Day 1-2 DEPART CANADA
Overnight flight to Lisbon.
Day 2-3 ARRIVE LISBON (2 NIGHTS)
Welcome to Lisbon, capital of Portugal. Relax after check-in or spend time exploring the city’s colourful landscape. Later, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception. An orientation drive this evening will be the perfect introduction to this vibrant city.(Welcome Reception)
Day 3-4 LISBON SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
Visit the Hieronymite Monastery featuring Vasco da Gama’s tomb during your sightseeing tour with an expert Local Guide. View the Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoverers on the banks of the Tagus. Spend time afterwards relaxing or take an optional excursion along the coast to Cascais where you can shop for attractive ceramics and traditional fisherman's sweaters.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 4-5 LISBON - VILAMOURA (2 NIGHTS)
Cross the River Tagus and drive south towards the Serra de Arrabida Mountains. Your journey takes you via the port of Setubal to the Algarve coast and Vilamoura - your home for the next two nights.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 5-6 ALGARVE EXCURSION
Admire spectacular views across the wild beauty of Baleeira Beach from the Sagres Peninsula. Follow the coast to Cape St. Vincent and visit the resort of Lagos, where Henry the Navigator lived. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a special Highlight Dinner.(Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)
Day 6-7 VILAMOURA - EVORA
Drive fom Vilamoura across the Serra de Caldeirao past the towns of Castro Verde and Beja. In Evora, one of Portugal's most beautifully preserved medieval towns, visit the elaborate cathedral, Roman temple and the Ossuary Chapel. Spend time seeing the 14th century walls, winding lanes and other enchanting sights.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 7-8 EVORA - CASTELO DE VIDE - BELMONTE - VISEU
Continue north to Castelo de Vide and wander through narrow alleys and the town’s Jewish quarter. Cross the valley of the River Tagus towards the Serra de Estrela mountains. See the Roman tower in Belmonte. Arrive later at Viseu, a bustling town with historical buildings set high on a plateau near the famous Dao vineyards.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 8-9 VISEU - MATEUS - GUIMARAES - OPORTO
Travel through the beautiful, remote Douro Valley where port wine is produced. Explore the magnificent gardens at the Palacio de Mateus, depicted on the label of the distinctive Mateus wine bottles. Savour a delicious Be My Guest lunch at a traditional 'quinta' with your travelling companions. Continue via Guimarães, featuring an impressive castle, to Oporto.(Buffet Breakfast / Be My Guest dinner)
Day 9-10 OPORTO SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
Your expert Local Guide takes you on a sightseeing tour of Oporto. See the remarkable bridges across the Douro River, the Vila Nova de Gaia wine stores and the Baroque Church of St. Francis. Visit the Stock Exchange with its Arabian Hall then experience a wine tasting at a port cellar. Spend the afternoon relaxing or shopping for souvenirs.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 10-11 OPORTO - COIMBRA - CONIMBRIGA - FATIMA
Traverse the Buçaco National Park. In Coimbra, see ancient streets and squares and visit the Old University featuring an ornate Baroque library. Visit the Roman town of Conimbriga and go inside the Convent of Christ at Tomar. Arrive later in the religious city of Fatima.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 11-12 FATIMA - LISBON
Visit the Basilica at the pilgrimage site of Fatima where three young shepherds famously saw the apparition of the Virgin. Visit the monastery at Batalha, the best example of Late Gothic architecture in Portugal, which took a century to complete. Stop at the fishing village of Nazaré on the coast and visit the medieval city of Obidos. Tonight in Lisbon, celebrate with your companions and Travel Director at a Farewell Dinner with wine.(Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)
Day 12-13 LISBON - CANADA
Say a fond farewell to your fellow travellers at the end of a spectacular Portuguese holiday. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply.(Buffet Breakfast)