The focus of the tour is Portuguese history, culture and cuisine, along with the country natural beauty and gorgeous beaches, and we will spend time learning, playing and resting. The first 4 days will be spent in the seaside resort of Cascais; and the next 4 days in the walled town of Obidos, before returning to Cascais for an additional day of exploring the neighboring city of Lisbon.
While in Cascais, we will explore the medieval Belem with its Tower and the Monastery of Jeronimos, romantic palaces and gardens of Sintra, Mafra Convent and Library, exclusive beaches of Estoril and rococo palace in Queluz. We will participate in a ceramic tile painting class and an optional trip to a bullfight show will be offered. While in Obidos we will take trips to admire the marvels of Manueline architecture in Alcobaca and Batalha, explore the Knights Templars' strongholds in Tomar and Almourol, appreciate the spiritual power at the pilgrimage site of Fatima, and stroll along the dramatic beaches of Nazare.
The farewell banquet in Lisbon will be accompanied by Fado music performance. Throughout the tour, we will dine in carefully selected gourmet restaurants, getting to know Portuguese cuisine, especially its fish and seafood. Wine and beverages are included. The tour is meant for women of all ages, however there is significant amount of walking (including stairs) involved. The size of the group is limited to 16 people maximum.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Our company representative will meet you individually at the Lisbon International Airport at your flight arrival time. Private transportation to the hotel. In the afternoon, an introductory guided walk around the seaside resort and the fishing village of Cascais. Dinner at a traditional seafood restaurant in the Old Town of Cascais. During dinner we will get to know each other, we'll have an informal discussion about Portugal's history and present as well as practical matters regarding our stay in Cascais. Includes: (D).
Day 2: Breakfast at hotel. Travel (30 min.) to Lisbon's neighborhood of Belem: a guided tour of Belem Tower and the Discoveries Monument. Lunch at Portugal's most famous pastry shop. Afternoon guided tour of the Monastery of Jeronimos. On the way back, we will stop at the Queluz Palace for a short tour of the rococo palace and its exotic gardens, followed by dinner in Palace's Old Kitchen turned exclusive restaurant. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 3: Breakfast at hotel. Travel to Sintra (30 min.) to enjoy a guided visit to National Palace of Sintra and National Palace of Pena. After visiting the two palaces there will be free time for lunch at the romantic Villa Regaleira, followed by a dramatic hike to the Moorish Castle overlooking the town and the ocean. A short drive to Cabo da Roca - Europe's rugged westernmost point where the occasion will be celebrated with home-made cookies and port wine. Dinner at a clifftop fortress turned romantic restaurant in a secluded location of Guincho Beach. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 4: Breakfast at the hotel. Short trip to Azeitao located in the flower-blanketed Arrabida Mountains. Visit to the 16th century ceramic tile factory where to attend a private tile painting class and learn the ancient painting techniques. Free time at the beach of Estoril or Cascais. Dinner at the hotel. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 5: Breakfast at the hotel. After checking out of the hotel we will travel to Mafra (40 min.) to admire the extravagant palace, library and convent. Short stop at Ericeira beach. Free time to lunch. Continue to the walled town of Obidos (25. min.). We will check into the Casa das Senhoras Reinhas (which appropriately translates as "House of the Queens"), have a welcome drink and free time to relax. We will dine by candlelight in the hotel's intimate restaurant. After dinner there will be an evening walk around the town of Obidos (optional). Includes: (B), (D).
Day 6: Breakfast at the hotel. Free time to explore the town, relax or shop. An afternoon wine tour at the Loridos Palace, where award winning sparkling wines are produced. Dinner at the Pousada do Castelo Restaurant, accompanied by a Medieval Dance Show. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 7: Breakfast at the hotel. Travel to the unique Mira d'Aire Caves and a short walk around the caves. Continue to Almourol, the Knights Templar stronghold situated on a small island on the Zezere River. A boat ride to the island and a walk around the castle. Picnic lunch on the island. After lunch we will take a short drive to the Knights Templar headquarters, the awe-inspiring Convento de Christo in medieval Tomar. Guided tour of the castle. Dinner at a rustic restaurant specializing in the regioal cuisine. Travel to the religious pilgrimage site of Fatima where we will watch the evening religious procession. Travel back to Obidos. Late evening return to the hotel. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 8: Breakfast at hotel. Guided visit to Alcobaca and Batalha, perfect examples of the magnificent Manueline architecture. A short drive to picturesque two-story beachside village of Nazare. Free time for lunch and for the afternoon rest at the beach. Seafood dinner in Nazare. Return to Obidos. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 9: Breakfast at the hotel. Travel to Cascais. Afternoon visit to Lisbon. Guided walking tour around the city, a ride in an antique trolley up and down Lisbon's seven hills. Farewell dinner accompanied by live Portuguese fado music. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 10: Breakfast at the hotel. Taxi transportation to the airport according to your flight departure time. Includes: (B).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price includes:
- 5 nights accommodations in a seaside hotel in Cascais - all rooms have ocean view balconies
- 4 nights accommodations in a luxurious medieval villa within the walled city of obidos
- Delicious meals - traditional Portuguese or vegetarian menu
- Several day-long side trips
- All transportation in Portugal
- Cost of a bi-lingual guide, all sightseeing and admission fees
- Cultural activities
Additional/optional costs may include: lunches, optional activities not in the itinerary, travel insurance, telephone charges, room service, laundry, personal expenses.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Portugal
Women Tours
Cultural Journey
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