Portugal and the Azores - Departs 13th April 2021 a - Sydney
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Portugal and
the Azores
Departs 13th April 2021
Itinerary correct as at Sep 9, 2020 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au
$14,950 pp
Ex Syd/Mel, twin-share,
economy class flights.
Single supp $1,990
PORTUGAL AND THE AZORES
Portugal is a traveller’s dream come true. You’ll find fortified towns with cobblestoned streets, well
preserved castles dating back to the medieval period, glorious beaches, food and wine to die for
and magnificent coastal and inland scenery. It has no less than 15 UNESCO-listed cultural and
natural sights! All-the-more fascinating when you consider this tiny country is just 92,000kms -
meaning it can fit into Australia over 82 times. The fact that it is a small country, means getting
around and seeing the core sites is easy. You don’t need to spend long days travelling from place to
place. In the morning you can be on a beach, by lunch time in the mountains and in the afternoon, a
vineyard! Plus, Portugal is relatively inexpensive in comparison with some of her European
neighbours – especially the wine.
Once a medieval super power due to its superior navigational skills, Portugal has history at every
turn. It was visited – invaded – by the Romans, the Celts, The neighbouring Moors and Christians.
Today, the country is primarily a Catholic society with over 80% of the 10.5 million inhabitants,
identifying as being Catholic. Portuguese is the 6th most spoken language in the world. This is
mainly due to the colonisation of countries like Brazil, Angola, Mozambique and even parts of India
and the sub-continent.
On our small group tour to this fascinating country, you will not only visit the best on offer on the
mainland, you’ll also visit some of the Isles off the coast in the Atlantic - Madeira, Sao Miguel, Faial
and Pico in the Azores. The scenery on these volcanic islands will take your breath away, as will the
fresh seafood at the numerous fishing villages on the coast.
Grab your camera, hat, sun glasses, bathers and appetite!
Itinerary correct as at Sep 9, 2020 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au
Day 1, Tuesday 13th April of a style and epoch
IN TRANSIT in which theatricality;
Depart Australia for flight to Lisbon (flights to be appearance and open
confirmed). Meals in flight spaces were revered.
The Palace is
Day 2, Wednesday 14th April sometimes compared
LISBON to Versailles, because
Welcome to the sunniest city of Europe – Lisbon. On of its elegant facades,
arrival, transfer to the hotel for a rest after a long journey. its beautiful gardens
Then, we’re off for a brief tour of the city and its and baroque
environs. We’ll visit the Belém district for afternoon tea fountains, statues and secluded locations. Queluz
where we can admire the Jeronimos Monastery a fine Palace is nevertheless uniquely Portuguese in its scale
example of the most characteristic style of Portuguese and artistic spirit. We return to the hotel in Lisbon late in
architecture. After trying the famous “Pasteis de Belém” the afternoon and head to dinner with a show in a typical
custard tart, we will stop to view Belém Tower and the Fado house called “Faia”. Overnight in Lisbon. B/D
Monument to the Discoveries. Tonight we will enjoy a
Day 4, Friday 16th April
welcome dinner. D
LISBON – EVORA – LAGOS
Day 3, Thursday 15th April After breakfast we’ll make our way west, through the
LISBON – SINTRA – CABO DA ROCA – world’s largest cork tree region, for a journey into the
QUELUZ – LISBON past. In Evora, capital of the province of Alentejo, we’ll
We’ll begin the day with early breakfast and departure visit to the ruins of the Roman Temple, the Romanesque
for Pena Palace, an astonishing castellated building of Cathedral, the St Francis church with its Bones Chapel
the 19th century. Firstly a walking tour of the fairytale and the University. A walk around the streets is a
village of Sintra, an opportunity to wander the streets of wonderful way to enjoy this UNESCO-listed town. Enjoy
the picturesque town and enjoy lunch in one of the local a lunch in a café of your choice in the quaint shopping
cafés (own cost). After lunch we’ll head to Roca Cape, precinct. After lunch we’ll travel south to the Algarve
the westernmost tip of continental Europe. We continue region, the southernmost region of Portugal where the
towards Queluz to visit Queluz Palace a prime example Mediterranean meets the Atlantic. We will stay in the
Itinerary correct as at Sep 9, 2020 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au
ancient and picturesque resort town of Lagos. We arrive Day 7, Monday 19th April
late afternoon and will have dinner at the hotel. B/D COIMBRA – DOURO VALLEY
Day 5, Saturday 17th After breakfast, we continue northwards towards historic
April Coimbra. We’ll take a panoramic tour of the city
LAGOS – SAGRES – including the famous Hotel Quinta das Lagrimas. The
FATIMA setting of this remarkable hotel is a wooded, lake-strewn
estate, where the romantic memory still lingers of the
After breakfast we will tragic love affair between Royal Prince D. Pedro and the
depart for Lagos, a beautiful doomed Inez de Castro, put to death by order
historical city, fishing of King and, to this day, mourned and sung by the poets.
port and important We’ll enjoy a walking tour to see the historic parts of the
tourist centre. The town including one of the oldest universities in Europe
walls and bulwarks of before stoppingfor a lunch in one of the cities quaint
the city date from the 13th century to the 15th century cafes. After lunch we’ll drive to the upper reaches of the
and are the longest in the Algarve. There are still Douro Valley, one of the Portugal’s main port wine
(modest) remains of the first slave market near the main production regions. We’ll arrive late afternoon. Dinner is
square. After visiting the “Santo Antonio” Church at the hotel. B/D
magnificently covered in carved Gold and Baroque
woodwork we drive on to “Cabo de São Vicente” with its Day 8, Tuesday 20th April
lighthouse and then to Sagres Fortress where reality and DOURO VALLEY
myth merge in the memories of Infante D. Henrique.
Today, a boat tour of the Douro Valley travelling on the
Classified as a national monument, the original fortress
river from Pinhão to Tua, return. We disembark and
of the Infante D. Henrique, from the 15th Century, was
continue to the spectacular and historic vineyard of
destroyed during the raids of Sir Francis Drake from the
Quinta do Seixo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We
southern coast of Spain. It was rebuilt during the 17th
will tour the winemaking facilities and learn about the
and the 18th Centuries. Continuing the Southeast coast
tour, we visit Vila do Bispo to enjoy the stunning natural Portuguese wine making industry. The view from Quinta
do Seixo is breathtaking - a magnificent landscape
beauty of the coastline before turning north on our way
shaped by terraced vineyards set against the Douro
to Fatima in central Portugal. Dinner and overnight in
River and overlooking the picturesque village of Pinhão
Fatima. B/D
nearby. Our lunch today is in a beautiful riverside setting,
Day 6, Sunday 18th where we will experience traditional Portuguese flavours
April recreated by hef Rui Paula. After our leisurely lunch,
FATIMA – we’ll continue with our exploration of the port wine
ALCOBAÇA – making industry and visit the historic and quaint Quinta
ÓBIDOS – NAZARÉ do Tedo, located at the southeastern banks of the
– FATIMA confluence of the Rivers Têdo and Douro. Late
afternoon, there’ll be time to explore some local cafes for
After breakfast, we’ll dinner at your leisure. Overnight in Douro Valley. B/L
visit Fátima – a
world-famous Day 9, Wednesday 21st April
pilgrimage site, DOURO VALLEY– BRAGA – GUIMARAES –
where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to three PORTO
shepherds on the 13th of May 1917. After visiting the
After breakfast, we make our way to the historic city of
famous shrine, we’ll continue to Alcobaca to visit the
Braga. Founded by the Celts in 300 B.C. Braga later
church and cloisters of the Monumental Cistercian
became a Roman administrative centre in 27 B.C.
Abbey of Santa Maria, founded in 1152 (UNESCO
Bracara Augusta, as the Romans named it, is a bustling
Heritage-listed). This impressive church is the resting
city which combines religious importance with modern
place of the Royal Prince D. Pedro and Inez de Castro.
commercial and industrial prosperity. We will take a
After lunch, we continue towards the fishing village of
walking tour of the historic township to visit the
Nazare, known for its colourful boats dotted along the
Cathedral, built over the period between the 12th-18th
beach and its huge surf! We can admire the views from
centuries), the Treasury and the Sacred Art Museum; the
“Sitio” and see the spot where Garreth McNamara broke
Museum at the Biscainhos Palace. We then visit the
the world record for the largest wave ever surfed. We’ll
sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, which features
have some free time to enjoy the scenery and to walk
fabulous views of the city and boasts the spectacular
along the beach, before we head north to the
monumental Baroque staircase to the sanctuary. After
picturesque town of Obidos. Completely surrounded by
lunch and some time to wander the Braga shopping
ancient defence walls, Obidos is a charming town to
precinct, we visit the medieval Palace of the Dukes of
explore, with its narrow-cobbled streets, traditional
Bragança (15th century) in Guimaraes. Guimaraes is
painted houses, and an imposing medieval castle. The
reputedly Portugal’s birthplace, with a medieval castle
quaint shops here sell unique hand-painted Portuguese
and walls housing a magnificently well-preserved historic
tiles, linen and the distinct cherry liquor “Ginginha” which
centre. After our tour of the historic centre we will
is served in cups made of chocolate. Dinner tonight is at
continue to Porto for dinner at the hotel. B/D
your leisure. B
Itinerary correct as at Sep 9, 2020 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au
Day 10, Thursday 22nd April Day 13, Sunday 25th April
PORTO MADEIRA – LEVADA WALK
Today we’ll explore the historical gems of charming This morning we’ll head out for the Referta Castelejo
Porto. We’ll begin with a walk through Porto’s historic walk amongst the sugar cane and vegetable plantations
quarters along the waterfront known as the "zona with spectacular views of the surrounding villages. The
ribeirinha" then continue to the bustling downtown to visit walk gives us an opportunity to explore some local
the Stock Exchange Palace and the Roman-Gothic S. villages and appreciate how difficult it is for local farmers
Francisco Church.At lunch today we’ll learn how to to cultivate their land. (The walk is not difficult - taking
prepare a local Porto dish “Francesinha” and enjoy a about two hours, distance: 5.5 km). Lunch is at your
beer (lowercase) tasting. We continue our city tour after leisure before a cooking demonstration of the traditional
lunch, visiting the Church of Cedofeita the Clérigos “Bolo do Caco”, a traditional flatbread. We return to
Tower with its gilded carvings, and the Church of Carmo Funchal where there’ll be time to explore the markets in
with its tiled facades. There’ll be free time this afternoon the Old Town. A “Farewell to Madeira” dinner is planned
to soak up the atmosphere of this wonderful city, and tonight at a restaurant with traditional singing and
dinner is at your leisure. We recommend one of the dancing. Overnight in Funchal. B/D
many restaurants along the waterfront. Overnight in
Porto. B/D Day 14, Monday 26th April
MADEIRA – SAO MIGUEL
Day 11, Friday 23rd After breakfast we transfer to Madeira airport for our
April flight to Ponte Delgado on the Island of Sao Miguel in
PORTO – the Azores Archiplego (flight to be advised). The
MADEIRA Archipelago of the Azores is composed of nine volcanic
After breakfast we islands situated in the middle of the North Atlantic
transfer to the Ocean, which is approximately 1500 km from the
airport to fly to European coast and 3900 km from the North American
Funchal airport on coast. Depending on our flight arrival, we will take a brief
Madeira Island walking tour of Ponta Delgada and its main attractions.
(flight to be The tour will include visits to the main church, market,
advised). Madeira is well known not only for its fortified the Senhor Santo Cristo Church, São José, and Praça
wine but also for its year-round sunshine. It’s a mix of Gonçalo Velho. Overnight in Ponte Delgado. Dinner at
charming small villages and the cosmopolitan rhythm of the hotel. B/D
the capital, Madeira. After checking into our hotel we’ll
enjoy a city tour. We’ll begin with a walk through the Day 15,
gardens of Sta. Catarina’s Park then continue to the Tuesday
Cathedral which dates back to the 15th century. We’ll 26th April
wander through the colourful and bustling Farmers SETE CIDADES
market, where flowers and fruits are in abundance. Time Following an early
permitting, you can take a trip on the Madeira Cable Car breakfast, we head
(optional), offering magnificent panoramic views from off for a bus tour of
Funchal to the surrounding mountains of the hilltop town the Vista do Rei,
of Monte. Dinner is at a local restaurant tonight in the one of the most
Old Town, Funchal. B/D well-known scenes
from the Azores Islands: the birds-eye view of Sete
Day 12, Saturday 24th April Cidades Green and Blue Lake, located in the centre of a
MADEIRA massive volcanic crater. Descending to the village, we’ll
Today we’ll travel to the north western side of the island stop at Cerrado das Freiras with another breathtaking
hugging the coast along the island’s south west towards view of the Crater Lake and for a photo stop at the
Ribeira Brava via Câmara de Lobos, a quaint fishing bridge between the lakes before arriving in the village
town on the southern coastline. We continue towards centre. We have time for a coffee and a walk through the
Cabo Girão, passing through Ponta do Sol and Praia da village centre, before continuing to Lagoa de Santiago,
Calheta, with its sand beach brought from the African situated at the bottom of a volcanic cone, then finally to
desert. Heading inland we pass through Paúl da Serra the top of the crater. We return to Ponta Delgada early
and continue to Porto Moniz at the Northern point of the afternoon, just in time for us to explore the old town and
island. Here we’ll visit the famous natural pools and later enjoy lunch at one of the cafes. The afternoon is free to
have lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch we’ll explore the town. Overnight in Ponte Delgado. B/D
continue eastwards towards Véu da Noiva and the
village of São Vicente. From São Vicente we head south DAY 16, Wednesday 28th April
towards Funchal. Our final stop is Miradouro da FURNAS
Encumeada, from where we can enjoy beautiful This morning we head towards the village of Lago,
panoramas of both sides of the island (weather stopping at one the island’s one of the most beautiful
permitting). Dinner is at your leisure at any number of viewpoints in the Azores at Pico do Ferro. Admire the
restaurants in the Funchal old town. Overnight in panoramic view of the entire crater, including the village
Madeira. B/L and the Furnas Lake before we continue to Gorreana,
the only industrial tea plantation in Europe. We’ll visit the
factory and store where we can taste (and purchase) the
Itinerary correct as at Sep 9, 2020 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au
famous Azorean black or departure, there will be a full safety briefing, as well as
green tea. Next we’ll information about the whale species in the Azores and
head to Lagoa das the code of ethics of concerning the whale watching
Furnas observing the activities. The chance to view these majestic mammals
traditional “cozido das up close is a truly special experience. We’ll return in time
furnas”, the furnas to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then the
casserole, made in the afternoon is free to explore Horta marina and the
underground hot harbour. Dinner is at leisure tonight. Overnight in the
steaming geysers. Horta. B/L
Having seen how it is cooked we will move to the
restaurant ‘Cozido das Furnas’ in the village to enjoy the Day 20, Sunday 2nd
fabulously generous feast that has just been cooked in May
the ‘furnas’! Later in the afternoon, free time to to walk LISBON
off lunch before returning to Ponte Delgado for the Following an early
evening and a dining at a café of your choice in the old breakfast, we transfer
town. B/L to Horta airport for our
flight to Lisbon. After
Day 17, Thursday 29th April hotel check-in, we’ll
FAIAL ISLAND take a walking tour
After breakfast, we will transfer to the Ponte Delgado through the Alfama district passing through the old
airport for our flight to Horta, Faial Island (flight to be streets and Restauradores Square. We’ll pick up the
advised). On arrival at Horta, we’ll check-in and then Gloria Funicular; first opened in 1885 and now classified
head for a brief tour of the city of Horta and its environs. as a national monument. After a short ride on the
Our next destination is the Capelinhos volcano area, funicular, we’ll arrive at one of the most beautiful
where the volcano last erupted in 1958. We’ll visit the belvederes in Lisbon – São Pedro de Alcântara
visitors information centre which provides a fabulous Belvedere. This wonderful vantage point will give you a
overview of the Azores archipelago’s geological and unique insight into the city that has successfully merged
human history. Following lunch at a local restaurant, the old and the new. We’ll explore the Chiado quarter
we’ll return to Horta stopping at the Caldeira, a large that evokes the romantic atmosphere of the 19th
crater in the central part of the island, for a full view of century, with its elegant shops, theatres, clubs,
the beautiful natural landscape of the island. Finally we’ll bookstores and cafés. Tonight we’ll enjoy a farewell
visit he scenic point of Espalamaca to view the famous dinner at our hotel. Overnight in Lisbon. B/D
Horta harbour and its surroundings before returning to
the hotel for a relaxing evening. Enjoy dinner at a Day 21, Monday 3rd May
harbourside café of your choice. Overnight in Horta. B/L LISBON
After check out, we’ll transfer to Lisbon airport for your
Day 18, Friday flight home (all flights to be advised). B
30th April
PICO ISLAND Day 22, Tuesday 4th May
After breakfast, we’ll IN TRANSIT
leave for Horta
Marina to catch the Day 23, Wednesday 5th May
inter-island ferry to ARRIVE HOME
Pico (30 minutes).
Our visit to Pico
begins at the Whale
Museum in Magdelena which provides an excellent
overview of the whaling industry in the region. We then
circumnavigate the island by road, passing charming
villages and stunning landscapes set against the
backdrop of Mount Piko - an extinct volcano. We’ll stop
at the coastal town of Cais do Pico for lunch at a local
restaurant then continue to the historic town of Lajes do
Pico. Our drive takes us over the mountain road to
Lagoa do Capitão, or Captain’s Lake, for stunning views
of Mount Piko. Our day concludes at Pico Island winery
famous for its ability to grow wine in the lava flows and a
visit to a local cheese shop. We return to Horta late
afternoon by ferry. Overnight in Horta. B/L
Day 19, Saturday 1st May
FAIAL WHALE WATCHING
The Azores are known to be one of the best whale
watching locations in Europe, and today we head out to
sea in rigid inflatable boats to see them. Before
Itinerary correct as at Sep 9, 2020 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au
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