11 NIGHTS / 13 DAYS
Day 1: Canada - Lisbon
Flight with a good itinerary.
Day 2: Lisbon
Arrival at the airport in Lisbon. You will be greeted by our local representatives after exiting the customs and transfered to your hotel in Lisbon. The rest of the day is free for you to start your exploration of Portugal's capital city.
Day 3: Lisbon – Sintra – Cascais – Estoril – Lisbon
Breakfast at the hotel. Driving along the road surrounded by ancient aristocratic estates and picturesque villages, you will reach Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of the European continent, and the fabulous city of Sintra, a medieval royal residence that became a favorite vacation spot for the aristocracy in the 18th century. Here, you will get acquainted with the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira palace, and the fairy-tale like Pena Palace, standing on the top of a hill and combining almost all architectural styles. Lunch free in Sintra.
In the afternoon, you will stop at the legendary Devil's Mouth cave and Guincho Beach before taking a stroll in the fishing town of Cascais. On your way back to Lisbon, you will visit Estoril, a spa town where several noble families lived during World War II, fleeing the persecution of the Nazis. Evening free in Lisbon. (Breakfast)
Day 4: Lisbon – Fatima – Alcobaça – Batalha – Nazaré – Óbidos – Lisbon
Departure from Lisbon to Fatima, a town that became a place of worship for believers after the Mother of God appeared to three shepherdesses in 1917. Nowadays, Fatima is called the "Altar of Peace", and 5 millions of pilgrims from different countries come to visit it every year. Then, you will see the Monastery of Alcobaça, the oldest in the area, where the tombs of the most famous lovers of Portugal are located, and the Monastery of Batalha, one of the best and original examples of Late Flamboyant Gothic architecture in Portugal, built in the 14th century. Around noon, you will reach Nazaré, with its colorful fishing traditions and long half-moon shaped beach, where you can witness the biggest beach-breaking waves in the world.
Following lunch (not included) you will head to the medieval town of Óbidos. This town is the perfect romantic getaway close to the capital with its well-preserved castle and handicraft shops within the walls, a maze of alleys, and white houses that are a delight to stroll amongst. Return and evening free in Lisbon. (Breakfast)
Day 5: Lisbon – Porto
Following breakfast, half day guided city tour of Lisbon. In a maze of sloping alleys and serpentine staircases, life in the old town of Lisbon is rhythmed by the sound of colorful streetcars, the favorite means of transportation among locals.
After touring the historic Alfama district, you will head toward Belém where you will visit Jerónimos Monastery, a resting place for numerous historic Portuguese characters. You will also visit the famous Tower of Belém, erected in the 16th century to control the entrance of the city from the sea, and the Monument of the Discoveries, a memorial to the pioneering Portuguese navigators. Transfer to Porto after lunch anc check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure to discover Porto, the northern capital of Portugal built hillside on the mouth of the River Douro. (Breakfast)
Day 6: Porto
After breakfast, around 9, you will meet your guide for a half day guided city tour. In the words of many visitors, this city has something mystical that is hard to describe and which varies according to the place, time of day and light.
Starting in the historic centre, your guide will show you the Cathedral where your will get a panoramic view of the city, the River Douro, its bridges, and cascading houses. Then you will get to see the most picturesque corners of the Ribeira district, filled with tradition and culture, before heading to the Porto Wine Cellars to taste some local wine. Passing the Stock Exchange building and the Rua das Flores, you will reach São Bento train station, with its atrium lined with tile (azulejos) panels depicting scenes of the history of Portugal. The tour will end at the Four Lions fountain, facing the university, which is surrounded by charming churches, some covered in azulejos, and one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores built in 1881, Livraria Lello. Lunch free and rest of the afternoon at leisure to continue your exploration. (Breakfast)
Day 7: Porto – Douro Valley – Porto
Departing from Porto, where the river flows into the sea and where the Douro wines also end up, you will discover the spectacular beauty of both the natural and built landscape, and the industrial heritage associated with the Porto industry, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Douro Vinhateiro is a microclimate where olives, almonds and grapes all grow easily. You will enjoy a one-hour traditional Douro rabelo boat tour, on a breathtaking stretch of the Douro river, between vineyards in wonderful terraces. Before heading back to the city, you will make a stop in Mesão Frio, recognized as a more beautiful wine-growing region than Tuscany, Bourgogne and Napa. Evening and dinner free in Porto. (Breakfast)
Day 8: Porto – Lisbon
Following breakfast, you will drive southward. Appreciate the relaxing landscapes of windmills and rolling hills on the drive to Lisbon. Lunch and rest of the day at leisure to continue your exploration of Lisbon at your own pace. (Breakfast)
Day 9: Lisbon – Albufeira
After breakfast, greeting in the lobby of your hotel and transfer to the train station for the departure toward Albufeira. Upon arrival in Albufeira, transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day free for you to relax or start your exploration of Albufeira. (Breakfast)
Day 9 to 12: Albufeira
All breakfasts at the hotel. 3 full days to explore the gorgeous coastal region of the Algarve. Enjoy the long golden sandy beaches or opt for an amazing optional tour ($). (Breakfasts)
Full day Algarve boat tour ($) including lunch at the beach and dinghy ride inside the caves:
Unforgettable boat tour on Catamaran Liana or Yacht Moena, boats with outstanding comfort and stability. Departing from Marina Vilamoura, the cruise will take the direction to Barlavento coast. For more than 60 km/40 miles along the spectacular Algarve coastline, you will see majestic beaches, authentic fisherman villages, impressive rock formations, cliffs and some of Europe's largest caves. There are also several groups of dolphins roaming along the coastline, so don't be surprised if we receive a visit from them.
Break at a paradise beach where you can swim, dive, enjoy the sun and spend some relaxing time. Do not forget a towel and sunscreen. Lunch included at the beach - BBQ, french fries, salad, bread, white wine, orange juice, water, and fruits.
*This optional tour is only available between May and October and needs to be booked at destination*
Day 12: Albufeira – Lisbon
After breakfast, greeting in the lobby of your hotel and transfer to the train station for the departure toward Lisbon. Upon arrival in Lisbon, transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day free for you to relax or continue your exploration of Lisbon. (Breakfast)
Day 13: Lisbon – Canada
After breakfast, greeting in the lobby of your hotel by our local representatives and transfer from the hotel to the airport for your flight home. (Breakfast)
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