Porto, the city of bridges
CONCEPT: Portugal had its fifteen minutes of fame during the Age of Exploration. Due to its geographical location, this small country was able to dominate the seas until it was finally overtaken by its larger neighbors.
We will explore the architectural riches of this period while also viewing some fine Roman ruins and prehistoric sites. And yes, we will take the time to enjoy the excellent local wines and cuisine.

portocafesceneCafe scene in Porto

INCLUDED: Breakfast plus at least one other meal every day, plus entrances to the sites mentioned in the itinerary. NOT INCLUDED: Transatlantic airfare, personal expenses such as laundry, room service, FAX or telephone charges, internet connections, excess luggage fees, or sightseeing and meals which are not included in the itinerary, gratuities for guides and drivers.
AIRFARE ARRANGEMENTS: Since we will be leaving from several airports in the US, it was impossible to get a group rate. Fares are currently running under $1000--SAT $890, PHX $954, SEA $954, TPA $809. Use Kayak or your favorite booking service to find the best fares and schedule. For those of you doing the entire tour it is highly recommended that you try to include the 6:05 flight out of Faro (TP #1900) as part of your transatlantic flight arrangements. I will provide a transfer for this flight. However, the cost of an individual transfer is not all that expensive.

The westernmost point of continental Europe.

ENROLLMENTS/PRICE: I conceived of this tour for approximately 15 people and will take up to 25. The tentative per person prices in double room are
$3285 for entire tour
$3035 skipping Algarve
$2845 leaving after Lisbon
Price for single by request. Prices based on FX of $1.00 = €0.7995.

Day 00 Thursday, March 17 - Fly from USA
Book your flight so that you will arrive in Porto mid-morning, if possible, on the 18th. Email me your flight schedule after you book.
Day 01 Friday, March 18 - Arrive in Porto
Upon arrival, transfer to the centrally located Hotel Eurostars Das Artes. Take the rest of the morning for recovery. Depart hotel in time for cruise on the Douro River. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight in Porto.
Day 02 Saturday, March 19- Porto
Breakfast at hotel (every morning) 9:00 a.m. departure from hotel for half day Porto city tour including visits to Igreja de S. Francisco and the Palacio da Bolsa. After the tour you will be given a 48-hour "Hop on,Hop off" bus pass to facilitate further explorations of Porto. Leave hotel in time to get to 8:00 p.m. fixed menu dinner at Chez Lapin. Overnight in Hotel Eurostars Das Artes.
Day 03 Sunday, March 20 - Porto
Free day to continue using your "Hop on, Hop Off" pass to explore this city of bridges. Leave hotel in time to get to 8:00 p.m. dinner, fixed menu at Casa Agricola. Overnight in Hotel Eurostars Das Artes.
Day 04 Monday, March 21 - Porto/ Douro Valley
9:00 a.m.  departure from the hotel for the Douro Valley, traveling through the beautiful landscape and vineyards.  We will visit Penafiel and the Quinta da Aveleda winery, producers of one of the most famous sparkling wine of the region. We will have lunch here along with a wine tasting.  We will then continue to Baião, and overnight and dinner at the the Douro Palace Hotel.
Day 05 Tuesday, March 22 - Douro Valley - Bussaco
9:00 a.m. departure for transfer from Baião to Bussaco.  Leave Baião via Mesão Frio and Peso da Régua. Lunch (on own) en route.The rest of the day at leisure in this incredible hotel and the 600 acre forest preserve. 7:30 fixed menu dinner at hotel restaurant. Overnight at the Palace Hotel Bussaco.
Day 06 Wednesday, March 23- Bussaco
9:00 a.m. departure for half day Coimbra city tour. In the afternoon visit of the Conimbriga Ruins, the most important Roman site in Portugal.  Return to the hotel. Leave hotel in time for 8:00 p.m. dinner at a restaurant in Mealhada  “Pedro dos Leitões.” The specialty here is roast suckling pig, but there are alternatives. Overnight at the Palace Hotel Bussaco.
Day 07 Thursday, March 24 - Bussaco - Lisbon
9:00 a.m. departure for transfer from Bussaco to Lisbon via Batalha, Nazaré, Óbidos. Buffet dinner at hotel. Overnight in Lisbon at the Hotel Lisboa Palace
Day 08 Friday, March 25 - Lisbon
9:00 a.m. departure for half day Lisbon city tour including a visit of Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower, as well as the St. Jorge Castle. Here you have a panoramic view over the whole city. I will then provide you with a "Hop on, Hop off " bus pass good for 48 hours to explore the city on your own. Depart hotel in time for 8:00 p.m. fixed menu dinner and Fado show at Cafe Luso. Overnight in Lisbon at the Hotel Lisboa Palace.
Day 09 Saturday, March 26 - Lisbon
Day free in Lisbon to continue using your bus pass. Leave hotel in time for 8:00 p.m. .a la carte dinner at Cervejaria Trindade. Overnight in Lisbon at the Hotel Lisboa Palace.
Day 10 Sunday, March 27 - Lisbon
.9:00 a.m. departure for full day excursion to Estoril, Cascais, Sintra, Guincho, Cabo da Roca. Late afternoon return to Lisbon. Lunch will be included on excursion, dinner is on your own. Overnight in Lisbon at the Hotel Lisboa Palace.
Day 11 Monday, March 28 - Évora (Option 1: Fly back to USA)
9:00 a.m. departure to Évora with a stop in Arraiolos to visit the castle, historic center, and the famous hand made tapestry. We will then visit the caves of Herdade das Moiras. After lunch (independent) we will continue on to Évora. Dinner at the Hotel M`AR De AR Muralhas
Day 12 Tuesday, March 29- Évora
9:00 a.m. departure for a city tour, going to the Cathedral, Bone Chapel, Diana Temple (monument from the Roman times), University, and Historic Center. In the afternoon we will visit the Megalithic Ruins of Almendres. Dinner and overnight at M'Ar de Ar Muralhas Hotel.
Day 13 Wednesday, March 30-Évora/Algarve (Option 2: Return to Lisbon for departure night and then fly back to USA on March 31)
9:00 a.m. departure to Vilamoura in the Algarve. Overnight in Hotel Vila Gale Ampalius.
Day 14 Thursday, March 31 - Algarve
Activities to be announced.
Day 15 Friday, April 1 - Algarve
Activities to be announced.
Day 16 Saturday, April 2 - Algarve-USA
Book your transatlantic flight to leave Faro (FAO) at 6:05 on TP 1900

NAME Home - Porto flight arrival details
Dale & Patsy Meyers 3/18 7:00 TAP 114
Dale Fleishman
Ron Jenkins		 3/18 7:00 TAP 114
Cal Cortright 3/18 7:00 TAP 114
John Blue
Gary Behnke		 3/18 10:10 TAP 1956
Paul Alessi 3/18 11:30 AA5333
Laurence Barker 3/18, 15:40 TAP 851
Jim Ernest & Sue Edwards 3/18, 16:10 DLH 1178
Carrol Smith 3/18, 16:10 DLH 1178
Sara & Charlie Lewis 3/18, 16:10 DLH 1178

NAME Faro-Home flight departure details
Laurence Barker 4/2 6:05 TAP 1900
John Blue
Gary Behnke		 4/2 6:05 TAP 1900
Paul Alessi 4/2 6:05 TAP 1900
Dale Fleishman
Ron Jenkins		 4/2 6:05 TAP 1900
Dale & Patsy Meyers 4/2 6:05 TAP 1900
Cal Cortright 4/2 6:05 TAP 1900
Sara & Charlie Lewis 4/2 11:15 DLH 6975
Carrol Smith 4/2 11:15 DLH 6975
Jim Ernest & Sue Edwards 4/2 16:30 DLH 1163