Welcome to Lisbon! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Includes meal(s): Dinner
Spend Your Day Your Way in Lisbon. Explore more of Lisbon with your choice of an included Globus Choice excursion.
Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to discover more of Lisbon. (B)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Sea, Surf & Sanctuaries Leave vibrant Lisbon behind and start to get acquainted with some of Portugal’s smaller gems. Stop in the medieval town of Óbidos and join an orientation walk through some of its picture-perfect streets. Next, visit the charming coastal town of Nazaré, a magnet for surfers. Take a short drive to Alcobaça for free time to visit the Church of Santa Maria at Alcobaça Monastery. Later, en route to Tomar, stop at Fátima, one of the most important Marian shrines, and visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
The monastery of Alcobaça is a unique masterpiece of Gothic Cistercian art. See the tombs of King Pedro I and his Castilian lover, Inês de Castro, and hear about the heartbreaking tale of these ill-fated lovers. The king never stopped loving Ines even after she was murdered, and during his life he commissioned matching tombs that sit together so that they can look at each other as they rise from their graves
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Academic Honors Today, three historic towns are on the menu. This morning, visit the stunning town of Tomar and discover the town’s strong links to the Knights Templar when you visit the Convent of Christ. Later, continue to Coimbra and visit the University, one of the oldest in Europe, which gives it the nickname, the “City of Knowledge.” Enjoy a scenic drive en route to Porto. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
The University of Coimbra is distinguished as the oldest university in Portugal and one of the oldest in the world. It is also one of the best-known and internationally celebrated. With a history of more than seven centuries, the students at Coimbra University dress in the traditional black capes with ribbons in varying hues as was the tradition when the school was founded in 1290
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Panoramas & Port Wine Uncover 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 including visits of the Church of São Francisco and the Stock Exchange with its Arabian Hall. Enjoy a [LF] Port wine tasting at a local Port wine cellar. This afternoon, explore the city at leisure. (B)
LOCAL FAVORITE
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!
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Port & Petiscos The treats keep coming today! Start with a visit of Guimarães to discover why it is called the “Birthplace of Portugal,” and enjoy an orientation walk through the medieval center. Continue to Penafiel, [LF] visit the gardens of the Quinta da Aveleda winery, and enjoy a Portuguese petiscos tasting. Later, enjoy a scenic drive through the port wine vineyards en route to Viseu. This evening, delve into some local specialties and wine with dinner at the Forno da Mimi restaurant. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
The history of the Quinta da Aveleda estate spans the centuries and generations who have preserved the Portuguese traditions of winemaking and proud legacy of the Guedes family. The architectural heritage of this cherished estate is only matched by its wines, produced and nurtured as the largest family-owned Vinho Verde exporter and winery
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Bottles & Corks This morning, visit the charming town of Castelo de Vide, dominated by a well-preserved medieval castle. Enjoy some free time to stroll in the historic Jewish Quarter and through the characteristic narrow streets. Reach Evora in the heart of Alentejo and [LF] visit a traditional cork factory. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
Known as the “cork capital of the world,” Portugal is the world’s leading producer and exporter of cork, with the Cork Oak tree being native to the region of Alentejo. For hundreds of years, one of the most well-known uses of cork is as a wine bottle seal, however it’s much more versatile and many articles such as bags, keyrings, jewelry, and shoes made of cork can be found in local shops. Lady Gaga wore a dress made of cork and NASA has been using it as insulation for many years. Learn all about this traditional artisanship when you visit a Cork Factory in Evora
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Gothic Grandeur Discover what makes Evora special this morning when you follow your Local Guide on a guided walking tour through the narrow alleys to see the Roman Temple and visit the Cathedral, São Francisco Church, and the Ossuary Chapel. Later, depart for the Algarve. Enjoy free time late afternoon and evening. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Walk back in time to the Roman era of Evora – a city with Roman roots that later flourished as a residence of Portuguese kings during the 15th and 16th centuries. See the white houses, architectural tiles, and embellished balconies with a stroll through the Gothic sites of the cathedral, church, and chapel
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Cliffs & Coastlines Today, experience Portugal’s most famous coastline with an excursion along the breathtaking Algarve coast. Visit the Promontory of Sagres and Cape St. Vincent, believed by the Romans to be the end of the world! Later, stop at the colorful resort town of Lagos to enjoy some leisure time to browse. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Take in the breathtaking views of the sweeping southern coastline of Portugal in the Algarve. Stand on the Promontory of Sagres and Cape St. Vincent to gaze at the glorious beaches, postcard-perfect fishing ports, and towering cliffs along the sea
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Peninsula Miles & Painted Tiles Bid farewell to the Algarve and take a scenic drive along the Serra da Arrábida with views of the Tróia Peninsula. En route to Lisbon, stop at Azeitão to visit a traditional tile workshop. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Enter a world of authentically handmade Portuguese tiles at the São Simão Arte workshop and gallery in Azeitão. It is here that distinguished antique collector Antonio Soares Franco creates his ceramic masterpieces by hand in the style of his ancestors
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Seasons in the Sun Today, leave the Portuguese mainland and fly to Funchal, capital of Madeira. Meet your Local Expert and continue to Santa Cruz, a delightful mix of nature, beach, culture, and tradition. Join an orientation walk to admire the historic landmarks and attractive waterfront. Enjoy free time to explore more. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
The island of Madeira boasts some of Europe’s most impressive landscapes. Soak in the breathtaking natural scenery that merges with crystal-clear waters, centuries-old traditions, and authentic flavors. Experience a unique island where the clock does not set the time, and the calendar does not dictate the season
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Little Lisbon Funchal was once called “Little Lisbon” due to its narrow streets and historical buildings. Discover the city with a visit to Mercado dos Lavradores and the “open-air museum” of the Santa Maria. Take the cable car to Monte for spectacular views. This evening, taste the local Madeira wine and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
It’s no coincidence that Funchal used to be called “Little Lisbon,” and that is no coincidence. There are plenty of historical buildings to discover in the narrow streets, while the typical white houses are nestled on the steep slopes. You won’t believe your eyes at the heart of the Zona Velha (Old Town), a swirl of public creativity, which has seen the entrances to buildings along the Rua de Santa Maria adorned with bright paintings and imaginative scenes. Images include everything from a fisherman sitting by his boat in the moonlight to a floating eye peering from behind a cracked “window” of yellow glass
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Fishing Lore & Alluring Pools Enjoy a free day to explore independently or join an optional excursion to discover further afield. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
Discover more of Madeira Island with an optional excursion. Stop in Camara de Lobos, a small fishing village that Winston Churchill painted in 1949. Continue towards Cabo Girão the world's second highest sea cliff (and Europe’s highest) and the Paul de Serra, Madeira’s biggest and highest plateau. Visit Porto Moniz, the most north-western valley. Here, you can see its beautiful natural pools
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
At Leisure in Lisbon Pack your bags and depart the magical island of Madeira with a flight to Lisbon. Enjoy leisure time to explore more of the city. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
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
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
