Welcome to Enchanting Journeys
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Portugal
Best of PortugalFrom : $ Please requestDiscover : Lisbon * Obidos * Nazare....Includes :• All Transfers with a Journeys Rep• Accommodation of 6 nights with B/fast• Services of English speaking Tour-guides• Entrance fees, wherever applicable• Private A/c transport• Government Taxes & Service Fees• 24 / 7 Contact Support
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Portugal
Glimpse of Portugal - by TrainFrom : $ Please requestDiscover : Lisbon * Sintra * Evora......Includes :• All Transfers with a Journeys Rep• Accommodation of 9 nights with B/fast• Services of English speaking Tour-guides• Train Tickets, as indicated• Entrance Fees, wherever applicable• Government Taxes & Service Fees• 24 / 7 Contact Support
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Portugal
Portuguese KaleidoscopeFrom : $ Please requestDiscover : Lisbon * Sintra * Algarve.......Includes :• All Transfers with a Journeys Rep• Accommodation of 20 nights with B/fast• Guided sightseeing• Train Tickets, as indicated• Private A/c transport• All Government Taxes & Service Fees• 24 / 7 Emergency Contact
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Portugal
Hello LisbonFrom : $ Please requestDiscover : Lisbon * Sintra * Obidos......Includes :• All Transfers with a Journeys Rep• Accommodation of 3 nights with B/fast• Services of English speaking Tour-guides• Entrance fees, wherever applicable• Private A/c transport• Government Taxes & Service Fees• 24 / 7 Contact Support
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Portugal
Portugal Highlights - by TrainFrom : $ Please requestDiscover : Lisbon * Sintra * Coimbra......Includes :• All Transfers with a Journeys Rep• Accommodation of 7 nights with B/fast• Services of English speaking Tour-guides• Train Tickets, as indicated• Entrance Fees, wherever applicable• Government Taxes & Service Fees• 24 / 7 Contact Support
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Portugal
Hello PortoFrom : $ Please requestDiscover : Porto * Douro Valley * PortoIncludes :• All Transfers with a Journeys Rep• Accommodation of 3 nights with B/fast• Services of English speaking Tour-guide• Entrance fees, wherever applicable• Private A/c transport• Government Taxes & Service Fees• 24 / 7 Contact Support
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Portugal
Portuguese KaleidoscopeFrom : $ Please requestDiscover : Lisbon * Sintra * Lagos......Includes :• All Transfers with a Journeys Rep• Accommodation of 14 nights with B/fast• Services of English speaking Tour-guides• Train Tickets, as indicated• Private A/c transport• Government Taxes & Service Fees• 24 / 7 Contact Support
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Portugal
Portugal in Depth - Self DriveFrom : $ Please requestDiscover : Lisbon * Aveiro * Porto......Includes :• All Transfers with a Journeys Rep• Accommodation of 20 nights with B/fast• 16 Days Rental Car• Pre Programmed GPS as per Itinerary• 300 page Portugal Travel Guide• Government Taxes & Service Fees• 24 / 7 Contact Support
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Enchanting Portugal… eexperience it now….
Glimpse of Portugal by Train
“ We travel, some of us forever, to seek other places, other lives, other souls” - Anais Nin
An intricate jigsaw of landscapes, cultures, histories, art, architecture and cuisines, Western Europe retains time-honoured traditions while constantly evolving to incorporate inspired new trends.
Portugal is an incredibly varied & exciting vacation destination. Medieval castles, cobblestone villages, captivating cities & golden beaches: the Portugal experience can be many things. History, great food & idyllic scenery are just the beginning…..A heady mix of haunting sights, awe-inspiring art & vibrant street life. Here, you will experience the true meaning of beauty & relaxation. Come…….experience Portugal with us & prepare to fall in love.
Europe’s almost unmanageable wealth of attractions is its biggest single draw: the birthplace of democracy in Athens, the Renaissance art of Florence, the graceful canals of Venice, the Napoleonic splendour of Paris, and the multilayered historical & cultural canvas of London. Less obvious, but no less impressive attractions include Moorish palaces in Andalucía, the remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the World in Turkey, the majesty of meticulously restored Imperial palaces in Russia's former capital St Petersburg & the ongoing project of Gaudí's La Sagrada Família in Barcelona.
Then, there is Portugal – with its beautiful medieval Castles, cobblestone villages, captivating cities & golden beaches.
Riveting History| Dramatic Landscapes | Cultural Experiences | Rhythms of Portugal
Portugal commanding a long Mediterranean coastline, has left a powerful mark on Western culture. Full of surprises, you will never tire of exploring this small but endlessly fascinating country.
Enamoured by the scenery, the old-fashioned traditions of village life and Portugal's outstanding, very affordable seafood, you will love taking in the stunning views along the coast, going for mountain treks and bumping into shepherds in the Serra da Estrela & wandering the pretty towns of the Minho.
Celts, Romans, Visigoths, Moors & Christians all left their mark on the Iberian nation. Here, you can gaze upon 20,000 year-old stone carvings in the Vila Nova de Foz Coa, watch the sunset over mysterious megaliths outside Évora or lose yourself in the elaborate corridors of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Tomar, Belem, Alcobaça or Batalha. You can ponder the rise & fall of ancient civilisations in the Celtic Citania de Briteiros or the ancient Roman Cidade de Ammaia, & explore Portugal's most enchanting settings in Palaces set above mist-covered woodlands, craggy clifftop Castles and stunningly preserved medieval town centres. Its capital, Lisbon is a sprawling, cosmopolitan city with nearly 3,000 years of globally influential art, architecture & culture on display.
Festivals pack Portugal’s calendar. Drink, dance & feast your way through all-night revelries like Lisbon’s Festa de Santo Antonio or Porto’s Festa de Sao Joao. There are kick-up-your-heels country fairs in the hinterlands, and rock & world-music fests all along the coast. Any time of year is right to hear the mournful music of fado in the Alfama, join the dance party in Bairro Alto or hit the bars in Porto, Coimbra & Lagos. Rural Portugal has its own age-old musical traditions, from the polyphonic cante Alentejana in the Alentejo to the pauliteiros (stick dancers) of Miranda do Douro.
Freshly baked bread, olives, cheese, red wine or crisp vinho verde, chargrilled fish, cataplana (seafood stew), smoked meats - the Portuguese have perfected the art of cooking simple, delicious meals. Sitting down to table means experiencing the richness of Portugal’s bountiful coastline & fertile countryside. Of course, you don’t have to sit, you can take your piping-hot pastel de nata (custard tart) standing up at an 1837 patisserie in Belem, or wander through scenic vineyards sipping the velvety ports of the Douro valley. You can shop the produce-filled markets, or book a table in one of the country’s top dining rooms.
Portugal is a country steeped in history & this is reflected in its old churches & other finely crafted buildings.
Outside the cities, Portugal’s beauty unfolds in all its startling variety. You can go hiking amid the granite peaks of Parque Nacional da Peneda-Geres or take in the pristine scenery & historic villages of the little-explored Beiras. Over 800km of coast offers more places to soak up the splendour. Gaze out over dramatic end-of-the-world cliffs, surf stellar breaks off dune-covered beaches or laze peacefully on sandy islands fronting calm blue seas. You will find dolphin watching in the lush Sado Estuary, boating & kayaking along the meandering Rio Guadiana, and memorable walks & bike rides all across the country.
From across the Rio Douro at sunset, romantic Porto, the country’s second-largest city, looks like a pop-up town. A colourful tumbledown dream with medieval relics, soaring bell towers, extravagant baroque churches and stately beaux-arts buildings piled on top of one another, illuminated by streaming shafts of sun. If you squint you might be able to make out the open windows, the narrow lanes and staircases zigzagging to nowhere.
On this 10 day Journey, watch the many brightly coloured fishing boats litter the sparkling shores of the Atlantic or spot some of the local women still wearing their traditional seven-skirted costumes. Travel with no hassle & enjoy the best of Portugal. Taste the numerous choices of delicious wines while on cellar tours in the Port Wine Region, which was established in 1756 in the beautiful Douro Valley.
If you wish to experience Portugal’s highlights without driving, then short tour is for you! Take the train & get to know the most interesting historical sites, the best cultural locations, the most important cities & the fantastic, quaint towns & villages along the way. Hop on & off the most beautiful train rides with our help & full support all the time. When in Portugal, be a Portuguese!
Start in the capital city of Lisbon with its 7 cinematic hillsides overlooking the Rio Tejo cradle & postcard-perfect panorama of cobbled alleyways, ancient ruins & white-domed cathedrals – a captivating scene crafted over centuries. Stare up at the Belem Tower that has been standing at the mouth of the Tagus River for 400 years during ‘guided’ sightseeing & an exciting Fado performance.
After spending 3 nights in Lisbon, travel to Evora where you will visit a Winery & enjoy a Tasting & then sightsee on your own before taking the train to beautiful Porto where you will stay for 3 nights. In Porto, you will have a ‘guided’ tour of the enchanting city & drive to the picturesque Douro Valley wine region, taste the numerous choices of delicious wines while on cellar tours. Another train ride to Lisbon where your Portuguese experience ends.
History & a unique experience are just the beginning.......Portugal does not fall short in offering us varying experiences that will serve as long-lasting memories and its landscapes are endlessly fascinating. So, get your spirit in gear & prepare for an unforgettable adventure. Yep, Portugal is waiting & The Journeys is ready to take you on well, a journey (or journeys) of discovery.
Come…be inspired & discover the World with us
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Glimpse of Portugal - by Train |
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Day | Date |
City |
Transfers | Sightseeing |
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Any Day |
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01 | 00 | 0 |
Lisbon |
✈ Arrival 🚗 Transfer | Free (balance of the day) |
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02 | 00 | 0 |
Lisbon |
AM Walking Tour Lisbon | PM Fado Performance | Free (evening) |
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03 | 00 | 0 |
Lisbon |
Full day at leisure |
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04 | 00 | 0 |
Evora |
AM Departure 🚗 🚅 🚗 Arrival Transfer | Free (balance of the day) |
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05 | 00 | 0 |
Evora |
AM Wine Cellars + Tasting | Free (balance of the day) |
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06 | 00 | 0 |
Evora |
AM Departure 🚗 🚅 Transfer + Connection in Lisbon 🚅 + |
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Porto |
AM Arrival 🚗 Transfer | Free (balance of the day) |
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07 | 00 | 0 |
Porto |
AM Walking Tour Porto | PM Wine Cellars + Tasting | Free (evening) |
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08 | 00 | 0 |
Porto |
AM | PM 🚗 Douro Valley | Free (balance of the day) |
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09 | 00 | 0 |
Lisbon |
AM Departure 🚗 🚅 🚗 Arrival Transfer | Free (balance of the day) |
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10 | 00 | 0 |
Lisbon |
Departure 🚗 ✈ Transfer |
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Enchanting Portugal… prepare to be charmed….
Glimpse of Portugal by Train
Lisbon * Sintra * Evora * Porto * Douro Valley * Lisbon
Day 01 - | Arrive ✈ Lisbon at ????
There simply is no way to tour Europe & not be awestruck by its natural beauty, epic history, dazzling artistic & culinary diversity. From soaring mountains to golden sands, Europee reveals a tapestry of quaint & contemporary cultures – always with enough rough edges to keep you intrigued
Welcome to mesmerizing Portugal – with its medieval castles, cobblestone villages, captivating cities & golden beaches. The Portugal experience can be many things.
Arrive in the city of Lisbon - Portugal’s hilly capital, a coastal city known for its cafe culture & soulful Fado music.
After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Lisbon Humberto Delgado Portela Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in & provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next day.
If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer. Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel unless advised.
Reach the hotel & Check-in.
*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.
Monumental History| Artistic Treasures| Scenic Views | Living Life
Seven cinematic hillsides overlooking the Rio Tejo cradle Lisbon's postcard-perfect panorama of cobbled alleyways, ancient ruins & white-domed cathedrals - a captivating scene crafted over centuries.
Capped by a collection of terraces known as miradouros (viewpoints), a must-see web of no-filter-necessary views over Lisbon with its trademark hills spread across the cityscape like lofty guardians of colour & history. Windswept vistas reveal the city in all its beauty: Roman & Moorish ruins, white-domed cathedrals, grand plazas lined with sun-drenched cafes. From imposing Sao Jorge Castle, the view encompasses the old city’s pastel-colored buildings, Tagus Estuary & the Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge. Nearby, the National Azulejo Museum displays 5 centuries of decorative ceramic tiles. The real delight of discovery though, is delving into the narrow cobblestone lanes as yellow trams clatter through tree-lined streets, lisboetas stroll through lamplit old quarters, much as they have done for centuries.
Cheap booze & the absence of open-container laws means Lisbon loves a night on the town! Don't be fooled by Bairro's Alto's sleepy daytime feel - by night, these narrow cobbled lanes transform into one of Europe's most raucous drinking locales. Student dives, traditional fado houses, upscale wine bars & LGBT hot spots merrily coexist among the muddled mess. In Cais do Sodre, Pink Street & environs are home to some of the city's classic nightclubs & rowdiest cocktail bars, while trendier mega clubs stretch along the waterfront from Santos to Santa Apolonia.
Lisbon's strategic seaside position on Europe's doorstep means a bounty of fresh seafood (octopus, tuna, monkfish, shrimp, sardines, clams, snails) rules the city's kitchens, from Michelin-starred restaurants to gourmet-food markets to countless corner tascas (taverns). Top-grade Alentejan beef beckons with juicy steaks & gourmet burgers, and you will find everything from tantalising Indian curries to authentic Moroccan couscous in between.
Gossip is exchanged over fresh bread & wine at tiny patio restaurants as fado singers perform in the background. In other parts of town, Lisbon reveals her youthful alter ego at bohemian bars & riverside clubs, late-night street parties & eye-catching boutiques selling all things classic & cutting-edge.
A trip to Lisbon is as much about lapping up the dolce vita lifestyle as gorging on art & culture. It is about relaxing into the city's Mediterranean rhythms & idling around the picturesque streets. The tempo rises as the heat of the day fades into the evening cool & the fashionably dressed aperitivo (aperitif) crowd descends on the city's bars & cafes. Restaurants & trattorias hum with activity & cheerful hordes mill around popular haunts before heading off to cocktail bars & late-night clubs.
And just outside Lisbon there is more - enchanting woodlands, gorgeous Atlantic beaches & seaside villages from Cascais to Estoril - all ripe for discovery.
Balance of the day at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).
Overnight.
Day 02 - | Lisbon
Morning at 09:00 pm, meet the Tour-guide and proceed for a 3 hour ‘walking’ sightseeing tour of the city.
Lisbon is an enticing tangle of past and present - funky and old-fashioned, unpretentious & quirky, restored and revitalised, booming with new confidence. With cultural diversity combined with a laid-back ambience & an architectural time-warp, this is one of Europe's most enjoyable cities.
Start at Rossio Square & learn how this 19th century historical square was built with typical calcada Portuguesa stones to resemble waves of the nearby ocean. See Rossio Central Station & hear how this 19th century engineering marvel was built & which now stands as one of Portugal’s most impressive accomplishments. Listen as a train heads into the 1.61-mile (2.6 km) tunnel towards Sintra.
The Tour-guide will take you through Lisbon’s historic cobblestone streets filled with intrigue & culture with many stories to tell. Pass traditional neighbourhoods with some of Lisbon’s oldest & most traditional shops.
Follow the Guide to one of the city’s oldest quarter - Restauradores Square & see an obelisk rise towards the sky, exemplifying Portugal’s ascent to independence from Spain in 1640. Continue to Avenida da Liberdade, a fashionable tree-lined street through the centre of town, where you can observe Portuguese art deco architecture like the 18th century Foz Palace & the Eden Theatre.
Head to historic Carmo Square, home of the 1974 Carnation Revolution & learn how Portugal’s previous dictatorial regime collapsed after a 48-year rule. Stroll onward through local ‘Lisboa’ to reach the charming Chiado neighborhood full of boutiques, theaters, bookstores & vintage cafés. Explore this chic quarter while stopping for a coffee (own expense) or popping into a store for to peruse the souvenirs to bring back home.
Some ‘free’ time here till you rendezvous with the Guide for a fun ride on Lisbon’s classic traditional tram through popular inner-city hills.
Hop off at Lisbon’s historic Moorish influenced historic district of Alfama rich with tiled buildings & cobblestone alleyways & known for the establishment of Fado. Learn about Portugal’s melancholic music as you walk by Fado restaurants tucked in between alleys & winding streets & may be, pop into a local wine shop to sip Port (fortified wine), exclusively produced in the Douro Valley of northern Portugal.
Arrive at Lisbon’s oldest cathedral, Se de Lisboa - a 12th century church remodeled numerous times, but carrying Roman architectural roots & snap some beautiful photos. Then, walk towards the beautiful waterfront of the Tagus River, passing by the historic Commerce Square (Praca do Comercio), which was completely rebuilt after the devastating Lisbon Earthquake of 1755. Marvel at the 25th of April Bridge, longest of its kind in Europe & similar to San Francisco’s Golden Gate, suspended over the Tagus River.
The sightseeing concludes here.
The Tour-guide will provide suggestions if you want to explore the area on your own (you will return to the hotel on your own, independently).
Balance of the afternoon is at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).
Have lunch (not included - direct payment) at one of the restaurants by the river Tagus & enjoy the light of Lisbon being reflected on the water just like a mirror.
We recommend that you avail this ‘free’ time to independently explore Belem - the quarter dedicated to the Portuguese discoveries & home to the 16th century UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites Belem Tower & Jeronimos Monastery. Admire these prime examples of Portuguese Manueline art, as you traverse the edge of the Tagus. See the Discoveries Monument which celebrates Vasco da Gama’s expedition to the Americas during Portugal’s Age of Discovery in the 15th & 16th centuries. The Reception hall was used to welcome travelers arriving from the Atlantic. If you have time, walk down to the Coach Museum to enjoy one of the finest collections of 17th century luxury coaches.
Evening, you would be met by a Journeys Rep at the hotel (or if you prefer not to return to the hotel in the afternoon, you can meet at him / her at any location point in the vicinity) who will accompany you to a 50 minute Fado performance at a restaurant in Chiado (dinner not included - direct payment).
With its mournful melodies & intricate guitar, Fado is one of Portugal's most enduring traditions, dating back to the 1820s & attending a Fado show in Lisbon is the best way to experience the soulful folk music for yourself. Experience the melancholic vibes of the stirring live Show & soak up the sounds of a female & male singer alongside a pair of acoustic guitarists who bring the soulful Fado to life. Listen to Portugal’s own music genre that is sure to inspire the rest of your stay in Lisbon.
Return to the hotel (if you prefer to stay for Dinner - not included, direct payment, please advise us & we will make arrangements accordingly).
Overnight. B
Day 03 - | Lisbon
Full day at leisure to relax or explore independently or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).
We recommend that you avail the opportunity to independently explore Sintra, a resort village / town in the foothills of Sintra Mountains and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Known as one of the most enchanting & romantic places of Portugal, it is definitely worth it to explore its hazy & dreamy aura.
If you do plan to go, then here is the scoop. 5 hours would give you ample time to discover & come back to Lisbon.
A long time royal sanctuary, with its rippling mountains, dewy forests thick with ferns & lichen, exotic gardens & pastel-hued glittering palaces, folded into luxuriant hills that roll down to the blue Atlantic, Sintra is like a page torn from a fairy tale.
Celts worshipped their moon god here, the Moors built a precipitous castle, and 18th century Portuguese royals swanned around its dreamy gardens. It features many delightful palaces like Castle of the Moors, the beautiful 19th century hilltop Palace of Pena known for its whimsical design sweeping views and the Moorish Manueline style Sintra National Palace, distinguished by its dramatic twin chimneys & elaborate tilework.
And your visit is not complete till you tasted some of the wonderful regional pastries.
For an independent tour (not guided), we suggest you travel by Train - 30 minutes - as there are direct & frequent connections from Lisbon Rossio station to Sintra’ & then the historical centre is just a 10 minute walk (Train tickets not included, to be purchased locally by you).
Return to Lisbon (if you go).
Overnight. B
Day 04 - | Lisbon 🚗 🚅 🚗 Evora Intercidades 594 09.52 am - 11.26 am
Early morning, around 08:45 am, you would be met by a Journeys Driver & transferred to Lisbon Estaçao do Oriente to board the train towards Evora.
On arrival at Evora Train Station, you would be received by a Journeys Driver who would transfer you to the hotel.
Check-in at the hotel & relax.
One of Portugal’s most beautifully preserved medieval towns, UNESCO World Heritage listed Evora on a gentle hill above the Alentejo plain, is an enchanting place to delve into the past.
A history of Roman & Moorish occupation has left its stamp on the city of Evora & can be seen in the tangle of narrow winding alleys which rise steeply among the whitewashed houses, leading to striking architectural works - an elaborate medieval Cathedral & cloisters. Most of the monuments, however, date from the 14th - 16th centuries when with royal encouragement, the city was one of the leading centers of Portuguese art & architecture.
Around the walled centre runs a ring road from which you can enter the town on one of several ‘spoke’ roads. Inside the 14th century walls, in the historic & picturesque central square stands the cinematic columns of the best-preserved Roman temple in Portugal - Templo Romano (also called the Temple of Diana) near the intriguing Roman baths. Once the site of some rather gruesome episodes courtesy of the Inquisition & used as a slaughterhouse until 1870, its stark remains consist of a small platform supporting more than a dozen granite columns with a marble entablature.
Directly across the street is the former Convento dos Loios (Convent), now converted into a luxurious Pousada. This is the private property of the Ducal Cadaval family, who still occupy a wing of the adjacent ancestral palace. If you wait outside, they allow visitors to see its azulejos (decorative tiling), trick paintings & ossuary.
To the left of the Pousada lies the massive Gothic Cathedral dedicated to Sao Joao Evangelista. The building of Se de Evora - was started late in the 12th century, about 20 years after the re-conquest of Evora from the Moors. Its 2 huge square towers & roof line contrast sharply with its pointed Gothic arches over its entrance & central window. The interior has a more purely Gothic style, although the Choir & high altar were remodeled in the 18th century.
In the Archbishop’s Palace is the excellent Museu de Evora, which houses important collections of 15th & 16th century Flemish & Portuguese paintings assembled from the city’s Churches & Convents.
Perhaps the most memorable sight in Evora is the Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones) in the Church of Sao Francisco. A gruesome reminder of mortality, the walls & pillars of this chilling chamber are entirely covered with the bones of more than 5000 monks; an inscription over the door reads, “Nos ossos que aqui estamos, Pelos vossos esperamos” (translation: We bones here are waiting for your bones). Another interesting feature of this Church is its large entrance, which combines pointed, rounded & horseshoe arches in a manner typical of Manueline architecture. Appropriately enough, the restored Palacio de Dom Manuel (the king gave his name to the style) lies no more than a minute’s walk away in the Jardim Publico.
Aside from its historic & aesthetic virtues, Evora is also a lively University town & its many attractive restaurants serve up hearty Alentejan cuisine. Outside of town, Neolithic monuments & rustic wineries make for fine day trips.
Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or to explore independently or perhaps opt for one of the Options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).
Overnight. B
Day 05 - | Evora
Today you will be able to get in touch with Alentejo’s cultural & gastronomical heritage by visiting a local wine estate and tasting their wine & regional products. It’s not just food on a plate & wine on a glass, it is history that is being told by recipes that have been refined over the centuries.
Morning around 9.00 am, you will be met by a Journeys driver & proceed to visit to a family run Wine Estate followed by a wine tasting of their selected wines grown in the area’s unique climate & a light meal of Alentejo’s regional products.
However, if you really want to splurge, the icing on the cake is a wonderful 3 course degustation lunch with wine pairing while enjoying idyllic views of the never-ending vineyards ahead (not included - extra payment).
Return to the hotel.
Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or to explore independently or perhaps opt for one of the Options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).
Or, if you want to explore independently, there are plenty of things you can do on your own, too.
Wander around on your own & discover the UNESCO Heritage Site and a living museum of tradition & history, handicrafts & gastronomy.
Begin at Giraldo Square, an architectural amalgamation of Moorish arches, Renaissance fountains and a Gothic church.
After capturing photographs, head to one of Portugal’s most famous landmarks: Templo de Diana (Temple of Diana). Marvel at the 14 original Corinthian columns, impeccably preserved & shrouded in history,
Check out Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones) is a nightmarish church constructed entirely from the skulls and skeletons of 5,000 monks, and is also home to two intact corpses (feel free not to visit this if the famous Chapel is too gruesome for you).
And if a good walk is an excellent way to work up an appetite, what better than traditional Alentejo food to satisfy it?
Evora is the perfect place to taste the delicious regional cuisine. You will find a touch of creativity & imagination into every dish, where the odours are wisely transformed into tastes with strong flavours of ingredients that come from the land & the animals that are raised here, completed with fruity whites & the mouth filling red wines.
There are excellent restaurants that are masters are preparing this traditional cuisine. Satisfy your appetite in one of the restaurants favored by locals. Make the most of local fare such as açordas (bread soup with garlic, coriander and egg) and migas (breadcrumbs fried in pork fat), rich stews and soups, mutton & lamb, pork & game, broad beans & green beans. Then there are the regional sweets, many of whose recipes originated in medieval convents.
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Ascend Evora Cathedral’s tower to enjoy panoramic city vistas.
You may also travel to nearby Arraiolos, to visit the majestic riverside castle & observe the tradition of carpet making in the village.
Overnight. B
Day 06 - | Evora 🚅 Lisbon Intercidades 692 09.06 am - 10.26 am → 🚅 Porto 523 11.39 am - 2.39
Early morning, around 08:00 am, you would be met by a Journeys Driver & transferred to Evora Station to board the train for Porto, via Lisbon.
Arrive at Lisbon Oriente Station & relax for an hour before boarding the onward train for Porto.
On arrival at Porto Campanha Train Station, you would be received by a Journeys Driver who would transfer you to the hotel.
Check-in at the hotel.
Opening up like a pop-up book from the Rio Douro at sunset, humble-yet-opulent Porto entices with its higgledy-piggledy medieval centre, divine food & wine, and charismatic locals.
Porto’s charms are as subtle as the nuances of an aged tawny port, best savoured slowly on a romp through the hilly backstreets of Miragaia, Ribeira & Massarelos.
Street Art & Architecture| Living Life |Port Wine| Gardens & Coastal Walks
Porto is a coastal city in northwest Portugal known for its stately bridges & Port wine production. From across the Rio Douro at sunset, romantic Porto, the country’s 2nd largest city, looks like a pop-up town. A colourful tumbledown dream with medieval relics, soaring bell towers, extravagant baroque churches & stately beaux-arts buildings piled on top of one another, illuminated by streaming shafts of sun. If you squint you might be able to make out the open windows, the narrow lanes & staircases zigzagging to nowhere.
Porto’s charms are as subtle as the nuances of an aged tawny port, best savoured slowly on a romp through the hilly backstreets. It is the quiet moments of reflection & the snapshots of daily life that you will remember most: the slosh of the Douro against the docks; the snap of laundry drying in river winds; the sound of port glasses clinking; the sight of young lovers discreetly tangled under a landmark bridge, on the rim of a park fountain. Even when you can’t see the river, you can sense it; even when you can’t see the ocean, you can smell it.
Public art is everywhere, from azulejos (hand-painted tiles) glamming up the metro to random splashes of creativity in street art tattooed across crumbling medieval walls. Nuno Costah has funked up old telephone boxes on Avenida dos Aliados, while Hazul, who always works incognito, has blazed his naturalistic patterns along Rua Sao Pedro de Miragaia in a series of 10 works entitled Florescer (to bloom or flourish) .
Porto holds you captive at its sky-high Miradouros (lookouts) peeking above tumbledown rooftops & on-trend roof terrace bars. History pulsates through medieval Ribeira (riverside) district’s narrow alley-woven cobbled streets, winding past merchants’ houses & cafes. Even in the city's heart, seagulls soar on Atlantic breezes & a rickety ride on Tram 1 trundles to the wide open ocean in Foz do Douro in minutes.
Beyond Porto’s alley-woven historic heart, contemporary architects have left their idiosyncratic stamp on the city’s skyline. From the Se Cathedral terrace & Gaia’s hilltop Jardim do Morro, the city is reduced to postcard format. Equally ravishing is Jardins do Palacio de Cristal’s palm-fringed, fountain-speckled gardens. Winging Porto into the 21st century is Álvaro Siza Vieira’s crisply minimalist Museu de Arte Contemporanea & Rem Koolhaas’ daringly iconic Casa da Musica.
Sao Francisco Church is known for its lavish baroque interior with ornate gilded carvings. The palatial 19th century Palacio de Bolsa, formerly a stock market, was built to impress potential European investors.
Eating & drinking in Porto has never been more exciting. The city is having an epicurean moment, with much-lauded chefs such as Rui Paula & Jose Avillez shaking the pans & extolling the virtues of new-wave Portuguese cuisine. The city's culinary star continues to rise and Pedro Lemos & Ricardo Costa keep Porto on the Michelin map.
Dig deeper for magnificent food markets, Gaia's hallowed grand port cellars, Petiscarias (Portuguese-style tapas bars), serving craft beer, gourmet steakhouses, retro cafes serving lazy brunches, cool bistros offering inventive Petiscos (small plates) & family-run Tascas (taverns) dishing up Atlantic-fresh fish for a pittance. Add to the mix food tours, cookery classes, olive-oil workshops, wine tasting - you name it, Porto nails it. Bon apetite!
Porto’s more obvious charms – the river, the musty cellars of big-name port lodges, the design scene, the alley-woven historic centre &the city’s soulfulness makes it that bit special.
Revealing itself little by little, Porto is made for exploring on foot, & you never know quite where those thigh-challenging steps or back alleys will lead you. The laid-back vibe, ludicrously beautiful viewpoints & relentlessly hospitable locals make this an easy city to love. High-spirited nightlife, outstanding food, wine tasting, street art, avant-garde design, mood-lifting ocean views – you name it, Porto pulls it off time & again.
Of course, you will be forgiven if what you remember most are the quiet moments: the slosh of the Douro against the docks; the snap of laundry lines drying in river winds; the shuffle of a widow’s feet against cobblestone; the sound of wine glasses clinking under a full moon; the sight of young lovers discreetly tangled under a landmark bridge, on the rim of a park fountain, in the crumbling notch of a graffiti-bombed wall…
Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or to explore independently or perhaps opt for one of the Options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).
Overnight. B
Day 07 - | Porto
Morning at 09:00 pm, meet the Tour-guide and proceed for a 3 hour ‘walking’ sightseeing tour of the city.
Porto was first a Roman outpost, later came under Moorish rule & was mostly decimated in the 19th century by the French.
Delve into the rich history & experience northern Portugal’s historic city, known for its curved streets and blend of Moorish & Roman influences as you wander around the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic city center, explore Porto Cathedral & Baroque churches, and learn how grapes traveled the Douro River to the coast where winemakers make famous Port (fortified wine). Discover the local favourites & learn about its rich history: Is Sao Bento railway station still haunted or is it a myth? Why are there so many churches in Porto?
Explore the rejuvenated Baixa area, full of history, hanging washing & traditional tascas (old-school restaurants) & now home to the city's best nightlife. Learn about the 20th century dictatorship, Porto's first-ever guerilla marketing campaign (involving biscuits).
Observe old Romanesque walls at the fascinating 12th century Porto Cathedral with its two large bell towers that look like castle turrets. The balustrades & cupolas are also Baroque, and a galilee was added by the architect Nasoni, whose work had a great influence on the Invincible City. The Cathedral has three fine organs & various chapels containing interesting artefacts & religious images. The cloisters are Gothic, with ogival arches, each one containing three inner arches.
See classic Baroque architecture as you stroll by the Gothic medieval Church of Santa Clara & let your eyes soak up vibrant colors of Moorish tiles that decorate building walls. The façade has been modified to display a doorway in the so-called Jesuit style, with two Solomonic columns supporting a broken pediment with a niche containing a sculpture, crowned by a medieval rose window. The interior is Gothic but hardly a single stone is visible as it is so densely covered with carving that it resembles a golden cave with Baroque & rococo stalactites. It is not, however, the only church in Porto with an interior so lavishly decorated in gold.
Continue along Aliados Avenue to Liberdade Square, one of the most picturesque quarters of Porto & enjoy the banter of the locals.
Pass by the iconic 19th century Sao Bento train station with its Neo-classical look on the outside. The main entrance, occupying an area of 550 metres, is covered with twenty thousand decorative tiles depicting scenes from Portuguese history.
Arrive at the monument to King Peter IV of Portugal, built to honor the king also known as “The Liberator” & first ruler of Brazil.
After enjoying the historic city center, move on to Porto’s iconic Ponte de Dom Luis I - an iconic modern double-decker iron bridge, designed by Gustave Eiffel’s protege who gave it an Eiffel touch. Gaze out over the Duoro & view the traditional wooden rabelo boats that once were used to transport grapes to the cellars.
The ‘Walk’ concludes, for now.
Later after lunch (not included - direct payment), meet the Tour-guide again & proceed to visit one of the Port Wine Cellars & learn more about the history & production of a nectar that has been linked to this city for ages.
From the boats crossing the river, to the glasses on the table, Port wine is highly appreciated worldwide & it is said to have started out as way to preserve the wine for the long sea expeditions during the discoveries.
Cross the Bridge to reach Cais de Gaia, lined with Cellars, where over 50 Port Wine companies are situated & where most of the Port consumed throughout the world is prepared & blended. Afterwards, surrounded by the wooden casks where the wine sets to its full potential, you will taste (included) one of two of the most refined Ports & savour the difference between a fresh wine, with active fruit scents and an older wine, with a taste linked to dry fruits.
Return to the hotel by late afternoon.
Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or explore independently (we would be happy to offer suggestions or arrange one of the Optional Program, if you want) .
You may want to relax in Estrada da Circunvalaçao - the city Park with its 83 hectares of open space & small lakes. Or, visit the Mercado do Bolhao (Bolhao Market) - one of the most emblematic Porto markets. Noisy & lively, it is an interesting place in which to get a sense of the city life. Basically sells fresh produce, with the traders divided into different sections: fish, meat, vegetables and flowers (closed on Sundays).
Or, may be, have tea in the Cafe Majestic - one of the most elegant & interesting cafes in the city, boasting an Art Nouveau façade with typically organic arches. The interior is magnificent, with its luxurious tea room & huge Art Nouveau mirrors that reflect only the very best (the customers, naturally).
Overnight. B
Day 08 - | Porto 🚗 Amarante 🚗 Pinhao 🚗 Porto Drive: 327 km x 2
Morning at 08:00 pm, meet the Journeys driver & depart on a full day 10 hour excursion to Douro Valley, the heart of the wine culture, where you will be able to appreciate the purity of the landscapes & the serenity of the river.
Enroute, you will stop at the sleepy village of Amarante .
Handsomely set on a bend in the Rio Tamega, Amarante is dominated by a striking Church & Monastery, which sit theatrically beside a striking rebuilt medieval arched bridge, the Ponte Sao Gonçalo,that still bears city traffic. It is reputed to have helped local heroes fend off a French attack in the early 19th century. Nowadays cafes & restaurants make the most of their riverside location.
Amar is the Portuguese verb to love & it is perhaps fitting that it should be the first part of the name of this attractive town.
A settlement since the 4th century BC, Amarante is situated in the rich agricultural lands of the Minho region, the northern section of the country which is responsible for the grapes of the vinho verde, the young semi-sparkling ‘green’ wine unique to Portugal.
Surrounded by prized Vineyards, Amarante is also something of a foodie mecca. As well as wine, the region produces excellent cheeses, fumeiro (smoked meats) & rich eggy pastries.
The willow-lined riverbanks lend a pastoral charm, as do the balconied houses & switchback lanes that rise quickly from the narrow valley floor.
The town enjoys a small degree of fame for being the hometown of Sao Gonçalo. Portugal’s St Valentine, he is the target for lonely hearts who make pilgrimages here in the hope of finding true love. Born here in the 1100s, his ability to heal the sick earned him his special status & he is buried in the Chapel of the Church & Monastery now bearing his name.
The granite used to build these religious edifices in the 16th century is of an unusual hue & it glows a warm ochre in the light of the setting sun, the cloister of the Church being particularly pretty.
Indeed the whole town has a magical fairy-tale feel to it, with elegant turreted buildings & trees drooping into the river. At the annual Festas de Sao Gonçalo in early June, one of the traditions of this celebration is to give a phallus-shaped cake to the one you desire!
Visit the local market before continuing onwards along the idyllic landscape to the UNESCO Heritage listed Pinhao encircled by terraced hillsides, sitting on a particularly lovely bend of the Rio Douro. Considered to be the geographical centre that produces some of the world’s best port & some stellar table wines, it is here that many of the estates which produce Port Wine are located.
Wineries & their competing signs dominate the scene. Even the delightful train station has azulejos (hand-painted tiles) depicting the grape harvest. The town itself, cute though it is, holds little of interest, but does make a fine base for exploring the many surrounding vineyards.
After admiring the views of the terraced vineyards & taking a walk along the banks of the River Douro, proceed to Quinta do Tedo, is one of the original cellars, where some of the best Port wines are produced. This wine estate is one of the best in the Douro Valley & one of the most known brands. It is a producer for the Dow’s wine company since 1896. Learn about their wine cultivation & production process and see all the hard work and dedication that the native people give to the regions in order to keep them well-preserved.
Of course, no trip to the Douro Valley would be complete without Tasting a few world-class wines. Sip 3 Douro Valley wines with the winemakers (included).
Enjoy some free time. Even take a Cruise (not included - extra payment) con the Douro River, if you like.
In time, drive back to the hotel in Porto & arrive by 06.30 pm
Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or to explore independently or perhaps opt for one of the Options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).
Overnight. B
Day 09 - | Porto 🚗 🚅 🚗 Lisbon Intercidades 522.12.52 pm - 03.52 pm
Morning free to explore some more.
At around 12.00 pm, you will be met by a Journeys Driver & transferred to Porto Campanha Station for the train to Lisbon.
Aon arrival at Lisbon Oriente Station, you will be welcomed by a Journeys Driver & transferred to the hotel.
Check-in at the hotel.
Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or to explore independently or perhaps opt for one of the Options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).
Overnight. B
Day 10 - | Depart ✈ Lisbon at????
Alas, the experience comes to an end & it is time to say good-bye.
Check-out of the hotel by 11:00 am (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow you use the facilities and leave the luggage at the Bell Desk).
Medieval castles, cobblestone villages, captivating cities and golden beaches: the Portugal experience can be many things. History, great food & idyllic scenery are just the beginning…
“ Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do” - Mark Twain
Enough reasons, we are sure, that will entice you to come back.
In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Terminal? - Lisbon Humberto Delgado Portela Airport for your onward journey. B
*** End of Services ***
Enchanting Portugal…prepare to be charmed….
Glimpse of Portugal - by Train
What is included:
- Transfers to / from Hotel / Airport / Stations, as indicated, by private A/c vehicle *
- Services of an English speaking Journeys Rep for assistance on Arrival / Departure Transfers
- Accommodation for a total of 9 nights in the selected Hotels
- Meals as per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch & D=Dinner)
- Services of an English speaking local Guide for all Sightseeing Tours / Excursions as per Itinerary*
- Entrance Fees at the Monuments, wherever applicable
- Guided Tour & a Fado Performance in Lisbon
- Wine Tasting in Evora
- Guided Tour & Wine Tasting in Porto & a full day excursion to Douro Valley
- Our 300 page exclusive Portugal Travel Guide
- Train tickets, as indicated
- Pre-paid rechargeable SIM Card (Data & Voice) to enable a 24 / 7 connection with family
- All Government Taxes & Service Fees, wherever applicable
- Bottled Water during Transfers
- Farewell Gift
- 24 / 7 Emergency Contact
- International Airfare
- Visa or Visa Fee for Portugal (Canadian & US nationals can get an Entry Stamp on arrival at no charge)
- Airport Tax payable on final departure, if any
- Tourist Tax charged for Accommodation in specific cities by the City government
- Early Check-ins or Late Check-outs (we can request for complimentary but not guaranteed)
- Entrance fees at Monuments / Museums
- Camera / Video Fees, wherever applicable, at the Monuments
- Items of personal nature i.e. Room Service, Laundry, Telephone Calls, Internet, Fax,
- Any Meals not specifically listed in the itinerary
- Any optional Programs / Services
- Any items not specified under Inclusions
*Seat in Coach. Guaranteed departures with minimum 2 people. There may be other participants & group size may vary. Participants may come from all over the world & most of them will be English speaking. Private Tour with English speaking Guide & vehicle can be arranged with a supplement cost. For less than 10 guests, the Tour will be guided by Tour-guide cum Driver. For 10 +, there will be a separate Tour-guide, in addition.
** It is extremely rare that Programs need to be changed but it can occur. Please note that the Program highlights the main attractions that are to be visited each day. The sightseeing tours combine ‘walking’ & driving. Some places you will see from inside, some from outside only. Some Monuments / places may require extra Entrance Fees to be paid for accessing some of the areas.
*** In regards to expected transfers & train timings, these may vary as they are subject to schedules & availability controlled by the various railway companies. It is extremely rare that Programs need to be changed but it can occur. We reserve the right to change, amend or alter the Itinerary if required, for example occasionally the tour sequence & duration of time spent in each city can change due to local conditions which are out of our control or due to heavy traffic conditions or bad weather. The Price will not be affected.
****Special Conditions, if any, related to specific Tours will be advised in due course.
Enchanting Portugal…prepare to be charmed….
Glimpse of Portugal - by Train
Where you will stay:
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Glimpse of Portugal - by Train |
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City |
Nights |
Superior *** |
First Class **** |
Deluxe***** |
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Lisbon |
3 |
Holiday Inn Express |
Radisson Blu Lisbon |
Posada de Lisboa |
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Evora |
2 |
Vila Gale Evora |
Posada Convento de Avora |
Convento do Espinheiro |
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Coimbra |
1 |
Oslo Coimbra |
Tivoli Coimbra |
Quinta das Lagrimas |
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Porto |
2 |
Ribeira do Porto |
Eurostars Porto Douro |
Intercontinental Porto |
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Lisbon |
1 |
Holiday Inn Express |
Radisson Blu Lisbon |
Posada de Lisboa |
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9 |
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The Journeys has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard rooms with two beds and private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgrade. Room selection is strictly at the discretion of the hotel management. We reserve the right to make hotel substitutions with those of equal or higher standard due to non-availability of the selected hotels.
Check-in time is usually 2:00 pm or later. Check-out time is 11:00 am. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. We will ask at the front desk on your behalf, if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later.
Enchanting Portugal…prepare to be charmed….
Glimpse of Portugal - by Train
And last but not least:
Departures:
Arrival in Lisbon on Any day (minimum 2 guests)
Validity:
→ December 2024
Prices:
We offer several accommodation choices for this Journey. The price varies by selected accommodations. The itinerary remains unchanged.
Exchange rates fluctuate on a daily basis. Please contact us for current pricing and we will respond within 24 hours.
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Price Per Person - C$ |
Superior *** |
First Class **** |
Deluxe***** |
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Occupancy - Double |
On request |
On request |
On request |
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Single |
On request |
On request |
On request |
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Triple |
On request |
On request |
On request |
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Airfare - International |
On request |
On request |
On request |
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Miscellenous |
If required |
If required |
If required |
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Some important notes
- Flights are subject to constant modifications / delays and cancellations. In such cases, we will do all possible to find the best available alternative / solution but will not accept any liability, whatsoever.
- Our rates only include those items which are specified in the Itinerary / Inclusions.
- The cost has been calculated on the existing tariffs / conditions and in case of any currency fluctuations or amendment in local Government taxes, or any fuel hike, we reserve the right to revise the tour price accordingly.
- Our quotations are calculated on base category of accommodation at each property and are subject to modification, if the same hotel / category of room not available at the time of reservation. In that case, we will confirm a superior category of room at a comparable or better hotel and supplement charges, if any, shall be advised accordingly. Final Itinerary will illustrate updated information and / or it would be furnished at the time of confirmation.
- All prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability at the time of booking. The from price reflects the lowest available price at time of publication, which is valid for a specific start date or dates and also based on availability at the time of booking.
- Room availability is getting saturated due to heavy demands from the tourism industry, international Fairs and Congresses. Due to these constant sold- out situations the hotels are applying the cancellation rules more stringently. Once the reservation is guaranteed, the booking will be subject to full cancellation charges as per our Terms & Conditions (details will be advised at the time of deposit). We strongly recommend obtaining Insurance to protect yourself against any unforeseen scenarios.
- Additional services including Optionals, if any, can be paid directly by the clients to our local offices
The Journeys strongly recommends that all Guests purchase appropriate Travel Insurance (Trip Cancellation / Interruption & Medical) to cover any eventuality & / or Emergency. Between missed Connections, lost or delayed Luggage, or Medical Emergencies, you want some peace of mind that your travel investment is well protected. No matter who you buy from, please consider purchasing a Travel Protection Plan before you travel. Still unsure? Talk to us.
