The South of Portugal is calling on this Portugal vacation package to embrace you with its enchanting ambiance on this 6-day adventure. Come delve into Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, a legendary city with more than 20 centuries of history. On this trip to Portugal, you can take in the Roman ruins and visit a traditional market in Evora to discover the rich culinary products used to make the elaborate gastronomic delights of Portugal. Revel in the Algarve with its sun- soaked days and beautiful beaches with superb resorts, splendid spas and fabulous nightlife. Savor the flavors of Lagos, a cosmopolitan town with a marina and fishing port where you can taste delicious Algarve dishes. It&#8217;s an extravaganza of culture, history, food &amp; wine, and nature that you are sure to love on this private deluxe chauffeur-driven Portugal tour package.

Welcome to Portugal! Upon arrival in Lisbon you will be transferred to your hotel and then enjoy the balance of your day at leisure.

Lisbon

A day of discovery awaits you in the town of Evora with its mosaic of culture, history and tradition. In the narrow streets of the whitewashed town, stroll along visiting some of the most important monuments: the Roman Temple, the Romanesquegothic Cathedral, Saint Francis Church with its &#8220;Bones Chapel&#8220;, and the University. At the market, delve into the rich culinary products used to prepare the elaborate gastronomic delights of Portugal. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to discover the city and Portugal&#8217;s culinary scene on your own. Overnight in Evora. (B)

Lisbon | Evora

Have breakfast at your hotel and enjoy part of the morning at leisure in Evora, then drive southward passing Beja where you will see the highest tower of Portuguese Medieval castles. Crossing small mountains, we enter the Algarve. After passing fields of orange trees, we arrive in Silves, the renowned town dominated by its red sandstone castle. Continue to the golden sands of the Algarve by Praia da Rocha before reaching Lagos. (B)

Evora | Beja | Silves | Lagos

After breakfast at your hotel head on to &#8220;Ponta da Piedade&#8221; and admire the magnificent view over the Atlantic Ocean. Continue to Sagres, a fishing port, for a visit to the fortress where the &#8220;navigation school&#8221; is forever linked with Prince Henry the Navigator during the first days of Atlantic navigation and the discovery of the African coast. Proceed along to the cliffs to Cabo Sao Vincente, the most southwestern point in Europe. This afternoon, take time to savor the flavors of Lagos, a cosmopolitan town with a marina and fishing port where you can taste delicious Algarve dishes, such as fish and shellfish cooked in a copper pan (cataplana) or fine sweets, such as the famous marzipan almond and fig cakes. Overnight in Lagos. (B)

Lagos | Ponta da Piedade | Sagres | Cabo de Sāo Vicente | Lagos

This morning, take a last look at the water while traveling along the coast as you say farewell to the Algarve. The return trip to Lisbon will take you by the city of Setubal, a major port and industrial center on the north bank of the Sado estuary. Next, travel the scenic route over the Arrabida Mountain Range, an area preserved as a Natural Park with amazing scenery and unique vegetation at the gates of Lisbon. Crossing the bridge over the Tagus River, we arrive in Lisbon. (B)

Lagos | Setubal | Serra da Arrabida | Lisbon

Savor breakfast at your hotel before your departure transfer to Lisbon Airport for your flight home. (B)

Lisbon to USA (or extend your stay)

THE SOUTH OF PORTUGAL

Belem Tower at Sunset, Lisbon

Roman Temple, Evora

São Tiago Church in Beja

Lagos

Lighthouse of Cabo São Vicente in Sagres

Embark on this independent Fly and Drive Portugal vacation package where you set the pace of exploring and experiencing this fascinating country at leisure. Motor along, delving into Lisbon and its surrounding areas for three nights, then head along to stay in Algarve for three nights. An included half day city tour of Lisbon takes you to discover the storied history of this captivating capital on your trip to Portugal. Take time to discover the delectable food scene and savor its famed street food. Let the romance of the country&#8217;s signature fado sounds envelop you. Enjoy the splendid history and culture as the locals welcome you every step of the way. Have the ideal experiences based on your desires and preferences as you revel in the treasures of Portugal on this independent Portugal travel package.

PORTUGAL'S LISBON & ALGARVE

Portimão, Algarve

Rua Augusta Arch, Lisbon

Portimão City Hall Building

Rossio Square in Lisbon

Travel to Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal for an outstanding adventure. Each &#8220;When In&#8221; Portugal travel package includes accommodations per the program and breakfast daily, as well as sightseeing, excursions, and experiential activities based on the package selected&#8230;Travel In Simplicity, Travel In Style, or Travel In Luxury. Like Rome, Lisbon lies on seven hills. Located near the Tagus River, it offers unparalleled vistas. The wealth of monuments, churches and museums along its tree-lined avenues will fascinate even the most casual student of history. On your tailor-made Portugal vacation package to Lisbon, beautiful public gardens, squares with decorated pavements, and patterned tile walls form a pleasant vista of natural and artistic beauty as you tour the city. Stop in the superb shops, visit colorful markets and refresh yourself at one of the numerous sidewalk cafes.

WHEN IN LISBON

Rua Augusta Arch

Padrão dos Descobrimentos

View from Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

Belem Tower on the Tagus River

Traditional Yellow Tram driving on Rua Augusto Rosa

Travel to Portugal for some fun motoring along highways and picturesque roads, taking as much time as you desire to enjoy Portugal&#8230;it&#8217;s your ideal tailor-made adventure. On this independent trip to Portugal you set the pace and enjoy the convenience of pre-arranged stays in Coimbra, Estremoz, Lisbon and Porto. Come enjoy the captivating corners of this country in the most authentic of ways &#8211; as you explore on your own. Take time to delve into the culture and customs as you interact with locals and dine on local cuisine. Enjoy the fado ballads, superb wine, churches carved in &#34;lace,&#34; endless olive groves, and flowering almond trees as you drive along on this independent fly and drive Portugal vacation.

CHARMING PORTUGAL

Historic Yellow Tram in front of the Lisbon Cathedral

View from the Torre das Tres Coroas, Estremoz

Wine Boats in Porto City

University of Coimbra

Walking along the Tiled Wall of a Church in Porto

Madeira welcomes you every step of the way on this six-day Portugal vacation package adventure. With Funchal as your home-base, enjoy exploring the volcanic islands that make up this fabulous year-round destination. As you venture along on your independent trip to Portugal, the magic of Madeira&#8217;s capital from its harbor and gardens, to its Madeira wine cellars and open-air markets. Savor local flavors as you delve into Madeira&#8217;s excellent food and wine scene. Sway along to Portugal&#8217;s signature fado sounds and try learning some regional dances led by local folklore performers. Visit the highest sea cliff in Europe, Cabo Gir&#227;o. Embark on a half day &#8220;Best of Madeira&#8221; excursion to explore Nuns Valley &amp; Monte. With plenty of time at leisure, the treasures of Madeira welcome you at every turn on this splendid Portugal travel package.

Welcome to Portugal&#8217;s Madeira! Situated off the northwest coast of Africa, the volcanic islands that make up Madeira beckon with lush greenery, pebble beaches, mountain peaks and rugged beauty to explore. Consider hopping on the cable car that takes you up to the Botanical Garden or savor local flavors as you delve into Madeira&#8217;s excellent food scene, featuring the freshest local ingredients to enjoy.

Funchal

Today you will experience the treasures of the west island on a full day excursion with lunch included. Via the picturesque village of C&#226;mara de Lobos, once painted by Sir Winston Churchill during his stay in Madeira, continue past the vineyards to Cabo Gir&#227;o, the highest sea cliff in Europe. The tour then continues to S&#227;o Vicente via Encumeada, where breathtaking views of the sea greet you. After a three-course meal in Porto Moniz, the road forks inland and the tours take you up to Paul da Serra, a magnificent plateau about 1600m above sea level. Next, travel down to Ponta do Sol and along the southern coast to Ribeira Brava before returning to Funchal. (B,L)

Take the day at leisure to enjoy all that Funchal has to offer, from its harbor and gardens, to its Madeira wine cellars and open air markets. This evening you are invited to a typical Madeira restaurant to experience the local cuisine and the traditional warmhearted hospitality. During the traditional dinner of &#8220;Espetada&#8221; you will be entertained by fado singers and local folklore dancers &#8211; lessons supplied free of charge! (B,D)

Enjoy your morning on your own, then embark on a half day &#8220;Best of Madeira&#8221; excursion to explore Nuns&#8217;s Valley &amp; Monte. Head up to Monte for a visit to the twin-towered Church of Our Lady of Monte; inside lies the tomb of the last Austro-Hungarian Emperor, who died in exile whilst in Madeira in 1922. The tour then continues to Eira do Serrado with its sweeping views over Curral das Freiras or &#8220;Nun&#8217;s Valley.&#8221; Next, visit the small village situated deep in a crater near the highest peak of Madeira and enjoy tasting a local liquor specialty of the area called Ginja before returning to Funchal. (B)

Today is yours to experience Funchal at your own pace. Take time to discover the center, with its port and promenade, narrow winding streets, quaint shops, caf&#233;s, bars and restaurants. This year-round destination is ideal for wandering. Some points of interest include the cathedral, theatre, Town Hall and the waterfront. (B)

Rise and shine today with unforgettable memories of your amazing time in fascinating Madeira before embarking on your transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)

Funchal to USA (or extend your stay)

MADEIRA, THE ISLAND OF ETERNAL SPRING

Night View of Funchal, Madeira

Mountain Trail above the Clouds

Funchal Town Square

Waterfront of Funchal

Botanical Garden

Travel to Portugal and enjoy a simply unforgettable and awe-inspiring island hopping adventure in the Azores with stays in Sao Miguel, Faial, and Terceira. The amazing islands of the Azores are just waiting to be discovered on this island hopping Portugal travel package where you set the pace. Your trip to Portugal takes you to experience the Azores, located in the Atlantic Ocean, just over a four-hour flight from the eastern United States. Our Portugal vacation packages that feature island hopping programs will expose you to stunning vistas, blue lakes bordered by flowers, dazzling views of the sea and lush green landscapes of ancient volcanic craters. Come discover the Azores this year!

SPECTACULAR AZORES

Terceira

Horta, Faial

Down Hill with Lush Green Fields, Terceira

Rainbow above the Road, Faial Island

Sete Cidades Lagoon, São Miguel

Enjoy a week-long Portugal vacation package that is sure to indulge the foodie in you. This splendid trip to Portugal, with stays in Lisbon and Porto, is chock-full of splendor-filled moments and exquisite food and wine experiences. On this Portugal travel package you will join in a walking tour of Lisbon for foodies, including the unique opportunity to taste the renowned street food. Take part in an interactive cooking class in Lisbon followed by dinner. Sample the delectable flavors of pastry tastings paired with coffee on a private tour of a traditional pastry workshop. Next, this superb Portugal tour package takes you on to Porto with stops in Coimbra and &#211;bidos. In Porto you will revel in the delights of a walking tour for foodies, including tasting experiences of the local area's street food and regional wines. Share an amazing time with a visit of a wine cellar, including wine tasting and Fado show as you continue your gastronomic and cultural exploration of the area before heading on for a full day Douro wine tasting tour, including a visit of a vineyard and picnic.

LISBON & PORTO, A PORTUGUESE FOOD & WINE EXPERIENCE

Cloisters of Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon

Traditional Portuguese Dessert

Grilled Sardines in a Portuguese Restaurant

Port Wine and Cheese with Cityscape of Porto

The once remote islands of the Azores are the perfect backdrop for your 7-day exploration of the region on this Portugal vacation package. Enjoy first-class hotels during this island getaway that begins on Sao Miguel, the &#8220;Green Island,&#8221; which is also the largest and most populated of the Azores. Explore volcanic craters and visit the twin lakes, the Green lake and the Blue lake, connected by a bridge, as you take in the high mountains that surround you and the beauty of this paradise. Your Portugal travel package to the Azores gives you the unique opportunity to sample the local cuisine called &#8220;Cozido nas Calderiras,&#8221; a meal prepared by cooking in a pot under the earth. The next stop on this fascinating island hopping trip to Portugal is Faial, the &#8220;Blue Island&#8221; boasting famous craters from past volcano eruptions such as the Caldeira do Faial, the island&#8217;s highest point. Explore the magnificent treasures these islands hold on our Azores travel packages.

EXCITING AZORES

Join an in-depth exploration of Portugal from its storied past to its bustling present and on to its natural wonders on this 13-day private deluxe chauffeur-driven Portugal tour package with stays in Lisbon, Fatima, Porto, and Evora. Delve into Lisbon on your trip to Portugal. This legendary capital city boasts more than 20 centuries of history. Have a spiritual awakening in the sacred pilgrimage town of Fatima. Savor the finest and freshest seafood and shellfish, as well as other tantalizing Portuguese dishes, wines and desserts. See Roman ruins in Evora as you venture along on your Portugal vacation; visit the medieval village of Obidos; discover the historic 13th century town of Coimbra; explore the &#8220;Portuguese Venice&#8221; of Aveiro; and journey along to the capital of Galicia in Spain and the pilgrimage hub at the end of the Santiago Way &#8211; Santiago de Compostela. Sip on sweet vintages in Porto, the world&#8217;s port wine capital and here the melancholic &#8220;fado&#8221; sounds. Revel in the Algarve with its sun-soaked days and beautiful beaches with superb resorts, splendid spas, and fabulous nightlife. All of this and much more are yours to experience and enjoy in Portugal with Central Holidays.

After breakfast, travel along a landscape rich in windmills and fruit trees and arrive in Obidos, a town surrounded by medieval walls where you can admire the harmony of the architecture, the diversity of the handicrafts, and taste the famous &#8216;ginginha&#8217; (bitter cherry liqueur). Visit Alcobaca and Nazare before heading on to wondrous Fatima, home to the famous Marian Shrine. Consider joining in the Candle procession this evening. Overnight in Fatima. (B)

Lisbon | Obidos | Alcobaca | Nazare | Batalha | Fatima

Have breakfast at your hotel and then depart for Coimbra where you will visit one of the oldest universities in the world, featuring a magnificent baroque library and a unique ambiance characterized by ancient traditions and customs, such as the black capes of the students and the melancholic &#8216;fado&#8217; music. Stop at St. Clara Church, where the tomb of Queen St. Isabel is found, protagonist of the &#8220;miracle of the roses.&#8221; In the afternoon continue to Aveiro, known as the Portuguese Venice, where you can see the graceful boats &#8220;moliceiros&#8221; and taste the local sweets &#8220;ovos moles.&#8221; Overnight in Porto. (B)

Fatima | Coimbra | Aveiro | Porto

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel then venture out to discover riverside areas, old houses, palaces, churches, and famed Port wine. Continue to Minho, in the northwest region of Portugal, with its verdant nature and sparkling &#8220;green wine.&#8221; Starting in the medieval center of Guimaraes, visit the Sacred Hill, crowned by the Castle and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganca. Drive to Braga, known as the Portuguese Rome, for its concentration of religious architecture before returning to Porto. (B)

Porto | Guimaraes |Braga | Porto 

&#160;After breakfast at your hotel, set off for Santiago de Compostela, the capital of Galicia and the pilgrimage hub at the end of the Santiago Way. In 1985, UNESCO declared Santiago de Compostela a World Cultural Heritage site. Take time to discover this fascinating city at your own pace with an entire day at leisure. Wander its historic streets and learn about its most extraordinary monuments before sampling some of the traditional local dishes. Overnight in Porto. (B)

Porto | Santiago de Compostela | Porto

After breakfast, departure to Amarante, with the great Serra do Marao rising above the city and the River Tamega below. Next, drive to Vila Real &#8211; visiting the gardens of the manor of Mateus, whose facade is still depicted on the well-known Portuguese Rose wine bottles. Then, enter the Port wine region, traveling through the vineyards and the breathtaking landscapes of the Douro Valley. Stop in Lamego, featuring one of Portugal's most important shrines &#8220;N. S. Rem&#233;dios&#8221; with its magnificent baroque style staircase. Continue through the mountainous hinterland to Viseu, center of the Dao Vineyards. Head on to Urgeirica for overnight. (B)

Porto | Amarante | Vila Real | Vale do Douro | Lamego | Urgeirica

Savor breakfast at your hotel and then drive to Bussaco well known for its luxuriant forest. Continue on to Tomar, a city closely linked to the Order of the Templars, who received these lands in 1159 as a reward for the assistance they gave Dom Afonso Henriques (the First King of Portugal) in the Christian reconquest of the territory. It was Dom Gualdim Pais, the first Grand Master of the Order in Portugal, who founded the castle and the remarkable Convent of Christ inside. Enlarged and altered over the centuries, this retains the influences of various architectural styles; it is the centerpiece of the city and is classified as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. From here you will head on to Lisbon. (B)

Urgeirica | Bussaco | Tomar | Lisbon

Rise and shine with breakfast at your hotel and get ready for a day of adventuring. Visit the palace of Sintra and walk through this charming village. Enjoy an amazing view from the westernmost point of Europe (Cabo da Roca). Along the coast we pass by one of the most famous surfing beaches, the incredible Boca do Inferno, the cosmopolitan Cascais, and the gardens of Estoril Casino. Return to Lisbon. (B)

Lisbon | Sintra | Cabo da Roca | Cascais | Estoril | Lisbon

A day of discovery awaits you in the town of Evora with its mosaic of culture, history and tradition. In the narrow streets of the whitewashed town, stroll along visiting some of the most important monuments: the Roman Temple, the Romanesque-gothic Cathedral, Saint Francis Church with its &#8220;Bones Chapel&#8220;, and the University. At the market, delve into the rich culinary products used to prepare the elaborate gastronomic delights of Portugal. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to discover the city and Portugal&#8217;s culinary scene on your own. Overnight in Evora. (B)

Evora | Beja | Silves | Lagos 

Lisbon to USA (or extend our stay)

THE BEST OF PORTUGAL

Basilica of Nossa Senhora, Fatima

Rabelo Boats on Douro River, Porto

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in Spain

Sintra

Marina in Cascais

The North of Portugal welcomes you at every turn on this Portugal vacation package full of diverse experiences. Delve into Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, a legendary city with more than 20 centuries of history. Have a spiritual awakening in the sacred pilgrimage town of Fatima. Savor the finest and freshest seafood and shellfish, as well as other tantalizing Portuguese dishes, wines and desserts. On this private deluxe chauffeur-driven Portugal tour package, visit the medieval village of Obidos; discover the historic 13th century town of Coimbra; explore the &#8220;Portuguese Venice&#8221; of Aveiro; and journey along to the capital of Galicia in Spain and the pilgrimage hub at the end of the Santiago Way &#8211; Santiago de Compostela. Sip on sweet vintages in Porto, the world&#8217;s port wine capital and hear the melancholic &#8220;fado&#8221; sounds. This amazing trip to Portugal beckons with Central Holidays.

HHave breakfast at your hotel and then depart for Coimbra where you will visit one of the oldest universities in the world, featuring a magnificent baroque library and a unique ambiance characterized by ancient traditions and customs, such as the black capes of the students and the melancholic &#8216;fado&#8217; music. Stop at St. Clara Church, where the tomb of Queen St. Isabel is found, protagonist of the &#8220;miracle of the roses.&#8221; In the afternoon continue to Aveiro, known as the Portuguese Venice, where you can see the graceful boats &#8220;moliceiros&#8221; and taste the local sweets &#8220;ovos moles.&#8221; Overnight in Porto. (B)&#10;&#10;

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel then venture out to discover riverside areas, old houses, palaces, churches, and famed Port wine. Continue to Minho, in the northwest region of Portugal, with its verdant nature and sparkling &#8220;green wine.&#8221; Starting in the medieval center of Guimaraes, visit the Sacred Hill, crowned by the Castle and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganca. Drive to Braga, known as the Portuguese Rome, for its concentration of religious architecture before returning to Porto. (B)

Porto | Guimaraes | Braga | Porto 

After breakfast at your hotel, set off for Santiago de Compostela, the capital of Galicia and the pilgrimage hub at the end of the Santiago Way. In 1985, UNESCO declared Santiago de Compostela a World Cultural Heritage site. Take time to discover this fascinating city at your own pace with an entire day at leisure. Wander its historic streets and learn about its most extraordinary monuments before sampling some of the traditional local dishes. Overnight in Porto. (B)

After breakfast, departure to Amarante, with the great Serra do Marao rising above the city and the River Tamega below. Next, drive to Vila Real &#8211; visiting the gardens of the manor of Mateus, whose facade is still depicted on the well-known Portuguese Rose wine bottles. Then, enter the Port wine region, traveling through the vineyards and the breathtaking landscapes of the Douro Valley. Stop in Lamego, featuring one of Portugal&#8217;s most important shrines &#8220;N. S. Rem&#233;dios&#8221; with its magnificent baroque style staircase. Continue through the mountainous hinterland to Viseu, center of the Dao Vineyards. Head on to Urgeirica for overnight. (B)

THE NORTH OF PORTUGAL

National Pantheon in Lisbon

Sanctuary of Fatima

Gondolas, Aveiro

Porto at Sunset with Rabelo Boats on the Douro River

Saint Tiago Square, Guimarães

Nestled along the Atlantic Coast, Portugal beckons with its sea-faring past, quaint old towns, popular coastal villages, and amazing affordability &#8211; making it an outstanding tourism destination and an equally great value for travelers. Portugal is known for its exquisite churches carved in &#34;lace&#34;, romantic ballads, endless olive groves, and flowering almond trees. Remnants of former civilizations are abundant from foreigners who conquered and were conquered here including Romans, Moors and Jews.&#160;Together, their influences inter-mix with attributes of countries that were linked to the rest of the world by Portuguese discoveries across the globe. Lisbon, the country&#8217;s capital since its conquest from the Moors in 1147, is a legendary city with more than 20 centuries of history that beckons you on one of our vacation packages to Portugal. Voyages of discovery turned Lisbon into one of the world&#8217;s great ports and the base of an empire that stretched from Brazil in the West to India in the East. This monumental city features typical tile-covered building facades and narrow streets, where one can hear the &#8220;fado&#8221; being played and sung at night. On our authentic and enriching&#160;Portugal vacation packages, explore the restored palaces, majestic churches and the imposing hilltop castle, reflective of the city's rich origins. Beyond her old-world traditions, Lisbon offers the modern appeal of a cosmopolitan city boasting excellent shopping and dining opportunities for all.&#160;Travel to Portugal&#160;along the Southern Coast where the Algarve region offers mild temperatures, sun-soaked days, unparalleled beaches laden with superb resorts, cruising options to explore lesser known villages, spas and nightlife offerings to suit just about any penchant or budget. Our inspired vacation packages to Portugal will also tempt your taste buds at the local restaurants and caf&#233;s, brimming with the finest and freshest seafood and shellfish, as well as other tantalizing Portuguese dishes, wines and desserts. Traveling north on your&#160;Portugal travel package, you can see Roman ruins in &#200;vora, visit the medieval village of Obidos, discover the historic 13th century town of Coimbra, sail along the Duoro into Spain on an enchanting river cruise, and take in many fascinating stops along the way. Continuing northward explore Porto, the world&#8217;s port wine capital, with her winding streets and old town that has been listed as a World Heritage Site. From the country&#8217;s diverse landscapes, beaches, old world towns and vibrant cities to its delectable gastronomy, gracious people, and time-honored history, Portugal will indulge all of your senses and envelop you in her familial warmth.

Delve into our authentic and enriching Portugal vacation packages by Central Holidays

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