Tentative itinerary:
Day 1: Mon., Mar. 4 – The tour will depart from Orillia behind Zehrs, Barrie, Bayfield Mall behind Canadian Tire Store& Tour Office. Departure times to be confirmed. A coach will shuttle to Pearson International Airport. (Overnight parking is available at our Tour Office.) We will travel on an overnight flight via Air Canada to Lisbon.
Day 2: Tues., Mar. 5 – Welcome to the Algarve. We will arrive early morning into Lisbon airport where we will meet our local tour guide followed by a transfer to our hotel in Albufeira. Our home for the next 10 nights is the 4 star Aqua Pedro do Bicos hotel in Albufeira. Our first day will be a free day to rest and relax. This evening, we will enjoy a welcome dinner. (D)
Day 3: Wed., Mar. 6 – Walking tour of Albufeira. Today included a guided walking tour of Albufeira. Discover the unique corners of this stunning coastal town’s history and charm and the main shopping areas. (D)
Day 4: Thurs., Mar. 7 – Enjoy a free day on your own to explore the delights of Albufeira. (B & D)
Day 5: Fri., Mar. 8 – A coastal trip to Lagos and Sagres. Today we will discover the medieval towns of Lagos and Sagres. We will visit one of Europe’s most south westerly corners with a visit to Cape St Vincent, the Sagres Fort and Lagos, including some free time to explore the cobbled streets of the historical town. (B & D)
Day 6: Sat., Mar. 9 – Free day in Albufeira. (B, L & D)
Day 7: Sun., Mar. 10 – Today we travel to an olive grove and discover how one of the world’s most infamous culinary delights are made. Enjoy a guided tour of the farm and learn how olives are pressed into liquid gold. (B, L & D)
Day 8: Mon., Mar. 11 – Free day. (B & D)
Day 9: Tues., Mar. 12 – Afternoon cooking class Today is a day for the foodies in our tour group. In the afternoon we will visit one of the Algarve’s renowned cooking schools and discover how to make some traditional Portuguese dishes. (B & D)
Day 10: Wed., Mar. 13 – Tour of Seville, Spain’s flamenco capital. This morning we will travel east and cross over the border into Spain on a 2-hour journey and visit Seville. One of Spain’s largest cities. We will enjoy a guided tour of the old quarters of Seville with its historical colourful lanes filled with orange trees. We will visit to the famous Seville cathedral followed by a Flamenco show in the evening before heading back to the Algarve. (B & D)
Day 11: Thurs., Mar. 14 – Free day to enjoy our final day in the Algarve. (B & D)
Day 12: Fri., Mar. 15 – After breakfast, we depart the Algarve and head north towards the interior of Portugal into the region of Alentejo, renowned for its cork forests. We will stop at a local cork farm to discover how this essential material is harvested. We will also visit a local vineyard for a wine tasting and lunch. After lunch, we continue east towards the town of Evora. Evora is a UNESCO world heritage site and renowned for its medieval history. We will visit the Church of Saint Francis and the Chapel of Bones. The chapel was built by the 15th century Franciscan monks and decorated with the remains of 5000 bonesOur overnight stay is at the Mar de Aqueduto Hotel in Evora. (B, L, & D)
Day 13: Sat., Mar. 16 – Today we will tour Lisbon’s historical quarters, the Alfama and Baixa. Enjoy a stroll through its cobbled streets brimming with colourful houses. We will visit the Praca da Comercio square, along with the Avenida da Liberdade, and the Pombal square and then check in for a 2-night stay at the Lumin Hotel Lisbon (B & D)
Day 14: Sun., Mar. 17 – Our touring takes us to the eastern side of the city where we will visit the tower of Belem, a monument dedicated to the Portuguese explorers, and the Jeronimo’s Monastery. We will visit the tomb of Vasco da Gama, Portugal’s most famous explorer. There will be free time in the afternoon to explore around the Alfama quarter. This evening we will enjoy a local dinner and experience traditional Portuguese fado music. (B & D)
Day 15: Mon., Mar. 18 – Today we depart from Lisbon, with wonderful memories of our time in Portugal. Upon arriving in Toronto, our coach will be waiting to return us home. (B)
Tour includes: transfer to Pearson International Airport in Toronto by motor coach, return flights, departure taxes, airport baggage fees round trip, motor coach transportation with Hamilton Tours Director, 13 nights’ accommodation in 4 & 5 star level hotels, hotel taxes, baggage handling for 1 large suitcase each, 12 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 12 dinners, attractions, museum visits and guided tours as listed in the itinerary.
Cost per person: Twin $6425.00 Single $7495.00
An initial deposit of $2500.00 per person is required upon booking with the balance due in full by Jan. 3, 2024
Please be advised that while this tour offers a leisurely pace, the Albufeira region is known for its hilly uneven terrain and cobblestone streets.
A valid Canadian passport is required for this tour. Travel insurance is advised and available through our office at time of booking at an additional charge.
