Overview
Taste of Portugal with Madeira
Tantalizing petiscos. Thrilling natural wonders. Timeless traditions. Portugal is calling with a wealth of wonders to amaze and enchant. From Porto to Lisbon, your senses are filled with visions of natural wonder, wonderful wines, tempting tastes, and amazing artistry on this escorted tour of Portugal. Continue your tour with a trip to Santa Cruz on the magical Island of Madeira, complete with crystalline waters and centuries of tradition and culinary treats. Explore “Little Lisbon” in Funchal, with its creative atmosphere that inspires the imagination. From the quaint charms of fishing villages to the quiet reflections from luminous pools and lofty plateaus, your vacation in Portugal is a feast for the senses and an unforgettable adventure for the soul.PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Coimbra so you can plan your day your way.
Highlights of Taste of Portugal with Madeira
City Highlights
Price Details US
Transportation
Notes
Services of the Tour Director end on day 7. Island portion includes services of a local expert.
Travelers Notes
Special Features Included in this Tour: • Guided walking tour in Porto’s center includes a complimentary glass of Porto. • Scenic Douro River cruise • Visit Aveiro, Sintra, and Cascais• Orientation walk in Coimbra• Globus Choice excursions in Coimbra − included in your tour with your choice of a guided walking tour of the historical district, focusing on the UNESCO-listed University or a visit to a wine cellar followed by a wine tasting experience in the Bairrada wine region• Guided sightseeing in Lisbon features a photo stop at Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries• [LF] Guided visit of Mafra includes the Royal Palace, the convent, and John V Library• Orientation walk in Santa Cruz• Visit to Funchal includes visit to Mercado dos Lavradores, Santa Maria, and a cable car ride to Monte• Madeira wine tasting with dinner• Return flight between Lisbon and Madeira
UNESCO Sites
Belem Tower in Lisbon (See Only)|Historic Centre of Porto|Royal Building of Mafra
Private Touring
6 guests in a party: $2,639*18 guests in a party: $695*
Product Group
Taste of Portugal
Meals
10 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners
Itineraries
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 Discover the beauty of the waterfront city of Porto when you follow your Local Guide on a sightseeing tour that features a panoramic drive to the mouth of the Douro River, plus a walk in the center to see the soaring cathedral, the Church of São Francisco, and the Stock Exchange. Enjoy a glass of the local Porto Wine before relaxing on a panoramic Douro River cruise. (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 This morning, stop at the picturesque fishing town of Aveiro, often called “the Portuguese Venice.” Take a stroll to admire the canals and the charming streets. Why not pop into a local bakery and get acquainted with the Ovos Moles de Aveiro, delicious traditional pastries! Continue to Coimbra and start to discover the town on an orientation walk. (B) 93mi/ 150kmTOUR 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 Spend Your Day Your Way in Coimbra Explore more of Coimbra with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions.
Day 5
COIMBRA–LISBON Panoramas & Port Wine After a pleasant drive, reach the beautiful capital city Lisbon, located on the River Tagus. Discover the historic grandeur of Lisbon when you join your Local Guide for a fascinating sightseeing drive complete with photo stops at Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. Enjoy an evening at leisure to explore more of this vibrant city. (B) 146mi/ 235kmTOUR 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 A real treat today with an included excursion to visit three localities of the Portuguese Riviera. First stop is Mafra for an enjoyable [LF] guided visit which includes the Royal Palace, the convent, and John V Library. Continue to Sintra, free time to stroll the UNESCO-listed historical center and try some local specialties for lunch. Later, stop in the popular resort town of Cascais, browse the charming center before a scenic drive back to Lisbon. This evening, sit down with your travel companions for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) LOCAL FAVORITEHISTORY & HERITAGE Learn about the colony of bats which have made their home behind the bookshelves of the John V 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 Today leave the Portuguese mainland and fly to Funchal, capital of Madeira. Meet your Local Expert and continue to Santa Cruz, a delightful mix of nature, beach, culture, and tradition. Join an orientation walk to admire the historic landmarks and attractive waterfront. Enjoy free time to explore more. (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 was once called “Little Lisbon” due to its narrow streets and historical buildings. Discover the city with a visit to Mercado dos Lavradores and the “open-air-museum” of the Santa Maria. Take the cable car to Monte for spectacular views. This evening, taste the local Madeira wine and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTLOCAL ART 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 Enjoy a free day to explore independently or join an optional excursion to discover further afield. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIMENATURAL WONDERS Discover more of Madeira Island with an optional excursion. Stop in Camara de Lobos, a small fishing village painted in 1949 by 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 and visit the beautiful natural pools.
Day 10
SANTA CRUZ–LISBON At Leisure in Lisbon Pack your bags and depart the magical Island of San Miguel with a flight to Lisbon. Enjoy leisure time to explore more of the city. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE Enjoy free time in Lisbon to absorb more art and culture in one of the museums, stroll along the classic streets, browse the stores, or try local specialties, like the delicious pastel de nata.
Day 11
LISBON Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Departures
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | Holiday Inn Porto Gaia | A modern 212-room high rise hotel near the historical Porto city centre with a chic atrium bar and culinary concept restaurant serving traditinal Portuguese cuisine. Amenities include a gym, spa and Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout. | Porto | Rua Diogo de Macedo, 220 Vila Nova de Gaia | First-Class |
| 2 | Donas Ines | The modern rooms are all equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen satellite TV, a desk, a radio, a minibar and a safety deposit box. The hotel's two modern restaurants offer a range of regional Portuguese food and international cuisine. The Old Cathedral of Coimbra and the famous Unesco World Heritage Coimbra University are a 20 minute walk away and a bus station is within easy reach just a few minutes walk away. | Coimbra | Rua Abel D14S Urbano 12 | First-Class |
| 3 | Mercure Lisboa | A 104-room modern hotel offering Free Wi-Fi Internet access and year-round heated rooftop swimming pool, with panoramic views over the Águas Livres Aqueduct. International cuisine and Regional wines can be enjoyed in the main restaurant and there is a lobby bar serving a wide range of drinks & cocktails. | Lisbon | Avda Jose Malhoa, 23 | First-Class |
| 4 | Vila Galé Santa Cruz | The Vila Galé Santa Cruz in Madeira, offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and is just a stone's throw away from a pebble beach. Facilities include two restaurants, two bars, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a heated indoor pool, Turkish bath, gym and massage rooms. All of the 262 sophisticated guest rooms come with a satellite TV, a private balcony and a private bathroom. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property. | Santa Cruz | Rua de Sao Fernando 5 | First-Class |
