Portugal Signature

Itinerary

• Portugal

  Portugal is a country on the Iberian Peninsula, located in southwestern Europe. It is the westernmost country of mainland Europe and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south and by Spain to the north and east. The Atlantic archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira are also part of Portugal. During the 15th and 16th centuries, with a global empire that included possessions in Africa, Asia, and South America, Portugal was one of the world's major economic, political, and cultural powers. Today it is a major tourist destination with the historic city of Lisbon, the Azores resorts, and gorgeous coastline of the Algarve. Portugal is one of the warmest European countries, the annual temperature averages in mainland Portugal are 13 °C (55 °F) in the north and 18 °C (64 °F) in the south.

• Albufeira

  Albufeira, is a Portuguese city and a municipality in the district of Faro, Algarve region. The city proper has a population of 13,646. The municipality has a population of 35,281 inhabitants and a total area of 140.6 km². The population expands to an estimated 300,000 in the summer and New Year's as Albufeira is one of the leading tourist resorts of the region. Facilities include a marina, golf courses plus innumerable hotels, apartment blocks, restaurants and bars for the annual flood of visitors.

• Lisbon

  Lisbon once held its own with the super powers, as one of the greatest players in the discovery of the New World, and the city still remembers these glories with pride. Buildings such as the Jerónimos and the Torre de Belém not only display the vast amounts of wealth the city could once command, but are also feature a unique Portuguese architectural style born of the great days of empire.

• Porto

  Porto, also known as Oporto in English, is the second largest city in Portugal and one of the major urban areas in the Iberian Peninsula. Located along the Douro river estuary in northern Portugal, Porto is one of the oldest European centres, and registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Its settlement dates back many centuries, when it was an outpost of the Roman Empire. One of Portugal's internationally famous exports, port wine, is named for Porto, since the metropolitan area was responsible for the production and export of the fortified wine.

• • Albufeira
  • Real Bellavista Hotel & Spa

  Day 1: Faro - Albufeira

  Enjoy a private transfer from Faro Airport to your hotel in Albufeira.

  A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

  After settling into your hotel, take time to relax in the hotel premises or make your way to the beach and have your first dip in the cool water.

  Accommodation: Real Bellavista Hotel & Spa (4*)

  The Real Bellavista Hotel and Spa (4*) is located in Albufeira, Portugal. The hotel offers a selection of restaurants and bars which respect the traditions of Portuguese and international cuisine. This classic 195 room hotel has created a simplistic sense of elegance sure to satisfy guests of all ages with garden balconies in 185 rooms. The Health Club offers both invigorating physical activities and relaxing treatments to help you unwind after your exercise.

• • Silves Castle

  Day 2: Albufeira

  A private driver will pick you up at your hotel and chauffeur you on your full day discovery of the Algarve region. If you only have time for one tour, this is the one. The Historic past of the Algarve starts in Silves, former capital of the Algarve, where you can visit the Moorish Castle and the 13th century Cathedral. In Monchique, you will reach the highest point of Algarve at an altitude of 902 meters, offering a spectacular view. Here you will have some free time to taste the traditional strawberry tree firewater before you drive down the mountain where you can have lunch. In Lagos, known as the city of the discoveries, you will have free time to visit the Museum and Saint Anthony’s Gold Church, after which you will pass through Sagres Fortress, stopping at the westernmost point of mainland Europe, Cape St. Vincent.  The cost of the tour does not include any food/beverages, or any entrance fees.

  Please let your Sales Advisor know if you would like to have a local professional guide join you on your tour today.

  Accommodation: Real Bellavista Hotel & Spa (4*)
• • Carvoeiro Beach

  Day 3: Albufeira

  Cruise along the Algarve coast with your shared tour, between the Albufeira Marina and Carvoeiro beach, on a fantastic boat.  Indulge in a relaxing time with pure emotions; during this cruise you will have the opportunity to discover fantastic caves, rock formations and a stop for a quick ocean swim.  On the return, the boat shifts away from the coast to initiate the search for dolphins.

  In the afternoon, enjoy some time on your own to relax.

  Accommodation: Real Bellavista Hotel & Spa (4*)
• • Lisbon
  • Palace of Belém
  • The Monastery of Jerónimos
  • Aviz Hotel

  Day 4: Albufeira - Lisbon

  Enjoy a private transfer to the Albufeira train station.

  Enjoy a train ride from Albufeira to Lisbon. The journey will take between 2.5 - 3 hours.

  Private train station transfer with Portuguese speaking Driver.

  The city of Lisbon is still recalled by its glorious past linked with the Discoveries. Centre of the spice trade and meeting point for people from all over the world, in 1500 AD Lisbon was a cosmopolitan and dynamic city. In this private guided 4 hour walking tour, you'll have the opportunity to revive this period in the monumental area of Belém, where the Monastery and the Tower remain two symbols of that golden age, where the testimonies of the new worlds have inspired the dominant decorations of the “manuelin” style. On the tour you will discover: D. Manuel- king of the seas, Vasco da Gama, Monastery of Belém along with its history and symbolism, Palace of Belém, 16th century buildings, Pastéis de Belém Royal Factory, as well as Lisbon’s shoreline. Cost includes a one-way private transfer from your hotel to the meeting point of your private walking tour. No entrance fees included.

  Spreading out along the right bank of the Tagus, and known as the Baixa, the downtown area of Lisbon is located in the 18th-century area around Rossio. East of the arcade Praça do Comércio, are the medieval quarters of Alfama and Mouraria, crowned by the magnificent St. George's Castle. To the west lie Bairro Alto and Madragoa, with their typical streets, and on the western extreme is Belém, with its Belém Tower, (the sentinel over the Tagus river that protects the entrance into Lisbon), the Jerónimos Monastery (masterpieces of Manueline architecture and classified in UNESCO's International Heritage list) and the Cultural Center of Belém.

  Accommodation: Aviz (4*)

  Aviz Hotel (4*) is less than 10 kilometres from the Lisbon International Airport and close to the Avenida da Liberdade, occupying a prime location in the city of Lisbonat Marques de Pombal. Featuring a mix of spacious rooms and suites for guests to choose from. The suites have been named after their famous previous occupants. All rooms are air conditioned and feature fluffy robes and slippers, along with free luxury toiletries. Guests can dine at the on-site restaurant that serves delicious regional specialities in a quiet and reserved atmosphere for them to relish. Located at the lobby, the Aviz Bar is the ideal place to informally mingle or to relax and enjoy a drink, catching up on the latest news with a wide choice of national and international newspapers. Avail of the onsite sauna or relax at the solarium during your stay.

• • Palace of Vila Viçosa

  Day 5: Lisbon

  A private driver will meet you at your hotel to chauffeur you on your full day tour of Estremoz, Evora and Vila Vicosa. You will start with Estremoz, a town so rich in its natural production of marble that even the doorsteps, pavements and the cobble stones are made out of marble. Next you will visit Vila Viçosa, another town which impresses for the remarkable use of locally quarried marble, most notable the Palace of Vila Viçosa. Your tour continues to Évora, a museum-city, with Roman roots, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will end the day with a return transfer to your hotel. No entrance fees included.

  Please let your Sales Advisor know if you would like to have a local guide join you on your day trip today.

  Accommodation: Aviz (4*)
• • Cabo da Roca
  • Belem Tower

  Day 6: Lisbon

  A private driver will chauffeur you on your full day tour along the coast of the Lisbon District. Your first stop will be in Sintra, a World Heritage site known as "Lord Byron's Glorious Eden". Sintra was used as a retreat by the Romans, the Moors and the Portuguese Kings due to its location, beauty, wooden ravines and fresh water springs. Next you will visit Cabo da Roca, the most western point in all of continental Europe. On your way back, you will discover Cascais, famed for being a resort area for Portugal's royal family in the late 19th and early 20th century. Finally, you will stop in Estoril, a seaside resort and tourist destination. At the end of the day you will be transferred back to your hotel. No entrance fees included.

  Please let your Sales Advisor know if you would like to have a local guide join you on your day trip today.

  Spend an unforgettable evening in Lisbon on a shared group evening tour.  Have dinner and enjoy the show of Fado, the traditional Portuguese song, in a festive atmosphere.  Afterwards, take a panoramic visit of Lisbon, starting at Alcântara - Belém to admire its beautiful monuments (Belém Tower, Monument of the discoveries, Jerónimos Monastery).  See the Bridge 25th April, Cais do Sodré, Square Comércio, Baixa, Rossio, Av. Liberdade, and Marquês de Pombal Square before being returned to your hotel.

  Accommodation: Aviz (4*)
• • Porto
  • Pestana Porto Hotel

  Day 7: Lisbon - Porto

  Private train station transfer with Portuguese speaking Driver.

  Enjoy a train ride from Porto to Lisbon. The regular trains take around 4 hours, while the highspeed trains take around 3 hours.

  A private driver and guide will pick you up at your hotel to escort you on your half day guided tour of Porto. Enjoy a visit to Sé Cathedral, followed by the panoramic viewpoint of Gaia. Head to Batalha Square, then walk Santa Catarina Street. You will stop next at Liberdade Square, and the Clérigos Church and Tower. Visit the beautiful Lello bookshop, venture to Ribeira Square and conclude with a visit to Porto Wine Cellars with a tasting. You will then be transferred to your hotel. No entrance fees included.

  Accommodation: Pestana Porto Hotel (4*)

  Pestana Porto Hotel (4*) located in the heart of historic Porto, in Praca da Ribeira. This Porto hotel is built in a magnificent building that belongs to the UNESCO as part of the world heritage site. Its privileged location allows beautiful views of the Douro River. There are 48 guestrooms including double, single, superior double and Suite. Rooms are fully fitted and nicely decorated, all of them featuring views overlooking the river or the city. Guests can dine at the Vintage Restaurant, serving Potuguese and International cuisine in a comfortable atmosphere. Bar Heritage is the ideal place where guests can have a drink and relax after a long day visiting the beautiful city of Porto.

• • Costa Nova

  Day 8: Porto

  Your private guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and escort you to stops on your guided full-day tour of Aveiro, Ilhavo and Coimbra. While in Aveiro, you will tour the city centre as well as the cathedral. You will drive through Costa Nova to Ilhavo, where you will have an opportunity to visit the Vista Alegre Museum. A drive through Cantanhede will land you in Mealhada where you will have some free time to lunch (not included). Finally you will arrive in Coimbra for a visit to the Santa Clara Convent as well as the city's university. Afterward, you will have a return transfer to your hotel. No entrance fees included.

  Accommodation: Pestana Porto Hotel (4*)
• • Sao Gonçalo Monastery, Amarante

  Day 9: Porto

  Your private guide and driver will escort you from your hotel to various stops along a full day tour of Amarante, Mesao Frio, Regua, Pinhao and Vila Real. Each area you will discover something wonderful. In Amarante, visit the Sao Gonçalo Monastery and historical city centre. You will have a short passage through the picturesque valley, Mesão Frio, home of the Gothic parish church of São Nicolau. Afterward, take a walk on the seaside wharf in Régua, then in Pinhão, you will visit the renowned train station, take a break for lunch (not included), and visit a Port Wine farm. Lastly, enjoy the historic city centre of Vila Real before a transfer back to your hotel. No entrance fees included.

  Accommodation: Pestana Porto Hotel (4*)
• • Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, Guimaraes

  Day 10: Porto

  A private guide and vehicle will pick you up at your hotel and escort you on a full day journey as you learn about and visit the region where the country of Portugal was born in the 12th century. The first stop will be the "birth of the nation", the 9th century settlement Guimarães. Then, travel through the capital of Minho and on to Braga with its three sanctuaries shaping the triangle of faith, devotion and pilgrimage. Visit Barcelos' historical center known for its ceramic handicraft: the colorful Rooster of Barcelos, its main icon. In Viana do Castelo, dazzle yourself with its historical centre and don’t miss the neo-Byzantine Church of Santa Luzia, located on top of the Santa Luzia hill, with an astonishing view of Viana do Castelo, the river estuary and the sea. At the conclusion of the day you be returned to your hotel. No entrance fees included.

  Accommodation: Pestana Porto Hotel (4*)

• Day 11: Porto

  You will be collected and transferred by private vehicle from your accommodation in Porto to the airport for your flight.

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodation

• • Real Bellavista Hotel & Spa

  Real Bellavista Hotel & Spa (4*)

  The Real Bellavista Hotel and Spa (4*) is located in Albufeira, Portugal. The hotel offers a selection of restaurants and bars which respect the traditions of Portuguese and international cuisine. This classic 195 room hotel has created a simplistic sense of elegance sure to satisfy guests of all ages with garden balconies in 185 rooms. The Health Club offers both invigorating physical activities and relaxing treatments to help you unwind after your exercise.

  • More information
• • Aviz Hotel
  • Aviz Hotel Guest Room

  Aviz (4*)

  Aviz Hotel (4*) is less than 10 kilometres from the Lisbon International Airport and close to the Avenida da Liberdade, occupying a prime location in the city of Lisbonat Marques de Pombal. Featuring a mix of spacious rooms and suites for guests to choose from. The suites have been named after their famous previous occupants. All rooms are air conditioned and feature fluffy robes and slippers, along with free luxury toiletries. Guests can dine at the on-site restaurant that serves delicious regional specialities in a quiet and reserved atmosphere for them to relish. Located at the lobby, the Aviz Bar is the ideal place to informally mingle or to relax and enjoy a drink, catching up on the latest news with a wide choice of national and international newspapers. Avail of the onsite sauna or relax at the solarium during your stay.

  • More information
• • Pestana Porto Hotel

  Pestana Porto Hotel (4*)

  Pestana Porto Hotel (4*) located in the heart of historic Porto, in Praca da Ribeira. This Porto hotel is built in a magnificent building that belongs to the UNESCO as part of the world heritage site. Its privileged location allows beautiful views of the Douro River. There are 48 guestrooms including double, single, superior double and Suite. Rooms are fully fitted and nicely decorated, all of them featuring views overlooking the river or the city. Guests can dine at the Vintage Restaurant, serving Potuguese and International cuisine in a comfortable atmosphere. Bar Heritage is the ideal place where guests can have a drink and relax after a long day visiting the beautiful city of Porto.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

• Request a Quote