Day 1 – Sunday, June 5 – Lisbon, Portugal – Tour Begins
Welcome to Portugal where Old World traditions continue to thrive. Experience the medieval towns, coastal villages, natural landscapes, Portuguese cuisine, regional wines and folkloric entertainment. Tonight, join us for our Amazing Journeys Welcome and Orientation. Then enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers. (D)
Day 2 – Monday, June 6 – Lisbon
This morning, we begin with a tour of Lisbon featuring the Moorish Alfama Quarter, Jeronimo’s Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage site), Monument to the Discoveries, and the Tower of Belem (UNESCO). Later, we’ll join a local professor who will take us on a Jewish Heritage Tour. Some of the many highlights will include the Jewish Quarter, Rossio Square to visit the Synagogue and where the Tribunal of the Inquisition occurred, see the Memorial to the Massacres, Praca do Comercio – the epicenter of major events in Jewish history, historic retail and fashionable shopping districts and more. This evening, savor excellent Portuguese cuisine and wine while local artists perform the traditional Fado (UNESCO). (B, D)
Day 3 – Tuesday, June 7 – Lisbon – St. Michael, Azores – Ponta Delgada – Sete Cidades
Today we fly to St. Michael, the largest of the nine volcanic islands that form the Azores archipelago. Gaze at the twin lakes of Sete Cidades (Seven Cities), one of the region’s most beautiful natural settings. Composed of two lakes inside a volcanic crater, it is the island’s most popular National Park. From the edge of the crater, one lake appears blue (reflecting the sky) and the other looks green (reflecting the ground). Our day concludes with a magnificent view of the coastal village of Mosteiros. (B)
Day 4 – Wednesday, June 8 – Ponta Delgada – Plantation Visits – Furnas Valley – Terra Nostra Park
Discover the crops of the region at pineapple and tea plantations and learn about timeless methods of production. In Furnas Valley, experience a “cozido das furnas” lunch in which meat and vegetables are stewed in the heat of the volcanic earth. Afterwards, stroll through the botanical garden of Terra Nostra Park, home to the world’s largest collection of camellias. Enjoy some free time to hop in the mineral rich water ponds. Next, explore Caldeiras das Furnas, the town’s famous hot springs area. (B, L)
Day 5 – Thursday, June 9 – Ponta Delgada – Cooking Class
Enjoy a morning at leisure to explore Ponta Delgada or take an optional whale and dolphin watching excursion (additional charge). Later this afternoon, discover the secrets of Azorean cuisine with an interactive cooking demonstration at one of the island’s most popular restaurants. Learn how the Azoreans use traditional old recipes when making tasty soups, fish and meat dishes, and tasty desserts. This evening, we’ll enjoy a sumptuous dinner. (B, D)
Day 6 – Friday, June 10 – Ponta Delgada – Lagoa do Fogo – Ribeira Grande – Nordeste – Povoacao
Witness the art of hand-painted ceramics during a studio visit. Next, take in the beautiful vistas of Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake), a mystical lake surrounded by mountains. Next, enjoy an opportunity to hike Lagoa do Fogo at your own pace. Journey to Ribeira Grande, known for its historic 16th- and 17th-century buildings. See the City Hall, Church of Our Lady, and the eight-arch bridge, a symbol of the town. Then, stop at a family-owned distillery to taste some of the all-natural local liqueurs. We continue to the highest part of the island, scenic Nordeste, where we’ll explore the natural beauty of Ribeira dos Caldeiroes Natural Park with its waterfalls, watermills and unique vegetation. Our day ends in Povoaçao, home of the island’s first settlement and oldest church. Tonight, join us for an Amazing Journeys Shabbat, Portuguese style! Following, enjoy a Shabbat dinner together. (B, D)
Day 7 – Saturday, June 11 – St. Michael, Azores – Funchal, Madeira – Monte – Botanical Garden
Today we fly to Madeira Island, the “Pearl of the Atlantic.” Madeira boasts a subtropical climate, majestic mountain ranges and volcanic caves. Stop in Monte, perched on the hills overlooking scenic Funchal. Visit the Botanical Garden of Madeira with its vast collection of exotic and indigenous birds and more than 2,500 plants from all continents. Discover Madeira’s history during a leisurely-paced tour of Funchal’s charming plazas, colonial mansions, 15th-century cathedral and the local market. (B)
Day 8 – Sunday, June 12 – Funchal – Camara de Lobos – Sao Vicente – Porto Moniz
Today we’ll visit Câmara de Lobos, a traditional village with a picture-perfect bay. Continue along mountain roads, passing banana plantations and vineyards en route to Cabo Girão, the world’s second highest cliff. Make a stop in São Vicente, a charming agricultural town that boasts dramatic views of the coast and surrounding villages. Explore the lively fishing village of Porto Moniz, renowned for its natural volcanic pools. Enjoy an opportunity to swim in the beautiful and unique pools. (B)
Day 9 – Monday, June 13 – Funchal – Ribeiro Frio – Santana
Journey to Poiso to visit the island’s third highest point, Pico do Arieiro. Next, visit Ribeiro Frio (“cold river”), famous for its natural beauty and fascinating trout farm. Enjoy some time at leisure to walk the paths near the farm. Continue to Santana, a village characterized by small triangular homes thatched with straw. Spend time at a family-owned embroidery shop for a first-hand look at this delicate craft followed by a tasting of world-famous Madeira wine. Celebrate your Madeira adventure with a traditional dinner known as “espetada.” Folk dancers and music entertain as you feast on a local dish of beef marinated in herbs and cooked over an open fire. (B, D)
Day 10 – Tuesday, June 14 – Funchal – Lisbon – Cascais
Today we’ll fly to Lisbon. We’ll transfer to Cascais, where we can enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore this coastal town. (B)
Day 11 – Wednesday, June 15 – Cascais – Ericeira – Sintra – Cascais
Visit the impressive Mafra Palace and Monastery, one of the largest Baroque buildings in Portugal. A guided tour takes us through the domed basilica, the royal apartments decorated in 18th-century furniture and paintings, and the magnificent Baroque library, one of the finest in Europe. Enjoy some free time to explore the fishing village of Ericeira, perched on cliffs overlooking the Atlantic. Its unique narrow streets, lined with whitewashed chapels and white houses edged in blue, are the perfect place for thoughtful wandering. Continue on to the town of Sintra, a UNESCO site and the favorite summer residence of Portuguese kings for six centuries. Here, peruse specialty shops filled with Portuguese handicrafts. (B, D)
Day 12 – Thursday, June 16 – Cascaus – Obidos – Nazare – Cascais
Travel Portugal’s Silver Coast, a region filled with sleepy villages, rich vineyards and centuries-old castles. Stop in Obidos, protected by medieval city walls. Continue to Nazare, a coastal fishing village. This evening we’ll gather together for our Amazing Journeys Farewell Event, followed by our Farewell Dinner. (B, D)
Day 13 – Friday, June 17 – Cascais – Tour Ends
Our tour ends today in Cascais. Only a short transfer from Lisbon, we say good-bye to another Amazing Journey as we head home. (B)
Our Hotels:
Day 1-2 Turim Terreiro do Paco, Lisbon
Day 3-6 Royal Garden Hotel, Azores
Day 7-9 Madeira Hotel Pestana Casino Park, Madeira
Day 10-12 Pousada de Cascais, Cascais
Please Note:
1) Alternate hotels may be utilized
2) The order of this tour may change
3) This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, be able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven grounds and cobblestone streets.
All rooms are non-smoking where we match roommates. Items listed on this website are subject to change at any time. By providing payment you agree to the terms and conditions as outlined on this website.
Cancellation Policy: From the time of deposit until January 11, 2016, there is a $75 penalty for cancellation. From January 12 – February 11, 2016, the cancellation penalty is $450. From February 12 – April 1, 2016, the cancellation penalty is 35% + full cost of intra-Portugal airline ticket. From April 2 – May 3, 2016, the cancellation penalty is 50% + the full cost of intra-Portugal airline ticket. From May 4, 2016 until the day of travel, the cancellation penalty is 100% of the total package price. Cancellations made on the day of departure and “no-shows” will receive no refund. There is no refund in the event of interruption or cancellation by the passenger after the start of the journey.
Cancellation insurance: Cancellation insurance is recommended. Information will be sent with your tour confirmation.
International and Intra-Portugese Air: Arrival is into and out of Lisbon, Portugal airport. International airfare is not included in the tour rate.
Intra-Portuguese Air Package is included in the cost of the tour (added value of $500 including taxes).
The included flights are as follows:
Lisbon to St. Michael, Azores (2.5 hours)
St. Michael to Madeira Island (2 hours)
Madeira Island to Lisbon (90 minutes)
Please note that the included airlines will not provide advanced seat assignments until check-in at the airport.
Transfers: The meeting location for the tour begins and ends at our hotels. Transfers from and to the airport are not included. Transfers may be purchased at predetermined times for additional cost. Further details will be provided in the weeks prior to the tour departure.
Taxes, Service Charges, Government Fees and Gratuities: Taxes, surcharges, visa fees and government fees are based on September 2015 rates and are subject to change. Gratuities have been included on this tour. Tips for the local drive, guide, specialty guides, luggage porters and included meals are also included in the cost of the tour.
Passport and Visa Requirements: A Passport is necessary to travel on this itinerary. It must be valid for six months beyond the last day of the trip. At this time, no visas are necessary to enter Portugal for those from the US, Canada or EU countries. If you are a citizen of another country, please check the website for the Embassy of Portugal to see if a visa is necessary.
Exchange Rate: If the rate of exchange between the US Dollar and the Euro is greater than 3%, we reserve the right to change the price of the tour. Once final payment is made, the price will not change.
This tour is operated by Collette
Images on this website were provided by Turismo de Portugal – Junta de Turismo da Costa do Estoril, A.A., Jose Manuel, Paulo Magalhaes
