Sunny Portugal

The natural wonders of our planet are awe-inspiring. To ensure their beauty can be enjoyed for generations, we are committed to reducing single-use plastics on our tours and in our offices. On tours in this region, where the tap water is safe to drink, we encourage you to bring a reusable filter water bottle. Your Tour Manager will direct you to bottle refill stations throughout each day. By bringing your own bottle, you will reduce plastic waste and help to preserve the environment.

Thank you for helping us make the world a better place through travel and supporting sustainability!

At the time of booking, you will be asked what type of room you would like.

A double room has either one large bed or two smaller ones. Double rooms are perfect for couples or if you’re travelling with a companion and wish to share a room. There are plenty of double rooms available on our tours.

A single or solo room has only one bed and may be smaller in size. These rooms are first come, first-served, as most properties have only a certain amount of these available.

A triple room usually consists of a standard double room with two beds. A cot or fold-up bed may be added, but it depends on the room size and local fire codes. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. Triples are first come, first-served, as they are also very limited. If you booked a triple and only a double and single room is available at a hotel, appropriate charges for the single and double accommodations will be assessed.

We will forward your request to the hotel and do our best to accommodate your needs; however, please know that we cannot make any guarantees. In certain countries, the hotel rooms may not be as large as standard hotel rooms in North America.

Here are a few details to keep in mind:

Check-in times are set by individual hotels and can vary, but most hotels offer afternoon check-ins. Depending on your arrival time, you may have to wait before you can get into your room. Some hotels may be willing to store your luggage in a secure location until your room is ready. In these instances, the hotel will not be responsible for lost or stolen items and there may be a charge for this service.

Please observe check out times at all properties. Hotels designate these as well.

Some hotels require a credit card imprint or your passport information upon check-in to activate telephones in the rooms and for potential incidental charges. Most hotels charge an access fee for using phones in hotel rooms. Please check with the front desk personnel at each hotel for specific policies. You will be responsible for all incidental fees occurred during your stay, and these must be paid at time of check out.

Hotel membership programs are not applicable.

All of the hotels we use are equipped with air conditioning and heat. However, in an effort to be more energy efficient, European governments regulate the specific time of year when hotels can turn on their air conditioning and heating systems. This means that during the spring and fall, hotels will not always have their air conditioners and heaters turned on. Air conditioning is only available between May 15 and September 15. Heating can only be turned on between November 1 and March 31.

Hotel rooms in this region are generally smaller than average, as most hotels are renovated historic buildings which don’t offer a lot of space.

Please be aware that many standard hotel rooms do not have walk-in showers, as the rooms will often have a combination bathtub/shower. Please also note that bathtubs in this region tend to have much taller sides requiring agility to climb in and out. Usually bathtubs are equipped with safety handles, however this cannot be guaranteed, and you may consider packing a grab bar for travel.

One of the ways we encourage you to make your journey your own is with Choice on Tour, letting you decide how to experience a destination or site based on your unique interests.

It’s your choice! Included in your itinerary, there may be a day, or days, featuring a choice of two (or more) activities during a designated time. You may have selected your preferred option(s) when booking your tour. In most cases, your selection may be made upon arriving on tour and discussing it with your Tour Manager. If no selection is made during the booking process, the default option is assumed.

While in Lisbon, you have the choice between two activities.

For your first choice, you can discover the art of the Portuguese sidewalks on a locally led walking tour. With your local guide, get to know the history behind the emblematic Portuguese sidewalks, which are a symbol of culture and art in the country today. Black and white, symmetrical or not, the sidewalks have shapes and designs that narrate an era.

The Activity Level of this choice is a level 3, which requires walking 2 miles excluding Elevador da Gloria. You will need to navigate steep hills and walk on cobblestone, uneven streets and walkways.

Your second choice is to venture with your Tour Manager and discover the city through the lens of the country’s beloved salted codfish. Hear how the fishermen throughout history would trek out into the cold, North Atlantic waters for this delicacy that cannot be found on Portuguese seashores.

The Activity Level of this choice is a level 2, which requires walking on cobblestone, uneven streets and walkways.

During your stay in Cascais, you have the choice between two activities.

For your first choice, you can explore the charming hilltop village of Sintra. As you stroll through its winding streets, your Tour Manager will share captivating insights and stories about the area. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local cultural heritage and craftsmanship.

The Activity Level of this choice is a level 2.

The Tour Manager guided orientation tour of Sintra is approximately 20 minutes in addition to a Sintra Painter Artisan interaction and free time.

For your second choice, you can opt for an enlightening tour of the National Palace of Sintra, led by a knowledgeable local expert. This palace, which is celebrated as Portugal’s best-preserved medieval palace, features an impressive collection of tiles that tell fascinating stories from the past.

The Activity Level of this choice is a level 3.

When visiting the National Palace, travellers need to be able stand for 30 minutes at a time and be able to climb 100 steps.

You’re in for a treat as you get a taste of the local flavour of a destination known for its unique seasonings and delicious flavours – Portugal.

Portuguese food is a fusion of Mediterranean, French, Spanish, African, and Asian flavours and techniques, with a focus on fresh seafood, olive oil, and garlic. It is also known for its use of spices and herbs, such as paprika, saffron, and parsley. The Portuguese love hearty soups, sausages, homemade bread and cheeses.

In the Algarve, the last region of Portugal to achieve independence from the Moors, you’ll find centuries old centuries-old traditions of making sweets

from almonds and figs.

The proximity of the sea makes it possible to combine both diversity and quality and the main dish is often one based on fish, most notably salted codfish, sardines, hake, shellfish, clams and cockles.

Meat is also widely available and includes such local dishes as: the sautéed bife à Portuguesa with a fried egg with the yolk melting or grilled steak, very often cooked in a Port wine sauce; the espetadas (kebab), and the famous Portuguese specialty, “Piri Piri” chicken in which the chicken is marinated with chilies and barbecued to perfection.

Another staple of Portuguese food is the use of rice as a very common side or main dish. It is often served as a side dish to accompany grilled meats, fish, and shellfish, or as a main ingredient in dishes such as arroz de marisco (seafood rice) and arroz de pato (duck rice). Rice is typically cooked with garlic, onions, and various herbs and spices. As the fourth largest producer of rice in Europe and the biggest consumer on the whole continent, you will be sure to meet this famous ingredient in most menus, including in desserts such as arroz doce (rice pudding) topped with cinnamon.

One of Portugal’s best kept secrets is its vast and unique range of desserts, cakes and pastries where the egg yolk and sugar are kings and can be traced to its conventual past.

Portugal is the world’s sixth largest wine producing country in the world, and as such offers a large, flavorful collection of wine. The red wines in particular are quite popular, though Vinho Verde is Portugal’s own light and slightly bubbly white wine.

The customary greeting in Portugal is a firm handshake and friendly hello.

Portuguese people will kiss twice on each cheek, unless the greeting is between two men, in which case the handshake is the proper way of greeting.

Always dress modestly when entering a religious site or church. If a mass is being celebrated at a church, it’s best to wait respectfully until it has concluded before entering to look around.

Punctuality is a bit more relaxed in Portugal. Be patient when waiting for others.

Soccer (football) is extremely popular. Discussing soccer is a great way to connect with the Portuguese.

Talking about salary and anything money-related is frowned upon. Be modest when it comes to personal finances.

For non-included meals, leaving 5% to 10% of the bill for your server is customary.

It used to be when travelling abroad, you had to go to a bank to exchange your home currency for that of the country you were visiting. Thanks to technology, those days are gone. Now you can use your bank card at any ATM in almost any city around the world just like you would at home. There may be a fee for this convenience, but it makes getting local currency quick and easy.

You can find ATMs in airports, hotels, and banks. Fees tend to be lower at hotels or within cities than they are at the airport. Many exchange bureaus in Europe will not accept $50 or $100 US Dollar bills. While most vendors accept credit cards, you may need local currency for lunch, gratuities, or for smaller purchases.

You can also pay with a credit card when travelling. The price will automatically be converted to your home currency by the system. Some merchants charge a fee for this service, but it adds an extra guarantee on your purchase, so it’s a nice option.

If you have a credit or debit card with a chip in it, it is recommended you use it rather than a card with a magnetic strip. The chip adds an extra layer of protection against fraud.

Many of our tours include optional excursions that are available for purchase. If you decide to go on one of these during your trip, please note, the credit card you use for payment must have an expiration date greater than 30 days from the start of the tour.

If you choose to review exchange rates or exchange currency before you depart for your trip, the currency in this region is the Euro.

If you plan to enter or leave the EU carrying the equivalent of €10,000 or more in cash, you must declare it at customs. Cash includes currency notes, coins, bankers’ drafts, cheques, and travellers’ cheques. If you do not declare the cash, customs authorities could take away your money, and you may receive a fine of as much as €8,000.

When travelling to another country, you may need an adapter and/or electric converter to plug your electrical devices and appliances into the local power grid. An adapter changes the plug so it fits into the outlet. A converter changes the voltage coming out of the outlet.

To determine what you need, first verify if the plugs on your devices fit the outlet of your destination.

In Europe, the plug type is C, which has two round pins. If your plugs do not match this description, you will need an adapter.

Next, verify the voltage of each device you intend to bring. You can find this information on the cord, plug, or on the device itself. Many devices are dual-voltage. For those, you do not need a converter. If your device is not dual-voltage and it differs from the voltage of your destination, you will need a voltage converter.

In Europe, the voltage is 220v-230v. If necessary, make sure to get a converter that converts to this voltage.

If you plan to bring a sleep apnea machine, please remember to bring an extension cord along with the adapter and voltage converter as not all hotels have sockets next to the bed.

The highest elevation encountered on this tour is 1,500 feet/457 meters.

Due to varied flight schedules and arrival times of our travellers, there are no scheduled activities prior to dinner on arrival day. Should your flight schedule allow for an early arrival, enjoy this opportunity for some independent exploration.

If you are staying post tour, your Tour Manager will be available to offer suggestions for your additional time in the area.

If you have some extra time to explore Lisbon before your tour begins, you’ll find plenty to do! Lisbon is the city of explorers, known for its outstanding culture, shopping and cuisine.

Historical Sites:

São Jorge Castle: Offers stunning views of the city and a glimpse into Lisbon’s medieval past.

Cultural Experiences:

National Museum of Ancient Art (Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga): This museum houses a vast collection of Portuguese and European art from the Middle Ages to the early 19th century, including works by Hieronymus Bosch and Albrecht Dürer.

Calouste Gulbenkian Museum: This museum houses an impressive collection of art from ancient to modern times, including works by Rembrandt, Monet, and Lalique.

MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology: Situated along the Tagus River, this museum combines contemporary art, architecture, and technology in a stunning modern building.

National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo): Dedicated to the art of decorative tiles, this museum showcases beautiful azulejos from the 15th century to the present day.

Outdoor Activities:

Tram 28: Ride this historic tram through the narrow streets of Lisbon.

Lisbon Oceanarium: One of the largest aquariums in Europe, perfect for a family outing.

Food and Drink:

Time Out Market: Sample a variety of Portuguese dishes from top chefs.

Nightlife and Entertainment:

Pink Street (Rua Nova do Carvalho): Known for its vibrant nightlife, this street is lined with bars, clubs, and restaurants. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Bairro Alto: Another lively area with numerous bars and clubs, perfect for a night out.

Get excited – and get ready for your upcoming tour! As you look ahead to your tour, you’ll probably have some questions. Our team of travel experts assembled this booklet packed with answers so you can feel ready for your upcoming journey. Before you go, take time to review and get familiar with what to expect throughout your tour, and keep this information on hand during your travels.

By booking a guided tour, all the details of your trip are covered so you can make the most of every moment. You’ll join your tour group (a maximum of 44 people) to experience an expertly planned itinerary. Being part of a group tour is a great opportunity to meet new people and to share the adventure. You’ll also be accompanied by your Tour Manager, an expert guide who can answer questions and offer advice along the way. Get ready to see the sights, taste the cuisine, and explore the world – with all the logistics handled and in good company.

Tipping is a great way to show your appreciation for the people who help keep your tour running smoothly. Tipping is discretionary and should be on an individual basis.

Gratuities for hotel housekeeping staff, local sightseeing guides, transfer drivers, on-tour motor coach drivers, and your Tour Manager are not included in the price of your tour.

The suggestions below are provided in US Dollars to help you budget for your trip. Plan to convert the total US Dollar amounts into the equivalent local currency, which is generally the preferred option when giving.

Tour Manager: equivalent of $10 US Dollars per person for each travel day, given at the end of your tour. For this 9-day tour, this would amount to $90 US Dollars total per person.

Local Guide: equivalent of $2-3 US Dollars per person, given at the end of your day or time with them. There are 3 local guides on this tour.

On-Tour Motor Coach Driver: equivalent of $5 US Dollars per person for each travel day, provided at the end of your tour or time with your driver.

Hotel Housekeeping: equivalent of $1 US Dollar per day, per room, left each morning.

Airport Transfer Driver: If your airport transfer is included in your package or purchased from Collette, gratuities might already be included. Please reference the transfer information section for confirmation. If gratuities are not mentioned, the suggested amount is typically $3 US Dollars (or equivalent in local currency) per person.

Common Greetings in Portuguese:

• Hello/ Good Morning = (olá /Bom dia)

• Good Afternoon = (Boa tarde)

• Good Night/Evening = (Boa noite)

• Goodbye = (Adeus)

• Do you speak English? = (Você fala Inglês?)

• I don’t understand = (Eu não entendo.)

• I do not speak Portuguese = (Eu não falo português)

• Nice to meet you = (bem-vindo ao …)

• How are you? = (Como vai?)

• Good = (Bom) Bad = ( Mau)

• So so = (Mais ou menos)

• Response = (resposta)

Polite Expressions

• Yes = (sim) No = (Não)

• I don’t know = (eu não sei)

• Excuse me = (Desculpe-me)

• Please = (se faz favour)

• Thank you very much = (Muito obrigado)

• You’re welcome = (De nada)

• I’m Sorry = (Sinto muito)

Shopping

• Do you accept credit cards? = (Você aceita cartões de credito?)

• How much does this cost? = (Quanto custa isto?)

• I’m just looking, thank you. = (Eu estou apenas olhando, obrigado.)

• The bill, please = (A conta, por favour)

• Open = (Aberto) Closed = (Fechado)

Getting Directions

• Where is… = (onde está …)

• the restroom? = (a casa de banho)

• the Post Office = (os correios)

• the Police Station = (a esquadra de polícia)

• the bank = (o banco)

• the hospital = (o hospital)

• the pharmacy = (a farmácia)

• the hotel… = (o hotel)

• Straight ahead = (em frente)

• Up = (Para cima) Down = (Para baixo)

• Far = (longe) Nearby = (Perto)

Dining

• Breakfast = (Pequeno Almoço)

• Lunch = (Almoço)

• Dinner = (Jantar)

• Please bring the check/bill. = (Por favour traga-me a conta.)

• Bread = (Pão) Butter = (manteiga)

• Salt = (Sal) Pepper = (Pimenta)

• Beverage = (Bebida)

• Coffee = (Café) Tea = (Chá)

• Wine = (Vinho) Beer = (Cerveja)

• Water = (água) Juice = (Sumo)

Signs

• Pharmacy = (farmácia)

• Bank= (banco)

• Market = (mercado)

In Case of Emergency

• Help! = (ajuda!)

• Stop! = (para!)

• Call an Ambulance = (chama uma ambulância!)

• Call the Police! = (chama a polícia!)

Numbers

• 1 = (um)

• 2 = (dois)

• 3 = (três)

• 4 = (quatro)

• 5 = (cinco)

• 6 = (seis)

• 7 = (sete)

• 8 = (oito)

• 9 = (nove)

• 10 = (dez)

Remember the 3-1-1 rule: Each airline traveller is allowed to bring 1 quart-sized bag containing no more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) of any liquids, gels, and aerosols in their carry-on bag. Any liquids, including water bottles, that don’t fit in the one quart-sized bag or are larger than 3 ounces will be discarded by security. Common items that must comply with this rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. For a complete list of what is allowed and not allowed to bring on a plane, visit www.tsa.gov.

Your day of departure is almost here, and it’s time to think about what to pack. We have a few guidelines to help you. But before you pack anything, you must check with your airline for any luggage fees or restrictions. These can vary widely depending on your carrier and destination.

Let’s begin. The first thing to consider is how many bags to bring. Your tour package includes luggage handling for one checked bag per person. You will be responsible for your backpack or tote bag as you travel between destinations. It’s very important you keep this in mind. We have limited space on our buses, so limiting the bags ensures there’s room for everyone’s luggage.

Your larger bag can’t be more than 62 in/157 cm in length, height and width and cannot weigh more than 50lb/23kg. Your carry-on should be a size that you can carry comfortably. You will use this bag to hold your personal items during sightseeing trips.

Please note that if you bring more than one checked bag and one carry-on, we cannot guarantee there will be room for them on the bus. You’ll need to store or ship any additional luggage at your own expense. If there is room for your additional luggage, we will charge a fee of 00 CAD per bag per hotel.

We recommend you consider using a TSA-approved lock, as a theft prevention measure during transit and during your tour.

It’s also very important that all your bags be labeled clearly. In your packet you will find a luggage tag. Please attach it to the bag you plan to check.

The name on this tag should match the information on your reservation exactly, so the Tour Manager and all baggage handlers can properly identify the bag as yours. This will ensure the bag is delivered to you quickly and efficiently.

Finally, we recommend you purchase travel insurance to ensure peace of mind while you’re on tour. We cannot assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft or normal wear and tear that results from hotel, airline and group carrier handling. But we offer comprehensive “No Worries Travel Protection” for your convenience. With insurance, you’ll be able to focus on creating wonderful memories, not worrying about your luggage.

Please note, some attractions do not allow large backpacks into their sites, so you may need a smaller bag for sightseeing.

Special Diet

North America offers diverse dietary options due to ingredient availability and acceptance of alternative diets. However, travelling abroad may pose challenges as menus reflect local tastes, alternative diets may not be common, and medical conditions requiring dietary adjustments may not be understood. Group meals typically offer a pre-fixed menu that cater to diverse travellers. It’s important to note that while some dietary requests can be accommodated, options may be limited.

The food people eat is a window into their history, traditions, and values, and sharing food brings people together. One of the many wonderful aspects of travel is to experience as much of the regional cuisine as possible. Your tour includes many meals as outlined on your itinerary. Our team has carefully chosen restaurants that feature local ingredients and offer regional flavours.

For meals that are not included in your itinerary, your Tour Manager will be happy to recommend eateries and local businesses that best fit your taste and needs.

The average price for meals in this region ranges from 20 to 30 US Dollars for lunch and 30 to 50 US Dollars for dinner.

In Portugal, breakfast is normally served between 7:30-10:30 a.m. Dinner in Portugal is normally from 7:00 p.m. onwards.

Please let your Tour Manager know of any food allergies or dietary needs you may have at the beginning of your tour.

Included in your tour documents bundle is your personalized name tag. We ask that you put this on before your first gathered event and wear it throughout your tour. This helps your fellow travellers get to know you and for your Tour Manager to better identify you in large groups.

Your comfort is important to us. With that in mind, we charter coaches that are temperature-controlled.

While some coaches may have a toilet facility, it is for emergency use since local laws require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons. Rest assured that frequent stops will be made along the touring route for your comfort and convenience.

Please note, outlets for charging devices may not be available on the coach. Therefore, if you anticipate using electronic devices, we recommend bringing portable power banks.

Change your seat, change your view! At least once a day, the Tour Manager will ask all travellers to change seats. This ensures that every traveller has an opportunity to enjoy a variety of views as they travel and a chance to get to know each other better. Depending on availability, single travellers may be seated next to another traveller. In fairness to all, there will be no exceptions to this policy.

When you’re deciding what to bring on your trip, we have a few suggestions for you.

In regards to clothing, think layers. It’s much easier to maintain a level of comfort if you can add or remove a layer at a time, especially if you’re travelling to a destination where the temperature can vary widely. So always bring a light jacket or sweater. Fleece or wool is best. We recommend staying away from cotton sweaters or jackets as they won’t keep you warm if they get wet.

Comfortable footwear is crucial. Make sure you bring a pair of shoes that fit well and give you the necessary support. If you decide to purchase new shoes for your trip, we suggest you wear them a number of times before you leave to break them in. Your feet will thank you.

Be prepared for all types of weather. For warm, sunny weather, pack sunscreen, a hat or a bandana/scarf to protect your neck from sunburn. For cool, rainy weather, pack a light raincoat, travel umbrella, waterproof shoes and a thin pair of gloves.

For your toiletries, pack anything that could leak in plastic bags or a waterproof case. In addition, you might want to bring a washcloth or two. Not all hotels provide them.

If you take prescription medication, make sure to bring enough for your entire tour plus a few additional days in the original prescription containers.

Medication should be packed in your carry-on bag, never your checked luggage; this is in case your luggage is delayed. You don’t want to be without your medication. You could also bring extra medication in a separate bag in case any gets lost.

In general, we recommend not packing anything of value in your checked bag.

You’ll want to take pictures of everything, so make sure to bring a camera as well as extra memory cards and batteries for your entire trip. If you decide to bring a video camera, don’t forget an extra battery for it plus a charger. Be sure to pack chargers and cords for all your electronic equipment.

It’s also a good idea to bring a travel alarm clock, a travel sewing kit, a portable scale to weigh luggage, and some hand sanitizer for when soap and water aren’t readily available.

If you are travelling with a companion, we suggest dividing the contents of your suitcase with them, that way if one bag is delayed, some of your belongings are still available to you both.

If that is not an option for you, you could put a change of clothing in your carry-on if there’s room. That will give you something to wear if your checked luggage is delayed as well.

Last but certainly not least, leave room! You’ll need it to fit all the souvenirs you want to bring home.

We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of our travellers. However, if you require individual assistance you must be accompanied by a companion who is capable of, and totally responsible for, providing the necessary assistance. Neither our personnel nor the personnel of our destination partners may physically lift or assist clients onto transportation vehicles at any time while on tour. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a traveller who has special mobility or other like needs.

If your schedule allows, you may have selected to give yourself the advantage of an additional day or more in the starting or ending destination of your tour by booking a Pre-Night or Post-Night and arranging your flights accordingly. (Please note: A Tour Manager is not present during Pre-Night or Post-Night Stays.)

Check out the following book and movie recommendations that will immerse you in the destination long before your arrival. Let this set the scene for you as you prepare for the trip of a lifetime and get excited about all that is to come!

Books:

Portugal: A Companion History by Jose Hermano Saraiva – An illustrated brief history of Portugal written for non-specialist foreign readers. Also included in the book is a historical gazetteer, short biographies, chronological tables and maps.

The First Global Village by Martin Page – Page takes the reader back in time, when Portugal was ‘Rome on the Atlantic,’ and brings us full circle to Portugal’s Carnation Revolution of 1974. A historical account describing the evolution of Portugal, it’s conquests and the inventiveness of its people.

Unknown Seas – How Vasco da Gama Opened the East by Ronald Watkins – In the 15th century, the world beyond Europe began to emerge from myth and legend, and it was the Portuguese who led the way. They founded an empire that stretched from China to Brazil, and the peak of their achievement was Vasco da Gama’s discovery of a sea route to India. This novel annotates da Gama’s journey.

Night Train to Lisbon by Pascal Mercier – The story is about an old-fashioned teacher, Raimund Gregorius, stepping from his comfort zone and going on an adventurous journey from Switzerland to Portugal in search of a mysterious Portuguese author, Amadeu de Prado, and the people who were part of Prado’s life.

Movies:

April Captains (2000) – Story of the 1974 coup that overthrew the right-wing Portuguese dictatorship-which continued the fascist policies of long-time dictator Antonio Salazar–and of two young army captains who were involved in it.

Lisbon Story (1994) – A sound engineer obtains a mysterious postcard of a friend who is currently shooting a film in Lisbon saying that he should visit. He sets out across Europe to find him and help him.

Amalia (2008) – The story of real-life singing/performing legend Amália Rodrigues who ruled the famous Portuguese acoustic guitar and vocals-based music genre called Fado.

Night Train to Lisbon (2013) – A philosophical drama film adapted from Pascal Mercier’s novel, following a Swiss teacher as he abruptly abandons his orderly life to travel to Lisbon and trace the roots of another mysterious author whose book compels him to question his life choices.

On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969) – While on holiday in Portugal, James Bond meets and falls in love with Tracy di Vicenzo, the troubled daughter of a crime boss, and after thwarting Blofeld’s biological warfare plot, marries her only to lose his new bride in a drive-by shooting.

That Good Night (2017) – A famed British screenwriter dying of a terminal illness travels to Portugal to reconnect with his estranged son and arrange assisted suicide, but meeting a mysterious young woman during his stay causes him to rethink his plans.

In the European Union, the law states all travellers must wear a seat belt in all vehicles whenever one is available. Most of the motor coaches we use will have them, so if you see one, be sure to wear it. Failure to comply could result in a personal fine of up to €750 Euro. Please be aware that we will not issue refunds to travellers fined for non-compliance. While on tour, your Tour Manager will remind you to buckle up.

One of the best parts of travelling is coming back home with souvenirs that really reflect the place you’ve just been.

As you explore Portugal, discover many products made from ceramics and porcelain as well as jewellery made from both silver and gold.

Leather goods, wine and port, cork, shoes, embroidery, lacework, hand-woven clothing and Damascine products are very popular in Portugal.

Portugal is known for its aromatic soaps, Portus Cale fragranced candles, traditional biscuits, olive oils, jams, as well as artwork designed by young Portuguese artists.

Look for antique and contemporary hand-painted tiles as well as distinctive regional ceramics.

Our tours are non-smoking throughout. If you require a smoking room, please let your Client Care agent know when you book your tour. Please note we cannot guarantee your request as many hotels prohibit smoking in rooms and on property.

Please be mindful of other locations where smoking is not allowed. These include the motor coach, at dining venues, and any other restricted areas on tour. Travellers are responsible for any fines they incur for failing to comply with smoking regulations.

Portugal is 5 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time and Eastern Daylight Time.

Peace of mind for our travellers is our number one priority. When you’re on tour with us, your only thoughts should be to immerse yourself in creating lifelong memories. Your Tour Manager is a destination expert on the people, places, history, and culture and ensures that you will have the best experience with us. Please utilize your Tour Manager’s expertise for any concerns or questions you may have while on tour.

We offer full-service transfers from start to finish. So, when you arrive at the airport of your destination, arrangements will have been made to transfer you to your first hotel on the tour.

If you purchased our air-inclusive tour package, you will enjoy this service free of charge.

If you purchased your air ticket on your own (our land-only tour package), you may purchase a round-trip transfer for a fee.

Meeting locations and times will be set up to accommodate your transfer arrival and departure schedules, which will be provided to you in your documents packet. If you decide to arrange your own transportation to the hotel, please make sure to check in with your Tour Manager once you arrive.

Here is a list of entities we recommend you contact before you depart on your tour:

1.) Your cell phone/mobile carrier if you are planning on using your device. You will want to confirm you will have access in the area(s) you will visit and enquire about any charges you may incur.

2.) Your credit card company for any card(s) you plan to use. Make sure the card company knows when and where you will be travelling to avoid any charges being declined.

3.) Your bank, so you can use your ATM/debit card worry-free. If you are travelling to another country, your bank will be able to tell you if your card will work at the ATM machines to dispense local currency, including if your PIN will be accepted. Also, indicate if you plan to use your debit card as a credit card if your card has that option. Your bank will advise you of any charges for each transaction as well.

Leave a copy of your itinerary, hotel list (included in your tour documents bundle) and a contact number with a designated person in case an emergency comes up while you’re away and someone needs to reach you.

We recommend you leave a copy of your passport at home in a secure location and bring an additional copy with you as a precaution.

During your flight, make sure to stand up and walk around as much as possible, and drink plenty of water. These simple suggestions will help you stay comfortable, particularly during long flights.

Thank you for choosing to travel with us and allowing us to guide you along this adventure! From the moment you step out your door, we strive to provide a comprehensive, stress-free, and unforgettable travel experience. To that end, the following features are included with your tour: motor coach transportation, accommodations, hotel luggage handling (porterage), select meals, admission to attractions as outlined in your itinerary, and gratuities for servers of included meals as outlined in your itinerary, bellmen, and door attendants.

At the beginning of your tour, your Tour Manager will distribute a personal radio and headset. You should wear them on sightseeing tours to make sure you can hear your guides clearly at all times. Please bring them with you every day. Your Tour Manager will collect them at the very end of your tour, typically on your last evening. You are responsible for returning these devices and will be charged a replacement fee should you fail to do so.

Wi-Fi access has improved, with free or cheap internet available in many public spaces. Some restaurants, cafes, and hotels offer complimentary Wi-Fi, though at times it may not reach rooms in hotels. Wi-Fi may not be available onboard motorcoaches or other modes of transportation used during your tour.