Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Lisbon

Transfer service from the airport to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure.
Hotel Real Parque (4 stars) or similar with buffet breakfast.

Day 2 - Lisbon

Morning sightseeing tour of Lisbon. Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight Lisbon

Day 3 - Depart Lisbon

Depart Lisbon in the morning heading north to Óbidos, an enchanting walled city whose narrow cobblestone streets reflect its medieval heritage.  In Alcobaça visit  Portugal’s largest church, the 12th century  Monastery of Santa Maria. Within the church are the tombs of King Pedro and his beloved Inês de Castro who, due to court intrigue, was murdered by Pedro’s father. 

Hear their story and Pedro’s macabre revenge when he ascended the throne of Portugal. Further on is the fishing port of Nazaré, a picturesque town with a popular beach. Then to Batalha to see the 14^th century abbey, a masterpiece of Portuguese “Manueline” architecture.  Continue to Fátima, one of the world’s great shrine destinations where thousands of pilgrims come to the site where the Virgin appeared to 3 shepherd children in 1917.

Overnight in Fátima at Hotel Santa Maria (4 stars) or similar with buffet breakfast. 

Day 4 - Depart for Coimbra

Depart for Coimbra, home of one of the world’s oldest universities (1290 AD). Visit the university and its magnificent Baroque Library. Students are often garbed in the traditional black cape. In the afternoon, trave; to Aveiro, a city of canals and houses whose facades are decorated with azulejos, the popular glazed tiles. Continue to Porto.
Overnight in Porto at Hotel Ipanema Porto (4 stars) or similar with buffet breakfast.

Day 5 - Porto

Porto (sometimes spelled Oporto) has been designated World Heritage status by UNESCO. A morning tour of the city will introduce you to Portugal’s “second city”. Situated on the Douro River, Porto gave its name to the famous Port wine and to the country. Vineyards grow for mile upon mile along the Douro’s steep slopes. Afternoon free. Vila Nova de Gaia is home to the Port Wine Cellars. Many are open for tours and tasting.
Overnight in Porto

Day 6 - Depart Porto

Depart Porto for the Minho, the northwest province of Portugal, known for its wonderful, effervescent Green Wine “Vinho Verde”. The Minho is home to two of Portugal’s most historic cities: Guimaraes, the first capital (1139) and Braga, the country’s main religious center. In Guimaraes, stop at Colina Sagrada, the Castle and Palace of Duques of Bragança. Near Braga, see the sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Braga with its monumental baroque staircase cascading down a hill. Continue to Barcelos, town of the legendary rooster, now a symbol of Portugal. There are as many interpretations of the legend as there are roosters! Return to Porto for the night.

Day 7 - Depart for Amarante and the Douro River Valley

Depart for Amarante, a pretty riverside town through a landscape speckled with granite houses with wooden or wrought-iron balconies. Visit the Gardens of the Casa de Mateus. The beautiful baroque Casa has been made famous as the label on Mateus Wine. Then enter the Port Wine region through vineyards clinging to the steep hillsides of the Douro Valley. Stop in Lamego ,home to the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhoras dos Remédios whose staircase is a smaller versions of the one at Bom Jesus. In the mountainous hinterland lies ancient Viseu, city of warriors, artists and the center of the Dão wine growing region.
Overnight in Canas de Senhorim at Hotel da Urgeiriça (4 stars) with buffet breakfast

Day 8 - Depart to Buçaco

Drive through the heart of Portugal to the Bussaco (Buçaco) Forest, a monastic retreat dating from the 6^th Century. Through the years, exotic specimens were added from Portugal’s overseas colonies.Its secluded walks, chapels and quiet ambiance are delightful and popular. In the heart of the forest is the grandiose Bussaco Palace, built as a royal hunting lodge but is now the Bussaco Palace Hotel. Continue to Tomar. The development of the city is closely linked to the Order of the Templars. Visit the remarkable Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in 1162 by the Grand Master of the Templars, the structure encompasses many styles as it was expanded through the ages. Return to Lisbon in the early evening.

Overnight in Lisbon at Hotel Real Parque (4 stars) or similar with buffet breakfast.

Day 9

Transfer service from the hotel to the airport.

2012 Tour Dates and Prices

(Price per person, sharing a double or twin room)

Month	Double	Single
Jan-Feb-Mar	$1539.00	$1989.00
April	$1589.00	$2039.00
May	$1589.00	$2039.00
June	$1589.00	$2039.00
July	$1589.00	$2039.00
August	$1589.00	$2039.00
September	$1589.00	$2039.00
October	$1589.00	$2039.00

Includes:
• 8 nights in superior 4 star hotels
• Buffet breakfast daily
• Transportation between cities by motorcoach or minibus including airport-hotel-airport ground transfers in Lisbon
• Bilingual, licensed guide (English and Portuguese)
• Entrance fees: Batalha Monastery, Coimbra University, Palácio da Bolsa (Porto), Sao Francisco Church (Porto), Gardens of Palácio de Mateus, Convent of Christ (Tomar)

Not included:
• Airfare
• Meals not mentioned
• Luggage porterage at hotels
• Entrance fees other than those listed above
• Gratuities

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You may also call us:
- In North America: 1-800-652-9151 (toll free from within USA)
- In North America: 1-209-667-2405