The Heartbeat of Portugal 2024

Arrive in Porto (D)

For those arriving in the same time-frame, a driver will meet us for a group transfer to our centrally located hotel.  We will be able to get into our rooms immediately upon arrival in the morning.

The rest of the day you may relax after your long flight, and maybe even take a walk to explore Porto on your own. Find the Majestic Café and try one of their fantastic desserts. 

Welcome Dinner at our Hotel Carris Porto Ribeira

PORTO (B,L) 

After breakfast, we will meet our guide who will take us on an exhilarating walking tour of Porto’s main landmarks. Located along the Douro River estuary in northern Portugal, Porto encompasses one of the oldest European town centers which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The first stop is the iconic Lello Bookshop, the oldest bookshop in Portugal, and often ranked as the most beautiful bookstore in the world.  It was frequented by J.K.Rowling, the author of Harry Potter, when she taught English in Porto.

We will have lunch at Chez Lapin in Ribeira Quarter, followed by visits to the most iconic city monuments, including the railway station of Sao Bento, with its stunning blue and white tiles, Porto Cathedral and San Francisco Church.

The rest of the afternoon is free to explore on your own.  Maybe scope out a restaurant for dinner with some of the new friends you have already made. Hotel Carris Porto Ribeira

DOURO VALLEY (B,L)

After breakfast, we will meet our guide-driver who will take us on a full day tour to the breathtaking Douro Valley Wine Region. This is a famous UNESCO Heritage Site recognized as the best river destination of Europe.

We will begin in the historical city of Amarante to see the impressive Bridge and Sao Goncalo Church.  Then, we’ll make a stop in Regua, the center of the Port wine region. The highlight of the tour is a visit to Quinta Do Seixo known for its amazing view from the top of the mountain to the vineyards. Here we are treated to a wine tasting and lunch.

Our route then takes us along one of the most beautiful roads of Portugal to the small town of Pinhão, where we’ll see beautiful blue tin-glazed ceramic tile-work called Azulejos at the famous railway station. Return to the hotel in Porto, dinner is on your own to enjoy a local restaurant.  Hotel Carris Porto Ribeira

COIMBRA (B,L,D)

Morning check-out and travel to Coimbra where our guide will take us on a half-day walking tour.

Coimbra, located in the heart of Portugal, was the medieval capital for more than 100 years and is the oldest university city in Portugal. Monumental, inspiring, and surprisingly charming, the city faces the Mondego River, crowned by the University and its stunning baroque library. Afterward enjoy lunch at O Trovador and then free time before dinner at the hotel. Hotel Vila Gale Coimbra

FATIMA, OBIDOS, LISBON (B,L,D)

Following breakfast, we will travel to Fatima, famous for its Sanctuary that is the largest place of worship in Portugal. This sacred site commemorates the appearance of the Virgin Mary to 3 peasant children in 1917 and remains a popular pilgrimage destination.

Then we continue to the charming town of Obidos to admire its medieval castle dating back to the 12th century and the authentic white painted houses with terracotta tiled roofs.

Stop for lunch in the lovely beach town of Nazare, revered by surfers as having the highest waves in the world, up to 100 feet!  We will have a great fish lunch facing the sea.

Our final destination is the city of Lisbon, the fabulous capital of Portugal! Upon arrival check-in at our hotel. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon exploring the magnificent city center or rest and relax before dinner at the hotel. Grand Hotel Altis Lisbon

LISBON (B,L)

After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of Lisbon with our guide to the most famous attractions, including Restauradores Square with the Obelisk commemorating Portugal’s independence from Spain in 1640.

Take a funicular up to the Bairro Alto and admire the view of the Mouraria district, the Sao Jorge Castle and the charming neighborhood of Chiado abundant in old cafés, shops and theaters. Then proceed to Baixa including Rossio Square and learn how the city was destroyed in 1755 by a massive earthquake, then totally rebuilt to become the city of today.

Continue to Alfama Lisbon’s oldest district to admire Se Cathedral, the city’s oldest church and Commerce Square. Continue to Belem Quarter, where we can admire the Jerónimos Monastery.

During our tour, we will enjoy lunch at Cozinha Da Estacao, followed by free time this afternoon and dinner on our own. Grand Hotel Altis Lisbon

FULL DAY TRIP SINTRA (B,L)

Today begin an exciting day trip to one of Portugal’s most beautiful destinations –Sintra, famous for its fairy-tale castles and beautiful scenery. Take the shuttle bus up to visit the lovely Pena Palace. Afterward enjoy lunch at Restaurante Curral Dos. Then head back to Lisbon with a stop at Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point in Europe. Continue to Lisbon with a stop in exquisite Cascais and Estoril. Dinner on our own this evening. Grand Hotel Altis Lisbon

LISBON TO ALGARVE (B,D)

After breakfast, we will head south to the popular vacation Algarve area and check into our resort hotel with beach access. Afternoon free time to explore the surrounding area or visit the beach.  Dinner at our Hotel Vila Gale Lagos

ALGARVE + BENAGIL SEA CAVES TOUR (B)

Morning free time to enjoy the hotel amenities, walk the beach and enjoy lunch at one of the beach restaurants.

After lunch visit one of the most beautiful locations in the Algarve on a boat tour to the Benagil Sea Caves, located just past Portimão. Sail past towering limestone cliffs, secret beaches, and rugged coastline until you reach the caves where your skipper guides you inside to admire the hole in its roof. Dinner on our own at the resort or a local restaurant.  Hotel Vila Gale Lagos

LISBON (B,D)

After breakfast, visit a cork factory and buy some souvenirs. Then, return to Lisbon to enjoy our last day in Portugal. Perhaps some final shopping for local treasures, explore more of Lisbon on your own, or return to some of the attractions you especially enjoyed on your earlier walking tour.

Enjoy your last night in Lisbon with a Group Farewell Dinner at the rooftop Restaurant Varanda de Lisboa and enjoy a beautiful view of the city, the Castle and the river. Grand Hotel Altis Lisbon

DEPARTURE (B)

Breakfast at the hotel and then group transfer to the airport for your flight home. You leave with new friendships and wonderful memories of a Magical Adventure in Portugal.

You feel confident walking at least 30-45 minutes at a time over a variety of terrains, from cobblestone streets, paved roads to easy straightaways or flights of stairs. The terrain in Porto and Lisbon is very hilly. Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. 

PORTUGAL JOURNEY COST:

$3975 per person in double room if paying by check, Venmo or Zelle.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
$750 if paying by check, Venmo or Zelle.

DEPOSIT

$650 non-refundable to reserve your space if paying by check, Venmo or Zelle.

FINAL PAYMENT due by June 1, 2024

$3325 by check, Venmo or Zelle.
Add single supplement, if applicable.

CHECK to Susan Duval, 200 Spruce St, Apt C5, Doylestown PA 18901
VENMO to Susan-Duval-2
ZELLE to SusanDuvalSeminars@gmail.com
CREDIT CARD via Paypal, send money to SusanDuvalSeminars@gmail.com

• Group arrival + departure transfers for same time frame flights
• English speaking guides + private group tour bus
• Entrance fees to attractions + tours included in the program
• Baggage handlers at the hotels
• 10 nights accommodations at 4 + 5 star hotels
• 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
• Gratuities to bus drivers, local guides + hotel staff
• City taxes in Porto + Lisbon

• International airfare.  Fly into Porto, depart from Lisbon
• Travel Insurance
• Meals not specified in the itinerary, alcohol, beverages with meals