Portugal : Porto, Fado et Natas

Flight to Lisbon from Montréal airport (YUL)

Reception at Lisbon airport and departure for Sintra, a world heritage site. This charming little town was for several centuries the official vacation spot of royal families and the Portuguese nobility. Visit to the National Palace of Sintra then short free time to explore the craft shops or taste the local pastries. Continue to Cascais, originally a fishing village which has become an important resort, then towards Estoril. Return to Lisbon via the seaside avenue. Check-in at the hotel for 2 nights and the rest of the day at leisure. Dinner free and overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast. Day dedicated to discovering the splendors of Lisbon, starting with the superb panorama from Eduardo VII Park, then Marquis of Pombal Square, Liberty Avenue, Restauradores and Rossio Squares, the Baixa shopping district and its 18th century architecture in the heart of the city center, up to the famous Commerce Square, wide open onto the Tagus River. Passing in front of the 12th century Cathedral you might see one of the famous yellow trams that run through the city. Finally, stroll through the charming streets of the popular Alfama district, dominated by the imposing silhouette of Saint-Georges Castle. Continuation towards the west of the city and the Belém district for a dive into the period of the Great Discoveries; you will see the monument to the Maritime Discoveries and the Belém Tower (exterior) and finally a visit to the Church of the Jerónimos (interior). Later in the evening, a panoramic view of Lisbon lit up at night towards the restaurant for a fado show with dinner and drinks included. Return to the hotel for the night.

Breakfast. Road to the small town of Obidos, surrounded by white walls. Orientation tour then free time to enjoy its streets lined with churches and small shops. Tasting of ginginha, a cherry liqueur typical of Obidos. Continue to Nazaré, a colorful and picturesque fishing town, where some women still wear traditional clothing, and known for its waves which can reach record heights. Free time. At the beginning of the afternoon, continue to the Cistercian monastery of Alcobaça, included on the UNESCO world heritage list, and visit its church. Finally, you will arrive at Fatima, a mecca of Catholic worship dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Free time. Check-in at the hotel and dinner. In the evening, those who wish can participate in the torchlight procession. Return and overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast. Visit the Convent of Christ in Tomar, another UNESCO site, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, and linked to the great Portuguese maritime expeditions initiated by Henry the Navigator. Then road to Coimbra. Coimbra was the first capital of the kingdom and is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe. Free time and walk in the city to admire the ornate facades of the University, the new and old Cathedral, its churches and its remarkable streets. Installation, dinner and night at the hotel in Nelas.

Breakfast. This morning, you will leave for Aveiro, a lakeside city built on several canals and known as the “Portuguese Venice”. Continuation towards Braga passing through the fishing village of Costa Nova. Walk through the historic and baroque center of Braga, the “City of the Archbishops”, a stopover for pilgrims on the way to Santiago de Compostela and dominated by the sanctuary of Bom Jesus. You will then reach Guimaraes, the “cradle of the nation”, included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Visit this very well preserved medieval town: you will pass in front of its medieval castle, the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, then along Santa Maria Street to Senhora da Oliveira Square. Installation, dinner and night at the hotel.

Breakfast. This day will be dedicated to discovering the city of Porto, starting with a panoramic tour of the city, to discover its mix of architecture and its emblematic facades: the financial district and the “Casa Da Musica”, the Clerigos Tower. , the town hall, the Sao Bento station, the 12th century cathedral overlooking the Douro. Visit the Palais de la Bourse, built in the 19th century in a neoclassical style. Port tasting. Free time on Santa Catarina Street. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.

Breakfast. Amarante, called “Princess of Tamega”, visit the monastery of Saint Gonçal, who lived and died here. Continuation to the Douro Valley region, and its sublime terraced vineyards. Free time in Vila Real, then in the afternoon visit to the Mateus Palace, dating from the 18th century, and its gardens, followed by a tasting of its famous wine. Installation at your hotel in Vila Real, dinner and overnight.

Breakfast. Route through the unique landscapes of the Douro valley, to Lamego and the sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, with its famous baroque staircase. Continue to Viseu, walk through its historic streets and visit its cathedral. In the afternoon, explore the village of Trancoso on foot: its narrow streets and stone houses immerse you in a medieval atmosphere. Then discovery of Guarda, the highest city in Portugal, located at an altitude of 1056m, with its historic center dominated by the facade of its imposing Gothic Cathedral. Installation at the hotel. At dinner, you will have the opportunity to taste some regional specialties. Night at the hotel.

Breakfast. Continuing your road towards the South through the central mountains and their picturesque villages: Castelo Novo and its granite houses, the hilltop village of Marvao near the border with Spain with its castle from where the view is breathtaking, then Castelo de Vide, a charming village with white houses, and its old Jewish quarter. Continuation on the roads of Alentejo to Evora, whose historic city center is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. Guided tour of this historic center during which you can admire the facades of the Cathedral, the Sao Fracisco church, the Giraldo square and the Santo Antao church, and the Roman temple. Installation at the hotel.

Breakfast. This morning, discovery of cork working with a local producer who will show you the techniques for transforming this particular wood into a wide variety of objects. Road to the Algarve, the southernmost region of Portugal, known for its sandy beaches, its warm-colored cliffs and the mildness of its climate. Installation in your hotel in Albufeira. End of guide services. Free time and night at the hotel.

Breakfast. Free day. Night at the hotel

Breakfast. Free time, then departure for Lisbon. Installation at your hotel and free time. Dinner and overnight at the Lisbon hotel.

Transfer to Lisbon airport for your return flight to Montreal.