Portugal is a mixture of the old and the new, of sandy, mile-long beaches, lush green countryside, and a history that shows influences of Phoenicians and Greeks, Romans and Moors. And across the whole of the gentle land lies the heady scent of flowers.
Portugal was the birthplace of some of the world’s greatest navigators – Gomes, da Gama, Magellan, who in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries discovered so many of the unknown lands in Africa, Asia and America. It was not until after the first World War that those great explorers of modern times, European and American tourists, began to find their way into ‘Europe’s garden-on-the-sea’ in any numbers.
The way you reach Lisbon – Portugal’s capital and one of the world’s most beautiful harbours – will determine your first impression of the country.
Coming by sea, you land in a colourful eighteenth-century city. The immense plaza fronting the harbour is bordered by government buildings, where ancient palaces used to stand. In the background, Lisbon’s seven hills are dotted with palaces, churches and houses in a symphony of pastel shades – tender blue, pale ochre, pigeon mauve, honey yellow, carmine pink. It is such a perfect setting for an old-time opera that you are surprised to see modern motor traffic.
If you arrive by plane, you drop into a twentieth-century Portugal. Everything is modern, light and spacious: the comfortable airfield waiting rooms; the big buses that bring you to the centre of the town; the broad avenues with their attractive houses, colourful flower beds and fountains of sober elegance.
But when you cross from Spain into Portugal by car or train, you enter the really old country; you see the truly distinctive personality of the land. Though Spain and Portugal are closely related geographically and racially, their landscapes, villages, churches, people are vastly different. In Portugal everything is softer, milder, more relaxed. Above all, the countryside is lush green.
For ‘Europe’s garden-on-the-sea’ is not just poetic imagery. A large percentage of Portugal’s 35,000 square miles is covered with verdure, the gift of the moisture-laden wind of the Atlantic, whose waters wash the 500-mile coastline. More than 2,700 varieties of trees, shrubs and flowers grow here. Those native to northern Europe flourish side by side with those from the Mediterranean countries and even from North Africa.
Are you interested to know more about the garden by the sea?
Let us hear from you at +91 33 4046 4646
Itinerary
1. ARRIVE MADRID
Welcome to Madrid, the capital of Spain. Relax or take a stroll along tree-lined boulevards. This evening, meet for a Welcome Reception with your travelling companions and Travel Director. Enjoy an orientation drive this evening – the perfect introduction to this magical city.
2. MADRID – CUENCA – VALENCIA
In Cuenca view the hanging houses which are built on the edge of the cliffs over the deep gorge. On arrival in Valencia your orientation drive will include views of the Towers of Serrano and Cuarte. Stop to view the City of Arts and Sciences which is a large-scale urban recreation centre for culture and science and designed by Santiago Calatrava. This complex is also featured in the George Clooney movie Tomorrowland. Tonight, why not sample Paella, a speciality from this region?
3. VALENCIA – GUADIX – GRANADA
Travel inland through the ‘sierras' to view the troglodyte cave dwellings at Guadix. Cave houses are common throughout the province of Granada, but the highest concentration is in Barrio Santiago region of Guadix. Take the jagged Mora Pass to the Moorish city of Granada. Dine tonight in a local restaurant for a special Regional Meal.
4. GRANADA – CORDOBA – SEVILLE (3 NIGHTS)
Your Local Specialists takes you on a visit to the incredible Alhambra Palace, built in the 14th century and a magnificent example of Moorish architecture. Admire the ancient stucco, quiet courtyards and colossal walls. In Cordoba visit the Cathedral Mosque of Cordoba, the former mosque of the Caliphs, a jewel of Hispano – Islamic art featuring striking arches and Byzantine mosaics with a Local Specialists. Later, arrive in Seville, your home for the next three nights.
5. SEVILLE SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
See the Giralda Bell Tower with your Local Specialists during your sightseeing tour of Seville. Visit the Maria Luisa Park, the centrepiece of the 1929 Exposition, built in a Moorish style and featuring half a mile of fountains, ponds, pavilions and lush plantings, and walk through the imposing Plaza de España. Visit the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world, where the explorer Christopher Columbus is entombed. Tonight, why not experience the passion of the Flamenco?
6. SEVILLE – CADIZ AND JEREZ EXCURSION
Visit the historic port city of Cadiz. Columbus departed from here on many of his voyages, and the exotic plants and trees dotted throughout the city are said to have been brought here by him upon his return. Once home to the vast Spanish Navy, Cadiz was raided by Francis Drake a year prior to the 1588 Spanish Armada departure. Later, in Jerez, gain a Cultural Insight into sherry production which is renowned in this region. In the evening you will experience a Be My Guest dinner at a traditional homestead and discover the family history of olive oil production.
7. SEVILLE – ALGARVE
Cross the border into southern Portugal for a leisurely afternoon on the sunny Algarve. Spend time relaxing on the beach or take a stroll along the harbour of Vilamoura.
8. ALGARVE – LISBON SIGHTSEEING (2 NIGHTS)
Head north over the Serra de Arrabida mountains to Lisbon. On your included sightseeing with a Local Specialists, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Hieronymite Monastery as well as seeing the Belem Tower. Tonight why not sample a traditional Fado show?
9. LISBON FREE DAY
Enjoy a relaxing free day to explore all of Lisbon's attractions. Why not visit the lively Rossio Square where street cafes overlook the baroque fountains, or the Alfama district with its medieval alleyways and outstanding views. Later, perhaps join an Optional Experience to the historic towns of Cascais and Sintra.
10. LISBON – FATIMA – SALAMANCA
A scenic drive north through the magnificent Serra d'Aire Mountains brings you to the Shrine at Fatima, site of celebrated religious miracles. Cross the border back into Spain and arrive later in Salamanca where you visit Plaza Mayor during your orientation tour. Dine tonight at your hotel.
11. SALAMANCA – TOLEDO – MADRID (2 NIGHTS)
See the walled city of Avila before arriving in Toledo. Visit the Church of Santo Tomé, home to one of El Greco's most famous paintings – The Burial of Count Orgaz. Visit the Synagogue during your guided walk through the narrow streets with your Local Specialists. Later, arrive in Madrid, your home for the next two nights.
12. MADRID SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
This morning join your Local Specialists for a sightseeing tour of Madrid where you will see the Royal Palace, Puerto del Sol and the Cervantes Monument. This afternoon enjoy free time to explore the city before joining your fellow companions and Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner.
13. DEPART MADRID
Say ‘adios' to your travelling companions, your Travel Director and these beautiful countries at the end of a memorable holiday. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply.
For assisted tour booking and customization according to your requirement, please call: +91 33 4046 4646
Price on request
Sightseeing Highlights
City tour in Cordoba, Seville, Lisbon, Toledo and Madrid
Orientation of Valencia, Cadiz, the Algarve and Salamanca
View the Hanging Houses of Cuenca, the City of Arts and Sciences complex designed by Santiago Calatrava in Valencia and The Cave Houses of Guadix
Visit the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Cathedral Mosque in Cordoba, Seville Cathedral, the Hieronomyte Monastery in Lisbon, the Shrine at Fatima, Plaza Mayor in Salamanca, Santo Tomé and Synagogue in Toledo
Hotel Used/Similar
Ayre Gran Colon
Primus
Carmen
Melia Lebreros
Pestana Vila Sol
Olissippo Marques de Sa
Gran Corona Sol
Ayre Gran Colon
Dining
12 hot buffet breakfasts.
6 dinners (including Welcome Reception, Be My Guest, Regional Meal, 2 three course dinners with wine and Farewell Dinner)
Inclusions
Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
Luxury air-conditioned coach or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Hand-picked 4 or 5 star accommodation
Hand-picked Insider Experiences
Optional Experiences and free time
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
VIP entry to many sights
Airport Transfers
Exclusions
Anything that is not mentiontioned in the above inclusions
As suggested and to be customized as per request
Terms & Conditions Applied
We offer a range of Optional Experiences and entertainment options to complement our trips. These are purchased when you are on your trip, via your Trafalgar Travel Director. Depending on the region visited, these can be paid with cash or credit card. We are sorry but at this time we are unable to display all optionals for this trip. Where available, these Optional Experiences will be added to our website shortly.
For assisted tour booking and customization according to your requirement, please call: +91 33 4046 4646
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