Epicopia

Portugal -- a country of contrasts you will experience on this journey. We begin in Porto. First settled by Roman traders, Porto flourished during the era of maritime exploration. Guimarães, the birthplace of this nation, served as home to royalty. During our visit to these cities, we walk the gorgeous Praça de Liberdade to the São Bento Train Station, tour the Bolsa stock exchange, enjoy mouthwatering cuisine by the Douro River, and take part in the pleasures of sipping ports in one of the famous lodges.

From Porto, we head to Aveiro, a town with canals and colorful boats. You enjoy a private Fado concert in our secluded hilltop palace-turned-hotel, which overlooks the Buçaco forest. And you tour Coimbra, a historic and lively university town.

In Bucaco you have an opportunity to walk through the Buçaco Forest. This part of our tour shows us the Beiras territory, an unspoiled and scenic region that also offers a glimpse of the Romans, who inhabited Conimbriga.

We travel now into the Estremadura and Ribatejo territories to see the shrine of Fátima. You also visit the Dominican Abbey of Batalha, a masterpiece of Portuguese gothic architecture. And we’ll stop at the Alcobaça Monastery. The tombs of Dom Pedro and Inés de Castro represent the country’s finest Gothic carvings. And we visit the white walled village of Óbidos.

The coastline — stretching from Lisbon to Sintra — displays sophistication, intrigue and historic significance. The Lisbon coast offers a scenic drive up winding roads to the Pena Palace, an architectural fantasy featuring a spectacular view. We’ll lunch on the Estorial coast and stroll into the fashionable bay resort of Cascais, and enjoy a leisurely afternoon at Lisbon’s Azulejo museum.

This experience includes:

• Knowledgeable, regional, English-speaking guides
• Transportation throughout itinerary
• 10 nights accommodation in four- and five- star hotels
• 9 regional specialty meals included
• All taxes and services for included items
• Breakfast daily at your hotel
• All entry and admissions for visits listed in itinerary
• Pickup and return transportation to the airport

For more details, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call us at 972.771.3510 or 877.661.3844.

2010-2011 Tour Dates

Select your preferred dates year-round.
Contact us to inquire about availability.

Land Cost:

Guaranteed departure*
*With a minimum group of 4 people.

Cost: 4085 Euros (estimate per person)
Single supplement: 577 Euros (estimate)

*Travelers must purchase air to Oporto and from Lisbon.

Hotels:

• 2 nights: Hotel Infante de Sagres — beauty, luxury and tradition in the center of Porto
• 2 nights: Buçaco Palace amid extensive gardens and forest
• 2 nights: Hotel Dos Templários in Tomar, located on the edge of a green park in the center of town
• 2 nights: (Superior) Challet Fonte Nova in Alcobaça, small, charming and family operated
• 2 nights: Hotel Avenida Palace Belle Époque splendor in the heart of Lisbon