New Year’s in Sunny Portugal
- December 28, 2021- January 6, 2022
- Starting from $3899
- For Jewish Singles in their 40s, 50s, 60s
Sold Out!
Ready to get away on a fun New Year’s Eve trip? Come with us and discover Portugal and Madeira Island! Our tour begins in the quaint Portuguese Riviera seaside town of Cascais. Here, you’ll see mansions scattered about, visit the traditional fishing village of Nazare and explore the village of Obidos with it’s narrow streets and medieval walls.
Madeira, called the Pearl of the Atlantic, is an autonomous region of Portugal, and is an archipelago comprising 4 islands off the northwest coast of Africa. It is known for its namesake wine and warm, subtropical climate. Madeira is volcanic, green and rugged, with high cliffs, pebbly beaches and settlements on deltas of the Fajã River. Our days will be filled with sightseeing in Funchal, its capital, tasting Madeira wine and wandering the colorful main street of Rua de Santa Maria. Funchal has botanic gardens and is known for its harbor and a large New Year’s Eve black-tie dinner and gala event, followed by a fireworks show, all of which we’ll be attending!
Once in Lisbon, we’ll take day tours to visit many UNESCO Heritage Sites such as the city of Sintra which was the summer residence of Portuguese kings, Jeronimos Monastery and the Tower of Belem and we’ll also see the Monument to the Discoveries while there. We’ll explore the Jewish heritage of Portugal and learn about the Portuguese Inquisition with an incredible tour in Lisbon, one which you will never forget.
Come with us this winter to discover Portugal, along with Jewish Singles from the US and around the world. It will be a New Year’s celebration to remember!
Click here to see a preview video of New Year’s in Sunny Portugal!
Our tour is limited to only 25 people, allowing for a more personalized experience, and for us to be more socially distanced and our time on the bus more spread out.
Monday, December 27 – Overnight Flight
Ancient castles and Roman ruins, groves of lemon and almond trees, quiet whitewashed villages, and welcoming locals – Portugal is waiting for you. If you are flying from the US or Canada, board your overnight flight and head to sunny Portugal.
Tuesday, December 28 – Cascais, Portugal – Tour Begins
Arrive this morning. Say hello to the Portuguese Riviera, your home for the next two nights. With mansions scattered about Cascais and Monte Estoril – all hinting at its history as a haven for exiled European royals and nobility – embrace the feeling of luxury. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for an Amazing Journeys Welcome Orientation, followed by a group dinner. (D)
Wednesday, December 29 – Cascais – Nazare – Obidos – Cascais
Venture to Nazare, a traditional fishing town along the coast. Starting to set up for its New Year festivities, the town’s celebrations are considered to be some of the most famous in all of Portugal. Take in all the sights, sounds, and flavors of the holiday season in nearby Obidos. Explore the village’s narrow streets and medieval walls, transformed into a Vila Natal (Christmas Village). (B)
Thursday, December 30 – Lisbon – Funchal, Madeira
Fly to Madeira, the “Pearl of the Atlantic.” Wander along the colorful Rua de Santa Maria, decorated with vibrant murals, and enjoy lunch on your own at one of the many outdoor restaurants. Then, it’s your choice! Explore the Madeira Botanical Gardens, a terraced landscape of more than 2,000 exotic plants -OR- embark on a walking tour of Funchal, seeing the 15th-century cathedral, numerous plazas and colonial homes. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)
Friday, December 31 – Funchal – Ponta de São Laurenço – New Year’s Eve Gala – Funchal
Start your day in the floral splendor of Monte, a small village perched on the hills overlooking Funchal. Allow the warm ocean breeze to brush against your skin when you spend time exploring coastal Garajau. Continue to Ponta de São Lourenço, the easternmost point of the island, and gaze out over the deep blue waves with your unparalleled view of the Atlantic. Enjoy time to relax and prepare for a lively evening at an elegant New Year’s Eve Black Tie Gala. Ring in the New Year in the most unforgettable way as you watch Madeira’s world-famous fireworks display. (B, D)
Saturday, January 1 – Funchal
Spend the first day of the New Year in Funchal as you please. With a day in the island’s capital, there’s countless fun ways to fill your day; explore local art museums, wander through colorful gardens, and maybe take an exhilarating wicker toboggan ride in the streets! This afternoon, we’ll learn about and taste Madeira wine which is harvested on this island. (B)
Sunday, January 2 – Funchal – Câmara de Lobos – Porto Moniz – Funchal
Begin your day at Câmara de Lobos, a 15th-century town that serves as both a humble fishing village and sunny nature retreat. Drive along banana plantations and winding vineyards en route to the world’s second-highest cliff – Cabo Girão. Visit the fishing village of Porto Moniz and see the natural volcanic pools before returning to Funchal. Gather in the evening for an espetada, a traditional dinner cooked over an open fire, accompanied by folk dancers and music. (B, D)
Monday, January 3 – Funchal – Lisbon – Belem – Lisbon
Fly back to mainland Portugal. Arrive in Lisbon and embark on a tour of the city featuring Jerónimos Monastery (UNESCO), the Monument to the Discoveries, and the Tower of Belem (UNESCO). As the day draws to a close, you may choose to join your tour manager on a stroll of downtown Lisbon. See the capital city awash in twinkling lights and explore the seasonal winter markets on your own. (B)
Tuesday, January 4 – Lisbon
This morning, we explore the Jewish side of Lisbon and visit the major historic sights of the city. Along the way, you will discover artifacts, inscriptions, and monuments that no other Jewish tour of Lisbon can access. The rest of the day is yours to explore Lisbon as you wish. Tonight, consider an optional dinner where you’ll indulge in Portuguese cuisine and wine while local artists perform the traditional Fado. (B)
Wednesday, January 5 – Lisbon – Sintra – Lisbon
Enjoy a full day exploring the town of Sintra (UNESCO), the summer residence of Portuguese kings, and visit the National Palace. Return to Lisbon in the late afternoon. Tonight, gather to toast to a trip well-traveled and bid sunny Portugal goodbye. (B, D)
Thursday, January 6 – Lisbon – Tour Ends
Your tour ends today. Fly home with beautiful memories as you look forward to the new year! (B)
Our Hotel:
Dec 27 Overnight Flight
Dec 28-30 Hotel Vila Gale, Cascais, Portugal
Dec 30-Jan 3 Pestana Casino Park Hotel, Funchal, Madeira
Jan 3 – 6 Turim Boulevard Hotel, Lisbon, Portugal
Please note:
- Alternate hotels may be used
- The order of the tour may be changed
- Some activities are weather dependent
- Some activities may be changed due to Covid restrictions
- Activity Level 2 (out of 4): This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces including some hills should be expected.
| Rates |
Double* |
Single |
|
Sold Out |
Sold Out |
A deposit of $675 is due with your reservation. Full payment is due on October 21, 2021.
*We will not be doing roommate matching. If you have someone to room with and the two of you are agreeable to rooming together, double occupancy rooms are available.
This tour is limited to 25 guests. We must have a minimum of 19 participants in order to operate this tour.
International & Domestic Air:
We have a terrific rate to offer for this program! International or domestic airfare is not included in the tour rate. Flight packages are available as follows. Passengers must select one option:
A) International Flight Package (from most major US cities) – International flight package includes roundtrip flights from your home city to Lisbon and roundtrip between Lisbon and Madeira Island, all taxes and airport transfers: $949 (including intra-air, taxes and airport transfers). Please note: we will not know specific airlines or flights until we get closer to the travel date. We cannot guarantee non-stop flights. Air space can not be guaranteed after 10/21/2021 and will be available by request.
B) Intra-Air (Roundtrip flight between Lisbon and Madeira) $450. Transfers are not included in Lisbon, but they are in Madeira.
If you are purchasing your own international flights, it is important that you not purchase airfare until you receive a confirmation letter from Amazing Journeys which will contain specific flight parameters. You will be flying into and out of Lisbon, Portugal.
Pre- and Post-Tour Nights:
For those who want to arrive prior to the start of the tour, or stay after, we offer a limited number of rooms held at our group hotels. Please note – there will be no Amazing Journeys staff present nor will there be programming on these days. We are not able to match roommates for extra night stays. The room rates are per night and include taxes and breakfast daily:
Cascais: Hotel Vile Gale (December 26, 27)
Twin – $99 per person
Single – $179
Lisbon: Turim Marques Hotel (January 6)
Twin – $159 per person
Single – $279
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. All rooms are non-smoking where we match roommates.
Cancellation Policy: Prior to September 2, 2021, there is a $75 penalty for cancellation. From September 2 – October 21, 2021, the cancellation penalty is the amount of the deposit. From October 22 – December 1, 2021, the cancellation penalty is 50% of the total cost of the tour and air package. Cancellations made on December 2, 2021 or after 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 trip. Travel protection is recommended for participation in this program.
Travel Protection & Trip Cancellation Waiver: Amazing Journeys highly recommends you purchase Travel Protection. For US citizens, our tour operator offers a travel protection and cancellation waiver for $399 (if you are from Australia or Canada, please call for the price of the travel protection plan). You may cancel for any reason up to one-day prior to the start of the first component purchased from Amazing Journeys for this tour package. This Cancel For Any Reason policy must be purchased at the time of deposit. Click here for full policy terms and details. If you are requesting a double occupancy room, should you need to cancel, you will be responsible for the difference between the double occupancy and the single occupancy rate as your roommate will still be occupying the stateroom. Once purchased, this policy is non-refundable. More information will be sent with your tour confirmation.
Flights and Transfers: Transfers are included for those taking our International Flight Package. If you are arriving before the tour date or staying later, transfers are not included. Transfers may be purchased for an additional charge of $75 each way and will be offered at a later date, prior to our tour departure.
COVID Precautions: Until further notice, we require you to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 at least two weeks before departure, and you must send us a copy of your COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card with the CDC logo by email to or fax to Amazing Journeys. We do not test for COVID-19 or any other diseases. Masks will be required in all indoor public spaces except when dining. It is up to each traveler to be aware of any requirements or changes to state mandates and airline requirements as they are changing often. We are currently operating smaller groups and using larger busses. Many events will be held outside and we will be having reminders of social distancing. Hand sanitizers will be distributed, and frequent hand washing and sanitizing will be encouraged throughout your stay. Depending upon the situation at the time of this trip and the destination, some tour components may be modified, including meals and how many travelers we may limit to sitting at each table. During this time of Covid, we will not be doing roommate matching. If you have someone to room with and the two of you are agreeable to rooming together, double occupancy rooms are available.
Passports & Visas: A Passport is necessary to travel on this itinerary. It must be valid for six months beyond the last day of the trip. One blank page must be available in your passport. At this time, no visas are necessary to enter Portugal for those from the US or Canada. If you are a citizen of another country, please check the website for the Embassy of Portugal to see if a visa is necessary. Please note that visa requirements may change at any time and it is up to the passenger to have the proper documents for entering Portugal.
Taxes & Gratuities: Taxes, surcharges and government fees are included and are subject to change. Gratuities for our tour manager, local guides, specialty guides, drivers, baggage handlers and included meals are included in the cost of the tour. We are unable to include gratuities for hotel staff which we leave to your discretion.
Dress: Please note that while most of this tour will call for casual and comfortable clothes, the New Year’s Eve Gala is a black tie event. We will be giving you more details on other dress for this tour as we move closer to the date of travel.
This tour is operated by Collette
