Portugal

Day One

Convenient shuttles bring us together to Pearson International Airport in Toronto, where we get to know each other and the Great Canadian Holidays tour director who will accompany us throughout. An overnight flight takes us across the Atlantic, arriving in Portugal's beautiful capital city of Lisbon.

Day Two-Twenty-One

Upon arrival in Lisbon, a coach meets and delivers us to our modern apartment/hotel (Apartamentos Jardins da Rocha) in Portimão, the largest city in the western Algarve region. Enjoy 21 days of relaxation, adventure, and excitement. Your accommodations will include gorgeous views of Praia da Rocha, and the surrounding areas including the mountains of Monchique. Though these apartments are self-catering, they feature cleaning and maintenance services throughout the week, in addition to reception, open daily from 9:00am to 7:00pm. Room amenities include air conditioning, a kitchenette well equipped with oven, fridge, microwave, coffee maker, electric kettle, toaster and all cooking/table utensils.

Excursions

Below are the excursions we have planned to include during our stay. Please note: excursions require a minimum number of passengers and will be confirmed once we reach the minimum. Dates are currently TBD.

Loulé Market: Half Day Tour
Discover Loule Market on this half-day tour! Explore the charming inland town and experience its lively weekly market, where you can mingle with locals and hunt for unique finds. Enjoy free time to wander at your own pace; visit Moorish Castle, browse the shopping district, and take in the town's authentic atmosphere. A perfect outing for sightseeing and bargain hunting!

Historical West Algarve: Full Day Tour
Journey through the mountains and uncover traces of the region's Moorish and Roman past. Explore Silves, the former Moorish capital, with visits to its impressive castle and cathedral. Continue up the Monchique Mountains to Fóia, the highest peak in the region, where breathtaking views await (along with free time for wine tasting and photos). Next, discover the charming town of Lagos, home to Saint Anthony's golden church, the historic fort, and more. Finally, venture to Cape St. Vincent, famously known as the "end of the world", the most south-westerly point in Europe.

East Algarve: Full Day Tour
Discover East Algarve on this full day tour! Begin in Faro, the region's capital, with its beautifully preserved 13th-century old town. Continue to the Moorish town of Olhão, famous for its fishing traditions and bustling market. Stroll through Tavira, where a Roman bridge and dozens of historic churches reflect centuries of history. Visit the picturesque village of Cacela Velha before heading to Monte Gordo and Vila Real de Santo António, a charming border town on the banks of the Guadiana River, right across from Spain!

Algarve Landscapes & Winery: Full Day Tour
Begin in Porches, where you'll visit the renowned pottery workshop and see artisans handcraft and paint traditional pieces. Continue to the fishing village of Benagil, perched above the Atlantic, before heading to Carvoeiro to admire the dramatic caves and grottoes of Algar Seco. Stroll through the village of Ferragudo with views along the river to Praia da Rocha. Finish the day at a local winery; enjoy a guided tour and tasting.

Day Twenty-Two

Today, we say farewell to Portimão. We travel to Portugal's capital city of Lisbon, where we'll enjoy free time for lunch before we're treated to a guided half day tour of the historic "Seven Hills City" this afternoon. After our tour is finished, we'll arrive at our hotel in Lisbon (Lutécia Smart Design Hotel), our home for the next two nights.

Day Twenty-Three

The day is yours to explore Lisbon at your own pace. Spend time exploring mainland Europe's most westerly capital and immerse yourself in Portuguese culture, walking the historic streets, browsing the shops and restaurants, or taking in some of Lisbon's many historic sites. Our hotel's central location makes it easy to come and go as you please.

Day Twenty-Four

Today we board a flight back home to Toronto, where convenient shuttles will take us back to our hometowns.