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!

• 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 – 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

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

• 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.

• Lisbon : Welcome dinner; guided sightseeing, visit the Alfama quarter and Jeronimos MonasteryFÁTIMA
• Porto : Guided sightseeing, visit the Arabian Hall in the Stock Exchange; Port wine tasting at Sandeman & Co.
• Vigo : Walking tour
• La toja island: Enjoy a coffee and the spectacular view at the Gran Hotel La Toja and admire the shell-covered church
• Santiago de compostela: Dinner with wine at a local restaurant; guided sightseeing, visit the cathedral
• Luarca : Stop in this pretty fishing village with its white houses
• Oviedo : Guided sightseeing, visit the Cathedral of San Salvador and enjoy a cider tasting SANTANDER
• Bilbao : Guided visit of the Guggenheim Museum
• San sebastian: Guided walking tour of the Old Quarter
• Pamplona : Walk through the Calle Estafeta, followed by lunch with traditional tapas and Rioja wine at Basaburua restaurant
• Saragossa : Visit Plaza de Pilar
• Barcelona : Guided sightseeing; visit the Sagrada Familia Basilica, panoramic view from Montjuïc Hill; farewell dinner at La Fonda del Port Olimpic restaurant
• Explore the coastline of Portugal and Northern Spain on this fascinating vacation
• In Portugal, you'll overnight in Lisbon and Porto, and enjoy guided sightseeing in both cities, including a visit to the Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon, dating back to the 16th century, and in Porto, the Arabian Hall in the Stock Exchange, which was inspired by Granada’s Alhambra

• 5 Dinner with Wine (DW)
• 14 Breakfast (B)
• 2 Lunch with Wine (LW)
• 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 highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
• : Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
• : We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
• : Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
• : Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
• : From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
• : If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
• 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.
• Porto: Sample a selection of famous Port wines at a tasting at the Vila Nova de Gaia wine stores.
• Lisbon: Delight in a taste of the famous Portuguese delicacy, Pastéis de Belém.
• Torremolinos: Taste a selection of freshly pressed olive oils with locally made farmer bread when you stop at Almazara, the oldest olive grove in the region.
• Alfarnatejo: Hear stories of local life as you join a local family for a freshly prepared traditional lunch with wine.
• Valencia: Learn the authentic recipe of paella when you join a local chef for a Cooking Demonstration. Savour the flavours of this classic dish for dinner, washed down with a glass of Sangria, during your Highlight Dinner.
• Sant Sadurni dAnoia: Join a wine expert when you visit Cava Dorada. Enjoy a tasting at the great Cava vineyards during your delicious Highlight Lunch.
• Barcelona: At a typical Catalan restaurant, savour a delicious Celebration Dinner that incorporates classic cooking with the freshest produce.
• Madrid: Witness the world's finest collection of Spanish paintings, plus an impressive international collection, as you tour the Prado Museum with an art historian.
• 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.
• Seville: The Cristina Heeren Foundation aims to promote the teaching and conservation of flamenco and is a beneficiary of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Meet the students of the foundation, learn some basic flamenco steps, and then feel the passion as they perform an emotional show. The school enables students access to cultural education that otherwise may not have occurred. TreadRights sponsorship has helped students to complete their studies in advanced guitar, singing and dance. As students complete their training, they will carry on and safeguard the traditional flamenco dance, contributing to the protection of Andalusia and Spain’s cultural heritage. The Cristina Heeren Foundation advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education and UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
• 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.
• Segovia: Walk the medieval streets of this fortified city with your Local Expert and see the 14th century Alcazar Palace.
• Avila: Walk within the ancient walls of this unique town.
• Salamanca: See the handsome arcaded Plaza Mayor, the honey-coloured cathedral and the 16th century university buildings as you explore the city with your Local Expert.
• Porto: See the iconic bridges and buildings decorated in tiles.
• 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.
• Obidos: Lead by your Travel Director, walk through the picturesque narrow streets up to the main square of this ancient walled town.
• 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 medieval Belém Tower.
• Lisbon: Visit Jerónimos Monastery with its beautiful Manueline architecture, reflecting Portugal's trade over the centuries and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Seville: Visit the Seville Cathedral with your Local Expert. Pass the altarpiece dripping with gold and see the Tomb of Columbus, held aloft by four kings.
• 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.
• Gibraltar: With your Local Expert, explore the Rock of Gibraltar, one of the pillars of Hercules, affording magnificent views and see the meeting of the Atlantic, the Mediterranean and the Spanish Sierra. Visit St. Michael's Cave and see the Barbary Apes.
• Mijas: Journey to this white-washed village and stroll the streets to admire the coastal views.
• Alfarnatejo: Visit the beautiful, quiet town and walk the town centre to see the 18th century Iglesia del Santo Cristo de Cabrilla.
• 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.
• Valencia: See the ultra-modern Centre of Arts and Sciences and the huge gates of the old town, Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart.
• Peñíscola: See the castle featured in the film 'El Cid'.
• Barcelona: With your Local Expert, drive down Las Ramblas and the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to witness some of the finest Modernist architecture. Journey through the Eixample district to see Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerising Sagrada Família.
• Barcelona: Venture inside Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Família and marvel at the contrasts of architecture. Above see its giant, tree-like pillars and spectacular vaulting. Admire the wonderful rainbow of the incredible stained-glass windows.
• : "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."
• : "No visit to Portugal is complete without a thorough exploration of its gastronomy. Our guests are delighted by the high-quality food and generous service for which the Portuguese are known."
• : "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."
• : 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.

• 12 Breakfast (B)
• 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
• 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
• 2 Dinner (D)
• 1 Regional Dinner (RD)
• 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
• Panoias-Ourique: Saddle up for a superb stud farm visit, the tragic story of unrequited love and a traditional home-cooked Be My Guest lunch with Tiago and Vera in Portugal's beautiful Alentejo.
• Toledo: The invincible swords of Toledo have defended cities for centuries. Visit an inlaid steel factory in Toledo to see local craftsmen forging the highest quality steel.
• Lisbon: Visit the Hieronymite Monastery, a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome and exquisite example of Manueline architecture.
• Jerez de la Frontera: Sample the famous sherry tradition in the southern Spanish city of Jerez, which has been making wine since ancient times.
• Madrid: See the highlights of the city with your Local Specialist. Visit the Old Town, travelling along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the Cibeles fountain, Cervantes Monument and Royal Palace.
• Toledo: Explore this magnificent ancient city with your Local Specialist and visit the Church of Santo Tomé to see an El Greco masterpiece.
• Avila: View the impressive city walls that define Ávila's Old Town.
• 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 Salamanca's golden Plaza Mayor, voted one of the most beautiful central plazas in Spain.
• Lisbon: Explore with your Local Specialist, 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 medieval Belém Tower.
• Cádiz: See the cathedral, Teatro Romano, the monumental Puerta de Tierra and enjoy a walk along Paseo Maritimo.
• Seville: Guided by your Local Specialist, see the Giralda Tower, former minaret of the Great Mosque and now the cathedral's belltower. Explore the narrow streets of the Santa Cruz Quarter and emerge by the great walls of the Alcazar.
• Granada: Visit the famous Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. Explore with a Local Specialist keen to share insights into this Moorish landmark.
• Córdoba: Explore the incredible Mezquita with your Local Specialist. Admire the forest of horseshoe arches and learn how this building symbolises many of Córdoba's religious changes over the centuries.
• Guadix: See the cave homes that embellish the hills around Guadix.
• Valencia: See the ultra-modern Centre of Arts and Sciences and the historic bullring of Valencia during an orientation drive with your Travel Director.
• Madrid: Drive through central Madrid and see some of the city's famous features during an orientation with your Travel Director.
• : Explore Córdoba, Seville, Évora, Lisbon, Toledo and Madrid with a Local Specialist
• : Discover Valencia, Cádiz and Salamanca
• : Visit the Alhambra Palace in Granada, the Cathedral Mosque in Córdoba, Seville Cathedral, the Cathedral of Évora, the Hieronymite Monastery in Lisbon, the Shrine at Fátima, Plaza Mayor in Salamanca and the Church of Santo Tomé and the Synagogue in Toledo
• : View the Hanging Houses of Cuenca, the Towers of Serrano and Quart and the City of Arts and Sciences complex in Valencia and the Cave Houses of Guadix
• : An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
• : Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
• : All porterage and restaurant gratuities
• : All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
• : Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
• : Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
• : Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
• : Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
• : Optional Experiences and free time

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruising in the spectacular Douro Valley
• Traditional folk evening on board
• EXCURSIONS INCLUDED to some of the most beautiful Portuguese cities:
  • Porto, the pearl of Portugal
  • The Douro Museum and the Quinta do tedo
  • Guimarães and its medieval center

• 2 Dinner (D)
• 9 Breakfast (B)
• Córdoba: This ornate World Heritage site was built by the Moors after they conquered Iberia. And it’s still one of the world’s biggest mosques.
• Lisbon: Take an orientation in Lisbon’s ‘museum district’. See the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower and the best places to taste a pastel de nata.
• Lisbon: Get to grips with Portugal’s coastal capital. See all the sights, including Castelo de São Jorge, the Praca do Comércio, Rossio Sqaure and Praça da Figueira.

• 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.

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

• 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

• 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.