If your idea of good travel includes friendly locals (who generally speak English), a rich culture, affordable prices, a thriving urban scene, seaside resort towns, exotic architecture, windswept castles, and fresh seafood with chilled wine on a beach at sunset– then you will love Portugal!

Our adventure begins on a high note … Right after landing at the Lisbon airport, we will head just north of Portugal’s capital city to the magical UNESCO World Heritage site of Sintra.  Sintra is known for its beautiful palaces and mansions, 19th-century gardens, and surrounding natural beauty.

We head back to Lisbon to spend a couple of days in what CNN called the “coolest” city in the world.  Lisbon is a vibrant city on the Portuguese coast that's full of culture and teeming with history. From fresh and delicious seafood to colorful mosaic tiles on every building, it's no wonder why people flock to these cobblestone streets!

From Lisbon, we head south for a week in the Algarve region of Portugal.  Algarve is known as one of the sunniest regions in Europe and with some of the continent’s finest beaches, extraordinary rock formations, amazing caves and golden cliffs. 

There are also a number of excellent wineries in Portugal where we can sample their product.  While in the Algarve, our home away from home for the week will be s luxury villa with a private chef.  

 -Meet at Dulles airport (IAD) for overnight flight to Lisbon

-Complimentary celebratory toast at Vino Volo

• Morning arrival at Lisbon airport
• Private bus transfer to nearby UNESCO World Heritage site of Sintra
• Guided tour of Sintra palace and gardens
• Return to Lisbon for first of two nights at centrally located luxury hotel

• Guided tour of Lisbon highlights, including the Belem Tower (A symbol of Portugal’s leadership during the Age of Discovery)
• Special Secret Food Tour of Lisbon sampling both food & drink from various stops within one of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods 

• Morning departure by private bus for drive to the Algarve
• Stop along the way for wine tasting and lunch at winery
• Welcome reception at our private villa for the week, dinner prepared by private chef

• Explore spectacular Benagil Caves by boat
• Time in afternoon to enjoy lunch & relaxing on the beach
• Special Fado musical presentation at villa in the evening

• Spectacular views of the ragged cliffs of Cape St. Vincent, the western=most point of Europe and its famous lighthouse
• Pottery and ceramics shopping at two popular outlets

• Dolphin-watching boat cruise off of Portuguese coast
• Breathtaking rock formations of Praia da Marinha
• Charming seaside town of Lagos

• Foray into Spain to visit the famous city of Seville
• Guided tour of Seville center and city highlights
• Time on your own for lunch, shopping, and exploring

• Sample various wines at two of the best wineries in the Algarve
• Guides tour of the production of wine at one location

• Eco-tour of Ria Formosa among several barrier islands by boat 
• Opportunity to view wildlife and other bird species in this protected environment
• Time at villa in the afternoon to enjoy activities

Return flight to Washington Dulles (IAD)