Portugal, A New Discovery
$2998.00 per person
Single Supplement additional
THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE ARE ON BOARD AND HAVE MADE THEIR DEPOSITS FOR PORTUGAL:
Matt Wickline Anthony Orzo Susannah Parish
Regina Wickline Mackenzie Morton Jamie Braid
James Wickline Davea Livingstone Eleanora Templeton
Jack Braun Dave Livingstone Ruby Pressman
Lisa Travis Andreas Pausch Gregory Livingstone
Christopher Travis Harry King Grandmother Livingstone
Brian Travis Steven Nelson Samantha Feola
Peter Ryzyk Alex Rudnitsky Gayle Feola
Stephanie Ryzyk Anna Rudnitsky MaryJane Abrantes
Lidia Ryzyk Michael Schwartz Peggy Slater
John Ryzyk Grace Doty Brandeis Minyard
Zachary Snyder Seth Borko Handsel B. Minyard
Michael Fanelli Aly Fanelli Robert Fanelli
Jim King Hilary King Almira Bubesi
Eric Griffin Joe Barreira Brendon Moses
Miriam Javitch Sam Javitch Hannah Klein-Harvey
Topaz Smith Andrew Telesco Janet Fleming
Walter Prendergast Lisa Prendergast Alexis Prendergast
Emily Prendergast Chris Noble-Beeck
Your itinerary is as follows:
Day 1 – 25 Apr/Fri – Board your overnight transatlantic flight
Day 2 – 26 Apr/Sat – Arrival in Lisbon, Portugal-Excursion to Sintra and
Queluz
Upon arrival into Lisbon, claim your luggage and proceed through customs. Your Tour Director will be waiting to greet you upon exiting customs. Board your luxury motor coach and enjoy a short drive west to Sintra*. First visit the PALACIO NACIONAL DA SINTRA; perched on one of the highest points on the Serra, this palace was built in the middle of the 19C by King Ferdinand II. After a noontime break, we continue onto QUELUZ PALACE AND GARDENS; which has not infrequently been compared with Versailles Palace. Late afternoon return to Lisbon with time to rest and get settled into your room. Tonight, join your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a WELCOME DINNER BARBEQUE** with soft drinks. (BB,D)
Day 3 – 27 Apr/Sun – Lisbon
Lisbon was the center of Europe’s longest lived overseas empire. Portugal’s imperial ambitions date back to Prince Henry the Navigator’s 15th century discoveries in West Africa and did not subside until the 1970’s. Guided sightseeing begins with CASTELO DE SAO JORGE (Saint George Castle); a magical place, a charming hilltop citadel with geese and ducks roaming around the castle gardens. Once used as a fortress, today it is home to many local families. Climb the towers and walk along the reconstructed ramparts of the castle walls and wonder at the spectacular views over Lisbon and the Tagus River. Next, the MUSEU NACIONAL DO AZULEJO. View the collection, which virtually depicts the entire history of the tile in Portugal; the highlights are the mannerist retable of Nossa Senhorada Vida and the Lisbon panel, 23 meters long, representing Lisbon before the 1755 earthquake. Our
*Sintra sightseeing is contingent on the group arriving on the same early morning flights into Lisbon.
**Terrace Barbeque is located in the Mundial Hotel. If we are required to seek alternate accommodations, this dinner will be revised.
The next stop is at CASA DO FADO E DA GUITARRA PORTUGUESA; your guide will explain how this museum documents the history and development
of the traditional music known as Fado. It includes audiovisual displays, costumes and a wonderful collection of Portuguese guitars. Our final tour of the day is MAE DE AGUA CONCESSIONS. Hear first hand how the water concessions have affected daily life in Portugal and other European countries. Time at leisure before joining the NIGHT TOUR; treat yourself to a Portuguese dinner with drinks at a typical restaurant. Enjoy after-dinner entertainment with songs and dances, Fado-style. Unforgettable views of the illuminated city finish your day with a flourish. (BB,D)
Day 4 – 28 Apr/Mon – Lisbon
Today is a treat as you have a day at the former grounds of “Expo 98”. The grounds were not left in abandonment and are now called “NATIONAL PARK” (Parque das Nacoes). The park was built with the general theme of “The oceans, a heritage for the future” and some 142 countries and international organizations participated. Reap the benefits with your included CARTAO DO PARQUE; a card that includes discounts or free admission to many of the parks locations. End the day with a guided visit to ORIENTE STATION by Santiago Calatrava. He was commissioned by the city of Lisbon in 1993, after an invited competition. Its immediate goal was to serve the great number of visitors expected for the World Expo in 1998. Dinner tonight will be provided at your hotel. (BB,D)
Day 5 – 29 Apr/Tue – Lisbon
Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide features Belem Tower, guarding the mouth of the Tagus, and JERONIMOS MONASTERY with the tomb of Vasco da Gama. Drive past the Bull Ring to Pombal Statue and on along the grand Avenidada Liberdade. Then enjoy a walk through the cobbled alleys of quaint ALFAMA, the quarter of the seamen. Afternoon and evening at leisure. (BB)
Day 6 – 30 Apr/Wed – Lisbon-Fatima-Tomar
First stop on your northbound journey is medieval Obidos. Go back in time as you pass the main gate in the impressive perimeter wall and walk along the narrow streets. Continue to Alcobaca to visit the Church of SANTA MARIA MONASTERY, built in the 12th century for 999 Cistercian monks. See the elaborate tombs of King Pedro and his Castilian lover Ines de Castro and hear how she was murdered at the order of Pedro’s father. The fishing harbor of Nazare is the perfect place for a leisurely lunch break. In the afternoon mix with the pilgrim’s at the country’s hallowed national shrine, Fatima’s SANCTUARY OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY. Overnight in Tomar, the historic seat of the mighty Order of the Knights of Christ. (BB,D)
Day 7- 01 May/Thu – Tomar-Oporto
Visit the hilltop CONVENT OF CHRIST with its famous Manueline window. Further north, the ROMAN RUINS OF CONIMBRIGA are eloquent testimony of centuries of Roman influence. Tour the excavations, view the well-preserved mosaics, and visit the excellent MUSEUM. On to Coimbra, strategically situated on a hill overlooking the Mondego River. After a visit to the gilded baroque LIBRARY of its 700-year-old university, drive through the ancient BUCACO FOREST on your way to Oporto, Portugal’s second largest city. (BB,D)
Day 8 – 02 May/Fri - Oporto
Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a panoramic drive to the mouth of the Douro River, the soaring cathedral, the richly decorated CHURCH OF SAO FRANCISCO, and the STOCK EXCHANGE with its contemporary ARABIAN HALL inspired by Granada’s Alhambra in Spain. Next, visit SANDEMANS PORT WINE CELLAR where the famous wine produced from grapes of the Douro Valley is aged in huge vats. This afternoon visit to CASA DA MUSICA; a 2007 RIBA award-winning concert hall and arts venue. Tonight a CRUISE ON THE RIVER DOURO followed by dinner. Sip a soft drink while enjoying a scenic cruise along the Douro on your river boat. (BB,D)
Day 9 – 03 May/Sat – Oporto-Viseu
Head inland to Guimaraes, often referred to as the “Cradle of Portugal” because of its association with the country’s first king, Alfonso Henriques. Next is Vila Real, former capital of Portugal’s northeastern region of Tras-os-Montes. Just outside the town visit the splendid park and manor of PALACIO DE MATEUS, whose picture graces the label of the excellent Mateus rose wine. From here a scenic road through the port wine vineyards leads to Viseu, believed to have been the home of the Lusitanian leader Viriate who resisted the Roman conquest. (BB,D)
Day 10 – 04 May/Sun – Viseu-Evora
This morning, your first stop is in Belmonte, today a symbol of Jewish awakening, and visit the JEWISH MUSEUM. Afternoon break in Castelo de Vide, an enchanting small town. Time to walk through the Jewish Quarter with its white-washed houses and take pictures of the 14th century castle. Continue to Evora, the cultural center of southern Portugal and a former royal residence. (BB,D)
Day 11 – 05 May/Mon – Evora-Algarve
A massive wall surrounds Evora’s medieval center, classified as a World Heritage Site. A Local Guide will take you on a walking tour through its narrow alleys to the Roman Temple, the early gothic CATHEDRAL, Portas de Moura Fountain, and SAO FRANCISCO CHURCH. Visit the OSSUARY CHAPEL, whose walls are covered with thousands of human bones and skulls. Next, proceed across the arid Alentejo plain to the Algarve, Portugal’s most popular holiday area. Tonight is your chance to try dinner on the Algarve in a seafood restaurant for which the Algarve is famous.(BB,D)
Day 12 – 06 May/Tue – Algarve
Today join the included excursion along the enchanting southern coastline. History comes alive as you reach the wind-swept PROMONTORY OF SAGRES, where Henry the Navigator lived and planned his overseas expansion. Only a few miles away is Cape St. Vincent, the southwestern corner of Continental Europe, a dramatic cliff defying the waves of an ever-angry Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy a lunch break in pretty Lagos and return to your hotel (BB,D)
Day 13 – 07 May/Wed – Algarve at Leisure
Enjoy a full day at leisure to rest, shop for special keepsakes or sightsee independently. (BB)
Day 14 – 08 May/Thurs – Algarve-Full Day Excursion to Seville
During your guided sightseeing in Seville hear about the city’s role in Roman times, its conquest by the Moors in 712 A.D., and its contribution to the discovery of the New World. Admire MARIA LUISA PARK. Drive to the Plaza de Espana, the Gold Tower on the Guadalquivir River, and the university that used to be the tobacco factory of Carmen fame. Visit the CATHEDRAL with Columbus’ tomb, the world’s largest gothic edifice. Then stroll through the narrow lanes of the charming Santa Cruz quarter. Upon return to Algarve, enjoy dinner at your hotel. (BB, D)
Day 15 – 09 May/Fri – Algarve-Lisbon
North to Setubal, a major port and industrial center on the north bank of the Sado Estuary. Then the scenic route over the Serra da Arrabida and savor sweeping views of the Troia Peninsula. Catch glimpses of the castle of Sesimbra, which recall the fierce medieval battles between Christians and Moors. After crossing the Bridge of April 25th, you’re back in Lisbon for the final night of our adventure. This evening join your fellow travelers and Tour Director for dinner by the Tagus. Drive to the pier where you will board the ferry for a pleasant crossing on the river Tagus, for a dinner in a typical BRAZLIAN RESTAURANT. Return to the hotel by coach over the spectacular suspension bridge. The perfect way to say “Portugal de adeus”! (BB,D)
Day 16 – 10 May/Sat – Lisbon-Transfer to Airport
After breakfast receive a group transfer to the airport. Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)
ALL THAT’S INCLUDED:
Transportation
Motor coaches are fully air-conditioned everywhere while touring. No use of the motor coach other than as specified in the itinerary. One group airport transfer on arrival and departure per motor coach.
Hotels
Hotels are confirmed 30 to 60 days prior to departure. Accommodations will be provided in first class hotels. Twin-bedded rooms with private bath or shower, based on double occupancy. Hotel taxes, service charges, state and local taxes, tips to baggage porters and hotel staff are all included in the tour prices. Single rooms will be on request with an undetermined single supplement surcharge.
Meals
14 Buffet breakfasts (BB)
12 Dinners (D)
Sightseeing
Sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary with inside visits (including admission charges) shown in UPPER CASE in the tour description. Sightseeing with local guides where applicable.
Tour Director
The services of a professional, multilingual Tour Director will be provided throughout.
Not Included in the Tour Price:
Airport taxes (where applicable), excess baggage, meals not included in attached itinerary, all items of a personal nature such as laundry, cleaning, telephone, telex or fax expenses, beverages including tea and coffee (except at breakfast and at hotel dinners), wines, liquors, soft drinks, etc. and TIPS TO MOTOR COACH DRIVER, TOUR DIRECTOR, AND LOCAL GUIDES.
(A budget of $100 per person for tips is suggested) – not included
Insurance policy covering each individual traveler in group will be secured with a fee to follow –not included
