Lisbon • Fatima • Oporto • Deluxe All-Inclusive resort in Madeira
Active pace with longer touring days. Expect intermittent walking at a moderate pace for 2–3 hours over a variety of terrain, including cobblestones, hills and uneven pavements. Must be able to negotiate stairs of varying heights, sometimes without handrails. Can tolerate periods of standing during guided tours and be able to climb in/out of various modes of transportation. Some days may include 5–7 km of walking over the course of the day.
We depart for Lisbon—a direct, non-stop flight from Toronto.
Upon arrival we transfer to our hotel. Our Welcome Dinner is this evening.
Our tour of the Portuguese capital will take in the Old Quarter, where we’ll visit Jeronimos Monastery, and see the Belem Tower, and the monument of Henry the Navigator. The afternoon is free to explore on your own. Perhaps visit one of the many museums and galleries, or relax in a café.
A day to explore this amazing city at our own pace.
We drive along the scenic landscapes of windmills and fruit trees to the enchanting walled city of Óbidos, which has some of the most well-preserved medieval architecture in Portugal. We will see the castle and main square, and then continue to the colourful fishing village of Nazare, and to Batalha to visit the Monastery of Santa Maria de Victoria—one of the best examples of original Gothic architecture in Portugal. We continue to Fatima—a centre of Christian pilgrimage, famous for the shrine called the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary.
We depart for Coimbra, where we visit one of the world’s oldest universities, including its grand baroque library (subject to availability). Then we continue to Aveiro, known as the “Portuguese Venice”, where we see the graceful “moliceiros” boats with their distinctively decorated prows, and have a chance to taste the local sweets “ovos moles”. Then we proceed to Oporto—one of the oldest European cities, for a 2-night stay..
On our city tour of Oporto, we will visit the San Francisco Church and see the Palacio da Bolsa with its splendid Arabian Hall. We will also enjoy a scenic boat trip on the beautiful Rio Douro. Afternoon at leisure.
We transfer to the airport for our flight to the magical garden island of Madeira, for a 6-night stay at our Deluxe oceanfront resort. After arrival, we will have a welcome orientation of Funchal, including the Cathedral, a visit of the beautiful botanical gardens with their unique island species, and a tasting of the famous Madeira Wine.
Today’s full day tour takes us first to the Point of São Lourenço, where you can see both sides of the island at once. We continue to Porto de la Cruz and Guindaste to enjoy the magnificent scenic views. Then we proceed to visit the village of Santana, famous for its small houses with thatched roofs set amongst the Cathedral flowers, vines and apple orchards. Later we will visit a trout farm before continuing to Mount Poiso and the village of Santo da Serra, 1400 m above sea level.
At leisure to enjoy the facilities of the hotel and explore the charming town of Funchal. On the 2nd evening we will enjoy a folklore dinner with local specialties and wine.
At leisure to enjoy the facilities of the hotel and explore the charming town of Funchal. On the 2nd evening we will enjoy a folklore dinner with local specialties and wine.
Today’s tour takes us first to Estreito de Camara de Lobos to see its wonderful vineyards. We stop at the cliffs of Cabo Girao, the third highest in the world, for an unbeatable view of Funchal, and then continue to Ribeira Brava to see the church, and Madalena do Mar to visit a banana plantation. We descend the plateau of the island to Paul da Serra—a UNESCO protected nature park, before visiting Porto Moniz and its famous natural pools hollowed out of lava. On our return to Funchal we pass the beautiful Serra de Agua Valley and Laurissilva Forest.
At leisure for last minute souvenir shopping, strolling along the sea or on the streets of Funchal, or enjoying the facilities of our resort hotel. Your Tour Manager will be on hand for suggestions and possible optional tours.
We enjoy a final free morning in Madeira before we fly back to Lisbon and transfer to our hotel. This evening is our Farewell Dinner.
We fly direct from Lisbon to Toronto.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (90 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
