Itinerary Details
Taste Of Portugal With Madeira
Day 1 ARRIVE IN PORTO, PORTUGAL Welcome to Porto! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Day 2 PORTO Panoramas & Port Wine PORTO Follow your Local Guide for a walking tour in the city center. Enjoy a glass of Porto. Later, relax on a river cruise and take in stunning views of the surroundings. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LOCAL TASTES The grapes from the vineyards in the Douro Valley surrounding Porto provide the main ingredient for one of the world’s most recognized fortified wines. Visit a local wine cellar and taste centuries of tradition in a glass of Port wine in the city that bears its name. Saúde!
Day 3 PORTO–AVEIRO–COIMBRA Art Nouveau & Academic Honors AVEIRO Take a stroll and admire the canals and streets of this colorful town.
COIMBRA Orientation walk of the University town. (B)
99mi/ 160km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Aveiro is known as the Portuguese Venice for the canals that traverse it, and the traditional boats (barcos moliceiros) that sail on them. In the center you'll discover the colorful buildings that reflect the delightful Art Nouveau movement in the city where the past and present blend to reveal a remarkable landscape!
Day 4 COIMBRA Culture & Bairrada Wine COIMBRA Enjoy a wine tasting in the Bairrada region. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Since 1937, this unique place has produced its own sparkling wine, spirits, and Bairrada wines. You’ll be dazzled by the beauty of the galleries excavated in the rock, in which the millions of aging bottles rest. The magnificent Baga room is devoted to tastings and banquets, while the museum offers 80 years of history exhibited in the Bairrada room, along with a beautiful wine shop that complement your visit to one of the most emblematic spaces of Bairrada.
Day 5 COIMBRA–LISBON Panoramas & Port Wine LISBON Guided sightseeing includes a photo stop at Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. (B)
146mi/ 235km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT The stunning capital city of Portugal is a treasure trove of historic and architectural masterpieces. Along the banks of the River Tagus see the 16th-century Belém Tower, which served as a fortress and an embarkation point for sailors, it was their last sight of land before the start of their journey. Lisbon’s impressive sculpture, the Monument to the Discoveries pays homage to great Portuguese explorers with a spectacular carved prow of an ancient ship.
Day 6 LISBON–EXCURSION TO MAFRA, SINTRA AND CASCAIS Portuguese Royalties MAFRA [LF] guided visit of Mafra includes the Royal Palace, the convent, and John V Library.
SINTRA Free time for lunch
CASCAIS Free time to browse
LISBON Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
HISTORY & HERITAGE Learn about the colony of bats which have made their home behind the bookshelves of the library and that ensure its ancient books remain in pristine conditions. The bats leave their hiding spot at night to hunt insects that would otherwise damage the leather- bound spines and yellowed pages of the library’s antique collection.
Day 7 LISBON–SANTA CRUZ Seasons in the Sun LISBON Fly to Funchal.
SANTA CRUZ Orientation walk. Free time (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS The island of Madeira boasts some of Europe’s most impressive landscapes. Soak in the breathtaking natural scenery that merges with crystal-clear waters, centuries-old traditions, and authentic flavors. Experience a unique island where the clock does not set the time, and the calendar does not dictate the season.
Day 8 SANTA CRUZ–EXCURSION TO FUNCHAL Little Lisbon FUNCHAL Visit Mercado dos Lavoratores and the “open-air-museum” of the Santa Maria. Take the cable car to Monte and take in views of the city. Taste the local Madeira wine and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & NATURE Funchal used to be called “Little Lisbon,” and that is no coincidence. There are plenty of historical buildings to discover in the narrow streets, while the traditional white houses are nestled on the steep slopes. You won’t believe your eyes at the heart of the Zona Velha (Old Town), a swirl of public creativity, which has seen the entrances to buildings along the Rua de Santa Maria adorned with bright paintings and imaginative scenes. Images include everything from a fisherman sitting by his boat in the moonlight to a dislocated eye peering from behind a cracked “window” of yellow glass.
Day 9 SANTA CRUZ Fishing Lore & Luminescent Pools SANTA CRUZ Day at leisure. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
NATURAL WONDERS Head West and stop in Camara de Lobos, a small fishing village painted by 1949 Winston Churchill. Continue towards Cabo Girai the world's second highest sea cliff (and Europe’s highest) and the Paul de Serra, Madeira’s biggest and highest plateau. Visit Porto Moniz, the most north-western valley. Here visit its beautiful natural pools which are the village’s main attractions and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Day 10 SANTA CRUZ–LISBON Sights of Santa Cruz SANTA CRUZ Fly to Lisbon.
LISBON Free time. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
TOUR HIGHLIGHT Time to pack your bags and say goodbye to the magical Island of Madeira with a flight to Lisbon to relax and reminisce over your stunning adventure.
Day 11 LISBONSafe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
