Welcome to Porto! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Includes meal(s): Dinner
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!
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
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!
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Spend Your Day Your Way in Coimbra Explore more of Coimbra with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions.
Academic Discovery
Explore Coimbra's historical district featuring the UNESCO-listed University and the Pátio das Escolas (central courtyard). Visit the Royal Palace, St. Michael's Chapel, Cabinet of Curiosities, the Chemistry Laboratory, and Biblioteca Joanina, considered one of the most spectacular libraries in the world; discover how the resident bat colony helps preserve the books.
Pouring In Portugal
Discover the celebrated Bairrada region, the perfect place for prized Portuguese wines, especially sparkling wines. Enjoy a visit to a wine cellar for a tasting and tales of wine traditions amid resting bottles in rock-carved galleries.
Enjoy free time this evening. (B)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
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
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
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
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
NATURAL WONDERS 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
LOCAL ART 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 dislocated eye peering from behind a cracked “window” of yellow glass
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Fishing Lore & Luminescent Pools Enjoy a free day to explore independently or join an optional excursion to discover further afield. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
NATURAL WONDERS Discover more of Madeira Island with an optional excursion. Stop in Camara de Lobos, a small fishing village painted in 1949 by Winston Churchill. Continue towards Cabo Girai 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 and visit the beautiful natural pools
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
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
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
