Escorted Tours
of Portugal
2008/2009

Historic Northern Portugal one of Europe's Most Ancient Nation Began

7 Days Escorted Tour
Departures from Lisbon every week all year around on Saturdays

ITINERARY
Day 1 - Departure from Lisbon northward to Óbidos, a medieval symbol of narrow streets surrounded by walls.  Further on, the fishing port of Nazaré. Architectural landmarks, the Monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaca reflect the faith that brings thousands of pilgrims to Fatima.

Day 2 - A return to the days of the Roman occupation with a visit to Conímbriga. Coimbra invites us to discover its old traditions and University. Enjoy the exuberance of the forest of Buçaco and Aveiro - city of canals. Dinner and overnight in Oporto.

Day 3 - Oporto - The 2nd city of Portugal and world heritage by UNESCO a living amphitheatre inviting us to make a morning visit to discover the riverside area, old houses, palaces, churches that history has made eternal and wine that is known world-wide. Afternoon free. Dinner and overnight stay in Oporto.

Day 4 - Minho, the northeast province of Portugal. Cuimaraes, birthplace of the nation - stop at Colina Sagrada - castle and Palace of Duques of Braganca. Braga, city of archbishops and country's religious capital with the oldest cathedral of Portugal and the sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Braga with its monumental baroque staircase. Luxuriant greenery surrounds up passing by Barcelos, the town of the legend of the rooster. Dinner and overnight in Oporto.

Day 5 - Through a landscape speckled with granite houses and wooden or wrought-iron balconies, we enter the Porto Wine region- the Douro Valley - by way of Amarante and Vila Real. In the mountainous hinterland lies Viseu - a city of warriors and painters. Dinner and overnight  in Urgeirica.

Day 6 - Drive to the heart of Portugal. The beauty of the Estrela Mountain Range, the highest point of the Country, a world of shepherds and their flocks, famous for its cheese, snows and harsh, irregular landscape. Continue on to Castelo Branco, with its lovely gardens and staircase of the King. Beautiful Castelo de Vide, proud of its Jewish quarter of whitewashed houses.  Dinner and overnight   in Castelo de Vide.

Day 7 - Southward, hills and extensive green and gold plains alternate, among which we find Estremoz and its marble quarries. Evora, a living museum of tradition and history, handicrafts and gastronomy. Afternoon return to Lisbon. End of services.

Includes:

• 6 nights first class hotel accommodation with half board
• Deluxe motorcoach transportation       
• Services of an English speaking guide
• Hotel pick up on the departure day      
• Taxes and service charges

Tour includes:

• 6 nights/7days first class hotel accommodation with half board
  
• Deluxe motorcoach transportation       
  
• Services of an English speaking guide
  
• Taxes and service charges

Price in Euro ($ rate varies depending the exchange)
Please add Euro 10  handling fee per booking!

1 April - 31 October 2008:
Euro  928 per person based on two people sharing a room
Euro  1134 in single room

1 November 2008- 31 March 2009
Euro 897 per person based on double occupancy
Euro  1091 in single room

1 April - 31October 2009:
Euro 947 per person based on double occupancy
Euro 1157 in single room

* US$ rate varies depending on exchange rate

Southern Portugal

5 Days Escorted Tour
Departures from Lisbon every week all year around

Itinerary:

Day 1 - Departure from Lisbon to Obidos, a medieval symbol of narrow streets surrounded by walls. In Alcobaca visit the Church of the 12th C. Monastery, with the tombs of Pedro and Ines. Drive to the  fishing port of Nazare, then to Batalha - visit the Monastery and to Fatima, renowned as the world's pilgrimage centre reflecting the faith of thousands of pilgrimages. Dinner and overnight in Abrantes.

Day 2 - Departure to the beautiful Castelo de Vide, proud of its Jewish quarter of whitewashed houses. Than on to Estremoz  and its marble quarries. Arrive in Evora, Unesco World Heritage site.  Walking tour of this museum town. Dinner and overnight in Evora. 

Day 3 - After a free morning a journey southward passing by Beja and  Silves. Dinner and overnight in Alvor.

Day 4 - Algarve - the charm of the old legends of bewitching Moorish maidens and the call of the sea that led to the discovery of the new worlds. Visit to Lagos and the Promontory of Sagres - the symbol of the Portuguese epic. The afternoon will bring an invitation to take a dip in warm sea. Dinner and overnight in Alvor. 

Day 5 - A last look at this scenery nestling among land, sea and sky. Return to Lisbon along the coast via Setubal and the Arrabida mountain .  

Includes:

• 4 nights first class accommodation with half board
• Deluxe motorcoach transportation
• Services of an English speaking guide
• Hotel pick up on the departure day
• Taxes and service charges

Price in Euro ($ rate varies depending the exchange)
  Please add Euro 10 handling fee per booking!

1 April-31Oct 2008- weekly departures on Thursdays

• Euro  736 per person based on double occupancy
• Euro  871 single 

1November 2008- 31March 2009- weekly departures on Thursdays 

• Euro  709 per person based on double occupancy
• Euro  839 single 

1April-31Oct 2009 - weekly departures on Thursdays

• Euro 751 per person based on double occupancy
• Euro 888 single

Extensions in Portugal or to any other European countries are available on request!