Cape Ponta de São Lourenço, Madeira Island, Portugal
Later, take in the region’s whitewashed homes and intricate tilework while witnessing the remains of the Roman Temple and the Capela dos Ossos, aka the Chapel of Bones, a 16th-century chapel lined with the skulls and bones of the interred. The following day kicks off three nights in Lisbon with a stop at an Alentejo cork factory to learn how this material is harvested and used to seal wine bottles. Portugal exports more than half of the world’s cork supply, making it essential to the country’s economy. The next day consists of a guided sightseeing tour of Lisbon aboard a luxury coach. Travelers will stop at Eduardo VII Park to enjoy panoramic views of the city, drive along the Avenida de Liberdade to take in Lisbon’s historic landmarks, tour the Jeronimos Monastery, sample classic pastel de nata (Portugal’s famous custard tart) and tour the Casa de Bicos, or the House of Spikes, a 16th century palace covered with more than 1,000 spiked stones. The final day of this trip consists of a free day in Lisbon where participants can explore the city on their own or take advantage of an add-on package to explore nearby Sintra and the Portuguese Riviera. Later that evening, regroup with your sisters and celebrate your trip at a farewell dinner. There is an option to add another three nights to your Portugal trip by exploring the Algarve Region and more of Lisbon. And after a week spent exploring the country’s bustling cities, this is the perfect way to slow down and explore the region’s idyllic coastline, while enjoying freshly caught seafood in its waterfront restaurants and bars before heading home. “Portugal is a Go Ahead Tours staff-favorite destination, and the staff members supporting this Alpha Phi tour have first-hand experience in Portugal to help travelers create an amazing experience while abroad,” Carson said. For more information and to reserve your spot on this can’t- miss Alpha Phi experience, visit groups.goaheadtours.com/ tours/alpha-phi-portugal-2026.
many other architectural wonders throughout the city.
Additionally, you will wind through the tiny riverside lanes of the Ribeira district and let your eyes dance across the vividly painted and tiled exteriors of its buildings. Pass citywide icons like the Baroque Clerigos Tower, the Gothic Sao Francisco Church and the double-decker, metal-arched Dom Luis I Bridge that spans the Douro River between the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Step inside the city’s Neoclassical Stock Exchange Palace to witness the dazzling, gilded geometrical patterns of the Arab Room. The best views of Porto are from the waters of the Douro. If you sign up for the bonus excursion, you’ll cruise by hillside villas and under ancient bridges, ending with a guided tour of a Port wine cellar and a tasting. Travelers will spend the next two nights in Évora, one of Europe’s oldest and continuously inhabited cities. Paved with cobblestones, its ancient streets are culturally protected and cherished by locals. The first day’s itinerary consists of driving south to explore the former Portuguese capital of Coimbra — a city perched on the banks of the Mondego River — on a guided walking tour. You’ll also visit Coimbra University and the grand Joanina Library, which was built in the university’s courtyard atop the ruins of a medieval royal prison.
7
Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software