Portugal is the least explored corner of Western Europe. It is a country of rugged landscapes, sophisticated cities, rural backwaters, and sharply contrasting traditions. I am delighted with the following itinerary which will lead us on an exciting and varied look at central Portugal. You will be captivated by this very special journey - the magnificent sites, the exceptional opportunities to enter private domains and meet their owners, our lovely hotels, and varied dining experiences. And it’s a marvelous time of year to be there. This program was a huge success in 2004 and we are delighted to offer it again. There has been a great deal of interest so call soon to make your reservation. We’re going to have a wonderful time.
Saturday, September 16 Lisbon Hotel Lisboa Plaza
You may want to take time this afternoon for a restorative walk in the Botanical Garden nearby our lovely hotel - the Lisboa Plaza. We will meet this evening for a welcome cocktail and light supper in the stunning palace and gardens of the Marques de Fronteira where we will be welcomed by Doña Assunçao Mascarenhas. The lovely gardens are the most representative of the 17th century Portuguese garden style.(Cocktails & Light Supper)
Sunday, September 17 Lisbon Hotel Lisboa Plaza
Today we’ll start with a panoramic drive around Lisbon to see the Tower of Belem and the Monument to the Discoveries. We will also explore the magnificent Jeronimos Monastery and the Carriage Museum with a stop for one of Lisbon’s very special taste treats to fortify us as we continue on to the National Tile Museum. It is housed in the Madre de Deus Convent where we will have lunch after viewing the collection. In the afternoon we’ll tour the Richard Espiritu Santo Foundation of Decorative Arts in the legendary Alfama District, with its lovely furniture, textiles, and ceramic collections. This evening will find us at the private home of the well-known Portuguese sculptor, Juan Chartres de Almeida followed by dinner and a fado performance at the Casa de Linhares, accompanied by fado expert Vasco Telles da Gama who is a direct descendant of Vasco da Gama.(B/L/D)
Monday September 18 Estremoz Pousada Da Rainha Isabel
We leave Lisbon this morning and drive into the lovely region of Alentejo. Our first stop will be Arraiolos, renowned for its beautiful carpets. On to Evora, a captivating city that rises clean and white from the Alentejo plains. Lunch at the Pousada Dos Loios located in a former monastery. This afternoon a tour of the city, including the Roman Temple and the extraordinary Chapel of Bones in the Church of Sao Francisco. We drive on to the stunning Pousada da Rainha Isabel in Extremoz. Located in the castle within the medieval city walls, this is the site where Vasco da Gama received the Royal Standard from King Manuel before leaving for India. We’ll meet cuisine and wine aficionado Susanna Redman who will assist us in our discovery of the area before dinner at the Pousada. (B/L/D)
Tuesday, September 19 Estremoz Pousada Da Rainha Isabel
This morning Susanna Redman will share her recipes for Portuguese dishes with an international touch at a private quinta (country estate). I’m sure we can tempt her to share some of her very amusing stories as well. A discussion and tasting of regional wines and the legendary Port wines will precede our lunch. After we visit a most interesting olive oil mill where we will learn how the local olives are processed and taste the different oils they produce. The evening is free. You may want to relax at the Pousada or perhaps discover some of the local cuisine. (B/L)
Wednesday, September 20 Estremoz Pousada Da Rainha Isabel
Quinta Doña Maria, the lovely historic private home of the Bastes family, will be our destination this morning. The family are well known wine producers. After having sold their famous Quinta du Carmo brand to Rothchild Lafayette in 1991 they have again started their own production. Doña Isabel Bastes will lead us to the wine cellar after showing us the lovely family home. The tiles are truly extraordinary. On to the Tapada dos Coelheiros Winery. We’ll visit the cellars and enjoy lunch at the family home with a sampling of the famous dishes from the Coelheiros kitchens. Dinner this evening at the Pousada. (B/L/D)
Thursday, September 21 Busacco Hotel Palace do Busacco
Another marvelous day ahead, this time at the Quinta do Gaio de Cima, near Santarem, the private breeding farm of the famous Luisitano horses. We will be welcomed by the very lovely owner Doña Maria deo Carmo Infante da Camara after which we will enjoy a dressage exhibition while tasting the wine from their private vineyards, reportedly the finest in Portugal. After lunch we have a real treat as we visit the estate’s “brave bulls” which they also raise. We’ll say farewell and head on to Busacco and the Busacco Palace formerly a royal hunting lodge and today an amazing hotel renowned for it’s enchanting location, sumptuous atmosphere, and fine food. Dinner at the hotel. (B/L/D)
Friday, September 22 Busacco Hotel Palace do Bussaco
A morning drive to Coimbra. As the site of the first Portuguese university this city has been considered the intellectual center of the country since the 16th-century. We will visit the university and the impressive cathedral. Lunch on our own in Coimbra. The lovely gardens of the Busacco Palace and the immense forest that surrounds it will be ours to explore at leisure this afternoon. Dinner at the hotel. (B/D)
Saturday, September 23 Sorrel de Monte Agar Quinta Salvador do Mundo
En route to Sobral de Monte Agraço near Torres Vedras we visit the Monasteries of Santa Maria in Alcobaça and the flamboyant Gothic and Manueline Monastery of Batalha. The charming Teresa Paiva, owner of Quinta a Salvador do Mundo, our home for the next two nights, will greet us before we enjoy a light lunch. A cooking demonstration at the quinta plus a discussion of traditional foods, holidays, and entertaining at home will give us an intriguing insight into Portuguese culture. Cocktails and a candlelight dinner follow. (B/L/D)
Sunday, September 24 Sorrel de Monte Agar Quinta Salvador do Mundo
The atmospheric town of Obidos, the domain of the queens of Portugal, will be our focus today. Have your cameras at the ready for this most photogenic of towns will surely charm you. This evening a wine lecture and tasting at the Quinta de Panics followed by dinner. We will return to Quinta Salvador do Mundo for the night. (B/D)
Monday September 25 Lisbon Hotel Lisboa Plaza
Sintra, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995 will occupy our attention this morning. Following, we will be welcomed by Madame Françoise Baudry for cocktails and a light lunch at her private home and garden Quinta da Bemposta. Free time this afternoon before our farewell dinner of Portugal’s best lamb at the delightful family-run Tasquina dos Adelaida. (B/L/D)
Wednesday, September 26
After breakfast we will say adeus to Portugal (B)
Cost: $5995.00 based on sharing a room. Exclusive occupancy supplement: $945.00
Deposit: $800.00 with balance due June 1, 2006
Included: Fully escorted by Sara Monick; 10 nights accommodations; 9 breakfasts; 8 lunches; 6 dinners; services of local guides, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, sightseeing and private visits as described, gratuities in restaurants and porterage of luggage in hotels. Limited to 15 participants
Not Included: Airfare, arrival or departure transfers and any other item not specified in the itinerary.
Travel and Trip Cancellation Insurance is STRONGLY recommended. Please call us for a brochure.
*Hilliard & Olander Ltd. does not accept liability for any airline cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable ticket in connection with this tour. **Substantial changes in the value of the dollar may require changes in the price of the tour.
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