Jean & Judy 

Small Group Tour in Portugal 

Their tour offered 2 nights in Lisbon and a visit to the town of SIntra, dotted with turreted palaces and grand villas, including the famous Pena Palace extravagantly furnished in late Victorian style. Then on to the busy fishing port of Cascais to enjoy the rugged coastline and scenic views.

On the fourth day, their highlight was a visit to the world-famous pilgrimage site of Fatima, where it is claimed that the VIrgin Mary appeared "more brilliant than the sun" before three shepherd children. In the afternoon, the tour includes a visit to an artisanal co-op to learn the traditions of olive oil production. Not to be missed is the Porto Cathedral in its Romanesque splendor and the riverside promenade peppered with interesting landmarks. With so many cobbled streets and uneven steps in historic cities, villages, and fishing ports, Jean’s one recommendation to fellow travelers is that a pair of flat walking shoes is absolutely essential.    

Perhaps the most memorable highlight of the tour for Jean and Judy was the Holy Shrine of Fatima; it was truly a moving and spiritual experience. 2017 was the centennial of the Marian apparitions. Thousands of pilgrims were there, many on their knees as they moved across the plaza towards the Basilica, to worship, each in their own personal expression of faith.

If Jean and Judy had to choose only one unique hotel as particularly memorable, it was the Quinta das Lagrimas in Coimbra. Originally a palace, dating from the 1730s, it was recently converted to a luxury hotel. The estate includes 29 acres of lush gardens, which feature exotic plants, some over 200 years old, in which to linger, relax, and reminisce. The gardens feature a spring-fed fountain set among the ancient ruins, and legends of lost loves abound. Purportedly, the stream carried love letters from the Estate to the Royal Palace between King D Pedro I and D Ines de Castro. The romance ended sadly, however, as the waters turned red with blood as his lover was assassinated. According to popular legend, the stain of her blood can still be seen on the rocks. But if you prefer a more scientific explanation, there is a red alga that grows and spreads on the rocks surrounding the stream. Whether romance or reality, the gardens offer quiet respite to stroll and enjoy a glorious display of exotic flora. 

Most Back Roads tours are a week to ten days, and often travelers connect two or even three tours together. For example, you could fly into Madrid for the eleven-day Iberian Inspiration tour, which ends in Lisbon, and then add on the seven-day Discover Portugal tour. An added bonus for booking a second tour is a free pre-night hotel accommodation.