Ancient castles, Roman ruins, fairytale palaces and picture-perfect whitewashed villages provide wonderful scenery at every bend in the road on this tour of Portugal. Beginning in beautiful Estoril, known as the Portuguese Riviera with its sophisticated fun, you’ll explore the surrounding area including picturesque Cascais with its many specialty shops. In the historic town of Sintra, the favorite summer residence of the kings of Portugal for six centuries, an entertaining evening of fine Portuguese cuisine and fabulous Fado music awaits. In Azeitao, you’ll learn how the Portuguese make their famous “azulejos” (hand painted tiles) with a visit to a family-run shop. Next, explore the beautiful “Silver Coast,” a spectacular region of sleepy villages, rich vineyards, and age-old castles. A stop in Fatima, the world-famous pilgrimage center, will be made before continuing to the beautiful coastal fishing village of Nazare and the enchanting medieval walled town of Obidos. From here it’s on to Algarve for a 3-night stay in a breathtaking region with some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and year-round sunshine. In historic Lagos, you will find the former palace of Prince Henry the Navigator. Your tour concludes in Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon, where a city tour highlights the Moorish Alfama Quarter, a neighborhood of narrow alleyways and steep streets; the 16th century Jeronimo’s Monastery; and impressive Belem Tower.

• Enjoy time on Portugal's beautiful "Silver Coast," dotted with charming villages, magical castles and mile after mile of pastoral scenery 
• Discover the narrow cobblestone streets and soft sand beaches with a 4-night stay on Portugal's Estoril Coast.
• Experience an entertaining evening featuring Portuguese cuisine, delicious local wine, and fabulous Fado music.
• Enjoy a city tour of Lisbon and see how old-world and cosmopolitan characteristics combine to create one of the most interesting cities in the world.
• Spend three nights in the Algarve, Europe's sunniest spot, where the finest beaches on the continent meet traditional historic Portugal.

Day 1: Overnight Flight
Portugal, a historic and beautiful country, is filled with ancient castles, Roman ruins, fairy tale palaces, picture-perfect whitewashed villages, and gentle, helpful people.

Day 2: Arrive Lisbon, Portugal - Transfer to Estoril
Your tour begins today in the beautiful resort of Estoril, known as the “Portuguese Riviera.” Tonight, join your fellow passengers for a wonderful dinner. (D)

Day 3: Estoril - Cascais - Sintra - Estoril
Exploring the quaint, picturesque towns surrounding Estoril, you visit the scenic town of Cascais. Enjoy a stroll amongst the many specialty shops filled with Portuguese handmade crafts. Next, visit Sintra, the favorite summer residence of the kings of Portugal for six centuries. An entertaining evening is planned for you with dinner at Adega Machado's, where you will enjoy excellent Portuguese cuisine, delicious local wine, and fabulous Fado music performed by popular local artists. (B, D)

Day 4: Estoril - Azeitao - Estoril
Spend the morning at leisure. Stroll the narrow cobblestone streets and shop for ceramics, lace, filigree, hand woven works, and tapestries. Later, travel to the charming town of Azeitao. Learn how the Portuguese make their famous “azulejos” (hand painted tiles) with a visit to a family-run shop. Next, enjoy a tour and tasting of local wines when you visit a centuries-old wine maker. (B)

Day 5: Estoril - Fatima - Nazare - Obidos - Estoril
Travel to Portugal's beautiful "Silver Coast," a spectacular region filled with sleepy villages, rich vineyards and age-old castles. Your first stop is Fatima, the world-famous pilgrimage center. You continue to Nazare, a beautiful coastal fishing village. Tide permitting, you may be able to watch a net mending demonstration by a local fisherman and hear some tales from the sea. Later, visit Obidos, an enchanting, medieval walled town. (B, D)

Day 6: Estoril - Evora - Algarve
Traveling to the Algarve, you stop in Evora, known as the "Museum City of Portugal," where you will find the Roman Temple of Diana, erected in the 2nd century. (B, D)

Day 7: Algarve
You have the entire day to experience the beautiful Algarve. Geraniums, camellias and oleanders grow alongside cotton, rice and sugar cane, as well as fig and almond trees. A pleasant year-round climate and beautiful beaches make this region a scenic oasis. (B, D)

Day 8: Algarve - Lagos - Sagres - Cape of St. Vincente
Travel to the historic resort town of Lagos, where the caravels began their early voyages of exploration, and where you will find the former Palace of Prince Henry the Navigator. Then you are off to Sagres, home of the famous School of Navigation and the "Compass Rose" - a stone contraption used by 15th century mariners for their calculations. Later, behold the breathtaking Cape of St. Vincente. Next, visit a local cork factory and museum where you will learn about this local craft and its many uses. Take part in a marzipan demonstration and enjoy a tasting of this local delicacy. At the end of the day, experience dinner in an historic renovated cork storage house! (B, D)

Day 9: Algarve - Lisbon
Return to Portugal's capital of Lisbon, set on seven hills overlooking the Tagus River. Enjoy a city tour highlighting the Moorish Alfama Quarter, 16th century Jeronimo's Monastery, Monument to the Discoveries and the impressive fortress of Belem Tower. Later, join your fellow travelers for a dinner celebrating the end of a wonderful tour. (B, D)

Day 10: Lisbon - Tour Ends
(B)

Stay Another Night - Add a post night stay in Lisbon. Prices start at $80 per person, double.

*Tour and air prices are lead-in rates from a specific gateway based on twin occupancy and are subject to change. Rates do not include inter-air flights. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Tours departing BEFORE 4/30/06 may follow a different itinerary than what is listed here. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. For tours that feature a cruise, port taxes are not included in the prices above. Additional tour dates may be available, please call us for information.

10 days, 15 meals
8 Buffet Breakfasts, 7 Dinners

Day 1 - Overnight Flight
Day 2 - 5 - Estoril Eden Suite Hotel, Estoril
Day 6 - 8 - Hotel Delfim or Dom Joao II, Alvor, Algarve
Day 9 - Hotel Marriott, Lisbon

On some dates alternate hotels may be used

NOTES:

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