Pre-Departure Itinerary SUNNY PORTUGAL Sunday, November 1 Tuesday, November 10, 2015 Some of the world s great explorers departed from Portugal, though as you discover the beauty and charm of Portugal s Silver Coast, you ll wonder why they ever left! Enjoy three nights in the beautiful Algarve, whose mild climate and attractive beaches lure visitors from across Europe. You ll discover both Moorish and Renaissance influences in the historic resort town of Lagos associated with both Prince Henry the Navigator and Vasco da Gama and visit the fortress, School of Navigation and compass rose in Sagres. Discover the historic walled city of Evora and the 13th century castle of Alentejo before a one-night stay at a country resort set amidst 3,000 acres of vineyards, farms and cork trees. Enjoy a Libson tour that highlights the Moorish Alfama Quarter, the Monument to the Discoveries and Jeronimo s Monastery. Stroll the resort town of Sintra the summer home of Portuguese kings for 600 years and picture-perfect Obidos before a visit to the pilgrimage site of Fatima. In addition to Portugal s breathtaking scenery you ll experience a traditional Fado performance, winery tours and tastings, a cooking demonstration and a visit to a family-run hand-painted tile shop. INCLUDES: Round-trip regularly scheduled flights from Boston to Lisbon, via a connecting city Private roundtrip sedan transfers (one pick up from one location within 50 miles of Logan Arpt) Eight nights first-class accommodations Fourteen meals: eight breakfasts, six dinners Round-trip airport/hotel transfers Sightseeing and touring Services of professional Tour Director FEATURES: Algarve and resort town of Lagos. 16th-century fortress at Sagres. Views of Cape of St. Vincente. Excursion to Faro and tour its historic center. Visit a local cork factory and museum and a tasting of the local liqueur. Portuguese cuisine cooking demonstration. Excursion to village of Monsaraz and winery tour and tasting. Overnight stay at a country resort. Visit historic Evora and a tile shop. Visit wine museum at Fonseca Winery. Cascais. Lisbon city tour including the Moorish Alfama Quarter, Monument to the Discoveries, Jeronimo s Monastery and Belem Tower. An evening of folkloric dances and Fado. Explore Sintra and the Silver Coast. Visit the pilgrimage site of Fatima. OPTIONALS: Algarve Cruise with cave expedition, Portimao Museum and dinner. MADEIRA ISLAND 4n post-tour RATES $3,049 per person double occupancy $3,019 per person triple occupancy $3,349 for single reservations Single accommodations for this tour are limited. Fuel surcharge, air taxes and fees subject to change. Cancellation waiver and travel insurance is $260. Although not required, we recommend purchasing the waiver. Purchase must be made at time of booking. Passport required. Per person deposit is $300. Save $200 from above prices when you reserve by: April 24, 2015 TRIP PLANNER DAY 1 Overnight from Boston DAY 2 Marriott Lisbon, Lisbon DAYS 3 5 Vila Gale Lagos, Algarve DAY 6 Vila Clube de Campo, Beja DAYS 7 9 Vila Gale Cascais Hotel, Cascais DAY 10 Return flight to Boston or similar hotel accommodations This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven grounds and cobblestone streets. Air passengers will arrive into and depart from the Lisbon,
extension $699 pp/do land only. Call for air fare. Portugal airport. The travel distance between Cascais and Lisbon airport on your last day is approximately a 40 minute drive. Day 1 Overnight Flight Portugal a historic land of great explorers is waiting for your own exploration. Discover ancient castles, Roman ruins, groves of lemon and almond trees, quiet whitewashed villages, and kind, gentle people. Day 2 Lisbon, Portugal - Tour Begins Welcome to Portugal, where quaint farming villages, cork and olive tree plantations dot the landscape. Enjoy Lisbon, Portugal s vibrant capital city. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. Dinner Marriott Lisbon Day 3 Lisbon - Lagos - Sagres - Algarve Travel to the famous Algarve and the historic resort town of Lagos, where Moorish and Renaissance influences abound. Here, the famous voyager, Prince Henry the Navigator, began his explorations and from the harbor, Vasco da Gama sailed in 1499 on his epic voyage of discovery. Enjoy time to explore the fortress and take in the surrounding ocean views. Next, visit the 16th-century fortress at Sagres, home of Prince Henry s School of Navigation and the compass rose. You will also garner magnificent views of beautiful Cape of St. Vincente where 200-foot cliffs plunge into the Atlantic at the most southwesterly point of Europe. Day 4 Algarve The entire day is yours to independently experience the beautiful Algarve. Geraniums, camellias and oleanders grow alongside fig, orange and almond trees while brightly colored fishing boats bob on the seas. Protected by hills to the north and warmed by the sea, the Algarve s mild climate and beautiful beaches attract vacationers from all over the world.
Day 5 Algarve - Faro - São Brás de Alportel - Algarve Journey to Faro, gateway to the Ria Formosa protected lagoon landscape. Explore the city s historic center with 9th-century Roman walls, dramatic golden coastline, along with its archaeological and architectural gems. Portugal is the world s number one producer of cork. In historic São Brás de Alportel, visit a local cork factory and museum to learn about its importance to the local economy and its many uses. Later, a presentation by a local liqueur maker is followed by a tasting of some of the many varieties produced in the region. Your day comes to an end with a cooking demonstration of Portuguese cuisine followed by a sumptuous dinner featuring local delicacies and wines. Day 6 Algarve - Monsaraz - Alentejo Journey to the hilltop, walled village of Monsaraz, a jewel in the crown of the Alentejo. This small medieval town has carefully preserved its original charm. From the 13th-century castle you ll enjoy amazing panoramic views of the Alentejo countryside. Next, indulge in a winery tour and a tasting of the full-bodied character of Alentejo s wines. Enjoy your stay in the heart of Alentejo s countryside during an overnight at a country resort set among 3,000 acres of farm land, vineyards and cork trees. Vila Gale Clube De Campo Day 7 Alentejo - Evora - Azeitao - Cascais Travel through beautiful Portuguese countryside and stop in historic Evora, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known as the Museum City of Portugal. Inside this medieval walled city lies a 2nd-century Roman temple to Diana. Later, stop in Azeitao, a charming agricultural village known for red wine, olive trees and beautiful country estates. Visit a family-run shop that demonstrates how azulejos, the famous hand-painted Portuguese tiles, are made. Next, visit the Azeitao Wine Museum at the centuries-old Jose Maria da Fonseca Winery for a tour and tasting of local wines, including moscatel. Your day ends in Cascais, a scenic coastal resort on the Portuguese Riviera and your home for three nights. The mansions scattered about Cascais and nearby Monte Estoril hint at its history as a haven for exiled European royals and nobility. Day 8 Cascais - Lisbon - Cascais This morning enjoy a city tour of Lisbon, set on seven hills overlooking the Tagus River. Your tour highlights the Moorish Alfama Quarter. See the 16th-century Jeronimo s Monastery (UNESCO) and the Monument to the Discoveries, which honors intrepid Portuguese explorers and their patrons. The impressive Belem Tower, also a UNESCO site, features carved rope and balconies that stand watch where great navigators once set forth. Later today, enjoy leisure time in Cascais. Stroll its narrow cobblestone streets, walk the wide oceanside promenade or shop for ceramics, lace, filigree, hand woven works and tapestries. This evening, savor excellent Portuguese cuisine and wine while local artists perform folkloric dances and songs, including the traditional Fado (UNESCO). Day 9 Cascais - Sintra - Obidos - Fatima - Cascais Begin your day exploring the picturesque town of Sintra (UNESCO), the favorite summer residence of Portuguese kings for six centuries. Travel to Portugal s beautiful Silver Coast, a spectacular region filled with sleepy villages, rich vineyards and age-old castles. Proceed to picture-perfect Obidos where white washed houses are held snug by medieval city walls. Next, visit Fatima, the world-famous Marian pilgrimage site. Later, bid adeus to Portugal during a dinner at Cozinha Velha restaurant celebrating the end of a wonderful tour.
Day 10 Cascais - Tour Ends Optional 5 Days Madeira Island Post tour Extension Rate: $699.00 per person, double, land only. Call for air rate. 5 Meals: 4 breakfasts, 1 Dinner Day 11: Lisbon - Funchal, Madeira - Monte - Botanical Garden Fly to Madeira Island, the pearl of the Atlantic. Madeira boasts a subtropical climate, majestic mountain ranges and volcanic caves. Stop in Monte, perched on the hills overlooking Funchal. Visit the Botanical Garden of Madeira with its vast collection of exotic and indigenous birds and more than 2,500 plants from all continents. Discover Madeira s history during a leisurely-paced tour of Funchal s charming plazas, colonial mansions, 15th-century cathedral and local market. Day 12: Funchal-Câmara de Lobos-Cabo Girão-São Vicente-Porto Moniz-Calheta Visit Câmara de Lobos, a traditional village with a wonderful bay. Continue along mountain roads, passing banana plantations and vineyards on your way to Cabo Girão, the world s second highest cliff. São Vicente, a charming agricultural town, offers dramatic views. Explore the lively fishing village of Porto Moniz, renowned for its natural volcanic pools. Also visit Calheta, home to a working sugar mill. Nearby Paul da Serra plateau offers additional amazing views. (B) Day 13: Funchal - Camacha - Ribeiro Frio - Santana Wind through the mountains to Camacha, a village known for wicker crafts. In Poiso, visit the island s third highest point, Pico do Arieiro. Next, visit Ribeiro Frio ( cold river ), famous for its trout farm. Continue to Santana, a village characterized by small triangular homes thatched with straw. Visit a family-owned embroidery shop for a first-hand look at this delicate craft. This is followed by a tasting of world-famous Madeira wine. Celebrate your Madeira adventure with a traditional dinner known as espetada. Folk dancers and music entertain as you feast on a local dish of beef marinated in herbs and cooked over an open fire. (B, D) Day 14: Funchal - Lisbon Return to Lisbon and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. (B) Day 15: Lisbon - Tour Ends (B) Available Options Personalize your tour by adding an optional activity below. Our recommended options have been carefully chosen to help enhance your individual experience. Complete the provided Prepaid Options Form to reserve your options. Availability is limited and reservations are on a first come, first serve basis. Payment must be received no later than 15 days prior to departure. Prices are subject to change. Children under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult. Algarve Coastal Cruise with Algarvian Cave Expedition, Portimão Museum and Dinner $115 At one time, Portimão was the sardine capital of the world. Visit the Portimão Museum, located along the river front, and housed in what was one of the main sardine canning factories in Portimão. The museum contains many of the original machines used in the industry. The grandparents and great grandparents of many of Portimão s current residents earned their living here. Next, set forth on your own Age of Discovery on the two-masted Caravela Santa Bernarda. This reconstructed ship recalls Portugal s golden days of sail and exploration. Enjoy an afternoon cruise departing from the historical harbor of Portimão, sailing along the Rio Arade. Sail by Ferragudo, a
typical Algarvian fishing village full of tiny, colorful boats. Enjoy the unusual maritime view of two medieval forts. Continue along the amazing coast for breathtaking views of the majestic rock formations for which the Algarve is known. If you choose, set sail in smaller boats and glide into the grottos of the famous Algarvian caves. Celebrate your discoveries during a dinner in a local Portimão restaurant, savoring delicious Portuguese cuisine. This excursion is subject to operation depending on weather conditions. Also due to weather conditions, this excursion may operate in the morning (lunch will be included instead of dinner) instead of the afternoon. Duration: Approximately 6 hours. Please note a minimum of 15 passengers is required. Transportation is included. PLEASE NOTE: This pre-departure itinerary is designed to give you an idea of how this itinerary is structured. We reserve the right to make any changes to your final itinerary if deemed necessary, at any time prior to departure. PLEASE NOTE: This is not your final itinerary. You will receive final documents (itinerary, tickets (if applicable), etc.) approximately 2 3 weeks prior to departure. Although we try our best to ensure that information is accurate at the time of publication, we are not responsible for any error, omission, misprint or liability that results from the use (or misuse) of this information.