The Best of Portugal featuring the Estoril Coast, Azores, & Madeira Islands

1. The Estoril Coast of Portugal The Best of Portugalfeaturing the Estoril Coast, Azores, & Madeira Islands November 1-13, 2013 Joe Laufer’s ICQ Tours & Collette Vacations Note: There are 7 air flights on this tour

2. Day 1: Friday, November 01, 2013 Overnight Flight Hometown Pickup in Vincentown, courtesy of Collette Vacations – c. 3:30 p.m. Depart Philadelphia – Luftansa German Airlines – Flight 427 – 6:45 p.m. Arrive Frankfurt Airport - Saturday, November 02 – 7:45 a.m. Depart Frankfurt – Luftansa Airlines – Flight 1166 – 9:15 a.m Arrive Lisbon, Portugal – Saturday, November 02 - 11:15 a.m.

3. Day 2: Saturday, November 02 - Lisbon, Portugal - Tour Begins - Hotel Arrival c. 1:30 P.MWelcome to Portugal where Old World traditions continue to thrive and where you will experience medieval towns, coastal villages, natural landscapes, Portuguese cuisine, regional wines and folkloric entertainment. Tonight in Lisbon, begin your journey with a welcome dinner. (D) …four nights on the Azorean island of St. Michael A three-night stay in Lisbon … and three nights in Madeira

4. Days 2 to 4: Hotel Altis, Lisbon -Rua Castilho, 11, Lisbon, 1269-072 Portugal ‎1-866-539-0036‎ 5 star hotel Location. Conveniently near the airport, Hotel Altis is in Lisbon (Rato), close to Botanical Garden, Parliament, and Lisbon City Hall. Also nearby are Castle of Sao Jorge and Rossio Square. Dining options at this luxury hotel include 3 restaurants. Complimentary wireless and wired high-speed Internet access is available in public areas . Rooms have city views. The 300 air-conditioned guestrooms at Hotel Altis include laptop-compatible safes and minibars. Guests can use the in-room complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access

5. Day 3: Sunday, November 03, 2013 - Lisbon - Sintra - Cascais - Estoril - Lisbon A tour of Lisbon features the Moorish Alfama Quarter, Jeronimo’s Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage site), the Monument to the Discoveries, and the Tower of Belem (UNESCO World Heritage site). Later, explore the town of Sintra, another UNESCO World Heritage site and summer residence of Portuguese kings for six centuries. Continue to Cascais and Estoril, coastal resorts dotted with specialty shops. Tonight, enjoy regional cuisine complete with wine and Fado music. (B, D)

6. Across from Jeronimos Monastery, reached via an underpass by its gardens, is the Discoveries Monument, built on the north bank of the Tagus River in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator. It represents a three-sailed ship ready to depart, with sculptures of important historical figures such as King Manuel I carrying an armillary sphere, poet Camõesholding verses from The Lusiads, Vasco da Gama, Magellan, Cabral, and several other notable Portuguese explorers, crusaders, monks, cartographers, and cosmographers, following Prince Henry the Navigator at the prow holding a small vessel. The only female is queen Felipa of Lancaster, mother of Henry the navigator, the brain of the discoveries. Inside is an exhibition space with temporary exhibits, an interesting film about the city of Lisbon, and an elevator that takes visitors to the top for some bird's-eye views of Belem and its monuments.

7. Monument of Discoveries

9. The pavement in front of the monument is decorated with a mosaic presented by the South African government in 1960, representing a compass with the map of the world charting the routes taken by the Portuguese explorers.

10. Moorish Alfama Quarter of Lisbon

11. Jerónimos Monastery is an expression of Portugal's wealth and power during the Age of Discovery. Built in 1502 during the reign of King Manuel I, it is famous for being the resting place of Vasco da Gama, as well as the place he offered prayers on the night before he set sail to India. The stone carving that decorates the columns and walls of the monastery is an imaginative mix of saintly figures and sea monsters, coils of rope and other maritime motifs. It remains the best example of Portuguese artistic expression and is a "must visit" when in Lisbon.

12. Tower of Belem . Built in 1515 to guard the entrance to Lisbon's harbor, the Belém Tower is a monument to the city's history as a world power during the Age of Discovery. The tower is built in the Manueline style, named for King Manuel I, with stonework depicting imagery popular during the age, such as exotic animals and historical figures. Now a World Heritage Site, the tower is an impressive and enduring monument to the city and culture that helped create the modern world

13. The town of Sintra, another UNESCO World Heritage site and summer residence of Portuguese kings for six centuries.

14. Pena Palace, Sintra The Palace dates back to 1839, when the King Consort Dom Fernando II of Saxe Coburg-Gotha (1816-1885) bought the ruins of the Hieronymite Monastery ofNossa Senhora da Pena and started to adapt it for use as a residence, according to his Romantic taste. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. It is also used for state occasions by ther President of the Portuguese Republic and other government officials. Pena Palace is the most complete and notable example of Portuguese architecture in the Romantic period. It stands on one of the rocky peaks of the Serra de Sintra, and blends in a surprisingly fortunate manner with its natural background of greenery and crags, testifying to the aesthetic potentialities of the project.

15. As his director of the works, Baron von Eschwege put into effect the King's revivalist ideas and round the restored ruins of the monastery raised a majestic pastiche inspired by the palaces and castles of Bavaria. Fanciful to an extreme, the architectural fabric of Pena finds much of its inspiration in the Moorish, Gothic and Manueline motifs of Portuguese art, as well as in the Wagnerian spirit of the Schinkel Castles of Central Europe

16. Quintade Regaleira, Sintra Quinta da Regaleira is an estate located near the historic center of Sintra. It is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Along with other palaces in this area, it is one of the principal tourist attractions of Sintra. It consists of a romantic palace and chapel, and a luxurious park featuring lakes, grottoes, wells, benches, fountains, and a vast array of exquisite constructions. The palace is also known as "Palace of Monteiro the Millionaire." Sintra’s Royal Palace is the best preserved medieval Royal Palace in Portugal, having been inhabited more or less continuously at least from the early 15th up to the late 19th century. It is an important tourist attraction and is part of the Cultural landscape of Sintra, designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Royal Palace, Sintra

17. Day 4: Monday, November 04, 2013 Lisbon - Fatima - Nazare - Obidos - Lisbon Travel to Portugal’s “Silver Coast,” a region of sleepy villages, rich vineyards and age-old castles. Begin in the pilgrimage town of Fatima and see the famous Basilica. Next, view the magnificent Batalha Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage site). Continue to Nazare and picture-perfect Obidos, where white-washed houses are guarded by medieval city walls. (B) FATIMA

19. After the pilgrimage to Fatima, view the magnificent Batalha Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage site).

20. Nazare

22. Obidos

23. Leira District, Obidos

24. AirSata Flight 221 Depart Lisbon 12:30 p.m. Arrive Joao Paulo II airport 1:45 p.m. Day 5: Tuesday, November 05, 2013 Lisbon - St. Michael, Azores - Ponta Delgada - SeteCidades Fly* to St. Michael, the largest of the nine volcanic islands that form the Azores archipelago. A walking tour of Ponta Delgada features the “PortasdaCidade” (The City Gates), Saint Christ’s Church, the Carlos Machado Museum with its fascinating exhibits, St. Sebastian Church with 17th century painted tiles, the Jesuit College, and the seashore promenade. A stop at a pineapple plantation is followed by a visit to the twin lakes of SeteCidades(Seven Cities), one of the region’s most beautiful natural settings. Composed of two lakes inside a volcanic crater, it is the island’s most popular national park. From the edge of the crater, one lake appears blue (reflecting the sky) and the other looks green (reflecting the ground). Your day concludes with a magnificent view of the coastal village of Mosteiros. (B, D) Portas da Cidade – City Gates

25. 4 3 15 11 18 5 7 19 8, 9, 10 16 2 1 13 Hotel • 12. Ponta Delgada (3) Thur.. Nov. 7 • Optional Whale/Dolphin Watching • 14. Ponta Delgada (4) Fri., Nov. 8 • 15. Ribiera Grande • 16. Ceramic Studio • 17. Distillery • 18. Nordeste (highest point on Island) • 19. Povoacao (first settlement) • Depart Saturday, Nov. 9 at 9:35 • Arrive Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 1:45 • Ponta Delgada (1) • Pineapple Plantation • SeteCidades (green & blue lakes) • Mosteiros • Terra Nostra Park • Ponta Dekgada (2) Wed.Nov. 6 • Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake) • Furnas Valley (cozido das furnas) • Botanical Garden • Caldeiras das Furnas (hot springs) • Gorreana Tea Plantation

26. Days 5 to 8 – Royal Garden Hotel, Sao Miguel, Azores Rua de Lisboa 9500-216, Ponta Delgada, S. Miguel Acores 4 Star Hotel 4 Star Hotel, Royal Garden Hotel is located in Ponta Delgada, 250 meters from the comercial neighborhood and 500 meters from the City Gates Piano BarAt the Royal Garden Hotel bar you will be able to enjoy a selected environment. Offering a vast selection of beverages and live music, this is the perfect place for a date or to relax. Coffee ShopRoyal Garden Hotel Coffee Shop offers the possibility of having a drink, an ice cream or a meal, at the same time that you can delight with the view of the Hotel's beautiful gardens and swimming pool. Opened from May until November. .

27. Day 5: Tue., Nov. 05 - St. Michael, Azores - Ponta Delgada - Sete Cidades, cont. St. Christ’s Church Carlos Machado Museum St. Sebastian Church Jesuit College Church Seashore Promenade

28. Pineapple Plantation – Faja de Baixo, suburb of Ponta Delgada

29. Sete Cidades (Seven Cities) Tour includes a visit to the twin lakes of Sete Cidades (Seven Cities), one of the region’s most beautiful natural settings. Composed of two lakes inside a volcanic crater, it is the island’s most popular national park. From the edge of the crater one lake appears blue (reflecting the sky) and the other looks green (reflecting the ground).

30. Mosteiros

31. Day 6: Wednesday, November 06, 2013 - Ponta Delgada - Lagoa do Fogo - Furnas Valley - Terra Nostra Park See the fascinating landscape of Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake), a mystical lake surrounded by mountains. In Furnas Valley, experience a “cozido das furnas” lunch in which meat and vegetables are stewed in the heat of the volcanic earth. Afterwards, stroll through the botanical garden of Terra Nostra Park, home to the world’s largest collection of camellias. Next, explore caldeiras das Furnas, the town’s famous hot springs area. Finally, visit the Gorreana Tea Plantation to learn about timeless methods of tea production. (B, L) Dinner on your own!

32. Lagoa Fogo (Fire Lake)

33. Furnas Valley – “cozido das furnas”

34. Botanical Garden of Terra Nostra Park (world’s largest collection of camellias)

35. Caldeiras das Furnas – the town’s famous hot springs area.

36. Gorreana Tea Plantation

37. Day 7: Thursday, November 07, 2013 Day at Leisure - Optional Whale and Dolphin Watching Excursion Enjoy a day at leisure exploring Ponta Delgada. An optional whale and dolphin watching excursion is offered. (B)

38. Catamaran "Cetus"  Size: 17,5 x 6,8 mWeight: 24 tonPassenger capacity: 77- Spacious viewing decks.- Comfortable (suitable for elderly people, people with disabilities and families with children).- Enclosed cabin and full toilet facilities.- Great top view of the animals, perfect for watching dolphins bowriding directly beneath you.- Lifejackets not required to be worn. Zodiacs (Several available)(Type of boat used for swimming with dolphins as well as whale watching) Size: ~8 mPassenger capacity: 10-14 (boats have differing capacities)- Fun, splashy and bouncy (best for adventurous whale watchers)- Not recommended for pregnant women, people with back or neck problems and elderly people.- Travelling close to the water puts you eye to eye with the dolphins.- No toilet facilities aboard.- Life jackets and waterproof clothing are provided and required to be worn.

39. Day 8: Friday, November 08 - Ponta Delgada - Ribeira Grande - Nordeste - Povoaçao Ponta Delgada

40. Visit Ribeira Grande, known for its historic 16th and 17th century buildings. See the city hall, Church of Our Lady, and the eight-arch bridge, a symbol of the town. Day 8: Friday, November 08 (continued) – Ribeira Grande

41. Day 8: Friday, November 08, (cont.) Next, discover the art of painted ceramics during a studio visit. Then, stop at a family-owned distillery to taste some of the all natural local liqueurs.

42. Day 8: Friday, November 08 Nordeste Povoacao Continue to the highest part of the island, scenic Nordeste. Your day ends in Povoaçao, home of the island’s first settlement and oldest church. (B, D) Povoacao

43. Day 9: Saturday, November 09 St. Michael, Azores - Funchal, Madeira Sata Flt. 5502 Depart Ponta Delgada, Azores: 9:35 a.m. Arrive Funchal, Madeira – 12 :35 p.m. Fly* to Madeira Island, the “pearl of the Atlantic.” Madeira boasts a subtropical climate, majestic mountain ranges and volcanic caves. Discover Madeira’s history during a leisurely-paced walking tour of Funchal’s charming plazas, colonial mansions, 15th century cathedral and local market. Visit an embroidery factory for a first-hand look at this delicate craft. (B)

44. Days 9 to 11 – Pestana Casino Park Hotel, Funchal, Madeira Island Pestana Casino Park, designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer, is part of the most iconic touristic complex in the Madeira Island, including the Casino and the Congress Center. The hotel is surrounded by a 15,000 m2 private garden.

45. Funcal

46. Embroidery Factory Visit – Saturday, November 9 Oliveiras Factory is located in the historical centre of Funchal City, near the Cathedral.

47. Day 10: Sunday, November 10 - 1. Funchal- 2. Câmara de Lobos- 3. Cabo Girão- 4. São Vicente- 5. Porto Moniz- 6. Calheta 5 4 2. Camara de Lobos 6 3 Cabo Girao 2 1

48. Visit Câmara de Lobos, a traditional village with a wonderful bay. Continue along mountain roads, passing banana plantations and vineyards on your way to Cabo Girão, the world’s second highest cliff. São Vicente, a charming agricultural town, offers dramatic views. Travel the winding Gold Road and enjoy more spectacular scenery. Explore the lively fishing village of Porto Moniz, renowned for its natural volcanic pools. Also visit Calheta, home to a working sugar mill. Nearby Paul da Serra plateau offers additional amazing views. (B) Porto Moniz

49. Day 11: Monday, November 11, 2013 • Funchal - Camacha - Ribeiro Frio - Santana – Monte • Wind through the mountains to Camacha,(1) a village known for wicker crafts. • In Poiso, visit the island’s third highest point, Pico do Arieiro. (2) • Next, visit Ribeiro Frio (“cold river”) (3), famous for its trout farm. • Continue to Santana (4), a village characterized by small triangular homes thatched with straw. • Stop in Monte (5), perched on the hills overlooking Funchal (6). 4 3 2 5 1 6

50. Camacha Santana Ribeiro Frio Monte Santana