Sunny Portugal
| Resort: | Sunny Portugal |
| Operator: | |
| Destination: | Europe, Portugal |
| Price From: | £1049.00 |
OverviewExplore sunny Portugal, with its miles of dramatic shoreline and legacy of global discovery. Discover Lisbon your way with a choice of included sightseeing. Enjoy a three-night stay in the beautiful resort town Cascais. Savor time to meander its narrow cobblestone streets, oceanfront promenade and quaint bay area. In Evora, step inside a medieval walled city with Roman ruins. Travel to Portugal’s scenic Silver Coast, dotted with charming villages and castles. Enjoy a sense of country life with an overnight stay in the heart of Alentejos farms and vineyards. Find a wealth of Portuguese hand-made crafts like the famed azulejo hand painted tiles and unique items made of cork. Indulge in Portugals regional wines during two winery tours. Be swept away by the melancholy Fado tunes. Explore the Algarves soft sandy beaches and classic fishing villages. ItineraryDay 1: Overnight FlightPortugal 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: Cascais, Portugal – Tour BeginsYour tour opens 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. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. Day 3: Choice of Lisbon Panoramic City Tour or Alfama District Walking TourThis morning its your choice! You may choose to join a panoramic Lisbon city tour by coach featuring Jeronimos Monastery (a UNESCO World Heritage site), Belem Tower (UNESCO), the Monument to the Discoveries, and capped off with a visit to the National Museum of Coaches. Or, perhaps you will choose to take a walking tour* of the historic Alfama District, Lisbon’s most symbolic quarter: step back in time as you explore this residential neighborhood which is considered a village within a city; stroll through its medieval alleys, narrow streets and small squares; pass by beautiful churches and whitewashed houses with tile panels and wrought-iron balconies adorned with pots of flowers; then, climb the hill to explore the castle that has the most breathtaking panorama of the city. Later, 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 the traditional Fado (UNESCO). Day 4: Cascais – Sintra – Obidos – Fatima – CascaisBegin your day exploring the picturesque town of Sintra (UNESCO), the favorite summer residence of Portuguese kings for six centuries. Travel to Portugals 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. Later, visit Fatima, the world-famous Marian pilgrimage site. Day 5: Cascais – Evora – Monsaraz – AlentejoTravel through beautiful Portuguese countryside and stop in historic Evora (UNESCO), known as the Museum City of Portugal. Inside this medieval walled city lies a 2nd-century Roman temple to Diana. Next, 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 youll enjoy amazing panoramic views of the countryside. Then, indulge in a winery tour and a tasting of the full-bodied character of the regions wines. Enjoy your stay in the heart of Alentejos countryside during an overnight at a country resort set among 3,000 acres of farm land, vineyards and cork trees. Day 6: Alentejo – Sagres – Lagos – AlgarveTravel to the famous Algarve and discover the secrets of the 16th-century fortress at Sagres, home of Prince Henrys 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. Next, explore 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. Stroll through the fortress and historic buildings while taking in the surrounding ocean views during some leisure time. Day 7: AlgarveThe 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 Algarves mild climate and beautiful beaches attract vacationers from all over the world. Day 8: Algarve – Faro – São Brás de Alportel – AlgarveJourney to Faro, gateway to the Ria Formosa protected lagoon landscape. Explore the citys historic center with 9th-century Roman walls, dramatic golden coastline, and its archaeological and architectural gems. In historic S£o Brs de Alportel, a presentation by a local liqueur maker is followed by a tasting of some of the many varieties produced in the region. Portugal is the worlds number one producer of cork. Visit a local cork factory to learn about its importance to the local economy and its many uses. Your day comes to an end with dinner featuring local delicacies and wine. Day 9: Algarve – Azeitao – LisbonEn route to Lisbon, make a stop in Azeitao, a charming agricultural village known for red wine, olive trees and beautiful country estates. Spend time at the centuries-old Jose Maria da Fonseca Winery. Embark on a tour followed by a tasting of local wines, including moscatel. Next, meet local artisans at a family-run shop that demonstrates how azulejos, the famous hand-painted Portuguese tiles, are made. Later, bid adeus to Portugal during a dinner celebrating the end of a wonderful tour. Day 10: Lisbon – Tour EndsYour tour comes to a close today. |
