ITINERARY:
Day 1: Lisbon/Évora
One day discovering the town of Évora , mosaic of culture,history and traditions. Leaving Lisbon, we cross the bridge over the river Tejo by a beautiful and bucolic landscape of olive trees, cork oak trees and vineyards we arrive at Évora – World Heritage of UNESCO. In the narrow streets of the whitewashed town of Évora we walk
along the time visiting some of the most important monuments: the Roman Temple , the Romanesque-gothic Cathedral Saint Francis Church with the ” Bones Chapel” , and the University. At the market we see and feel the richness of product used to prepare one of the most elaborate and appreciated gastronomies of Portugal. Along the visit we also admire the diversity and authenticity of local handicraft with cork, ceramic and copper objects. Time to lunch. In the afternoon, free time for a better dicover of the city. Our suggestion: wine, cheese and gourmet olive oil. Évora (Overnight ).
Day 2: Évora/Beja/Silves/Lagos
Breakfast at the hotel. Part of the morning at leisure in Évora, and then driving southward passing Beja (stop) where the highest tower of Portuguese Medieval castles dominates the town and the region. Crossing small mountains we enter in the Algarve. By fields of orange trees we arrive to Silves (stop) , the renowned town dominated by its red sandstone castle dating back mainly to Moorish times and by the memory of is former cork industry. Continue to the golden sands of the Algarve passing by Praia da Rocha to lagos (overnight).
Day 3: Lagos/Ponta da Piedade/Sagres/Cabo S. Vicente/Lagos/Alvor
Breakfast at the hotel. The Algarve has the call of the sea that led to the discovery of the New World. Stop in Ponta da Piedade (stop) and admire the magnificent view over the Atlantic Ocean, and cliffs whose shapes have been sculpted by the erosive action of both the sea and time. Continue to Sagres (stop ), a fishing port, for a visit to the fortress was the mythical “navigation school” forever linked with the presence of Prince Henry the Navigator during the first days of Atlantic navigation and the discovery of the African coast. Proceeding along the cliffs to Cabo S.Vicente(stop) , the most southwestern point in Europe.The city of Lagos(stop ), a cosmopolitan town with marina and fishing port where you can taste the delicious Algarve dishes, such as the fish and shellfish cooked in a cooper pan (cataplana), – never forgetting the fine sweets such as the famous marzipan, almond and fig cakes.Return to the hotel, where, the afternoon at leisure invites you to take a dip in the warm
sea. Lagos (overnight).
Day 4: Lagos/Setubal/Serra Arrabida/Lisboa
A last look at the water while traveling along the coast, to say farewell to the Algarve. The return trip to Lisboa will take you by the city of Setúbal (stop), a major port and industrial centre on the north bank of the Sado estuary. Then the scenic route over Arrábida Mountain range , an area preserved as a Natural park, with amazing scenery and unique vegetation at the gates of Lisbon, and savour the sweeping views of the Tróia Peninsula. Crossing the bridge over the Tejo river, arrival to Lisboa. End of the services.
SCHEDULE: Saturdays (on guaranteed dates – please ask) / Minimum 4 pax | Time: 9:00am
PRICE: 01 Nov 16 – 31 Mar 2017: IN DBL $1,102 | IN SGL $1,409
01 Apr – 31 Oct 2017: IN DBL $1,449 | IN SGL $1,703
INCLUDES:
- Accommodation on buffet breakfast basis at Hotel Mar d’Ar, 4* in Évora, Hotel Vila Galé Lagos in Lagos, 4* or similar
- Transport by air conditioned bus or minivan as per itinerary and guide during entire tour
- Entrance fees into following monuments: Évora Cathedral, S.Francisco church, Bones chapel,S. Vicente Fortress (Sagres)
- 3 Lunches (on the rate including lunches)
- tax on per person rate
NOT INCLUDED: Other expenses or personal ones, dinners, entrance fees other than mentioned.
*Prices are in Canadian Dollars, per person, subject to availability and change without prior notice.