Rocks & Rhythm: Portugal By Design - 2021

Welcome to Lisbon! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

LISBON Guided sightseeing includes a photo stop at Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries.SANTAREM Orientation includes the Church of the Holy Miracles. (B)

• TOMAR Guided sightseeing includes the Convent of Christ. YourChoice Excursions include one of the following activities of your choice:
• TASTE: Tapas This!
• Walk through the charming city of Tomar and be amazed by the monumental, artistic and religious buildings. Hear the secrets held by these remarkable sites, including the castle of the legendary Knights Templar. Along the way stop at three local taverns in the historical part of the city to taste local specialties.
• STROLL: Wax Poetic in Portugal
• Take a short drive from Tomar to the poem village of Constancia. Take a stroll to visit the Parish Church, and the Camoes vegetable garden. Explore the River and the Maritime Arts Museum, then board a boat to see one of Portugal's jewels of military architecture the castle of Almourol, standing tall on a small island in the middle of the river Tagus. Learn about the symbolism of Templars as you promenade your way through the castle grounds.
• (B)

DORNES Orientation walk of the village and free time. COIMBRA Visit the University. Dinner with regional specialties at a local restaurant. (B,D)

• COIMBRA YourChoice Excursions include one of the following activities of your choice:
• SIP: Bubbly Below Bairrada
• Discover the Bairrada region in the ancient province of Beira Litoral. Stretching along Portugal's central coastline, it is blessed with an Atlantic climate of mild and rainy winters and summer sea winds that create the perfect place for prized Portuguese wines. Discover two wine producers continuing their tradition of more than 90 years of wine-making as you visit their wine cellars to tempt your taste buds with their award-winning sparkling wine.
• CLAP: Fancy Some Fado?
• Discover Coimbra through the ancient and winding streets of its medieval center, Savor the unique heritage of the city's confectionery culture in a region filled with monasteries and convents that created some of Portugal's most signature specialty sweets. Your walking tour arrives at a local home to enjoy the soul of Portuguese music deep in the heart of the city. Try to resist being moved by the rhythmic and soulful strains of the Fado de Coimbra!
• (B)

• COIMBRA YourChoice Excursions include one of the following activities of your choice:
• TASTE: The Sweet Side of Portugal
• Satisfy your sweet tooth in a tiny town halfway between Lisbon and Porto and indulge in Pasteis de Tentugal.These irresistible thin, flaky pastries filled with rich egg custard and dusted with powdered sugar were created by the resident Carmelite nuns in the 16th century! Hear the history of Tentugal as you learn how its favorite confection is made, while enjoying a perfectly paired glass of wine or cup of tea.
• PEDAL: Rolling on the River
• This leisurely bike ride through Coimbra includes a visit to Mata do Choupal, Parque Verde, and Fluvial Beach in Rebolim. You'll ride by two iconic bridges in Coimbra and discover breathtaking views of the Mondego River. Enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch in a restaurant along your route.
• FLOAT: Art Nouveau in Aveiro
• Take a canal cruise on the Ria de Aveiro to explore the four waterways of the city known as the Portuguese Venice. Float along the main source of Aveiro's wealth and heritage, and discover the city's heart and soul while crossing its serene water roads. Passing by the City Center, you'll discover the colorful buildings that reflect the delightful Art Nouveau movement in this city where the past and present blend to reveal a remarkable landscape! A light lunch at a local restaurant is the perfect ending to this artful adventure.
• (B,L)

MAFRA Orientation walk includes the Monastery.LISBON Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Your vacation ends with breakfast in the morning. (B)