THE PORT WINE CLUB PRESENTS:
PORTUGAL WINE TOUR - Lisbon & Sintra, Coimbra, Porto & Douro

May 13 - 22, 2006

DAY 1 - May 13

Depart Toronto this evening on Air Transat charter flight to Lisbon.

DAY 2 - May 14   Lisbon

Upon arrival at Lisbon airport we board our private coach and transfer hotel in downtown Lisbon. Lisbon, the capital of Portugal became the Center of an Empire that stretched from Brazil in the West to India in the East. On the banks of the Tagus River, great monuments testify to that history.After check-in and time to rest, we will explore the most important of these monuments. Dinner at a Fado House with singers and guitarists performing traditional Fado & Folklore music.

DAY 3 - May 15  Sintra

Morning tour of Sintra and the Estoril coast.  We drive to the romantic town of Sintra, at the foot of the mountain range of the same name.  A distinctive feature are the conical chimneys of the National Palace.  Visit many rooms in the palace named after the paintings on their ceilings, such as the Swans Room and the Magpie Room.  On the way back to Lisbon we drive along the beach areas of Guincho, Cascais, and Estoril.

Afternoon and evening free for you to explore the many downtown shops and restaurants at your own pace. 

DAY 4 - May 16   Lisbon - Coimbra - Lamego

After breakfast we travel to the University Town of Coimbra, where the first faculty was established in the 13th Century. We visit the University including the 16th Century Library and the Cathedral.  After time out for lunch, continue north to Lamego, a small town just South of the Douro River known as the Capital of the Champagne wine in Portugal and where the Port Wine was first made. Besides the very well kept Castle there are many churches from the baroque period with azulejos (tiles) lining the walls and beautiful carved and gilded wood decorations. Dinner at the hotel.

DAY 5 - May 17  Douro

Today we will visit one of the local champagne wineries before driving to Peso da Regua on the banks of the River Douro the Town that played a fundamental role in the production and sale of Port Wine, for it was from here that the barrels were transported in the special boats known as rabelos to Vila Nova de Gaia, where the wine was left to age in the local wine lodges. We board a boat and have lunch while we cruise to the town of Pinhao with the quaint train station decorated with tile panels depicting the growing and harvesting of the port wine grapes. We will also visit the Vintage House Wine Academy where we will learn about the famous nectar.  Return to Lamego by coach. Free evening.  

DAY 6 - May 18  The Douro

After breakfast we have another full day in the region where the port wine grapes are grown on narrow terraces cut out of the sides of the hills.  We start our day by inspecting in detail one of the most technologically advanced grape processing & wine producing centers in the Douro Area. Afterwards we go back in time when we visit one of the Port wine producing quintas, the Quinta do Panascal.  We will enjoy a hearty lunch and explore the old “lagares” the fantastic views as well as inspecting the vineyards. Free evening. 

DAY 7 - May 19  Lamego - Oporto

On our way to Oporto we drive up to the Town of Vila Real where we will visit the famous Manor House pictured on the label of Mateus Rose Wine famous all over the world.  Gourmet lunch at Pousada Sao Goncalo with a marvelous view over the Marao Mountains. Near Penafiel we visit Aveleda Estates, one of the largest wineries in Portugal, mostly known for its green wines.  We will visit the vineyards, walk in the beautiful gardens and taste a few of their wines. We arrive in Oporto late afternoon.  Free evening to explore the Ribeira, the historic riverside area where our hotel is located.

DAY 8 - May 20  Oporto & Gaia

A full day to explore the city and the Port Wine Caves in Gaia, on the left bank of the Douro River.  Visit some of them in depth and explore others at your own pace.  Dinner at the famous Tromba Rija restaurant.

DAY 9 - May 21  Barcelos - Braga - Guimaraes

Drive to Barcelos, an ancient city in the region of Minho.  It is known for its markets, handicrafts, and for a local legend which is the origin of the colourful painted cock, the unofficial symbol of the country.  After time out for lunch, we visit the historical towns of Braga & Guimaraes. The cathedral in Braga is the oldest in Portugal and its most important monument. Guimarães is a “World Heritage Site” with streets and architecture from the Middle Ages. Return to Oporto for dinner and a Port Wine blind tasting at Romariz.

DAY 10 - May 22  Toronto

Morning departure for Oporto airport.  Arrive Toronto late afternoon.

Tour Features

• Air Transat Toronto - Lisbon & Oporto - Toronto
• Hotel accommodation for 8 nights
• Daily Buffet Breakfast
• 3 lunches with wine
• 2 dinners at hotels
• 3 special dinenrs with wine (Fado, Romariz, Tromba)
• Tour Escort
• Sightseeing with local guides
• Baggage handling (1 bag per person)
• Transportation via air-conditioned motorcoach
• Hotel ta x and service charge

HOTELS (or similar)

* Itinerary subject to minor adjustments.