12
ON THE WAY TO SOUTH
DAYS
From the extraordinary flavours of the gastronomy and wines of Alentejo, towards Algarve, the south region, rich in sun, beaches and joy, salt mining, fauna and flora, and authentic traditional products and mountain range handicraft. In this journey we´ll give you fine wines and olive oils to taste, a great vineyards to discover, the richnesse of our gastronomy, the sound of our waves and the kiss of our delightful sun. We are anxiously waiting for you!
ON THE WAY TO SOUTH
RIA FORMOSA
HIGHLIGHTS VISIT TO A WINE CELLAR AND VINEYARD AND WINE AND OLIVE OILS TASTING IN THE INTERNATIONALLY AWARDED HERDADE DO ESPORÃO, ONE OF THE BEST OF PORTUGAL. POSSIBILITY TO PARTICIPATE IN WINE HARVEST AND GRAPE TREADING (SEASONAL ACTIVITY THAT OCCURS IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER). TASTE THE BEST OF PORTUGUESE GASTRONOMY IN ALENTEJO. VISITS TO ÉVORA, NA HISTORICAL CITY DESIGNED AS WORLD HERITAGE. BOAT TRAVEL AT ALGARVE ISLANDS. SEE MAGNICIFIENT ISLANDS IN THE BLUE SEA OF ALGARVE IN RIA FORMOSA. TASTE THE WONDERFULL SUN OF PORTUGAL AND THE BEST FISH IN THE WORLD. JEEP SAFARI.
ITINERARY DAY 1 ARRIVAL TO LISBON, PORTUGAL GUIDED VISIT TO OLD LISBON ACCOMMODATION IN LISBON MEALS AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE
DAY 5 VISIT TO ÉVORA HISTORIC CITY CENTRE, UNESCO’S LUNCH (INCLUDED). RIDE CHARRET ACCOMMODATION IN ÉVORA
DAY 2 DAY RESERVED FOR VISITING A CONTEMPORARY AND MODERN LISBON. TRANSFER TO PARQUE DAS NAÇÕES, VISIT TO EUROPE’S LARGEST OCEANARIUM, CABLE CAR RIDE AND FREE TIME TO PERSONAL ACTIVITIES
WORLD HERITAGE
DAY 6 DEPARTURE TO REGUENGOS DE MONSARAZ VISIT TO HERDADE DO ESPORÃO: WINE CELLAR, VINEYARDS WINE TASTING. POSSIBILITY TO PARTICIPATE IN WINE HARVEST
AND
AND GRAPE TREADING IF THE JOURNEY OCCURS DURING HARVEST TIME (SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER). ENOGASTRONOMIC LUNCH, WITH OLIVE OIL
DINNER AND ACCOMMODATION I N LISBON. MEALS AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE.
TASTING, COORDINATED BY THE CHEF AND SOMMELIERS (INCLUDED) DEPARTURE TO MONSARAZ.
DAY 3 GUIDED VISIT – LISBON WINE LUNCH AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE. AT NIGHT FADO EVENING AND GASTRONOMIC EXPERIENCE ACOMMODATION IN LISBON
ACOMMODATION IN ÉVORA
DAY 4 TRANSFER TO SINTRA VILLAGE, VISIT TO THE HISTORIC CENTER, PALÁCIO DA PENA AND QUINTA DA REGALEIRA TRAVEL TOWARDS EVORA ACOMMODATION IN ÉVORA
MEALS AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE
VISIT TO MEDIEVAL VILLAGE. FREE DINNERTIME DAY 7 TRAVEL TOWARDS ALGARVE ACOMMODATION IN VILAMOURA MEALS AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE. DAY 8 FREE DAY AT THE HOTEL MEALS AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE BEACH, SUN AND POOL ACOMMODATION IN VILAMOURA
ON THE WAY TO SOUTH
DAY 9 FREE DAYS AT THE HOTEL MEALS AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE BEACH, SUN AND POOL ACOMMODATION IN VILAMOURA DAY 10 FREE DAYS AT THE HOTEL MEALS AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE BEACH, SUN AND POOL ACOMMODATION IN VILAMOURA DAY 11 BOAT TRAVEL TO RIA FORMOSA LUNCH INCLUDED ACOMMODATION IN VILAMOURA FREE DINNER DAY 12 JEEP SAFARI ALL DAY TO DISCOVER ALGARVE ACOMMODATION IN VILAMOURA MEALS AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE. DAY 13 TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT. DEPARTURE FROM PORTUGAL END OF ABOUT
DREAMS SERVICES
ON THE WAY TO SOUTH
ON THE WAY TO SOUTH | DAY 1
Join us on a trip to the Castelo São Jorge (St Georges Castle) overlooking the River Tejo and the oldest part of Lisbon. The tour follows the citie’s oldest walls. We will visit the borough of Alfama and the Castle. On this tour we go back in time to the Roman Olisipo and visit it’s theatre. The Romans discovered the thermal waters of Alfama, but it was the Muslims who gave them the name al-hamma (thermal fountain). This borough continues to be an authentic labyrinth of alleys, interior patios, stairways and tiny squares. Here you will encounter the three major religions: Judism, Muslim and Christian. Alfama was also the borough of the fisherman. It’s spirit transcends itself where on every corner Fado is sung. This walking tour takes you to the heart of the city.
LISBON Lisbon is an illuminated city. The almost constant presence of sunshine and the River Tagus transforms the Portuguese capital into a mirror of a thousand colours - highlighting the city’s unique architecture and beauty. There are so many things to see and do in Lisbon that visitors have access to a wide array of different experiences. As we walk through Lisbon - whose history spans back thousands of years – we find streets filled with heritage monuments, and characteristic neighbourhoods where the city first developed and can still be experienced at its most genuine level. ARRIVAL IN LISBON, PORTUGAL. GUIDED VISIT TO OLD LISBON ACCOMMODATION IN LISBON MEALS AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE.
DAY RESERVED FOR VISITING A CONTEMPORARY AND MODERN LISBON TRANSFER TO PARQUE DAS NAÇÕES, VISIT TO EUROPE’S LARGEST OCEANARIUM, CABLE CAR RIDE AND FREE TIME TO PERSONAL ACTIVITIES DINNER AND ACCOMMODATION IN LISBON. MEALS AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE.
ON THE WAY TO SOUTH | DAY 2
LISBOA
ON THE WAY TO SOUTH | DAY 3
This guided tour ‘Lisbon Wine’ aims to bring back the tradition of enjoying a glass of wine in the evening with friends. Visit both modern and traditional taverns as well as one of Lisbon’s oldest cellars. Don’t miss out on this experience where selected wines, gourmet cheeses and prize winning sausages come together in a blissfully gastronomic evening. This is an amazing chance to enjoy great flavours, good company and to learn about Portuguese wines with our specialists. At Night close your eyes for a Fado evening and gastronomic experience.
GUIDED VISIT – LISBON WINE LUNCH AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE AT NIGHT FADO EVENING AND GASTRONOMIC EXPERIENCE (INCLUDES) ACOMMODATION IN LISBON
ON THE WAY TO SOUTH | DAY 4 SINTRA TRANSFER TO SINTRA VILLAGE, VISIT TO THE HISTORIC CENTER, PALÁCIO DA PENA AND QUINTA DA REGALEIRA. TRAVEL TO EVORA ACOMMODATION IN ÉVORA
MEALS AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE
ON THE WAY TO SOUTH | DAY 5
ÉVORA Evora, capital of Alto Alentejo, city of an outstanding beauty, embraced by its fortress walls, filled with historic memories in each street, each home, each inhabitant…Its squares and monuments tell us national history, religion and culture episodes and its townsfolk are proud of both past and present times. The natural beauty of this region combines with the monumental richness of this town-museum that nowadays is also a modern and touristy city, classified by UNESCO, since 1986, World Heritage. VISIT TO THE HISTORIC CITY CENTER, UNESCO’S WORLD HERITAGE. LUNCH (INCLUDED). RIDE CHARRET ACCOMMODATION IN ÉVORA
DEPARTURE TO REGUENGOS DE MONSARAZ VISIT TO HERDADE DO ESPORÃO: WINE CELLAR, VINEYARDS AND WINE TASTING. POSSIBILITY TO PARTICIPATE IN WINE HARVEST AND GRAPE TREADING IF THE JOURNEY OCCURS DURING HARVEST TIME (SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER). ENOGASTRONOMIC LUNCH, WITH OLIVE OIL TASTING, COORDINATED BY THE CHEF AND SOMMELIERS (INCLUDED).
DEPARTURE TO MONSARAZ. VISIT TO MEDIEVAL VILLAGE. FREE DINNERTIME.
ACOMMODATION IN ÉVORA
Situated in Reguengos de Monsaraz, Herdade do Esporão is a place that exudes history. Its roots date back to the pre-historic times of megalithic cultures and the Bronze Age. However, even during the Roman occupation, the wines of the Esporão settlement were exported throughout the Empire. At the heart of this estate, and in the scorching Alentejo heat, we find the Esporão Fortified Enclosure, which includes the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios Chapel and a curious fortified gate, with a winding staircase that leads up to the ramparts.
ON THE WAY TO SOUTH | DAY 6
HERDADE DO ESPORÃO
ON THE WAY TO SOUTH | DAY 7
ALGARVE The Algarve which is the most south province of Portugal has almost 200 kilometres of coastline, between cliffs and long-stretching sands, three thousand hours of sun per year and pleasant temperatures influenced by the Mediterranean climate. The coast from the Sagres headland until Lagos, is dominated by cliffs and beaches enclosed by protective high cliffs. Al-Gharb, which means ‘the west’, was the name chosen by the Arabs for a beautiful piece of land that had long been coveted by many. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Romans all left their mark on the language, customs and lifestyle of the Algarve people. The castles, fortresses, narrow streets, roof terraces and lacework-patterned chimneys are just some of the valuable legacies from these times. It was from Lagos and Sagres that the caravels set sail under the command of Prince Henry the Navigator to discover the New World. Blessed with fabulous weather, an amazing coastline, and a rich and varied landscape, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Monchique Mountains, the region is the perfect place to turn any stay into an unforgettable one.
TRAVEL TOWARDS ALGARVE ACOMMODATION IN VILAMOURA MEALS AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE
ON THE WAY TO SOUTH | DAYS 8,9,10 FREE DAYS AT THE HOTEL MEALS AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE BEACH, SUN AND POOL
ON THE WAY TO SOUTH | DAY 11 BOAT TRAVEL TO RIA FORMOSA LUNCH INCLUDED ACOMMODATION IN VILAMOURA FREE DINNER
ON THE WAY TO SOUTH | DAY 12
JEEP SAFARI ALL DAY TO DISCOVER ALGARVE LUNCH INCLUDED ACCOMMODATION IN VILAMOURA
ON THE WAY TO SOUTH | DAY 13 TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT DEPARTURE FROM PORTUGAL END OF ABOUT DREAMS SERVICES
Silver Accommodation
DAYS 1, 2, 3 | LISBON EVIDENCIA ASTORIA CREATIVE HOTEL 3*
QUINTA DO VALLADO
Trendy décor and a central location await guests at this 3-star hotel, situated steps from Marques do Pombal Square and Eduardo VII Park. The Liberty Avenue is just 300 metres away. Within walking distance of Lisbon’s attractions, Evidencia Astória Creative Hotel boasts a beautiful façade. Take in the hotel's creative design while sipping a drink at the bar or relaxing in your room. Earthy tones and contemporary design make each of Evidencia's rooms a welcome retreat at the end of a long day. Watch a programme on your flat-screen TV or check your mails via free Wi-Fi. Breakfast can be enjoyed in the stylish restaurant.
DAYS 4, 5, 6 | ÉVORA
HOTEL MAR DE AR MURALHAS 4* The 4-star hotel in Évora’s historic centre is just a 5-minute walk from Giraldo Square. It offers a spacious outdoor terrace with sun loungers and a pool in the garden. Rooms at M’AR De AR Muralhas are bright and elegant and include a spacious seating area with an LCD TV. Each room also has a CD player, DVD player and free bathroom amenities. Some rooms have a balcony. Guests can enjoy a refreshing drink on the terrace, which overlooks the exotic garden. For colder days, there is also a cozy lounge with a fireplace where guests enjoy music while having a warm drink. Restaurant Cerca Nova serves traditional Portuguese cuisine as well as international meals. Room service provides in-room breakfast upon request. This hotel is located between the Alconchel and Raimundo city gates.
DAYS 7-12 | VILAMOURA
VILA GALÉ AMPALIUS 4* Just a few metres away from Marina Beach and the Vilamoura Marina, this 4-star hotel offers rooms with satellite TV. Facilities include an outdoor pool, a health club, and a tennis court. The rooms of Vila Galé Ampalius are decorated with warm colours and wooden furniture. All rooms have a work desk, a minibar, and a private bathroom. Some rooms have a balcony with panoramic pool or sea views. The health club offers a variety of health and beauty treatments, as well as an indoor pool, a Turkish bath, and a sauna. Guests can explore the beauty of the region with a rental car or on horseback. Children can have fun at Vila Galé's Nep Kids Club. The Versátil Restaurant offers traditional Portuguese dishes and international cuisine. The pool bar serves cocktails prepared on the spot with fresh fruit. The Ampalius is close to golf courses, the Casino of Vilamoura, Falésia Beach and the Roman Ruins of Cerro da Vila.
Gold Accommodation
DAYS 1, 2, 3 | LISBON LX BOUTIQUE HOTEL 4*
Located in the heart of the triangle between Chiado, Baixa and Cais do Sodré districts, Lx Boutique Hotel offers themed rooms with unique views over Lisbon and Tejo River. All Boutique Hotel elegant rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a mini-bar, and a private bathroom. There is an iPod docking station, LCD TV and free Wi-Fi in every room. Guest can enjoy Confraria, a trendy sushi restaurant that also serves a variety of teas, beverages and wines all day. For a typical Portuguese food experience, there are several alternatives just outside the door. Lx Boutique Hotel is 5 minutes’ walk from several restaurants, bars, cafés and shops. Guests can benefit from the 24hour front desk service Lx Boutique Hotel provides. It also offers laundry and car hire services. An airport transfer shuttle is available upon request. Historical sites and museums such as Lisbon Cathedral, Praça do Comércio, Igreja de São Roque and the Chiado Museum are within a 10-minute walk. Lisbon’s Portela International Airport is within a 20-minute drive away or a 10-minute metro journey.
DAYS 4, 5, 6 | ÉVORA
HOTEL MAR DE AR AQUEDUTO 5* Housed in a 16th-century palace, this 5-star boutique hotel features a beautiful chapel and dome ceilings. Overlooking the aqueducts of Évora, it has an extensive spa with an outdoor pool. A creative blend of Alentejo and Mediterranean flavours is served at Restaurant Degust’ AR, which is open for lunch and dinner. M'AR De AR Aqueduto hotel also offers a bar with a wine cellar. The elegantly designed rooms include a work desk and a comfortable seating area. All bathrooms enjoy natural light and are separated from the sleeping area by a big glass window. Hotel Aqueduto’s spa offers a broad range of treatments and massages including aromatherapy and mud treatment. Guests can also unwind in the steam bath or sauna. M'AR De AR Aqueduto is located 600 metres from the Temple of Diana, Cathedral of Evora Se and Praca do Giraldo. The Chapel of Bones Capela dos Ossos is 800 metres away.
DAYS 7- 12 | VILAMOURA
CROWNE PLAZA 5* The new Crowne Plaza Vilamoura has a fantastic, unique location. Situated directly on Vilamoura beach, next to the Casino and a few metres from the internationally renowned Vilamoura Marina, it is the perfect hotel for your holidays. This unique hotel, where nothing has been left to chance, is ready to welcome you. Its hospitality, comfort and quality will always be present, so that you can enjoy complete relaxation and be sure of some unforgettable holidays. Now fully refurbished and decorated in a contemporary yet comfortable style, this hotel, with direct access to the beach, offers a total of 327 rooms and suites, all with a private balcony and panoramic view. A unique place with a dedicated professional team.
INCLUDED
ABOUT DREAMS exclusive and customized escort. Transport during all the tour (except fligths) Accommodations in double rooms, breakfast included All the meals mentioned as “included” in the itinerary. All the guides, activities, visits and entrances reported in the itinerary.
NET PRICES PER PERSON (MINIMUM 14 PAX) SILVER OPTION 2,255€
Personal accident insurance.
GOLD OPTION
VAT TAX
2,720€
Many experiences and unforgettable moments that will make this an unique journey.
NOT INCLUDED Meals referred as “meals at your own expense”. International flights. Personal expenses.
POSSIBILITY OF INCLUDING A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER
ESCORT
THE WHOLE TOUR AND CD WITH THE COMPILATION OF THE BEST PHOTOS 190€ PERSON
SOME TIPS FOR YOU: Use clothes according the time of year. Usually, in the summer the south of the country is hotter than the north; but in the wintertime, the country’s climate calls for a fireplace, with snow only on the north and center of the country. Warm clothes in the Winter and pretty fresh in the Summer is our suggestion. When packing you should remember that the luggage should be very lightweight. It is a big journey, but we will change hotel several times and go through north and south of the country with a heavy luggage will be exhausting after some days. This journey is richer in landscapes, culture, and history. It is a whole country that you will want to carry. Count on many memory cards, because you will take lots and lots of pictures. You could bring them or buy here, but hundreds of pictures are guaranteed. Portugal is a friendly country, with nice and welcoming people. In the villages and small towns it is still usual to leave the doors and windows opened and in the big cities, with a cosmopolitan environment, like Lisbon and Porto, in general we also feel safe and the walks on the streets are very pleasant and happy moments. Portuguese gastronomy is very rich. There are the refined and quality wines and the incomparable confectionary. You will have the opportunity to enjoy amazing flavors and fragrances. You need to bring a refined taste! We are a country with many traditions, with a rich history of many centuries, unique and welcoming. Observe, feel, smell and taste, let yourself go through Portugal. And then return soon!
www.about-dreams.pt | Email: geral@about-dreams.pt Tel: + 351 962 323 390|+ 351 964 772 054|+ 351 962 267 887 Urbanização Quinta da Luz, 42 | 7200-482 Reguengos de Monsaraz