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Vacation of a Lifetime: Picturesque Portugal
Prepare for an unforgettable experience exploring Europe’s jewel on the Atlantic, Portugal. Over the course of 11 days, enjoy seeing what Portugal has to offer, both along the coast and inland, with a variety of activities organized by the renowned Trafalgar Group. Each activity is designed to integrate members into Portuguese culture while providing the best experience possible, offering options to cater to preferences. Throughout the trip, you will be able to relax, see the sites, enjoy the culture and truly partake in the Portuguese lifestyle without the worry of organizing transportation or accommodation. Discover the brilliance of Portugal through unique local cuisines, drink, architecture, and history curated especially for you.
Executive Member Benefit
Executive Members receive an annual 2% Reward, up to $1,000, on qualified Costco Travel purchases
Vacation Includes
A Portuguese adventure with like-minded new friends (maximum 24 guests) that includes comfortable ground transportation in an air-conditioned coach, audio headsets for flexible sightseeing, an expert Travel Director for regular direction and assistance, a separate driver, hand-picked quality hotels, and airport transfers for both the first and last day of the guided holiday
Two nights in Lisbon at Olissippo Marques de Sa (March departure) or Turim Av Liberdade (April and October departures), two nights in the Agua Hotels Riverside (March departure) or Real Bellavista (April and October departures), one night in Evora at M'ar de Ar Muralhas, one night in Viseu at Grao Vasco, two nights in Porto at Neya Porto (March and April departures) or NH Porto Jardim (October departure), one night in Fatima at Hotel Fatima, and one night in Lisbon at Olissippo Marques de Sa (March departure) or Neya Lisbon (April and October departures)
Ten breakfasts, one "Be My Guest", one lunch, and five dinners
Visits to the Hieronymite Monastery in Lisbon, the cathedral in Évora, the Stock Exchange Palace, Arabian Hall, the University Library of Coimbra, the Convent of Christ in Tomar, the Shrine at Fátima and the Gothic Monastery at Batalha
Performance and dinner at a Fado House
Choice between a traditional Portuguese cooking class to make Pastis de Belem or tour of Benfica Stadium
"Be My Guest" homecooked lunch on a beautiful Alentejo farm
Private Algarve cave-exploring cruise with a seafront lunch
Port tasting and production learning opportunity in a port cellar
Taste wines in a partially-recovered ruin turned tasting room at Real Companhia Velha
Before-hours access to one of the world's oldest bookstores, Livraria Lello
Choice between touring the Bom Jesus Sanctuary or a Porto food and wine tour
After-hours private tour of Pena Palace with a drink reception
Farewell Dinner at a Fine Dining Restaurant
Itinerary Days 1 - 3
Day 1
A sea of pastel pinks, yellows and blues dot the seven hills of the romantic Portuguese capital, which you will have an opportunity to explore today before meeting your fellow travelers and Travel Director for an orientation drive past the city's most iconic sights. Seven cinematic hillsides overlooking the Rio Tejo cradle Lisbon's postcard-perfect panorama of cobbled alleyways, ancient ruins and white-domed cathedrals - a captivating scene crafted over centuries.
Vacation of a Lifetime Exclusive: Fado House Performance and Dinner
Tonight, visit one of the famed local fado houses for an unforgettable performance and savour a typical Portuguese meal, with wine included. Fado is the expressive national song of Portugal, often called the soul of their identity. Fado is a performance genre incorporating music and poetry widely practiced by various communities in Lisbon. It represents a Portuguese multicultural synthesis of Afro- Brazilian sung dances, local traditional genres of song and dance, musical traditions from rural areas of the country brought by successive waves of internal immigration, and the cosmopolitan urban song patterns of the early nineteenth century.
Meals: dinner
Accommodations: Olissippo Marques de Sa (March departure), Turim Av Liberdade (April and October departures)
Day 2
Delve into Lisbon's centuries-old seafaring heritage today, paying tribute to the brave men who set off from these shores to discover the 'New World'. With the local specialist, see the shimmering white Monument to the Discoveries, the iconic suspension bridge spanning the Tagus, and Belém Tower, built to commemorate Vasco da Gama's expedition. Dive into Culture on a sightseeing tour of the UNESCO-listed Hieronymite Monastery, an exquisite testament to 16th-century Manueline architecture and art.
Vacation of a Lifetime Exclusive: Cooking Class or Stadium Tour
Hands-on Cooking Class
Partake in a two-hour hands-on cooking class, where you will learn how to make the famous and delicious Portuguese custard tart! It is believed that one of the secrets of the pastéis de nata is the crunchy puff pastry, so you will learn to make it from scratch!
Guided Tour of the Local Football Stadium
Explore the local football stadium with a tour of the grounds and the museum at Benfica Stadium. It is even considered as a cathedral by many fans. Even though many stadiums do try to stand out with innovative design elements, the Estadio da Luz has been successful with the stadium being voted as the most beautiful in Europe by L’Équipe.
Vacation of a Lifetime Exclusive: Private Yacht Sunset Cruise along the Tagus
You will have the opportunity to see the most emblematic monuments of Lisbon as well as fantastic views of the River Tagus. Leaving the Doca de Belém to the estuary of the Tagus River, there is the Monument to the Discoveries, an impressive monument built to celebrate the rich Portuguese heritage. Navigating upstream, passing under the 25th of April Bridge, see the dome of the Basilica da Estrela in the Old City of Lisbon. This is a wonderful view of Lisbon’s most splendid sights, from the comfort of a stunning sailboat.
Meals: breakfast
Accommodations: Olissippo Marques de Sa (March departure), Turim Av Liberdade (April and October departures)
Day 3
Journey across the Tagus this morning and drive south towards the Serra da Arrábida Mountains and to the golden pastures of the Alentejo. The hearty aroma of Portuguese chicken fills the air at the 'Be My Guest' experience as you connect with locals over a traditional lunch at a stud ranch, where Lusitano horses were once reared at the pleasure of King João VI in the 18th century.
Saddle up for a superb stud farm visit, the tragic story of unrequited love and a traditional homecooked lunch with Tiago and Vera in Portugal’s beautiful Alentejo. On arrival, guests will be met by Vera and Tiago (when he is not busy with the horses) and enjoy a soft drink in front of the stables. Afterwards, guests will be taken on a short tour of the property and then into Tiago’s grandparent’s house, where lunch can be enjoyed in various old and charming salons of the house, including the kitchen.
Meals: breakfast and 'Be My Guest' lunch
Accommodations: Agua Hotels Riverside (March departure), Real Bellavista (April and October departures)
Itinerary Days 4 - 6
Day 4
Start the day exploring beaches, caves, and coves of Portugal’s Algarve coast on a cruise from Lagos (March) or Albufeira (June). The afternoon is free to explore and relax. The dramatic cliffs and beautiful beaches of the Sagres Peninsula provide a stunning backdrop for a late afternoon coastal drive. Admire spectacular views across Baleeira Beach, before continuing along the coast to Cape St. Vincent, the site of many sea battles centuries ago.
End the day with a visit (or return visit if in March) to the resort town of Lagos - once the home of Henry the Navigator. Here, enjoy a seafood dinner as the sun sets over the sea before returning to the hotel (Lagos hotel for March and Albuferia hotel for June).
Vacation of a Lifetime Exclusive: Private Cruise the Algarve and a Scenic Waterfront Lunch
A private boat trip in the Algarve with dolphin watching and a visit to the most stunning caves and other rock formations in the region. From Albufeira, sailing westward, always close to the coast, between Albufeira Marina and the famous Benagil Caves or "Algar de Benagil". Visit the highly acclaimed rock formations and caves recognized worldwide for their uniqueness. The experienced and passionate crew will be at your disposal throughout the experience to share the historical, cultural and ethnographic secrets of this coast.
Dive in to swim, snorkel or paddleboard; spot dolphins swimming and playing in their natural environment; and tuck into a delicious lunch at a scenic waterfront local restaurant.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations: Agua Hotels Riverside (March departure), Real Bellavista (April and October departures)
Day 5
Journeying north, travel to the ancient Alentejo city of Évora. Join your local specialist for a visit to the elaborate cathedral, Roman temple, and the Chapel of Bones. Follow your local specialist through the vineyards and groves of cork oaks to charming Monsaraz, one of the most famous and beautiful villages of the Alentejo. Inhabited since prehistory, Monsaraz has beautiful, white-washed houses and a 14th century Castle, which overlooks Spain.
Also see the largest artificial lake in Europe before tasting typical local refreshments. Spend the rest of your day delving into the medieval history of this enchanting city. Trace centuries of history along its city walls, kick back with a coffee and cake in Giraldo Square. This evening will be at the hotel in Évora.
Vacation of a Lifetime Exclusive: Dinner in Monsaraz
Enjoy a memorable Alentejan dinner at local restaurant Sem Fim, once an olive mill. Indulge in dish-after-dish of the tastiest tapas in a vibrant setting. The graceful medieval village of Monsaraz, maintains the magic from ancient times like few others in the world. Many magnificent stories could be told about its courageous kings, Knights Templar, brave people, and dames of simple beauty.
Meals: breakfast and dinner
Accommodations: M'ar de Ar Muralhas
Day 6
The first stop today is in the quaint hilltop town of Castelo de Vide with its charming white façades, narrow alleys, and fascinating Jewish Quarter. Travel north towards the Serra de Estrela mountains and arrive later in Viseu, set high on a plateau near the famous Dão vineyards. Explore the city's rich art and architectural history, seeing the 12th-century Sé, standing imposingly on a hill overlooking much of the city.
Later, we drive into the heart of the well-known region of Dão Wine, to find out how the wines are produced and enjoy our Beira Dinner in a Wine Cellar producing some of the best wines of this region.
Meals: breakfast and dinner
Accommodations: Grão Vasco
Itinerary Days 7 - 9
Day 7
Vineyard-clad hills provide an enchanting backdrop for today's journey through the Douro Valley, where Port wine is produced. Continue via Guimarães for views of its impressive 10th-century castle, before arriving in the riverside town of Porto where you will spend the next two nights.
Vacation of a Lifetime Exclusive: Ruin Tour and Tasting at Real Companhia Velha
Enjoy the unique experience of a personal tour of Quinta das Carvalhas and appreciate a direct contact with nature in the vines, Mediterranean forests and gardens, alongside the people who work them. See the Douro through the eyes of a local and to relish the greatness of the region with a detailed explanation of everything happening at the Quinta.
The Experience will take place in a partially recovered ruin turned into an open-air tasting room. Enjoy this scenery with their top “Carvalhas White”, “Touriga Nacional” and a glass of Port.
Every guest will have a bottle of wine to take home with them.
Meals: breakfast and dinner
Accommodations: Neya Porto (March and April departures) / NH Porto Jardim (October departure)
Day 8
Vacation of a Lifetime Exclusive: Before Hours Visit to Livraria Lello
Begin the day at the Livraria Lello in Porto, one of the world's oldest bookstores and frequently ranked as one of the most beautiful in the world. Opened in 1906, the bookstore was once a haunt of the city's literary scene, and many say it was a direct inspiration for J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter novels, as she lived in Porto from 1991 to 1993 and frequented the store.
Today, the bookstore sees 4,000 to 5,000 visitors a day, which can make the cramped bookstore feel like a tourist trap. Vacation of a Lifetime Guests will have early access prior to the store opening in the morning for a private tour of the store and each guest will be able to choose a book to take home with them.
After, join a local specialist today for a sightseeing tour in Porto, which takes you past Baroque churches and along the winding cobblestone lanes that tumble down towards the Douro River.
See the remarkable bridges that span the river and the Gothic Church of St. Francis. Visit the Stock Exchange Palace with its splendid Arabian Hall, inspired by Granada's Alhambra, then dive into culture and into the centuries-old tradition of local port production at a tasting in a port cellar.
Vacation of a Lifetime Exclusive: Old Town Braga and Bom Jesus Sanctuary or Porto Food and Wine Tour
Visit Old Town Braga and Bom Jesus Sanctuary
Join a local specialist to Braga, a charming historic city and Portugal’s third-largest settlement. Braga is Portugal’s oldest city and is widely regarded as being the most religious place in Portugal. Visit the Bom Jesus Sanctuary, where the steps are said to represent the stairway to heaven.
Porto Food and Wine Tour
Explore the culinary delights of Porto on a foodie walk, an authentic introduction to Porto's gastronomical scene, using history, architecture, and culture as background. During the Food and Wine Tour, taste traditional Portuguese dishes, regional wines (including Port) and local pastries. In total, experience a well-balanced gastronomic tour of 7 different foods and 3 different beverages.
Meals: breakfast
Accommodations: Neya Porto (March and April departures) / NH Porto Jardim (October departure)
Day 9
Soak up the grand atmosphere of one of Europe's greatest and oldest universities and stroll through the ancient streets and squares of Coimbra. Shortly after, journey to the Templar city of Tomar to visit the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage site originally built as a Templar stronghold in the 12th century. You'll arrive in the pilgrimage center of Fátima where millions of Catholic pilgrims travel every year to the site where it is said three young shepherds famously saw apparitions of the Virgin Mary.
Meals: breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel Fátima
Itinerary Days 10 - 11
Day 10
Enroute to Lisbon, stop at the imposing monastery of Batalha - a UNESCO World Heritage site and the best example of late Gothic architecture in Portugal. The Monastery is one of the most impressive religious buildings of Portugal and took over a hundred years to construct.
The next stop is the fishing village of Nazaré, one of the finest beach resorts in Portugal. Explore the cobbled streets that lead from the beachfront. Here, fishermen’s houses have been converted into stylish hotels and older generations still wear traditional dress. It is also famous for surfers who come to surf the colossal waves that break off the Praia do Norte beach.
Vacation of a Lifetime Exclusive: VIP After-Hours Private Visit to Pena Palace
On the final evening, travel to the town of Sintra to visit the Palacio Nacional da Pena one of the finest tourist attractions in Portugal. The palace is a mix of vividly painted terraces, decorative battlements and mythological statues which stand on contrast to the surrounding Pena Forest. Guests will have a private after-hours guided tour of the palace and a drinks reception on the terrace with music. Afterwards, return to Lisbon for a final dinner with your newfound friends.
Vacation of a Lifetime Exclusive: Farewell Dinner at a Fine Dining Restaurant
Tonight's restaurant will be an elegant representation of fine dining in Lisbon. Be prepared to surprise your senses with sophisticated and innovative recipes, pleasing more than just your palate. Enjoy your final evening in Lisbon with a meal and accompanying dining experience that you will not soon forget.
Meals: breakfast and dinner
Accommodations: Olissippo Marquês de Sá (March departure), Neya Lisbon (April and October departures)
Day 11
Say a fond adieu to your fellow travelers at the end of an unforgettable Portuguese holiday.
Meals: breakfast
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Terms & Conditions
Every endeavor is made to ensure all services are included as per your quote request; however, it is your responsibility to check all inclusions in the attached itinerary as any items not specified will incur supplementary charged.
All itineraries/quotation are offered subject to local driver regulations. It is the Travel Directors duty to ensure that driver's regulations are not broken.
Please be aware that public holidays, events, conferences or trade fairs may be scheduled to occur at the time of the groups visit and may have an effect on this tour with accommodation often difficult to secure in and around the area. Updates will be sent to you on these events, as they become available.
Deposit: Deposits in the amount of US $ 200 per person is due upon booking.
Passenger List: Required no later than 120 days prior to departure.
Final Payment: Due no later than 60 days prior to departure.
Price: Prices listed are gross per person and based on double occupancy (twin share room). Prices are based on charges, taxes and levies current at the time of booking and may change if there are significant changes in taxes, charges or levies imposed by any government or its agencies. The price based on minimum passenger numbers and in order for the tour to operate these passenger numbers must be met. Private single rooms are available through a one-time fee that can be paid at booking (subject to availability).
Cancellation Penalties: More than 60 days prior to departure: loss of deposit(s); Between 59 & 16 days prior to departure: 30% of total tour cost; Between 15 & 08 days prior to departure: 50% of total tour cost; Between 07 & 01 days prior to departure: 90% of total tour cost; Departure Day and no show: 100% of total tour cost.
Tours with Rail & Cruise: Additional supplier penalties may apply depending on the date of the cancellation. Individual cancellations may necessitate an adjustment in the per person tour rate.
Pre/Post Accommodation(s): Between 14 days and the day of departure 100% of accommodation cost.
Refunds: No refund is available if cancellations occur after the tour has commenced or in respect of any tours, accommodation, meals or any other services not utilized.
Itinerary Changes & Tour Cancellation: Trafalgar reserves the right to vary itineraries should circumstances dictate, as well as cancel or reschedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements, or circumstances beyond its control. Hotels listed are to be used as a guide only unless specified as confirmed. Confirmed hotels are subject to change. In this situation, arrangements will be made at an alternative property, as similar as possible. The advertised tours require minimum numbers to depart. Should these not be met Trafalgar reserves the right to cancel arrangements.
Amendments: A fee of US $ 100 may apply to any change made to your booking once confirmed.
Travel Insurance: Trafalgar highly recommends that all guests purchase comprehensive Travel Insurance. Trafalgar offers comprehensive travel insurance, or this can be purchased independently. Certain countries have a requirement for foreign visitors to have valid medical insurance on entry. Trafalgar cannot be held responsible for denied entry if a guest is unable to provide details to authorities of insurance or denial of entry for any reason. Please note, travel insurance purchased through Trafalgar will only cover the amount being charged and collected by Trafalgar. If Trafalgar collects a gross amount on your behalf the insurance rate will correspond with the gross amount and the full gross amount will be covered. If Trafalgar collects a net amount, then the insurance rate and coverage will only cover the net amount. Full coverage details can be found on Trafalgar's website.
Rooming Arrangements: Single and Triple rooms are limited. Please advise if the group requires these room types and the number needed, as they will need to be requested and an additional supplement may apply. These room types are on a request basis and will be subject to availability at the applicable confirmed hotels.
Tour Membership: Any person under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. The Travel Director may, at his or her discretion, require any person to withdraw from any tour if he or she deems the person's acts or conduct offensive or a nuisance to other passengers, and Trafalgar shall have no further liability.
Baggage Allowance & Porterage: Porterage of one suitcase per person to and from the hotel and motorcoach is included in the tour price (unless otherwise specified). Due to limited coach capacity the sum of the length, width and depth of the case should not exceed 160cm (63 inches), and weight should not exceed 20kg (44lbs). Charges may be levied in the event these limits are exceeded and the promise to transport you may be invalidated.
What's Not Included: Passports and applicable visa fees, laundry, phone calls, items of a personal nature, beverages, meals and sightseeing not detailed on the itinerary, tips and gratuities to the Travel Director, coach drivers and local city guides, excess baggage, optional experiences and travel insurance. Suggested tipping rates (per person traveling) for your Travel Director would be EUR 5 per person per day; for your Driver EUR 3 per person per day and for the Local Specialist EUR 1 - 2 per person for the service provided. Please also note that airfares are not included. The lowest possible airfare available will be quoted on the day you book. Please also note that some transatlantic flights may be overnight, and this should be taken into consideration when planning.
Documentation: Electronic travel documents will be emailed approximately 2 - 3 weeks prior to departure. Electronic travel documents will be sent to the Agent/Agency email address or to the guests directly upon request, provided accurate email addresses are provided to Trafalgar.
Booking Terms and Conditions: These conditions incorporate the basis upon which bookings are accepted by the Travel Agent and Trafalgar. By making a booking you are agreeing to these terms & conditions. Conditions on this page do supersede conditions stated in the Brochure, however, for additional terms and conditions not stated here please refer to the 'Booking Conditions and other Important Information' pages in the Trafalgar website at https://costco.ttc.com/en-ca/terms-conditions/. These must be studied prior to making the commitment of paying the deposit as they must be referred to. Additional terms and conditions may be applicable to group bookings and will be advised as they become known.
Package ID: TRAFVOAL2023CAN
