Portuguese Splendor

From the quaint Alfama district and Pombal Square in Lisbon to excursions to Fatima, Cascais and more, Portugal will come alive.

Day 1 (Sat.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2 Arrival in Lisbon, Portugal. (Sun.) Free time to rest and maybe start exploring your unique surroundings. Perhaps you’d like to admire QUELUZ PALACE, with its many portraits of the Portuguese kings and queens, and take a leisurely stroll through the PALACE GARDENS. At 6 p.m. meet your traveling companions for a welcome drink and dinner hosted by your tour director. (D)

Day 3 Lisbon. (Mon.) Situated on the banks of the Tagus River, Lisbon is waiting for you this morning. Enjoy an orientation drive past the Bull Ring to Pombal Square and along the grand Avenida da Liberdade. Walk with your tour director through the narrow cobbled streets of the quaint Alfama, the old quarter of the seamen. Then the rest of the day is free for you to discover this fascinating city in your own way. Why not take one of the old tram cars or ride up the "Elevador de Santa Justa," one of Lisbon’s most eccentric structures, for great views over the Baixa? Or try an optional afternoon cruise on the Tagus River? Tonight you can sign up for the optional dinner with Fado-style entertainment. (FB)

Day 4 Lisbon. Excursion to Cascais. (Tue.) A leisurely start this morning takes us first to Belém from where Vasco da Gama set sail for India, and where the MOSTEIRO DOS JERONIMOS, Lisbon’s finest monument, now stands as a testament to his discovery of a sea route to the Far East. A little further on, the TORRE DE BELÉM, another Manueline jewel, was built to safeguard the approach to Lisbon’s harbor. Afterwards continue along the coastal road to Cascais, now a major resort. Free time here to delight in the many little shops and boutiques, wander through the narrow streets or stroll along the seafront. For lunch you’ll be spoiled for choice by the many little restaurants. Tonight you can opt for a dinner and show at Estoril Casino. (FB)

Day 5 Lisbon. Excursion to Obidos, Alcobaca, Nazaré and Fatima. (Wed.) Full-day excursion today takes us northwards to medieval Obidos. Go back in time as you pass the main gate in the impressive perimeter wall and walk along the narrow streets. Continue to Alcobaça to visit the church of SANTA MARIA MONASTERY, built in the 12th century for 999 Cistercian monks. See the elaborate tombs of King Pedro I and his Castilian lover Inês de Castro and hear how she was murdered at the order of Pedro’s father. The fishing harbor of Nazaré is the perfect place for a leisurely lunch break. In the afternoon mix with the pilgrims at the country’s hallowed national shrine, Fatima’s BASILICA OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY, before driving back to Lisbon through the colorful farming region. (FB,D)

Day 6 Lisbon at Leisure. (Thu.) A whole day at leisure to enjoy Lisbon as you please. You might like to join our optional excursion to Sintra to visit its palace. The picturesque little town is known by many writers as "a noble town surrounded by many estates, pleasant woods with plentiful springs of excellent water." The drive back will take you via Cabo da Roca — the westernmost point of Europe. (FB,L)

Day 7 Lisbon. Full-Day Excursion to Evora. (Fri.) This morning a drive across the world’s largest cork region to Evora. At this World Heritage site visit the ruins of the Roman temple, the Romanesque GOTHIC CATHEDRAL, the SAO FRANCISCO CHURCH, the OSSUARY CHAPEL and the university. Free time for lunch before returning to Lisbon. This evening, a farewell dinner to celebrate your week in Portuguese splendor. (FB,D)

Day 8 (Sat.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (FB)

The Pousada de Queluz

Begun in 1747 by Dom Pedro III, Queluz Palace is now classified as a National Monument. The main body of the palace has opulent interior halls while the luxurious gardens are endowed with baroque fountains and statues. Queluz has been compared with Louis XIV’s Palace of Versailles but is thoroughly Portuguese in its scale and artistic spirit. The Pousada de Queluz, featuring only 24 rooms, is located on the palace grounds, in the building formerly used by the Royal Guard of the Court.

Meals: Welcome drink, 6 full buffet breakfasts (FB), 1 picnic lunch (L), 3 dinners (D)

*Airfares are based on departures from New York.

Departures/arrival taxes and fares from other cities will be advised at time of booking.

Single room supplement: $ 421

Triple not available