9D8N Portuguese Escape (KPA)

Welcome to Lisbon! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travelling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.

Lovely Lisbon LISBON Guided sightseeing includes Jeronimo's Monastery and its Cloister and a photo stop at Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT The stunning capital city of Portugal is a treasure trove of historic and architectural masterpieces. Lisbon is home to the 16th-century Monastery of Jeronimos, with its 30.5 metre (100-foot) facade featuring images of St. Michael the Archangel and Our Lady of Belem. See the 16th-century Belem Tower, which served as a fortress but also as an embarkation point for sailors and was their last sight of land before the start of their journey. Lisbon's Monument to the Discoveries pays homage to great Portuguese explorers with a spectacular carved prow of an ancient ship.

Sea, Surf & Sanctuaries  OBIDOS Walking orientation of the medieval town. NAZARE Free time to browse. ALCOBACA Visit the Church of Santa Maria Monastery. FATIMA Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary en route to Tomar. (B,D) 137mi/220 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDARY LIVES The monastery of Alcobaca is a unique masterpiece of Gothic Cistercian art. See the tombs of King Pedro I and his Castillan lover, Ines de Castro, and hear about the heartbreaking tale of these ill-fated lovers. The king never stopped loving Ines even after she was murdered, and during his life he commissioned matching tombs that sit together so that they can look at each other as they rise from their graves.

Academic Honours  TOMAR Visit the Convent of Christ. COIMBRA Visit the University. Scenic drive en route to Porto. (B) 124 mi/ 200 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION The University of Coimbra is distinguished as the oldest university in Portugal and one of the oldest in the world, it is also one of the best known and internationally celebrated. With a history of more than seven centuries, the students at Coimbra University dress in the traditional black capes with ribbons in varying hues as was the tradition when the school was founded in 1290.

Panoramas & Port Wine  PORTO Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a panoramic drive to the mouth of the Douro River and the cathedral. Visit the Arabian Hall in the Stock Exchange. Globus Local Favourite Port wine tasting at a local cellar. Free time this afternoon. (B) LOCAL FAVOURITE LOCAL TASTES The grapes from the vineyards in the Douro Valley surrounding Porto provide the main ingredient for one of the world's most recognised fortified wines. Visit a local wine cellar and taste centuries of tradition in a glass of Port wine in the city that bears its name. Saude!

Tapas & Tastings  GUIMARAES Orientation walk through the medieval centre PENAFIEL Globus Local Favourite Visit the gardens of the Quinta da Aveleda winery and Portuguese tapas tasting. Scenic drive through the port wine vineyards en route to Viseu. VISEU Dinner with regional specialties and wine at a local restaurant. (B,D) 149 mi/ 240 km LOCAL FAVOURITE HISTORY & HERITAGE The history of the Quinta da Aveleda estate spans the centuries and generations who have preserved the Portuguese traditions of wine making and proud legacy of the Guedes family. The architectural heritage of this cherished estate is only matched by its wines, produced, and nurtured as the largest Vinho Verde exporter and family-owned winery.

Bottles & Corks  BELMONTE Visit the Jewish Museum and enjoy a olive-oil tasting. CASTELO DE VIDE Walk through the Jewish Quarter with free time to browse. EVORA Visit a traditional cork factory. (B,D) 236mi/380 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT LOCAL TASTES Discover the tradition and taste of authentic Portuguese olive oil in a 20th-century olive-oil-factory-turned-museum in Belmonte. See the machinery which farmers used to transform olives into oil and taste the delicious fruits of their labours. Perhaps take home a gift of wine, olive oil, or jam to commemorate your visit. Later, visit a Cork Factory in Evora to learn about this traditional artisanship of Portugal.

Gothic Grandeur  EVORA Guided walking tour includes the Gothic cathedral, the Sao Francisco Church, and the Ossuary Chapel. Free time for lunch. LISBON Farewell dinner at the hotel. (B,D) 93 mi / 150 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION Walk back in time to the Roman era of Evora - a city with roots firmly planted in the 16th century in the home of Portuguese kings. See the white houses, architectural tiles, and embellished balconies with a stroll through the Gothic sites of the cathedral, church, and chapel.

Safe travels until we meet again!  Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning.