Portugal and Its Islands
In Partnership with The Longmont Senior Center
Experience It! The Azores
The Azores, or Açores (Portuguese for goshawks), are the ultimate islands. Their volcanic origins created soaring mountains and valleys covered with rich and varied vegetation, lakes resting in ancient craters, hot springs, fumaroles and thermal fountains. Truly isolated, they rest some 900 miles west of Lisbon and were uninhabited when Portuguese navigators first arrived in the 15th century. Yet, they have played a key role in many world events, including World War II. For centuries, Azorean fishermen have circled the globe spreading the word of this beautiful archipelago that offers spring-like temperatures year-round.
April 13 - 25, 2018
Featuring the Estoril Coast, Azores & Madeira Islands
Day 1: Friday, April 13, 2018 - Overnight Flight
The jewels of Portugal come to life on this journey that takes you along some of Portugal’s most beautiful mainland and island coastlines. Relax and get to know Lisbon, the Azorean island of St. Michael, and the island of Madeira.
Day 2: Saturday, April 14, 2018 - Tour Begins
Your tour opens in Lisbon where Old World traditions continue to thrive. Your journey will introduce you to medieval towns, coastal villages, natural landscapes, Portuguese cuisine, regional wines and folkloric entertainment. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner. (D)
Day 3: Sunday, April 15, 2018 - Lisbon - Sintra - Cascais - Estoril - Lisbon
Your tour of Lisbon features the Moorish Alfama Quarter, Jeronimo’s Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage site), the Monument to the Discoveries, and the Tower of Belem (UNESCO). Later, explore the town of Sintra (UNESCO), the summer residence of Portuguese kings for six centuries. Continue to Cascais and Estoril, coastal resorts on the Portuguese Riviera, dotted with specialty shops. This evening, savor Portuguese cuisine and wine while professional local artists perform the traditional Fado (UNESCO). (B, D)
Day 4: Monday, April 16, 2018 - Lisbon - Fatima - Nazare - Obidos - Lisbon
Travel to Portugal’s “Silver Coast,” a region of sleepy villages, rich vineyards and age-old castles. You’ll visit three distinct villages, each with its own cultural character. Begin in the pilgrimage town of Fatima. Discover the beauty of the famous Basilica and the magnificent Batalha Monastery (UNESCO). Continue to Nazare, a popular seaside community. According to legend, the town gets its name from a small wooden statue of the Virgin Mary that arrived here in the 4th century. And then it is on to picture-perfect Obidos, where white - washed houses are guarded by a hilltop castle and medieval city walls. (B)
Day 5: Tuesday, April 17, 2018 - Lisbon - St. Michael, Azores - Ponta Delgada
Fly to St. Michael, the largest of the nine volcanic islands that form the Azores archipelago. A brief walking tour of Ponta Delgada’s town center features the “Portas da Cidade” (The City Gates), Saint Christ’s Church, St. Sebastian Church with 17th-century painted tiles, and the seashore promenade. Later, gaze at the twin lakes of Sete Cidades (Seven Cities), one of the region’s most beautiful natural settings. Composed of two lakes inside a volcanic crater, it is the island’s most popular national park. From the edge of the crater, one lake appears blue (reflecting the sky) and the other looks green (reflecting the ground). Your day concludes with a magnificent view of the coastal village of Mosteiros. (B, D)
Day 6: Wednesday, April 18, 2018 - Ponta Delgada - Terra Nostra Botanical Park - Furnas Valley
It is your choice this morning! You may choose to take a stroll through the Terra Nostra Botanical Park, home to the world’s largest collection of camellias. Or, perhaps you would prefer to experience the sensation of rest and relaxation in the park’s mineral rich thermal water pool. In Furnas Valley, experience a “cozido das furnas” lunch in which meat and vegetables are stewed in the heat of the volcanic earth. Afterward, explore Caldeiras das Furnas, the town’s famous hot springs area. Your day comes to a close at a tea plantation where you will learn about timeless methods of production. (B, L)
Day 7: Thursday, April 19, 2018 - Ponta Delgada - Optional Tours - Cooking Demonstration
Enjoy a morning at leisure to explore Ponta Delgada or perhaps take an optional tour...maybe you will choose to swim with dolphins, take a whale watching boat trip, or kayak at Sete Cidades. Late afternoon, discover the secrets of Azorean cuisine with an interactive cooking demonstration at one of the island’s most popular restaurants. Your evening concludes with a sumptuous dinner. (B, D)
Day 8: Friday, April 20, 2018 - Ponta Delgada - Lagoa do Fogo - Ribeira Grande - Nordeste
Witness the art of hand-painted ceramics during a studio visit. Next, take in the beautiful vistas of Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake), a mystical lake surrounded by mountains. Journey to Ribeira Grande, known for its historic 16th- and 17th- century buildings. See City Hall, Church of Our Lady, and the eight- arch bridge, a symbol of the town. Then, stop at a family-owned liqueur shop to taste some of the all-natural local liqueurs. Continue to the highest part of the island, scenic Nordeste, where you will explore the natural beauty of Ribeira dos Caldeiroes Natural Park with its waterfalls, watermills and unique vegetation. Your final stop today is at a pineapple plantation where an expert will lead you through the farm’s greenhouses to explain the traditional methods they use. (B)
Day 9: Saturday, April 21, 2018 - Ponta Delgada - St. Michael, Azores - Funchal, Madeira - Monte
Fly to Madeira Island, the “Pearl of the Atlantic.” Madeira boasts a subtropical climate, majestic mountain ranges and volcanic caves. Stop in Monte, perched on the hills overlooking scenic Funchal. Visit the Botanical Garden of Madeira with its vast collection of more than 2,500 plants from all continents. Discover Madeira’s history during a panoramic tour of Funchal’s charming plazas, Colonial mansions, 15th-century cathedral and the local market. (B)
Day 10: Sunday, April 22, 2018 Funchal - Câmara de Lobos - São Vicente - Porto Moniz
Begin your day with a visit to Câmara de Lobos, a traditional village with a picture-perfect bay. Continue along mountain roads, passing banana plantations and vineyards en route to Cabo Girão, the world’s second-highest cliff. Make a stop in São Vicente, a charming agricultural town that boasts dramatic views of the coast and surrounding villages. In the lively fishing village of Porto Moniz, enjoy free time for a swim (weather permitting) in the natural volcanic pools. (B)
Day 11: Monday, April 23, 2018 - Funchal - Ribeiro Frio - Trout Farm or Levada Walk - Santana
Wind through the mountains to Poiso to visit the island’s third-highest point, Pico do Arieiro. Then it’s your choice! At Ribeiro Frio (Cold River), you may choose to explore the natural beauty of the fascinating trout farm. Or, perhaps you would prefer to join an exhilarating levada walk and follow the paths that run along the water channels that flow through the mountains. Next, continue to Santana, a village characterized by small triangular homes thatched with straw. Make a stop at a family-owned embroidery shop where you’ll meet local artisans who will give you a first-hand look at their delicate craft. Then, it’s time to sample some world-famous Madeira wine. Celebrate your Madeira adventure with a traditional dinner known as “espetada.” Folk dancers and music entertain as you feast on a local dish of beef marinated in herbs and cooked over an open fire. (B, D)
Day 12: Tuesday, April 24, 2018 - Funchal - Lisbon
Return to the lively city of Lisbon and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Later, bid “adeus” to Portugal during a farewell dinner. (B, D)
Day 13: Wedneday, April 25, 2018 - Tour Ends (B)
BOOK NOW and SAVE $150 per person!
Double Occupancy
$5,300 per person
NOW $5,150 per person
Single Occupancy
$6,050 per person
NOW $5,900 per person
~ For bookings made after Oct. 13, 2017, please call for rates ~
Included in Your Price:
~Roundtrip Airfare from Denver (including taxes & surcharges)
~All transfers, including roundtrip transfer from Longmont to DIA
~Gratuities to driver, local guides, baggage handling, and tour manager
~Cocktail party hosted by Gold Key Travel
~Tours and meals as stated in the itinerary
~Cancellation Waiver and insurance of $280 per person
~Services of a Travel Host from Longmont Senior Center/Gold Key Travel
Wonderful Experiences Await:
~Discover the beauty of Portugal's riviera
~Gaze upon the pristine twin lakes of Sete Cidades
~Discover the bountiful crops of the region at pineapple & tea planations
~Explore the island of Madeira, known as the "Pearl of the Atlantic"
~Stroll thorugh Terra Nostra Botanical Park or relax in the mineral rich thermal water pool
~Savor Portuguese cuisine and wine while local artists perform the traditional Fado
To reserve your space:
Call: 303-776-7024
Email: info@gktravel.net