Limited Space
Portugal, Spain & the Douro Valley
October 18 to November 1, 2024
Journey Highlights
Fall in love with the idyllic country of Portugal during this 15-day Journey. Marvel at medieval castles perched on scenic hilltops, wander through quaint fishing villages and explore sandy beaches along the most epic coastline. Hear lively music fill the air in Santiago de Compostela, one of northern Spain’s most beautiful cities. Linger on the deck of the Spirit of Chartwell, a 28-guest river boat that was personally used by Queen Elizabeth II during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. While journeying by land and river, you will participate in an ancient and quintessential aspect of the area’s culture: a love of exploration and discovery.
Douro Valley Cruise
Douro Valley Cruise
Savour Porto in the Vila Nova de Gaia cellar in Port as well as along the Douro River, and local vintages in both Amarante and Algarve.
Lisbon & Sintra
Lisbon & Sintra
Venture through the stunning capital city of Portugal, Lisbon, with its charismatic charm and vibrant streets. Just a short distance away, discover the gorgeous resort town of Sintra and revel in the beauty of its sweeping mountains, lush forests and colourful storybook castles.
Porto
Porto
Immerse yourself in the dazzling coastal city of Porto. Famed for its production of Port that is stored along the banks of the Douro River, visit the stoic Cheese Castle, and famous Vila Nova de Gaia wine cellar.
Travel Stories to Inspire You
See all inspirationsJourney Itinerary
DETAILED ITINERARYDepart for Lisbon, Portugal
Enjoy your private car home pick up service. Guests departing from the Toronto airport are assisted with their check-in. Meet your Journey Manager and fellow guests, and board your flight to Lisbon, Portugal. Our Journey Manager travels with you to take care of all the details throughout the journey, enabling you to focus on creating memories and enjoying the experience.
Overnight: | Flight |
Meals: | — |
Lisbon
On arrival in Lisbon, our local guide greets us with a smile. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and settle in to your hotel with the afternoon at leisure. Our local guide and your Journey Manager are on hand to assist those who want to discover the local area. This evening, join us for a relaxing welcome dinner at a special local restaurant and meet your fellow travellers.
Overnight: | Lisbon, Hotel PortoBay Liberdade |
Meals: | Lunch, Dinner |
Lisbon & Sintra
This morning, all of Lisbon awaits as we discover Rossio Square, Liberty Avenue, the Belém area with the St. Jerome Monastery, the Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. In Queluz, experience the beautiful 18th-century Palace which makes this picturesque village the Portuguese Versailles. In Sintra, we dine on local traditional fare for lunch before continuing to the coast and a scenic drive back to Lisbon through Cascais, a local fishing village and along the rugged Estoril Coast. This evening our guide treats us to a traditional dinner and Fado Folklore Show.
Overnight: | Lisbon, Hotel PortoBay Liberdade |
Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Óbidos, Nazaré & Batalha
A scenic, relaxing drive brings us to Óbidos, known as ‘the Flowered Town of Portugal.’ This well preserved medieval town is without doubt one of Portugal’s most classic walled settlements. Walk the ramparts, to enjoy views of windmills, vineyards and surrounding farmlands. Resembling an open-air museum, this walled medieval town has been preserved to look like a picture-postcard, with its monuments, narrow winding streets and white-washed houses with windows and terraces full of flowers.
We continue to the famous fishing village of Nazaré for lunch in a sea side restaurant. In Batalha, we visit and discover the Portuguese Gothic masterpiece, the Santa Maria da Vitória Monastery. It is a national landmark also included on the UNESCO International Heritage list. One must take the time to visit the Founders’ Chapel, with its magnificent stain-glassed windows, cloisters, unfinished Chapels (Manueline) and Chapter Hall.
Overnight: | Coimbra, Quinta das Lagrimas |
Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Coimbra & Porto
Coimbra, set along the banks of the Mondego River, is Europe’s oldest university town. A visit to the University’s 18th-century library, considered one of the first copyright libraries in the world, is a must. Enjoy some free time to take photos of the dramatic views from the top of the town hill before lunch where we indulge in the traditional roasted sirloin pig and local ‘champagne.’
We continue to Porto, one of the most picturesque cities in Portugal. Built along the hillsides overlooking the mouth of the Douro River, it is an outstanding urban landscape boasting 2,000 years of history, displayed in the many and varied monuments, from the Cathedral with its Romanesque choir, to the neoclassical Stock Exchange and the typically Portuguese Manueline-style Church of Santa Clara. In Gaia, we indulge in a traditional port wine tasting at a local cellar before arriving at our hotel for dinner.
Overnight: | Porto, Hotel Pestana Brasileira |
Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Viana do Castelo & the Stunning Iberian Peninsula (Spain)
Travelling north, we cross the beautiful province of Minho before arriving in Spain. In Barcelos, discover the home of the rooster, one of the most common symbols of Portugal. Visit the historic picturesque coastal city of Viana do Castelo, travelling up the mountain and passing by the belvedere of Santa Luzia. After a pleasant lunch, our adventure continues to Santiago de Compostela. An important centre of Pilgrimage since the Middle Ages when the Iberian Peninsula was under Moorish rule, Santiago was a strong hold of Christianity.
Overnight: | Santiago de Compostela, Parador de los Reys Católicos |
Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Signature Inclusions on This Journey
THE JOURNEYS DIFFERENCEIn addition to our essentials, your Journey includes our following Signature Inclusions:
24/7 Professional Journey Manager
- Will travel with you and handle every detail
- In addition to knowledgeable local guides
Memorable Private Excursions
- Private excursions crafted by our team
- All sightseeing & entrance fees included
Private Car Pick-up Service
- Within a 200-kilometre radius of the airport, let your Journey begin in elegant comfort
or - Hotel overnight near Toronto Pearson International Airport
Generous Tips & Gratuities
- For the porters, local guides, hotel staff & many more, paid by us on your behalf
Our essentials included with your Journey:
- 13 nights in outstanding accomodations
- Most meals included (13 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 13 dinners)
- Round-trip airfare from Toronto with Air Canada
- All taxes as well as port & service charges
- “Whisper” radios included for use during excursions
- Gateways & travel classes available
- Porterage for one piece of luggage per person
- Complete information & assistance leading up to your departure
- Branded overnight carry-on or backpack
Discover the Spirit of Chartwell
Journey Hotels
PortoBay Liberdade, Lisbon
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Lisbon, PortoBay Liberdade presents a luxurious urban oasis. This 5-star boutique hotel, designed by architect Frederico Valsassina, seamlessly merges past and present with its meticulously preserved early 20th-century façade.
Guests are welcomed into a world where historic charm meets contemporary comfort, where every detail reflects a blend of timeless elegance and modern sophistication. Indulge in the serene ambiance of the indoor swimming pool, while staying connected with complimentary WiFi throughout the property. Each exquisitely appointed room offers a cozy seating area, a well-appointed desk, a stocked minibar, and a flat-screen cable TV. Pamper yourself in the private bathroom, complete with complimentary Rituals toiletries, and choose from a curated pillow menu for the perfect night’s sleep.
Quinta das Lagrimas, Coimbra
Set within the historic walls of an 18th-century palace, Quinta das Lágrimas Hotel invites guests to experience a unique blend of romance and history. Once the esteemed residence of the Duke of Wellington and King Miguel of Portugal, and the fabled backdrop for the enduring love story of Prince Pedro and Inês de Castro in the 14th century, this enchanting palace boasts a rich tapestry of stories.
Today, it stands as a serene haven of traditional Portuguese elegance, seamlessly blending modern comforts with timeless charm. Surrounded by 12 acres of lush gardens, guests find solace in the beauty and tranquility of Quinta das Lágrimas, conveniently located in the heart of the historic town.
Pestana Brasileira, Porto
Discover Pestana Porto – A Brasileira, the newest addition to downtown Porto’s 5-star luxury. Nestled in the heart of the city within the iconic A Brasileira Café, famed for pioneering cup-served coffee in the early 20th century, this historical gem seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern sophistication. Boasting original architectural marvels, including a French Patio adorned with a lush vertical garden, this boutique hotel offers an array of amenities.
Indulge in authentic Portuguese cuisine at the on-site restaurant and immerse yourself in over a century of history at the legendary A Brasileira café. With uniquely themed rooms and suites paying homage to the spices and treasures of Portugal’s maritime past, such as Anise, Coffee, and Cinnamon, each stay promises an unforgettable journey through time and taste.
Parador de los Reys Católicos, Santiago de Compostela
Nestled within the historic Plaza del Obradoiro, adjacent to the revered Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Parador de los Reyes Católicos enchants guests with its splendid 15th-century architecture. Retaining its original grandeur, adorned with vaulted ceilings, and graceful stone archways, this historic haven evokes an air of timeless elegance. Formerly a sanctuary for weary pilgrims, today it offers opulent rooms adorned with classic décor, where modern amenities such as satellite TV, private bathrooms, and complimentary WiFi seamlessly merge with the rich tapestry of its storied past.
Fares & Staterooms
Deck PlanState Cabin –
Main Deck
129 sqft
These outward facing, luxury twin cabins, have rich hardwood finishes, individually controlled air conditioning and heating, HD satellite television, trouser press, en suite facilities featuring a power shower a safety deposit box, double wardrobe, writing desk and hair dryer.
Luxury Royal Suite — SOLD OUT
194 sqft
The spacious luxury suite features rich hardwood finishes, complete with double bed, comfortable seating area, individually controlled air conditioning and heating, HD satellite television, trouser press and en suite facilities, featuring a power shower. Other amenities include a safety deposit box, double wardrobe, writing desk and hair dryer.
Prices are per guest in CAD, all taxes included.