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Portugal 2-Centre Holiday

Cascais and the Algarve

Many excursions included!

Castles, history, sunshine, beaches, beautiful scenery, seafood, and above all the friendly people, are some of the features that make Portugal a perfect winter destination.

The Algarve is a wonderful resort region deep in the south of Portugal with much more to offer than its golden sand beaches and warm climate. We will stay in the lively town of Albufeira, a perfect base for exploring the surrounding Moorish towns, charming fishing villages, historic castles and churches, mountain views and spectacular cliff-edge vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. Albufeira is one of the most popular towns of the Algarve with picturesque white-washed buildings, a main central square, cobblestone streets and plenty of shops and cafes to enjoy.

Our hotel in the Algarve for our 8-night stay is the Vila Gale Cerro Alagoa, within walking distance of the town centre, beach, shops and restaurants. Facilities of the hotel include a buffet restaurant, pub, outdoor pool, fitness centre with an indoor heated pool, jacuzzi, games room and complimentary WiFi. Spacious guest rooms are twin-bedded with a pool-view balcony.

We then travel to Cascais in the north, stopping for a visit of the beautiful historic city of Evora en route. Once a quaint fishing village, Cascais is now a sought-after resort area on the Estoril coast, just outside of Lisbon. The harbour and square are popular for people-watching and seeing the fishing boats come in with their catch. The main square is pedestrian-only with many outdoor restaurants, cafes and shops.

We will stay 8 nights at the Hotel Vila Gale Cascais, a short walk from the town centre. Facilities of the hotel include a restaurant serving buffet meals with a live-cooking station, 2 bars, health club and delightful gardens with an outdoor swimming pool. Modern guest rooms all feature a lovely sea view and free WiFi.

*** Those joining any of our tours to Europe must be able to walk fairly long distances and climb stairs easily.

Itinerary / Excursions

Day 1.:

Santa Maria Coast. Faro

- capital of the Algarve, the typical Moorish fishing village of Olhao, and Tavira with its medievel castle and famous 4th century Roman bridge.

Day 2.:

Monchique Mountains

We begin with a visit to Silves, the old Moorish capital of the Algarve, to see the cathedral and visit the castle. Then on to the wonderful panoramic views from Foia, the highest point in southern Portugal.

Day 3.:

Lagos and Sagres

Lagos is known for its beautiful church and castle walls. Sagres is where Portuguese explorers learned their navigation skills. We also visit Cape St. Vincent - the westernmost point in Europe.

Day 4.:

Evora

On the day we transfer from the Algarve to Cascais we visit Evora en route. Portugal’s Golden Age lives on in this beautiful, historic city. On our walking tour we see the Roman temple and wall, the Gothic Cathedral, the Aqueduct and its fountains. This historic centre is on UNESCO’s Heritage List.

Day 5.:

Quelez, Sintra, Cascais and Estoril

We begin with a visit of the magnificent royal palace in Queluz, the country’s finest example of Rococo architecture. Then we take a short walk in the old city centre of Sintra (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), stop at the seaside town of Cascais and drive along the coast back to Estoril to see the famous casino and gardens.

Day 6.:

Lisbon

On our panoramic tour of the country’s capital city we see St. George's Castle overlooking the city, followed by a stroll in the Baixa district - considered the heart of Lisbon.

Then we will enjoy the scene along Rua Augusta - a lively pedestrian street with mosaic pavement, outdoor cafes, international shops and the occasional street artist and peddler. We continue to Belem to see the Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries and Jeronimo’s Monastery before sampling the famous custard tarts - “pasteis de Belem”.

Day 7.:

Obidos, Nazare and Fatima

A full-day tour to the medieval town of Obidos, the fishing village of Nazare, and Fatima - home to one of the most important catholic shrines in the world (dedicated to the Virgin Mary).

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