Overnight flight nonstop to Lisbon.
Day 2: Lisbon
Upon arrival to Lisbon airport you will find your host waiting for you to greet you then transfer you to your hotel. The morning will be to relax and acclimate. In the afternoon we will introduce the enticing Lisbon to you. Its downtown the Baixa is located in the 18th century area around Rossio. East of the arcaded Praca do Comercio, are the medieval quarters of Alfama and Mouraria. And of course Belèm on the western extreme. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.
Day 3: Lisbon / Cascais
Continue exploring the marvels of Lisbon and its surrounding.
Day 4: Lisbon / Obidos / Fatima / Abrantes
Travel north to Obidos, this medieval town is a symbol of an old era of glory. The
cobble stone narrow streets, its gates and sumptuous buildings all enclosed in this walled city are evidence of a historic importance. Further on, look out to the sea at typical Nazare, before admiring the harmonious lines of the monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaça, where we will visit the Crisal " Atlantis" center. The faith that the monasteries exude is rekindled at Fàtima, a saintly place of pilgrimage.
Dinner and overnight at Abrantes.
Day 5: Abrantes /Vila Vicosa / Evora
Beautiful Castelo de Vide- proud of its Jewish quarter of whitewashed houses and Marvão keeping watch over the plain from the top of its castle. Then on to Estremoz - marble quarries. Vila Viçosa - Royal Residence (closed on Mondays). The colorful pottery of Redondo greets us on our way.Évora dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6: Evora /Beja / Alvor
A morning walking tour will unveil the artistic treasures of museum town which is part of the World Heritage. A journey southward passing by Beja and Silves. Alvor - dinner and overnight stay.
Day7: Alvor / Lagos
Algarve - the charm of the old legends of bewitching Moorish maidens and the call of the sea that led to the discovery of the new worlds. Visit to Lagos and the Promontory of Sagres - the symbol of the Portuguese epic. The afternoon will bring an invitation to take a dip in the warm sea. Alvor - dinner and overnight stay.
Day 8: Lagos / Setubal / Lisbon
A last look at this zone nestling among land, sea and sky. The return trip will be made along the picturesque coastal road. Setúbal and Arràbida Mountain the latter's unique landscape making it both beautiful and mysterious, are at the gates of Lisbon.
Day 9: Lisbon / Madeira
Visitors from all over the world have "dubbed" Madeira the "Island of Eternal Springtime", the "Pearl of the Atlantic" and yes, some even refer to this island of natural beauty and charm as "Lovers Isle". The islands were colonized in 1420 by Portuguese squires sponsored by Prince Henry the Navigator. The inhabited islands of Madeira and Porto Santo and the uninhabited Desertas and Selvagens, located 400 miles west of Morocco, make up the Madeira Autonomous Region of Portugal. This volcanic archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, is mountainous with a subtropical climate, famous for its wine, embroidery, wickerwork, as well as being a popular resort. Madeira offers a lively history enhanced by romantic legends about its discovery, controversy regarding its period of colonization and its "British connection".
Morning flight to Madeira. Your guide will meet you at the airport Santa Cruz and transfer you to your hotel in Funchal. The remainder of the day will be devoted to explore the marvels of this town. On one side you are looking at the welcoming
sea, and on the other the majestic Paul da Serramountains. Between those two elemental forces lies the town peacefully. Funchal was declared a city on the 21st of August 1508,by means of a letter from D. Manuel I. Funchal is the main commercial, cultural and tourism center for all the Madeira archipelago. The town was originally named after fennel, a wild sweet-smelling herb classified as Foeniculum Vulgare and which was extremely abundant at the time of the first settlements. The town is surrounded by forest-clad mountains, picked out here and there by white-walled houses and their distinctive red tiled roofs. It has beautiful squares, gardens and pleasant avenues. This is the largest municipality in the region and includes ten sub districts: Imaculado CoraÁão de Maria, Santa Maria Maior, Monte, Santo
AntÛnio, São Roque, São Martinho, São Pedro, Se, Santa Luziae Sao Goncalo. It is a pleasure to wander the cobbled streets of Funchal.
Day 10: Funchal / Machico / Santana / Sao Vicente / Ribeira Brava / Funchal
Travel in the morning around the island to explore some early settlements and some of breath taking vistas Madeira has to offer. A day of history and nature to treasure for the rest of your life. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.
Day 11: Funchal / Camara de Lobo
IN the morning we will take off to Câmara de Lobos. This is one of the most historic administrative districts of Madeira, as its establishment dates from the beginnings of the second quarter of the 15th century. This is an important fishing center in the islands, it was given municipal status in 1835 and in 1996 it was considered a city.
Winston Churchill, one of the islandís most famous visitors, made his first trip to Madeira in 1950, and was seduced by the picturesque bay of Câmara de Lobos. The municipality of Camara de Lobos includes the following sub districts: Câmara de Lobos; Estreito de Câmara de Lobos; Curral das Freiras and Quinta Grande. Estreito de Câmara de Lobos is a prime region for the production of the famous Madeira fortified wine. Here too the liveliest grape harvests of the Madeira Wine Festival take place. After lunch we will proceed to explore the marvels of
nature in this area on our special and freshly rejuvenating walk. Hidden Corners (Herbal and Medicinal). We will explore one of the most secluded parts of the island. We will learn about nature in its herbal and medicinal plant magnificence. A rejuvenating, more spiritual and peaceful retreat. An adventure that will take you to hidden locations unspoilt by man. Experience Madeira's rain forest: an awe-inspiring landscape under ancient Laurissilva within the natural park of Madeira. Forty percent of the water in the valley is derived of cloud contact through the trees during the night. Difficulty Grade: 2, Walking Time: +/- 4 hours.
Day 12: Funchal / Acahado de Cedro Gordo / Queimada house
Queimadas e Caldeirão Verde: In the center of the island below Santana. Think of an emerald green paradise. The walk begins at "Queimadas House". Soon you will see the most spectacular views of the villages below as we make our way westwards to one of the most remote parts of the island. A while later we reach the Caldeirão Verde's majestic waterfall, from where we return to Queimadas. Difficulty Grade: 2, Walking Time: +/- 5 hours. Return to Funchal in the evening for dinner and acommodation.
Day 13: Funchal
Day free to enjoy the relaxing pace of this magnificent island.
Day 14: Funchal / Lisbon
Travel by air from funchal back to Lisbon. Afternoon at leisure. Farewell dinner in a typical Portugese restaurant with Fado music.
Day 15: Lisbon / New York
Fly back to new York from Lisbon with a memorable trip of a lifetime.
What is included:
RT from New York to Lisbon to Funchal
Accommodation in 4 star hotels HB (Breakfast and dinner)
Land transportation in AC vehicles
Entrance fees to monuments and museums
Guides and escorts, all taxes.
Hotels & Cities Visited:
Lisbon: 4 nights, Hotel Alif
Abrantes: 1 night, Hotel Barragem
Evora: 1 night, Hotel Ibis
Alvor: 2 nights, Hotel Delfim
Madeira: 5 nights, Hotel Quinta Bela Saò Tiago
Cost per person based on double occupancy: $2685.00
Single occupancy: $385.00