Tantalizing petiscos. Thrilling natural wonders. Timeless traditions. Portugal is calling with a wealth of wonders to amaze and enchant. From Porto to Lisbon, your senses are filled with visions of natural wonder, wonderful wines, tempting tastes, and amazing artistry on this escorted tour of Portugal. Your vacation in Portugal continues with a flight from Lisbon to Ponta Delgada—to soak in some of Mother Nature’s finest work on the Atlantic Ocean. Take in the views of volcanic masterpieces from the top of Pico da Barrosa Mountain and visit Europe’s only tea plantation on the massive Maia farm. Visit Furnas’ geothermal wonders and marvel at the volcanic crater, cradling the luminous Sete Cidades Lake—one of Portugal’s Seven Natural Wonders.PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Coimbra so you can plan your day your way.
Guided walking tour in Porto’s center includes a complimentary glass of Porto.
Scenic Douro River cruise
Visit Aveiro, Sintra, and Cascais
Orientation walk in Coimbra
Globus Choice excursions in Coimbra − included in your tour with your choice of a guided walking tour of the historical district, focusing on the UNESCO-listed University or a visit to a wine cellar followed by a wine tasting experience in the Bairrada wine region
Guided sightseeing in Lisbon features a photo stop at Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries
[LF] Guided visit of Mafra includes the Royal Palace, the convent, and John V Library
Orientation walk in Ponte Delgada
Visit to only tea plantation in Europe
Visit to a pineapple plantation
Scenic drives to Ribeira Grande, Pico do Carvao viewpoint, and Sete Cidades
Return flight between Lisbon and St. Michael, Azores
Notes: We encourage all guests to prebook their preferred included Globus Choice excursions to ensure your selection is available. If your preference is not selected 35 days prior to departure, we will select a Choice excursion on your behalf based on availability. Services of the Tour Director end on day 7. Island portion includes services of a local expert.
Welcome to Porto! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel Dinner
Day 2 PORTO
Panoramas & Port Wine Discover the beauty of the waterfront city of Porto when you follow your Local Guide on a sightseeing tour that features a panoramic drive to the mouth of the Douro River, plus a walk in the center to see the soaring cathedral, the Church of São Francisco, and the Stock Exchange. Enjoy a glass of the local Porto Wine before relaxing on a panoramic Douro River cruise. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LOCAL TASTES The grapes from the vineyards in the Douro Valley surrounding Porto provide the main ingredient for one of the world’s most recognized fortified wines. Visit a local wine cellar and taste centuries of tradition in a glass of Port wine in the city that bears its name. Saúde! Breakfast
Day 3 PORTO–AVEIRO–COIMBRA
Art Nouveau & Academic Honors This morning, stop at the picturesque fishing town of Aveiro, often called “the Portuguese Venice.” Take a stroll to admire the canals and the charming streets. Why not pop into a local bakery and get acquainted with the Ovos Moles de Aveiro, delicious traditional pastries! Continue to Coimbra and start to discover the town on an orientation walk. (B)
93mi/ 150km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Aveiro is known as the Portuguese Venice for the canals that traverse it, and the traditional boats (barcos moliceiros) that sail on them. In the center you'll discover the colorful buildings that reflect the delightful Art Nouveau movement in the city where the past and present blend to reveal a remarkable landscape! Breakfast
Day 4 COIMBRA
Spend Your Day Your Way in Coimbra Explore more of Coimbra with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions.
Enjoy free time this evening Breakfast
Day 5 COIMBRA–LISBON
Panoramas & Port Wine After a pleasant drive, reach the beautiful capital city Lisbon, located on the River Tagus. Discover the historic grandeur of Lisbon when you join your Local Guide for a fascinating sightseeing drive complete with photo stops at Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. Enjoy an evening at leisure to explore more of this vibrant city. (B)
146mi/ 235km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT The stunning capital city of Portugal is a treasure trove of historic and architectural masterpieces. Along the banks of the River Tagus see the 16th-century Belém Tower, which served as a fortress and an embarkation point for sailors, it was their last sight of land before the start of their journey. Lisbon’s impressive sculpture, the Monument to the Discoveries pays homage to great Portuguese explorers with a spectacular carved prow of an ancient ship Breakfast
Day 6 LISBON–EXCURSION TO MAFRA, SINTRA AND CASCAIS
Portuguese Royalties A real treat today with an included excursion to visit three localities of the Portuguese Riviera. First stop is Mafra for an enjoyable [LF] guided visit which includes the Royal Palace, the convent, and John V Library. Continue to Sintra, free time to stroll the UNESCO-listed historical center and try some local specialties for lunch. Later, stop in the popular resort town of Cascais, browse the charming center before a scenic drive back to Lisbon. This evening, sit down with your travel companions for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
HISTORY & HERITAGE Learn about the colony of bats which have made their home behind the bookshelves of the John V library and that ensure its ancient books remain in pristine conditions. The bats leave their hiding spot at night to hunt insects that would otherwise damage the leather- bound spines and yellowed pages of the library’s antique collection BreakfastDinner
Day 7 LISBON–PONTA DELGADA
The European Hawaii Today, leave the Portuguese mainland and fly to Ponta Delgada, capital of the Azores archipelago, located on the island of São Miguel. Meet your Local Expert for an orientation walk to admire the historic landmarks and attractive waterfront. Enjoy free time to explore more. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PURE & NATURAL Mother Nature has created a land full of natural beauty, ready to be explored, in the blue immensity of the Atlantic. Waterfalls tumble down basalt cliffs, rainforest-covered hills are topped by spectacular crater lakes and pale-green pastures are hedged by a kaleidoscope of hydrangeas. Dive into the rich cultural heritage as well with warm welcomes by local residents who graciously share stories of proud history and traditions Breakfast
Day 8 PONTA DELGADA. EXCURSION TO THE CENTRE OF THE ISLAND
Volcanic Craters & Cups of Tea A fascinating day awaits! Drive to Ribeira Grande and stop at the top of Pico da Barrosa mountain to take in views of the volcano’s crater and the ocean. At Maia visit the oldest and only tea plantation in Europe, then continue to Furnas to see the area’s geothermal activity before enjoying an included lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a visit of the botanical gardens. Drive back to Ponta Delgada for a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EUROPE’S CUP OF TEA Visit the oldest (and currently the only) tea plantation in Europe. Today the Tea Factory produces 40 tons of tea every year from 37 hectares of plantations without the use of chemicals products. One lump or two? BreakfastLunch
Day 9 PONTA DELGADA
Forbidden Fruit & Fruitful Landscapes Enjoy the morning at leisure before an afternoon drive to visit a pineapple plantation. Continue to Pico do Carvao viewpoint and take in the region’s stunning beauty. Drive to the bridge of Sete Cidades which separates two small, ecologically different lakes situated in the crater of a dormant volcano. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Sete Cidades Lake is one of the seven Natural Wonders of Portugal and the largest natural freshwater reservoir in the Azores. The lake is actually two lagoons, called Green Lake (Lagoa Verde) and Blue Lake (Lagoa Azul), linked by a shallow channel. The differing hues of each lake are the natural result of varying reflected light, or it could be the legend of a blue-eyed shepherd and a green-eyed princess whose tears filled each lake with tears of forbidden love. You decide! BreakfastDinner
Day 10 PONTA DELGADA–LISBON
At Leisure in Lisbon Pack your bags and depart the magical Island of San Miguel with a flight to Lisbon. Enjoy leisure time to explore more of the city. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE Enjoy free time in Lisbon to absorb more art and culture in one of the museums, stroll along the classic streets, browse the stores, or try local specialties, like the delicious pastel de nata Breakfast
Day 11 LISBON
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Accommodations
Porto
Coimbra
Lisbon
Ponta Delgada
Holiday Inn Porto Gaia First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Rua Diogo de Macedo, 220 Vila Nova de Gaia Porto Portugal
A modern 212-room high rise hotel near the historical Porto city centre with a chic atrium bar and culinary concept restaurant serving traditinal Portuguese cuisine. Amenities include a gym, spa and Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout.
Donas Ines First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Rua Abel D14S Urbano 12 Coimbra Portugal
The modern rooms are all equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen satellite TV, a desk, a radio, a minibar and a safety deposit box. The hotel's two modern restaurants offer a range of regional Portuguese food and international cuisine. The Old Cathedral of Coimbra and the famous Unesco World Heritage Coimbra University are a 20 minute walk away and a bus station is within easy reach just a few minutes walk away.
Mercure Lisboa First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Avda Jose Malhoa, 23 Lisbon Portugal
A 104-room modern hotel offering Free Wi-Fi Internet access and year-round heated rooftop swimming pool, with panoramic views over the Águas Livres Aqueduct. International cuisine and Regional wines can be enjoyed in the main restaurant and there is a lobby bar serving a wide range of drinks & cocktails.
Azoris Royal Garden Superior First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Rua de Lisboa Ponta Delgada Portugal
This welcoming modern hotel has a seasonal outdoor swimming pool with a terrace and Zen-style gardens. All of the elegant 193 guest rooms are air-conditioned, decorated with neutral tones and come with a private bathroom, hairdryer, minibar, cable-TV, in-room safe and Free Wi-Fi access. A tennis court, a wellness center and a heated indoor pool are also available. The on-site restaurant serves local and international cuisine, there is also a piano bar for drinks and a cafe that overlooks the landscaped gardens.