GLIMPSE OF PORTUGAL Cloaked in an air of mystery that has lasted for more than 800 years, Portugal is genuinely diverse, and it is here that all of the most intriguing dualities become inextricably intertwined: past and present, a long cultural heritage and the simple joy of living! PORTUGAL DELUXE 2016 |@ All Rights Reserved. 26 APRIL 2017, WEDNESDAY | COCKTAIL Leisure day. Indulge in a private cocktail reception to be served at your charming boutique hotel, with features of a resort in an urban setting. Dinner for the private group of 12 people (pre-set menu with wines) will be served at one of Lisbon’s most prestigious restaurants. Occupying a fine eighteenth century building, this flagship restaurant is situated in the heart of Chiado and boasts one of the most amazing views over the old quarter of the city and Tagus river. It will surprise you with its delicious Portuguese based “cuisine” with international influences, attentive service in a unique environment and excellent value for money. Includes: PortoBay Liberdade Hotel Welcome Cocktail. 27 APRIL 2017, THURSDAY | DRESSAGE & LUNCH WITH COUNTESS OPTION I Your day begins when you are collected at the hotel by your chauffeured luxury vehicle. Drive Northwards direction to Muge in order to visit a magnificent Horse & Wine Estate. This estate belongs to the Álvares Pereira de Melo family for almost four centuries. In this House lived during over a year the Queen Leonor, third wife of King Manuel I, sister of the Emperor D. Carlos V and mother of Infanta Dona Maria. Upon arrival at the estate, you will be welcomed by the master rider at the Riding Hall and you will have the opportunity to ride a Lusitano Stallion for a classical dressage lesson. After this unforgettable experience you will have time to taste their wines from the different varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir) as well as selected blends such as Padre Pedro, Herdade de Muge and Marquees of Cadaval. The house oenologist will lecture you on the “secret” flavours while you taste. Then, you will be invited by the owner ( Countess Teresa Álvares Pereira Schönborn-Wiesentheid ) of the Domain, to have lunch at the Palace. *Subject to availability After lunch, a cart pulled by two noble studs, expects you to explore this very unique farm, going through the vineyards, natural reserve where you will meet the mares and foals. Your day at the farm is almost ending but, before leaving, tea will be served by the lake spotted with local birds, in magic scenery of tranquillity. Now is time to return to Lisbon, your chauffeur will drop you off at the door of your hotel. Short walk towards Olivier Avenida restaurant , a warm and intimate restaurant, where the décor brings us back to Marie Antoinette, for its laces and satin in pink and soft colors. Dinner(pre-set menu with wines). Its famous Menu Degustation, surprises guests with an elegant set of choices, such as the tempting starters or the unique Kobe beef. Includes: Transportation - Full-Day at Disposal, as per itinerary, by Deluxe Vehicle, with English Speaking Fluent Driver (6 - 8 Hours); Dressage Lesson or Demonstration with Lusitano Horse; Private Lectured Wine Tasting; Lunch (Pre-set Menu with Wines) and Cart Ride at through the private estate; Dinner (pre-set menu with wines) at Olivier Avenida restaurant. 27 APRIL 2017, THURSDAY | LISBON JEWISH HERITAGE OPTION II Boasting springtime temperatures during the winter and cool summers freshened by a breeze blowing in from the Atlantic, Costa de Lisboa, on the southwestern coast, offers a rich and impressively integrated diversity. The capital of Portugal since its conquest from the Moors in 1147, Lisbon is a legendary city with over 20 centuries of History. Today, with the assistance of your guide, visit the Sha'are Tikva (Gates of Hope) Synagogue . In 1871 the Jews of Lisbon were granted permission to build a synagogue, a dream not fully realized until the dedication of the Shaare Tikva in 1904. The synagogue served as the centre of Jewish life in Lisbon thereafter; it was a sanctuary for the thousands of Jewish refugees who passed through Portugal during World War II. Follows a panoramic tour to Belem area with Discovery Monument and the XVI century Belem Tower. Next stop will be at a local pastry dated back from early 19 th century. Nowadays it serves an average 10,000 Pasteis de Belém (custard tarts) a day, a specialty made with a secret centuries- old recipe. Indulge in a special gourmet treat on one of their rooms covered with 17th-century tiles. You will take into a private visit to the XVI century Jeronimos Monastery , the incomparable monastery that exemplifies the Manueline style, a highly decorative form of architecture that emerged during the reign of Manuel I (1495-1521). For lunch (pre-set menu with wines) we suggest a lovely restaurant facing Tagus River where the fresh fish served is among the best quality offered in the markets of Lisbon. Passing the Rossio , the original headquarters of the Inquisition, reach the Largo da Graça , from where you can admire the magnificent city view, the Tagus River, and the “Seven Hills” of Lisbon. Continue to Porta do Sol , descending on foot through Alfama , Lisbon's oldest area The city's legendary seven hills will also seduce you into admiring characteristic mosaic pavements and dazzling tiled façades, and will reward you with strategically-placed viewpoints offering breathtaking panoramas over the city after a ride on a charming old tram. Explore the Alfama district, the Lisbon heart during Moorish times. The Moors have moved on, but the neighborhood retains an exotic atmosphere. Visit to the St. Georges Castle formerly a Moorish citadel. The castle boasts panoramic views of the city. You'll find yourself wandering through colorful XVIII century squares downtown and getting lost in the medieval maze of the Alfama district overlooked by an ancient castle. Jewish refugees from Spain settled here in the fifteenth century. The entrance to the neighborhood’s Jewish quarter, or Judiaría, was through the Arco de Rosario. Just inside the arch is a brick wall with a pair of decorative arched windows near the top - all that remains of what is believed to have been the quarter's synagogue. Up the winding stairway Just inside the arch is the Rua da Judiaría, the central artery of the former Jewish quarter. The typical medieval houses have a narrow door that was the family entrance and a wider one that often housed the place of business, such as a shop or workshop. At the end of the tor your chauffeur will take you back to your hotel. Short walk towards Olivier Avenida restaurant , a warm and intimate restaurant, where the décor brings us back to Marie Antoinette, for its laces and satin in pink and soft colors. Dinner(pre-set menu with wines). Its famous Menu Degustation, surprises guests with an elegant set of choices, such as the tempting starters or the unique Kobe beef. Includes: Transportation - Full-Day at Disposal, as per itinerary, by Deluxe Vehicle, with English Speaking Fluent Driver (6 - 8 Hours); Expert Guide - Full-day at Disposal, as per itinerary (6 - 8 Hours); Entrance fees at Lisbon Synagogue, Jeronimos’ Monastery and St. George Castle; Gourmet treat at local pastry store; Lunch (pre-set menu with wines) at Doca Peixe restaurant; Dinner (pre-set menu with wines) at Olivier Avenida restaurant. 28 APRIL 2017, FRIDAY | SINTRA & CASCAIS Today is a superb day of sightseeing in the quaint and aristocratic, World Heritage by Unesco , town of Sintra - where Lord Byron lived and considered it to be “Paradise in Earth”. You'll see castles, fortresses, forests, and beautiful scenery. Sintra and its mystical hills dotted with fairytale palaces and extravagant villas have bewitched visitors for centuries. The Romans made it a place of cult moon worshiping and named it "Cynthia" after the goddess of the moon. They were followed by the Moors who also fell in love with the lush vegetation and built a hilltop castle, a palace, and several fountains around the town. Later it became the summer residence of the Portuguese royal family and attracted a number of wealthy aristocrats who built huge mansions and villas. Meet your expert guide at the lobby and indulge on a private Journey throughout Sintra remarkable monuments. You'll first visit the 19 th century Pena Palace*, one of Europe's most fantastic palaces. It includes a drawbridge, a conglomeration of turrets, ramparts, and domes, and a gargoyle above a Neo-Manueline arch, all washed in an array of pastel shades. The extravagant interior is decorated in late Victorian and Edwardian furnishings, rich ornaments, paintings, and priceless porcelain preserved Just as the royal family left them. Drive towards Lisbon following the coastline. En route stop at Cascais, a lovely fishermen village. Lunch (pre-set menu) an old fishermen's tavern between the sea and the fish market with Fresh fish and shellfish roasters and a unique wine cellar. After lunch venture on a relaxing walking tour to the Cascais center, enJoying the fresh sea breeze. Ending the tour you will be dropped off at your hotel. Includes: Transportation - Full-Day at Disposal, as per itinerary, by Deluxe Vehicle, with English Speaking Fluent Driver (6 - 8 Hours); Expert Guide - Full-day at Disposal, as per itinerary (6 - 8 Hours); Entrance fees at Pena or National Palace; Lunch (pre-set menu with wines) at Pescador restaurant. 29 APRIL 2017, SATURDAY | LISBON Dinner tonight will be served at an 18th century Palace, one of the most remarkable buildings of Lisbon, with richly decorated rooms, has been the seat of the Portuguese Red Cross since 1924.