SHORE EXCURSIONS

Immerse yourself in the rich history of intriguing Portimão with an enlightening visit to a museum and a guided walk through its quaint Old Town, where you’ll discover intriguing landmarks that survived the ravages of the 1755 earthquake that leveled Lisbon. Meander through narrow streets and find the stalwart Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, which still retains its original 15th-century Gothic doorway, buttresses and gargoyles. Note the equally magnificent later additions, including signature 17th-century azulejo tiles and a regal statue of Saint Peter the Apostle that is lavishly adorned with ivory and wood crucifixes.

You’ll explore the Convento do Colégio dos Jesuítas and the mausoleum of Diogo Gonçalves, a nobleman who funded the church’s construction a century before the quake, and revel in some free time to shop or further examine the city’s churches. Delve into a wealth of exhibits at the Museu de Portimão, housed in a former fish-canning factory on the picturesque Arade River, and learn how early settlements in the area were altered by Roman and Islamic occupations. You’ll long remember the treasures to be found in Portimão’s endlessly captivating Old Town.

Follow a local guide on an enlightening walk through Lisbon’s most atmospheric districts, pausing at various venues to sample Portuguese delicacies. In the Baixa district, you will stop at Manteigaria Silva, a delicatessen that dates to the 19th century. Chances are, you will sample local ham and cheeses such as Serra da Estrela. You will then head to Mouraria, a Moorish-influenced district that is considered the birthplace of the music genre fado. There, you will be served a sweet cherry liqueur known as ginja. continue your walk to Rossio, where you will gain even more insight into daily life in Lisbon. Admire the magnificent D. Maria II National Theater and the striking Train Station, both iconic examples of Portuguese architecture, and take in the haunting ruins of Carmo, a poignant reminder of the 1755 earthquake. Then, stroll along the emblematic Augusta Street, where traditional Portuguese pavement, elegant building facades, and the impressive Santa Justa Lift create a truly captivating scene. One last stop will be made at a café, where you will sample Portuguese products such as codfish pastry and cornbread with sausage, perhaps with another glass of ginja.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Walk through Lisbon’s historical districts and stop on occasion in the cafés.
• Snack on an array of Portuguese specialties, such as ham, cheeses and traditional beverages.
• Explore the city on foot, immersing yourself in Lisbon’s vibrant atmosphere.

This is your opportunity to visit Fatima, an important world pilgrimage site, known by many as the Lourdes of Portugal. Your guide will describe the legendary story behind the region’s fame en route during your approximately two-hour drive.

Fatima was a very poor and forgotten parish until an apparition of the Virgin Mary was seen by three peasant children back in 1917. The little village was transformed almost overnight into a pilgrimage town that grew around the imposing modern basilica and shrine. You'll stop at the modern basilica and square, which is larger than St. Peter's Square in Vatican City. Here, enjoy about two hours of free time to explore the area on your own.

Experience the historical gifts of the region as you journey to the extreme southwestern tip of Europe, traverse an enchanting cliffside 15th-century fortress and enjoy a guided tour through Lagos, the base for naval expeditions during the Age of Discovery. Settle in for a marvelously scenic drive of approximately one hour to the rocky seaside bluffs of Cabo de São Vicente, where you’ll observe a striking lighthouse built in 1846 and gaze at the azure ocean that stretches as far as the eye can see.

Marvel at the cliffside Fortaleza de Sagres, which was built by Henry the Navigator and endured both repeated attacks and a devastating tsunami following the 1755 Great Lisbon earthquake. You’ll see original architecture, including a massive, mysterious compass rose made from pebbles at the fort, a National Monument of Portugal. Embark on an illuminating guided walking tour in Lagos, an ancient maritime town now known for its magnificent beaches, and stroll by the exquisite Baroque Igreja de Santo António church and a former slave market that dates back to 1444.

Wrap up your fascinating journey into the past with time at your leisure to stroll in Lagos’ quaint, pedestrian-only center.

Visit the most romantic village in the country, Obidos, a perfectly preserved 13th-century village that for centuries was the love offering of Portuguese kings to their queens. This village enjoys a privileged hilltop setting above a peaceful valley of vineyards.

Enjoy a scenic drive through beautiful countryside to the medieval town of Obidos, dating back to 308 BC. Since the day that King Diniz gave his young bride Isabel of Aragon the town, it has been the wedding gift to all of Portugal's queens. You’ll feel as if you are travelling back in time as you enter through its arched gates. Visit the 17th-century Parish Church of Santa Maria, with its magnificent interior decorations in blue and white tiles.

Explore the narrow cobblestone streets at your leisure and feast your eyes on the colorful houses.There are lots shops to browse in, or you may wish to hike up to the castle, now a hotel or explore the old lookout path on top of the city wall.

Use your Attraction Pass to explore the top destinations in Lisbon without the hassle of arranging transportation, waiting in lines or having to pay the entrance fees. It’s the best way to maximize your time in Lisbon and get a genuine feel for the city’s history and culture. The options include the richly ornamented Jeronimo’s Monastery, the Belém Tower from which so many Portuguese explorers set sail. Learn all about the history of craft-making of decorative ceramic tiles in the National Tile Museum, then our next stop will be at the National Museum of Ancient Art, we will go ahead to enjoy Rua Augusta Arch. You will be marveled by the History at Pasteis de Belem where you will have a tasting of a traditional Portuguese tart.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Use the Attraction Pass to see Lisbon’s best attractions at no additional cost.
• Ride a bus around town, stopping at the attractions most appealing.
• Enjoy at Pasteis de Belem the most wonderful traditional Portuguese tart.
• Port Pick up and drop off.
• Our team will provide all the relevant information to the guests during the tour.

Travel to two captivating towns, one east and one west of Portimão, to absorb the dramatic history and natural beauty of southwestern Portugal. Drive west to Lagos, where you’ll embark on an illuminating guided walking tour through an ancient maritime village that’s now known for its magnificent beaches. See the exquisite Baroque Igreja de Santo António church, which features gilded carved wood as well as beautiful adornments such as azulejo tiles added after 1755’s Great Lisbon Earthquake, and a former slave market that dates to 1444.

Strike out eastward to the stunning coastal resort town of Carvoeiro, where many gorgeous beaches are tucked into breaks in the steep cliffs, and discover an elegant lighthouse carefully perched atop a rocky spur of land graced with epic views. Delight in the spectacle of Algar Seco’s rock archways, grottoes and aquamarine pools that can only be reached by a long stairway of stone steps cut into the cliffs. You’ll cherish your memories of the incredible beauty and fascinating history of Portugal’s intriguing southern coast. Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Get acquainted with the highlights of the beautiful city of Lisbon and stop for photos at some of its most iconic landmarks. Drive to the historical Belem quarter by the river Tagus you will be able to see the Monument of Discoveries and the Tower of Belem. The area is closely linked to the era of discoveries when the Portuguese navigators sailed in search of new lands. Drive to the Jeronimos Monastery and from the outside, admire this impressive building, representative of the Golden Age of the Portuguese Discoveries.

Continue on to Alfama where you’ll have an exterior visit of the Lisbon Cathedral -its construction started in 1147 when the city was reconquered from the Moors, by the first king of Portugal. Follow your guide for a walk through this area and immerse yourself in the architecture, sounds and aromas of old Lisbon. It is the oldest and most fascinating area of the city.

Mingle with the locals at a vibrant marketplace and with fishermen along the waterfront in Setubal. The city sits atop a Roman fishing town that a tsunami destroyed in the 5th century, and parts of it have been excavated. Fishing is still essential to Setubal, as you will discover at a bustling downtown market. Sardines, cuttlefish, oysters—they are all here on display, fresh from the docks where the fishermen have brought their morning’s catch. The guide will point out some of the most unusual species and introduce you to the vendors. While walking along a nearby promenade, you will likely see fishermen tending their nets. This will present another opportunity to interact with the locals and ask about their traditional livelihood, which new technology continues to influence. For a taste of the seafood that comes into Setubal, you will dine at a restaurant in town. The menu will include the local specialty “choco frito,” which is fried cuttlefish.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Gain an understanding of how the sea has influenced the village of Setubal for centuries.
• Browse a seafood market in Setubal and meet some of the vendors and local fishermen.
• Indulge in a delicious seafood lunch, featuring the day’s catch in traditional dishes.

Discover the off the beaten path areas of the Sintra Hills which can only be explored by 4x4. Feast your eyes at the endless landscapes dotted with picturesque villages and stop at a wine lodge for a tasting. In the hands of skilled drivers, you’ll experience all the thrills of off-road driving, in Sintra’s parks and reserves, while enjoying magnificent views. You’ll learn something about its back country, convents and country villages, on this fun-filled trip.

Sintra dominates the first part of the route, then head you’ll for the heart of the Sintra Hills, with dense foliage, crossing small water courses. Travel to dusty trails, leave the woodlands and head for Alto da Memoria, where you’ll see an endless landscape, an immense ocean and the Pena Palace. Continue to the typical country village of Penedo.

In the village of Colares, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a wine tasting in a regional wine lodge. Stop at Fojo da Adraga, an impressive natural well dug out of the cliffs and watch as powerful waves crash against the bottom. Travel to Europe's most westernmost point - Cabo da Roca.

Discover beautiful landscapes, small villages and savor the wines that have made Portugal famous. Cross the bridge over the Tagus River towards Sesimbra, a busy fishing village with a fleet of brightly colored boats all moored in the port. High above the town is a Moorish castle.

Travel to the town of Azeitao, best known for its wine, especially the famous Moscatel de Setubal. Here you'll taste the local wines and learn how they are made during your visit to a charming and prestigious wine lodge.

You’ll continue towards Arrabida Natural Park which covers a small range of limestone mountains, the road across the top offers remarkable views. The park was established to protect the wild, beautiful landscape and rich variety of birds and wildlife. The name Arrabida derives from Arabic, meaning a place of prayer, and the wooded hillsides are indeed a peaceful retreat.

OVERVIEW

Treasure tradition as you enjoy walking tours through two historic fishing villages, shop for distinctive handmade wares and relish the simple pleasure of fresh-squeezed Algarvian orange juice. Drive across the picturesque Arade River to Ferragudo, where you’ll delight in a guided stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets and leafy plazas before enjoying time on your own to explore the rustic town. A short jaunt takes you to Alvor, which lies between the ocean and a protected lagoon and boasts sumptuous golden beaches and a flourishing arts scene. After your guided tour through Alvor, appreciate time at your leisure to browse the local galleries for exquisite handmade jewelry, richly embroidered clothing and vibrantly colored ceramics. You might visit the intriguing remains of the medieval Castelo de Alvor and the Church of Divino Salvador de Alvor, which was designed in ornate Manueline style and rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake that destroyed much of Lisbon. Back in Portimão, relax at a 16th-century fortress overlooking the powdery sand beaches of Praia da Rocha, sipping a glass of juice freshly squeezed from local oranges while enjoying mesmerizing views of the sea beyond.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy guided walking tours through two enchanting fishing villages.
• Shop for unique handmade jewelry, embroidered clothing and one-of-a-kind ceramics.
• Explore the remains of a medieval castle and a Manueline-style church rebuilt after the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755.
• Rejoice in time on your own to view the historic treasures of Ferragudo and Alvor.
• Savor the taste of freshly squeezed local orange juice at a beachfront 16th-century fort.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.