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I
T I N E R A R Y
Prepared For: Ruggiero Party of 2
Portugal/Spain/Morocco
October – November 2001
Day 1/2
Sunday - Monday
21 October - In
transit to Lisbon (depart ABQ @ 9:00A on Sunday; arrive Lisbon at 12:20P (plus 1
day)). Transfer to hotel.
Overnight: Novotel Lisboa
(351-21-726-6022)
Day 3
Tuesday
23 October
- Lisbon
Today's sightseeing on the banks of the Tagus River includes two Manueline
jewels: Belem Tower guarding the
mouth of the Tagus and Jeronimos Monastery with the tomb of Vasco da Gama.
Drive past the Bull Ring to Pombal Statue and on along the grand Avienda
da Liberdade. Then, enjoy a walk
through the cobbled alleys of quaint Alfama, the quarter of the seamen.
Overnight: Novotel Lisboa
Day 4
Wednesday
24 October
- Lisbon-Fatima-Tomar
First stop on the northbound journey is medieval Obidos.
Go back in time as you pass the main gate in the impressive perimeter
wall and walk along the narrow streets. Continue
to Alcobaca to visit the Church of Santa Maria Monastery, building in the 12th
century for 999Cistercian monks. See
the elaborate tombs of King Pedro I and his Castilian lover Ines de Castro and
hear how she was murdered at the order of Pedro's father.
The fishing harbor of Nazare is the perfect place for a leisurely lunch
break. In the afternoon mix with
the pilgrims at the country's hallowed national shire, Fatima's Basilica of Our
Lady of the Rosary. Overnight in
Tomar, the historic seat of the mighty Order of the Knights of Christ.
Overnight: Dos Templarios
(351-249-321-730)
Day 5
Thursday
25 October
- Tomar-Porto
On the way out of
Tomar, visit the hilltop Convent of Christ with its famous Manueline window.
Further north, the Roman ruins of Conimbriga are eloquent testimony to centuries
of Roman influence. Tour the excavations, view the well-preserved mosaics, and
visit the museum. On to Coimbra, strategically situated on a hill overlooking
the Mondego River. After a visit to the gilded baroque library of its
700-year-old university, drive through the ancient Buçaco Forest.
Marvel at its luxurious variety of plants from various parts of the
world, carefully protected for centuries.
Overnight: Dom Henrique
(351-22-340-1616)
Day 6
Friday
26 October - Oporto
Morning sightseeing
with a local guide in Portugal’s second largest city, the bustling capital of
the north. After a panoramic drive to the mouth of the Douro River, see the
soaring cathedral, admire the richly decorated Church of Sao Francisco, and
visit the Stock Exchange with its contemporary Arabian Hall inspired by
Granada’s Alhambra. Before lunch there’s time to visit a port wine cellar
where the famous wine produced from grapes of the Douro Valley is aged in huge
vats.
Overnight: Dom Henrique
Day 7
Saturday
27 October
- Oporto-Viseu
Head inland to
Guimaraes, often referred to as the “Cradle of Portugal” because of its
association with the country’s first king, Alfonso Henriques. Next you reach
Vila Real, former capital of Portugal’s northeastern region of Trás-os-Montes.
Just outside town, visit the park and manor of Palacio de Mateus, whose picture
graces the label of the Mateus rosé wine. From here, a scenic road cuts through
the valley of the Douro River, which flows between terraced slopes where port
wine grapes grow.
Overnight: Melia Confort Grao Vasco
(351-232-423-511)
Day 8
Sunday
28 October
- Viseu-Evora
Enjoy splendid
views of Portugal’s highest mountain range, the Serra da Estrela. Pass Guarda,
the country’s highest city, and stop in Belmonte, birthplace of Pedro Alvares
Cabral, the discoverer of Brazil. Today Belmonte is a symbol of Jewish
awakening. Some of its inhabitants have reconverted to the belief of their
ancestors who, during the dark days of the Inquisition, were forced to accept
the Catholic religion. Cross the Tagus River, enter the Alentejo plain and look
forward to an afternoon break in enchanting Castelo de Vide. Time to walk
through the Jewish Quarter with its white-washed houses and take pictures of the
14th-century castle. Continue to Evora, the cultural center of southern Portugal
and a former royal residence.
Overnight: Albergaria Vitoria
(351-266-707-174)
Day 9 Monday
29 October
- Evora-Algarve
A massive wall
surrounds Evora’s medieval center, classified as a World Heritage Site. A
guided walking tour through its narrow alleys takes you to the Roman temple, the
early Gothic cathedral, Portas de Moura Fountain, and Sao Francisco Church.
Visit the Ossuary Chapel, whose walls are covered with thousands of human bones
and skulls. After lunch, proceed across the arid Alentejo plain to the Algarve,
Portugal’s most popular holiday area.
Overnight: Atlantis
(351-289-381-600)
Day 10 Tuesday
30 October
- Algarve
Join an excursion
along the enchanting southern coastline. History comes alive as you reach the
wind-swept promontory of Sagres, where Henry the Navigator lived and planned his
overseas expansion. Only a few miles away is Cape St. Vincent, the southwestern
corner of continental Europe, a dramatic cliff defying the waves of an
ever-angry Atlantic Ocean. After a lunch break in Lagos, return to your hotel
with time left for shopping.
Overnight: Atlantis
Day 11 Wednesday
31 October
- Algarve-Lisbon
Head north to Setúbal,
a major port and industrial center on the north bank of the Sado Estuary. From
here take the scenic route over the Serra da Arrábida and savor sweeping views
of the Tróia Peninsula. Catch glimpses of the castle of Sesimbra, which recall
fierce medieval battles between Christians and Moors. After crossing the Bridge
of April 25th you’re back in Lisbon.
Overnight: Novotel Lisboa
1 November
- Lisbon-Madiera Islands
Exploring on our own in Portugal's Madiera Islands, located some 600 miles from
the mainland.
Overnight: Pestana Carlton
(351-291-209-100)
Day 13
Friday
2 November
- Madiera Islands
Exploring on our own in Portugal's Madiera Islands, located some 600 miles from
the mainland.
Overnight: Pestana Carlton
Day 14
Saturday
3 November
- Madiera Islands-Lisbon
Return to Lisbon for additional touring.
Overnight: Lisboa Penta
(351-21-723-5400)
Day 15
Sunday
4 November
- Lisbon
Enjoy an excursion to Sintra, in the park like area west of Lisbon.
Overnight: Lisboa Penta