged upon request. You will enjoy a lunch on board. This afternoon you will return to the harbor. Overnight: Vila Joya. Day 8: You will have today at leisure to relax and enjoy the Algarve and your hotel. Optional upgrade to enjoy a rental car for the day. You can spend the day exploring the rocky coastline and visiting the pretty villages that dot Portugal s southern shore. You may wish to head out to Sagres, the most southwest point of Europe. There you will spot fisherman with lines dropping over the dramatic coast, once believed to be the end of the world. Overnight: Vila Joya. Day 9: This morning, your private driver and vehicle will escort you to Lisbon, about two and a half hours away. You will check in again at Pestana Palace. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Day 10: This morning your private driver and vehicle will drive you to Lisbon s airport. Here you will board your departing flight. Adeus Portugal!

6 Included in your land package: ACCOMMODATION: Nine nights accommodation (double occupancy) in Portugal s most luxurious hotels. Breakfast served at hotel every morning (deluxe or buffet where available). UNIQUE HERITAGE TOURS PRIVATE TRAVEL EXPERIENCES: Algarve: Private half-day sailing excursion along the picturesque coast; includes lunch on board. OTHER PRIVATE TOURS AND ACTIVITIES: Lisbon: Private half-day tour with expert guide. Lisbon: Private full-day tour with expert guide. Castelo de Vide and Marvao: Private full-day tour with expert guide. Sintra: Private full-day tour with expert guide. Evora: Private half-day tour with expert guide. GROUND TRANSPORTATION: Private transfer: Lisbon Airport-Hotel. Half-day private driver and vehicle for tour of Lisbon. Full-day private driver and vehicle for tour of Lisbon. Full-day private driver and vehicle for Sintra excursion from Lisbon. Full-day private driver and vehicle for transfer from Lisbon to Marvao. Half-day private driver and vehicle for excursion to Evora. Private transfer: Evora Hotel-Algarve Hotel. Round-trip transfer: Algarve Hotel-Harbor. Private transfer: Algarve Hotel-Lisbon Hotel. Private transfer: Porto Airport-Hotel. OTHER SERVICES: All admissions while with expert guide. Value Added Tax and all service charges. Assistance from our in-country office as needed. Restaurant reservations (cost of meals not included). PERHAPS THE MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL: All the intangibles that come with the connections, knowledge, passion and experience of one of the premier travel providers to Portugal. Not included your land package: Air arrangements. Sightseeing/admissions when not with an expert guide. Meals other than breakfast, unless specified in included list. Room service for breakfast or other meals. Transport unless listed above. Gratuities.

7 THE ABOVE ITINERARY IS ONLY A SAMPLE. ANYTHING CAN BE MODIFIED TO FIT YOUR WISHES. PRICE IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST AND VARIES BY THE NUMBER OF TRAVELERS AND TIME OF YEAR.