Picturesque Portugal

Day 1 – Thursday, August 31, 2023 – Home to overnight flight to Lisbon 

We depart home today to discover a country perched along the Atlantic coast at the far southwestern edge of Europe that has forever been linked to the sea. But that’s just the beginning as you will soon discover. 

Day 2- Friday, September 1, 2023 – Lisbon

Arrive in Lisbon, a city older than Paris, London, or even Rome and transfer to your elegant centrally located hotel. After refreshing, you can begin to explore your surroundings before joining your Tour Director and travel companions this evening for a Fado Dinner – a treat for both the palate and the senses.

Today’s dinner is included

Day 3 - Saturday, September 2, 2023 – Lisbon 

Today, accompanied by our local guide, we explore Lisbon's centuries-old seafaring traditions. See the shimmering white Monument to the Discoveries, the iconic suspension bridge spanning the Tagus, and Belém Tower, built as a fortress protecting the city of Lisbon. Take in the grand view high atop the city from the 11th century Castelo de Sao Jorge (St George Castle). Later visit the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum housing an art collection that spans 5,000 years of European, Egyptian, Islamic, and Asian art.  

Today’s Breakfast is included 

Day 4 – Sunday, September 3, 2023 – Lisbon 

We'll venture outside the city today with our local guide. After passing through the fashionable resort of Estoril, we'll explore the picturesque fishing village of Cascais, with its beautiful array of mansions and exclusive residences. Next, you’ll travel to the age-old town of Sintra, one of the Portuguese Royal Family’s favorite resorts. Visit the fairy-tale Pena National Palace and revel in the sea views from the Cabo da Roca cliffs before returning to Lisbon where you are free to explore for the rest of the day. 

Today’s breakfast is included 

Day 5 – Monday, September 4, 2023 – Lisbon – Silver Coast – Porto (Óbidos – Nazaré-Batalha)

Bidding adeus to Lisbon this morning we travel through a landscape rich in windmills and fruit trees to Óbidos, a city surrounded by medieval walls and admired for its stunning architecture and handicrafts. Next stop is Nazaré, a typical fishing village and seaside resort immersed in tradition and legend. We continue to Batalha and visit the Gothic Monastery of Santa Maria de Victoria, where we also encounter the tomb of Henry the Navigator, the mastermind behind Portugal's era of maritime discoveries. Later today arrive in Portugal’s second largest city and UNESCO Heritage site – Porto. 

Today’s breakfast and dinner are included 

Day 6 – Tuesday, September 5, 2023 – Porto - Guimarães – Porto 

With a local guide we will embark on a sightseeing tour in Porto, which takes us past baroque churches and along the winding cobblestone lanes. Visit the Stock Exchange Palace with its splendid Arabian Hall. See the remarkable bridges that span the Douro River and the Gothic Church of St. Francis. Travel to Guimarães – the ancient city known as the birthplace of Portugal. Visit Guimarães Castle and enjoy a short stop in the historic town center. Returning to Porto this afternoon we partake in the centuries-old tradition of local port production at a tasting in a port cellar. 

Today’s breakfast is included

Day 7 – Wednesday September 6, 2023 – Porto to Coimbra 

This morning we travel south stopping in the popular port town of Aveiro, famed for its canals, architecture and colourful Moliceiro boats. Next, we arrive in Coimbra, the former medieval capital of Portugal - an ancient yet modern university town. With a local guide we will embark on a walking tour of the old city and the centuries old University of Coimbra. The university is one of Europe’s oldest, dating back to the 12th century. 

Today’s breakfast and dinner are included 

Day 8 – Thursday, September 7, 2023 – Coimbra – Evora (Alentejo) 

Today we delve into Templar history and legend in the town of Tomar. We are joined by a local guide to visit the Convent of Christ, a Templar stronghold from the 12th century. Next, we pay a short visit to Fátima, the famous pilgrimage location for Catholics, where it is said that three young shepherds famously saw apparitions of the Virgin Mary during World War I. Continue to the Alentejo region with its picturesque countryside of arid plains, cork groves, and olive trees. Tonight, we stay and dine just outside the town of Evora in a former monastery turned luxury hotel that over its long history has hosted various royalty and important historic figures. 

Today’s breakfast and dinner are included 

Day 9 – Friday, September 8, 2023 – Evora 

With a local guide we delve into the past in enchanting Évora. Explore the narrow winding lanes inside the 14th-century walls. Visit Evora’s massive elaborate medieval cathedral, see the roman columns of the Templo Romano, also known as Diana’s Temple, and Praça Giraldo, the picturesque town square, once the site of some rather gruesome episodes. We will also visit the Temple of Bones, a small chapel that’s interior walls are covered with human bones and skulls. 

Today’s breakfast is included 

Day 10 – Saturday, September 9, 2023 – Evora to Algarve 

Today we journey to the stunning coast of the Algarve - the southernmost region of Portugal. On the way, stop to take in the stunning views from the medieval village of Monsaraz. Then enjoy some wines from the Alentejo region during a winery tour, tasting, and light lunch. This afternoon we check into our home for the next two nights located directly on the long sandy Armação de Pêra beach.

Today’s breakfast and lunch are included 

Day 11 – Sunday, September 10, 2023 – Algarve 

Now we relax and explore Portugal’s warm and sunny south coast - The Algarve. Make a stop in the seaside town of Lagos with its own unique vibe of medieval heritage and surfer paradise. Later we venture on to the “end of the world” at Cape Sagres. Admire the stunning views from Lighthouse of Cabo de São Vicente standing proudly at Europe’s southwestern-most tip. This afternoon enjoy some relaxing time on the beach before joining your travel companions for a delicious dinner. 

Today’s breakfast and dinner is included 

Day 12 – Monday, September 11, 2023 – Algarve to Lisbon  

Today we depart the stunning coast and make our return to Portugal’s hilly, coastal capital city - Lisbon. Take a little time to explore further in the city on your own this afternoon before joining your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner at a popular local restaurant.  

Today’s breakfast and dinner is included

Day 13 – Tuesday, September 12, 2023 – Lisbon – Home 

This morning we return to Lisbon Airport for our afternoon flight back to Canada. Arrive home this evening with your newly minted memories of discovery in warm and sunny Portugal. 

Today’s breakfast and an in-flight meal are included