A Three Cities Tour of Portugal

Transcription

1 A Three Cities Tour of Portugal Ambient Tours, a division of Ambient Events Limited, presents A Three Cities Tour of Portugal - a cultural & heritage package majoring on the key cities of Lisbon, Coimbra and Porto. This brochure and itinerary has been designed exclusively by Ambient Tours in conjunction with our associates in Portugal. Group Size: people; Dates: September November 2011 /March July

2 Day 1- Arrival to Lisbon & Half-Day Private Heritage City Tour Welcome to Lisbon! Upon arrival our expert Tour Guide will be waiting at the arrivals area. We will then provide the transfer to the selected Hotel in Lisbon. As this is your arrival day we recommend you take advantage of some free time to relax after your flight, to acquaint yourself with your surroundings and to organise your own lunch. 2.00PM: You will meet up with our Tour Guide and Driver for Half-Day Private Heritage City Tour of Lisbon. The tour will enable you to discover Lisbon, capital of Portugal, colonized by many civilizations along the centuries: Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Moors and finally the Portuguese in This city is linked with the many heroic deeds of Portuguese maritime exploration, in the 15 th and 16 th centuries. This was the Age of Discoveries and the Golden Era of Portugal, transforming Lisbon into the opulent centre of a vast empire. Part of the wealth from these expeditions was used to build magnificent monuments in the unique Portuguese Manueline architectural style, best typified in Jerónimos Monastery. Some of these monuments can still be seen, especially in the area of Belém, where we will also view the Tower of Belém and the Monument to the Discoveries. Our tour will also take us to St. George s Castle, including its surrounding quarter and Alfama, Lisbon's oldest quarter. The name comes from the Arabic Al-hamma meaning fountains or baths 6.00PM: Return to the Hotel. Tonight dinner is not included and can be taken at your leisure. 2

3 Your selected Hotel in Lisbon for 2 nights. Inspira Santa Marta (****) About the Hotel: Designed as an urban retreat for those travelling on business or leisure, Inspira Santa Marta Hotel stands out from the crowd because of its innovative concept and exceptional location just a stone's throw away from Avenida da Liberdade. This means you can get the most out of your stay in Lisbon, combining relaxation and well-being with the best that cosmopolitan Lisbon has to offer. Hotel website: 3

4 Day 2- Full-Day Private Tour to Sintra, Quinta de Santana Wine Estate & Mafra. 9.00AM: After breakfast in the hotel we will meet up with our Tour Guide and driver before departure towards Sintra, visiting the Pena Palace and the magic of Sintra, Lunch in Quinta de Santana & Mafra. Today we will take you to Sintra. This always magical town and its natural surroundings is one of Portugal's landmarks, classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site! The day will take you through hundreds of years of history and culture. As soon as you arrive in Sintra, you will be dazzled by the mountain, the exuberant vegetation and the very special microclimate. The high humidity provides an extraordinary flora, which helps to create the romantic and natural ambiance that so much characterises the town. Driving around the mountain passing by amazing chalets and aristocratic residences, you will reach the 19 th century Pena Palace featuring the most incredible combination of architectural styles, colours and shapes that you will find in Portugal. Afterwards there will be time for a short walk in the old city centre. Here you will find yourself surrounded by the old houses now converted into small quaint handicraft shops and traditional pastry shops. We recommend that you try the well-known Travesseiros ( Pillow cases ) and Queijadas, two kinds of local delicious pastries that you will remember forever. In the late morning we depart from Sintra towards Mafra to visit the family owned Wine Estate of Quinta de Santana, for a wine tasting and truly traditional lunch. About the Quinta Nestled in rolling green hills between the breathtakingly beautiful Atlantic coastline and the vibrant cultural life of Lisbon, the Quinta de Santana is a place to have unforgettable experiences. Dating back to the 17 th century this beautiful estate was given by the King Carlos I to one of his mistresses. Much later the Baron von Fürstenberg acquired the property, His daughter married an Englishman and it s this couple, or their winemaker, who will invite you in, to discover the wonderful world of the Quinta de 4

5 Santana. After an explanation about the property you will be taken on a private tour of the vineyards and the wine production area. This will be followed by wine tasting in the old wine cellar. We will then sit down and enjoy the pleasures of the excellent local food accompanied by the locally produced wines. 3.00PM: Departure from Quinta de Santana towards Mafra to visit the magnificent Convent of Mafra. In the afternoon we will visit the famous Convent of Mafra. King John V of Portugal, decided to build a convent in a village named Mafra, on the 18 th century. This construction is one of the most remarkable baroque monuments to be found in Portugal. The Mafra Convent has around 1200 rooms and a truly incredible library with 36,000 books and manuscripts with many secrets to tell 4.30PM: Departure from Mafra towards Lisbon, back to the Hotel. There is time to rest and prepare for the special dinner event. 8.00PM: Meeting with our Tour Guide for a Special Lisbon s Farewell Fado Night, Dinner and Musical Show. 5

6 Day 3- Departure towards Coimbra, visiting medieval Óbidos, Nazaré (lunch) and Batalha. 9.00AM: After breakfast you will check out of the Hotel before meeting with our Tour Guide and driver and our departure towards Western Portugal, having lunch in Nazaré and World Heritage site of Batalha. After the morning departure we will head toward Óbidos. This is a beautiful small medieval town, still surrounded by the old city walls. It is famous for its very well preserved atmosphere of a traditional Portuguese town, where the whitewashed houses are very carefully decorated with lovely coloured flowerbeds. Over many centuries this village used to be gifted by the kings to their queens. Walking in the town centre and climbing up to the ramparts, you will enjoy incredible views! We will then depart towards the fishing village of Nazaré. Nazaré is a traditional fishermen s town, where many elderly local women still wear their traditional costume: the famous skirt of Nazaré and its 6 petticoats. You will go to Sítio (top of the cliff leaning over the beach) and enjoy the panorama over the small town and the coast. Before we leave we will discover details of interest about the locality and, of course, taste some of the freshest fish in Portugal. 1.00PM, Lunch of fresh fish/seafood in Restaurant Mar Bravo in Nazaré overlooking the Ocean. 2.30PM: Departure towards the Monastery of Batalha for visit. Besides being a World Heritage site since 1983, the Monastery of Batalha dominates the small town because of its size and exquisite late Gothic decoration. Built between the 14 th and the 16 th centuries, its construction was made after a vow from a Portuguese king, John I, to the Virgin 6

7 Mary before a battle against the Spaniards. After the victory of the Portuguese in the Aljubarrota battle in 1385, the vow was fulfilled, and this masterpiece was raised. Inside you will have the opportunity to admire the artistic tombs of some of the most important Portuguese characters at that time, including John I and Prince Henry the Navigator, the father of the Portuguese Discoveries. After the visit to this true icon of the Portuguese culture, we will depart to our hotel in Coimbra. Your selected Hotel in Coimbra for 1 night. Vila Galé Coimbra (****) About the Hotel: Situated in the historic town centre of Coimbra, with an outstanding view over the River Mondego, the Vila Galé Coimbra Hotel is based around the concept of Leisure & Conferences, targeting both business travel and holiday tourism. The hotel is equipped with several restaurants and bars, as well as a swimming pool and spa and convention facilities Hotel Website: Tonight dinner is included in a restaurant close to Coimbra for a traditional dinner of the famous Portuguese suckling pig. 7

8 Day 4 Private Tour of Coimbra and Departure to Porto. 9.00AM: After breakfast you will check-out of the Hotel before the morning city tour of Coimbra with our guide. Departure towards Porto in the late morning and free time for lunch in waterfront area of Porto. It s impossible to visit Coimbra without finding several traces of the past. Nevertheless there s still an air of youthfulness with the big student community arriving every year to the old University. One of the highlights of our visit includes the University chapel and its Baroque library! In the city centre, you will wander among old Roman ruins, Romanesque and Manueline churches combining a stroll across its busy commercial area. It is not easy to distinguish the limit between the old metropolis and the modern city. After our tour we will continue our journey to the city of Porto. After arrival and check in at your hotel you will have some free time for lunch in the waterfront area of Vila Nova de Gaia with stunning views over Porto. 3.00PM: After lunch we will meet our guide for a Private Sightseeing tour of Porto. As soon as you arrive in Porto, you ll understand how diversified Portugal is, despite being such a small country. Considered to be the second largest Portuguese city, Porto is completely different from Lisbon: in its size, colours, traditions and even in what concerns the local population. On the north bank of Douro River, the city of Porto is still one of the most impressive Portuguese cities, and the visitor will be left in no doubt of the rivalry that exists between it and Lisbon. The riverside quarter of Ribeira, with its narrow streets, typical houses and picturesque life-style, has been recently restored and now includes many fashionable restaurants and bars. In the city centre, you view some of the most significant monuments (St. Francis Church and 8

9 Clérigos Church and Bell Tower) and also go to the commercial and pedestrian street of St. Catherine. On the other bank of Douro River (at Vila Nova de Gaia) it is possible to visit one of the Port Wine cellars, including some Port Wine tasting. The historical centre of this city is a World Heritage site (classified by UNESCO in 1996). In the evening dinner is included in a traditional restaurant of Porto in the city centre. Your selected Hotel in Porto Eurostars das Artes (****) About the Hotel: A newly built hotel, situated in the city centre, it is located in the galleries area as its name suggests. The hotel benefits from an excellent location next to the historical-cultural area and Boavista commercial area. Each of 89 guest rooms is tasteful and very well equipped in order to offer a comfortable stay and excellent facilities. Hotel Website: 9

10 Day 5 Full-Day Private Tour of Historical Minho, including Guimarães, Braga and Ponte de Lima. 9.00AM: After breakfast you will be met by our guide and depart for a day to explore the Northern Region of Portugal. In the city of Guimarães you will be able to enjoy its beauty and simplicity. This is the "cradle" of Portuguese nation and the first important city of the kingdom of Portugal with more than 800 years of history. The city was the birthplace of the first King of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, who, against his own mother's will, created the Portuguese nation starting from the old Castle on the top of the highest hill of Guimarães. The Dukes of Bragança Palace built in the 1 st half of the 15 th century, is renowned for the well-known Pastrana tapestries, portraying important events related to the maritime discoveries of the 15 th century; its porcelain collection from the East Indian Company, Portuguese ceramics and Flemish tapestries are amongst many other valuable pieces. Walking through the narrow streets of the historical centre, you will finally arrive at the beautiful Square of Oliveira (classified as a Heritage Cultural UNESCO site) and you ll be tempted to stop for a cup of coffee in one of its street cafes. After the tour you will continue towards Braga where our lunch will be served... Lunch in Braga at a traditional Portuguese restaurant. 2.30PM: After lunch visit of the city of Braga & Ponte de Lima. Braga is one of the oldest Portuguese cities and an important religious centre. The Roman Bracara Augusta which exhibited its power and importance in past times is now a city with a rich culture and history that lives side by side with industrial development. Amongst the different nicknames of Braga two stand out the city of the Archbishops and the Portuguese Rome due to the importance and power that Church once had. Amongst the number of religious buildings to be found in the city, you cannot miss the 11 th century Cathedral, which is the oldest in Portugal. Near Braga, on top of a hill, you will visit the Sanctuary of "Bom Jesus of Braga", 10

11 with its magnificent Baroque staircase. After the tour, we will continue our journey north towards the lovely scenic town of Ponte de Lima. This town is located in the banks of the River Lima. An important Roman road connecting the North and South of the Iberian Peninsula used to cross the river here in mediaeval times. Having been given a charter in 1125, by D. Teresa (the mother of the first Portuguese king) some years before Portugal was a kingdom; it is considered the oldest village in Portugal. The walls date back to the 14 th century. The town enjoyed cultural and economic importance until the 18 th century. Strolling through the town centre in Ponte de Lima, you'll come across many traces of this wealthy past with a great number of manor houses and palaces to be found. Ponte de Lima is well known for a unique gastronomy and the locally produced Green Wine (Vinho Verde). After our visit we will return to the hotel in Porto. 6.00PM: Arrival to the Hotel in Porto with time to rest before dinner. Dinner in Porto in a traditional restaurant. 11

12 Day 6 Full-Day Private Tour to the Douro Valley & Farewell Dinner 9.00AM: After breakfast we will meet with our Tour Guide and depart towards the Douro Valley, visiting the Manor House of Mateus, Régua (with lunch at a wine estate) and private river cruise on a traditional rabelo boat Today we start by heading towards the "Solar de Mateus" Palace and Gardens, near Vila Real. This Baroque noble palace from the 18 th century gained importance after becoming the label of Mateus Rosé wine. Its construction was possible due to the wealth that Port wine brought to ancient and traditional Portuguese families. Our journey continues to the very heart of the Douro region. In the Douro Valley you will view one of the most wonderful landscapes in the world. The terraced hill slopes hide one of the country s most valuable treasures: the beautiful vineyards from where the world famous Port wine is still produced today. You ll realise once more how the local everyday life is clearly linked to the wine production and traditions. Since we have mentioned the internationally renowned wine of this region, we will take time out to stop at one of the wine estates to enjoy a truly special moment Traditional lunch & Wine Tasting at Quinta da Pacheca. About the Quinta Set on the banks of the river Douro, the Quinta da Pacheca is one of the best known estates in the Douro region. It was also one of the first properties to bottle wine under its own label. It is first mentioned in a document dated from April 1738 making it one of the oldest as well! It was only in 1903 that the Serpa Pimental family decided to dedicate their efforts on the risky business of winemaking. Today, one century and many successes later, the same family keeps on making the same wonderful wines as they did in the past backed by all of the expertise of one century producing wine. As you cross the imposing gate of the 12

13 Quinta, you will be welcomed and invited to visit the property and the old wine cellars and of course enjoy some of the best flavors of local food combined with excellent wines 2.30PM: Departure from Quinta da Pacheca to Pinhão to board a private cruise for 1h30 hours with board on board About the Cruise You might have heard of the rabelos, the high prowed boats that carried the port wine barrels downstream to Porto. This experience will allow you to board one of these traditional boats for a private cruise. You get on board in the little village of Pinhão and will be taken upstream and be able to view the incredible terraced vineyards where the grapes for the Porto Wine mature. It is, without question, one of the most outstanding landscapes with the world. Don t forget to enjoy a glass of Port Wine to the sound of the gentle rustle of the river waters 4.00PM: Return to Porto and arrival around 6.00PM. Time to dress for the special Farewell Dinner. * FAREWELL DINNER*: Gourmet food and wine dinner in Porto at the very exclusive Restaurant The Yeatman, with views over Porto 13

14 Day 7 Hotel check-out and departure back home. After breakfast you will check out of the Hotel for the private transfer to Porto s International Airport unless you are taking the Optional Lisbon Departure Extension. Day 7- Optional Lisbon Departure Extension 9.00AM: After breakfast check out of the Hotel in Porto and departure towards Lisbon, visiting the Roman Ruins of Conimbriga and the World Heritage Site of Tomar. Today our journey will continue towards the South. In the surrounding areas of Coimbra we will reach the most important and best preserved Roman vestiges in Portugal: the Ruins of Conímbriga, inhabited between the 9 th century B.C. and the 4 th century A.D. During the Visigothic invasions the city was raided and destroyed, leading to the prosperity of the untouched, nearby Coimbra. Besides stunningly preserved mosaics, you will find a significant number of villas. You will also be able to view the famous Cantaber House with beautiful gardens and systems of fountains. After this first visit of the day we will depart towards Fátima where we will stop for lunch. Lunch is included at a traditional restaurant in Fátima. After lunch, it will be time to continue towards the city of Tomar, where you ll find one of the most important cultural centres of the medieval Portugal. On the top of the hill is located the Convent of Christ, which was the bastion of one of the most important religious orders in Portugal: the Order of Christ. It was formerly built as a fortress in the 12 th century for the Knights Templar, in the 12 th century. They would later become the Order of Christ in Portugal, after the Templar Order was abolished. The monument was enlarged through the centuries and is now a World Heritage Site on the UNESCO list. As the afternoon comes to an end it will be time to continue towards Lisbon. 14

15 After checking into your hotel, you will have time to explore the area, and eat in one of the many restaurants close by. Your selected Hotel in Lisbon. Olissippo Oriente (****) About the Hotel: The Hotel Olissippo Oriente is a modern four-star property located in Lisbon s former Expo 98 site, which is now known as the Parque das Nações. On-site facilities at the Olissippo Oriente include a restaurant, bar, coffee shop with esplanade. One major feature is the hotel s very close proximity to the Lisbon Oceanarium, FIL fairground, Vasco da Gama shopping centre and the city s new casino. Hotel Website: Day 8 - Optional Lisbon Departure Extension After breakfast, check out of the Hotel for the private transfer to Lisbon International Airport and departure back home. 15