10-Nights
with Lisbon, Madeira and Porto
Here
is another one of our custom trips that you won't find anywhere
else, based on our experience over several trips to Portugal.
This will offer you a very special experience combining two amazing
cities and an incredibly beautiful island.
Our first
stop is Lisbon, one of the world's
great historical cities, with characteristic and surprising
sights, cultural treasures, and a beautiful setting that make
it a paradise for walkers and photographers. Lisbon
is Europe's second-oldest capital (after Athens), once home to
the world's greatest explorers like Magellan and Prince Henry
the Navigator, becoming the first true world city, the capital
of an empire spreading over all continents, from South America
(Brazil) to Asia (Macao, China; Goa, India).
It's one of the world's greatest natural harbors which
attracted different civilizations, now reflected in its architecture
and culture recalling Phoenicians, Celts, Romans, Visigoths and
Moors. A charming visual time-warp with medieval village-like
neighborhoods.
Lisbon also
offers World Heritage monuments and singular
museum treasures.
We'll
enjoy a half-day tour with guide that will take us to the most
interesting sites then we'll set you free to explore. We won't
be offering tours outside of Lisbon as we have on our past trips
here since our time is limited but you may consider arriving early
to make sure you spend the time you want in this wonderful city.
After
our 2-nights in Lisbon we'll jet off to the island of Madeira
for the next 4 nights. 
Amy
and I went to this island in between group trips to check it out
and absolutely loved it so we can't wait to return with a group.
Madeira,
an autonomous region of Portugal, is an archipelago comprising
4 islands off the northwest coast of Africa. It is known for its
namesake wine and warm, subtropical climate. The main island of
Madeira is volcanic, green and rugged, with high cliffs, pebbly
beaches and settlements on deltas of the Fajã River. A
privileged geographical position, a subtropical climate, unique
landscape settings and remarkable cultural traditions. With an
area of 741 km², the Island of Madeira is an oasis in the
Atlantic where, among the forests, towns, beaches and mountains,
a great natural and cultural wealth is preserved. The north coast
of Madeira is the proud guardian of a large part of the Laurissilva
Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Madeira, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site, is the guardian of a natural treasure. The Laurissilva
Forest, about 20 million years old, dates back to the Miocene
and Pliocene periods of the Tertiary Period. It is a rare subtropical
forest, which occupies around 15,000 hectares, corresponding to
20% of the island. There are many active and adventurous tours
to be had that we will set up. One of the most enjoyable is the
jeep tour of the island. Check
out the potential tours!
Finally,
we spend the last 4-nights in Porto,a captivating city, which
perfectly blends history, traditions and modern Portuguese culture.
Set on an undulating landscape, Porto provides architectural wonders,
a quaint old town, stunning vistas and beautiful beaches. Throw
in its famed Port producing industry and it is easy to see why
this charming city is fast becoming a top rated holiday destination.
We will set
up a tour to visit the historic city center, walk along Ponte
Luis I Bridge, take a cable car ride for view of the Douro river
and Ribeira (historical city center) and cruise the Douro river.
We will take some wonderful
day trips that we enjoyed on our last trip to Porto.
Day trip
to Guimarães and Braga- Guimarães is regarded
as the ‘birth place of Portugal’ as it was the first
capital city of Portugal during the 12th century, and was also
the birth place of Portugal’s first king; Afonso Henriques.
The city boasts a medieval castle, restored gothic palace, numerous
pretty squares and a cable car ride to the top of Penha Hill.
For a guide to a day trip to please click
here. to Guimarães
Braga is the
religious centre of Portugal and within the compact historic centre
are numerous ornate churches and beautiful baroque styled houses.
Just outside of Braga is the wonderful Bom Jesus do Monte, a charming
church that is situated on top of a hill and is reached via elaborate
staircases, which represent the steps to heaven. The Bom Jesus
do Monte is considered as the finest tourist attraction in the
region surrounding Porto. For a guide to a day trip to Braga please
click
here.
ENCHANTED
VALLEY TOUR - DOURO
The Douro Valley could as easily be called the enchanted valley,
such is the beauty and magic that its landscapes offer. Departing
from Porto, where the river flows into the sea and where the Douro
wines (table wines and Port wine), produced on its hillsides,
also end up, we will take a tour with our professional guide and
get to know this cultural landscape, listed as a World Heritage
Site. Following a route between the viewpoints that offer the
best vistas, we will cross the river from north to south and back
again, along the way enjoying breathtaking landscapes over the
river. We will visit several villages and also have a winetasting
at Graham Winery
with its spectacular views of Porto's historic city centre, to
taste several of their port wines. We will also enjoy a one-hour
boat ride on the river to enjoy the best of the panoramic views.
That
sums up this wonderful trip. We hope you decide to join us. Early
signups are always rewarded with upgraded rooms when possible.
Click
here to see photos from our last Portugal trip.
Includes:
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
(only if you prefer your own room, otherwise we match you with
a roommate) - $_______
Not Included:
Deposit to sign up - $200
Our
Hotels:
LISBON
My
Story Tejo Hotel - 3-1/2 stars subject
to change
WEBSITE
- TRIPADVISOR
REVIEW
Estimated
to be inaugurated in January 2018, the MY STORY HOTEL TEJO, located
in a 19th-century building, will bring to downtown Lisbon, one
of the most visited in Europe, the missing concept of hospitality
in groups, in this capital: elegance, comfort, modernity and design
spread over six floors of charm and history inherent to its prime
location – near Praça da Figueira, – one of the
most famous and historic squares of Lisbon..
The
My Story Hotel Tejo is located close to everything in Lisbon -
bars, shops, restaurants. The "Baixa" where our hotel
is located is another symbol of Lisbon that makes all those who
visit it fall in love with this city born by the sea.
Spread
over six floors, the recycled Pombaline wood of the 135 rooms
at MY STORY HOTEL TEJO enhance an atmosphere that will transport
you to a world of tranquility. The modern yet ophisticated decor,
thought out to detail, with world known RITUALS cosmetics and
full of rich features, such as sound-proof walls, will mark your
stay, and, certainly, give you a greater comfort and total relaxation
after a day of sightseeing, visits and/or even work.
There are 132 rooms that breathe everything a traveler seeks:
an elegant tranquility and a great convenience. The decoration
makes the bridge between the memories of the past and the comfort
of the new century and conveys serenity and wellness that those
who visit us will ever forget.
MADEIRA
We will be working on
this hotel as this trips gets closer
PORTO
Pestana
Porto- A Brasileira - 5-STARS! Website
subject to change
This
is a new hotel and part of the Pestana Hotel chain. ‘The
best coffee is Brasileira’s’, was the selling motto
of the renowned Porto’s café, the first in the country
to serve expressos at the beginning of the 20th century. More
than one hundred years on, the historic café becomes a
five star luxurious hotel. In full respect with its origins the
new hotel will include 89 rooms and suites, meeting rooms, French
patio, restaurant and a café.
Located in the heart of Porto’s picturesque downtown, the
Pestana Porto A Brasileira Hotel _ City Center & Heritage
Building is set to give back Rua Sá da Bandeira its bygone
glamour while returning one of the most cherished and iconic city’s
heritage buildings to its population.
Sign up for this Singles Trip!
