220109

Itinerary

 

Thursday, October 10th

Today you depart the United States on your overnight flight to Lisbon.  Naturally, meals will be served and optional in-flight entertainment offered.  Please refer to your flight schedule for pertinent details.

Friday, October 11th

Upon arrival in Lisbon, you will be met and begin your guided tour of Lisbon including Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery.  7:30 PM Dinner is included at Restaurant Solar de Bacalhau.

Saturday, October 12th

At 9:00 AM you depart your hotel for a full day guided excursion to Sintra (a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous for craft shops and local pastries), Cascais for a seaside lunch and Estoril.  Included are tours of Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira Palace.

Sunday, October 13th

Today is a free day in Lisbon.  Be sure to visit the Alfama and stop at local homes to sample homemade sangria.

Monday, October 14th

At 8:00 AM you will depart the hotel for a full day guided excursion to Evora, a UNESCO world heritage site.  You will see the Roman Temple, the Romanesque-gothic Cathedral, the Saint Francis Church with the “Bones Chapel” and the University.  You will see local handicrafts made of cork, ceramics and copper.  You then depart for Esporao with a stop in Azeitao to taste the traditional buttery cheese en-route.  A visit to the Jose Maria da Fonseca winery for a tour and tasting is planned followed by a visit to the Castle of Palmela where an amazing view will be enjoyed.  The cliffs of the “Espichel” cape facing the Atlantic Ocean will be your last point of interest before returning to Lisbon.

Tuesday, October 15th

At 8:15 AM you depart the hotel for an excursion to Cabo da Roca (the most western point of Europe).  Your afternoon is free.  At 7:30 PM your dinner is included.

Wednesday, October 16th

At 9:00 this morning you depart Lisbon and travel to Porto.  On the way you will stop in Obidos, then Fatima to observe the 11:00 Mass (as desired) and on to Coimbra where you will meet your guide for the university before continuing to your Porto hotel.

Thursday, October 17th

9:30 AM is the time to meet your guide for a tour of the historical center of Porto.  Porto is also a World Heritage Site and known for its Port Wine and rich heritage of ancient churches and monuments.  Included will be the Cathedral and Church of Sao Francisco. The 19th century Stock Exchange Palace with the Arabian Room and Lello bookshop.

Friday, October 18th

A full day guided excursion to Viana do Casthelo and Braga is scheduled to depart at 9:00 AM.  Viana do Castelo is a city of deep historical roots featuring Monte de Santa Luzia.  Braga is a town characterized by beautiful squares, pedestrian areas and monumental baroque churches.

Saturday, October 19th

Today at 4:15 PM you transfer to Vila Nova de Gaia  to enjoy the 6 Bridge Cruise in Porto followed by a visit to a wine cellar.  Your farewell dinner is scheduled at the wine cellar beginning at 8:30 PM.  You return to your hotel at 10:00 PM.

Sunday, October 20th

At 9:00 AM you transfer to Porto Airport for your 12:00 noon departure to Lisbon where you board your transatlantic flight home.