And
PRESENT…….
SUNNY PORTUGAL
April 21-30, 2017
Don’t be fooled by Portugal’s size: this small country is a hidden gem and is packed with vibrant culture, history, and natural beauty. Nestled between Spain and the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal contains striking landscapes ripe for exploration, from the exceptional beaches to the lush vineyards. Its mountainous interior is dotted with hilltop castles and villages. Whether marveling at azulejo-studded palaces near Lisbon or relaxing in a countryside pousada with a glass of wine, you’ll be charmed by the rich and varied experiences Portugal provides.
Come join us on our Silver Connections trip to sunnyPortugal in April with its miles of dramatic shoreline and legacy of global discovery. Enjoy a three-night stay in the beautiful resort town, Cascais. Savor time to meander its narrow cobblestone streets, oceanfront promenade and quaint bay area.
In Evora, step inside a medieval walled city with Roman ruins.
Travel toPortugal's scenic “Silver Coast,” dotted with charming villages and castles.
Enjoy a sense of country life with an overnight stay in the heart of Alentejo’s farms and vineyards. Find a wealth of Portuguese hand-made crafts like the famed azulejo hand painted tiles and unique items made of cork.
Indulge inPortugal’s fresh cuisine and wines during an interactive cooking class and two winery tours. Be swept away by the melancholy Fado tunes. Explore Algarve’s soft sandy beaches and classic fishing villages.
Discover the narrow cobblestone streets, old palatial villas and mild climate with a 3-night stay on “The Portugese Riveria”
This trip includes beautiful first class accommodations, some on the water, in convenient locations.
Itinerary
Day 1: Apr 21, 2017: Overnight Flight
Portugal - a historic land of great explorers - is waiting for your own exploration. Discover ancient castles, Roman ruins, groves of lemon and almond trees, quiet whitewashed villages, and kind, gentle people.
Day 2: Apr 22, 2017: Cascais, Portugal - Tour Begins
Your tour opens in Cascais, a scenic coastal resort on the “Portuguese Riviera” and your home for three nights. The mansions scattered about Cascais and nearby Monte Estoril hint at its history as a haven for exiled European royals and nobility. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. (D)
Day 3: Apr 23, 2017: Cascais - Lisbon - Cascais
This morning, tour Lisbon, Portugal’s capital set on seven hills overlooking the Tagus River.Your tour highlights the Moorish Alfama Quarter. See the 16th-century Jeronimo’s Monastery (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and the Monument to the Discoveries, which honors intrepid Portuguese explorers and their patrons. The impressive Belem Tower, also a UNESCO site, features carved rope and balconies that stand watch where great navigators once set forth. Later today, enjoy leisure time in Cascais. Stroll its narrow cobblestone streets, walk the wide oceanside promenade or shop for ceramics, lace, filigree, hand woven works and tapestries. This evening, savor excellent Portuguese cuisine and wine while local artists perform the traditional Fado (UNESCO).(B) (D)
Day 4: Apr 24, 2017: Cascais - Sintra - Obidos - Fatima - Cascais
Begin your day exploring the picturesque town of Sintra, a UNESCO site and the favorite summer residence of Portuguese kings for six centuries. Travel to Portugal’s beautiful “Silver Coast,” a spectacular region filled with sleepy villages, rich vineyards and age-old castles. Proceed to picture-perfect Obidos where white washed houses are held snug by medieval city walls. Later, visit Fatima, the world-famous Marian pilgrimage site. (B)
Day 5: Apr 25, 2017: Cascais - Evora - Monsaraz - Alentejo
Travel through beautiful Portuguese countryside and stop in historic Evora (UNESCO), known as the “Museum City of Portugal.” Inside this medieval walled city lies a 2nd-century Roman temple to Diana. Then, journey to the hilltop, walled village of Monsaraz, a “jewel in the crown” of the Alentejo. This small medieval town has carefully preserved its original charm. From the 13th-century castle you’ll enjoy amazing panoramic views of the countryside. Next, indulge in a winery tour and a tasting of the full-bodied character of the region’s wines.Enjoy your stay in the heart of Alentejo’s countryside during an overnight at a country resort set among 3,000 acres of farm land, vineyards and cork trees.(B) (D)
Day 6: Apr 26, 2017: Alentejo - Sagres - Lagos - Algarve
Travel to the famous Algarve anddiscover the secrets of the 16th-century fortress at Sagres,home of Prince Henry’s School of Navigation and the “compass rose.” You will also garner magnificent views of beautiful Cape of St. Vincente where 200-foot cliffs plunge into the Atlantic at the most southwesterly point of Europe. Next, explore the historic resort town of Lagos, where Moorish and Renaissance influences abound. Here, the famous voyager, Prince Henry the Navigator, began his explorations and from the harbor, Vasco da Gama sailed in 1499 on his epic voyage of discovery. Stroll through the fortress and historic buildings while taking in the surrounding ocean views during some leisure time. (B) (D)
Day 7: Apr 27, 2017: Algarve
The entire day is yours to independently experience the beautiful Algarve. Geraniums, camellias and oleanders grow alongside fig, orange and almond trees while brightly colored fishing boats bob on the seas. Protected by hills to the north and warmed by the sea, the Algarve’s mild climate and beautiful beaches attract vacationers from all over the world. (B) (D)
Day 8: Apr 28, 2017: Algarve - Faro - São Brás de Alportel - Algarve
Journey to Faro, gateway to the Ria Formosa protected lagoon landscape. Explore the city’s historic center with 9th-century Roman walls, dramatic golden coastline, along with its archaeological and architectural gems. Portugal is the world’s number one producer of cork. In historic São Brás de Alportel,visit a local cork factory and museumto learn about its importance to the local economy and its many uses. Later, a presentation by a local liqueur maker is followed by a tasting of some of the many varieties produced in the region.Your day comes to an end with a cooking demonstration of Portuguese cuisine followed by a sumptuous dinner featuring local delicacies and wine. (B) (D)
Apr 29, 2017: Algarve - Azeitao - Lisbon
En route to Lisbon, visit Azeitao, a charming agricultural village known for red wine, olive trees and beautiful country estates. Visit a family-run shop that demonstrates how azulejos, the famous hand-painted Portuguese tiles, are made. Next, visit the Azeitao Wine Museum at the centuries-old Jose Maria da Fonseca Winery for a tour and tasting of local wines, including moscatel. Later, bid “adeus” to Portugal during a dinner celebrating the end of a wonderful tour. (B) (D)
Apr 30, 2017: Lisbon - Tour Ends
Your tour comes to a close today.
PRICE/PER PERSON
Double $3,449
Single- $3,849
Triple- $3,419
This 10 day trip price includes: round trip airfare, air taxes, all hotel accommodations, includes transportation to and from the airport to the hotels, all tours and sites, transportation while in Portugal and 14 meals. “Hometown Pickup” is also available which is transportation provided to and from RDU airport for our members from a designated location in the Triangle.
AVAILABLE OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
Algarve
Coastal Cruise with Algarvian Cave Expedition, Portimao Museum and Dinner •$110pp
At one time, Portimao was the “sardine capital of the world”. Visit the Portimao Museum, located along the river front, and housed in what was one of the main sardine canning factories in Portimão. The museum contains many of the original machines used in the industry. The grandparents and great grandparents of many of Portimão’s current residents earned their living here. Next, set forth on your own Age of Discovery on the two-masted Caravela Santa Bernarda. This reconstructed ship recalls Portugal’s golden days of sail and exploration. Enjoy an afternoon cruise departing from the historical harbor of Portimao, sailing along the Rio Arade. Sail by Ferragudo, a typical Algarvian fishing village full of tiny, colorful boats. Enjoy the unusual maritime view of two medieval forts. Continue along the amazing coast for breathtaking views of the majestic rock formations for which the Algarve is known. If you choose, set sail in smaller boats and glide into the grottos of the famous Algarvian caves. Celebrate your discoveries during a dinner in a local Portimao restaurant, savoring delicious Portuguese cuisine and wine. This excursion is subject to operation depending on weather conditions. Also due to weather conditions, this excursion may operate in the morning (lunch will be included instead of dinner) instead of the afternoon.Duration: Approximately 6 hours.Please note a minimum of 15 passengers is required. Transportation is included.
Cascais
Dinner at Cozinha Velha Restaurant (The Old Kitchen), Queluz Palace •$85pp
Queluz National Palace is one of Portugal's most sumptuous palaces. Built in 1747, the palace was long used as the summer residence for royals and is the country's finest example of Rococo architecture. Nowadays, this palace is used by the Portuguese State as a residence for government and state chiefs that visit Portugal. Located in one of the palace’s wings is Cozinha Velha Restaurant; once the kitchen of the palace, it still has the charm of yesteryear. Cozinha Velha is an endearing place, built in grand style with the original rectangular layout and structures. Today, it is considered one of Portugal’s finest restaurants with a colorful dining room favored by those seeking a gourmet dinner in a romantic setting. The dining room is like a small chapel, with high stone arches, a free-standing fireplace, marble columns and a 20-ft marble table laden with baskets of fruit and vases of flowers. Enjoy a delightful 3 course dinner prepared according to the most genuine recipes of Portuguese traditional cuisine, complete with wine, coffee or tea and mineral water.Duration: Approximately 3 hours.Please note a minimum of 25 passengers is required. Transportation is included.
AVAILABLE OPTIONAL EXTENSION TRIP
***We will also be offering a 5 day optional extension on to the end of the above trip. April 30-May 4to Madeira Island, the “Pearl of the Atlantic.”
Registration form and $ 250.00 deposit (and optional insurance payment) due by October 5, 2016
Remaining balance/final payment due by February 5, 2016
* If you are interested in a single room: single rooms are very popular and go fast. It is recommended that you go ahead and send in your deposit (and optional insurance) once you decide to go on this trip to secure a single room. If you end up not being able to go, you will get a full refund if you cancel before 10/10/16.
In addition, our group will have a tour escort with us on the whole trip- from beginning to end.
They have comprehensive knowledge of the destination and a passion for sharing it, but they also handle all the details of travel, so you can sit back and enjoy the trip. It's like traveling with a friend who knows the area. And one who doesn't mind doing all the work. The tour escorts that Silver Connections has had on past trips were excellent and a wonderful addition to the trip!
If you would like a roommate,please let Laura Kay know as there will be other members who will be wishing to share a room.
Collette also has thebest insurance/cancellation waiver in the industry.
As long as you have purchased the optional insurance, you can cancel your trip up until the day prior to departure for any reason - sickness, change of heart or any reason whatsoever-and you will receive a full refund, minus the small cost of the insurance. That's a cash refund, not a voucher or certificate. The cancellation waiver and insurance plan covers you on tour also. If you have to stop your trip or return home early due to a family emergency, need medical assistance or evacuation, delayed for more than 12 hours - you're covered. Insurance is $280.00/person and is due at the time of deposit. It is the same price for everyone, regardless of age – you are not required to pay more as age increases.
Your family and friends are welcome!
If you have friends or family members who would like to join us…..they are welcome! If they do not live in the Triangle, Collette will arrange their air transportation from where they live to meet up with our group for the trip!
Only current members(and their friends and family) are welcome to go on our Silver Connections trips. No former members are permitted.
Collette Travel is a third generation business which was founded in 1918. Today, it offers tours to all seven continents. Silver Connections has partnered with Collette since 2009. They have arranged our past trips to Italy (twice), France, a Mediterranean Cruise, Spain and more. Collette is also arranging our upcoming trip to Ireland this October.