Welcome to Lisbon!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Spend Your Day Your Way in Lisbon.
Explore more of Lisbon with your choice of included Globus Choice Excursions.
Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to discover more of Lisbon. (B)
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 Obidos 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 some free time to visit the Church of Santa Maria Monastery. Later, en-route to Tomar, stop at Fatima, one of the most important Marian shrines, and visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. (B/D) 130 mi / 210 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LEGENDARY LIVES: The monastery of Alcobaça is a unique masterpiece of Gothic Cistercian art. See the tombs of King Pedro I and his Castillan lover, Ines 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.
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) 130 mi / 210km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURE & TRADITION: 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.
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 to see the Church of São Francisco, and visit the Stock Exchange with its Arabian Hall. Enjoy a Port wine tasting at a local Port Wine Cellar. This afternoon, explore the city at leisure. (B)
LOCAL FAVORITE - 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!
Port & Petiscos
The treats keep coming today! Start with a visit of Guimaraes, discover why it is called the “Birthplace of Portugal” and enjoy an orientation walk through the medieval center. Continue to Penafiel, 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) 168 mi/ 270 km.
LOCAL FAVORITE - HISTORY & HERITAGE: The history of the Quinta da Aveleda estate spans the centuries and generations who have preserved the Portuguese traditions of wine making 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 Vinho Verde exporter and family-owned winery.
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 visit a traditional cork factory. (B/D) 224 mi / 360 km.
LOCAL FAVORITE - LOCAL CRAFTS: 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.
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, free time late afternoon and evening. (B) 162 mi / 260 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURE & TRADITION: 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.
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 Roman's to be the end of the world! Later stop at the colorful resort town of Lagos to enjoy some leisure time to browse. (B) 81 mi / 130 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - PICTURE PERFECT: 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.
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) 196 mi / 315 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ART & ARTISTRY: 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.
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 crowned 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.
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?
Forbidden Fruit & Fruitful Landscapes
Enjoy a 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 located in the crater of a dormant volcano. (B/D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - NATURAL WONDERS: Sete Cidades Lake is located in a volcanic crater about 4 kilometres long by 2 kilometres wide with a depth of 30 metres. The 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!
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.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
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