An Iberian Adventure:
Portugal and Spain
Especially Prepared for Focus Travel Club
18 Wonderful Days
September 17th to October 4th, 2007
$4599.00 from Denver
Estoril-Lisbon-Sintra-Tomar-Fatima-Porto- Evora-Seville-Granada-Marbella-Cordoba-Madrid-Toledo
Marvelous beaches, castle hotels, glorious art, stirring music, excellent food wonderful wines, astoundingly beautiful scenery, ancient monuments and sites, sophisticated cities and enchanting villages – all this and more will be ours to experience on this memorable Iberian Adventure.
Portugal is one of the most intriguing countries in Europe. Language, food, art, history and music are all dramatically Portuguese. It was in the Portuguese Algarve that the end of the world was thought to begin. The lighthouse at Cabo de Sao Vincente still sends its beams over the horizon to keep ships from falling off the edge of the earth. Compared to the rest of Europe the Algarve is still relatively untouched; nature has not yet been spoiled by over development. Nowhere else in all of Europe are folk art and folk crafts so readily available, so beautifully made, and so incredibly reasonably priced.
Spain is a country whose various layers of civilization can be seen in monuments, architecture, and art. From the cave paintings of pre-historic times to the rounded arches of the Moors; from Romanesque and Gothic to the “the Golden Age”, through magnificent paintings by a parade of geniuses from El Greco to Velaques, Goya to Picasso – it would seem that Spain was designed with the international visitor in mind.
During our Iberian Adventure we will have the pleasure of experiencing stays at some unique historic hotels: Paradors and Pousadas. The Spanish word "parador" historically means inn or stopping place and appears in many classical Spanish texts. Some of these buildings today are of enormous historical value, but in the early years of this century many were in a great state of neglect. In order not to lose these valuable properties to the ravages of time, in 1926 Spain's King Alfonso XIII ordered the restoration and opening of the first of what was to become a chain of paradors. Today, pousada and parador networks consist of uniquely styled lodgings, most of them in medieval castles and cloisters, stately palaces, reconditioned old mills, etc., considered in and of themselves to be of museum interest. What King Alfonso accomplished was the preservation of some of the country's most notable monumental structures, at the same time providing revenue to the country's treasury. Portugal quickly followed the lead of neighboring Spain and shortly after 1928, established a network of pousadas based on the same concept.
Come and join us on this exciting program that will include great accommodations in superior hotels and some of the very best Pousadas and Paradors. We will have memorable touring and memorable meals. Great times will be experienced by all!
A Personal Invitation from Focus Travel Club and Tumlare Travel Organization, Inc.:
Dear Focus Friends - Welcome to an amazing and unique offer to Portugal and Spain. Much effort has been made to personalize this program to fit the needs of the Focus Travel Club. This includes special meals and experiences along the way. I have also included a few hotel stays in historic properties. I am very excited about this program and hope that you will be joining us on our Iberian Adventure!
COST OF TOUR FROM DENVER $4599.00 pp plus taxes and airport security fees
RESERVATION DEPOSIT $500.00 pp
SECOND PAYMENT $700.00 pp DUE February 1st, 2007
FINAL PAYMENT BALANCE DUE June 17th, 2007
SINGLE ROOM SUUPPLEMENT**$1299.00
**Payment for single room does not guarantee a superior room, only ensures privacy.
NO SPACE CAN BE COFIRMED UNTIL TOUR REGISTRATION DEPOSIT IS RECEIVED BY TUMLARE. EARLY REGISTRATION IS ENCOURAGED. Tour cost is based on a minimum of 30 participants. There will be a per person surcharge should these numbers not be reached.
YOUR TOUR INCLUDES: Touring and services on an exclusive basis by private 53 seat A/C motorcoach. Roundtrip airfare from Denver (economy class). Porterage for one piece of luggage at airports and hotels. Welcome and assistance upon arrival. All airport transfers. Accommodations in First Class and Historical Hotels. All rooms with private facilities. Daily enhanced continental breakfast. Meals specified in itinerary. Touring and sightseeing as specified in itinerary. Professional English-speaking Tour Manager/Director from arrival until departure. Local licensed guides as necessary. Gratuities for drivers, escort and local guides as well as porter service of 1 piece of luggage per person at all airports and hotels.
YOUR TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE: Passport and visa fees. Items of a purely personal nature such as: extra beverages with meals, room service, telephone calls, personal expenses, etc. Meals not specified in itinerary. Airport taxes, facility and security fees (PFC’s) as presently levied. Travel Insurance – including trip cancellation and interruption – Highly Recommended.
METHOD OF PAYMENT: By personal check to: Tumlare Travel Organization, Inc, 615 Boston Post Road; Sudbury, MA 01776; Attention: Ms. Monica Benvenuti No credit card payments accepted.
REGISTRATION FORM: A separate Registration form and Terms and Conditions accompany this itinerary. Please read carefully, sign the Terms and Conditions and fill out the Registration form and mail with your deposit to Tumlare Travel Organization, Inc., at the above address. Please make a copy of the Terms and Conditions for your files.
Day 1 Depart Denver
We’re off to Lisbon for the adventure of a lifetime.
Day 2 Arrive Lisbon-Estoril (D)
Arrive Lisbon where our tour director will meet us, and we will board our waiting deluxe motor coach for the short ride to the Estoril coast on the Portuguese Riviera.- our home for the next three nights. The picturesque Estoril coast, known as the home of exiled royalty since World War II, basks in a warm, temperate, all-year-round climate. Grand homes, gardens, and mansions dating from the last century may still be seen. Estoril and its surroundings offer a rich variety of cultural and leisure activities, as well as one of the most beautiful stretches of beach in Portugal. Our hotel is located in Cascais, which still retains its past as a fishing village but has also blossomed into a stylish resort. Downtown Cascais has modern shops along cobble-stoned streets; yet, as you look out over the picture perfect harbor, you still see colorful fishing boats and the fishnets and traps down by the docks. Tonight we will have a light dinner at our hotel and call it an early night, so we will be fresh to start our touring the next day.
Overnight in Cascais
Day 3 Estoril – Lisbon - Estoril (B, L, D)
After a leisurely breakfast we set out to explore Lisbon. Our full day tour will begin with an orientation tour of the city. With a magnificent location on the north bank of the river Tagus, built over Seven Hills, Lisbon is one of the most charming capitals of Europe with magnificent monuments, intriguing, narrow streets and beautiful parks. We will include a visit to the Belem Tower. Commissioned by Manuel I, the tower of Belem was built as a fortress in the middle of the Tagus in 1515-21. Starting point for the navigators who set out to discover the trade routes, this Manueline gem became a symbol of Portugal's great era of expansion. The real beauty of the tower lies in the decoration of the exterior. Adorned with rope carved in stone, it has openwork balconies, Moorish-style watchtowers and distinctive battlements in the shape of shields. After our included lunch we will continue the tour with a visit to the National Coach Museum and Jeronimo’s Monastery. The National Coach Museum is the world’s finest collection of 15-19th centaury royal carriages. It is a must for any visitor to Portugal. Following the tour there will be free time for shopping.
In the early evening we will have a special welcome to Portugal dinner including Fado entertainment. Fado is the Portuguese equivalent of the blues. Although Portugal has other types of folk music, it is the Fado which has come to represent the country.
After dinner we return to our hotel.
Overnight inCascais.
Day 4 Estoril – Sintra - Estoril (B, L)
This morning we board our deluxe coach for a full day excursion.. Our day will begin with a drive to the western-most point in mainland Europe, Cap de Roca. The cliff rises out of the Atlantic Ocean to approximately 140 meters above sea level. On top of it sit a lighthouse and an observation deck. After our brief stop we will continue to the magical town of Sintra for a comprehensive sightseeing tour that includes a visit to a UNESCO World Heritage site, the 14th-century Royal Palace of Sintra. This is a highlight of every Portugal tour. After our included lunch there will be free time for exploration. Upon our departure (time permitting) we will make a visit to the Castelo dos Mouros, built by the Moors and captured by Christian forces in 1147. Its ramparts and guard towers are in great shape thanks to a 19th century rebuild and the whole place emanates a serene strength and mystery not found in many fortifications. Maybe it's the trees and shrubs sprouting in and around the structure, or maybe it's the incredible views; whatever the reason, it's a wonderfully romantic place. In the late afternoon we return to our hotel.
Overnight in Cascais.
Day 5 Estoril – Tomar – Fatima – Porto (B, D)
This morning we board our coach and bid farewell to the Estoril Coast. Our trip takes us north to the town of Porto. Along the way we will make stops in the towns of Tomar and Fatima. Our visit to Tomar includes the Castle which was conquered by the Arabs in 1147 and later confirmed in 1159 as the seat of the Order of the Knights of the Temple and from 1312 as the Order of Christ. The exceptionally well kept Castle-Convent of Christ will be visited with emphasis to the Medieval "Charola" (chapel), and the Renaissance cloisters. We will also view the Gothic-Manueline window which is the "ex-libris"of the town. In the churchyard there are several tombstones of Medieval knights who fought in the Crusades. In the town of Tomar there are some Gothic arched houses, the Romanic Cathedral and a 16th Century Synagogue turned now into the Jewish Museum and Memorial to the Portuguese Jews.
We will continue to Fatima the well known Roman-Catholic Marian Shrine. Here we will visit the Basilica and the Chapel of Apparitions that marks the spot where the 3 shepherd children had the visions in 1917.
In the late afternoon we will arrive in the town of Porto.
Our accommodation here for the next 3 nights will be at a historic Pousada de Portugal. These are a chain of exclusive hotels, located throughout Portugal. Their very name is synonymous with unique, quality accommodation where a warm welcome and personal service awaits every guest.
In each Pousada de Portugal guests will find comfort, history, and typical gastronomy.
One of the most attractive Porto Hotels is located in the Praça da Ribeira, in the heart of the historical centre of Porto and constructed on part of the mediaeval city wall. The Pestana Porto Hotel forms part of a block of town houses dating from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. This beautiful adjoining group of buildings was classified by UNESCO as part of the World Heritage site which extends along the Douro River. The hotel enjoys a magnificent view of Porto.
Dinner and Overnight at the Pestana Porto hotel
Day 6 Porto (B, L)
After breakfast it is time to depart for a city tour of Porto and its surroundings. Porto, the country´s second largest city, is in itself full of interest, but the district it heads, though largely industrialized, offers many interesting sights. Along the coast we will find holiday resorts, busy ports like Matosinhos, and traditional fishing towns like Póvoa de Varzim. Inland, we’ll discover the quaint charm of Amarante, with its 17th century mansions overlooking the river and its famous sweet egg pastries called "papos de anjo" (angel bellies). Following a short wander here, we continue to Vila Nova de Gaia, seat of a county of commercial and industrial importance. Facing Porto across the river Douro, Vila Nova de Gaia is the main centre of Port wine production. Thus, the heart of the city is dominated by the Port lodges with their characteristic red roofs emblazoned with well-known names. Over fifty companies based in narrow and twisting streets are engaged in blending and aging the famous drink. Our tour includes a nice luncheon and a special visit to one of the regions finest port wineries where we will have a special tasting
Overnight at the Pestana Porto hotel
Day 7Porto-Douro River Cruise (B, L)
No visit to Portugal would be complete without a cruise down the Duoro River. After an early breakfast, our coach takes us to the pier where we will board a river boat. The Douro River is one of Europe's most western rivers, connecting with the Atlantic Ocean. During the morning we will delight in views of gorgeous scenery, quaint villages and towns while relaxing aboard our Douro River cruiser. While we enjoy our included lunch, our cruise takes us through deep-cleft gorges terraced with thousands of vineyards, past sleepy villages and a tranquil countryside of almond and citrus trees.
Overnight at the Pestana Porto hotel
Day 8 Porto – Belmonte – Evora (B,L, D)
Today we bid farewell to Porto as we head south to Evora. Along the way we will make a stop for a brief visit and lunch at the tiny village of Belmonte. This interesting little town is dominated by a 13th century castle that was transformed into a fortified manor house in the 15th century by the family of Pedro Alvares Cabral, the discoverer of South America, who is said to have been born in it.
A treasured statue of the Virgin that accompanied Cabral on his voyages is in the town's parish church, and his tomb is in the Romanesque Santiago Church. A monument to the explorer stands in the town center, on a street with his name.
Adjacent to the castle is a warren of ancient alleys that make up the old Jewish quarter, still the residence of dozens of Jewish families today, and the largest Jewish community in Portugal.
In the late afternoon we arrive in Evora where we will be accommodated at the historic Pousadas de Portugal located here.
Dinner and Overnight Pousada de Évora - Lóios
Day 9 Evora (B)
After breakfast enjoy a half day tour of Evora. Classified as "Museum Town and World Heritage" by the UNESCO in 1986, Évora was first known by the Celts as Ebora, by the first Roman settlers as Ebora Cerealis and in 27 BC as Liberitas Julia. In the suburbs of Évora there are cromlechs, menirs and dolmens as well as remains from the Neolithic 3.500 BC. In Medieval times the town held the courts of the Portuguese Kings of the 1st dinasty (Afonsina - 1165) and of the 2nd dinasty (Avis) up to 1559. The Roman-Gothic Cathedral dating from 1186, the Church of St. Francis built in 1480 with its macabre Chapel of Bones, and the ruins of the Roman Temple of Diana are some of the places of great interest that we will visit. Small streets with Manueline (Gothic-Naturalist) geminated-windows and porticos as well as the "Moucharabieh" verandahs of Mudejar influence, lead to the Praça do Giraldo, the meeting point of Évora's inhabitants. After our tour you will have the rest of day on your own to explore Evora or relax.
Overnight Pousada de Évora – Lóios
Day 10 Evora – Seville, Spain (B, L, D)
After breakfast we depart Evora and bid farewell to Portugal as we head off to Spain and the city of Seville. We will make some stops along the way including a lunch at a local restaurant. We will arrive in Seville in the late afternoon. Our hotel will be centrally located and we will have time to relax or explore on our own before we depart the hotel for a special evening of great food and flamenco entertainment. Flamenco is a folk art, around 200 years old. Originating in Southern Spain it is individualistic, yet structured. Song, dance and guitar are blended into passionate rhythms which are often improvised and spontaneous. Flamenco may have any imaginable theme, from up-to-date stories, to politics, to love, to history, to humor. Often however, the tragic lyrics and tone of flamenco reflect the sufferings of the gypsy people from whom it originated.
Day 11 Seville (B)
After breakfast we begin our tour of. Sevilla--- the soul of Spain---city of Bullfighters and Flamenco. To begin our day we enjoy a breathtaking panorama from La Giralda, the stone minaret of the old mosque. The city's most striking monument, it can be seen from all parts of the horizon and its ringing toll bells can be widely heard. We'll visit the magnificent cathedral, "Magna Hispalenis", the third largest church in the world. The main altar, the world's largest, is a sheet of gold inlaid carved wood 65 feet tall, surrounded by the grand works of Murillo, Zurbaran and Goya. We’ll stroll in the serene Orange Tree Patio, preserved ornate patio of the mosque, on the grounds of which the cathedral is built. Back on the coach, we 'll pass the La Torre de Oro, on our way to explore the Alcazares Reales , an impressive complex of intricate palaces, gardens and patios, one of the greatest examples of Mudejar architecture in the world. From there we'll stroll along the narrow, twisting cobbled streets, and elegant patios of the Barrio de Santa Cruz to the Plaza de los Venerables
Day 12 Seville – Grenada - Marbella (B, L)
Excitement builds after breakfast as we depart Seville for Granada and our visit to the famed Alhambra Palace. Granada was first settled by native tribes in the prehistoric period. When the Romans colonized southern Spain, they built their own city here and called it Illibris. The Arabs, invading the peninsula in the 8th century, gave it its current name of Granada. It was the last Muslim city to fall to the Christians in 1492, at the hands of Queen Isabel of Castile. One of the world’s most brilliant jewels of universal architecture is the Alhambra,a series of palaces and gardens built under the Nazari Dynasty in the 14th century. This mighty compound of buildings – including the summer palace called Generalife, with its fountains and gardens -- stands at the foot of Spain's highest mountain range, the Sierra Nevada, and overlooks the city below. On our arrival we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch we will explore the Alhambra to our heart’s content. Later, we board our coach for the short ride to Spain’s famed Costa Del Sol where we will stay two nights in Marbella, widely considered the most beautiful town on the Costal Del Sol. We arrive in Marbella in the early evening.
Day 13 Marbella (B)
Costa Del Sol is about sun and relaxation so today is a free day to relax or walk around town and enjoy the fine shopping and small restaurants. Marbella, one of the most exclusive towns on the Cost del Sol, not only has one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain, but also an “Old Town” with some great shopping.
Day 14 Marbella – Cordoba (B, L, D)
After breakfast say goodbye to Costa Del Sol as we head north to Cordoba where we will have a guided tour of this most historic city. Cordoba was founded by the Romans and due to its strategic importance as the highest navigable point of the Guadalquivir River, it became a port city of great importance, used for shipping Spanish olive oil, wine and wheat back to Ancient Rome. The Romans built the mighty bridge crossing the river, now called "El Puente Romano". But Cordoba's hour of greatest glory was when it became the capital of the Moorish kingdom of El-Andalus. This was when work began on the Great Mosque, or "Mezquita", which – after several centuries of additions and enlargements – became one of the largest in all of Islam. Our tour includes a inside visit. After our tour we will enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant before we continue to Almagro and our final accommodations in a historic property, the Hotel Almagro de Parador. The San Francisco Convent (formerly the enormous Santa Catalina Convent) dates from the 16th Century and is one of the crown jewels of the Paradors hotels system. With its spacious, peaceful rooms, elegant corridors and beautiful patios, the Parador of Almagro will be a nice way to end our historic hotel stays.
Overnight at the Hotel Almagro de Parador
Day 15 Almagro – Toledo - Madrid (B, L)
This morning we depart for Toledo, capital of medieval Spain. A Spanish National Landmark, Toledo is little changed visually from the 16th century when El Greco roamed its streets and our time here will be one of the many highlights of our Iberian adventure. Upon arrival in this historic UNESCO town, we will begin our guided city tour with a breathtaking view of the city from the Alcazar (the same view seen in El Greco’s painting of Toledo). Next we’ll tour the Cathedral of Toledo which contains a extraordinary collection of El Greco's paintings, seventeen of which, including the famous "Expolio", hang along with those of Goya and Van Dyck. Also notable in Toledo are the Church of San Tome (where "The Burial Of The Conde De Orgaz" hangs), San Juan de los Reyes Monastery, and the Tavera Museum. Only in Toledo can we see a Jewish synagogue built in the Muslim style with a Christian name: The synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca. Here, also, is the Sinagoga del Transito now a Sephardic museum. After lunch (included) at a local restaurant, we’ll have an hour or two to explore Toldedo on our own before our coach takes us to Madrid – only an hour away.
Day 16 Madrid (B,)
We are in the capital of Spain and one of Europe's most exciting cities. No wonder the Madrileños are fond of saying "From Madrid to Heaven". Today’s full day tour includes panoramic sightseeing of the Puerta Del Sol with its imposing clock tower, Plaza Mayor, Royal Palace, Plaza de Colon and wealth of Monumental buildings, fountains, and plazas. A highlight of our morning will be the Prado Museum. At the Prado, three of Spain's greatest art masters are represented: Goya, Velazquez, and El Greco, but you'll also find great works by Rubens and Titian. The Prado first opened in 1819 to display the Spanish royal art collection and now the museum holds some seven thousand pieces of art. The collection includes sculptures, drawings, paintings and other art objects, Spanish paintings from romantic to 19th century styles, as well as important works by Italian, Flemish, French Dutch, German and English artists.
After visiting the Prado, we make our way to the beautiful Palacio de Oriente usually called the Palacio Real. The Royal Palace was built on the site of the old Alcázar, the moorish castle destroyed by fire in 1734. It is surrounded by the beautiful Sabatini and Campo del Moro parks. The palace itself contains furniture, tapestries, paintings and ceramics as well as other important works of art and frescos by Tiépolo. In the late afternoon we will return to our hotel This evening, perhaps some of us might like to visit one of the many popular Tapa bars, where delicious tapas, or appetizers, can be enjoyed with a glass of wine.
Day 17 Madrid (B, D)
This day is free to explore the city on your own. Madrid has so much to offer from great shopping to museums and great cafes. This evening we will have a special farewell dinner with local entertainment
Day 18 Madrid – Home (B)
This morning we will transfer to the airport for our flight home. We’ll leave with memories that will last us a lifetime.
For more information, contact Ellie Leinaweaver.