Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

There simply is no way to tour Europe & not be awestruck by its natural beauty, epic history & dazzling artistic & culinary diversity. At once natural & refined, folksy & cultured: the combination of mountain rusticity with old-world style captivates. Teutonic half-timbered villages, graffiti-decorated Renaissance squares, medieval walled towns….Wander the darkly Gothic narrow alleyways of Prague, admire the baroque excess of Salzburg or take in the colourful old-Venetian influence on the Slovenian port of Piran. Check out the medieval masterpieces in Poland & Czech Republic & discover the quaint townscapes throughout the region – from Bern in Switzerland to Bardejov in Slovakia. 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.

Welcome to mesmerizing Portugal - with its medieval castles, cobblestone villages, captivating cities & golden beaches commanding a long Mediterranean coastline, Full of surprises, this small but endlessly fascinating country has left a powerful mark on Western culture.   

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.

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’.

Balance of the morning / afternoon is at leisure to relax or independent exploration or optional activities (we shall be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements). 

7 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.

Monumental History| Artistic Treasures| Scenic Views | Living Life

Windswept vistas reveal the city in all its beauty, capped by a collection of terraces known as miradouros (viewpoints), a must-see web of no-filter-necessary views, with its trademark hills spread across the cityscape like lofty guardians of colour & history.

Lisbon is a relatively small city that makes you want to go exploring, to discover whatever might appear in every neighbourhood, on every street. It is ‘old’ & modern and without doubt, always surprising.

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.

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.

Don't be fooled by Bairro Alto's sleepy daytime feel - by night, these narrow cobbled lanes transform into one of Europe's most raucous drinking locales. 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.

Cheap booze & the absence of open-container laws means Lisbon loves a night on the town! In Cais do Sodre, Pink Street & environs are home to some of the city's classic late-nightclubs & rowdiest cocktail bars, while trendier mega clubs stretch along the waterfront from Santos to Santa Apolonia. Restaurants & trattorias hum with activity & cheerful hordes mill around popular haunts. Student dives, traditional fado houses, upscale wine bars & LGBT hot spots merrily coexist among the muddled mess.

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.

In a city that has been influenced by many different far-off cultures over time, there is still a village feel in each historic neighbourhood. Stroll through the Pombaline grid of streets in the Baixa district that opens on to the Tagus in Praça do Comercio, then follow the river to discover some of the city’s most beautiful parts: the monumental area of Belem with its World Heritage monuments, the mediaeval quarters & the latest contemporary leisure spaces, such as the Parque das Naçoes.

And just outside Lisbon there is more - enchanting woodlands, gorgeous Atlantic beaches & seaside villages from Cascais to Estoril - all ripe for discovery.

Full day is at leisure to spend as you wish (we will be happy to offer suggestions & / or make arrangements for any optional activities).

Portuguese people are very friendly & they will definitely appreciate it if you greet them by saying “bom dia“, “boa tarde“, “boa noite” or simply “ola“. Bom dia means good morning or hello.

Lisbon is an enticing tangle of past & present - funky & old-fashioned, unpretentious & quirky, restored & revitalised, booming with new confidence. The Portuguese capital is called the “City of the 7 Hills” but no worries -walking in Lisbon can still be one of the most enjoyable ways to see the city.

With cultural diversity combined with a laid-back ambience & an architectural time-warp with over 3000 years, the history of Lisbon is very interesting, diverse & full of curiosities. Many different civilizations have lived here & this melting pot of cultures with its 7 Hills, narrow streets, lovely architecture, colorful houses & fantastic weather, giving a unique character & making Lisbon one of the most charming cities in Europe.

You may walk around on your own or join an organised curated ‘Walking tour’ conducted by Tour-guides with lots of local knowledge about lesser-known sites of the city. Many ‘walking tours’ are designed based on specific interests of tour participants giving close access to relevant attractions, venues & the people.

Heritage walks are a tool to explore the unexplored & neglected richness of the country & play an important role for the development of history & character of the city through generating interests & involvement of the local community in the urban conservation activity.

But, you should be aware that Lisbon is very hilly, meaning if you plan to walk it will be very up & down which is nice though, certainly adding character to the city. The benefit of the hilly terrain is that there are lots of fantastic viewpoints around the city, mostly free to access.

A bus tour may cover more distance & therefore, more attractions but everything is viewed from a distance & the experience may not be as immersive.

If you explore independently, you may start at Rossio Square & learn how this 19^th century historical Square was built with typical calcada Portuguesa stones to resemble waves of the nearby ocean.

Lisbon’s historic cobblestone streets are filled with intrigue & culture with many stories to tell. Pass traditional neighbourhoods with some of the city’s oldest & most traditional shops.

Visit the Rossio Central Station & hear how this 19^th century engineering marvel was built & which now stands as one of Portugal’s most impressive accomplishments. Listen to the sounds of a train heading into the 2.6 km tunnel towards Sintra.

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 18^th 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 cafes. 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.

You must try a fun ride on Lisbon’s famous classic traditional Tram running through popular inner-city hills.

Hop off at the historic Moorish influenced 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 the city’s oldest Cathedral, Se de Lisboa - a 12^th 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 25^th of April Bridge, longest of its kind in Europe & similar to San Francisco’s Golden Gate, suspended over the Tagus River.

Enjoy lunch or dinner (direct payment) at one of the restaurants by the Tagus river & enjoy the lights 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 16^th 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 15^th & 16^th 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 17^th century luxury coaches.

Continue walking to the Seafarers' Monument on the Square in front of the monument you can see a Mosaic in the shape of a wind rose, a gift from the Republic of South Africa in 1960.

And every visitor here, must try the delicious dessert “Pasteis de Belem" in one of the Coffee Houses.

Come back to the hotel, whenever.

You have another experience lined up today. Hop on to a tour bus & depart for 4 hour excursion to the adjacent town of Sintra, in the foothills of Sintra Mountains.

While Lisbon often grabs the attention, its near neighbour, Sintra , one of the most beautiful & unique cities for good reason, known as one of the most enchanting & romantic places of Portugal, with its hazy & dreamy aura.

Celts worshipped their moon god here, the Moors built a precipitous Castle & 18^th century Portuguese royals swanned around its dreamy gardens. Even Lord Byron waxed lyrical about Sintra’s charms: ‘Lo! Cintra’s glorious Eden intervenes, in variegated maze of mount & glen’, which inspired his epic poem Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage.

With its rippling mountains, dewy forests thick with ferns & lichen, exotic Gardens, glittering Crayola-coloured Palaces & fairy tale Castles, folded into luxuriant hills dotted with pastel-hued manors, that roll down to the blue Atlantic, UNESCO World Heritage listed city is like a page torn straight from a book.

It features many delightful Palaces like Castle of the Moors & one of the most important symbols of the Romantic period in Portugal - the beautiful colourful 19^th century hilltop Palace of Pena known for its whimsical design sweeping views. The Moorish Manueline style Sintra National Palace is distinguished by its dramatic twin chimneys & elaborate tilework.

But, no visit to this medieval town with its cobble-stone streets is complete till Guests have tasted some of the wonderful exquisite regional pastries. While the pastel de nata might be the pastry on everyone’s minds (or lips) when one thinks of Portugal, Sintra’s travesseiros are sure to rival even the most ardent fans of the ubiquitous Portuguese custard tart. The mouth-watering, flakey, almond-filled pillows are the one Pastry locals swear by - most delicious when served piping hot from the local Bakery.

Neighbouring Cascais, with its fishing harbour, is a must-see tourist hub teeming with life & Estoril is home to a Casino surrounded by beautiful gardens overlooking the sea. And that is just the tip of the iceberg.

Return to Lisbon by early afternoon.

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).

Early morning, around 07:00 am, you would be met by a Journeys Driver & transferred to Lisbon Santa Apolonia Station to board the fast Alfa Pendular train.

The train ride to Porto offers some of the best views of the country, passing through Coimbra - Portugal's capital from 1131 to 1255 & still home to a Roman Aqueduct & the 13^th century University and Aveiro, known sometimes as 'the Portuguese Venice' due to its waterways & boats.

On arrival at Porto Campanha Station, you will be welcomed by a Journeys Driver / Rep 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.

Please stand right outside of the Carriage exit. 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 Station & make your own way to the hotel.

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’.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or independent exploration or optional activities (we shall be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Opening up like a pop-up book from the banks of the Rio Douro, edgy-yet-opulent Porto, a coastal city in northwest Portugal known for its 6 stately Bridges on the picturesque Douro River & port wine production, entices with its historic centre, sumptuous food & wine, and charismatic locals.

Beyond Porto’s alley-woven historic heart, contemporary architects have left their idiosyncratic stamp on the city’s skyline. Winging Porto into the 21^st century is Alvaro Siza Vieira’s crisply minimalist Museu de Arte Contemporanea & Rem Koolhaas’ daringly iconic Casa da Musica. Public art is everywhere, from azulejos (hand-painted tiles) glamming up the metro to 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’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 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

The miradouros (lookouts) peek above tumbledown rooftops & history pulsates through alley-woven medieval Ribeira (riverside) district with narrow cobbled streets winding past merchants’ houses & cafes. With random splashes of creativity in street art & azulejos, the musty cellars of big-name port lodges, the design scene, the high-spirited nightlife, the glorious food. Even when you can’t see the river, you can sense it; even when you can’t see the ocean, you can smell it. This is one soulful city & you too will soon be smitten.

From the Se Cathedral terrace & Gaia’s hilltop Jardim do Morro to Sao Francisco Church known for its lavish baroque interior with ornate gilded carvings to the palatial 19^th century Palacio de Bolsa, formerly a stock market, built to impress potential European investors, the city is reduced to postcard format - a colourful tumbledown dream with soaring bell towers, extravagant baroque churches & stately beaux arts buildings.

Equally staggering is the Jardim do Palacio de Cristal’s jigsaw of palm-fringed, fountain-speckled gardens. Even in the heart of the city, seagulls soar on Atlantic breezes, and indeed a rickety ride on tram 1 takes you to the wide open ocean in Foz do Douro in minutes. From Foz, the coastal path to Matosinhos plays up broad ocean views & weaves past sandy bathing spots.

Eating & drinking in Porto has never been more exciting. The city is having an epicurean moment, with chefs such as Rui Paula & Jose Avillez extolling the virtues of new-wave Portuguese cuisine, and Pedro Lemos & Ricardo Costa keeping Porto on the Michelin map. Dig deeper for magnificent food markets, 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 tastings & Gaia's grand port cellars & you are looking at one of Europe’s tastiest cities.

Today is yours to enjoy as you wish. Relax or explore independently (we shall be happy to offer suggestions for optional activities & make arrangements).

You may want to walk around in the 2^nd biggest city in Portugal, on the right bank of Douro river. You can visit the 17^th century gothic Sao Francisco Church known for its lavish baroque interior with ornate gilded carvings. Pass by the19^th century Palacio da Bolsa”, built to celebrate Porto’s industrial development.

Stop at the UNESCO World Heritage listed Ribeira Quarter & explore one of the best preserved historical urban areas of the country.

You may opt for a 50 minutes Cruise (not included – direct payment) along the Douro River & learn a little more about the city’s history, as revealed by its characteristic bridges - D Maria Pia Bridge, the first major work of Gustavo Eiffel & the grandiose D Luís Bridge, designed by Teofilo Seyrig, Eiffel’s partner, are the most famous ones.

Early morning today, you will meet the Tour-guide & depart for a 4 hour tour of the neighbouring city of Aveiro.

Established in Roman times, situated on the edge of an extensive shallow coastal lagoon system along that separates Aveiro from the Atlantic. Aveiro is a prosperous town with a good-looking centre & a youthful, energetic buzz. As you would expect of a coastal town with good shelter for boats, fishing was an important activity from the beginning.

The presence of human settlement in the territory of Aveiro extends to the period associated with the great dolmens of pre-history, which exist in most of the region.

For a very long period through the Middle-ages, Aveiro was an important economic trade centre in the exploration & production of salt & commercial shipping by the Romans (since 26 January 959 as per the testament of Countess Mumadona Dias to the Cenobio of Guimaraes). During this testament, Mumadona Dias also highlighted the ancient name for Aveiro (name is possibly derived from the Latin aviarium (place of birds)), this time referring to the Monastery's lands in Alauario et Salinas, literally, "a gathering place or preserve of birds & of great salt".

From 11^th century onwards, Aveiro became popular with Portuguese royalty. King Joao I, on the advice of his son Pedro, who was the donatary of Aveiro, requested the construction of fortification walls. King D. Duarte in 1435 ordered the privilege of providing an annual duty-free fair, later referred to as the Feira de Marco (March Fair), an annual tradition even today.

The first Charter (foral) was conceded by Manuel I of Portugal on 4 August 1515. This included the founding of many religious institutions & their supports, which assisted during the 17^th & 18^th century crises associated with silt in the waterway. Its geographic location had always helped it to subsist & grow, supported by salt market, fishing & maritime commercial development & by the beginning of the 15^th century, there already existed a great wall around the historical centre, intonating the significance of the community & growth of the population.

As a Seaport, Aveiro was at its most important in the Middle Ages, up to the end of the 16^th century. Unfortunately, the gradual silting up of the River Vouga & in the winter of 1575 a great storm forming a sandbar across the river mouth led to closing the entrance of Aveiro's Port, ending a thriving trade in metals & tiles. The walls were subsequently demolished & used to create the Docks around the new sand bar. It also cut off the lagoon from the tide turning it into a vast swamp & creating a reef barrier at the Atlantic Ocean. In 1808 a channel was cut, reopening the town to the sea, draining the marshes & later on 2 large breakwaters were added.

In the 19^th century, the Aveirense were active during the Liberal Wars & it was Jose Estevao Coelho de Magalhaes, a parliamentary member who was determinant in resolving the problem of access along the Ria & helped with the development of transport, especially the railway line between Lisbon & Porto. It was the opening of the artificial canals, completed in 1808, that allowed Aveiro to expand economically, marking the beginning in the town's growth. Apart from Salt production, another industry based around the lagoon is that of harvesting molico Seaweed used as a natural fertiliser.

Tourism is an important part of the economy. The old Town Centre, with its Arte Nova (Art Nouveau) & Romanesque architecture & tiles of some buildings that were created in the early 20^th century. It is occasionally dubbed the Venice of Portugal thanks to its small network of picturesque Ria de Aveiro canals. But where the Italian city has ‘gondolas’, Aveiro has moliceiros - traditional flat bottomed colourful boats used for seaweed-harvesting but now used for canal cruises. The nearby Sao Jacinto Nature Reserve provides walking & birdwatching.

The architecture of Aveiro is influenced by 2 phases: the pre-Kingdom era, with a number of historical monuments & the modernist movements resulting from the expansion of economy during the 19^th - 20^th centuries.

The city's primary landmark is the 15^th century Convento de Jesus (or Mosteiro de Jesus), containing the beautifully carved marble Tomb of King Afonso V's daughter, Princess St. Joana who lived in the Convent until her death on 12 May 1490 & bequeathed her valuable estate to the Convent. During her life, her presence brought attention to the town & favoured it with an elevated level of development for the time. Although barred from becoming a Nun in her lifetime she was beatified in 1673.

In the 17^th & 18^th centuries, the Convent housed a School of Embroidery, but was transformed into the Museu de Santa Joana (or simply, Museu de Aveiro) almost entirely devoted to Santa Joana. The Museum also houses a collection of exquisite 15^th century gilded carvings, primitive Artwork & Embroideries.

Close by is the less impressive 15^th century Aveiro Se or Sao Domingos Cathedral & the Church of Jesus (Igreja de Jesus) with a baroque style facade (in reality made from concrete). Other interesting sites are the Carmelite Church & the 16^th century Misericordia Church. The city also has one of the most important University & technology hubs in the country.

Separated from Aveiro by the lagoon (or Ria as it is known) are the nearby Barra & Costa Nova beaches known for its candy-striped beachside houses. Barra has a few good, if a little pricey, bars & nightclubs and is also known for having the 3^rd tallest Lighthouse in the world. Boat excursions are available.

Drive or walk around the city, passing by the important landmarks. And you can explore the entire city on a Buga (a free bicycle for use in the city).  And visitors must try the local delicacy - ovos-moles (sweet delicacy made of eggs & sugar),

In time, hop on the bus & drive back to your hotel in Porto.

Balance of the day is at leisure (we would be happy to offer suggestions & / or make arrangements for optional activities).

Early morning, meet the Tour-guide & depart on a 08 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.

The rest of the world is beginning to discover what the Portuguese have known forever. The charming & unique UNESCO World Heritage listed Douro region is simply one of the most glorious spots on earth. One of the world’s oldest demarcated wine regions (since 1756), the spectacular Douro Valley, in the North of Portugal, showcases steep terraces like a patchwork quilt, covered in vines, carved into mountains, on either side of the Douro River, granite bluffs, whitewashed Quintas (wine estates) & 18^th century Wine Cellars that draw in visitors from around the world.

Home to the, the 3^rd largest river in the Iberian Peninsula – Douro - which runs for 897 kms from the Spanish town of Duruelo de la Sierra to Porto, Portugal's 2^nd city. For 112 kms, it forms the border between Spain & Portugal. In the past, impassable canyons formed a barrier against marauding armies. Today, this wild & beautiful frontier landscape is protected by the authority of the Douro Internacional Park. Hills fall steeply to the water's edge & the region becomes more & more sparsely populated as it travels inland from the coast.

Although the Valley is mainly renowned for dreamy landscapes, the charming towns & villages should not be overlooked. The 'capital' of the Douro Valley is a town called Peso da Regua, which is dominated by a huge Sandeman Winery's logo perched on top of a hill. It was here that wines were collected before being transported downriver to Porto. Regua, which straddles the river & has a lively selection of waterside cafes & bars, is also home to the headquarters of the Port Wine Institute.

Proceed to Miradouro de Sao Leonardo de Galafura, the highest point of the entire Valley on a massive granite protruding mountain from where on a clear day, visitors can see up to 30 kms in all directions. There is only a little Chapel in honour of Saint Sao Leonardo de Galafura & a small picnic area. No cafe, no bathrooms, no one trying to sell you something...it is just about you, the view, the peace, the tranquillity & the immersive nature.

Continue driving to UNESCO Heritage listed Pinhao, a small town serenely situated on a particularly lovely confluence of the Douro & Pinhao rivers, worth visiting for its delightful Train Station alone, its walls liberally adorned with 25 lovely hand-painted azulejos (hand-painted tiles) with several large, very well-preserved panels portraying historic scenes of the surrounding area, thus giving visitors a good idea of how the Douro looked before the Dams were built & the river was made navigable. The Tiles also depict the surrounding landscapes & vineyards & the grape harvest.

There are few settlements along the line between Pinhao & Regua. One, a village called Tua, which is little more than a junction, marks the start of another scenic railway line that runs for 1.5 hour along the rugged Tua valley to a place called Mirandela.

Besides being a place where the soil & climatic conditions are considered to be perfect for growing grapes, the pretty little town, encircled by terraced hillsides & its very pleasant riverside location, makes it a great place for a relaxing stopover.  

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

Pinhao is a sleepy place for most of the year but bursts into life in autumn during the annual grape harvest, an event that attracts pickers from all over the country. It is a lively affair with much merry-making & visitors are often welcome to get involved alongside the local townsfolk.

After admiring the views of the terraced vineyards & taking a walk along the banks of the River Douro, proceed to a Winery. Quinta do Tedo, is one of the original cellars, where some of the best Port wines are produced. Learn about the local wine cultivation. 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 & see all the hard work & dedication that the native people give to the regions in order to keep them well-preserved.

Further along the river are 2 of the grandest of all Portugal’s sprawling vineyard estates: Taylor’s Quinta de Vargellas & Symingtons’ Quinta do Vesuvio, both of which have their own private railway stations.

Of course, no trip to the Valley would be complete without tasting a few world-class wines. Sip 3 Douro Valley wines with one of the Winemakers (included).  If time permits, visit Quinta de Nova Wine Museum.

Finally, it is time to move on. But how can you leave without experiencing a short Cruise on the Douro.

Reach the embarkation point & board a rabelo boat for a 1 hour Cruise (included) on the river. Learn about the history of various bridges & buildings along the river through the multi-lingual announcements, as you sail along between vineyards & their wonderful terraces.

Come back, disembark & drive back to Porto.

Balance of the evening is at leisure (we would be happy to offer suggestions & / or make arrangements for optional programs).

Early morning, around 07:00 am, you would be met by a Journeys Driver & transferred to Porto Campanha Station to board the Alfa Pendular fast train.

The train ride to Lagos offers some of the best views of the country, passing through all the way from south to north of Portugal.

On arrival at Lagos Station, you will be welcomed by a Journeys Driver / Rep 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.

The Station is located right in the city center across the Ribeira da Bensafrim River & the main bus station.

Please stand right outside of the Carriage exit. 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 Station & make your own way to the hotel.

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’.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or independent exploration or optional activities (we shall be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Welcome to Algarve with its soaring cliffs, sea caves, golden beaches, scalloped bays, sandy islands, year round mild & sunny weather.

It was from here that, in the 15^th century, the Portuguese set off on the epic journey that led them to discover other peoples & cultures… and it is in the Algarve that Portuguese cheerfully welcome many or most guests to Portugal.

Portugal’s southernmost region, is known for its Atlantic beaches & golf resorts. Whitewashed fishing villages on low cliffs overlooking sandy coves were transformed in the 1960s, & now its central coast between Lagos & Faro is lined with villas, hotels, bars & restaurants.

Surrounded on 2 sides by the Atlantic, it is a paradise for surfers, especially along the refreshingly undeveloped rugged interior of the western Atlantic coast.

In the south, tourist hotspots harbouring massive conglomerations of holiday villas & brash resorts have action-packed activities - from splashy water parks to water sports - & vibrant nightlife spanning beach bars to sizzling nightclubs. Natural treasures here include the bird-filled lagoons & islands of the protected Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, stretching for 60 km from west of the capital, Faro, to the enchanting fishing village of Cacela Velha.

Up in the hilly hinterland, are historic castle towns & whitewashed villages, rolling countryside covered in cork, carob & almond trees & citrus orchards, rural farmhouse restaurants & the wonderful Via Algarviana hiking trail crossing the region's breadth.

The coastline is very varied & includes beaches that are widely recognised as among the most beautiful in the world. Sandy stretches as far as the eye can see, framed by golden cliffs, virtually deserted islands marking the boundary between Ria Formosa & the sea & small coves sheltered by the rocks. The ocean, in every shade of blue & mostly calm & warm, invites you for long swims & water sports.

And there are also the mountains, where people live in harmony with nature, maintaining traditions that they love to share.

And the cities. Silves preserves traces of its Arab past & Lagos from the time of the Discoveries. More cosmopolitan Portimao & Albufeira are bustling towns by night & day. Tavira is a showcase for traditional architecture & Faro, the gateway to the region, deserves a long stop to discover its beautiful historic centre.

For wellness & relaxation, there are various treatments in the Spas & Thalassotherapy Centres & in the Monchique Thermal Baths.

And now, let us talk about Lagos, where you would be spending all your time.

Lagos is a lovely seaside city known for its walled old town, cliffs & Atlantic beaches. Great swathes of sand such as Meia Praia, or beaches hidden amidst the cliffs at Ponta da Piedade - almost a national monument & the cliffs, which tower up some 20 metres & hide impressive caves, arches, islets & beaches, formed by the rock walls being worn through, vertically & horizontally, offering sweeping headland views & a lighthouse. Steep wooden steps lead to the sandy cove of Praia do Camilo.

A few islets rise out of the sea, while in other cliffs caves open up at the surface of the water. These fantastical forms in the sedimentary rock, the result of erosion by the sea, wind & rain, make up a sculpture park that alternates with little tucked-away beaches which are like the interiors of small Cathedrals dedicated to the religion of Nature & the deformed rocks often have been given curious names such as General de Gaulle, Camelo (Camel), Cozinha (Kitchen), Submarino ou Gruta dos Amores (Cave of Love).

While some can be accessed by land, from the Ponta da Piedade light-house, many can only be reached by boat & this is also the best way to fully appreciate the beauty & diversity of the geological phenomena present here.

Aside from its hedonistic appeal, Lagos lying along the bank of the Rio Bensafrim, has historical clout, having launched many naval excursions during Portugal’s extraordinary Age of Discoveries. Its old town's pretty, cobbled lanes & picturesque Piazzas & Churches are enclosed by 16^th century walls.

The ancient city walls are well preserved despite the devastation caused by the 1755 earthquake which destroyed much of the town & caused Lagos to lose its status as capital of the Algarve in favour of the less affected Faro. One Church remains; the ornate 18^th century Igreja de Santo Antonio - where Dom Sebastiao reputedly attended his last Mass before his tragic expedition - is also known as the golden Church due the impressive baroque gilt work on display. Cherubs & animals feature among the intricate carvings often fashioned out of Brazilian gold. Across is Castelo dos Governadores, a Castle with a baroque facade & Watchtowers.

With every activity under the sun (literally) on offer, plus a pumping nightlife & modern attractions, the bustling town is full of history & the monuments & architecture which take us back to the many different people who have settled here & the many maritime adventure which have started in Lagos' impressive natural harbour.

Beyond the walls, is a modern but not overly unattractive sprawl & some truly fabulous beaches. At Lagos, the emphasis is definitely on the sea. Just enjoy the scenery all around you, whether you are sitting on the terrace of the Fortress, with its magnificent view of the bay, or strolling amidst the rock formations of the headland of Ponta da Piedade with its breath-taking views over the sea. For those more interested in the maritime aspect of the area, boat trips, deep-sea fishing & yacht hire are all available at the marina.

Over the 2,500 years of its existence, Lagos has been home to the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans & Moors all attracted by the harbour & what it represented in terms of communication, location & therefore power. Henry the Navigator famously ordered expeditions from here & indeed it was from here that Vasco da Gama set sail for what was to be his discovery of Brazil. Many statues dotted around the town remember past sea adventurers, including Dom Sebastiao whose attempt to capture areas in North Africa ended in total disaster in 1578. Even British sailors under Nelson made Lagos a renowned stopover point as they told their countrymen back home of the wonders of the drinking & the beautiful local women.

The local Museum is also found here with artefacts from the Iron & Bronze Ages alongside sacred treasures. The ominous honour of housing Europe's first Slave Market dating from 1441 & now an Art Gallery located in Rossio da Trindade, is another unique string to Lagos' bow.

Within the town, sunset marks the onset of much liveliness with street entertainers & buskers enhancing the general array of bars & clubs typical of an Algarve resort. Drinking & good times continue to be a fundamental part of a visit to Lagos & the fine array of restaurants, bars & local festas stand as testament to this. The busy Flea market fills the narrow streets of the centre, which also boasts a Cultural Centre hosting various exhibitions & events throughout the year.

Full day is at leisure to relax or to explore independently or for optional activities (we shall be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Full 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 options, too.

See Forte da Bandeira, the small, squat Fort, dating from the Restoration of Independence War, which guards the entrance to the harbour & once served as an outpost to prevent attacks by sea. It adds a very special touch to the seafront.

Walk around Gil Eanes Square that has roads leading off from it to the seafront that is the present-day centre of Lagos. It contains a statue of Dom Sebastiao created by the modern sculptor Joao Cutileiro in 1973. The King looks childish & frail, offering a critical perspective on Portuguese history. Nearby, in another Square, a monument honours the Portuguese soldiers killed in Belgium in World War I.

In Lagos everything seems to invite us to go to the beach & enjoy simple pleasures. Walk along the long Avenida dos Descobrimentos, enjoying the view of the city & the Marina, full of life & entertainment as the path leads you to the sea & to the most beautiful beaches, awarded by international bodies & magazines.

To the east is Meia Praia, a sandy beach about 5 km long that ends at the lagoon of Alvor Canavial Porto de Mos & Praia da Luz complete the offer, which includes many small sandy coves, small paradises waiting to be discovered, that are difficult to reach, some only from the sea.

You may visit the Centro Cultural de Lagos - a small, but very active Cultural Centre, that offers contemporary art exhibitions, jazz concerts with an inner yard containing a peaceful café with Internet access. 

Make sure you experience daily life, gastronomy, landscapes & learn more about its history, architecture and traditions.

Today, you will discover another gem in the Algarve region.

Morning, meet the Tour-guide & proceed for a depart for the historical town of Tavira situated in the east of the Algarve on the south coast.

An important place on the map throughout Portuguese history often used by travellers to Africa due to its proximity to Morocco & in fact, once the most important Port beyond Lisbon, this once thriving tuna-fishing town now depends largely on tourism.

Set on either side of the meandering Rio Gilao, Tavira is arguably the Algarve's most charming town with typical cobbled stone lanes & streets. Its gentle charm & predominantly low-rise architecture sets it aside from other resort towns in the region.  

A nod to the town’s significant past are the ruins of a Moorish hilltop Castle, the battlements of which can still be visited & from where one gets the best view of the town, its many church spires, ornate rooftops, balconies and indeed the river delta & beyond to the sea.

Sometimes referred to as the Venice of the Algarve, it boasts an old 7 arched Roman Bridge & a smattering of fine Gothic, Renaissance Churches, tree-lined Squares, are among its historic attractions.

Of the many Churches, 2 deserve particular mention. The Igreja da Santa Maria built on the ancient site of a mosque, is close to the Castle & contains the Tomb of the commander Dom Paio Peres Correia, who overthrew the Moors in Tavira in 1242. The other, Igreja da Misericordia, dedicated to both Saint Peter & Saint Paul, constructed in the mid 16^th century, boasts a Renaissance portal, some fine traditional tile work from the 18^th century.

Also, along the Travessa de Dona Brites, you will find fine examples of medieval houses complete with Gothic windows & doorways.  

However, it is also a lively trading town with a small, active fishing port, a modern vibrant fruit & vegetable market just beyond the riverside park where many stop to drink a coffee & catch up on the local gossip.

Tavira is ideal for wandering; the warren of cobblestone streets hides leafy Gardens & shady Squares. An enticing assortment of restaurants & guesthouses makes it an excellent base for exploring the Algarve’s eastern reaches.

At only 3 km from the Atlantic coast, Tavira is the launching point for the stunning, unspoilt beaches of Ilha de Tavira between the town & the ocean. During the summer season, hourly boat trips transport beachgoers from the town centre to the Ilha. Out of season, a ferry runs from Quatro Aguas, a village out of Tavira to take a look at another form of local industry - the Salt Flats.

Tour the historical town & its many Churches (entrance fees wherever applicable are not included). Visit the old Castle, an excellent vantage point for a panoramic view of the city in all directions, taking fantastic pictures

There will be free time for Lunch (not included - direct payment) & to enjoy taking in the delight of the proudly clean city.

The highlight of your visit to this charming town will be attending an unforgettable Fado performance. With sheer passion & raw musical emotion, a good Fado performance in Portugal allows visitors an enlightening glimpse through the window of the Portuguese soul.

Portugal’s ever-popular & intensely heartfelt national song is known as Fado, celebrated the world over as a major performing art whilst reinforcing its image as a symbol of Portuguese identity through a process of cross-cultural exchange involving other musical traditions. It has been designated as UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity & inscribed on the Representative List.

Fado is fate, or destiny, translated into music. It is a song about sorrow, sometimes happiness & the many things that affect our daily lives, a truly distinctive melancholic form of traditional performance accompanied by classical & Portuguese guitars - a pear-shaped cittern with 12 wire strings that’s totally unique to Portugal. Usually performed by a solo Singer (male or female), it is a form of intimate manifestation accompanied by intricate guitar melodies played by smartly-dressed men.

The main themes of passion, fate & regret are believed to have their roots in the ancient songs of African slaves. It could also be attributed to the many homesick Portuguese sailors of the 14^th & 15^th centuries who spent long periods away at sea in the worst conditions imaginable. The wives, lovers & mothers, missing their men, started singing about this feeling & the nostalgia of the better days.

And finally, it is time to hop on to the bus & drive back home (oops,,hotel) in Lagos.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or to explore independently or for optional activities (we shall be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Full 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 options, too.

Full 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 options, too.

Today, you will stray from the beaten path & see a side of the Algarve that most first-time visitors miss.

Embark on a full day sightseeing discovering Silves, Monchique & Foia - 3 lesser-known towns & villages. See a different side of the Algarve & get the inside scoop on local culture & history.

Once a rich & powerful city, Silves, is an attractive sleepy town in the foothills of the Serra de Monchique mountains in the western Algarve, on the banks of the River Arade, with a with a rich history & a very different atmosphere from the other resort towns. The river was navigable in historical times & represented an important link between the hinterland & the coast.

The area has been inhabited since Paleolithic times but the town reached its peak after the Moorish invasion of the Iberian Peninsula in 713. Archaeological excavations have shown that the oldest buildings date back to the 8^th century, the stratigraphy is almost 6 metres deep & contains Iron Age remains as well.

By the 10^th century, Silves, then called Xelb, was the capital of the Moorish province of capital of Al-faghar the area now known as the Algarve. The town stands out because of its Arabic architecture. In 1189 King Sancho I recaptured the town for the Portuguese with the help of a hired army of Northern European Crusaders after a 3 month siege. But the town was recaptured by the Moors 2 years later until finally falling to the Christians in 1249. Its population of 30,000 ‘spoke pure Arabic, wrote poetry & were elegant in manner & speech’, according to the Arab chronicler Idrisi.

The town, built on top of one of the largest underground Aquifers in the south of Portugal. The Querenca -Silves aquifer, straddles the river & retains a medina-style gate, the Porta de Loule & parts of the poured concrete walls made of red sandstone, that date back to the time of Moorish occupation & restored in the 1940s.

Iron Age remains have been found, along with a Well, a Governor's Palace & the 13^th century 10 meters high water cistern - Cisterna Grande - supported by 6 columns, that once served the whole town. Legend has it that the Cistern is haunted by the ghost of a Moorish maiden.

The Moorish Fortaleza, which boasts a complete set of sandstone walls & detached towers, occupies 12,000 square meters on top of the hill that overlooks the town & offers impressive views over the town & surrounding countryside. A Moorish-style Garden open to visitors, has recently been re-created along the Fortaleza.

Today, Silves is an attractive, crumbling place of outdoor cafes & scented orange groves, winding backstreets of whitewashed buildings topped by terracotta roofs climb the hillside above the banks of the Rio Arade.

Crowning the hill, Silves boasts one of the best-preserved striking red sandstone Castelo in southern Portugal, enclosed by hulking red-stone walls. Built on the site of the 11^th century Palace of the Verandahs, the russet-coloured, lego-like Castle with its turreted walls - originally occupied in the Visigothic period - dominate the town & provide panoramic views over the town & surrounding countryside.

What you see today dates mostly from the Moorish era, though the Castle was restored in the 20^th century. Walking the parapets & admiring the vistas is the main attraction, but you can also gaze down on the excavated ruins of the Almohad-era Palace. Guarding the entrance is a 3 meters high bronze statue of King Sancho I. There is a snack bar within the walls & a small Exhibition of Ceramics that were found in the excavations.

Just below the Castle is the Se Velha Cathedral, built in 1189 on the site of an earlier grand mosque flanked by wide Gothic towers & renovated after the 1249 Reconquista. The Gothic Cathedral retains some of its original grandeur in spite of damage caused by the great earthquake of 1755 as well as centuries of decay & patchy restoration.

Lining the walls are intricately carved Tombs belonging to Bishops & Crusaders who died taking Silves back from the Moors. There is a jasper statue of Nossa Senhora da Conceiçao, which is believed to date from the 14^th century.

In many ways, this is the Algarve's most impressive Cathedral, with a substantially unaltered Gothic interior of dramatically high, ribbed vaulted ceilings & stained glass. It has a Gothic vestibule & remains of a Baroque façade, plus a big ogival window. Inside there are 3 naves, a Renaissance retable & marble Tombstones. The Christ sculpture, the Senhor dos Passos, is one of the main processional figures of the town's Easter celebrations.

Opposite the Cathedral is the16^th century Igreja da Misericordia. The exterior features a distinctive, fanciful Manueline doorway hanging well above street level (it is not the main entrance), which is decorated with curious heads, pine cones, foliage & aquatic emblems. Inside, the altarpiece has 7 panels depicting the 7 works of mercy.

There is an interesting neo-Moorish Casa da Cultura Islamica e Mediterranica Cultural Centre built with an art nouveau flourish in 1914 which hosts occasional exhibitions, lectures & performances.

The Archaeological Museum located downhill houses Stone & Iron Age tools & surgical instruments from the 5^th, 6^th, 7^th centuries.

A defunct cork factory known as the Fabrica do Ingles (Englishman's factory) is home to a couple of Museums & a cluster of bars, cafes & fountains that come alive in August during the town's annual Beer Festival. Every year during summer, the town also hosts a famous Medieval Festival that attracts a lot of visitors. There is a market on the riverfront, every morning, near a narrow 13^th century Bridge, from Monday to Saturday.

From here, drive on to the town of Monchique situated between the peaks of Foia & Picota in the Serra de Monchique mountain range that separates the Algarve from the neighbouring northern region of the Alentejo. This lush landscape of rolling hills, leafy woods & flowing streams is aptly referred to as the ‘garden of the Algarve’.

On the way you will find Quinta de Sao Bento, a former royal summer residence, embedded in a lush garden with ancient trees. Still owned by the Duke of Bragança, the Quinta is host to a small hotel & restaurant.

Overlooked for many years as attention focused on the glitz & glamour of the Algarve’s coastal resorts, Monchique’s breathtaking scenery & peaceful ways are proving to be irresistible charms to the many visitors who now venture inland to explore it. The area invites nature treks, with trails leading you past cork oak, chestnut & pine trees, through picturesque hamlets & up to the granite rocks & shrubs of the higher peaks.

The charming hillside town of steep, cobbled streets & whitewashed houses is a perfect base from which to visit the springs & discover the mountains. Small hamlets nestle between the hills, home to artisans who uphold age-old traditions & farm labourers who tend to their terraced vegetable plots or citrus groves as their cattle graze peacefully in the meadows.

The fruits of their labours are reflected in the region’s mouth-watering gastronomy, which continues to be produced using traditional methods. Black pork sausages & cured hams, the unique honey that comes from the region’s scented wild flowers & the powerful medronho liqueur, made from the fruit of strawberry trees, all contribute to the gastronomic fame that the area enjoys.

The March Feira dos Enchidos Tradicionais (Traditional Sausage Fair) & the Feira do Presunto (Smoked Ham Fair), normally held in July, are lively annual events where the best of Monchique’s produce is on full show.

Its busy monthly market is the ideal time to appreciate the local gastronomy & handicraft comprising mainly of folding chairs, wickerwork, pottery & knitwear.

The picturesque famous spa hamlet of Caldas de Monchique with elegant 19^th century houses bordering a shaded central Square & a beautiful wooded park filled with acacias, camellias & centenary trees, amidst the exuberant vegetation of its surrounding hills, just outside the town, is home to the only natural springs in the Algarve. The constant sound of trickling water flowing through streams, under footbridges & in fountains, combined with the light reflecting off the foliage creates an atmosphere of peace & relaxation that has led to it being dubbed ‘the Sintra of the Algarve’. If you have time to walk in this tiny but fascinating village, you may get to see bread being made in the communal ovens. The shady pathways lead to the Thermal streams.

Now widely recommended for their therapeutic effect on respiratory, muscular & rheumatic ailments, the 32ºC spring waters have been attracting visitors since the Romans first recognised their healing properties. There are various treatments available in the Spas & Thalassotherapy Centres & in the Monchique Thermal Baths.

Drive on to the highest peak in the Algarve - Foia Viewpoint with an elevation of 902 metres above sea level & a topographic prominence of 739 metres. Driving along the 2lane road on the southern side is easy & spectacular views over the rolling plains to the sea can be seen.

Upon arrival at the peak, you are amply rewarded with stunning views both to the Ocean & inland to the Alentejo. On clear days, it is possible to see the southern coastline stretching from Faro to Cape St. Vincent & northwards as far as the Arrabida mountain range situated some 40 km south of Lisbon. The Serra’s mighty hills are visible from afar. The scarce vegetation of the peak plateau consists mainly of shrubs & various wild herbs. Use the opportunity to snap spectacular photos.  

On your way down, stop for Lunch (not included - direct payment).

Continue driving further, passing by Sao Bartholomeu de Messines, a quiet country town with an old parish Church.

You will pass through Rasmalho (Stork City), one of the largest colonies of White Storks in Portugal.

Cross Alte, widely described as the prettiest village in the Algarve & famous for its lively Saturday market & folk-dancing traditions.

The tour continues to Cabo de Sao Vicente, once known as "the End of the World", the most south western point of Portugal & of mainland Europe.

The Cape is closely associated to the sea & legends & myths about the town & Henry the Navigator. The Cape & the surrounding area is one of the rare places where the geographical location, a wild but majestic nature, & historical factors.

Since Neolithic times, the area around the Cape St. Vincent was sacred ground & there are still standing Neolithic Menhirs in the neighbourhood which were part of a religious belief: the Cult of Fertility. Some of these Menhirs from here are displayed in the Archaeological Museum of Lagos.

The Cape located in the extreme southwest of the European continent, was for approximately 3 millennia one of the limits of the known world. For the people of the Eastern Mediterranean, such as Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans & Arabs, the Cape of St. Vincent was the navigation threshold to the west before the mare incognitum (the unknown sea). For this reason, it was known for millennia, as the finis terrae, (that is, the end of the world). The common people believed the sun sank here hissing into the ocean, marking the edge of their world.

A small Lighthouse existed on the Cape since 1520, built on the site of a Franciscan Convent. Between 1521 & 1557 a Tower was ordered to be constructed, by King D. John III, who wanted to defend the coast against attacks from North-African pirates on one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. In 1587, the Tower was destroyed by the English sea captain Francis Drake but was subsequently restored in 1606 by King Philip III.

The modern Lighthouse of Cape St. Vincent (also known as the Lighthouse of D. Fernando) originally illuminated by an olive oil lamp, which had a range of 11 km, was ordered to be constructed by Queen D. Maria II & became operational in October 1846. It was abandoned in the 2^nd half of the 19^th century & fell into ruin.

Remodelling work on the structure of the Tower lasting 11 years, began in 1897 & the height was increased by almost 6 metres, to a total height of 24 metres. Reopened in 1908, its optic was replaced by a new lens, making it the largest optics used in Portuguese Lighthouses, 2^nd most powerful in Europe & one of the 10 largest in the world. As a result, the two 1000watt lamps had a periodicity of 15 seconds & a range of almost 60 km. A generator was installed in 1926, which enabled the transition from petrol to electricity & in 1948, the Lighthouse was finally connected to the public electrical grid. Automation of the lighthouse followed in 1982 & the optic’s rotation was automated in 2001.

Driving back to Lagos, stop at Sagres, a town best known for its associations with Prince Henry the Navigator, whose single purpose was to spur men to discover Africa, India & the Far East.

Overlooking some of the Algarve’s most dramatic scenery, the small, elongated stunning village of Sagres has an end-of-the-world feel, with its towering sea-carved cliffs high above the turbulent frothing ocean & vast swathes of golden sands, strung with wind-whipped Fortresses that connect it to Portugal’s rich nautical past. It is the only place in the world where white storks are known to nest on cliff faces.

In terms of global importance, Sagres' heyday was in the 15^th century & this was down to Prince Henry the Navigator who chose the city as his home & location of his School of Navigation. The School boasts alumni such as Fernao de Magalhaes (Magellan), Pedro Alvares Cabral & Vasco da Gama whose impact on the World is still felt today. It was from nearby Belixe that the first caravels were launched, the same ships that brought about Portugal's Age of the Discoveries & helped define the nation's identity.

Henry's most obvious legacy to present day Sagres is the Henry the Navigator's Fortaleza located on the imposing headland of Ponta de Sagres to the north of the town. The hulking walls of the 17^th century Fort only remain on one side with the impressive entrance arch the only access. Beyond the walls, things are moderately less impressive with the small restored 15^th century Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Graça & the Rosa dos Ventos, a pebble Wind Compass measuring 43 metres across. The Compass was discovered in 1921 up until when it had been buried below a Church.

The town itself is pleasant enough in places, with an attractive Square, but there is little of historical or architectural interest as the original town bore the full brunt of the 1755 earthquake.

Although mainly associated with the sea & beaches, there is so much more to Sagres. Unique rock formations, Mediterranean woods (for spotting some endemic plants) & bird watching opportunities make it the ideal place for exploration. Not to mention the epic views you can take on the cliffside, with 4 in walking distance of central Sagres. There is a lively, working harbour, a small supermarket & perhaps most importantly to many of its visitors, a fine beach.

With its charming fishing village type character & quaint little surf shops, a clutch of bars, restaurants, cafes around the Square, it is the epitome of laid-back vibes. Not surprisingly the town's restaurants have a reputation for serving the best seafood, a wide variety of fresh fish, lobster, oysters, mussels.

Why not reward yourself with a hearty meal in one of Sagres’ charming family-run restaurants, or sip on a refreshing Sagres beer (a popular Portuguese brand) at one of the local chilled out bars.

And now, back to Lagos.

Visit Antigo Mercado de Escravos, a historical building in Lagos that was used as the site where the first Slave Market of the modern era in Europe took place in 1444 when slaves from the west coast of Africa were brought here. The building was initially used for military administration & later, as a Customs House. Now, it is a small Museum recounting the grim history of Slavery in Lagos & Algarve region, which continued until 1761. Exhibition spaces detail the lives of the enslaved through interpretation panels in English & Portuguese, with pop-up information & animations on free augmented reality multimedia guides.

If time permits, you can visit Igreja de Santo Antonio, one of the finest in the whole Algarve. Dedicated to Saint Anthony, who was born in Lisbon, the Church has a special place in the affections of the Portuguese people.  

Dating back to 1707 & then re-built after the Great Earthquake of 1755, the Church stands as a fine example of the Baroque style of architecture.

What really sets the Church apart is that it has one of the most breathtaking interiors of any of Portugal’s many beautiful Churches, with its gilded, carved wood & beaming cherubs. The dome & azulejo panels were installed during repairs after the 1755 earthquake. Such is the quality of this lavish interior that the Church is classified as a National Monument.

Come back to the hotel by evening.

Balance of the evening is at leisure to relax or to explore independently.

Full 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 options, too.

Full 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 options, too.

Today, we have an exciting day. You are going to explore Spain today.

Early morning, meet the Tour-guide & depart for historic Seville, capital of the Andalusian Region, dazzled by the greatness of its monuments.

Passionate, sophisticated and devoted to living the good life, Spain is both a stereotype come to life and a country more diverse than you ever imagined.

Epic Land | Culinary Feast | Artistic Treasures | Fiestas & Flamenco

Spain’s diverse landscapes stir the soul. The Pyrenees & the Picos de Europa are as beautiful as any mountain range on the continent, while the snow-capped Sierra Nevada rises up improbably from the sun-baked plains of Andalucía. The wildly beautiful cliffs of Spain’s Atlantic northwest are offset by the charming coves of the Mediterranean. And everywhere you go, villages of timeless beauty perch on hilltops, huddle in valleys & cling to coastal outcrops as tiny but resilient outposts of Old Spain. That's where the country's charms are most likely to take hold.

The scent of orange blossom, the swish of a flamenco dress, the glimpse of a white village perched atop a crag: memories of Andalucía linger. Immortalised in operas & vividly depicted in 19^th century art & literature, Andalucía often acts as a synonym for Spain as a whole: a sun-dappled, fiesta-loving land of guitar-wielding troubadours, reckless bullfighters, feisty operatic heroines and Roma singers wailing sad laments.

For 8 centuries, the region sat on a volatile frontier between 2 faiths & ideologies: Christianity & Islam. Left to ferment like a barrel of the bone-dry local sherry, Andalucía underwent a cross-fertilisation that threw up a slew of cultural colossi: ancient mosques transformed into churches; vast palaces replete with stucco work; a cuisine infused with North African spices; hammams & teterías (teahouses) evoking the Moorish lifestyle; and a chain of lofty white towns that dominates the craggy landscape, from Granada's tightly knotted Albayzín to the hilltop settlements of Cádiz province.

Welcome to Seville. Some cities blast you away, others slowly win you over. Seville disarms & seduces you with its historic centre famous for its resplendent Mudejar architecture, which is an intoxicating mix of Islamic & Catholic architectural styles. After the Catholics defeated the Moors, who had ruled over Seville for more than 500 years, they kept many beautiful buildings intact like the Alcazar Palace. Sometimes they gave it their own Catholic twist.

But while history reverberates all around, Seville is as much about the here & now as the past. Centuries of history have resulted in a great city that leaves its mark & many people define it as special. The 4^th largest urban center in Spain is synonymous with colour, life & joy. It might be because of the grandeur of its monuments or it may possibly be the scent of jasmine in its Squares or the Spanish guitar music of its streets.

In the cultural, political, economic & artistic realms, beautiful Seville located on the Guadalquivir river, is the most important southern Spanish city. Barrio de Santa Cruz is the largest historic centre of Europe, with considerable Arabic influences, the lively narrow winding medieval streets & parks & Seville is seen by many people as the most beautiful city of Andalusia & Spain.

Flamenco Clubs keep the intimacy & intensity of this century’s old tradition alive whilst aristocratic Mansions recall the city’s past as a showcase Moorish capital & later, a 16^th century metropolis rich on the back of New World trade. It is easy to enjoy Flamenco at one of the many ‘tablaos’ or neighbourhood ‘pena’ groups. In fact, the city hosts what is perhaps the most important international festival of this art: The Biennial. Visitors in summer can take advantage of the festivals held in its gardens.

Seville is much more than its undeniable monumentality with large open spaces such as the huge Plaza de Espana, Maria Luisa Park, & the avant-garde Setas de Sevilla. There are plenty of Ceramics shops & Crafts workshops in Triana.

The views are fantastic with courtyards of orange trees, typical in Andalusia & a close-up of the largest Gothic temple in Europe, the Cathedral. A visit to the Real Alcazar de Sevilla reveals an extraordinary Palace full of details. La Giralda Tower is a city icon & one of its main charms lies in its viewpoint. There is a mix of Mudejar Palaces & baroque Churches.

The inhabitants of Seville called Sevillanos, have their own typical non-official dialect is not always easy to understand even by other Spaniards. Tradition is always in fashion & the Sevillanos have long since mastered the art of celebrating the tradition of the city’s great annual festivals. Feria de Abril (April Fair) is all about joy & passion for popular Andalusian art, an unbeatable chance to enjoy the sound of the Spanish guitar, flamenco fashion & festive city. Semana Santa (Holy Week) is a passionate festival full of emotional moments. To understand it, witness one of the much-visited religious processions or hear a live ‘saeta’ (emotional flamenco song dedicated to the religious figures).

And if you want to enjoy the authentic atmosphere of Seville, try going for tapas in the old town, in popular areas such as Alameda, Macarena, Nervion, Los Remedios or Triana. Marinated ‘pescaito’ (fish), small filled rolls, typical snails, fino (white wine), manzanilla (sweet wine) or a cold beer are a must on any tapas outing.

So as you see, Seville has a lot to offer. Enjoy the ancient culture, beautiful attractions, the warm weather (depending on your dates), delicious tapas & Flamenco. Seville is a city where guests can easily spend a full 3 days at least.

As you arrive in the city, spend an unforgettable moment overlooking Triana bridge the oldest in Seville.

There is no organised sightseeing here. The Tour-guide will leave you to explore on your own & then rendezvous at the set time to begin your drive back to Portugal.

There will be free time to visit the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world, the Royal Alcazar Palace & the magnificent Maria Luisa Park, next to which another must see, the great Plaza de Espana You can also shop in the city or in the legendary district of Judiaria de Santa Cruz.

On the way back, you will stop to see the Pavilions of the Ibero-American Exposition, a World's Fair held in Seville from 9 May 1929 until 21 June 1930. The Exposition was smaller in scale than the International Exposition held in Barcelona during that same year, but it was not lacking in style. The city of Seville had prepared for the Exposition over the course of 19 years & it was held to showcase the rapport between Spain, Latin America, the United States, Portugal & Brazil.

Reach Lagos by late evening.

Full 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 options, too.

Full 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 options, too.

Full 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 options, too.

Alas, like all good things, the wonderful experience comes to an end. Time to say good-bye to this enchanting country & go home.

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 the usage of the facilities & to leave the luggage at the Bell Desk). 

In time, you will be met by The Journeys Driver & transferred to Terminal? – Faro Algarve International Airport.

Faro, Algarve’s capital has a more distinctly Portuguese feel than most resort towns. It has an attractive Marina, well-maintained Parks, Plazas, & a picturesque Cidade Velha (old town) ringed by medieval walls.

The Old Town's winding, cobbled pedestrian streets, Squares & buildings were reconstructed in a melange of styles following successive battering - first by marauding British & then by 2 big earthquakes. It is home to Museums, Churches, a bone Chapel & al fresco Cafes.

Just outside the city, are the lagoons of the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa & nearby beaches, including the Islands of Ilha de Faro to the southwest & Ilha da Barreta (aka Ilha Deserta) to the south.

But, most visitors only pass through this underrated city, after arriving or departing at Faro Airport. We are sure that your long stay & exploration will entice you to come back & discover rest of this enchanting Portugal.

 “Travel is like knowledge. The more you see the more you know you have not seen” - Mark Hertsgaard

In time, depart for your onward journey.  B

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