Sunny Portugal

Ancient castles and Roman ruins, groves of orange and almond trees, quiet whitewashed villages, and welcoming locals — Portugal awaits

Say hello to Lisbon, Portugal’s capital and a city full of authenticity, where old customs and ancient history intermix with cultural entertainment. With no scheduled sightseeing today, spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. (Dinner)

Choose how you want to explore Lisbon today because it’s your choice! Discover the art and tradition of Portuguese sidewalks during a locally led walking tour -OR- venture with your Tour Manager on foot and discover the city through the lens of the businesses and streets connected with the country’s most loved fish, bacalhau (salted codfish).After, travel to Belem and see the iconic Belem Tower (UNESCO).View the façade of the 16th-century Jeronimos Monastery*(UNESCO) and learn about the importance of this iconic site. Tonight, you may choose to join an optional tour to listen to local artists perform traditional Fado music, a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage highlight. (Breakfast)

Today, make your way through Portugal’s charming countryside. Visit a family owned cork factory, where you’ll learn about the product’s importance to the local economy and why Portugal is the world’s top cork producer. Your journey then takes you to Evora (UNESCO). Explore this medieval walled city, with your local expert, as you wander through cobbled streets and past buildings spanning the ages and see its well-preserved Roman temple up close. (Breakfast)

Journey to the stunning coasts of the Algarve — the southernmost region of Portugal. On the way, visit a local gin distillery. Learn how one man took a homemade drink and implemented traditional Portuguese stills and local ingredients to craft a premium gin. Savor the flavors of these botanicals before continuing your journey south. Keep the day balanced and fruity at a winery. Indulge in full-bodied wines from the Alentejo region and light lunch before continuing on your drive. Later, switch the rich taste of local wine and spirits for salty ocean air in Algarve. This evening, explore the historic resort town of Lagos, where Moorish and Renaissance influences meet towering seaside cliffs. Many celebrated voyagers began their explorations from this bustling port city. (Breakfast, Lunch)

It’s your day to experience the Algarve on your own. Geraniums, camellias, and oleanders grow alongside fig, orange, and almond trees, while brightly colored fishing boats bob in the sea. Protected by hills to the north and warmed by the sea, the Algarve’s mild climate and beautiful beaches attract visitors from all over the world. You may choose to join an optional boat tour** today that gets you closer to some of the most famous coastal scenery in Portugal. (Breakfast, Dinner)

This morning venture along the coast to discover the importance of the sardine canning industry in the Algarve. Then, continue to Monchique, a mountain village nestled within a rich landscape, to learn the secrets of regional bread and fruits. Sample them with a savory picnic lunch featuring freshly prepared Algarve seasonal and local specialties. Return to Lagos for an evening at leisure. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Enroute to the Portuguese Riviera, stop in Azeitão, a picturesque village renowned for its exquisite tiles and rich wine culture. The village’s buildings are adorned with beautifully painted tiles, reflecting Portugal’s artistic heritage. Meet local artisans at a family-run shop and learn how the famous hand-painted Portuguese tiles, azulejos, are made. Then, head to the Portuguese Riviera. Mansions scattered throughout Cascais and Monte Estoril all hint at this area’s history as a haven for exiled European royals and nobility. (Breakfast)

Explore the picture-perfect city of Obidos, where white washed houses sit snug within medieval city walls, and toast with a ginjinha, a sour cherry liqueur served in a small chocolate cup. Continue on to Sintra (UNESCO), a breathtaking hub that served as the summer residence of Portuguese kings for six centuries. Then, it’s your choice! Explore the quaint hilltop village of Sintra and its crafts, taking time to wander through the winding streets -OR- join a guided tour of the National Palace of Sintra, considered the best-preserved medieval palace in Portugal. Bid Portugal goodbye during dinner in Cascais and celebrate the end of your unforgettable journey. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Your tour ends today. Depart back to Central, PA with wonderful memories from your trip to Portugal! (Breakfast)