ADVENTURE in PORTUGAL!
with Joye & Dave Moon
April 16 – May 1, 2010
$2,800 ground only
Itinerary:
April 16
Fly to Oporto, Portugal
April 17
Transfer Oporto airport to Hotel in Oporto:
Time to explore before our welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
April 18
Full Day Escorted Tour of Oporto:
Enjoy a full day tour of Porto. Discover the coastal city, the architectural highlights including the Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic monuments. Continue with a visit to the Stock Exchange Palace and Sao Francisco Church. Additional highlights include Batalha Square, and a view of Douro river and visit the Vila Nova de Gaia area of town for a visit a Port Wine lodge to sample sherry.
April 19
Full Day Escorted Tour to the Douro Valley:
Today your tour visits Portugal’s famed Douro Valley. This distinguished region is recognized for ancient wine production of sweet wines worldwide. The first stop is at Amarante. This distinctive town sets a perfect backdrop for a break to taste delicious pastry and visit Saint Gonçalo convent. Afterwards continue to Régua, capital of Port Wine where you will tour a local winery followed by lunch at a local restaurant.
April 20 Full
Day Tour to Barcelos:
Depart for Barcelos, recognized as home to one of the most emblematic symbols of Portugal, the colorful ceramic rooster. Local legend speaks of a rooster saving a traveler’s life, who was wrongly accused of theft by crowing his innocence. Today, this quaint town boasts a huge range of locally produced ceramics alongside local handcrafts. Additional highlights include the Jewish Quarter and streets lined with medieval and baroque houses.
April 21
Depart for Coimbra, the most romantic city in Portugal:
Today’s visit takes you to one of the most well preserved Roman ruins in Portugal, Coimbra. Highlights include a visit to the XIII century university, one of the most important universities in Europe, with a visit to the famous school library. Afterwards, walk through the quaint narrow streets of the ancient section to view the XII century Cathedral before lunch at a local restaurant.
April 22
Full Day Tour to Fatima and Evore:
Depart towards Fatima to visit the Sanctuary, Basilica and the Chapel of Apparitions - heart of the shrine. Visit the place made famous by the belief that the blessed Mary appeared to Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco. After a break for some local olive oil tasting, travel to Evora, capital of Alentejo region, where you arrive in time for overnight.
April 23
Full Day Tour of Evora:
Today, spend a full day visiting Evora. Often termed a “town museum”, your tour highlights include a visit to Saint Francis to view the “chapel of bones”, made with thousands of human skeletons. Continue with a walk along the quaint streets of this UNESCO World Heritage town, with romantic streets showcase white washed houses, antique palaces and churches. Stop at the Diana Temple, the best well preserved Roman temple in Portugal. Continue with a visit to the Romanesque Gothic Cathedral.
April 24
Travel to Cascais:
Travel to beautiful Cascais. This once sleepy fishing village was made fashionable after King Luis I, chose to convert the 17th century building into his summer residence. Attracting world famous aristocrats, palaces and mansions followed with politicians, actors and writers who also visited this charming place. Upon arrival, you are free to enjoy the afternoon at leisure and relax along the shores.
April 25
Day of Leisure at Resort!
Day of leisure at this beautiful resort! Enjoy an AMAZING group lunch included at the hotel today! Take advantage of the SPA!
April 26
Full Day Tour of the Coast:
Depart to Estoril following Portugal’s ‘sunny coast’ named for the average 300 sunny days per year. Highlights of your drive include views of Carcavelos beach sprinkled with palaces, manor houses and villas. View Cascais Bay, site of the old fishing port to see the typical fishing boats unloading the catch of the day. Travel along the seaside toward Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe. This will be a wonderful photo opportunity with views of the ocean and seashore. After lunch at a local restaurant, drive through luxurious Sintra with its gardens and romantic winding roads. Stop in the medieval town of Sintra. Visit the once royal palace, shop along the quaint narrow streets with local handicraft shops or sample a local pastry. Return to Cascais.
April 27
On To Lisbon:
Today you will move to Lisbon. Enjoyed year round for its springtime temperatures, this capital city of Portugal is legendary for the warm people and fabulous style. Upon arrival, visit the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, MNAA (National Museum of Ancient Art) where you will find some of the most important artifacts relating to Portuguese art. Afterwards, check-in to your hotel for your four night stay.
April 28
Full Day Tour of Lisbon:
Begin your tour of Lisbon, city of the seven hills, with unique views from the top of the hills. Cross the famous Marquis of Pombal Square toward Liberty Avenue towards Rossio, the heart of Lisbon. Highlights of your tour also include a view of the Alfama Quarter, St. Anthony of Padua Church, XII century Cathedral of Lisbon, Belem Quarter and Belem Tower where you can view Manueline architecture up close. Continue with a visit to the Monument to the Discoveries and Jeronimos Monastery.
April 29
Full Day Tour of Region:
Travel northwards and arrive at the beautiful and ancient walled town of Obidos, a medieval city surrounded by a castle with picturesque narrow streets, whitewashed houses and iron balconies. Continue with a visit to the charming town of Alcobaca. Visit the XII Century Alcobaca Monastery. It is noted for amazing views of the tombs of King Peter and Ines, the two lovers that are the characters of the most dramatic Portuguese love story. Afterwards, tour the Royal Glass Factory Museum. Included Lunch at local restaurant
April 30
Free Day on your own
Visit the open market for some last minute shopping and leisure. Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.
May 01
Departure for Home:
Breakfast at hotel. Transfer from hotel to Lisbon airport.
Cost: $2,800 [land only package]
Tour Features:
*14 nights accommodations at First Class hotels with private bath or shower
• Buffet breakfast daily
• 4 Lunches including drinks
• 1 Lunch at hotel in Cascais without drinks
• 2 Dinners at local restaurants including drinks
• 1 Dinner at Hotel Mar d’Ar Muralhas without drinks
• Wine tasting and visit in Oporto
• Olive Oil Tasting
• Full day tour to Oporto
• Full day tour of Douro Valley / Amarante / Regua
• Full day tour of Barcelos
• Full day tour of Evora
• Full day tour of Estoril / Cascais / Cabo da Roca / Sintra
• Half day tour of the National Art Museum in Lisbon
• Full day tour of Lisbon
• Full day tour of Obidos / Alcobaca / Royal Glass Factory Museum
• Visit to Fatima, Sanctuary and free time
• Visit Coimbra
• 12 Entrance fees at Monuments and Museums
• English speaking guide for all local sightseeing
• English speaking Escort throughout your trip
• Deluxe motor coach with AC throughout your trip
• Porterage of 1 piece of luggage per person throughout
• Hotel taxes and service charges and tipping
Price $2,800 on or before January 1, 2010
Price increases to $3,000 on January 2, 2010
Single Supplement: $900
Deposit: $850 Due on or before January 1, 2010.
Do NOT wait to sign up! First come, First served!
Flights:
A group flight has been arranged with our tour company. The flight is with Lufthansa Air Lines and is scheduled from Chicago to Oporto, Portugal on the arrival and scheduled from Lisbon, Portugal to Chicago on the return. There are few flights to Portugal and this one meets our needs. Contact Joye ASAP to be a part of the group flight.
Travel Insurance:
You will find a separate travel insurance brochure included with this itinerary. If you happened to just pick up this trip brochure and did not receive an insurance form, contact Joye to receive one. Please fill out this initial Portugal sign-up form & registration.
Include Deposit and Mail to:
Mail to: Joye Moon 4974 Lansing High Point, Oshkosh, WI 54904
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