Algarve and Lisbon Vacation Packages

Lisbon and Algarve - 8 Days  Hosted

• Day 1 - Depart the U.S. for Portugal..
• Day 2 - Lisbon: Upon arrival in Lisbon, please collect your luggage and proceed through customs where a representative of Club ABC Tours will meet you (our Blue and White Club ABC Tours signs easily identify our representatives). Your representative will bring you to the vehicle scheduled to transfer you to the hotel for check in. Situated on the Tagus River, the legendary port city of Lisbon is a fascinating mix of culture and history, representing a place where the weather and natives always seem to be friendly. Portugal's first city is built on the terraced sides of low, steep hills overlooking the harbor, and with the combination of wide tree-lined avenues, large public gardens and handsome squares, the city is a very easy-going place to enjoy. The narrow crooked Alfama quarter survived the terrible earthquakes of the eighteenth century, so visitors can now step back in time and experience the cobbled lanes and flea markets of this traditional fishing community.
• Day 3 - Lisbon: After breakfast, take a half-day panoramic city tour of Lisbon, which includes a stop at St. George Castle to view the old quarters. Continue on to Alfama for a wine tasting. The narrow crooked Alfama quarter survived the terrible earthquakes of the eighteenth century, so visitors can now step back in time and experience the cobbled lanes and flea markets of this traditional fishing community. Then drive along the Tagus River with stops at the Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. Finish the tour with a visit to Jeronimo's Monastery church, a marvel of stone lacework. (Breakfast)
• Day 4 - Lisbon: Today is at leisure to explore Lisbon's cultural treasures on your own or take an optional tour offered by Club ABC Tours to the surrounding areas. The outstanding Museu Calouste Gulbenkian, Portugal's showpiece museum features one of the finest collections of ancient world and European artifacts. Its fine collection of paintings includes works by Rubens, Rembrandt and Ghirlandaio's not-to-be-missed "Portrait of a Young Woman". Another popular attraction is the Museu Nacional dos Coches (The National Coach Museum) with a large display of opulent coaches built for the aristocracy, dating mostly from the 17th to the 19th century. Other options include a full-day Lisbon and Costa excursion or enjoy the Lisbon by night program, which includes dinner and a "Fado" folk dance experience. Your Club ABC representative will provide you with information on arranging optional tours during your stay. (Breakfast)
• Day 5 - Lisbon/Algarve: After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to Faro, Portugal's southern-most province, the Algarve. Bound by the Atlantic Ocean, the mountains of Caldeirao and Monchique, and by the River Guadiana, the coast is shaped by cliffs, grottos and rock formations linked by wide sandy beaches that make this region a scenic oasis. Enjoy a half-day tour with visits to Ponta Da Piedade for views of the bay. Visit Lagos, formerly the capital of the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula and was the last port before the Portuguese caravelas set off for their long sea journeys during the great Discoveries of the 16th century. The tour includes a guided visit of St Anthony (entrance fee not included), the slave market and the statue of Prince Henry, the Navigator. See the Promontory of Sagres, the symbol of the Portuguese epic. Five centuries ago here in Sagres, Prince Henry the Navigator founded the Navigation College, essential to the Portuguese Discoveries and seafaring future. You'll also visit Cape St Vincent. (Breakfast)
• Day 6 - Algarve: Today is at leisure. Perhaps take an optional tour to Seville, Spain's fourth largest city and the capital of the Andalucia region. Situated on the Guadalquivir River, it was in Seville's port that Christopher Columbus docked on returning from America. (Breakfast)
• Day 7 - Algarve: Spend the day at leisure relaxing at the hotel or exploring the Algarve region on your own. Perhaps take an optional tour to visit Carvoeiro, Algar Seco, located just 350 m from the hotel, overlooking the sea, and surrounded by magnificent rocky coastline. Carvoeiro's main church was built in the 16th century in true Manueline style. Take a dip in the warm sea or relax on one of the local beaches in Carvoeiro, Centeanes or Carvalho. (Breakfast)
• Day 8 - Algarve/U.S.: Transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (Breakfast)

View the tour highlights for this Algarve vacation package