UNRAVELLING SECRETS OF ALENTEJO & ALGARVE
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DAY 1 Arrival to Lisbon
Welcome at the airport by an English-speaking guide Transfer to your hotel According to flight schedules, panoramic tour of Lisbon: The Park of Nations, on the banks of the Tagus, the most modern and futuristic district of Lisbon, with its fountains and magnificent gardens. Check-in at the Hotel for 2 nights. Welcome drink and presentation of your program. Dinner and overnight
DAY 2 Wonderful Lisbon
Guided tour to the Belém district, and Jerónimos Monastery, exterior view of the elegant Belém Tower, and the Monument to the Discoveries, visit the Coach Museum. Small gourmet stop for a tasting of “pastel de Belém” (the traditional Codfish dish will make you discover an authentic Lisbon). Tram ride. Descent to the Santa Luzia viewpoint for a walk in the old Alfama district. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 3 Setubal / Evora
Departure to Setubal, to visit the fish market and watch a large amount of different fresh fishes, fruits, breads, olives etc. Very authentic and typical! Evora, the museum town surrounded by its Roman fortifications. Visit of the largest cathedral in Portugal, and the Roman temple dedicated to Diana Visit the Saint-François church, where you will be surprised by its “Chapel of Bones”. Stop at a cork processing factory and discovery of the production of “cork skin”. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 4 Discover Alentejo
Departure towards Reguengos de Monsaraz, São Pedro do Corval, the largest pottery center Visit to a pottery. Continuation to Monsaraz, one of the perched and fortified villages of Alentejo. The view is unique over the immense Alqueva Lake. Visit to Herdade do Esporão, one of the most respected wine producers in the southern region Road to Moura, walking tour to the Arab district of Mouraria Then Beja, it is surely one of the most beautiful towns in the south of the country. Dinner and overnight.
DAY
5
On the way to Algarve
Mértola, a small village perched on a hill and its white house’s perch on the Guadiana. Road to Tavira, an old aristocratic town, whose architecture has a strong oriental influence. Discovery of the real Algarve with its hidden villages Then, Salir Castle, which offers beautiful views Alte, charming typical village with its whitewashed houses and handmade fireplaces. Located at the estuary of the Arade River, Portimão is known for its sandy beaches, and a long tradition of fishing. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 6 The navigators’ route
Visit to Lagos. The old town is full of treasures, such as the gilded Santo Antonio Chapel, the statue of Prince Henry the Navigator and the site of the old slave market. Visit to the fortress of Sagres, site of the navigation school in the 15th century In Cape St Vincent you will be amazed by the spectacular high cliffs, known as the “End of Europe”. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 7 Explore the foothills of the Monchique mountains
Stop at Silves, the ancient Moorish capital of the Algarve province. The most visible buildings in the city are the red sandstone castle. Crossing the countryside, stop to explore the cobbled streets of Monchique, hidden in the mountains Road to Foia, the highest point of the Algarve, its view is breathtaking Going down the Monchique hill, a tasting of oranges awaits you, and the famous brandy of the Algarve, aguardente de medronho (arbutus). Farewell Dinner Overnight
DAY 8 Faro
Visit to Faro, capital of the Algarve. Stroll through the old town, rich in history, full of shops, restaurants, cafes, theaters and art galleries Transfer to Faro airport Possibility to extend your stay.
7 nights accommodation in 4- or 5-star hotels. Half board. The services of an English-speaking guide. Audio equipment from D2 until D8 Transport by air-conditioned tourist coach throughout the tour Entrance fees to monuments: Jerónimos Monastery; The Carriage Museum; Évora Cathedral; the Saint-François church and its bone chapel ; Salir Castle Santo Antonio chapel in Lagos; The fortress of Sagres; The Silves’ Castle; Faro´s Cathedral Tasting the famous “pastel de Belém” ; oranges and Arbutus drink The visits to a pottery; a cork processing factory (production sector closed on Sundays); the Herdade do Esporão with wine tasting The public tram ride Drinks not included during meals VAT
DAY 1 Welcome to Oporto
Welcome at the airport by an English-speaking guide Transfer to Oporto. According to flight schedules, walking tour in the downtown. Check-in at the Hotel for 2 nights. Welcome drink and presentation of your program Dinner and overnight
DAY 2 Oenologist for 1 day
PORTUGAL IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE
Legendary cities. Delve into rich history, culture, and cuisine.
Departure to a Wine Estate, to know a familiar production of green wine Up your arrival, be greeted with welcome sparkling wine Enjoy a workshop and learn about wine tastings, the wine region, and grape varieties. Then, savor the traditional cuisine of Minho with the wines of the producer. This experience will end with a tasting of regional products Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight
DAY 3 Gourmet and historical discoveries
Departure to São João da Madeira, a traditionally industrial village. Visit the Viarco pencil factory and the Hat Museum. Road to Aveiro, a magnificent city built on canals nicknamed "the Portuguese Venice" Visit of Oficina do Doce, where you will participate in the filing process of "Ovos Moles" pastries and taste this wonderful delicacy. Check-in at the Hotel in Beira for 2 nights. Dinner and overnight
DAY 4 Get involved with locals
Road to the village of Almeida, within a star shape fortress wall. Today we are involved into the inclusive tourism project, in the local community of Almeida - where the main actors are people with disabilities You will participate in the clay workshop at the pottery, with the locals. Next, hike along the trails in the rural village of Cabreira. After your bucolic and sporty walk, you meet a family of Queijo da Serra cheese producers for a well-deserved gourmet break. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 5 The cult of bread in Seia | Coimbra
Departure for a hike on nature and discover the river beach of Ratoeira In Seia visit The Bread Museum which has the mission to preserve, study, exhibit and interpret the History of Bread in Portugal. Then, Coimbra. Visit of the University listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site; discover the old town on foot, with its pedestrian streets, old houses, and traditions Dinner and overnight
DAY 6 Venture on the Tagus | Lisbon
Departure towards Santarém for an ecological boat ride along the Tagus River; have a look at the traditional houses and the fishing boats at Escaroupim. On the way to Alcochete discover the Special Protection Zone visited by 170 species of birds. The main highlight is the flamingos, herons that live here
Check-in at the Hotel in Lisbon for 3 nights Dinner and overnight.
DAY 7 Sintra | The secret of the bees in Cascais
Departure to Sintra, classified World Heritage by Unesco. Tasting of the traditional pastry, the "queijadas".
Hike to the Moorish Castle. One of the most beautiful viewpoints to admire the beauty of the Sintra town surrounded by lush vegetation Take part in “The secret of the bees” agricultural workshop in Cascais. Return to the Hotel. Overnight.
DAY 8 Lisbon's best sights, delve into rich history and culture
Visit Lisbon famous for its seven hills, for the Tagus River, for the historic quarters , known for the sunlight that leaves no one indifferent Departure to Belém, visit of the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and Tasting of the famous Pastéis de Belém. Walking through Belém Tower and Discoveries Monument, MAAT Viewpoint.
Return to the Hotel. Farewell Dinner and listen to fado. Overnight
DAY 9 Departure
Transfer to Lisbon airport. Possible to extend your stay.
08 nights accommodation in a 4/5-star hotel, local standards, or similar; 08 breakfasts, 01 lunch (day2), 07 dinners | Transport by private air-conditioned minibus / coach throughout the tour and the airport transfers | English-speaking guide throughout the tour from D1 to D 8 | All hikes and visits mentioned in the program | Entrance fees to the visits: The Viarco pencil factory. The Hat Museum. The interpretative center of the Torre de Oliva The Oficina do Doce The Bread Museum The University of Coimbra The Castle of the Moors Quinta do Pisão
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| Agricultural workshop and "the
(D7) | Tastings: Ovos moles (D3) Cheese (D4) Queijadas (D7) | Drinks not included during meals, except lunch day 2 | VAT
of
Activities: Oenologist workshop per 1 day
Workshop at Oficina do Doce (D3) Clay workshop (D4) Hiking at the rural village of Cabreira (D4) Hiking at Celorico da Beira (D5) Boat trip at Escaroupim (D6) Hike to Moorish Castle (D7)
secret
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GOURMET GET AWAY
DAY 1 Arrival Day
Welcome at Oporto airport by an English-speaking guide and transfer to the Hotel. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 2 Discover the Portuguese Flavors
Tasting of “bolinho de bacalhau”, a Portuguese codfish fritter, in a local tavern At Bolhão Market, enjoy the lively atmosphere Walk through the São Bento train station, with the famous tiles, and Rua de Flores Lunch in a local restaurant with tasting of “Alheira de Mirandela” (typical poultry smoked sausage) You will embark on a Douro Cruise (50 min) Visit of a wine cellar with a tasting. Dinner and overnight
DAY 3 Oenologist for 1 day
Departure to Quinta da Lourosa Upon arrival, you will be greeted with sparkling wine The wine workshop will start with an explanation of wine tastings Then you will have a traditional lunch from Minho region You will end this experience with a regional tasting: several cheese types, smoked sausages, regional sweets Departure to Guimarães, the cradle of the Portuguese nation Walking tour in the medieval quarter Dinner and overnight.
DAY 4 Murtosa, Aveiro, Costa Nova | Experience with locals
Departure towards Torreira and Murtosa. Visit of an old fish canning factory transformed into a museum. Participation in the preparation of your meal Caldeirada (typical dish), with the locals. It is a convivial moment with the local population. Then continuing to Aveiro. From the docks, you can see the singular beauty of the boats, moliceiros. You will taste the local typical pastry Ovos Moles. Get to know Costa Nova, a fishing village with a singular charm, aligns its rows of striped facades. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 5 The woods of Bussaco, Coimbra, Nazaré
Drive to Bussaco, with its forest and the fabulous Palace hotel. Continue to Coimbra. Walking tour to discover the old quarters full of history. Lunch with a unique Fado experience. Visit Nazaré, which will allow you to discover the fishermen's wives dressed in their skirts with seven petticoats. Stop at Obidos, picturesque medieval village. Tasting of "Ginginha“ a local liqueur served in a chocolate glass. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 6 Get lost in Sintra, Cabo da Roca, Cascais, Estoril
Departure to Sintra, a city of luxurious and natural beauty. Visit of the Royal Palace, known for its two huge conical chimneys. Tasting of the famous travesseiros (pillows), in an old local bakery. Lunch specialty: grilled suckling pig. Continuing to Cabo da Roca. Return to Lisbon passing by Cascais and Estoril, cities favored by its brightness and the mildness of its weather. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 7 Welcome to Lisbon
Visit of the National Coach Museum and the Jerónimos Monastery. Tasting of a "pastel de Belém", considered one of the 7 gastronomic wonders of Portugal Lunch tasting 4 codfish recipes Learn about Lisbon's coffee culture by visiting Café Nicola, which dates back to the XVIIIth century Continue to the Bairro Alto quarter, Lisbon's bohemian district, to enjoy a glass of white wine Evening dinner Fado and Folklore in a typical Lisbon restaurant Transfer to the Hotel and Overnight
DAY 8 Departure
Breakfast at the Hotel and transfer to the airport. Possible to extend your stay.
HIKING IN PORTUGAL & SPAIN
A round-trip featuring all the highlights of Portugal and Spain
DAY 1 Welcome to Oporto
Meet & greet at Oporto Airport by an English-speaking guide and transfer to the Hotel Check-in for 3 nights in the Minho region Welcome drink and presentation of the program Dinner and overnight
DAY 2 Ponte de Lima | Santa Luzia Hill | Viana do Castelo
Hiking through the protected area of Lagoas de S. Pedro de Arcos and Bertiandos Discovery of Ponte de Lima an enchanted place inhabited since immemorial times Visit of Viana do Castelo Take the funicular up to the top of Santa Luzia hill Visit of the basilica, offering a magnificent panoramic view Visit of the “Traje” Museum (traditional costumes) Tasting of a famous local pastry “Bola de Berlim do Natário". Return to the Hotel. Dinner at leisure. Overnight.
DAY 3 Peneda-Gerês National Park – The Little
Portuguese
Hiking in the Peneda-Gerês National Park – circle route
This itinerary is in Serra da Peneda, between two towns: the village of Peneda and Branda de Bouças dos Homens, through the slopes of Penameda (1215 meters), a real adventure due to steep slopes Break for lunch Transfer to Sistelo, a village located in the middle of Peneda-Gerês National Parc, near the source of the Vez river, famous for its terraced landscapes, hence the nickname of “little Portuguese Tibet” . This path goes up through the terraces, a landscape that changes colour with the seasons, where corn is cultivated, and cattle is grazed Transfer to the Hotel. Dinner at leisure.
DAY 4 Admire the Sights Braga and Guimarães
Discovery of Braga, often nicknamed “The Portuguese Rome” Departure to Guimarães, who proudly bears the title of cradle of the nation. Hiking in the Penha linear route This path allows for a walk in the historic centre of Guimarães The Monte da Penha is the lung of Guimarães, a place with a privileged view over the city of Guimarães
Penha Cable Car included Check-in at a Hotel in the Douro Valley region for 4 nights. Dinner at leisure.
DAY 5 Alvão Natural Park
Hiking in Vila Real region – Alvão Natural Park, from Barragens to Barreiro A circle path, where we can find several rare or endemic species From the top of the mountain, we can see the Lady of Grace (Senhora da Graça), which is the main goal of the most important national cycling events, the Tour of Portugal Break for lunch. Guided visit of Solar de Mateus, a magnificent manor house in Rococo Style, dating from the 18th century Return to the hotel Dinner at leisure
DAY 6 Douro Valley
Departure for the Fragas Más – Alijó hike Circle route, through several sections of the Roman road, landscape overlooking the Tua River, approaching the river and through several villages, namely the village of Safres Break for lunch Descent to Pinhão. Visit of a wine producing estate and tasting of locally produced Port wine. We will drive through the “world’s best driving road”, the N-222, from Pinhão to Peso da Régua, which offers spectacular views of the vineyards in the terraced hillsides. The Douro winemaking region was declared a World Heritage Site in 2001, by UNESCO Return to the hotel Dinner at leisure.
DAY 7 Journey to Scenic Oporto
Guided city tour on foot in Oporto, located in a magnificent amphitheatre on the banks of Douro River
Wander past Baroque churches, see the remarkable bridges that span the river, the medieval Ribeira Quarter, and its old quay/dock, before visiting Palácio da Bolsa the former Stock Exchange Palace. Short river cruise which will give you a different perspective of the city, seen from the Douro River Visit a Port wine cellars and tasting of this precious nectar Dinner and overnight.
DAY 8 Onwards to Coimbra | Lisbon
Travel from Oporto to Lisbon, stops along the way in Coimbra a city energised by the large student population The university, set around a former royal palace is one of the world’s oldest universities Check-in at the Hotel for 2 nights in Lisbon. Dinner at leisure.
DAY 9 Sintra
Sintra, has unique characteristics that led UNESCO to classify it as a world heritage site Guided tour of Pena Palace, a hedonistic mix of vividly painted terraces, decorative battlements, and mythological statues, all of which stand at stark contrast to the lush greens of the Parque de Pena Forest Way back to Sintra Guided tour of Vila Palace with its two distinctive cone-shaped chimneys. Continue on foot until Quinta da Regaleira. The enchanting gardens of the Quinta da Regaleira were styled to represent ancient secret orders, with hidden tunnels and concealed symbolism Return to the Hotel by the coast Transfer to the local restaurant for dinner and Fado experience. Transfer back to the Hotel
DAY 10 Discover Lisbon’s Treasures | Caceres
Walking city tour, a unique way to see and experience historical Lisbon. Your guide gives you a great insight into Lisbon’s lifestyle, history and culture Walk through Baixa– tasting the famous Pastel de Nata (custard tart) along the way Explore the amazing Rossio, Figueira and Comércio Squares. Get to know Chiado, the glamorous part of the city with its iconic cafés and shops Then head to Alfama, a beautifully ancient Moorish neighbourhood Departure to Caceres, a medieval hidden gem Check-in at the Hotel for 3 nights Dinner at leisure
DAY 11 Venture to Caceres
Guided walking city tour in Caceres. The cobblestoned medieval streets wind among ancient palaces, churches, arches and more, transporting you from the 21st century into a fairy tale. Visit of the museum of Caceres. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner at leisure.
DAY 12 Camino: Caceres | Casar
Departure for Hiking around Caceres to Casar (Camino), one of the best ways to experience more of the landscape. Break for lunch. Visit to a cheese factory; This unique style of cheese can only be made with raw sheep's milk and thistle rennet. Transfer to the Hotel. Dinner at leisure.
DAY 13 Explore Fiery Madrid
Departure to Madrid, the Capital City of Spain Guided walking tour to feel the true essence of Madrid; the Puerta del Sol square houses numerous landmarks like “El Oso y el Madroño”, KM 0 and the most famous clock in the city; the Plaza Mayor, Plaza de Cibeles the Royal Palace, El Retiro Park Check-in at the Hotel Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the city on your own terms. Admire the world's finest collection of Spanish art at the Prado Museum, indulge in some last-minute shopping on Gran Vía Farewell Dinner This evening witnesses the twirling of colorful skirts and rhythmic clapping of castanets at a fiery flamenco performance Transfer back to the Hotel
DAY 14 Adiós Madrid
According to the flight schedule, transfer to Madrid airport Possible to extend your stay.
13-night B&B accommodation in 4-star hotels (local standards); 02 Dinners at the hotel (day1 and7) / 01 Dinner local restaurant (day9); 01 Cultural farewell Dinner & show (Flamenco) day13 04 lunches at local restaurants (days 3,5,6 12); 04 packed lunch boxes. English-speaking guide/ tour manager for the duration of the tour. Transportation in a private tourism coach or van ; 03 City hikes (Lisbon, Caceres, Madrid) and 07 Nature hikes One-way ticket for the Viana do Castelo Funicular and Penha Cable Car; 1h Rivercruise, along the Douro River; Entrances: “Palácio da Vila”, Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra Museum of Caceres; “Traje” Museum; “Solar de Mateus” in Vila Real Tasting of: Pastel de Nata ;Bolas de Berlim do Natário; Wine in a wine-producing farm on the Douro valley; Port wine, in a wine cellar
