Portugal Southern Route
The Southern Route
Our basic 8-day journey is perfect for solo travelers as well as small groups of family/friends. Our trip is limited to 8 people and takes you from Lisbon into the vast Alentejo and to the Atlantic and the Algarve. Your guide and driver will unlock the wonders of the cities, bays and harbors and magnificent countryside.
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive & explore Lisbon
We spend our first day in fascinating Lisbon visiting elegant avenues and quaint calles (side streets), explore the ramparts of Castelo de Sao Jorge, ride a 100 year old tram, spend time in the neighborhoods of Biaxa and Rossio and taste the delicacies of the area. Our hotel is the former city Palace of the Taborda family, in the elegant quarter of Lapa.
Day 2: The sea, Sintra & Fado
We drive along one of Portugal’s most beautiful roads to Europe‘s western-most tip, and on to Sintra for an enchanted afternoon and then back to Lisbon for an evening of Fado.
Day 3: The Aletejo (Evora & Beja)
We voyage inland to the Aletejo, an immense rural area visiting Evora and driving through the vast fields of wheat, cork oak trees, olive and grapes, that now produce Portugal‘s best wines.
Day 4: Visiting Mertula & relaxing/cooking class at our Herdade
We explore, relax and stay in the Guadiana Valley area of the Aletejo. Possibilities abound – the only challenge is deciding what to do next… a hot air balloon ride, cooking lessons, bird watching, exploring ruins and castles or just relaxing – it is up to you to enjoy and choose.
Day 5: Flowers, birds & sea – the Alentejo countryside and the ocean in the Algarve
Takes us on a leisurely drive in direction of the Atlantic, to the Algarve region to enjoy the beauty of the coast, freshness of the sea, history of the region and amazing seafood.
Day 6: The Algarve, Lago and cruising the coastal coves
Day six is spent as you choose-swimming, bike riding or relaxing by the pool. We will have a cooking class where we learn to fill a crab the Portuguese way – all the while tasting some good, fresh Vinho Verde.
Day 7: Up the coastline to Setubal
Takes us north to Troia to enjoy sun, sand and dolphin watching, then take a ferry to Setubal and wander beautiful Caribbean-like beaches and savor seafood at night!
Day 8: Lisbon
We say adios to the amazing countryside and venture back to Lisbon, where you will either fly home or continue on this amazing journey with a trip extension to the Northern region of Portugal. Of course for those with later flights home, we will have time to visit a museum or stroll the attractive neighborhoods before heading to the airport.
The cost for this wonderful eight holiday depends on the number of travelers:
2 to 4 travelers: $5200/person, double occupancy
5 to 6 travelers: $3900/person, double occupancy
7 to 8 travelers: $3100/person, double occupancy
Solo traveler fee: $600
Optional Trip Extension:
We are thrilled to offer you the option of also exploring Northern Portugal. It may be a small country, but there is so much to do and see we can’t fit it all into one excursion. Both regions are wonderful and for those who have
the time, we can combine our two trips into a special 15-day once in a lifetime experience.
Our standard tour includes the following:
All airport transfers and in-country transportation in private, non-smoking, deluxe air-conditioned vans
English speaking tour guides
Concierge services
Entrance fees to museums, boat rides, and cooking classes
Seven nights in luxury hotels and quaint inns.
All meals- except two light lunches and two dinners
What’s not included:
International airfaire
All alcoholic drinks and beverages
Hot air balloon rides
Gratuities and tips
Custom Trips:
If you aren’t available to join us on one of our planned trips, no worries at all. Please let us help you arrange a memorable travel experience at a time that is convenient for you.