Portugal
JULY 10 - 18, 2024
Join Michael Russo and Anthony LaPanta on a captivating journey through Portugal! Along with local guides, wander the enchanting cities of Lisbon, Coimbra, the beachside city of Nazaré, and the wine city of Porto. Dive into Portugal's rich culinary scene with handpicked meals and exquisite wine tastings along the famed Douro Valley. Marvel at Portugal's numerous UNESCO sites and cultural treasures. There's also plenty of time for your own explorations. This Portuguese adventure promises memories that will last a lifetime!
Highlights & Inclusions:
-
DAILY BREAKFAST
-
INCLUDED AIRFARE
-
11 MEALS
-
FOODIE WALKING TOUR
-
LISBON, PORTO & NAZARE
-
2 WINE TASTINGS
-
LOCAL GUIDE
-
LUNCH CRUISE ON DOURO
-
UNESCO DOURO VALLEY
-
PESO DE REGUA
-
COIMBRA CITY TOUR
-
UNESCO SITES
-
TUK TUK TOUR OF LISBON
-
LEISURE TIME
Day 1:
July 10: Fly To Porto, Portugal
Depart the United States for an overnight flight to Porto, Portugal (connection in Amsterdam).
Day 2:
July 11: Arrive In Porto
Arrive in Porto, Portugal (hotel check in as at 4PM). Upon arrival in Porto, we will be joined by a local guide that will introduce to the importance of Porto and their famous wine production. Later, we will walk along the Ribeira neighborhood before checking into the centrally located hotel. Tonight, join Michael & Anthony over an included welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Included Meals: Welcome Dinner
Day 3:
July 12: Port Wine Tasting
This morning we explore the historic center of Porto, including the UNESCO listed Sao Bento train station, Cleri- gos Tower and Lello Bookstore. We'll board a riverboat and explore a portion of the Douro before seeing the six bridges that connect Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia. The remainder of the afternoon is free to explore Porto.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 4:
July 13: Douro River Valley Day Trip - Wine Tasting
This morning we depart the hotel and explore the stunning sights of the Douro Valley. The rolling green and golden hills, terraced vineyards seem to cling to the steep slopes with the river below. There is really no other wine region in the world that compares to these vistas! We'll visit a few charming river-towns of Pinhao and Peso de Regua. Later we stop at a local vineyard & sample some of their wines where much of the grapes are still harvested by hand. Later, we board a riverboat to enjoy and included lunch and view the stunning scenery along the Douro River.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Cruise
Day 5:
July 14: Coimbra – Nazaré
We depart the hotel and Porto and head south. Our first stop is in Coimbra, a gem in central Portugal. Coim- bra is home of thehistoric University of Coimbra. Stroll through its narrow streets reveals a blend of centu- ries-old traditions and vibrant student. Later, we will explore the picturesque seaside village of Nazaré. This is a great opportunity to taste the grilled fish and rice seafood while overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Nazaré is also famous for their massive winter surfing waves, cork groves and traditional ladies who wear skirts with seven petticoats - these ladies were known for sitting on the beach waiting for their fishermen to sail home. Later, we arrive at our nearby hotel.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 6:
July 15: Obidos – Lisbon
Our journey takes us from Nazare area to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. Along the way, we stop at the charm- ing village of Obidos, surrounded by ancient walls and filled with white houses. You can explore the local shops, where you can find handmade crafts, books, and the famous ginja liqueur. After our visit, we arrive in Lisbon and check into our hotel in the heart of the city, where we will stay for three nights.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7:
July 16: Lisbon City Tour-tuk Tuk-food Tastings
Today, we explore the historic and cultural highlights of Lisbon with a local guide. We will visit the Belem Tower, a 16th-century fortification that stands on the banks of the Tagus River, and the Jeronimos Monastery, a stunning example of Manueline architecture that houses the tombs of Portuguese kings and explorers. We will also savor the delicious 'pastéis de Belem', a custard tart that originated in the monastery's bakery and whose recipe is a closely guarded secret. In the afternoon, we will hop on Tuk Tuks, the fun and eco-friendly way to discover Lisbon's narrow streets and hidden gems. We will stop at various places to sample some of the local dishes of Lisbon, such as codfish cakes, cheese, ham, and wine. Tonight, you have the freedom to en- joy Lisbon at your own pace.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 8:
July 17: Lisbon At Leisure
Today is a free day to explore Lisbon and the area. Some optional experiences (not included) may include a short train ride to Pena Palace & the Sintra area. Pena Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dates from the Middle Ages when it began as a revered monastery designed with a mix of Neo-Gothic, Neo-Islamic, and Neo-Renaissance architecture. Another popular choice is the train ride to Evora to see the Bone Chapel at the Church of St. Francis. The chapel is decorated with the skulls and bones of humans who were exhumed from local cemeteries. Tonight we'll stroll up to the bohemian Bairro Alto for an included dinner with drinks.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Day 9:
July 18: Fly Home From Lisbon - Or Extend Your Stay
Today morning we depart for home with new friends and experiences from our time in Portugal. Or extend your stay in Europe.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Tour Price:
DOUBLE RATE AIRFARE INCLUDED
$5199
PER PERSON
(Based on 2 people sharing a room)
LAND ONLY
$3899
PER PERSON
(Based on 2 people sharing a room)
SINGLE ROOM AIRFARE INCLUDED
$5999
PER PERSON
(Based on 1 person in a room)
SINGLE ROOM - LAND ONLY
$4699
PER PERSON
(Based on 1 person in a room)
Trip Deposit
A $300 non-refundable per person deposit is due at time of registration. After final payment, all monies are non-refundable. Travel insurance is available and HIGHLY ENCOURAGED