Discover one of Europe’s best kept secrets: the remarkably close and stunningly diverse island of Madeira. Majestic mountains and striking cliffs meet lush vibrant gardens and tremendously blue waters, creating a feast for the senses. Known for mouthwatering seafood and wine, embroidery and wicker crafts, a visit to this culturally rich land is the perfect introduction to our 9-day journey. Return to the mainland to explore Lisbon, Sintra, Obidos, Fatima and the magical charm of Cascais. Breathtaking architecture, ancient history and storybook landscapes combine to round out a truly comprehensive tour of the best of Portugal.
EMAIL TO REGISTER.
TOUR INCLUDES:
• Round Trip Airfare from Boston or New York
• 7 Nights Accommodations featuring 4 Nights in Funchal & 3 Nights in Cascais
• 12 Meals: 7 Breakfasts & 5 Dinners including a traditional Espetada Dinner with Folkloric Entertainment
• Botanical Gardens of Madeira
• Tour & Tasting at the Madeira Wine Company
• Explore both East & West Madeira including: Cabo Girao, Porto Moniz, Santana & much more!
• Pay homage to Portugal’s Explorers as you tour Lisbon
• Visit Fatima the World Famous Pilgrimage Site
• Stroll the cobblestoned streets of the ancient towns of Obidos & Sintra
• Services of a Local Professional Guide
COST
Double and Triple Occupancy: $2999 Single Occupancy: $3299
Rates include $376 per person in air transportation taxes, fees & fuel surcharges-subject to change. All rates are based out of Boston or New York.
DEPOSIT: $250 per person required with registration until sold out.
OPTIONAL TRAVEL PROTECTION PLAN: $175 due with registration.
BALANCE DUE: 6/15/2018.
ITINERARY
Day 1: This evening, we’ll depart for our overnight flight to Madeira’s capital, Funchal, via Lisbon. Winner of the 2015 World Travel Awards “Leading Island Destination”, Madeira’s warmth and charm are sure to impress.
Day 2: Today, arrive in the breathtaking island of Madeira and transfer to your elegant, fivestar hotel – the Pestana Casino Park. During the next four nights of our journey, enjoy magnificent views of the ocean, mountains and tranquil gardens at our sophisticated resort. A memorable welcome dinner is included this evening. (D) Advance entrée choice required: Boneless Lamb Chop or Grilled Sea Bass.
Day 3: We begin the day with a tour of the capital city Funchal. A guided walk through the colorful market reveals a stunning array of exotic flowers, freshly caught fish, succulent fruits and so much more. Next, visit the Botanical Gardens ablaze with tropical and subtropical flora. With over 3,000 plants meticulously displayed, it’s no wonder why Madeira is commonly referred to as the “Floating Garden of the Atlantic”. After a visit to the Madeira Wine Company, where you may sample the world famous local wine, we’ll experience even more of charming Funchal. The narrow back streets of old town are filled with wine-bars, family-run tavernas, ancient buildings and countless gardens while the marina is lined with cafes and seafood restaurants. The afternoon is at leisure and there are many discoveries nearby: the painted doors of Rua de Santa Maria, carefully nurtured Palheiro Gardens, or a scenic cable car ride to Monte. You can even take a ride on the carros de cestos, wicker sided toboggans, which make their way down the winding streets from Monte to Funchal. (B)
Day 4: After breakfast, explore the western part of the island on a guided tour. Visit a quaint working fishing village, Camara de Lobos, where Winston Churchill loved to paint during his visits to the island. We’ll also witness Cabo Girao, one of the world’s highest sea cliffs, and enjoy a view of the Ecumeada where, weather permitting, you might see both the North and South Coasts of the island. Witness the charming agricultural town of Sao Vincente. Later we’ll explore Porto Moniz, famed for its natural swimming pools carved out of volcanic rock. Savor an included dinner after a wonderful day of discoveries. (B, D)
Day 5: Today we take the scenic mountain road to Camacha, a town famous for its wicker crafts. Along the way, behold spectacular views at Pico do Areeiro, one of highest point on the island, and see the trout hatchery at Ribeiro Frio. Stop in the picture perfect pastoral village of Santana – famous for its brightly painted triangular houses with their steep, thatched roofs. This evening, relish a traditional Espetada dinner (beef marinated in herbs then cooked on a traditional skewer over an open fire) while being entertained by local folk dancers. (B, D)
Day 6: Bid farewell to Madeira and fly to Lisbon, arriving in Cascais after a short transfer. Often called “the Coast of Kings”, this beautiful area has long basked in its reputation as the playground of royalty and continues to live up to its reputation as a stunning resort town on the Portuguese Riviera. Enjoy a panoramic tour before checking into the four-star Vila Gale Hotel, your home for the next three evenings, located close to the town’s center. (B, D)
Day 7: This morning, visit the world famous pilgrimage site of Fatima. Continue to the medieval town of Obidos, considered by many to be one of Portugal’s most romantic spots before a visit to the magical walled-in city of Sintra. Often called the “glorious Eden” of Portugal, it was once the summer residence of Portuguese kings and contains two palaces, an ancient castle, cobblestoned streets, cafes and homes in dazzling bright hues and incredible vistas of the surrounding landscape. This evening, you are free to enjoy one of the many restaurants in the quaint town of Cascais. (B)
Day 8: Today we’ll take the scenic ocean route toward Lisbon and pay homage to Portugal’s great explorers with a visit to the Tower of Belem and the Monument of Discoveries. You’ll find over 30 explorers represented on this massive shrine, including Henry the Navigator, Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan. Before a walk through the medieval alleyways of Lisbon’s Alfama District, tour Jeronimo’s Monastery and view the tomb of lauded voyager Vasco da Gama. Winding streets, beautiful tile-work, quaint churches and homes fill the “historical soul” of this symbolic quarter. Later, visit the heart of the downtown area with free time to explore in lively Rossio Square. This evening, dine at a popular local restaurant for a memorable farewell dinner. (B, D)
Day 9: This morning after breakfast, transfer to the airport for our return flight to the US – departing with fond memories of Madeira & Portugal’s many treasures. (B)
B- Breakfast, L- Lunch, D- Dinner
**This is an active tour and requires participants to be in reasonably good health to fully enjoy all experiences. For example, there will be walking tours, periods of standing, walking on uneven surfaces, and long days. We do not recommend this type of tour for individuals who use either a walker or wheelchair.
EMAIL to register.
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