Day 1
-
(Sun.) Make your own way to Lisbon to join the tour on day
2.
Day 2
- Arrival in Lisbon, Portugal
(Mon.) Free time to rest or start exploring the Portuguese
capital. At 6 p.m. meet your Tour Director and travelling
companions and have a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Day 3
- Lisbon
(Tue.) Lisbon was the center of Europe's longest-lived overseas
empire. Portugal's imperial ambitions date back to Prince Henry the
Navigator's 15th-century discoveries in West Africa and did not
subside until the 1970s. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide
features Belem Tower, guarding the mouth of the Tagus, and
JERONIMOS MONASTERY with the tomb of Vasco da Gama. Drive past the
Bull Ring to Pombal Statue and on along the grand Avenida da
Liberdade. Then enjoy a walk through the cobbled alleys of quaint
ALFAMA, the quarter of the seamen. Afternoon and evening at
leisure. Exciting optional excursions to the royal palace of Sintra
and dinner at a typical taverna with Fado-style entertainment are
available. (BB)
Day 4
- Lisbon-Fatima-Tomar
(Wed.) First stop on your northbound journey is medieval Obidos.
Go back in time as you pass the main gate in the impressive
perimeter wall and walk along the narrow streets. Continue to
Alcobaça to visit the Church of SANTA MARIA MONASTERY, built
in the 12th century for 999 Cistercian monks. See the elaborate
tombs of King Pedro I and his Castilian lover Inês de Castro
and hear how she was murdered at the order of Pedro's father. The
fishing harbor of Nazaré is the perfect place for a
leisurely lunch break. In the afternoon mix with the pilgrims at
the country's hallowed national shrine, Fatima's SANCTUARY OF OUR
LADY OF THE ROSARY. Overnight in Tomar, the historic seat of the
mighty Order of the Knights of Christ. (BB,D)
Day 5
- Tomar-Oporto
(Thu.) Visit the hilltop CONVENT OF CHRIST with its famous
Manueline window. Further north, the ROMAN RUINS OF CONIMBRIGA are
eloquent testimony to centuries of Roman influence. Tour the
excavations, view the well-preserved mosaics, and visit the
excellent MUSEUM. On to Coimbra, strategically situated on a hill
overlooking the Mondego River. After a visit to the gilded baroque
LIBRARY of its 700-yearold university, drive through the ancient
BUÇACO FOREST on your way to Oporto, Portugal's
second-largest city. (BB,D)
Day 6
- Oporto
(Fri.) Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a panoramic drive
to the mouth of the Douro River, the soaring cathedral, the richly
decorated CHURCH OF SAO FRANCISCO, and the STOCK EXCHANGE with its
contemporary ARABIAN HALL inspired by Granada's Alhambra. Next
visit a PORT WINE CELLAR where the famous wine produced from grapes
of the Douro Valley is aged in huge vats. Afternoon at leisure, and
tonight why not join an optional dinner at one of Oporto's typical
restaurants? (BB)
Day 7
- Oporto-Viseu
(Sat.) Head inland to Guimaraes, often referred to as the
"Cradle of Portugal" because of its association with the country's
first king, Alfonso Henriques. Next is Vila Real, former capital of
Portugal's northeastern region of Trás-os-Montes. Just
outside the town visit the splendid park and manor of PALACIO DE
MATEUS, whose picture graces the label of the excellent Mateus
rosé wine. From here a scenic road through the port wine
vineyards leads to Viseu, believed to have been the home of the
Lusitanian leader Viriate who resisted the Roman conquest.
(BB,D)
Day 8
- Viseu-Evora
(Sun.) This morning, your first stop is in Belmonte, today a
symbol of Jewish awakening and visit the JEWISH MUSEUM. Afternoon
break in Castelo de Vide, an enchanting small town. Time to walk
through the Jewish Quarter with its white-washed houses and take
pictures of the 14th-century castle. Continue to Evora, the
cultural center of southern Portugal and a former royal residence.
(BB,D)
Day 9
- Evora-Algarve
(Mon.) A massive wall surrounds Evora's medieval center,
classified as a World Heritage Site. A Local Guide will take you on
a walking tour through its narrow alleys to the Roman Temple, the
early Gothic CATHEDRAL, Portas de Moura Fountain, and SAO FRANCISCO
CHURCH. Visit the OSSUARY CHAPEL, whose walls are covered with
thousands of human bones and skulls. Next, proceed across the arid
Alentejo plain to the Algarve, Portugal's most popular holiday
area. Tonight is your chance to try one of the seafood restaurants
for which the Algarve is famous. (BB)
Day 10
- Algarve Excursion
(Tue.) Today you may prefer to relax, explore this beautiful
resort at your own pace, or join the included excursion along the
enchanting southern coastline. History comes alive as you reach the
wind-swept PROMONTORY OF SAGRES, where Henry the Navigator lived
and planned his overseas expansion. Only a few miles away is Cape
St. Vincent, the southwestern corner of continental Europe, a
dramatic cliff defying the waves of an ever-angry Atlantic Ocean.
Enjoy a lunch break in pretty Lagos and return to your hotel.
(BB,D)
Day 11
- Algarve-Lisbon
(Wed.) North to Setúbal, a major port and industrial
center on the north bank of the Sado Estuary. Then the scenic route
over the Serra da Arrábida and savor sweeping views of the
Tróia Peninsula. Catch glimpses of the castle of Sesimbra,
which recall fierce medieval battles between Christians and Moors.
After crossing the Bridge of April 25th, you're back in Lisbon for
the last evening of an exciting touring adventure. (BB)
Day 12
-
(Thu.) Leave the tour to make your own way home.
Other Information -
Every
Journey Tells a Story
A Globus Journey. When you travel with Globus, you get
more than the sights. You get the stories behind them that bring a
destination to life, creating unforgettable journeys.
Let Globus take you to places that expand your horizons and
encourage personal discovery. Experience a destination in a deeper,
more memorable way-the Globus way.
The
Globus Difference
Globus vacations are designed to offer you flexibility and choice,
plus a pace that best fits the way you want to travel. Globus
offers MORE included features, MORE quality hotels, and MORE
experience with more than 75 years of taking travellers on
unforgettable journeys. In addition, Globus offers MORE value with
an average price less per day than our nearest competitor. The
safety of our travellers and the richness of our vacations is a
priority, and it is what has made Globus the worldwide leader in
travel and a name you can trust.
With Globus, you visit the key sights, but, more importantly, you
learn the stories behind the sights-from the Sistine Chapel, the
Colosseum and the Forum in Rome, to the Prado Museum in Madrid and
Michelangelo's David in the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence, your
journey is filled with insider's information unique to your Globus
vacation. You'll also enjoy many inclusions such as cruises,
high-speed trains, and Local Guides. We offer over twice the number
of included features as our nearest competitor, without any
additional cost to you.
Globus not only brings you the experiences that others simply don't
offer, we also ensure that you end up with more free time to enjoy
your destination on your own. Most competitors require you to take
extra optional excursions to see these important sights, costing
you additional time and money. And, if you don't join their
excursion, you'll spend most of your time waiting in line. But with
Globus, these sights are already included, freeing up the remainder
of your time to enjoy independent activities.
Leave all the details to us. We provide a Tour Director,
comfortable transportation, many meals, a rich sightseeing
programme and much more!
Accurate,
detailed tour descriptions -
Read our tour descriptions and you'll understand the true value
of our tours. The agenda for each day is spelled out so that you
know exactly what is included in the price. Inside visits are
spelled out in UPPERCASE. With Globus you don't have to guess.
Compare what we give you in a tour with what other companies
offer-and then compare prices. You'll see why knowledgeable
travelers consider Globus vacations the best value on the market
with even more savings in the off season.
Saving Options -
Various reductions are possible: group reduction, child reduction,
triple room reduction, multiple tour reduction
Discount
for young tour members
Share the pleasure
of a Globus tour with your children and grandchildren and take
advantage of a 10 percent discount on the land-only price. For
eligibility, children must be under 18 years old on the departure
date, and must be accompanied by an adult.
On escorted tours we do not accept children under eight years old
because we've found that they are too young to enjoy these
vacations.
On Monograms-Independent Vacations there is no age
restriction.
New! For
Monograms-Independent Vacations the following land only discounts
apply:
- Free of charge: infants under 2 years of age sharing adult's
accommodation
- 50% discount: under 12 years of age when sharing accommodation
with two adults
- 10% discount: under 18 years of age
Note: We recommend that children under 12 years of age share
accommodation with an adult.
Triple room
reduction
On most Globus tours you receive a reduction when three people
travel together and share the same accommodation. Triple room
reductions are listed on the tour pages. A word of caution: Triple
rooms usually are not larger than twin rooms, and the third bed, if
there is one, is often a rollaway put in a twin-bedded room for the
night.
Avoid the
single room supplement
Single rooms are expensive and often are quite small. We do not
take reservations on a "share" basis because we have found that
strangers rarely enjoy sharing a room for the duration of a
vacation. Sidestep the single room supplement by travelling with a
friend. It's less expensive and much more fun!
Pay less for
your second tour
We charge you list price for your first vacation in 2007, but
for every additional Globus vacation that you take in the same
year, you pay US$35 under list. It's fun to combine vacations to
make the perfect trip, or ask your travel agent for suggestions.
This discount does not apply if one of the vacations is a single
city stay Monograms vacation.
Consecutive vacations can be booked with or without transatlantic
flights. Any intra-European flights between vacations cannot be
reserved as part of the Globus package. Please ask your travel
agent to reserve and ticket such flights for you.
Save by
forming your own group
If you form your own group, you'll receive the following rebates
on the land arrangement of your tour. On vacations to Mexico and
vacations including a cruise of three or more nights, one person
travels free in a group of 32; while one person travels at half
price in a group of 16. On River Cruise Vacations, one person
travels free in a group of 16.
On all other tours, one person travels free in a group of 16; one
person travels at half price in a group of eight.
These rebates are applicable to land-only prices (not air-inclusive
prices). Free and half-price land arrangements are credited at the
twin rate; single room supplements have to be paid in full.
Tour conditions for group bookings may differ from those for
individual bookings.
Joining late
and leaving early
Many Globus land arrangements start and end in London. If you
have already spent time in the British capital, you may want to
skip one or more of the included London nights or even join at the
first overnight hotel on the Continent. Call your Travel Consultant
for any reductions that apply to your vacation for joining late or
leaving early. Vacations with these reductions are sold on a
land-only basis.
It's in your
interest to book early
Plan your vacation in advance, and book your tour as soon as
possible to guard against the disappointment of not finding space.
Many Globus tours sell out months before the departure date.
And remember, the moment we receive your deposit your land price is
guaranteed.
This is valuable protection against currency fluctuations and other
cost increases. So please don't wait. Contact your travel agent now
for a vacation you'll never forget!
Help Along The Way -
Professional Tour Director while touring, Cruise Director on
river cruises, Local Host services on independent vacations, and
hosts to assist you at airports and hotels.
Hotels -
Twin-bedded rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes,
service charges, and tips for baggage handling.
Globus
Hotels Set the Standard for First-class Touring
At the end of a busy day of sightseeing, you want to relax in
comfortable, clean, attractive accommodations. At our first-class,
conveniently located hotels, you'll always feel welcome and well
looked after.
We know that excellent accommodations are of paramount
importance to your enjoyment on tour. Our hotels--many of them
through long association with us--have mastered the art of handling
group check-ins and baggage speedily, preparing tasty and wholesome
meals, and balancing the need for efficiency with the desire of
each traveller to receive individual attention.
You won't be surprised with any hidden charges when you check
out of your Globus hotel. All hotel taxes and tips for restaurant
service and baggage handling are included in the price of your
tour.
Hotel
locations maximize your sightseeing time
We take extra care to select downtown locations for our
independent tours and for longer stays on escorted tours, when your
itinerary features days at leisure to explore on your own.
When your itinerary allows time only for a good night's sleep
between two busy sightseeing days, our expert contractors sometimes
sensibly opt for quiet residential areas.
And you'll be delighted with our choice of hotels in scenic
countryside locations. Wake up to the sound of cow bells, take a
morning walk in crisp mountain air, enjoy glorious panoramic views
of the majestic Alps or the Norwegian fjord country.
Superior
accommodation
Globus uses chains such as Crowne Plaza, Forte, Hilton, Holiday
Inn, Hyatt, Inter-Continental, Jolly, Queens Moat Houses, Marriott,
Mövenpick, Radisson SAS, Renaissance, Scandic, Sheraton,
Sofitel, Thistle and Westin.
The specific hotels we have selected for you are listed
separately for each tour. The vast majority of our hotels are rated
deluxe (D), superior first-class (SF), or first-class (F). In
overnight places where there is no hotel in these categories or
where our demand exceeds the supply, we choose the best available
superior tourist-class (ST) hotels.
Most hotels have amenities such as satellite TV, mini-bar, a
cocktail lounge, a restaurant, room service and concierge services.
Many also have a swimming pool, health club, shops, and dry
cleaning and laundry services.
Globus hotel ratings follow standards set by the independent
Official Hotel Guide (OHG) or by national tourist boards. The
specific rating for each contract hotel is determined by our
quality controllers.
We reserve the right to substitute hotels listed on the tour
pages with hotels of equivalent standard. With your Globus travel
documents you'll receive a list of hotel addresses, telephone
numbers, and fax numbers for your tour.
Transportation -
Including private deluxe motor coach with air-conditioning and
extra leg room.
We
offer many modes of transportation, from trains and motor coaches
to cruise ships and ferries. Each is selected and designed with
comfort in mind.
Coaches
-
Each Globus motor coach has upholstered, reclining seats with
headrests and individual air-conditioning vents. A high-fidelity
sound system broadcasts your Tour Director's commentary to every
seat. Our custom of daily seat rotation gives everyone a variety of
vantage points to see the passing countryside and city scenes.
Limited group size for extra comfort
The length and width of modern motor coaches is standard,
prescribed by law. The difference among tour operators is in the
number of seats installed and actually sold. While it is customary
to install and sell 53 seats, Globus installs fewer seats for extra
leg room, and limits group size to a maximum of 46 tour members.
The extra space contributes enormously to your comfort. For airport
and port transfers in Britain we generally use motor coaches with
53 seats.
Smoke-free coaches
For non-smokers and
moderate smokers an otherwise perfect vacation can be spoiled if
they are forced to inhale other people's smoke on a motor coach. We
therefore do not allow smoking on the coach. There are plenty of
opportunities to smoke during the frequent stops.
Globus drivers are experienced professionals
Globus drivers take pride in driving and in their vehicles, keeping
them in great shape and spotlessly clean. Your driver will help you
on and off the motor coach with a smile and load your bags with
care. Our travellers consistently lavish the highest praise on the
person behind the wheel!
Trains,
Ferries, Cruises and Gondola Rides -
Many of our itineraries include cruises, river jet boat and
mountain gondola rides, whale-watching expeditions, and journeys by
train. Experience the ultra-modern Eurostar train from Rome to
Florence and the exciting high-speed AVE train from Madrid to
Seville. In the Canadian Rockies, you might take one of the sleek,
ultra-modern BC Ferries or, if travelling by railcar in Canada or
Alaska, enjoy travel operated by VIA Rail ®. Other fascinating
Globus vacations feature cruises on the Rhine or Venetian Canals to
enhance your travel experience.
Ships
and River Cruises -
Globus provides the most spacious and newest ships from Avalon
Waterways. Features include unmatched luxury, fine dining, larger
accommodations and impeccable service. Whether you're travelling
Europe, Russia or China-on a Globus river cruise, you'll always
feel well looked after.
