10-Nights with 2-nights Lisbon, 4-nights Madeira Island and 4-nights Porto

Double occupancy, daily breakfast, 3 city tours and domestic air - Just $2,975

Group international air from LAX will be announced in July

Here is another one of our custom trips that you won't find anywhere else, based on our experience over several trips to Portugal. This will offer you a very special experience combining two amazing cities and an incredibly beautiful island.

Our first stop is Lisbon, one of the world's great historical cities, with characteristic and surprising sights, cultural treasures, and a beautiful setting that make it a paradise for walkers and photographers. Lisbon is Europe's second-oldest capital (after Athens), once home to the world's greatest explorers like Magellan and Prince Henry the Navigator, becoming the first true world city, the capital of an empire spreading over all continents, from South America (Brazil) to Asia (Macao, China; Goa, India). It's one of the world's greatest natural harbors which attracted different civilizations, now reflected in its architecture and culture recalling Phoenicians, Celts, Romans, Visigoths and Moors. A charming visual time-warp with medieval village-like neighborhoods.  

Lisbon also offers World Heritage monuments and singular museum treasures.

We'll enjoy a half-day tour with guide that will take us to the most interesting sites then we'll set you free to explore. We won't be offering tours outside of Lisbon as we have on our past trips here since our time is limited but you may consider arriving early to make sure you spend the time you want in this wonderful city.

After our 2-nights in Lisbon we'll jet off to the island of Madeira for the next 4 nights. Amy and I went to this island in between group trips to check it out and absolutely loved it so we can't wait to return with a group.

Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal, is an archipelago comprising 4 islands off the northwest coast of Africa. It is known for its namesake wine and warm, subtropical climate. The main island of Madeira is volcanic, green and rugged, with high cliffs, pebbly beaches and settlements on deltas of the Fajã River. A privileged geographical position, a subtropical climate, unique landscape settings and remarkable cultural traditions. With an area of 741 km², the Island of Madeira is an oasis in the Atlantic where, among the forests, towns, beaches and mountains, a great natural and cultural wealth is preserved. The north coast of Madeira is the proud guardian of a large part of the Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Madeira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the guardian of a natural treasure. The Laurissilva Forest, about 20 million years old, dates back to the Miocene and Pliocene periods of the Tertiary Period. It is a rare subtropical forest, which occupies around 15,000 hectares, corresponding to 20% of the island. There are many active and adventurous tours to be had that we will set up. One of the most enjoyable is the jeep tour of the island. Check out the potential tours!

Finally, we spend the last 4-nights in Porto,a captivating city, which perfectly blends history, traditions and modern Portuguese culture. Set on an undulating landscape, Porto provides architectural wonders, a quaint old town, stunning vistas and beautiful beaches. Throw in its famed Port producing industry and it is easy to see why this charming city is fast becoming a top rated holiday destination.

We will set up a tour to visit the historic city center, walk along Ponte Luis I Bridge, take a cable car ride for view of the Douro river and Ribeira (historical city center) and cruise the Douro river. We will take some wonderful day trips that we enjoyed on our last trip to Porto.

Day trip to Guimarães and Braga- Guimarães is regarded as the ‘birth place of Portugal’ as it was the first capital city of Portugal during the 12th century, and was also the birth place of Portugal’s first king; Afonso Henriques. The city boasts a medieval castle, restored gothic palace, numerous pretty squares and a cable car ride to the top of Penha Hill. For a guide to a day trip to please click here. to Guimarães

Braga is the religious centre of Portugal and within the compact historic centre are numerous ornate churches and beautiful baroque styled houses. Just outside of Braga is the wonderful Bom Jesus do Monte, a charming church that is situated on top of a hill and is reached via elaborate staircases, which represent the steps to heaven. The Bom Jesus do Monte is considered as the finest tourist attraction in the region surrounding Porto. For a guide to a day trip to Braga please click here.

ENCHANTED VALLEY TOUR - DOURO
The Douro Valley could as easily be called the enchanted valley, such is the beauty and magic that its landscapes offer. Departing from Porto, where the river flows into the sea and where the Douro wines (table wines and Port wine), produced on its hillsides, also end up, we will take a tour with our professional guide and get to know this cultural landscape, listed as a World Heritage Site. Following a route between the viewpoints that offer the best vistas, we will cross the river from north to south and back again, along the way enjoying breathtaking landscapes over the river. We will visit several villages and also have a winetasting at Graham Winery with its spectacular views of Porto's historic city centre, to taste several of their port wines. We will also enjoy a one-hour boat ride on the river to enjoy the best of the panoramic views.

That sums up this wonderful trip. We hope you decide to join us. Early signups are always rewarded with upgraded rooms when possible.

Click here to see photos from our last Portugal trip

Includes:

• Domestic air

• 10-nights hotel accommodations (double occ.)

• All transfers

• Daily breakfast

• 3 City Tours

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT (only if you prefer your own room, otherwise we match you with a roommate) - $1,200

Not Included: 

• Optional Tours as listed above

• International air

• Tips for guides and bus drivers

Deposit to sign up - $200

Our Hotels:

LISBON

AVANI AVENIDA LIBERDADE - 4 stars

WEBSITE - TRIPADVISOR REVIEW

Life is beautiful at our hotel in Avenida Liberdade, a wide boulevard shaded by trees and lined with cafés and boutiques. Avani, located in one of the most famous streets in Lisbon, puts you right in the centre of it all.

Welcome to your accommodation in Lisbon. Discover the best views of the city and its spectacular botanical garden. Relax in a contemporary setting surrounded by creature comforts such as Nespresso machines, TV, free WiFi and much more. Sleep soundly in our rooms and suites with views of Lisbon, which boast natural lighting and simple elegance. Avani Avenida Liberdade is the perfect choice for peaceful stay.

Start your day off right by enjoying our Mediterranean buffet with local products. Indulge in Mediterranean, Japanese and international cuisine at the best restaurants in Avenida da Liberdade, located inside our hotel. From SEEN, our cosmopolitan SKY BAR, to GEISHA BY OLIVIER, the trendy Asian fusion restaurant, there are so many restaurants in Lisbon to try at Avani Avenida Liberdade or our neighbouring Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Hotel.

 

MADEIRA
Pestana Vila Lido - 5-STARS! Website - Tripadvisor
Extraordinary views, impeccable location: the 5-star Pestana Vila Lido Madeira, with direct access to the sea, near the center of Funchal. Modern and classic, it stands in one of the most elegant areas of Madeira’s capital.

An extraordinary cylindrical building houses the rooms, all with balconies. The old house, a large chalet that recaptures the sophistication of early 20th-century tourism and preserves the charm of Vila Lido’s origins in 1938, contains the common areas. Between them, a precious garden and pool.

The proximity to the Atlantic is a privilege of Pestana Vila Lido Madeira. The access stairs to the sea, built to ensure complete safety, are the exclusive path for bathing in warm and calm waters.

Pestana Vila Lido Madeira offers 112 rooms, 3 restaurants, 2 bars, an outdoor pool, and room service. The rooms are spacious, with contemporary design and excellent layout: beds facing the balcony with views of the ocean or gardens.The a la Carte Vila Lido Restaurant is the place to discover the flavors of local and international cuisine. At the Flor do Mar Restaurant, you will have breakfast and dinner buffet service. Outside, you can enjoy a Snack Restaurant and Pool Bar

 

 

PORTO

Pestana Porto- A Brasileira - 5-STARS! Website - Tripadvisor review

This is a new hotel and part of the Pestana Hotel chain. ‘The best coffee is Brasileira’s’, was the selling motto of the renowned Porto’s café, the first in the country to serve expressos at the beginning of the 20th century. More than one hundred years on, the historic café becomes a five star luxurious hotel. In full respect with its origins the new hotel will include 89 rooms and suites, meeting rooms, French patio, restaurant and a café.

Located in the heart of Porto’s picturesque downtown, the Pestana Porto A Brasileira Hotel _ City Center & Heritage Building is set to give back Rua Sá da Bandeira its bygone glamour while returning one of the most cherished and iconic city’s heritage buildings to its population.

Sign up for this Singles Trip!