Tour members from across Canada fly to Lisbon. 

This morning we arrive in Lisbon and transfer to our hotel where we are free to relax, freshen up and explore this beautiful city at our leisure. This evening you may want to wander the Rua Augusta, a pedestrian street frequently animated by street artists. Hotel Mundial (3 nights).

On our city tour this morning, see the Belem tower, a fortified tower made of limestone and visit the spectacular 16th century Jerónimos Monastery. We shall also visit the city’s most famous site, the Discoveries Monument. This afternoon there are a number of interesting sights for you to consider such as the Castle of São Jorge, Lisbon’s state of the art Oceanarium or the famous Santa Justa Elevator which oversees the Castle, the river and Rossio Square.

Enjoy an excursion to Serra de Sintra, one of the most delightful mountain villages in Portugal. High up on a rocky peak sits the Pena National Palace, a wonderful example of Portuguese architecture from the Romantic Period. Afterwards enjoy some free time.

After breakfast we take a scenic drive through the countryside to Porto. We will stop along the way and spend some time in Tomar, renowned for its Templar Knight Castle and Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting spectacular frescoes and painted tiles. This evening we will celebrate with a Welcome Dinner. ms AmaDouro (7 nights).

This morning, enjoy the beautiful city of Porto with a guided walk through the historic quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the cathedral, one of the city's oldest monuments and the São Bento Railway Station, known for its blue and white tile panels depicting scenes from Portuguese history. Enjoy a tasting of Port, Portugal’s most renowned contribution to the world of wine.  This evening indulge in a traditional Portuguese dinner with your fellow travelers in Entre-os-Rios at a local quinta!

We will have an excursion to ancient and picturesque Lamego, home to one of the most important pilgrimage sites in all of Portugal, the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies). The shrine features a staircase of nearly 700 steps, beautifully decorated with white and blue tiles. Other attractions include a Gothic cathedral, a museum, and charming cafés. Our tour concludes with a tasting of local specialties, such as Bolas de Lamego (bread filled with smoked ham), Presunto (dry cured ham), and Espumante (sparkling wine).   

We spend a leisurely morning soaking up the beauty of the Douro River as we cruise to Barca d'Alva, where we will visit Castelo Rodrigo. Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo is a small fortified village perched high on a hilltop with centuries-old walls and steep narrow streets.               

This morning we depart for a full day tour to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built of golden sandstone, Salamanca is known as a “living museum,” an opportunity to step back in time to the Middle Ages. During our guided tour, we will see the city’s ele gant university buildings, the twin-towered Cathedral, the intriguingly decorated House of Shells, as well as Plaza Mayor, considered the most magnificent main square in Spain. Later today we enjoy a Flamenco show.  

Today we are treated to an exclusive wine tasting and lunch with entertainment at Quinta da Avessada. This is a famous estate that is also home to one of the Douro Valley’s finest vineyards. It is also a fascinating museum commemorating the history and culture of wine in the Alto Douro region. Later we enjoy another tasting while we learn about the centuries-old winemaking methods they use.

This morning we sail for Régua and enjoy an excursion to the Palacio de Mateus. The palace and gardens are situated in the beautiful region of Trás-os-Montes, a remote and scarcely populated area of Portugal.