Portugal Tours & Trips 2020

• The Expert Leader for the trip is: Ruben Lopes
• Enjoy one night at The Literary Man, a dream hotel for book aficionados in the white-washed medieval village of Óbidos
• Our included experiences encompass a guided tour of Porto’s world-famous wines cellars and a guided tour of the charismatic city of Lisbon
• Feel invigorated as you pedal into Nazaré fishing village, home to some of the biggest waves ever recorded
• Cycle through the wildlife-rich sand dunes of São Jacinto Natural Reserve

• 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!

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• Intoxicating getaway between vineyards and the river
• Heritage, flavors, dances and traditional songs
• Fado, flamenco, and traditional evenings on board

• 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.

• 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

• Experience a memorable Fado performance in Coimbra – an emotional form of Portuguese music expressing the hard realities of the daily life and balancing both resignation and hopefulness.
• Soak up the sun on the Portuguese coast's gorgeous beaches along the Algarve, walking across rocky cliff tops, exploring remote coves and taking in a sunset over the Atlantic Ocean with your small group.
• Relive a glorious medieval past in in the labyrinthine streets of Fes city, and discover the cultural capital, Marrakech, through its people – drummers, dancers, fortune tellers, jugglers and medicine men.
• Scale the High Atlas Mountains and trek through scenic Berber villages, spending a night in a traditional Berber homestay to get a true sense of rural Moroccan life.
• Travel through the Sahara in a camel convoy, sleeping under a blanket the North African stars and enjoy an evening beside the campfire listening to traditional Bedouin tales.

• 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

• 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.

• Explore Lisbon
• Discover Guimaraes and visit UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Visit Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo
• Visit Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Explore Madrid 

• Seek out the best fresh seafood in Vigo’s lively fish market, then learn to cook some classic Galician dishes for a hearty lunch.
• Tour the steep terraces of the Douro Valley’s riverside vineyards and stop in at a couple of wineries to sip and swirl local varieties.
• Travel inland to an agriturismo in the Alentejo region and spend the night on a local farm, complete with a hearty dinner made with fresh produce.
• Get into the swing of glamorous but relaxed Lisbon by sampling local favourite ginjinha, a cherry liqueur, with the locals.
• Immerse yourself in Porto’s multicultural neighbourhoods during a walking and snacking tour, starting with a flaky pastry breakfast and ending with a glass of (what else) port.

• Cruise Map : Explore Lisbon, then see unspoiled vistas, stop at ports of call largely unchanged for centuries and sample the local cuisine and port wines on your Douro River cruise.
• Lisbon, Portugal : Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon, is not only the country’s largest city with a population of more than 500,000 people, but it is also one of the oldest cities in the world, boasting over 20 centuries of continuous human habitation.
• Porto & Bitetos, Portugal :Portugal’s second largest city, Porto, is a thriving economic center as well as a place of great traditional importance.
• Régua & Pinhão, Portugal : The peaceful town of Peso da Régua, commonly known as Régua, overlooks the Douro River with the Serra do Marao mountains at its rear.
• Barca D’Alva, Portugal : This tranquil town is shadowed by mountains and surrounded by miles of gorgeous countryside filled with vineyards and orchards.
• Porto, Portugal : Portugal’s second largest city, Porto, is a thriving economic center as well as a place of great traditional importance.

• 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

• 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.
• Walk through the secluded Schist Villages, hidden between the mountain slopes, and consider the option of an authentic cooking class run by local residents.
• Uncover the wonders of Sao Miguel on a day tour of the island, from plantations of tea and pineapples to an active volcano and some truly memorable viewpoints.
• Hike through the UNESCO-designated vineyards and over black volcanic earth on the island of Pico, then be rewarded for your efforts with a tasting session at a fantastic local winery.

• Discover Terceira Island - its stunning coastline and lush green forest
• Discover colourful buildings and picturesque plazas in the historic capital
• Explore dramatic volcanic scenery: lava cave, natural pools and volcano pit

• Have an amazing Lamego city tour
• Explore Porto, and enjoy port wine tasting
• Opportunity to visit Salamanca this is an UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Visit Castelo Rodrig
• Discover Portugal