Made for Spain & Portugal

The Ultimate Travel Experience in Spain & Portugal

ITINERARY PROPOSAL

PORTUGAL

Portugal lies along the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula in south Western Europe. It shares a border with Spain in the east and north, while the Atlantic dominates the coastline in the west and south. Occupying about 16 percent of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal (including Madeira and Azores) has a population of over 10 million people. Despite its relatively small size, the country boasts a great diversity of geographical features, from golden plains to mountainous zones. Moreover, its location allows quick access not only to several European countries, but also to the east coast of the American and African continents. Portuguese is spoken by more than 200 million people in several continents, including Europe, Africa and America. This diversity has contributed to the deepening of historical and cultural ties between Portugal and the world.

The state form is a pluralistic democracy. Under the Constitution, the organs of sovereignty are the President, the Parliament, the Government and the Courts. As a member of the European Union and NATO, Portugal plays a greater role in both European and world affairs than its size would suggest. Portugal is part of the group of EU countries, where the Euro is the official currency and common to all.

Day by Day Itinerary: Day 1 / PORTO Arrival to Porto airport (Flight Not arranged through Made for Spain) From across the Douro River at sunset, romantic Porto, the country’s second-largest city, looks like a pop-up town. A colorful tumbledown dream with medieval relics, soaring bell towers, extravagant baroque churches and stately beaux-arts buildings piled on top of one another, illuminated by streaming shafts of sun. If you squint you might be able to make out the open windows, the narrow lanes and staircases zigzagging to nowhere. Porto’s historic center is the Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Tripeiros (Porto residents) mingle before old storefronts, on village-style plazas and in the old houses of commerce where Roman ruins lurk beneath the foundations. On the downside, here and in other parts of the city center stand many dilapidated early-20th-century town houses, left to crumble as the young and moneyed flee to the sprawling suburbs by the sea.

Despite signs of decay, in the last two decades Porto has undergone a remarkable renaissance expressed in the hum of its efficient metro system and the gleam design of Álvaro Siza Vieira’s Contemporary Art Museum (Museu Serralves de Arte Contemporânea) and Rem Koolhaas’ Casa da Música. Culturally, Porto is more relevant than much larger global cities. The birthplace of port, it is a long-running mecca for wine aficionados. Riverside wine caves jockey for attention in nearby Vila Nova de Gaia, with scores of cellars open for tastings. With tasty new kitchens springing up regularly, its palate is slowly growing more cosmopolitan. And thanks to a number of superb venues, Porto residents dance to many of the world’s top rock, jazz and electronic artists.

Private Sedan Transfer provided by Made for Spain to Hotel Check In The Yeatman Hotel in the historic port wine cellar district in Oporto (Portugal). It is the city's address of choice for discerning travelers and wine lovers as well as those visiting Oporto and the north of Portugal. It is set in extensive landscaped gardens enjoying panoramic views. Shopping venues are about 1 km away and the railway station is around 25 minutes' walk from the hotel

Constructed in 2010, this city hotel is a tranquil heaven where guests can unwind in an atmosphere of relaxed sophistication. In addition to a lobby area with 24-hour reception and check-out services, facilities available to guests at this family-friendly establishment include a safe, cloakroom and lift access, as well as a bar, TV lounge, restaurant and conference facilities.

Rooms are 36 m² in size and enjoy views of the historic city of Porto, the Douro River and feature a private balcony where guests enjoy spectacular sunsets. In addition to a private bathroom with a bathtub, shower and hairdryer, in-room amenities include a direct dial telephone, satellite/cable TV, radio and Internet access, as well as a minibar and a double or king-size bed. Individually regulated heating and a safety deposit box are further standard features of all accommodation units. Leisure time

4 PM – 8 PM Enjoy a Porto Highlights Tour Meet your guide at the lobby of the Hotel. This tour is a great introduction to Porto, its history and its cultural treasures. Discover a colorful tumbledown dream with medieval relics, soaring bell towers, extravagant baroque churches and stately beaux-arts buildings piled on top of one another, illuminated by streaming shafts of sun. Visit the Stock Exchange Palace, Church of Saint Francis, the Cathedral and Lello Bookstore at the Ribera district and the Graham Winery at Vila Nova de Gaia district. The Stock Exchange Palace, Pálacio da Bolsa, is a historical building which was built in the 19th century by the city's Commercial Association (Associação Comercial) in a neoclassical style. It is located in the Infante D. Henrique Square in the historical center of Porto, designated World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Continue visiting the Church of Saint Francis, Igreja de São Francisco, is a fine example of Gothic architecture in the city. This little gem started being built in the 13th century, but suffered several delays and accidents on the way. It is the most prominent Gothic Monument in Porto due to its outstanding Baroque inner decoration. Even though it looks rather plain on the outside, sporting a stone facade with elements of gothic and baroque styles, but when you step inside an abundance of gilt wood carvings make up the columns, vaulted ceilings and walls of this UNESCO World Heritage Site church, which started to take shape in 1245.

Unveil the architectural treasures of the Cathedral of Porto, Sé do Porto, one of the most important Romanesque monuments in Portugal. The current Cathedral of Porto underwent construction around 1110 under the patronage of Bishop Hugo and was completed in the 14th century.

Lello Bookstore or Livreria Chardon is the oldest bookstore in the world. Built in 1906 by the Lello Brothers it is one of the most ornate bookstores in the world, mixing Neo-Gothic and Art Dec elements. Carved wood ceilings, a stain-glassed roof, an undulating and opulent red staircase make the Lello seem like the bookstore out of some fantasy world. In fact, J.K. Rowling herself lived in Porto for a short while and used to visit it for a cup of coffee.

Cross Over the Douro River and enjoy a visit and wine tasting at the Graham’s Winery. The historic Graham’s Lodge was built in 1890 on a hilltop in Vila Nova de Gaia, overlooking the Douro River and the city of Porto. The Lodge benefits from a location that is ideally suited for the long ageing of Port in cask. The influence of the ocean is profound, giving moderate, temperate winters and humid summers. The frequent sea-fogs of July and August, coupled with the cold prevailing north-westerly winds, the ‘Nortada’, ensure that summer temperatures never reach excessive levels; hence guaranteeing a continuous, balanced maturation of the wines.

End of your visit Rest of day at leisure

Accommodation in Porto, Hotel The Yeatman (Superior Double room) Day 2 / PORTO Breakfast at the Hotel 11 AM - 2 PM Portuguese Cooking Workshop with Lunch: Cook and taste Portugal Transfer to Workshops Pop Up easily by taxi (own arrangements) 11 AM – 2 PM Enjoy hands on cooking Portuguese experience with a top professional chef. In the heart of one of Porto’s most vibrant area you will be surprised by this concept store, made with a collection of pop up stores of fashionwear, gourmet and lifestyle with a kitchen where cooking and wine pairing workshops takes place, in a cozy and relaxed environment, perfect for learning and sharing experiences. A place in continual reinvention where you will find always something new!

You will prepare, learn and taste a typical Portuguese meal accompanied by well-known wines from the region and spirits in an authentic local atmosphere.

2 PM Transfer back to the hotel by taxi (own arrangements) (Duration of the experience: 3 hours) Leisure time 7 PM - 10 PM Discover Porto in a three hours Boat Tour with private dinner (subjected to availability) 6:45 PM Transfer to Douro Marina Port on own easily by local taxi (own arrangements) 7 PM Meet the crew at the dock. Board at Douro Marina The best way to discover the romantic and mythical city of Porto is by boat, and this evening you will experience it in the most spectacular way. Cruise along the Douro River on your private boat and enjoy a glass of local wine as the views of soaring bell towers, Baroque churches, and stately Beaux-arts buildings are illuminated by the last streams of sunlight. Once the sun settles in for the night and the lit-up homes seem to dance along Porto’s hills, the boat’s staff will serve your traditional Portuguese meal (cost of food included). Do not worry if you arrive to the dock in a dream-like state, it’s not the wine…it’s the magic of Porto!

Once the sun settles in for the night and the lit-up homes seem to dance along Porto’s hills, the boat’s staff will serve your traditional Portuguese meal. Don’t worry if you arrive to the dock in a dream-like state, it’s not the wine…it’s the magic of Porto! 10 PM Arrival to Douro Marina Port Transfer back to hotel on own easily by local taxi (own arrangements)

Accommodation in Porto, Hotel The Yeatman (Superior Double room) Day 3 / PORTO – DOURO VALLEY – PORTO Breakfast at the Hotel 9 AM - 5 PM Full day Excursion to the Douro Wine Region 9 AM Meet your guide at the lobby of the Hotel Transfer to Vila Real and visit Mateus Manor House: 10:15 AM - 12 PM Visit Mateus Manor House premises Casa de Mateus is a splendid manor house from the flamboyant 18th-century Baroque era. The house is still depicted on the well-known Portuguese Mateus Rose wine bottles, Although the manor house is now independent from the winery.

12 PM Transfer to Quinta da Pacheca 12 PM - 1:30 PM Visit its premises and enjoy a wine tasting Despite the guidelines and exterior facades continuing to carry the weight of years, the symbiosis between the ancient and modern is perfect, it is the small details that make this familiar Winery a real charm. The familiar spirit remains well creased, not only for the use of furniture belonging to the family, but the comfort and elegant ambience recreated, that we usually feel in our houses.

The vineyards changing colours or the calm waters of the Douro River, watering with the thought of the Quinta wines create a relaxing ambience for the ones visiting it. 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Enjoy a lunch at the restaurant of Quinta da Pacheca Winery (cost of food not included) 2:30 PM Transfer to Amarante town and discover with your local expert guide the old quarters of the town and visit its beautiful Church of Saint Gonçalo, a national monument. Amarante is situated in the agricultural lands of the Minho region.

In this breathtaking landscape you will discover a city settled as early as the Stone Age. Its importance increased after the arrival of Saint Gonçalo de Amarante, in the 12th century. After his death, Amarante became the destination of pilgrimages and grew substantially. In the 16th century, King John III of Portugal had the church of St. Mary turned into a large Dominican monastery near the bridge of St. Gonçalo.

4 PM Transfer to Porto 5 PM Arrival to Porto (Duration of the experience: 8 hours) Rest of day at leisure

Accommodation in Porto, Hotel The Yeatman (Superior Double room)

Day 4 / PORTO – AVEIRO – COIMBRA – LISBON Breakfast at the Hotel Check out and settle incidental accounts 9 AM Meet your driver and local guide at the entrance of the Hotel Transfer to Aveiro 10 AM Arrival to Aveiro 10 AM – 1 PM Private guided visit of Aveiro Visit the charming city of Aveiro commonly known as the ‘Portuguese Venice’ with its colorful gondola-shaped boats (moliceiros), natural lagoons, elegant 19th Century architecture and traditional cobblestone passageways. In this landscape dominated by water you will learn about the numerous buildings inspired in the Art Nouveau Style. Visit the Our Lady of Mercy Church (Igreja da Misericórdia). Built towards the end of the 16th Century, this monument displays traditional blue-and-white tile work on its façade, Renaissance features on its portals and a lovely selection of colorful blue tiles in its interior.

1 PM Say farewell to your guide and have Lunch on your own 2:30 PM Private Sedan Transfer provided by Made for Spain to Lisbon 5:30 PM Arrival to Lisbon Lisbon is probably the first place you will visit when you travel in Portugal, and maybe the last. Lisbon is not only the beginning of your adventure in Portugal, but was also the birthplace of the country we now know as Portugal. The region surrounding Lisbon has been continuously inhabited since the Neolithic period, so it’s difficult to say when modern Lisbon was first established.

Some date it all the way back to the Roman period when the city was known as Ulyssippo, while others consider the year 1147, when Portugal was re-conquered (from the Muslims) by Alfonso I of Portugal, as the beginning of the city as we know it.

Whether you consider it a must-visit tourist destination or one of the most significant societies in Western history, Lisbon is the origin of whatever Portugal means to you. Check In Bairro Alto Hotel Lisbon, is a 5-star boutique hotel in central Lisbon, located in the heart of historic downtown, between two of the most emblematic city districts, the bohemian Bairro Alto and the chic, cultural and trendy Chiado.

Bairro Alto Hotel has 55 rooms, within 6 different categories (including 4 suites), overlooking either the emblematic Praça Luís de Camões, Bairro Alto, the quiet Rua das Flores (Flowers St.) or the sunny Rua do Alecrim (Rosemary St.).

A luxury boutique hotel, both cosmopolitan and trendy with a harmonious blend of old and new, that offers an excellent service in an atmosphere of warmth and relaxation. A unique and special place in the city of Lisbon, within walking distance to major shops, theaters, museums, restaurants and bars.

Rest of day at leisure

Accommodation in Lisbon, Hotel Bairro Alto (Superior Double room)

Day 5 / LISBON Breakfast at the Hotel 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM Enjoy a Lisbon Highlights Tour… Meet your guide at the Hotel lobby. Enjoy a panoramic view of the city and learn about its history as well as its urban and architectural evolution. This half-day tour allows you to discover Lisbon, capital of Portugal, colonized by many civilizations along the centuries: Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Moors and finally the Portuguese after 1147. We will visit Castle of Saint Jorge, including its surrounding quarter and Alfama, Lisbon's oldest quarter.

This city is linked with the heroic deeds of the Portuguese maritime exploration, in the 15th and 16th centuries. This was the Age of Discoveries and the Golden Era of Portugal, transforming Lisbon into the opulent centre of a vast empire. Part of the wealth from these expeditions was used to build magnificent monuments in a unique Portuguese style: the extravagant Manueline architectural style. Some of these monuments can still be seen, especially in the area of Belém.

But Lisbon has more than just monuments! You will visit also the traditional commerce zones of the city, with their 18th century buildings: the Downtown and the Chiado. In short, our tour includes all the best that Lisbon has to show!

There are senses that can only be felt in Lisbon. No one remains indifferent to its temperate climate and its characteristic sunlight. (Duration of the experience: 4 hours) Leisure time 5:30 PM - 8 PM Enjoy a light Biking Tour with Host

Meet your Host at the Hotel lobby Easy Ride to the Downtown and then along the Tagus Riverside Private car & driver - Mini Bus at disposal to get to the Start Stop at Belem for free time (around 1h free time) Rest of day at leisure

Accommodation in Lisbon, Hotel Bairro Alto (Superior Double room)

Day 6 / LISBON – ESTORIL – CASCAIS – LISBON Breakfast at the Hotel 9 AM - 5 PM Enjoy a Full Day Excursion to Estoril, Cascais and Sintra… Meet your guide and your driver outside the main entrance of the hotel 9 AM Private Transfer with English Speaking Driver Estoril Coast will always be remembered as a place of charm, having several attractions like its famous beaches and the pretty towns of Estoril and Cascais. About the town of Sintra and its natural surroundings, we can say that it is one of Portugal's highlights, classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site!

This tour will take you on a day journey exploring these traditional Portuguese towns. Starting at the door of your hotel one of our Tour Guides will drive you straight to Sintra where hundreds of years of history and culture await you. Doing a short walk in the old city centre you'll find yourself surrounded by the old houses now converted into small quaint handicraft shops and traditional pastry shops. Driving around the mountain passing by amazing chalets and aristocratic residences you will reach the 19th century Pena Palace in the most incredible combination of architectural styles, colors and shapes that you will find in Portugal. Visit the Palacio da Pena, located in the Sintra hills, the Park and Palace of Pena are the fruit of King Ferdinand II’s creative genius and the greatest expression of 19th-century romanticism in Portugal, denoting clear influences from the Manueline and Moorish styles of architecture. The palace was built in such a way as to be visible from any point in the park, which consists of a forest and luxuriant gardens with over five hundred different species of trees originating from the four corners of the earth. Transfer to Cascais

Cascais, a coastal town just 20 miles west of Lisbon was once a small fishing village, but its idyllic scenery attracted the attention of artists, writers and expelled European nobility in the 20th century. Today, it still attracts high society, but all society comes in force to enjoy the gorgeous beaches and adventure options. Enjoy some time at leisure to have lunch and walk around the city on your own (cost of food not included) On the way back to Lisbon, stop in Estoril for a short walk 5 PM Arrival to Lisbon (Duration of the experience: 8 hours) Rest of day at leisure

Accommodation in Lisbon, Hotel Bairro Alto (Superior Double room)

Day 7 / LISBON – ARRABIDA NATURAL PARK – LISBON Breakfast at the Hotel 8:30 AM - 12 PM Half day Hiking excursion to the Arrabida Natural Park: Maravilha do Cabo 8:30 AM Meet your guide at the lobby of the hotel Transfer provided by Made for Spain to the Arrabida Natural Park 9:15 AM Arrival to the region 9:15 AM – 11:15 AM Hiking Tour at the Maravilha do Cabo Path The Arrabida Natural Park offers great opportunities for hikes. It was created in 1976, and was endowed with supervisory powers over the area proposed for UNESCO World Heritage recognition. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the slopes of the Arrábida Chain are covered with the most characteristic vegetation of the region, Mediterranean maquis, a product of its particular mild climate, tempered by the Atlantic, and the relief. It is one of the most beautiful and fascinating natural regions of Mediterranean influence, and remains almost untouched in its natural equilibrium.

The hiking tour is a circular path with 5 km long through the platform and western limestone cliffs of Cape Espichel. Along the walk you can see limestone rocks of the Jurassic and Cretaceous, aged around 150 years ago. In this limestone we observe the negative of the Dinosaur Tracks. 11:15 AM Say farewell to your guide Difficulty: Easy Please make sure you bring comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen

11:15 AM Transfer back to Lisbon 12 PM Arrival to Lisbon Leisure time 7 PM - 10 PM Enjoy a Petiscos dinner walking tour… Meet your host at the lobby of the hotel and begin enjoying a wonderful experience in Lisbon. This is a unique opportunity to get acquainted with Portuguese traditional cuisine. Petiscos are the Portuguese cousin of Spanish tapas, small portions of different dishes, served at the centre of the table so that each guest is free to choose when and what to eat.

“Having petiscos” or eating “petiscos style” is probably the most enjoyable way of having dinner in a friendly atmosphere. There is even a verb: “petiscare.” Its approximate translation means to nibble or snack a few little bites with a glass of wine. Petiscos are meant to be simple, eaten with your hands or with a toothpick or a slice of bread to sop of the sauces. This "petiscos experience" is not only a gastronomical delight but also, thanks to your experienced Portuguese host, might turn out to be - if you so wish – an excellent occasion to exchange views in a relaxed environment or to learn more about topics of interest such as Portuguese traditions, how Portuguese see the world, aspects of their history, family life, sports, economics and so on. It will be practically impossible for you to ever forget such an outing.

Accommodation in Lisbon, Hotel Bairro Alto (Superior Double room)

Day 8/ LISBON DEPARTURE Breakfast at the Hotel Check out and settle incidental accounts Private Sedan Transfer provided by Made for Spain to Lisbon Airport Take a flight/ flight details to be advised (own arrangements) Making a difference: Made for Spain collaborates with Cruz Roja Española supporting kids in Spanish hospitals. The Fundamental Principles of Cruz Roja Española are the Code of Conduct and Ideology of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent, which are the hallmarks of the institution in all areas and levels of performance: "Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality”.