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PORTUGAL & SPAIN 18 DAYS PROGRAM Lisbon Fรกtima Porto Salamanca Madrid Toledo Sevilha
www.accessibleportugal.com info@accessibleportugal.com Tel.: (00 351) 926 910 989
PORTUGAL & SPAIN (18 days) A CORUÑA SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
LEÓN
ARCOS DE VALDEVEZ
BRAGA SALAMANCA
PORTO AVEIRO GUARDA FÁTIMA
BATALHA SINTRA CASCAIS
MADRID
ÁVILA
TOLEDO
LISBOA
CORDOBA FARO LAGOS
SEVILLA PORTIMÃO
OPTION A OPTION B Day 1: Arrived at Lisbon airport transfer to the hotel. Sleep at Lisboa. Day 2: Full-day tour Lisbon. Sleep at Lisboa. Day 3: Full-day tour Sintra, Cascais, Cabo da Roca. Sleep at Lisboa. Day 4: Departing to Porto passing by Fátima and Batalha. Sleep at Porto. Day 5: Full-day tour Porto, visit to Porto Wine Caves. Sleep at Porto. Day 6: Free day at Porto or visit to Braga. Sleep at Porto. Day 7: Departing to Salamanca passing by Guarda. Sleep at Salamanca. Day 8: Departing to Madrid passing by Ávila. Sleep at Madrid. Day 9: Full-day tour at Madrid. Sleep at Madrid. Day 10: Free day at Madrid. Sleep at Madrid. Day 11: Departing to Toledo visit to Toledo. Sleep at Toledo. Day 12: Departing to Cordoba. Sleep at Cordoba. Day 13: Visit to Cordoba. Departing to Sevilha. Sleep at Sevilha. Day 14: Full-day tour Sevilha. Sleep at Sevilha. Day 15: Departing to Algarve. Sleep at Portimão. Day 16: Visit to Lagos. Sleep at Portimão. Day 17: Departing to Lisbon. Sleep to Lisboa. Day 18: Transfer to airport.
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day 1 LISBON - Arrival. Welcome to Lisbon! Transfer from the airport to the hotel. Accommodation at a hotel in Lisbon.
day 2 LISBON - full day tour. We depart from the hotel for a drive towards the Belém area, centre of the great maritime discoveries in the 15th and 16th centuries. There, we'll have a short stop at the Belém Tower (UNESCO World Heritage Site). At the Jerónimos Monastery (UNESCO WHS), we will visit the gothic Church (a masterpiece of the Portuguese Manueline style) and its gardens. Then it's time to make a stop at the Fábrica dos Pastéis de Belém, a very famous pastry where you'll have the opportunity to taste the delicious cakes, typical from this area. After the coffee-break, we will drive along the River Tagus towards the Baixa de Lisboa (downtown Lisbon). Here, we will stop for a visit and allow you some free time to shop or walk in the pedestrian street Rua Augusta. In the afternoon, we will take you to the Parque das Nações, which was the exhibition ground for the Expo 98. We will visit the Lisbon Oceanarium, the third largest in the world. It is wheelchair accessible, being equipped with ramps and elevators spread all through the building. Accommodation at a hotel in Lisbon.
www.accessibleportugal.com info@accessibleportugal.com Tel.: (00 351) 926 910 989
day 3 LISBON - Full-day tour SINTRA, ROCA CAPE and ESTORIL C. In the morning, we will take you to discover one of the Portuguese ex-líbris and a mandatory place when visiting Lisbon: Sintra. You will easily understand why it is classified as UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will take you to explore the small downtown with its traditional handicraft and wine shops. We will make a stop for a coffee-break at one of the local coffee shops in order to taste the traditional “Travesseiro" and "Queijada de Sintra", the most famous pastries of this area. You will be given the opportunity to visit the Toy Museum, which houses a collection gathered during more than 50 years. Continuing our journey, we will take you to the most western point of Continental Europe, which is Roca Cape. From here, you can observe a spectacular view over the Atlantic Ocean. As part of this magnificent scenery, we pass the Guincho beach (renowned to practice windsurf) and Boca do Inferno (Hell's Mouth). You will enjoy the relaxing seascape of the Lisbon Coast and admire the landscape of Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. When we get to Cascais, we will make a stop to take you to accessible places where you can admire the old downtown and eat an ice-cream by the beach, or have a drink at one of the numerous historical squares hidden in narrow streets. Our way back to Lisbon will take place along the Marginal road, one of the most scenic and attractive routes of Lisbon. You will enjoy the relaxing sea view of the Lisbon Coastline including the gardens of the Estoril Casino. Accommodation at a hotel in Lisbon.
day 4 PORTO - Departing to Porto passing by FÁTIMA and BATALHA. Fátima is one of the great pilgrimage shrines of the catholic world. It was there that the famous apparitions of the Virgin Mary were witnessed in 1917. Standing in an oak tree, bathed in a sea of light, the Virgin appeared and spoke to three peasant children, on five different occasions. It's in their memory that, every year, millions of pilgrims go there on the 13th of every month from May to October.
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day 4 (contd.) The Sanctuary Square is huge, being able to receive 300.000 visitors and having twice the size of St. Peter's Square in the Vatican. The Basilica and the Aparições Chapel are also mandatory places to visit. The next stop will be in Batalha. We'll proceed to Batalha – the visit of the Batalha Monastery is only possible when the client has some walking mobility. Its Monastery, a UNESCO world heritage site considered one of the seven wonders of Portugal, in 2007, had its works started in 1388 under the reign of King D. João I as a way of thanking the divine aid paid to the Portuguese army in the Battle of Aljubarrota (1385). The cathedral is an outstanding example of combined Gothic and Manuelino architecture. Under its naves lies some of the most historical Portuguese personalities of that period. Here we may find the tombs of King D. João I, his wife, the English D. Filipa de Lencastre, and their famous offspring: King D. Duarte I, King D. Afonso V, Prince D. Pedro and Prince D. Henrique "The Navigator", whose efforts and determination helped explore the then unknown world. Accommodation at a hotel in Porto.
day 5 PORTO - Full-day tour Porto. Porto, the second largest Portuguese city and the urban centre of the northern region, it is a very important role in the economy of our country. It's the city of the granite, that is also known for its fascinating bridges and for its world renowned Porto Wine, a liquorish alcoholic drink typical of the region. Considered to be a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the area surrounding the river is embellished by a sometimes confusing map of medieval streets framed by the ancient doors of past fortifications and Roman arches. UNESCO, having been quite impressed with Oporto's relevant artistic and cultural patrimony, affirmed that this city's historical centre, built along the slopes that rest on the estuary of the River Douro, draws a very interesting urban pattern of exceptional characteristics with over than two thousand years of history. Its growth is testified by its monuments such as
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day 5 (contd.) the Roman cathedral or the neoclassical Stock Exchange Palace. We will continue our tour by paying a visit to Oporto's monuments and most charismatic places that invest this city with the title of one of the most romantic European cities. Afterwards, you will enjoy of some free time to shop in Oporto's traditional streets or to have a snack at the Majestic cafĂŠ, located in the street Santa Catarina. You will not regret your choice! We will also have time to make the seven bridges visit: a boat tour on the river Douro. We will visit one of Porto's wine cellars were we will be offered the opportunity of exploring this wonderful place and tasting its wines. Accommodation at a hotel, in Porto.
day 6 BRAGA - Free day or visit to Braga. The ancient city of Braga has always been an important centre for culture, commerce and religion and is also known as the "Portuguese Rome" due to its concentration of religious architecture. The Romans dedicated it to their Emperor and called it Bracara Augusta, making it their Galician head-quarters in 216 BC. Once in Braga, we will visit not only its historical centre but also the religious museum of the Cathedral. Accommodation at a hotel, in Porto.
day 7 SALAMANCA - Departing to Salamanca passing by Guarda. We depart from Oporto in the morning towards Guarda where we will make a stop to visit the Cathedral and the historical centre. In the afternoon, we will depart towards Salamanca. Accommodation at a hotel, in Salamanca.
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day 8 MADRID - Departing to Madrid passing by Avila. In the morning, we will visit Salamanca's historical centre with a mandatory stop at Plaza Mayor, the very core of the city. Surrounded by arcades, it holds a capacity for 20 million people. At the beginning, it was used as a plaza for bullfights; however its current uses are mainly those of the social and cultural fields. When speaking about cultural enterprise, Salamanca is one of the world's most famous places. Its university is the most ancient in all the Iberian Peninsula and one of the oldest in the world – in the 13th C. it was considered to be one of the four beacons of Humanity, alongside Oxford, Bologna and Paris. On the way from Salamanca to Madrid we will stop briefly at Avila where we will enjoy the scenery where Saint Teresa was born; this is a small town completely surrounded by a strong wall. This is a place to remember. Accommodation at a hotel, in Madrid.
day 9 MADRID - Full-day tour a Madrid. We will visit the Royal Palace and take a quick stroll through Madrid's historical centre where we will contemplate the emblematic Puertas del Sol and Gran VĂa. We will also visit the Prado Museum. The capital of Spain has a population volume of 3 million inhabitants and is located in the central area of the plain Castilla-laMancha - where Don Quijote fought against windmills. Being a sophisticated city, a business centre, the headquarters of the Public Administration and of the Government and the house of the Royal Family, Madrid holds an important place in the stock and industrial sectors. This city is characterized by an intense cultural and artistic production and its nights are long and festive. In the city, we will contact with what's left of the beauty of the 17th and 18th C. preserved in the unique features of Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace, among others. Accommodation at a hotel, in Madrid.
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day 10 MADRID - Free day at Madrid. Accommodation at Madrid.
day 11 TOLEDO - Departing to Toledo and visit to Toledo. We will leave Madrid towards Toledo, one of the most important centers of medieval European history. The Visigoths had chosen Toledo as their capital and, until the reign of Filipe II, so it was. The importance this city held during the medieval period explains the quality and style of its architecture which we may observe, nowadays. Walking in the city's streets is like revisiting a medieval Toledo. The painter El Greco was born here and his best works may be found at the Toledo cathedral, a mandatory place of our tour. Accommodation at a hotel, in Toledo.
day 12 CORDOBA - Departing to Cordoba. Accommodation at a hotel, in C贸rdoba.
day 13 CORDOBA - Visit to Cordoba and departing to Seville. The amazement you will feel when arriving at C贸rdoba is the same the travelers of the 11th C. felt when this city was only a caliphate and one of the most significant European capitals. A place not to miss is the Mosque-Cathedral of C贸rdoba of impressive dimensions being one of the largest mosques the Arabs ever built. The interior of the mosque is so imposing that, sometimes, one forgets to notice the also grandiose cathedral. Departing to Seville. Accommodation at a hotel, in Seville.
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day 14 SEVILLE - Full-day tour At Seville, after paying a visit to the city's core, we will visit its cathedral and the Torre de Giralda. Located in the southern Spanish region, Seville is its prime city; headquarters of the Parliament and of the Comunidad Aut贸noma de Andaluc铆a, this city is inhabited by 700 thousand people, half of the population of the whole province. The city is located in the plains of the River Guadalquivir which runs through it from north to south. The river is navigable all the way to the ocean area of Sanl煤car de Barrameda, in the Atlantic. Seville, as well as Lisbon, played a determinant role during the maritime discoveries seeing that both acted as decisive centers for the construction of naval material and strategic harbors for the arrival and departure of armadas. The Arab occupation has left visible marks in Seville and all over the Al-Andaluz. The Giralda, which from being a mosque minaret was converted into the tower of a cathedral, is one of the best known examples. In 1492, Christopher Columbus departs from Seville with the unquenchable desire to reach India by taking a West route. We will also visit the Alcazar de los Reys Catolicos: One of the most beautiful gardens and places that exists in Spain (very identical to the Allambra in Granada). Accommodation at a hotel in Seville.
day 15 ALGARVE - Departing to Algarve. In the morning, we will depart from Seville towards Portugal where we will make a stop the photogenic city of Faro. The Romans have called to it Oss贸noba and played a critical role in its shaping as an important city. The Arab occupation saw it grow and become a vital commercial link in the interactions between North Africa and Portugal. The decisive conquest of the city, which took place on the 12th March 1249, and the consequent collapse of the defenses of
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day 15 (contd.) the adjoining cities at the hands of the King D. Afonso III, acts a milestone for the end of the Muslim occupation of Portugal. Today, Faro is the gateway for millions of tourists who come to Portugal to enjoy its beaches of golden sand and the exotic, inebriating flavors its gastronomy has to offer. This city is located in a fertile plain of luxurious trees pregnant with alluring fruits: oranges, olives, figs, almonds, among others. Accommodation at a hotel, in Portimão.
day 16 LAGOS - Full-day tour Lagos. We will spend the day at the ancient city of Lagos. During the 15th C. this city's main function was that of a shelter to the African coast's explorers. Due to the frenetic affluence of people with an entrepreneurial spirit that converged to this region, Lagos soon became one of the kingdom's most opulent cities. We will visit the city's historical centre with its beautiful church of Santo António. Accommodation at a hotel, in Portimão.
day 17 LISBON - Departing to Lisbon. Towards Lisbon where we will arrive in the afternoon. On the way, we will visit the historical centre of Alcácer do Sal. The city's castle is one of the few Arab fortifications that have survived until our days. Following a construction plan of natural lines, the castle is located in the same place where once a megalithic citadel and a Roman castelum were. Accommodation at a hotel, in Lisbon.
day 18
LISBON - Free day and two hours prior to the plain's departure, we will transfer you to the airport.
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BOOKING Travel conditions: - Our packege is calculated for two, four, six or eight people. Minimum 2 persons; - Extra trips are optional and can be booked with us (the ones mentioned above can be organized as your wish); - The tours do not include meals; - Transportation is adapted to wheelchair.
Details for payments Bank
Millennium BCP / Banco Comercial Português
NIB
0033 0000 4536 0452 6050 5
IBAN
PT50 0033 0000 4536 0452 6050 5
SWIFT CODE
BCOMPTPL
Company: Vectio, Agência de Viagens, Lda
Vectio, Agência de Viagens, Lda. Rua Jorge Barradas, nº50 4ºF, 1500-369 Lisboa | PORTUGAL
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NIF 507118502 | Capital social 150.000 € | Alvará Agencia. Viagen s n.º 1520/2008 | Alvará Animação Turística n.º 15/2006