2023 Portugal - SOLD OUT

What shoes should you pack for walking on sunshine? The pair best suited for 1,000 miles of shoreline and 300 days of sunlit skies per year. With its refreshing Atlantic breezes and live-life-to the-fullest Mediterranean ways, the sun-drenched country of Portugal invites you to dip your toe—and entire body—into a sea of relaxation. This rejuvenating tour of Portugal leads you past rolling olive farms, through scenic cork groves, and down winding Moorish alleyways to the country’s signature delights. In its coastal villages and medieval towns, grilled seafood fills the tables, sweet port fills the glasses, and the soulful sounds of fado music fill the air. From the granules of golden sand to the rich nuggets of history, this enlightening tour of Portugal introduces you to the brightest sights of the country as you make a loop from lively Lisbon and back.

ITINERARY

Day 1: CANADA - LISBON (October 6, 2023) Hop on a plane and get ready for your exploration of Portugal.

Day 2: LISBON, PORTUGAL - Tour Begins

Your tour starts with your transfer from the airport to your hotel in Lisbon. Settle in, maybe explore a little on your own before you meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.

Dinner | Double Tree by Hilton Lisbon Fontana Park

Day 3: LISBON

Today's our day to explore Lisbon and see some historic sites like the 16th-century Monastery of Jerónimos, Belém Tower, and Lisbon’s Monument to the Discoveries which pays homage to the great explorers of Portugal. Perhaps grab a sandwich and a few of Portugal's famed pastéis de nata for your lunch!

Breakfast | Double Tree by Hilton Lisbon Fontana Park

Day 4: LISBON–OBIDOS–NAZARÉ–ALCOBAÇA–FÁTIMA–TOMAR

Today we leave Lisbon and journey north, first stopping in the walled town of Obdios, and then we'll have some free time in the coastal town of Nazare, which is home to some of the worlds' biggest waves. As we continue north, we'll stop by the monastery of Alcobaça which is a unique masterpiece of Gothic Cistercian art. Our next stop this day is in Fatima, where we'll visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary before we continue on to Tomar to check in to our hotel for the night.

Breakfast & Dinner | Dos Templarios

Day 5: TOMAR–COIMBRA–PORTO

We start our day in Tomar by visiting the Covent of Christ, before boarding our coach to travel to Coimbra. The city is home to the oldest university in Portugal (and one of the oldest in the world!), and you may get a chance to spot students and professors in their traditional black gowns. We then have a scenic drive to the city of Porto.

Breakfast | Vila Gale Porto

Day 6: PORTO

After breakfast we'll start with some guided sightseeing which includes a panoramic drive to the mouth of the Douro River and the cathedral. Visit the Church of São Francisco and the Arabian Hall in the Stock Exchange. Enjoy a Port wine tasting at the famous Sandeman & Co Port Wine Cellar, home of the most internationally recognized Porto wines. Here, taste centuries of tradition in a glass of Port wine in the city that bears its name. Saúde! Free time this afternoon to explore Porto with dinner on your own.

Breakfast | Vila Gale Porto

Day 7: PORTO–GUIMARAES–PENAFIEL–VISEU

Check out of your hotel and drive to Guimaraes where we'll have an orientation walk through the medieval district. Today we'll also visit the gardens of the Quinta da Aveleda winery and enjoy Portuguese tapas tasting in Penafiel before taking a scenic drive through the port wine vineyards en route to Viseu for the night. We'll enjoy dinner in Viseu with local specialties and wine at Forno da Mimi restaurant.
Breakfast & Dinner | Grao Vasco

Day 8: VISEU–BELMONTE–CASTELO DE VIDE–EVORA
Discover the tradition and taste of authentic Portuguese olive oil in a 20th-century olive-oil-factory-turned-museum in Belmonte. See the machinery which farmers used to transform olives into oil and taste the delicious fruits of their labours. Perhaps take home a gift of wine, olive oil, or jam to commemorate your visit. Later, visit a Cork Factory in Evora to learn about this traditional artisanship of Portugal.
Breakfast & Dinner | M'ar De Ar Muralhas

Day 9: EVORA–ALGARVE
Walk back in time to the Roman era of Evora – a city with roots firmly planted in the 16th century in the home of Portuguese kings. See the white houses, architectural tiles, and embellished balconies with a stroll through the Gothic sites of the cathedral, church, and chapel. The afternoon will be at your leisure so you can explore this area on your own.
Breakfast | Tivoli Lagos

Day 10: ALGARVE. COASTAL EXCURSION
We head to the sea today to take in the breathtaking views of the sweeping southern coastline of Portugal in 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.
Breakfast | Tivoli Lagos

Day 11: ALGARVE–AZEITÃO–LISBON

We depart this region and travel along a scenic drive along the Serra da Arrábida with views of the Tróia Peninsula. On our way back to Lisbon we'll stop at the São Simão Arte workshop and gallery in Azeitão where we'll enter a world of authentically handmade Portuguese tiles. It is here that distinguished antique collector Antonio Soares Franco creates his ceramic masterpieces by hand in the style of his ancestors. We'll enjoy a farewell dinner this evening in Lisbon.
Breakfast & Dinner | Double Tree by Hilton Lisbon Fontana Park

Day 12: LISBON - CANADA
Depart for Canada with memories for a lifetime (and maybe some Pasteis de nata tucked in your luggage for a snack!).

Breakfast

*NOTE: HOTELS SUBJECT TO CHANGE