PORTUGAL and the ALGARVE

Departures

Discover the magic of Portugal, one of the oldest countries in Europe, where outstanding monuments, castles and churches meet futuristic new buildings and technologies. Its traditions and architecture stretch back over the centuries and together with its pleasant climate make it a favourite destination for many.
Our journey takes in the cosmopolitan cities of Lisbon and Oporto, the small towns and villages and the beautiful Algarve, known for its wonderful beaches, pleasantly mild weather, charming restaurants and friendly hospitality.

This itinerary combines leisurely paced touring and relaxing days for your own personal pursuits. Our Hotels have been carefully selected to provide comfortable accommodation and delicious meals, resort features and easy access to the nearby sights.

Space is limited on this special departure and we urge you to enroll as soon as possible.

Itinerary

March 16, Tuesday: Depart CANADA
Tour members from across Canada gather in Toronto for the overnight flight to Lisbon.

March 17, Wednesday: LISBON
On arrival in Lisbon, we will be met by our guide who will give us an orientation tour on the way to our hotel. The rest of the day will be free to unpack, relax or explore on our own.
This evening, we enjoy a welcome dinner at our hotel. Hotel Mundial (2 nights)
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March 18, Thursday: SINTRA / CASCAIS / ESTORIL
This morning we will explore the sights of Lisbon, viewing the most important avenues and districts of this capital since the 13th century including Liberty Avenue, the Alfama district and the Imperial District – Belem. We’ll visit St. Jerome’s Monastery and the Coach Museum, reputed to be one of the best in the world. Continuing, we visit the mountain village of Sintra. Our afternoon sightseeing will take us to the Town Palace before continuing on to Cascais, home town to several crowned heads of Europe during the 2nd World War. Next, a stop at the mountain resort of Estoril with its beautiful gardens and casino before returning to Lisbon via the panoramic coastal road. This evening, enjoy a special Fado dinner show!
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March 19, Friday: OPORTO
This morning we depart for the city of Oporto. Here, we will begin a tour of the city, the second most important city after Lisbon. A highlight will be the Ribeira, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating from the 15th century. Then we will visit a wine cellar to taste the famous Port wine. Porto Hotel Vila Gale (2 nights)
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March 20, Saturday: MINHO
Today we explore Minho Province, “the garden planted by the sea”. We will visit the towns of Guimarães, cradle of Portuguese Nationality; Braga the Portuguese Rome with the oldest Cathedral in the country; Bom Jesus, with the magnificent view over the town of Braga, where we will enjoy lunch.
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March 21, Sunday: DOURO CRUISE / REGUA
We transfer from the Hotel to the harbour at Gaia this morning to start our scenic cruise on the Douro River aboard our private river boat. Enjoy lunch on board and take advantage of the many photo opportunities along the way. Arriving in Peso da Regua in the afternoon, we will stroll to our river-front hotel, with free time to enjoy the beauty of the river, as seen from its banks. Hotel Regua Douro (1night)
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March 22, Monday: COIMBRA / FATIMA
We leave Regua this morning and head to the university town of Coimbra. We will visit the university including its Library from the 18th century, one of the first copyright libraries to be found in Europe. Then on to Sofia street in the heart of the city, with time for lunch. We continue to Fatima, the famous pilgrimage center, with the rest of the day is at leisure to explore on our own. Hotel Lux Fatima (1 night)
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March 23, Tuesday: BATALHA / NAZARE / OBIDOS / EVORA
We depart Fátima for Batalha to visit to the 14th century Monastery of the same name. Then, continue on to the fishing village of Nazaré where we will have time on our own for lunch. Òbidos, a walled town from the 12th century is our next stop. Here we will have free time to walk the charming narrow streets with their handicraft shops and enjoy the colourful flowers seen everywhere. Continue to the museum town of Èvora. Evora Mar de Ar Muralhas (2 nights)
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March 24, Wednesday: EVORA / MONSARAZ
This morning we will discover Evora on a walking tour through the streets of this ancient town. We will see the Diana Temple, a symbol of the town from the time of the Romans in the Peninsula and the Romanesque style Cathedral, one of the last to be built in Portugal. This afternoon, we travel to Monsaraz, an interesting stronghold close to the Spanish border and have free time to enjoy the small village - a marvellous spot for photos. On our way back to Èvora, we’ll stop at San Pedro do Corval, to see how the local ceramic is made.
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March 25, Thursday: ALGARVE
This morning we travel further south to the Algarve, the southern most point of Portugal with its beautiful beaches and quaint towns. On arrival, settle in and get ready to enjoy six glorious days day of relaxing, shopping and exploring on your own. Albufeira Hotel Real Bellavista (6 nights)
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March 26 - 29, Friday – Monday: ALGARVE
The next 5 days are completely free to pursue your own interests; perhaps walk the lovely sand beaches, people watch at one of the many little cafes, shop for interesting gifts or wander the picturesque town of Albufeira with its white-washed buildings and interesting rock formations and stunning cliffs. (BD daily)
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March 30, Tuesday: ALGARVE
Enjoy one final day relaxing, exploring or shopping for that special Portuguese treasure. This evening, we’ll gather for our ‘Farewell to Portugal’ dinner at our hotel.
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March 31, Wednesday: CANADA
Transfer to Faro Airport to board our flight to Toronto with connections to our homes across Canada.
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Tour Costs (CDN$/ per person)

Prices from other cities are available on request

Prices are per person and are based on airfares and exchange rates effective August 2009 and are subject to change. Tour price is based on sharing a twin-bedded room at hotels and on a minimum of 20 participants. An escort will accompany this group with a minimum of 20 members travelling. Members benefit from excellent group rates for included services – if group numbers do not reach the set minimums, supplements may apply.

CT Rating - TWO: This tour is leisurely paced; however, tour members should be prepared for walking on uneven terrain and in areas with cobblestone streets.

The tour cost and deposit includes the cost of comprehensive insurance ($195 per person) for passengers under 86 years of age at time of travel. Cancellation of any booking prior to December 16, 2010 will be subject to an administration fee of $50 pp – this fee will not be covered by insurance. Insurance coverage will begin on the above date and will cover penalties from that date forward. Contact our office for full details. Final payment is due January 8, 2010.

Inclusive Features

To enroll on this tour simply complete our online enrollment form or alternatively complete the enrollment form found at the back of our brochure and return it with your deposit of $800 per person to Craig Travel's office.