Compare Country Roads of Portugal - Small Group by Insight Vacations vs Walking Madeira: Portugal’s Isle of Flowers By Foot by Road Scholar

Day 1: Welcome to Lisbon

On arrival at Lisbon International Airport, there are complimentary transfers to your hotel at 09:30, 12:30 and 15:30. Settle in and relax before joining your Travel Director at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. Enjoy the opportunity to mingle with your fellow travellers during a pleasant evening of good food and wine.

Altis Grand Hotel, Lisbon.

Dinner with Wine

Day 2: Lisbon and the Age of the Great Discoveries

Your guided sightseeing with a Local Expert takes you along the spacious avenues of the Lower Town and across the tree-shaded squares. Pass beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paço. See the ancient Belem Tower and marvel at the Monument to the Discoveries. Explore Lisbon with Insight Choice. Choose to discover more of Belém Quarter as you enjoy a taste of Pastéis de Belém from the patisserie that has been using the same secret recipe for almost 200 years, and visit Jerónimos Monastery. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience that actively supports the integration of refugees and immigrants into the local society. Explore the intricate staircases and hidden alleyways of the Mouraria quarter alongside a recent migrant, your Local Expert. With free time in the afternoon, perhaps join an Optional Experience to the Royal Portuguese Riviera to explore the glamorous resort of Cascais, the wealthy playground of Estoril and visit one of the Royal summer palaces?

Altis Grand Hotel, Lisbon.

Breakfast

Day 3: The Algarve

Cross the River Tagus and head for the sun-drenched southern coast to reach Lagos, a fishing port nestled in the bay of Meia Praia. After free time to explore, continue to your resort hotel set within a magnificent 360-acre estate. Simplicity is in the soul of Algarve cuisine, along with seafood so fresh it still tastes of the sea. A short walk away specialised Portuguese seafood restaurants hug the coastline, overlooking the Atlantic.

Ria Park Hotel & Spa, Algarve.

Breakfast

Day 4: Everlasting Évora Relaxed Start

Journey to the medieval walled city of Évora where cathedrals, churches, aqueducts and ancient castle walls all serve to create the feeling that this beautiful city is a living, breathing museum to Portugal's rich past. Join your Local Expert to explore the highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the Roman Temple and visit the Capela dos Ossos, an extraordinary 17th century chapel comprising the skulls and bones of 5,000 bones. Visit the cathedral with its attractive mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. With the rest of the afternoon at leisure, you may wish to continue to stroll through Évora’s unique historical centre, or the serene city park, following the aqueduct inside the city walls?

M'Ar de Ar Aqueduto, Évora.

Breakfast

Day 5: Monsaraz and Évora Relaxed Start

Travel to the striking white village of Monsaraz, situated on an imposing hilltop, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. From the castle ruins, admire the spectacular views across to the dry Spanish plains, contrasting with the blue of Europe's largest artificial lake. Join a local boat captain for a leisurely cruise on the tranquil waters of Lake Alqueva. Relax and enjoy calming waters, picturesque views and tales of river life. Sit down to a delicious Highlight Lunch at local restaurant Sem Fim, once an olive mill. Enjoy a wide range of tasty tapas dishes showcasing the local cuisine, and soak up the vibrant; cheerful atmosphere. Return to Évora where the evening is at your leisure to explore this beautifully preserved regional capital.

M'Ar de Ar Aqueduto, Évora.

Breakfast, Lunch with Wine

Day 6: Fatima and on to Tomar

Continue to Fátima, Portugal’s most renowned place of pilgrimage. See the basilica or perhaps visit the Chapel of the Apparitions, which commemorates the appearance of the Virgin Mary to three young shepherds in 1917. Journey to Tomar and visit one of Portugal’s historical jewels, the Templar Castle and Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With your Local Expert, explore the octagonal Templars' Rotunda in the cloister and glimpse the day-to-day life of a warrior monk in the domestic areas. Outside on the battlements, the Manueline Window is a national masterpiece. You also visit the Synagogue of Tomar, one of the best preserved medieval synagogues in Portugal, housing a small Jewish museum.

Hotel dos Templários, Tomar.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 7: Coimbra, the Douro and Pinhão Relaxed Start

In Coimbra, your Local Expert will show you the highlights of the Old Town, including the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit its impressive baroque university library, one of the finest in the world. Your journey continues past verdant hills and lush vineyards, along the tranquil waters of the Douro river. Enjoy a wonderful Farm-to-Table Dinner, freshly prepared from locally sourced ingredients at Quinta da Roêda, renowned as the “Jewel of the Douro”. Home to one of the most distinguished port houses, taste a variety of wines produced by the Croft family.

Vintage House Hotel, Pinhão.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 8: Guimarães and Porto Relaxed Start

Journey to Guimarães to admire the views from the ruined castle and explore the cobbled streets and cosy squares. Next, continue on to Porto, Portugal’s second city, a World Heritage town and where Portugal originates. Explore Porto with Insight Choice. Choose to join your Local Expert and visit the São Bento Railway Station, with a walk along the architecturally impressive Dom Luis I Bridge. Alternatively, explore the Clerigos Tower, Liberdade Square and the nearby Atlantic beaches, also led by a Local Expert. In the evening you are at leisure to enjoy your boutique, five-star hotel, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, in the heart of Porto’s historic district. The decor is a mix of classic and contemporary and each room is individually decorated with original artwork. Alternatively, why not join an Optional Experience to see the pastel-painted houses in Porto's Ribeira district before cruising on a traditional Rabelo boat and finishing off the evening with a Portuguese dinner in the comfort of your riverside restaurant?

Pousado do Porto Rua Das Flores.

Breakfast

Day 9: Porto, Grande Dame on the Douro Relaxed Start

With a full day free to enjoy at your own pace, why not take a stroll to admire the multi-coloured houses and churches covered in beautiful glazed tiles. Perhaps choose to visit medieval Braga? In the evening, bid adeus to your Travel Director and fellow travellers with a mouth-watering Celebration Dinner with wine, at an authentic Porto restaurant.

Pousado do Porto Rua Das Flores.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 10: Óbidos and onto Lisbon

Pass cork oak forests and orchards as you journey to the fortified town of Óbidos. Walk inside its walls to explore the craft shops, art galleries and flower-laden houses that line the narrow, medieval streets. This afternoon your travels continue to the Portuguese capital, Lisbon.

Dom Pedro Lisboa, Lisbon.

Breakfast

Day 11: Depart Lisbon

After breakfast, your departure transfer arrives at Lisbon International Airport at 07:00 or 09:30.

Breakfast

Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight

Day 2 Arrive Lisbon, Check-in, Welcome Dinner Lisbon

Hotel check-in at 2:00 p.m.

Welcome drink at 6:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone, lead introductions, and answer any questions. Unless otherwise noted, dinners on this program are typically buffet style. Breakfasts will offer a typical European-style breakfast buffet with breads, cheeses, cold-cuts, yogurt, fruit, cereals, juice, milk, coffee, tea, and water. Please note that water is included in the program cost at all meals. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

At leisure.

We will enjoy a welcome dinner with water at the hotel.

Day 3 Funchal-Portugal, Introduction Funchal - Madeira

Please be advised that additional baggage fees for checked bags may apply and must be paid directly to the airline at check in.

We will transfer to the Lisbon airport by motorcoach for the flight to Funchal. Upon arrival in Funchal, a private motorcoach will transfer us to the hotel in Funchal, Madeira. The transfer is 12 miles and will take 30 minutes.

We will enjoy an orientation walk to the Lido area, where we will have a brief introduction to Madeira island. The Lido area is lined with hotels and bordered by splendid gardens, offering wonderful views of the sea and magnificent sunsets. Before dinner, the Group Leader will host the Orientation Meeting in which will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities and answer any questions you may have.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

Explore local fare on your own.

Hotel buffet.

Day 4 Porto Moniz Funchal - Madeira

Getting on/off motorcoach, driving approximately 2 hours, 60 miles total. Approximately 3 hours of walking for approximately 5 miles on trails.

We will travel by motorcoach in the direction of Ribeira Brava, a seaside resort at the mouth of a steep valley. After crossing the island to the North coast, we will start the romantic walk through a wooded area. We will learn about the Lauissilva forest, designated as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1999 , during a field lecture from our Group Leader.

We will transfer to Porto Moniz to relax in its large natural bathing pool. We will then return to the hotel.

During dinner, we will be treated to live Fado singing. The rest of the evening is at leisure.

Hotel buffet.

We will enjoy a picnic lunch while on the trail.

We will enjoy a plated meal at a local restaurant.

Day 5 Market Day in Funchal, Free Time Funchal - Madeira

Approximately 3 hours of walking for approximately 4 miles through town, on uneven surfaces, and cobblestones.

Today, we will have a walking field trip to the city center. Along the way, we will have the chance to visit some gardens, the cathedral, the main street, and the colorful market of Funchal, where vendors selling fish, vegetables, and fruit can be found. After the market, we’ll walk along the old town area and enjoy some street art. During today's field lectures, we’ll learn about the lifestyle of Funchal's inhabitants, the economics of Funchal, and the history of the Funchal Cathedral.

Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

Explore local fare on your own in Funchal.

Explore local fare on your own.

Day 6 Southwest Coast Funchal - Madeira

Getting on/off motorcoach, driving1 hour, 40 miles total. Approximately 3 hours of walking for approximately 5 miles on trails.

We will enjoy a walking field trip along the Levada do Norte through one of the most fertile regions of the island where vineyards alternate with vegetable gardens. We’ll learn about the wine of the region and how the fertile land is cultivated during today's field lecture as we enjoy breathtaking views from the Cabo Girão viewpoint (1902 feet), the second highest sea cliff in Europe. Below this point, there are small vineyards and vegetable patches that can only be reached by boat. For natives, every bit of land is precious.

We will then explore the Calheta sugar cane mill and learn about the history of the sugar trade on Madeira. Learn about how the factory transforms sugar cane into sugar products like rum, molasses, and traditional honey cakes.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

We will enjoy a plated meal at a local restaurant.

Explore local fare on your own.

Day 7 North Coast Funchal - Madeira

Getting on/off motorcoach, driving under 3 hour, 40 miles. Approximately 2 hours of walking for approximately 3 miles on trails and through villages.

We will ride by private motorcoach through the mountains to visit Pico do Arieiro to experience the magnificent views. Afterwards, we will descend to Ribeiro Frio where a hike along the Levada Balcões will take place. This path is surrounded by the lush vegetation of the pristine forest and has a breathtaking view. We’ll continue to the next stop, Santana, known for its triangular thatched cottages that have become an island icon. We will hear field lectures on the geological and botanical aspects of all of these places you see.

We will hike on an old footpath along the coast seizing the beautiful coastline views and getting to know the coastal flora and local livelihood. Afterwards, return to the hotel.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

We will enjoy a plated meal at a local restaurant.

Explore local fare on your own.

Day 8 Botanical Garden, Levada da Serra do Faial Funchal - Madeira

Getting on/off motorcoach, driving about 1 hour. Approximately 2 hours of walking for approximately 4 miles on trails and paved roads through villages.

We will set out by motorcoach to Camacha (2300 feet), where we will have a walking field trip along the Levada da Serra do Faial. Upon approaching the village, we will notice bundles of long canes. This area is known as basket country, where wicker working is a traditional industry. Today's field lectures will educate you on the area's indigenous plants and basket weaving.

We will drive to the Botanical Gardens, created in 1960 on the grounds of the Quinta do Bom Sucesso, overlooking the town of Funchal. Most of the displayed plants are from around the world, with a section for indigenous flora. We’ll then make a short transfer to Monte, where we will visit the gardens and church. The twin towers of the church are visible from all over the town of Funchal. The afternoon will end with a fun toboggan run sitting on baskets! We’ll then return to the hotel.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

We will enjoy a plated meal at a local restaurant.

Hotel buffet.

Day 9 Ponta de São Lourenço, Madeiran Beef Kebab, Free Time Funchal - Madeira

Getting on/off motorcoach, driving about 2 hours, 50 miles. Approximately 2 hours of walking for approximately 2 miles on trails with some stairs and gravel.

After driving by Machico, the spot where humans first set foot on the island, we will continue on to Ponta de São Lourenço, where the landscape is drier and looks almost lunar. We will hear about the biodiversity and geology of the region during the hike along the serrated line of cliffs tapering into jagged rocky islets.

Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities, which can be found in the first Information Packet. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

Grilled fresh fish will be served at a local restaurant.

We will enjoy a farewell dinner where the unique Madeiran beef kabob is served at a local restaurant.

Day 10 Transfer to Lisbon, Free Time Lisbon

Getting on/off motorcoach, airplane. Driving 1/2 hour, around 12 miles. Flight is under 2 hours.

We will transfer by motorcoach to the Funchal airport for our flight to Lisbon.

Free Time. The remainder of the day is on your own to see and do what interests you most. Your Group Leader will be able to suggest ideas of what to do and see in Lisbon.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

Explore local fare on your own in Lisbon.

Explore local fare on your own.

Day 11 Program Concludes In Flight

Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Hotel buffet. This concludes our program.