This is a fully customized tour designed specifically for Near & Far Public Radio Travelers!

Day 1: Overnight Flight
Portugal, a historic and beautiful country, is filled with ancient castles, Roman ruins, fairy tale palaces, picture-perfect whitewashed villages, and gentle, helpful people.

Day 2: Lisbon, Portugal
Our tour begins today in Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, set on seven hills overlooking the Tagus River. Tonight, join everyone for a special Near & Far welcome dinner. (D)

Day 3: Lisbon
Today we will explore the city of Lisbon highlighting the Moorish Alfama Quarter, 16th century Jeronimos Monastery, Monument to the Discoveries and the impressive fortress of Belem Tower. Next, we’ll visit the House of Fado and Portuguese Guitar, a tribute to the special form of singing and music that began in the neighborhoods of Lisbon in the 18th century. This evening, in a special Near & Far late-night outing, our charming guide Jose’ Fagundes will take us to experience Fado music as the locals do in the small cafés and clubs. (B)

Day 4: Lisbon
Enjoy a day at leisure in Lisbon. (We’re going to need it after a night of fado-hopping) The city is filled with shops, museums, and scenic views. You may also choose to take an optional tour of Fatima, the world-famous pilgrimage center. Tonight we will immerse ourselves in music, art and parades as part of the Festos dos Santos Populares (Feast Days of the Popular Saints). (B)

Day 5: Lisbon - Estoril - Sintra - Cascais - Lisbon
Today we will head towards the ocean and explore the area known as the “Portuguese Riviera.” First, enjoy some time in the beautiful resort town of Estoril. Then visit the magnificent Mafra National Palace, built in the 18th century. Next, visit Sintra, the favorite summer residence of the kings of Portugal for six centuries. We will continue along the beautiful coastal drive and later visit the scenic town of Cascais. We’ll stroll amongst the many specialty shops filled with Portuguese handmade crafts. Tonight we will have time for dinner on our own so that we may experience one of the many wonderful restaurants of our own choosing. (B)

Day 6: Lisbon - Evora - Algarve
Traveling to the Algarve, we stop in Evora, known as the “Museum City of Portugal,” where we will find the Roman Temple of Diana, erected in the 2nd century.
(B, D)

Day 7: Algarve
We have the entire day to experience the beautiful Algarve. Geraniums, camellias and oleanders grow alongside cotton, rice and sugar cane, as well as fig and almond trees. A pleasant year-round climate and beautiful beaches make this region a scenic oasis. (B)

Day 8: Algarve - Lagos - Sagres - Cape of St. Vincente
Today, we travel to the historic resort town of Lagos, where the caravels began their early voyages of exploration, and where we will find the former Palace of Prince Henry the Navigator. Then we are off to Sagres, home of the famous School of Navigation and the “Compass Rose” - a stone contraption used by 15th century mariners for their calculations. Later, we will behold the breathtaking Cape of St. Vincente. At the end of the day, we’ll experience a unique dinner in an historic renovated cork storage house! (B, D)

Day 9: Algarve - Lisbon
We’ll return to Lisbon. Later, we’ll gather together for a dinner celebrating the end of our wonderful adventure to Portugal. Another special Near & Far evening is planned for us, where we’ll will enjoy excellent Portuguese cuisine, delicious local wine, and fabulous Fado music performed by popular local artists. (B, D)

Day 10: Lisbon - Tour Ends
(B)