PORTUGAL: Porto, Coimbra, Fatima, Évora, Lisbon, Aveiro, Obidos, Marvão, Douro

Monday, September 4, 2023 at 7:00 AM to Thursday, September 14, 2023 at 9:00 PM MST

This adventure is an enticing fusion of oceanside and riverfront ambiance, sun-splashed country, medieval marvels, religious landmarks, rich traditions and mouthwatering bites and beverages.

NOTE: Our tour company does require proof of full vaccination. It is your responsibility to meet the requirements of Portugal, the airlines, and the US government to travel with us.

Brief Summary:

• Walking tour of Porto
• Aveiro, the “Venice of Portugal”
• Guarda
• University of Coimbra and Royal Palace (Coimbra)
• Tomar, a city built by the Knights Templar
• Fatima
• The Medieval Village of Marvão
• Cathedral of Évora
• Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones)/Royal Church of St. Francis (Évora)
• Wine tasting and olive tasting (Évora)
• Belém Riverside District (Lisbon)
• Obidos
• Fado show with dinner

DAY 1: Fly together from Tucson or meet you if your home is elsewhere.
DAY 2: Porto: panoramic tour by bus and a wine tasting. Welcome dinner.
DAY 3: Explore the well-preserved historical center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk the beautiful Avenida dos Aliados, an impressive blvd at Porto’s heart. See Porto Cathedral, one of the city’s oldest. Enjoy a 50-minute Douro River boat trip, navigating through the riverbanks of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Then a half-day excursion to Guimarães.
DAY 4: Depart for Coimbra. Stop in Aveiro on the west coast, set on a lagoon and often called the “Venice of Portugal” for the colorful barcos moliceiros (boats traditionally used to harvest seaweed) traversing its canals. On to Coimbra, the first capital of Portugal in the 12th century.
DAY 5: Tour the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established in Lisbon in 1290, it moved finally to Coimbra in 1537. Visit the Royal Palace and the Great Hall of Acts (the school’s ceremonies are held here), the Private Examination Room (once the King of Portugal’s bedroom), and the Arms Room (the Academic Royal Guard’s weapons are on display). See St. Michael Chapel and the Baroque Library. Next, a Jewish tour through Coimbra and the former Jewish quarter, the Santa Cruz Monastery, the Holy Inquisition Courtyard and the New Cathedral, born by the will of the Jesuits. Then, the Conimbriga Ruins.
DAY 6: Stop in Tomar, built by the Knights Templar in the 12th century. See the Convent of Christ, one of the chief works of the Portuguese Renaissance. Journey to Fátima, the famous Catholic site where 3 shepherd children reported visions of the Virgin Mary and the Miracle of the Sun in 1917. Arrive in Évora. Hotel Dinner
DAY 7: We’ll travel to the Cathedral of Évora and its Cloisters.It began construction in 1184 and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Continue to the Capela dos Ossos, or Chapel of Bones, part of the Royal Church of St. Francis. In this 16th-century chapel, see meticulously arranged stacks of human bones, as well as entire bodies. Then, a wine and olive tasting with snacks.
DAY 8: Belém, Lisbon’s riverside district. See the 16th-century Monastery of Jeronimos, an example of Manueline-style (Portuguese late Gothic) architecture. Check out iconic Belém Tower, where soldiers once guarded the Tagus River. The monastery and tower are classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pass the Monument to the Discoveries, honoring Portugal’s navigators who explored trade opportunities with the Orient and India. Visit of Ajuda National Palace. Then, a cooking lesson in a Lisbon restaurant: learn how to make the typical Portuguese “pastéis de bacalhau”.
DAY 9: Lisbon walking tour together without a guide:-)
DAY 10: Obidos, a medieval, walled town characterized by cobblestone streets lined with bookstores, whitewashed homes with splashes of blue and yellow paint and a well-preserved hilltop castle.
Our farewell dinner with a Fado show of traditional folk music that is traceable back to the early 1800s and typically features mandolins, guitars and a melancholic tune.
DAY 11: Fly home (sad face)

PASSPORT MUST BE GOOD UNTIL MARCH 15, 2024 OR LATER AND A PDF COPY IS REQUIRED WITH YOUR DEPOSIT.

INCLUDES:
Roundtrip economy airfare from Tucson (price adjusted for your city), taxes, 1 checked bag, and group airport transfers.
9 nights hotel accommodations (double occ): Single add $999
English speaking guides
Air conditioned bus
9 breakfasts, 3 dinners
Group tours and entrance fees
Travel insurance (55+ has an additional cost)

NOT INCLUDED:
Meals not mentioned
Tips

COST: (airfare cost is estimated so price could adjust)
$4500.00
Single add $999 FULL

DEPOSIT: (before Oct 2022, $1000: after Oct $3000 due to air purchase)
Due within 1 week of rsvp. Your space is not guaranteed until deposit received. Limited number of single rooms.
A monthly payment plan will be set up.

FINAL DUE ON OR BEFORE MAY 1, 2023.

A signed waiver is due from all travelers. All monies are non-refundable. No animals, medicinal marijuana, or illegal drugs allowed. Prices are accurate at time of posting but subject to change.

Request more Information Here!
Robert 520-247-7755