Portugal Tours & Trips 2020

• Get lost in the labyrinthine streets of the Albaicin in Granada before crossing the river to visit the imposing Moorish fortress of the Alhambra.
• Unwind in a laidback fishing town in the Algarve, soaking up the sun on the beach and enjoying an included boat trip around the rocky cliffs of the coast.
• Join pilgrims along the last leg of the famous Camino de Santiago journey as they reach the historic cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
• Pulsing with quirky and vibrant art and architecture, walking the streets of Barcelona is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the unique culture of Catalonia.
• Sit back, relax and watch the water flow by in one of Porto’s river restaurants while you sample a couple of varieties of the city’s signature wine – port!

• See the enchanting Alhambra Palace in Granada by night with an expert guide, a Premium Exclusive Experience. Avoid the crowds as you receive special insight into the complex’s fascinating history.
• Taste the best of local cuisine during Exclusive Experiences – tour the markets of Barcelona, sample olive oil at a family-run farm in Andalucia, try delicious marzipan in Toledo and take a wine-tasting tour in the Douro Valley.
• Spend two nights in a converted 18th-century mansion for your Feature Stay in Seville, and enjoy the best of the Douro Valley at a fabulous hotel nestled within the famous wine-growing region.
• Soak up the glamour and the sun while winding along the stunning Bay of Cascais on a full-day exploration of Lisbon’s surrounds, including Sintra’s bewitching Pena Palace, a Premium Exclusive Experience.
• Cruise the tranquil Albufera Lake by boat during an Exclusive Experience and learn how fishermen and rice growers ply their trade here. Visit the island of El Palmar and discover its typical 'barraca' houses.

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• THE CANARY ISLANDS: A BIOSPHERE RESERVE
  • Black sand beaches; lush forests; steep cliffs; dark, ragged crags; waves of dunes; charming, colonial towns; and bustling cities: The Canaries are a study in contrasts.
• VISIT THE HEART OF SIX ISLANDS
  • Three national parks: Teide, Garajonay, and Timanfaya
  • Tours of Gran Canaria, La Gomera, and El Hierro
• A DELICIOUS EXPERIENCE
  • Local wine and cheese tastings
  • Local cuisine during excursions

• Taste the wines of the Alentejo region during a winery tour.
• Savor the flavors of the Algarve with a tasting menu featuring iconic local dishes, liquors and pastries.
• Spend the night in Evora, known as the "Museum City of Portugal."
• Enjoy a leisurely 3-night stay on the sunny coast of the Algarve.
• Enjoy a 3-night stay in the Portuguese Riviera town of Cascais.
• Venture to Lagos, where Prince Henry the Navigator began his explorations.
• Tour Lisbon, Portugal's capital overlooking the Tagus River.
• Admire the stunning Cabo da Roca, the western most point of continental Europe.
• Explore Evora (UNESCO) with its Roman temple and quaint whitewashed houses.

• Take a walk through the idyllic coastal city of Porto and understand why the birthplace of fortified wine is renowned for its narrow lanes, charming buildings and delicious cuisine.
• Explore the country’s oldest university when discovering the historic riverfront city of Coimbra – once the capital of Portugal.
• Take in all the highlights of Portugal’s arts and culture scene with an included traditional Fado show in Coimbra.
• Walk through the secluded Schist Villages, hidden between the mountain slopes, and consider the option of an authentic cooking class run by local residents.
• Join your leader in Lisbon for sunset views over a picnic of local cheese and wine – this is European living.

Day 1 – Sun – Madrid
• Meet and assistance at the airport, transfer to the hotel. Balance of the day at leisure. Accommodation at the hotel
Day 2 – Mon – Madrid
• Breakfast at the hotel. Morning Madrid panoramic city tour; find the medieval origins of the city, like the Arabic fortress, at the Barrio de la Morería, famous for its historical buildings. Drive through the courtesan district of the Hapsburgs characterized by Phillip II and its Renaissance and Baroque style buildings, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa; the Madrid of the Bourbons and the complex town planning schemes of Charles III, the Royal Palace, Cibeles and Neptuno Fountains and the Puerta de Alcalá. Admire the XIX C. works such as Prado Museum. The contemporary Madrid with areas such as Gran Vía, Castellana, the district of Salamanca, Plaza Castilla and Parque del Oeste, as well as commercial and financial areas of Modern Madrid, the emblematic Las Ventas Bullring and the Santiago Bernabéu Football Stadium. Afternoon free to continue exploring the wonders that the city has to offer. Accommodation at the hotel. (B)
Day 3 – Tue – Madrid – Avila – Salamanca – Porto
• Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to bus terminal, located in the underground parking of the Plaza de Oriente. Departure at 08:30 a.m. Drive to Avila. A city that preserves its medieval wall. Short stop to know its walled and old town. Then to Salamanca. Free time in this University City World Heritage of great architectural and artistic wealth. Departure to the Portuguese border until you reach Porto. Accommodation. (B)
Day 4 – Wed – Porto
• Breakfast at the hotel. Panoramic sightseeing tour of Porto, considered World Heritage city. We admire the Cathedral, Stock Exchange building and Santa Clara church. Afterwards, enjoy a different perspective of the city along the river Douro aboard the BlueBoats Cruise and discover the historic heritage visiting one wellknown Port Wine Cellars with a wine tasting included. Rest of day at leisure. Accommodation. (B)
Day 5 – Thu – Porto – Coimbra – Fatima
• Breakfast. Departure to Coimbra. City seat of one of the oldest universities in Europe and the birthplace of Fado. Free time. Then to Fatima. Center of the Christian Faith and World Pilgrimage Sanctuary with its impressive Basilica and the Cova da Iria place where the Virgin Mary appeared. The Chapel of the Apparitions, heart of the sanctuary, with the tombs of the three shepherds, Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta. At night possibility to attend the procession of the candles. Accommodation. (B)
Day 6 – Fri – Fatima – Batalha – Nazare – Alcobaca – Lisbon
• Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to the Batalha Monastery, a masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline style considered a World Heritage place by UNESCO. Continue to the picturesque fishing town of Nazaré. Free time and continue to Alcobaça (World Heritage) with its Gothic church and Cistercian monastery, whose origins date back to the XII C. Then to Lisbon. Accommodation. Optional traditional and typical dinner including a show of Fado, typical Portuguese song and music. (B)
Day 7 – Sat – Lisbon
• Breakfast at the hotel. Morning sightseeing tour of the ancient Olissipo, drive through its main squares and avenues, Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, Coach Museum (entrance included), Monument to the Discoverers, Marquis of Pombal Square, Liberty Avenue. Afternoon at leisure for you to catch the nostalgic corners of Alfama Quarter, the old city gathered next to its Castle, with old buildings nested in narrow twisting “Ruas” full of color housing the genuine “tabernas” where Fado sounds as a missing past. Accommodation at the hotel. (B)
Day 8 – Sun – Lisbon – Caceres – Cordoba
• Breakfast at the hotel. Departure at 07:30 hrs. to Caceres considered as World Heritage place because of the city’s blend of Roman, Islamic, Northern Gothic and Italian Renaissance architecture. Walk through its Plaza Mayor and the Old Town with its famous Medieval Quarter. Afterwards, continue on towards Cordoba, once the capital of the Caliphate. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel. (B, D)
Day 9 – Mon – Cordoba – Seville
• Breakfast at the hotel. Impressive tour of its Mosque (entrance included) and other sites that will ease our mind and spirit strolling through its narrow winding streets of the Jewish Quarter. In the afternoon, after a short two hours ride reach Seville. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel. (B, D)
Day 10 – Tue – Seville
• Breakfast at the hotel. Morning panoramic city tour visiting: the exterior of the Cathedral (the second largest in the Catholic world after St. Peters in Rome), Santa Cruz quarter (a natural scenario of “Carmen” as well as a precisely where the myth of “Don Juan” developed), Maria Luisa Park and Plaza de España. Afternoon at leisure for you to discover exclusive views, specific flavors of this active full of light city. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel. (B, D)
Day 11 – Wed – Seville – Ronda – Costa Del Sol
• After breakfast at the hotel drive south passing typical villages. Reach Ronda; free time to admire this town of Celtic origin and the marvelous view of the valley and mountain range. In the afternoon continue on to the Costa del Sol, one of the most modern and important international tourist areas. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel. (B, D)
Day 12- Thu – Costa Del Sol – Granada
• Breakfast. Departure towards the city of Granada and its incredible and amazing monumental environment, last stronghold of the Moorish Kingdoms up to 1492. Visit the world famous Alhambra complex (entrance included) and Generalife Gardens that have inspired several authors with its sound and sights, such as the “Tales of the Alhambra” by W. Irving. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel. (B, D)
Day 13 – Fri – Granada – Toledo – Madrid
• Breakfast at the hotel. Drive northward where it emerges, toward the sky of Castilla and surrounded by the Tagus River, the impressive Imperial city of Toledo –World Heritage City- where the three cultures Christians, Moorish and Jewish, have lived together. Resume of the Spanish art, history and spirituality the whole town is a National Monument. Short guided tour of this historical old town through its narrow streets. Then proceed with a visit to a famous “Damasquinado” (gold and silver inlaying in iron) factory. Continue to Madrid. Accommodation at the hotel. (B)
Day 14 – Sat – Madrid
• After breakfast at the hotel transfer to the airport. END OF OUR SERVICE. (B)

• Experience a truly unique cozido das Furnas lunch in Furnas Valley.
• Enjoy a traditional dinner in Madeira, known as an espetada, and local folkloric entertainment.
• Experience the beauty of Portugal’s Riviera with visits to Cascais and Estoril.
• Discover the bountiful crops of the Azores at pineapple and tea plantations.
• Gaze upon the pristine twin lakes of Sete Cidades.
• Discover stunning St. Michael, the largest of the Azorean islands.
• Explore the island of Madeira, known as the "Pearl of the Atlantic."
• Tour Lisbon and uncover its treasures including the iconic Belem Tower.

• Choose between two carefully selected activities
• Seville: Stroll through Barrio de Santa Cruz with your Local Expert to hear how the Jewish community has shaped the history of Seville.
• Seville: Explore Seville's top sights on a panoramic city tour with your Local Expert.
• : Our Well-Being Directors take a proactive approach to your welfare ensuring all well-being regulations are met (available on tours with 21 or more guests).
• : Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
• : Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19.All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
• : We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
• : Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
• : "There is nothing quite like sampling the many varieties of tapas. Every region has its own delicacies so you can be assured that you will taste different ones everywhere you go."
• : "Guests are surprised to find that Spanish is not the only language spoken in the country – there’s also Basque, Galician and Catalan, not to mention the little dialects in each province."
• : "No visit to Portugal is complete without an extensive investigation into its gastronomy. Our guests are delighted by the high-quality food, diverse flavours and generous service for which the Portuguese are known."
• Madrid: Join your Travel Director at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner in a local restaurant and get to know your fellow travellers over a beautiful evening of delicious food and wine.
• Lisbon: Delight in a taste of the famous Portuguese delicacy, Pastéis de Belém.
• Madrid: With good food and wine, toast the culmination of your travels during a fabulous Celebration Dinner.
• Dining Summary: 3 Dinner with Wine (DW), and 8 Breakfast (B)
• Toledo: At a Damascene workshop, meet a master artisan for a personal insight into this ancient craft. Witness firsthand their precision as they inlay gold and silver into iron, using a chisel and a hammer.
• Granada: Visit the famous Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. While others wait in line, you'll be exploring accompanied by a Local Expert, keen to share insights into this Moorish landmark.
• Toledo: Explore this magnificent ancient city with your Local Expert and visit the Church of Santo Tome; to see an El Greco's masterpiece.
• Granada: Explore 'The City of the Pomegranate' with a Local Expert. During sightseeing you'll see the icons dedicated to this fruit throughout the city.
• Seville: Stroll through Barrio de Santa Cruz with your Local Expert to hear how the Jewish community has shaped the history of Seville.
• Seville: Explore Seville's top sights on a panoramic city tour with your Local Expert.
• Évora: With your Travel Director explore the ancient city of Evora and visit the fascinating Capela dos Ossos, meaning the Chapel of Bones, a chapel decorated with human remains.
• Lisbon: Explore with your Local Expert, from the Lower Town, beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paco. Visit the Belém Quarter to see the modern Monument to the Discoveries and the ancient Belém Tower.
• Lisbon: Visit Jerónimos Monastery with its beautiful Manueline architecture, reflecting Portugal's trade over the centuries and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Fátima: Join the faithful at one of the world's holiest sites and pay homage at the Chapel of the Apparitions or see the basilica.
• Salamanca: See the golden stone buildings and handsome arcades of Plaza Mayor for which this city is famous for.
• Avila: Walk within the ancient walls of this unique town.
• Madrid: See the highlights of the city with your Local Expert. Visit the Old Town, travelling along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the fountain in the Plaza de Cibeles, the Cervantes Monument and Royal Palace, before crossing the Puerta del Sol.

• Wander around Salamanca's Plaza Mayor at night, lit up to reveal its intricate architecture
• Fado is an emotional form of Portuguese music which often expresses the hard realities of the daily life, balancing both resignation and hopefulness. Enjoy unforgettable Fado performance in Coimbra.
• Make the most of your time in Lisbon. This city has so many sights on offer; beautiful museums, monuments and parks, as well as its famous trams, bars and restaurants.
• The Algarve in Portugal is the perfect middle point of the trip. Buy some fresh local produce in the morning market to enjoy while soaking up the sun on gorgeous beaches. In the evening enjoy a sunset over the Atlantic Ocean from our accommodations roof top terrace.
• Feel adventurous as you cross the strait of Gibraltar between Spain and Morocco, leaving Europe behind for Africa. Land softly in Chefchaouen, our first stop in Morocco. Wake up to the call for prayer, enjoy local fresh produce breakfast and head out to explore this beautiful blue mountain village on foot.
• Relive a glorious medieval past in Fes city. While many tourists get lost in the labyrinthine streets of the medina, you'll have a local guide to show you the way
• Where else would you find drummers, dancers, fortune tellers, jugglers and old medicine men in one place? Marrakech is the perfect place to share a final group meal and stock up on treasures in the city's colourful souqs

• Be surrounded by the culture of Catalan cooking (and by jamon hanging from the ceiling) in Barcelona’s many delis
• Local, fresh produce is at the heart of Catalan food – get a chef’s insight into the best ingredients at Santa Caterina market
• Sip a glass of famous Rioja in the unique surrounds of Laguardia – in the centuries old cellars beneath the medieval walled town
• Uncover the local specialties of Asturia and Galicia, sampling true Asturian cider poured in the traditional style, and eating fresh Galician mussels straight from the sea in A Coruna
• Few places know how to do a farmers market better than Potes – it’s been happening here in the same spot since the 1200s
• Cook up a Galician feast using Vigo's finest seafood
• Sip world-class wines in the spectacular Douro Valley wine region
• Discover why Alentejo is Portugal’s best kept foodie secret on a farmstay
• Stand around with the Lisbon locals and enjoy a tipple of cherry liqueur

• Enjoy sweeping views of Lisbon from São Jorge Castle, a Moorish wonderland that sits perched upon a hilltop overlooking the city.
• Explore the grounds of the historic University of Coimbra, Portugal's oldest university.
• In Coimbra, hear the haunting melodies of Portugese Fado, sung only by men.
• Indulge in Portugal's famous cuisine. Be sure to try bacalhau, caldo verde, and pastel de nata.
• Treat yourself to a ride down Porto's Douro River, enjoying scenic valley views and indulging in a glass (or two) of local wine.

• Walking Tour of Porto
• Visit the Royal Palace (Coimbra)
• Enjoy beautiful view of Marvao Medieval Village
• Visit Fatima
• Visit the Cathedral and Cloisters of Evora
• Enjoy Wine Tasting (Evora)
• Explore Belem Riverside District (Lisbon)
• Obidos Medieval Fortress
• Fado Show with Dinner

• Journey this mostly coastal walk to Santiago de Compostela – a lesser-known trail with fewer pilgrims along the way.
• Feast on some of the best Spanish seafood and Albarino wine in Arcade, on a substantial lunch stop on the way to Pontevedra.
• Trek a fair distance each day, but be able to relax along the way, with dedicated rest days in seaside Vigo and inland Caldas de Reis.
• Take a load off – literally! Your luggage will be transferred between your accommodation each day, meaning you’ll only have to carry a day pack, and your luggage will be waiting at your hotel.
• Visit one of the bodegas (wineries) in the region of Caldas de Rei and have the opportunity to soak in the renowned hot springs in the area.
• Explore the marvels of Saint James’s resting place at the Cathedral de Santiago and the medieval old town surrounding as a reward for conquering this journey