PORTUGAL: FADO, RIVERS AND SEA
The ultimate family trip: It has surf, whale watching, horse riding… and also wine tasting, cooking clases and time for visiting some interesting museums…Are you one of those families who never agree on a single thing? well, all of you will love Portugal!.
Tour Portugal:Fado, Rivers and Sea
Day 1
Arrival in Funchal
The clients will start their vacation directly in Paradise- Right in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the Island of Madeira is a haven of natural beauty and a dream destination for those who seek adventure vacations. Upon arrival a private luxury vehicle will take you to your enchanting accommodations.
Day 2
Funchal- Rappel and Hiking.
Transportation will pick you up from your hotel, to enjoy a morning full of excitement, starting at “Chao de Lagoa” in the Ecologic Park of Funchal at approximately 1.500 m high- from there, with an expert guide, you will have to rappel, swim and jump in order to advance along this beautiful route, one of the best to have your first experience with this amazing sport.
Neoprene suits are includid, you just have to bring your swimsuits, a change of clothes… And lots of enthusiam!
Day 3
Funchal- Whale watching
During this morning you will enjoy one of the most magical experiences of your journey, watching and swimming with whales and dolphins. For this experience, you’ll join a small group of other yourng active tourists- a unique, unforgettable experience!
Day 4
Funchal- Surf
The Madeira archipielago is a prvilege spot for surf lovers, with all sort of waves- from point breaks to reef breaks- that have conferred the island its well deserved fame as a quality surf location.
During this day, you will enjoy a private surf tour, with your private vehicle picking you up at your hotel and driving you to the best sport to practise this sport depending on the day climate conditions
Day 5
Funchal to Porto
Free morning to explore the city of Funchal, take your last photos and indulge in some last minute shopping. In the afernoon, a direct flight will take you to your next enchanting destination- the romantic city of Porto.
Day 6
Porto
Day to explore the colorful city of Porto, with its medieval relics, soaring bell towers, baroque churches and stately beaux-arts buildings piled one on another, with its centre – the Ribera District- having been declared World Heritage site.
Roam the historic centre, Sé cathedral, Bolhao Market, Santa Caterina Market street, Clerigos church and tower, Lello Bookshop, Stock Exchange Palace, Ribera Square… finally crossing the Douro River across the Eiffel-inspired Dom Luis bridge.
Day 7
Porto- Douro Valley
Through a unique landscape of moutain and valleys, one of the most famous nectars in the world was born: Port wine- designated World Heritage by the UNESCO, the wine valleys of the Douro Region provide some of the most beautiful scenery in Portugal.
Enjoy a leisure tour on a private minivan, indulging in a delightful wine tasting and picnic lunch in an award-winning wine state, before relishing in the afternoon a 3 hours private cruise on a traditional boat.
Day 8
Porto- Douro Valley
Another day to explore this amazing area, and taste the culinary delicacies that it offers, Your cooking class is located in a wine state overlooking the Douro. After visiting the vineyards and winery, we will head to the kitchen to discover some culinary and cultural delights. Relax after the cooking class and indulge in the mouthwatering lunch that you yourselves have just learned to prepare, well-accompanied by excellent wine.
Day 9
Porto to Lisbon
During this transfer-tour you will have the opportunity to visit Obidos, a charming walled town, with streets bursting with handicraft stores, linens, ceramics and souvenirs, and another Heritage site- Coimbra, a pristine town boasting the second oldest university in the world.
But the best is yet to come: spread across steep hillsides that overlook the river Tagus, Lisbon awaits to captivate you as it has captivated million of visitors during centuries. Windswept “vistas” reveal the city in all its beauty: Roman and Moorish ruins, white-domed churches and cathedrals, sun-drenched plazas lined by cafés…
Day 10
Lisbon
A private tour will help you discover the capital city of Portugal, stand in awe before the April 25 bridge, sister to the Golden Gate, and the towering Christ the King statue. You will venture throught the main squares and avenues with a short walking tour of the Alfama, St. Jorge Castle, and then continue to Chiado, Rossio and Bairro Alto.
In the afternoon, you’ll head to Belem, where you will visit the Jeronimos Monastery, and the Tower of Belem- before recovering forces tasting the famous pasteis de Belem, Lisbon’s exquisite pastry delicacies.
Roam the historic centre, Sé cathedral, Bolhao Market, Santa Caterina Market street, Clerigos church and tower, Lello Bookshop, Stock Exchange Palace, Ribera Square… finally crossing the Douro River across the Eiffel-inspired Dom Luis bridge.
Day 11
Lisbon-Daytrip to Sintra
Luscious gardens, fairytale castles and palaces, no doubt Royalty liked it so much: Day trip to yet another UNESCO world heritage site- the incredible city of Sintra- with its 19th century Romantic buildings, and the many Estates, Castles and Royal Retreats that surround it, visiting en route the Portoguese “Monte Carlo”
Day 12
Lisbon
Seize the day to roam freely around this enchanting city, complete those visits that you just can’t miss, and maybe go for some shopping.
In the evening, end your trip in style and treat you to some local fado: the soulful Portuguese songs, characterized by mournful tunes and lyrics, ofter portraying some story of loss and hopelessness, and infused with a sentiment of fatefulness, resignation and melancholia, loosely captured by the Portugues word “saudade” or longing.
Day 13
Lisbon-Departure
LTime flies when you’re enjoying yourself And though it may seem that you arrived in Portugal only yesterday, the time has come to depart again… After this incredible experinece, you will no doubt understand the meaning of saudade when you have to leave for home.
