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Home , Porto, Porto Cathedral, Se Cathedral

LISBON AND : May 2017 *with a jaunt into to visit

Quote: $2882 total

Inclusions: • 4 nights hotel (4 star) with breakfast included • 4 nights hotel Porto (4.5 star) with breakfast included • Private car pickup at airport to hotel in Lisbon • Guided evening walk of Lisbon, with tapas tasting and Fado performance • Full day group coach excursion from Lisbon to Fatima, Nazare, Obidos, and Batalha & Alcobaca Cathedrals • Group excursion from Porto to either the town of Guimaraes, the birth place of (half-day), or the Region of (full day, includes Guimaraes as well as some additional historical and religious sites) • Group from Porto to northern Spain (2.5 hours away), to visit the pilgrimage spot Santiago de Compostela

Exclusions: • Train tickets from Lisbon to Porto (because it’s easier to just buy them there, but we can buy ahead of time if you wish) • Transport from Porto hotel back to airport (because the hotel can easily call a taxi) • Flights • Entrance fees to historical monuments, museums, etc., unless otherwise noted

May 25 Depart USA

May 26 Arrive in Lisbon! Pickup at airport with private car. Upon arrival at the airport, your driver will be waiting for you, holding a signboard with your name on it. You will then be escorted to your private vehicle and transferred directly to your accommodation. You do not need to worry if your flight is delayed, as we will check the flight information in advance and adjust your pick up time accordingly if required.

Hotel Lisboa Plaza (tentative – all boutique hotels are on request) Hotel Lisboa Plaza is a charming Boutique hotel in the historic center of Lisbon. Located close to Avenida da Liberdade (the Main Street of Lisbon!), the Plaza is a charmer. The emphasis is on Portuguese heritage with such touches as Burel wool blankets. Rooms have a period feel and are spacious and comfortable, with desks, sofas and armchairs. Bathrooms come with bathtubs rather than showers and are stocked with Castelbel amenities. Reviewers rave about the convenient location, the quality of customer service, and the rooftop terrace restaurant.

You're probably tired after your flight, but there's plenty to see today! The Hotel Lisbon Plaza has a special right now where you can receive a free 1 day ticket to a hop on/hop off tourist bus loop. This is perfect for your first day to get your bearings!

I suggest the following for your first afternoon in Lisbon (as it is one particular section of the city, and not easy to find "by accident" during the rest of your . Most of the Lisbon siteseeing is fairly flexible – you can definitely swap out if you like to do this tomorrow instead.

Start at Tour de Belem, Monument of the Discoveries, and Monastery of the Jeronimos. Torre De Belem (Tower of Belem) The Torre de Belem is a small fort that was constructed in the centre of the Tejo Estuary to guard Lisbon from seafaring raiders. For such a trivial role the fort was lavished with beautiful and intricate details that include North African Moorish styled watchtowers, shield shaped battlements and the first European stone carving of a Rhinoceros.

Mosteiro dos Jeronimos (Jeronimos Monastery) The Mosteiro dos Jeronimos is a highly ornate monastery that is situated in the Belem district of western Lisbon. This grand religious building was historically associated with the early sailors as explorers, as it was from here that Vasco da Gama spent his last night before his voyage to the Far East.

Padrao dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries) The Padrao dos Descobrimentos is an imposing and iconic monument located on the banks of the River Tagus in Lisbon. The structure is dedicated to the adventurers and explores who helped establish Portugal as a 14th century superpower. You can take an to the top to see a view of the city.

May 27

Today I suggest the following (on your own): Catch either a tram or a bus towards the castle Castelo de Sao Jorge (St George’s Castle). Don’t make the mistake of thinking you don’t mind walking up the whole way to the castle! It’s a bigger hill than you think. (Uber is also popular.) Lisbon is built on seven hills so keep that in mind! You can catch the right bus at the Praca Da Figueira which is on your way. Take the iconic Tram 28 to get a neighborhood tour of Baixa and Alfama. Get lost in Alfama's winding streets and beautiful cobblestones. Visit both the Se Cathedral and St Anthony's Cathedral, constructed on the saint's birthplace.

Walk all the way up the Avenida da Liberdade to experience the main thoroughfare of the city with its restaurants, ritzy hotels, and fantastic shopping. Some Museums in Lisbon: -Calouste Gulbenkian Museum - Founder's Collection -National Tile Museum -Ship / Naval Museum -Fado Museum -Carriage Museum Interesting contrasts in the city: Baixa was completely destroyed by the devastating 1755 earthquake and the reconstruction was the first example of a grid-and-block layout. This characteristic city layout is now common throughout the modern world, but was considered revolutionary for the mid-18th century. Baixa comprises of wide avenues and grand plazas, and the construction of this magnificent section of the city was funded by the wealth that poured into Portugal from the Portuguese colonies. Alfama is the oldest section of Lisbon and is totally opposite to uniform and mighty Baixa. Alfama is a maze of cobbled streets and stairways that lead up from the river to the castle and are filled with ancient house, boutique shops and trendy bars.

Evening activity (included in tour cost quote) Evening walking tour of Lisbon and a Fado performance with tapas dinner Fado is traditional folk music popular in the Lisbon area of Portugal. Melancholy by nature, the music includes instruments like guitars and mandolins with one Fadista singing poetic lyrics related to darker elements of love, death and sadness. It's traditionally performed in restaurants so that listeners can eat inbetween songs. On this small group walking tour, enjoy the most charismatic Fado districts of Lisbon: Mouraria & Alfama. Learn the history of Fado music; from the taverns to the Noble Palaces. Admire the sunset from the hills of Lisbon. Wander through atmospheric Alfama at dusk. Enjoy a rousing Fado performance in a old Palace. Tantalise your taste buds with delicious dinner of Portuguese tapas.

May 28

Note: this is an "on your own" suggestion. There are guided tours that leave from Lisbon so if you wish we can book one of these, but is quite easy to do on your own if you like to be in control of your own time.

Sintra is a picturesque Portuguese town that is set amidst the pine covered hills of the Serra de Sintra. This slightly cooler climate enticed the nobility and elite of Portugal, who constructed exquisite palaces, extravagant residences and decorative gardens. The variety of fascinating historic buildings and beautiful scenery has established Sintra as a top rate tourist destination and is the most popular day trip from Lisbon.

Take the bus or train up to Sintra, the incredible forested mountain area just 40 minutes' train ride north of Lisbon. Lord Byron called it one of the most magical places in the world. You can also taxi from Lisbon to Sintra (there are plenty of taxis in Sintra to bring you back). There is a tourist loop bus that goes around the different sites. You can purchase an all day ticket and hop on hop off as you please. You MAY be able to fit 3 sites into your day, if you don't spend too long. People who like to really take their time generally fit about 2 sites in. The very ambitious do 4, but this would be very difficult in my opinion.

Have a coffee in the town square, visit Pena Palace, and the stunning Quinta da Reguleira with its secret passageways and underground lakes. Visit the Moorish Castle or Monserate Palace, or go exploring in the Sintra forest. The Capuchin Convent is also fascinating (it’s made out of ). They have tourist offices there too to explain the different attractions. Everything is an easy shuttle bus away.

Note: this is a Sunday so it may be a bit more crowded. You could switch the day with the Lisbon sight seeing day if you wish.

My personal preference is to start the day at the Moorish Castle and then go to the Quinta da Reguleira.

May 29: Guided Coach Tour: All Day trip to Obidos, Alcobaca, Nazare, Batalha, Fatima

We depart first to encounter Obidos and meet its medieval walls, rustic white houses and the rich and varied local traditions of the town.

We then leave Obidos for Alcobaca to take in the imposing monastery church (UNESCO world heritage), the first Gothic church to be built in Portugal and home to the tombs of the ill-starred lovers D. Pedro and D. Ines de Castro. We then head onto the picturesque and colorful fishing town of Nazare for lunch. Free time for lunch. There's also the chance to find out something about the legends and traditions of this town.

When possible, we go to Sitio, to marvel at its wonderful views out over Nazare and its beaches. We then move onto Batalha to visit the monastery church (also UNESCO world heritage), a Gothic masterpiece with the most finely worked stained-glass windows. Finally, we reach the Our Lady of Fatima Sanctuary, an of the Christian faith and site of world pilgrimage. There is also the Chapel of Apparitions with its portrayal of Our Lady of Fatima. Take the time also for the location of the Basilica with the tombs of the three witnesses, and the Church of the Holy Trinity, the fourth largest in the world by capacity. You have some free time to attend mass. Travelling through this colorful agricultural region, we return to Lisbon.

May 30- check out of Lisbon hotel, take train to Porto

I did not include these in the quote as it's very easy to buy train tickets when you are there (or ask your hotel to assist you). It's cheaper and easier to buy them in Lisbon, but if you prefer we can order them ahead of time. There's an average of 32 trains a day between Lisbon and Porto. The train ride takes about 3 hours.

Hotel: NH Collection Porto Batalha This polished hotel in a converted 18th-century palace is a 6-minute walk from the Romanesque .

Porto has a very walkable historical center. Here are some suggestions of what to do:

Clérigos Tower (Igreja E Torre Dos Clérigos): The quaint, Clérigos Church and Tower is situated on the highest point of the old city and, after climbing the 250 steps of the tower, visitors are rewarded with fantastic 360 degree panoramic views of the city and .

Lello bookshop (): This Lavish bookshop is one of the oldest in Portugal and, walking around this building, it is clear to see why this could have prompted the inspiration for the Hogwarts library and staircases. Not to be missed by Harry Potter fans, this location was visited and frequented by J K Rowling.

Sao Bento Train Station: The main train station of Sao Bento is considered to be one of the most decorative stations of . Inside, the walls are adorned by beautifully painted tiles that depict significant events from Portugal’s history. These azulejos tiles also cover the exterior of the charming Saint Ildefonso church, which is a short stroll up the hill from the station.

Porto Cathedral and Bishop’s Palace (Sé Do Porto): The highly fortified Se Cathedral is the religious centre of Porto and the original church dates from 12th Century, before Portugal’s independence. This originally Romanesque

Cathedral was given a Baroque make over and is a fine UNESCO protected wonder.

Walk along the Ribiera The Ribiera is Porto's UNESCO world heritage status waterfront.

May 31: More time to explore Porto

Another suggestion (continued from the previous day's list) is the Crystal Palace Gardens. Located towards the west of the city, its design was inspired by Kensington Gardens in London. Currently, it also houses the Pavilion. Thanks to its location in the highest part of the city, the Crystal Palace Gardens provide visitors with a privileged viewpoint, including superb views of the Arrábida Bridge and, of course, the River .

You can take a $15 cruise called "Cruise of the Six Bridges" (1 hour duration) where you will see Porto from the water. This is generally easy to book spontaneously through the local tourist office or your hotel.

If you would like to take a longer cruise (generally at least half-a-day or longer) into the Douro River, let me know and we should consider reserving ahead of time. (Not included in quote.) The scenery is stunning as the river cuts through one of the most beautiful demarcated regions in the world. Generally there is a morning cruise to a village with lunch onboard, free time in the town, then return to Porto by bus to save time.

San Francisco Church: If you can only face one church in Porto make it this one. From the outside it looks like many other 14th Century religious buildings, but the interior is truly jaw- dropping. The majority of the church is decorated in pure gold (apparently there is something like 400 kg of the stuff here) and the rest is in marble. Under the cellar floor lie thousands of human bones awaiting Judgment Day. It is no longer used a church but classical music concerts often take place here.

Note: I signed up for a food walking tour of Porto the last time I was there. I did this through the tourist office and it was very easy. It was a great experience and I still saw many places I didn't recognize even after walking around previously. And the food was delicious! I recommend doing this as a spontaneous activity as well.

June 1: Excursion to Guimaraes OR Guimaraes and surrounding Minho region

Guimaraes is considered the birthplace of Portugal and is a nice (1 hour away) excursion from Porto. You can choose between a half-day excursion to Guimaraes only or a full day excursion that visits other notable sites in the countryside surrounding Porto and includes lunch. Below is the description of the full day excursion. This has been included in the cost of the tour quote.

The Minho River, which separates Portugal from Spain, is also the name of the green and magnificent region with manor houses, full of charm and tradition. The cradle of Portugal is located in the town of Guimaraes, that takes us to visit the castle, where the first King of Portugal was born; the chapel, where he was christened and next to it the Palace of the Duques de Braganca. Guimaraes was classified by UNESCO as World Heritage in 2001 and is an excellent example of the transformation of a medieval settlement into a modern town, keeping its own features still with part of the old wall that protects the town.

On the way to you will have the chance to enjoy the landscape and see the vineyards planted in trellises, where the grapes used for the production of Vinho Verde are grown. On the slope of the hill is the impressive staircase of the Bom Sanctuary, whose Via-Sacra (Sacred Road) takes us among shrines and fountains till the church surrounded by beautiful gardens, where nature and spirituality mingle.

Located downhill is the city of Braga, of Romans and Archbishops; the Cathedral and the historical centre with its outdoor cafes that make us take a walk around.

June 2: Excursion to Santiago de Compostelo in Spain (pilgrimage site) , with a stop in the Portuguese towns of Valenca do Minho and .

Explore one of the most important pilgrim sites in Europe on a 9-hour tour to Santiago de Compostela from Porto. On your return enjoy a visit to Valenca do Minho and Viana do Castelo.

When a field of stars "Campus Stelea" showed the tomb of the Apostle (James), one would never imagine that this sacred land would become one of the most important pilgrimage centers of the world SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA. Coming from all continents, crossing oceans, valleys, mountains and bad weather, thousands of pilgrims announce their arrival in the impressive Cathedral. The capital of is classified as World Heritage by UNESCO and also houses one of the most renowned Spanish , with many students, who fill the narrow streets of the historical centre with music side by side with creative and passionate artists that takes us back to the medieval times.

(Photo: Valenca do Minho)

On the way back we visit Valenca do Minho (famous because of textil shopping). After shopping, we continue to Viana do Castelo, a city located on the Atlantic coast which confer to the city landscape features of excellence that enchant the senses and provide a relaxing feeling. On the top of the Santa Luzia hill is the imposing basilica bearing the same name, inspired by the Sacre Coeur in and the magnificent view over the Ocean. Going down to the historical centre, one can enjoy a unique monumental and historical wealth with the ethnography of Viana do Castelo, which makes this city the capital of the Portuguese folklore. The originality and functionality of its handicraft, with special attention to porcelain, embroidery and filigree, are all characteristics that turn Viana do Castelo into an extremely attractive city for all types of tourism.

June 3: Depart for the USA!

I did not arrange a car to take you to the airport because taxis are safe and affordable in Porto; your hotel can arrange a pickup at the exact time you need, just pre-arrange it in the evening before you depart.

BON VOYAGE!