Best of Lisbon and Madeira
Join this Ladies Only Small Escorted Tour with Paola Molinari-Shaw & Melitta Hannon
Book by Apr 30, 2022
ESCORTED BEST OF LISBON AND MADEIRA - LADIES ONLY
Departure: May 2 - 11, 2023 LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE
10 Days Lisbon to Madeira | 9 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 1 Light Snack, and 5 Dinners
Land Only Rates: CA $3,699 per person | Solo Traveller CA $4,599
A delectable combination of delicious food, history and culture, Portugal is a country that not only captivates but enlightens.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Lisbon - Enjoy a city tour with our Local Expert and taste a traditional Pastel de Belem.
• Funchal - Visit the markets and Botanical Garden as you learn about modern-day life in the city.
• Winery and Villages - Sample local wines and visit the picturesque villages on the Madeira's west.
• Local Flavours - Sample traditional island flavours that you prepare yourself during your cooking class.
• Artisan Crafts - Learn about the history of the artisans of Madeira and their impressive wares.
INCLUSIONS
• Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organizer, and friend overseas
• Alternate vehicles without onboard washroom will be used on the islands
• We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door
• All tips other than for your Travel Director are included as are taxes and porterage charges at hotels
• One complimentary transfer is available on arrival and departure days
• Meals - 9 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 1 Light Snack, 5 Dinners
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1: Welcome to Lisbon
May 2, 2023 - Tour Begins | Hotel: Hotel Dom Pedro, Lisbon | Meals: Dinner with WineOn arrival at Lisbon International Airport, transfer to your hotel. Settle in and relax before joining your Travel Director 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.
DAY 2: Lisbon and the Age of the Great Discoveries
May 3, 2023 | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine | Hotel: Hotel Dom Pedro, LisbonYour 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, the finest square in the city, named after the palace that was destroyed in the terrible earthquake of 1755, along with much of the rest of the city. Visit the Belem Quarter from where sailing ships once set forth to discover unknown lands. Enjoy a taste of Pasteis de Belem from the patisserie that has been using the same secret recipe for almost 200 years. See the modern Monument to the Discoveries and the more ancient Belem Tower, erected to protect Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which you visit. With free time in the afternoon, perhaps take the funicular railway up into the steep alleyways of the old town or explore the terraces of the Alfama district before you meet back up with the group for dinner at the hotel this evening.
DAY 3: Madeira Island
May 4, 2023 | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine | Hotel: Melia Madeira MareTransfer back to the Lisbon airport for the flight to beautiful Madeira Island which lies closer to the coast of Africa than Europe giving rise to a land rich in European history but home to an abundance of tropical plants and fruits resulting in a remarkable local cuisine. Enjoy a short orientation walk near the hotel and free time before we sample the local flavours at dinner this evening.
DAY 4: Markets and the Botanical Garden
May 5, 2023 | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine | Hotel: Melia Madeira MareVisit the local markets and learn about the amazing produce that grows on the island and the fish that form such an important part of their diet. After getting to know Funchal, take the cable car to the botanical gardens and Monte Palace where you will be able to wander through the lush landscapes and take time to visit the Natural History Museum (additional cost) if desired. There is a small café at the museum where you can enjoy lunch and views weather permitting or return to town for lunch before enjoying an afternoon at leisure. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening while listening to Fado, the traditional story-telling music of Portugal.
DAY 5: Day at Leisure
May 6, 2023 | Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: Melia Madeira MareToday there is the option to take an optional excursion to the island of Porto Santo where you will have a short orientation tour visiting the Christopher Columbus museum, and seeing the beautiful Church of Nossa Senhora da Piedade before enjoying a day on the beach for some rest and relaxation. Return to Madeira to enjoy your evening. Alternatively, the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.
DAY 6: Santana, Hiking and Cooking
May 7, 2023 | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine | Hotel: Melia Madeira MareStart your day off with a short but pretty walk along PR11 Vereda do Balcoes (1.5km in total 30 min to an hour with time to stop and take in the scenery) before continuing to the community of Santana. Home to traditional, steep-sloped, thatch-roofed houses, this part of the island has a culture all its own. Take part in a cooking experience where you will learn to prepare local delicacies before enjoying an authentic Madeiran meal. With your bellies full, return to the hotel for the rest of the day at leisure.
DAY 7: Madeiran Villages and Wineries
May 8, 2023 | Meals: Breakfast, Local Snacks with Wine | Hotel: Melia Madeira MareSpend the day enjoying the scenic drive that takes you to the island's west coast. The shores are dotted with picturesque villages, church spires and lush landscapes as you head west stopping along the way to learn about island culture and take in some of the breathtaking scenery. Stop at a famous Madeira wine distillery and sample this fortified grape spirit before continuing along the coast to a beautiful vineyard with a view to sample more wine and enjoy local snacks. Continue your scenic drive, returning to our hotel for a free evening.
DAY 8: Madeira’s Artisan Traditions
May 9, 2023 | Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: Melia Madeira MareMadeira is rich in local culture and a visit would not be complete without visiting the artisan workshops of its residents to learn about their history. From wicker work to ceramics and embroidery, you will hear the stories of those who continue these traditions and link the past with the present. The rest of your day is at leisure. *Please note that visits may vary from those listed due to local conditions at the time.
DAY 9: Madeira at Leisure
May 10, 2023 | Meals: Breakfast, Celebration Dinner | Hotel: Melia Madeira MareTake the day to enjoy Madeira as you like, there is something for everyone. Enjoy more of the island's scenic hikes or try kayaking, visit Palheiro Gardens and spend time enjoying the beauty and calm, return to the markets to sample some of the delicious local specialties or spend time enjoying a book and relaxing for the day. This evening, savour the memories made during your trip to this beautiful land with a Celebration Dinner as you say good-bye to your travel director.
DAY 10: Farewell Portugal
May 11, 2023 - Tour Ends | Meals: BreakfastYour transfer will bring you to the Madeira airport for your flight home.
We believe that travel is not just about going to incredible places, but really connecting with them in an authentic way. Travel in its truest sense is both a joy and a personal passion for every member of our team. In our luxury customized coaches, you have twice the legroom, and twice the view. We want you to feel entirely at ease and relaxed throughout your Insight vacation. So let us take care of the driving while you sit back and enjoy the journey, worry-free. We believe that where you stay makes the difference between a good vacation and an unforgettable one. This is why we take the greatest possible care in choosing hotels that are truly excellent in terms of style, location and service.
Terms & Conditions
What's Not Included: Airfares (unless otherwise stated), passports and applicable visa fees, charges imposed by third parties, laundry, phone calls, items of a personal nature, beverages, meals and sightseeing not detailed on the itinerary, excess baggage, travel insurance. Travel Insurance is required. Ask your advisor for further details. Price: The advertised price is in Canadian dollars, per person twin share. Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of $300 is required within 3 days of booking. Final Payment: The balance of monies due for the trip must be paid by Friday, February 8, 2023. Payments after this date may incur a late fee payment. Cancellation Fees: In the event you have to cancel your booking, cancellation fees will apply. For full details of cancellation fees, contact your Travel Advisor. Refunds: No refund is available if cancellations occur after the trip has commenced or in respect of any sightseeing, accommodation, meals or any other services not utilized. Itinerary Changes & Trip Cancellation: Prices are based on costs, charges, tariffs, taxes, levies and exchange rates at the time of publication. In the event that such fluctuations affect the price to be paid for services, Insight Vacations reserves the right to adjust the price as necessary at any time. Insight Vacations reserves the right to vary itineraries should circumstances dictate, as well as cancel or reschedule any trip departure in accordance with operating requirements, or circumstances beyond its control. The advertised trip requires minimum numbers to depart. Should these not be met, Insight Vacations reserves the right to alter or cancel arrangements. Other terms and conditions may apply, please contact Melitta or Paola for full details and availability.