Fratelli Group Travel
TRAVEL & TOURS
Portugal & Spain~ May 2023
Day 6 / June 2 – Fatima - Santarem - Nazaré - Fátima
Today, after breakfast we depart for a full day excursion. The Eucharistic Miracle of Santarem is considered the most important after the Miracle of Lanciano. Studies and canonical investigations have been made during the years, being the most important the ones in 1340 and 1612, which proved without doubt the authenticity and antiquity of the Eucharistic Miracle.
Departure to Nazaré. Lunch included.
Nazare`: Nazare, named after the Biblical “Nazareth” in the 4th century, is Portugal’s most famous fishing village, now becoming important as well in the world of big wave, tow-in surfing. The tallest wave ever recorded being surfed – by a Hawaiian big-wave surfer – was off Nazare. We will visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazare` (Nazareth) high up on the hilltop overlooking the city and the Atlantic Ocean. The image of Our Lady of Nazareth is that of a black virgin. Carved in wood, it was brought from Merida to this oceanic promontory in the year 711 by Friar Romano, a monk of the convent of Cauliniana, who fled the Muslim invaders. Our Lady of Nazareth, founded by King Ferdinand I in 1377, which began to be rebuilt in the early seventeenth century until it acquired its present form, its medieval origins today hardly recognizable. Return to Fátima. Supper included and overnight in Fatima.
10th century, it was completely rebuilt in the following century. With its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings, the Old Town of Santiago is one of the world's most beautiful urban areas. The oldest monuments are grouped around the tomb of St James and the cathedral, which contains the remarkable Pórtico de la Gloria. Supper on your own and overnight in Spain. Supper on your own, overnight in Santiago.
Day 8 / June 4 - Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Today we meet our guide for Compostela and the surrounding area. Santiago de Compostela is the capital of northwest Spain’s Galicia region. It’s known as the culmination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, and the burial site of the Biblical apostle St. James. His remains lie within the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela, consecrated in 1211. The elaborately carved stone facades open onto grand plazas within the medieval walls of the old town. The Old Town of Santiago de Compostela, together with the outlying Santa Maria de Conxo Monastery, constitutes an extraordinary ensemble of distinguished monuments. The squares and narrow streets of the Old Town contain Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassic buildings. This town is not only a harmonious and very well-preserved historical city, but also a place deeply imbued with faith. The cathedral, considered as a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture, keeps the remarkable Pórtico de la Gloria, a jewel of the medieval sculpture. However, the authentic symbol of the city is the Baroque western façade of the cathedral, which forms one of the sides of the square of Obradoiro, one of the world's most beautiful urban areas. This famous pilgrimage site in north-west Spain became a symbol in the Spanish Christians' struggle against Islam. Destroyed by the Muslims at the end of the
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Tower, a fortress built in the 16th century to defend the city; the Discoveries Monument, a monument built in 1960 to celebrate the departure of the caravels to discover the new world. Close by, we can find the Jeronimos Monastery (entrance), built in the 16th century by order of King Manuel I. We will stop to taste the famous “Pastel de Belém” a pastry made with the monks' recipe, at its original factory, dated from 1837. Our tour continues along the Tagus River with Marqués de Pombal Square, Liberdade Avenue, Restauradores Square, Rossio Square and Baixa Pombalina, Alfama. At Alfama, a tuc tuc, will take you to the castle, from here, you can enjoy an amazing view all over Lisbon. After the visit, we begin our walk, descending towards Terreiro do Paço square, where will have our first wine tasting experience. The day is almost over but not for us. We will take a boat trip on the Tagus River to Cacilhas. During the ride you can enjoy the amazing views of Lisbon, the river and of the fisherman's village of Cacilhas and maybe dolphins and with a beautiful sunset. Cacilhas is located at the opposite side of the Tagus River, and it’s known for its phenomenal seafood restaurants. During dinner (included) you will enjoy what is the best sunset in Portugal, having the river and Old Town of Lisbon right in front of your eyes. A beautiful walk around the famous chafariz de cacilhas and the amazing main streets and finally will enjoy a great delicious Seafood meal, of course with great Portuguese wines. We will return Lisbon by bus crossing 25th April bridge over the lights of Lisbon. Overnight in Lisbon.
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Day 7 / June 3 – Fatima to Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Today we depart Fatima enroute to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. This famous pilgrimage site in north-west Spain became a symbol in the Spanish Christians' struggle against Islam. Destroyed by the Muslims at the end of the 10th century, it was completely rebuilt in the following century. With its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings, the Old Town of Santiago is one of the world's most beautiful urban areas. The oldest monuments are grouped around the tomb of St James and the cathedral, which contains the remarkable Pórtico de la Gloria. Upon our arrival, we will check in to our hotel and have some time to relax and freshen up. Supper included, overnight in Santiago.
Day 10 / June 6 - Porto, Portugal – FULL DAY PORTO
Porto, the unofficial capital of northern Portugal, can rival popular Lisbon for historic sites, active local scene and exciting nightlife. Porto’s historic center is proud of its architecture, both traditional and unique, with winding streets jam packed with hidden gems. Modern Porto celebrates a vibrant culture, nightlife, and exciting and daring cuisine. we will have a guided walking tour of the city, with stops along the way; Sao Bento train station which is among the world’s most beautiful train stations, and the famed Lello Bookstore. Considered one of the must-see attractions in Porto, this bookstore ranks high with visitors and residents alike, if only for the building’s architecture. Once inside this architectural treasure you’ll find even more breathtaking beauty. The art nouveau style showcases a spectacular spiral staircase, wood paneled ceiling and carved bookshelves, masterpieces one and all. In addition, this fully operational bookstore boasts several thousand tomes in various genres. Impressive indeed. Tonight, supper included and overnight in Porto.
Day 12 / June 8 - Porto Farewell Evening / Light Tour with Dinner & Fado Show
Experience Porto after dark on this cultural night tour with fado show. By day, Porto is a lively bustling city, but at night with the Baroque building facades lit in a yellow glow, it takes on a more romantic tone. See the local landmarks at night with the ease of a city tour led by a local guide. Then, immerse in Porto’s unique melancholic singing genre at a Fado show and see why it’s listed as a UNESCO heritage art. As we drive you through Porto's historical center by night and you will be able to appreciate the night lights and the historical sites (Porto’s city hall, the Clérigos church and Tower, the São Bento Railway Station, Ribeira, D. Luis Bridge and much more) from the exterior. Before or after the dinner and show, the guide will take you to one of the most incredible viewpoints of the city. It's time for the show!! Enjoy an authentic Fado Live Show while tasting some of the most traditional Portuguese food at a typical Fado venue & restaurant at the city center. Supper included and overnight in Porto.
Day 1 / May 28 —Departure from Newark to Portugal
This evening we board our trans-Atlantic flight to Lisbon, Portugal. Those wishing to purchase airfare on their own should adhere to the schedule on page 8 of this brochure and contact our office. Round trip is into Lisbon and out of Porto.
Day 5 / June 1 – Lisbon to Fatima and Valinhos with guide
The next 2 days will be in Fatima. Fatima is one of the most important religious pilgrimage sites in the world. Pilgrims travel to Fatima year-round but the 13th of the months of May to October are the days that celebrate the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to the three shepherd children at the Cova da Iria in the parish of Fatima in 1917. The Capelinha das Aparições marks the spot where the Virgin Mary appeared in 1917. Other sacred sites include the Basílica de Nossa Senhora do Rosário, with its golden angels, and the modern church of Igreja da Santíssima Trindade. The rosary followed by the candlelight procession takes place every evening until the beginning of Advent in the main square. Supper included, overnight in Fatima.
Day 13 / June 9 – Porto / USA
Today, as always, all good things come to an end as we depart from our hotel in Porto to the airport for our journey home. Your memories will be with you as we leave this magnificent land that has given so much of its art, heritage, culture, cuisine and traditions to our own great county. Adeus e obrigado a Portugal!
Day 2 / May 29 – Lisbon
Upon arrival we meet our tour manger and driver to take us to our Lisbon Hotel for check-in. Prior to check-in we will have a half day Panoramic /Orientation tour of the city. Afterwards, sometime to relax a bit and freshen up. Supper at hotel and overnight in Lisbon.
Day 3 / May 30 – Lisbon Full Day City tour
Today, after breakfast, will start our tour at Belém district, where we can find the most emblematic Lisbon monuments such as: Belém
Day 9 / June 5 – Santiago de Compostela, Spain - Porto
This morning we depart to Porto in Portugal, our last stop of this journey. We will stop enroute in Sanxenxo for lunch on your own. Later, we continue to Porto, stopping at the heart of vinho verde wine region for an unique experience. Vinho Verde (Portuguese: literally 'green wine') refers to Portuguese wine that originated in the historic Minho province in the far north of the country. The modern-day 'Vinho Verde' region, originally designated in 1908, includes the old Minho province plus adjacent areas to the south.
Vinho Verde is not a grape variety, it is a DOC for the production of wine. The name means "green wine," but translates as "young wine", with wine being released three to six months after the grapes are harvested. They may be red, white, or rosé, and they are usually consumed soon after bottling. A Vinho Verde can also be a sparkling, a Late Harvest or even Brandy. In its early years of production, the slight effervesce of the wine came from malolactic fermentation taking place in the bottle. Continue on to Porto. Supper on your own overnight Porto.
Day 11 / June 7 – Porto Douro Valley / Lunch at a Port estate / Cruise on The Douro River
Today will be a full day in Douro Valley and River.
This morning we’ll make our way deep into the majestic Douro Valley. This region is known for fine port and other wines. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking in beauty and the area is intensely cultivated. The growing conditions are ideal for these grapes as the climate doesn’t allow them to fully ripen and the wine is made using very young grapes. This gives the wine a light and bright quality along with a bit of sparkle. Quite a treat!
We’ll visit some of the area’s family vineyards and take an opportunity to enjoy a lunch included among the vines (outside if weather permits otherwise on the interior). Breathtaking views surround us and we will surely drink them in. This is a photo-op for sure! The Douro is a swift river, dropping over 120 meters during its 160- kilometer (nearly 100 miles) trek across Portugal. This fast-moving river cuts a swath of deep canyons, carved precipitously into the landscape.
This unwieldy geography hasn’t discouraged the people who make their home along the steep, fertile slopes which bank the Douro. You’ll be amazed at the tiny white villages, clinging to steep hillsides. narrow strips of fields form stair-steps down to the river. The views along the Douro are some of the most picturesque you’ll find in Portugal. We’ll take a scenic river cruise on our private Rabelo boat. These traditional river boats were once used to transport port barrels to eager patrons beyond Porto. Our cruise will take us along a beautiful landscape with breathtaking vistas. A wonderful way to relax! Tonight, supper is on your own and overnight in Porto.
Day 4 / May 31 - Lisbon City – Morning at leisure.
This morning is free time to relax or do some shopping. We will meet in the early Afternoon: TAPAS - An afternoon between tapas bars! Typical food, wines, beer and spiritual drinks (included).
In the afternoon, our guide will pick you at the hotel and will take you on a ride through the ancient Lisbon district – Bairro Alto, an old and picturesque neighborhood in the center of Lisbon, with narrow cobble-stone streets, centuries-old houses, small traditional shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Here, we will find a great variety of taverns, bars and restaurants and we will start our “crusade” on tastings We will descend by tram to Restauradores, we will have a “Ginginha”, as we arrive at the place where we will taste the traditional Portuguese cuisine. Return to hotel. Overnight in Lisbon.