Portugal Circuits

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PORTUGAL CIRCUITS HOLIDAYS IN PORTUGAL Portugal from North to South Portugal: Heritage and Culture Iberian Douro South of Portugal North of Portugal Portugal & Spain


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PORTUGAL FROM NORTH TO SOUTH 12 DAYS DAY 1 - PORTO Welcome to Porto! Transfer to your hotel. DAY 2 - PORTO After breakfast half day tour around Ribeira do Porto and a visit to a Port wine cellar. You will cross the majestic bridge D. Luiz I and go to a Port wine tasting at a cellar. Free afternoon and accommodation in Porto. DAY 3 - PORTO - BRAGA - GUIMARÃES - AMARANTE - PINHÃO - PESO DA RÉGUA - PORTO You will go on a full day tour after breakfast to the regions of Douro and Minho. The first stop is Guimarães, the “cradle of Portugal”, to visit the historical center and the castle of D. Afonso Henriques – the first king of Portugal. Next we will go to Braga, known as the "Portuguese Rome" because since early days that this city is an important cultural, religious and trade center. After visiting the town center you will visit Bom Jesus Sanctuary. Afterwards you will have the opportunity to explore four different cities of the Douro Valley: Amarante, Régua, Pinhão and Mateus. Travel around Douro Valley is much like visiting an art exhibition. DAY 4 - PORTO - AVEIRO - COIMBRA FÁTIMA - BATALHA - NAZARÉ We will leave Porto towards Nazaré, stoping in Aveiro – “the Portuguese Venice”, Coimbra - the city of students, Fátima – the sanctuary of Portugal, and Batalha - UNESCO World Heritage Site. Accommodation in Nazaré, a fishermen’s village where you can admire the spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. DAY 5 - NAZARÉ Free day for shopping or a great opportu-

nity to relax in a talassotherypy session. Accommodation in Nazaré. DAY 6 - NAZARÉ - ÓBIDOS - SINTRA LISBOA Free morning to explore town. After lunch you will visit Óbidos, a medieval village surrounded by a big wall and well preserved castle. This is an amazing place to taste the famous cherry liquor (Ginjinha de Óbidos). Then go to the charming and misterious Sintra, UNESCO Heritage Site, to visit historical center. We will go towards Lisbon after a visit to Cascais, the Estoril Coast, and drive by the Atlantic Ocean and the Tagus River. Accommodation in Lisbon. DAY 7 - LISBON Meeting with our tour guide to a 4 hour panoramic half day tour. You will visit the most iconic district of the city of Lisbon Belém - which is filled with history and monuments such as Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. It was from here that many of the great Portuguese explorers embarked on their voyages of discovery. You will have the oportunity to go for a drink and pastries in the cafe Antiga Confeitaria de Belém that has been serving delicious custard tarts since 1841. After lunch you will visit Baixa, downtown Lisbon, the heart of the city. It is the main shopping and banking district that stretches from the riverfront to the main avenue. You will visit Glória Elevator and Lisbon Story Center. During the tour you will have a panoramic view of other historical districts of Lisbon. Free afternoon. Accommodation in the hotel. DIA 8 - LISBOA Free day to explore the city. Accommoda-

tion in Lisbon. DIA 9 - LISBOA - ÉVORA - ALGARVE Full day to explore Évora, one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal. Due to its well-preserved old town center, still partially enclosed by medieval walls, and a large number of monuments dating from various historical periods, including a Roman Temple, Évora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will visit Giraldo Square, the Roman Temple called Diana Temple, and Saint Francis Church that contains many chapels decorated in Baroque style, including the Chapel of Bones, totally covered with human bones. Then you will head towards Algarve where you will see beautiful beaches bordered by golden cliffs and stunning bays. You will visit: Tavira (Castle of Tavira, Roman bridge, Public garden, salt marshes, fishermen village of Santa Luzia); Cacela Velha (Igreja Matriz, Panoramic view of Ria Formosa); Olhão (Marginal de Olhão, Olhão market). Accommodation in Portimão. DAY 10 - PORTIMÃO - LAGOS SAGRES - PORTIMÃO After breakfast meeting our tour guide to a full day tour (lunch is not included). You will visit: Portimão (Zona Ribeirinha, Portimão Museum, Rocha beach, Fortress of Portimão); Lagos (Historical center, Ponta da Piedade); Sagres (Fortress of Sagres). Return and accommodation in Portimão. DAY 11- PORTIMÃO - LISBON Free day and accommodation in Lisbon. DIA 12 – LISBON Breakfast at hotel. Free day. Transfer from the hotel to the airport.


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PORTUGAL: HERITAGE AND CULTURE 10 DAYS Day 1 - LISBON Welcome to Lisbon! Transfer to your hotel.Free time to explore the city. Day 2 - LISBON After breakfast meeting our tour guide to a 4 hour panoramic half day tour. You will visit the National Coach museum in the most iconic district of the city of Lisbon Belém - which is filled with history and monuments such as Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. It was from here that many of the great Portuguese explorers embarked on their voyages of discovery. You will have the oportunity to go for a drink and pastries in the cafe Antiga Confeitaria de Belém that has been serving delicious custard tarts since 1841. Then you will visit Baixa, downtown Lisbon, the heart of the city. It is the main shopping and banking district that stretches from the riverfront to the main avenue. Free afternoon. Accommodation in the hotel. Day 3 - LISBON – CASCAIS – ESTORIL – QUELUZ – LISBON After breakfast at the hotel you will go to the charming and misterious Sintra, UNESCO World Heritage Site, to visit historical center. We will go towards Lisbon after a visit to Cascais, Cabo da Roca (the most western part of continental Europe), the Estoril Coast, and drive by the Atlantic Ocean and the Tagus River. After lunch you will visit the National Palace in Queluz. Accommodation in Lisbon. Day 4 - LISBON – ÓBIDOS – NAZARÉ – BATALHA – FÁTIMA – LISBON You will visit Óbidos, a medieval village surrounded by a big wall and well

preserved castle. This is an amazing place to taste the famous cherry liquor (Ginjinha de Óbidos). Then we will visit the fish village of Nazaré to shop for souvenirs. Afterwards discover the majestic Batalha Monastery, erected in commemoration of the 1385 Battle of Aljubarrota. We will follow in direction of Fátima to visit its Sanctuary - One of the great pilgrimage shrines of the world. Fátima was the site of the famous apparitions of the Virgin Mary in 1917. Day 5 - LISBON – ÉVORA – LISBON Full day tour to explore Évora, one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal. Due to its well-preserved old town centre, still partially enclosed by medieval walls, and a large number of monuments dating from various historical periods, including a Roman Temple, Évora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will visit Giraldo Square, the Roman Temple called Diana Temple, and Saint Francis Church that contains many chapels decorated in Baroque style, including the Chapel of Bones, totally covered with human bones. Accommodation in Lisbon. Day 6 - LISBON – PORTO After breakfast at the hotel you will head towards Porto. Free afternoon to explore the city at your leisure. Accommodation in Porto. Day 7 - PORTO Meeting in the morning with our tourguide to a 4 hour panoramic half day tour. You will visit the most iconic district of the city of Porto such as downtown Porto; Torre dos Clérigos (non accessible); Av. Aliados; Ribeira do Porto; Ponte de D. Luiz; Ribeira de Gaia; Foz do Porto. Free

afternoon. Accommodation in the hotel. Day 8 - PORTO – BRAGA – GUIMARÃES We will leave Oporto in the morning and visit the historic town of Braga. The ancient city of Braga has always been an important centre for culture, commerce and religion and is also known as the "Portuguese Rome" due to its concentration of religious architecture. After lunch you will go to Guimarães. The city is recognized by UNESCO due to the history and preservation of its monuments and the surrounding buildings. The castle, the Collegiate Church and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza are examples. Also known as the "cradle of the nation" because it was from here that D. Afonso Henriques started the conquest of Portugal from the Moors. Day 9 - PORTO – AMARANTE - VALE DO DOURO Exit towards Douro Valley with a stop in Amarante to visit the Monastery of St. Gonçalo and to taste the sweets of the region; continuing till Régua, considered the centre of the Douro Wine Region. Not to miss - Douro Museum, Casa do Douro and a wine producer estate to learn all about the vineyards and wine. Enjoy the scenery, Douro is considered UNESCO Wolrd Heritage Site. Day 10 – PORTO Breakfast at hotel. Free day. Transfer from the hotel to the airport.


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SOUTH OF PORTUGAL 7 DAYS Day 1 - LISBON Welcome to Lisbon! Transfer to your hotel.Free time to explore the city. Accommodation in Lisbon. Day 2 - LISBON Meeting at the hotel with our tour guide for a 4 hour panoramic half day tour. You will visit the most iconic district of the city of Lisbon - Belém - which is filled with history and monuments such as Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. Then you will visit Baixa, downtown Lisbon, the heart of the city. It is the main shopping and banking district that stretches from the riverfront to the main avenue. Then you will visit the renewed Parque das Nações. Accommodation in the hotel. Day 3 - ARRAIOLOS – ÉVORA – REGUENGOS DE MONSARAZ Full day tour to explore Alentejo. You will head to Arraiolos known for its famous tapestry, and its white and blue houses. After a visit to the castle you will go to Évora, one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal. Due to its well-preserved old town centre, still partially enclosed by medieval walls, and a large number of monuments dating from various historical periods, including a Roman Temple, Évora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will visit Giraldo Square, the Roman Temple called Diana Temple,and Saint Francis Church that contains many chapels decorated in Baroque style, including the Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos), totally covered with human bones. Accomodation in Reguendos de Monsaraz Day 4 - REGUENGOS DE MONSARAZ – BEJA – LAGOA

After breakdast at the hotel, we will continue our journey towards south. We will find the nobel city of Beja ounded by Julius Caesar and surrounded by plains. You will visit the historic center, the castle, the Cathedral and the Church of Saint Mary. Then we will head to Algarve. Accomodation in Lagoa. Day 5 - LAGOA – LAGOS – LAGOA On this day you will visit the ancient city of Lagos. In the fifteenth century it was from this city that the explorers departed to the African coast. It became one of the most opulent cities of the kingdom. We will visit the historic center and the Church of St. Anthony. Accomodation in Lagoa. Day 6 - LAGOA – ALCÁCER DO SAL – LISBON We leave in the morning from Lagoa to Lisbon where we will arrive late in the afternoon. Along the way we will visit Alcacer do Sal castle, one of the few Arab fortifications still up to this day. Following a line of natural building, this castle is in the same place where once a Roman megalithic hill fort and a Roman castellum. Accomodation in Lisbon. Day 7 - LISBON Breakfast at hotel. Free day. Transfer from the hotel to the airport.


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NORTH OF PORTUGAL 9 DAYS Day 1 - LISBON Welcome to Lisbon! Transfer to your hotel.Free time to explore the city. Day 2 - LISBON After breakfast meeting our tour guide to a 4 hour panoramic half day tour. You will visit the most iconic district of the city of Lisbon - Belém - which is filled with history and monuments such as Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. Then you will visit Baixa, downtown Lisbon, the heart of the city. It is the main shopping and banking district that stretches from the riverfront to the main avenue. Later you will visit the renewed Parque das Nações. Accommodation in Lisbon. Day 3 - LISBON - SINTRA - CABO DA ROCA - COSTA DO ESTORIL After breakfast, we will start the 3rd day of your accessible vacations, visiting the Queluz Palace, built in the year 1747. Continuing our journey, we will take you to the more occidental point of Europe Cabo da Roca. From here, you can observe the spectacular sight of Sintra, our next destination. Sintra is one of the several ex-líbris of Portugal and strongly recommended to be explored if you come to visit Lisbon. You will easily understand why Sintra is classified as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Its entire natural wrapped landscape seems to have stopped in time decades ago. We will continue to the beach of Guincho, one of the most famous beaches for the practice of windsurf, known to hold several international championships. Here, you will admire the wonderful and natural landscape of the Sintra-Cascais natural park. Then we'll visit Cascais, with it's

very typical downtown, and Costa do Estoril, one of the most scenic and attractive routes of Lisbon. Day 4 - LISBON - ÓBIDOS - COIMBRA – PORTO We will leave Lisbon and travel by the west region of Portugal to start the day with a visit to Óbidos, a spectacular medieval village encased inside the strong walls of a very well conserved castle. You will walk around the typical streets, visit churches with more than 500 years old and taste the famous “Ginginha” (typical alcoholic drink). Then you will visit the city of Coimbra, the birthplace of six Portuguese kings. It is still a reference considering its beauty, the typical centre and the Mondego River that brings a special charm to the city. Coimbra has Portugal 's first university, reputedly the second-oldest in the world! Accommodation in Porto. Day 5 - PORTO After breakfast meeting in the morning with our guide to a panoramic half day tour. You will visit the most iconic district of the city of Porto such as downtown Porto; Torre dos Clérigos (non accessible); Av. Aliados; Ribeira do Porto; Ponte de D. Luiz; Ribeira de Gaia; Foz do Porto. Free afternoon. Accommodation in Porto. Day 6 - PORTO - BRAGA – AMARANTE We will leave Oporto in the morning and visit the historic town of Braga. The ancient city of Braga has always been an important centre for culture, commerce and religion and is also known as the "Portuguese Rome" due to its concentration of religious architecture. Accommodation in Amarante.

Day 7 - AMARANTE - PINHÃO - FOZ CÔA – RAPA Situated 56 km east from Oporto, the pretty town of Amarante is set immaculately along the banks of the River Tâmega. In Amarante, you are going to see the magnificent church of São Gonçalo dating back to 1540. We will continue our visit trough the beautiful roads across the Douro valley until we get to Pinhão. Wine has been produced by traditional landholders in the Alto Douro region for some 2000 years. The small town of Pinhão is the epicentre of the Port winemaking area and a place where the soil and climatic conditions are considered to be at their very best. Afterwards we will dive a little deeper into history to admire an unique natural museum of ancient art in Vila Nova do Foz Côa. This exceptional concentration of rock carvings from the Upper Palaeolithic is the most outstanding example of early human artistic activity in this form anywhere in the world. Accommodation in Rapa. Day 8 - RAPA - MARVÃO - LISBON Exit from Rapa towards Marvão, one of the most traditional villages of Portugal. Lying on the east of Portugal, close to the Spanish border. Encaged inside castle walls, the village houses are somehow built inside, around and beneath the boulders. So we will return to the capital, Lisbon. Accommodation in Lisbon. Day 9 - LISBON Breakfast at hotel. Free day. Transfer from the hotel to the airport.


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PORTUGAL & SPAIN 14 DIAS Day 1 - LISBON Welcome to Lisbon! Transfer to your hotel.Free time to explore the city. Day 2 - LISBON On your second day in Lisbon, we will take you to visit the essence of the Portuguese capital, the city of a seven hills, on a full day tour. Day 3 - LISBON - FÁTIMA - BATALHA PORTO Departing to Porto passing by FÁTIMA and BATALHA. Fátima is one of the great pilgrimage shrines of the catholic world. It was there that the famous apparitions of the Virgin Mary were witnessed in 1917. Standing in an oak tree, bathed in a sea of light, the Virgin appeared and spoke to three peasant children, on five different occasions. It's in their memory that, every year, millions of pilgrims go there on the 13th of every month from May to October. The next stop will be in Batalha. We'll proceed to Batalha to visit the Batalha Monastery. The cathedral is an outstanding example of combined Gothic and Manuelino architecture. Accomodation in Porto. DAY 4 - PORTO After breakfast meeting in the morning with our guide to a panoramic half day tour. You will visit the most iconic district of the city of Porto such as downtown Porto; Torre dos Clérigos (non accessible); Av. Aliados; Ribeira do Porto; Ponte de D. Luiz; Ribeira de Gaia; Foz do Porto. Free afternoon. Accommodation in Porto. DAY 5 - PORTO - GUARDA - SALAMANCA Departing to Salamanca passing by Guarda. We depart from Oporto in the

morning towards Guarda where we will make a stop to visit the Cathedral and the historical centre. In the afternoon, we will depart towards Salamanca. DAY 4 - SALAMANCA - ÁVILA - MADRI In the morning, we will visit Salamanca's historical centre with a mandatory stop at Plaza Mayor, surrounded by arcades, the very core of the city. On the way from Salamanca to Madrid we will stop briefly at Avila where we will enjoy the scenery where Saint Teresa was born; this is a small town completely surrounded by a strong wall. This is a place to remember. Accomodation in Madrid. DAY 7 - MADRID On this day you will visit the royal palace, walk around the historical center, contemplate the iconic Puertas del Sol and Gran Vía, and visit the Prado Museum. DAY 8 - MADRID - TOLEDO We will leave Madrid towards Toledo, one of the most important centers of medieval European history. The Visigoths had chosen Toledo as their capital and, until the reign of Filipe II, so it was. The importance this city held during the medieval period explains the quality and style of its architecture which we may observe, nowadays. Walking in the city's streets is like revisiting a medieval Toledo. The painter El Greco was born here and his best works may be found at the Toledo cathedral, a mandatory place of our tour. Accommodation at a hotel, in Toledo. DAY 9 - TOLEDO - CORDOBA The amazement you will feel when arriving at Córdoba is the same the travelers of the 11th C. felt when this city was only a caliphate and one of the most

significant European capitals. A place not to miss is the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba of impressive dimensions being one of the largest mosques the Arabs ever built. The interior of the mosque is so imposing that, sometimes, one forgets to notice the also grandiose cathedral. DAY 10 - CORDOBA - GRANADA No sopé da Serra Nevada, entre os rios Darro e Genil, encontra-se uma das mais interessantes cidades da Andaluzia Oriental. O impressionante legado andaluz encontra jóias arquitectónicas do Renascimento e as infraestruturas do século XXI. Accomodation in Granada. DAY 11 - GRANADA - SEVILLA We will leave Granada to visit the vibrant city of Seville. After paying a visit to the city's core, you will visit its cathedral and the Torre de Giralda. You will see that the Arab occupation has left visible marks all over the city. Accomodation in Sevilla. DAY 12 - SEVILLE - FARO - PORTIMÃO We will depart from Seville towards Portugal where we will make a stop the photogenic city of Faro. The Romans have called to it Ossónoba and played a critical role in its shaping as an important city. The Arab occupation saw it grow and become a vital commercial link in the interactions between North Africa and Portugal. Accomodation in Portimão. DAI 13 - PORTIMÃO - ALCÁCER DO SAL - LISBON Leaving Algarve towards Lisbon we will make a stop at the historical town center of Alcácer do Sal. DAY 14 - LISBON Breakfast at hotel. Free day. Transfer from the hotel to the airport.


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IBERIAN DOURO 14 DAYS DAY 1 - PORTO Arrival to Porto, a truly cosmopolitan city that blends tradition and its people, the monumentality of its buildings with the modernity of the stores, nightlife and originality of designers. Lose yourself in the narrow streets and stone staircase linking downtown and medieval Ribeira. DAY 2 - PORTO Go on a guided tour of the city to know the city and its charms. You will cruise along Douro River, to enjoy a fantastic view over the historic centre of Porto and Gaia, while passing by 6 bridges; then continuing on foot to one of the Port Wine Cellars to learn and try various types of port. DAY 3 - GUIMARÃES Trip to Guimarães, recognized by UNESCO due to the history and preservation of its monuments and the surrounding buildings. The castle, the Collegiate Church and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza are examples. Also known as the "cradle of the nation" because it was from here that D. Afonso Henriques started the conquest of Portugal from the Moors. DAY 4 - AMARANTE - RÉGUA - PINHÃO Exit towards Douro Valley with a stop in Amarante to visit the Monastery of St. Gonçalo and to taste the sweets of the region; continuing till Régua, considered the centre of the Douro Wine Region. Not to miss - Douro Museum, Casa do Douro and a wine producer estate to learn all about the vineyards and wine. DAY 5 - FOZ CÔA Departure to Foz Coa, declared World Heritage Site, is considered one of the most important rock art sites in the world

and is the most important open-air Palaeolithic rock art site. The engravings Côa were considered world heritage site by UNESCO in 1998. DAY 6 - CIUDAD RODRIGO Trip to Ciudad Rodrigo, across the border from Portugal to Spain. Ciudad Rodrigo, declared a Historic-Artistic, is a fortified plaza located west of the province of Salamanca. Its walls hide a valuable set of civil and religious buildings, with particular reference to its Cathedral and Castle. DAY 7 - SALAMANCA Exit to Salamanca, the city is home to the oldest university in Spain. Salamanca is a city of enormous charm and an important architectural heritage, among which we highlight its two cathedrals (the Old and New), the Casa das Conchas, the Plaza Mayor, the Convento de San Esteban and Higher Schools. Lose yourself in the winding streets surrounding the Plaza Mayor. DAY 8 - SALAMANCA Take the day to visit to the Old Cathedral, the Monterrey Palace, the Convent of San Esteban and the Casa Lis where is the museum of art deco and art nouveau with an interesting collection of porcelain dolls. Enjoy strolling through several downtown streets, tapas in various taverns and restaurants in town. DAY 9 - ÁVILA Output to Ávila, a city bathed by River Adaja. Avila is a walled city and has strongly marked by history. The wall, with 2.5 km long, has multiple ports and 88 round towers, arranged in 20 to 20 feet. Don’t miss to visit the Parador Nacional

and various churches of the centre and museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics. DAY 10 - SEGOVIA Exit to Segovia, is a fascinating city, with plenty of life, especially in the area of Plaza Mayor, next to the cathedral. Visit the aqueduct, and the Real Alcázar, a spectacular fortress-shaped castle that rises at one end of the city, often doing sentry. Do not miss their famous suckling pig and varied tapas typical for this region. DAY 11 - BURGOS Burgos was founded as a fortress and later was a place of important trade fairs. Burgos is a city rich in Gothic art, especially the churches of Santa Gadea, St. Stephen and S. Gil, the Hospital del Rey, the Carmelite convents and Agostinhas, and the Cathedral of Burgos. DAY 12 - BURGOS Visit to the Museum of Human Evolution. Continuation of the Sierra Atapuerca to visit the park and visit them deposits. DAY 13 - LEÓN Output to Leon, formed by the ancient kingdoms of Castile and León, the region had a profound influence on the history of the country . DAY 14 - LEÓN Exit from Leon towards a small village about 2 km, called Las Medulas. The Medulas are an ancient Roman gold exploration. We recommend a visit to the archaeological Classroom (museum), where we can see how the Romans were able to extract the gold. We suggest stopping at the village of Orrellán. Return to Leon. DAY 15 - LEÓN Breakfast in the hotel. End of program.


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BOOKING Travel conditions: - Our packege is calculated for two, four, six or eight people. Minimum 2 persons; - Extra trips are optional and can be booked with us (the ones mentioned above can be organized as your wish); - The tours do not include meals; - Transportation is adapted to wheelchair.

Details for payments Bank

Millennium BCP / Banco Comercial Português

NIB

0033 0000 4536 0452 6050 5

IBAN

PT50 0033 0000 4536 0452 6050 5

SWIFT CODE

BCOMPTPL

Company: Vectio, Agência de Viagens, Lda

Vectio, Agência de Viagens, Lda. Rua da Âncora s/n / 8800-539 Santa Luzia - Tavira | PORTUGAL

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

NIF 507118502 | Capital social 150.000 € | Alvará Agencia. Viagen s n.º 1520/2008 | Alvará Animação Turística n.º 15/2006


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