“Get Away Friends Adventure to Portugal” – 11 Days Tour [21st March – 31st March, 2023]

Upon arrival in Lisbon, claim your bags and proceed towards the arrival hall. Our representative will meet you and assist you with your transfer to the hotel. (Standard check-in time is 3:00 pm)

Spend the rest of the evening at leisure

Overnight in Lisbon

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. Meet the tour guide and proceed on the African Lisbon tour. In the first half of the 15th century, Portugal under the guidance of Prince Henry the Navigator, began what we now refer to as the Atlantic Slave Trade. This trade saw between 12 to 14 million Africans sold into slavery and taken across the ocean to the Americas.  It was a crime against humanity that lasted for four centuries.  In this walking tour, you learn how this trade shaped Portugal’s development. You will be guided along back streets and main avenues, monuments, churches, and public squares that have a connection with this history and can offer insight into how Lisbon was marked by slavery. We will address various topics such as the genesis of slavery in the Iberian peninsula, the birth of the Atlantic Slave Trade, the Age of Discovery, the day-to-day aspects of the life of a slave living in historical Lisbon, the importance of Brazil, towards the abolition of the trade in Portugal, the Portuguese colonies in Africa and the struggle for liberation by African nationalists.

Later this afternoon, proceed on a tour that will give you an introduction to Lisbon. You will enjoy the magnificent views from the city of the seven hills. We will visit the Belém quarter where you will find the most beautiful historical monuments from the 15th and 16th centuries. A brief stop at the Belém Tower (Torre de Belém) – World Heritage by UNESCO -, a point of departure of some of the Portuguese maritime explorations; and on the Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos), built to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the “death “of Prince Henry the Navigator.

It’s not possible to come to Lisbon without tasting the most well kept secret of the Portuguese pastries, the Pastries de Belem. Everything started in 1837 in a small bakery and you’ll have the chance to try one (it’s included in the price). There is also a local ritual to eating these delicacies that we will share with you.

Then we visit the church of S. Jerome Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos) – World Heritage by UNESCO – a masterpiece of the “Manueline” style and then we will pass by the downtown (Baixa) to admire the most important squares of Lisbon such as the monumental Trade Square (Praça do Comércio); Rossio Square, the heart of Lisbon and the symbolic Restauradores Square. Then we drive along the Liberdade Avenue, the “boulevard” of Lisbon, to finish at Marquês de Pombal Square, admiring the statue of the 18th-century Portuguese statesman responsible for Lisbon’s reconstruction after one of the deadliest earthquakes in History, the 1755 Lisbon Earthquake. Return to the hotel.

The rest of the evening is at leisure, relax at the hotel or if you are enthusiastic to explore this awesome city, stroll down its charming streets and get closer to its unique vibe and culture.

Overnight in Lisbon

Meals: Breakfast

After hotel pickup in Lisbon, you’ll greet your guide and hop into your air-conditioned coach. On arrival in Óbidos — a walled medieval town replete with maze-like streets and historical houses — you’ll have free time to enjoy the town’s Gothic architecture. Then, either unwind at a café or head to one of the abundant wine shops to taste a classic Ginja liqueur. Continue to Alcobaça to see the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Monastery of Santa Maria d’Alcobaça, the largest gothic monastery in Portugal. Afterward, take a break for lunch in Nazaré — a quaint fishing village — and enjoy classic Portuguese dishes before exploring the popular Portuguese vacation spot. Here, you’ll absorb panoramic views of Portugal’s rugged Atlantic coastline and capture many photographs. Head next to the village of Batalha, home to the UNESCO-listed Batalha Monastery; step inside this classic gothic building and admire its elegant design and ornate stained-glass windows. Your last highlight is a visit to Fátima, famous for the 1917 sighting of the Virgin Mary by three agrarian children. Every year, Fátima plays host to millions of Christian pilgrims who pay homage at the Sanctuary of Fátima, also known as Our Lady of Fátima (Nossa Senhora de Fátima). Upon arrival in Fatima, check in.  You will have the opportunity to attend the candle-lit procession in Fatima.

Overnight in Fatima

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for Coimbra, the birthplace of six Portuguese kings and the seat of Portugal’s first university, one of the oldest in the world. Coimbra’s ancient cathedral is one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Portugal. We will stroll through the picturesque and romantic streets, stairways, courtyards and medieval arches as well as the commercial heart of the city boasting lively cafes, pastry shops, restaurants and boutiques.

Post Lunch, continue to Aveiro, known as the ’Venice of Portugal’, Aveiro is surrounded by salt-flats, beaches and lagoons and dominated by the central canal running through town. You will see the famous moliceiros – typical fishing boats with gaily painted prows. Visit Aveiro’s main museum, housed in the former Jesus Monastery, and walk through the historical city center stopping to taste Aveiro’s typical sweet specialty, Ovos Moles, and enjoy some free time for shopping.

Your day concludes in Porto. Upon arrival in Porto, check in and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

Overnight in Porto

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, travel to Douro Valley. Along the way, you explore the breathtaking Douro Valley Wine Region, a famous UNESCO Heritage Site recognized as the best river destination of Europe.  The tour starts in the historical city of Amarante where you see the impressive Bridge and the Sao Goncalo Church. Afterward, you make a stop in Regua, the center of the Port wine region. As a highlight of the tour, you are taken to a wine tasting at Quinta Do Seixo from Sandeman, renowned for its amazing view from the top of the mountain to the vineyards. Here you are treated to a wine tasting and lunch.

Then continue to Pinhão and admire the scenery with free time to explore the lovely village independently. Perhaps stroll to the Pinhão train station to view its blue-and-white tile murals depicting the scenic countryside and swathes of vineyards that make up the Douro landscape.

Enjoy a 2-hour traditional Rabelo boat tour on a very quiet breathtaking stretch of the Douro river. Navigate a unique river, in the heart of the oldest demarcated wine region of the world which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will start this adventure from Pinhao, pass under the Eiffel iron bridge going upstream to the Tua area where you will turn around to make the return journey. Along the way, see hills of terraced vineyards with no national roads or traffic in sight. Although you will do the same stretch up and down, it will appear different, as it is seen from two different points of view, and also because there is so much to see in this stunning region of the world.

Post cruise relax on your return drive to Porto, arriving at your hotel in the evening.

Overnight in Porto

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, check out and proceed to Évora.

Evora – a historic town considered a UNESCO world heritage. Due to its well-preserved old town center, it’s still partially enclosed by medieval walls, and many monuments dating from various historical periods, including a Roman Temple. Évora is also a member of the most ancient European towns network.

Evora’s most important monuments: are the Roman Temple, the Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral, Saint Francis Church with its ”Chapel of Bones” and the University. At the market, we see and feel the richness of the products used to prepare one of the most elaborated and appreciated gastronomies of Portugal. Throughout the visit, we also admire the diversity and authenticity of local handicrafts with cork, ceramic, and copper object the rest of the day while exploring this beautiful town. Stroll down the streets and enjoy the buzzing streets, musicians, and vibes of this city.

Overnight in Evora

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, We will head to this extremely beautiful medieval town, that has preserved its own distinctive characteristics over the centuries. Walking through the streets of Monsaraz is like going back in time, for it is a truly unique place where one can find all the peace and tranquility that have been forgotten by the modern era. The most immediate visual impression in the town is that of the whitewash and schist of its houses and buildings. Every year, throughout the month of July, Monsaraz becomes an open-air museum, affording visitors the opportunity to get to know more about the customs and habits used in the production of Alentejo handicrafts, appreciate the delights of the regional cuisine and enjoy the various cultural events that are held there, including music, theatre, dance and art exhibitions. As far as the town’s architectural heritage is concerned, the highlights are the medieval castle and keep, the former court building (built between the fourteenth and the sixteenth centuries), and the parish church of Nossa Senhora da Lagoa (dating from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries).

Later Indulge in full-bodied wines from the Alentejo region during a winery tour, tasting, and light lunch.

Post lunch, we will follow the stunning coast and make our way to the Sun Soaked Algrave region. Check-in and relax.

Overnight in Algarve

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Spend the day free at leisure in Lagos, discover the white-sand beaches, dramatic coastline, and small towns of the Algarve region, southern Portugal’s beachy hot spot

Evening enjoy special dinner at a fine dining restaurant.

Overnight in Algrave

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Explore the historic resort town of Lagos, where Moorish and Renaissance influences meet towering seaside cliffs. Explore Lagos, known for its charming inner-walled old town, pretty harbor, dramatic sandstone cliffs, beautiful beaches, as well as authentic restaurants, and buzzing nightlife. Locals are proud to say that Lagos has not succumbed to mass tourism like other cities in the Algarve, and the city still retains its distinctive character and laid-back charm.

We meet our historian start with Lagos Walking Tour, in a relaxed way, you can meet the urban evolution of the area and the importance of this town in World history. Will reveal you the history, stories, myths, economy, and society. Celtic iron age will be revealed in where they found Lacobriga: The first urban nucleus, objects, and way of Living. Found where the Romans settled down, their activities, and archaeological finds. You will meet the Middle Ages Wall and urban Trace, which was built by the Portuguese. From the Modern Era, you will learn from Henry the Navigator, his role in the discovery movement, and slaves. The Modern Era wall that today partially surrounds the old town and the cemetery of slaves. Witness a crucial part of history by visiting Europe’s first-ever slave market. Built-in 1444, the Slave Market (Mercado de Escravos) is located in the old town. The Slave Market Museum traces the history of slavery in Lagos and the Algarve from the arrival of the first African slaves in the mid-15th century. You will walk through the path of the Last Convicted to death by a civil crime, in Portugal. Will explain why is King Dom Sebastião statue in our main square. With gravures, old photos, and photo reconstitutions that you will see in this experience, you will look at Lagos from a completely new perspective.

Look out over the Ponta de Piedade, where you’ll find loads of little grottoes, caves, and sea arches, all sculpted out of the cliffs over hundreds and hundreds of years.

Next, we will pass by Sagres, with most spectacular view of the coast and an unspoiled paradise and arguably one of the best beaches in the Algarve.

Our last stop The last stop of this day is full of emotion, Cape Saint. Vincent, Europe’s last piece of land into the Atlantic, and known for many years as the end of the world. Discover the fantastic rock formations and caves that surround it.

Arrive in the late afternoon in Lisbon and check in. The evening is free at leisure.

This is the last day of your amazing tour to Portugal! . After breakfast and check-out you’ll be transferred to Lisbon airport for your flight home.  We wish you a safe flight and hope to work on your future trips

END OF SERVICE

(Note that at most hotels, the international standard for the check-out time is 11:00 Am. Should you depart later, baggage may be stored at the hotel. A late check-out depends on availability and may be subject to additional charges).