Portugal is the newest addition to our Paintbrush Holidays European programs. We visit Sintra which for four centuries was a summer refuge for the royalty of Portugal. Described by Lord Byron as The Garden of Eden, its setting is “in the mountains lush with fragrant bougainvillea, gardenias and eucalyptus”.
Next we move to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal since its conquest from the Moors in 1147. Lisbon is a legendary city with over 20 centuries of history, where 16th century navigators sailed around the globe to India, Africa and South America returning with gold and jewels to finance the construction of Lisbon's grand architecture. Here we will visit the medieval quarters of Alfama, Belem and Mouraria.
Our program –
- 7 nights in Sintra
- 3 nights in Lisbon
ITINERARY
April 15 – 21
We meet at Lisbon airport and transfer to Sintra where we will stay for the next seven nights and use this ancient, exotic town as our base. The area around Sintra has been referred to as the 'Promontory of the Moon' since the time of classical antiquity. It has a mild, invigorating climate (April to June the average temperature is 17.5 C), abundant springs and is ensconced in impressive mountain terrain with cliffs dropping to the Atlantic. Along with its multi-level, winding streets, Sintra has such fascinating UNESCO sites as the 1840 Gothic style Pena Palace with its architectural styles ranging from Arabian to Victorian, and the Moorish castle Castelo dos Mouros, dating back to the 8th century.
From Sintra, we will visit other fascinating towns in the area. Picturesque Cascais with its pretty little palaces overlooking the sea, and its Rua Direita, or pedestrian zone. The Arab poet, Ibne Mucane, made the first literary reference to the introduction of windmills into Europe – a monument near the windmills is dedicated to him. Reconquered from the Moors in 1147, Cascais became a fishing port and lookout for the port of Lisbon in the great maritime era of the new worlds.
Malveira Da Serra, a rustic village spread out over the surrounding hills.
The fantastic coastal cliffs called Cabo da Roca, the most westerly point of Europe. In Spring, it is carpeted with white America Pseudarmeria, unique to this area. And the dramatic Boca do Inferno, a majestic cavern created by the sea during the Jurassic period 150 million years ago.
April 22 – 24
Transfer from Sintra to Lisbon where we spend the next three nights. Lisbon is a fascinating mix of Moorish and Spanish architecture. Spread out along the right bank of the Targus River, its medieval quarters are made up of narrow streets and ancient buildings with tile-covered facades. We will visit Alfama, an ancient district which is a maze of cobbled streets and alleyways below the castle, Castelo de Sao Jorge. And we visit the quarter called Belem, with Jeronimos Monastery, Lisbon's finest sight, which is a magnificent, soaring extravaganza of Manueline architecture. In these medieval surroundings, one can hear the 'fado', Portugal's soulful singing tradition, being played and sung at night.
April 25
Transfer from your hotel to Lisbon airport.
COST AND INCLUDED FEATURES:
Cost:
Per person based on twin share $2489.00 CAD / $1719.00 USD
Single supplement $689.00 CAD / $475.00 USD
Included Features:
- 7 nights accommodation in Sintra, 3 nights in Lisbon
- Buffet breakfast daily
- Welcome dinner
- Airport transfers and all land transportation by motorcoach to hotels and painting locations
- Guided walking tours of Sintra and Lisbon
- All excursions mentioned in the itinerary
- Instruction for all levels by artist instructor, Henry Vyfvinkel
- All taxes and service charges
- Maximum of 18 participants
