Portugal Golf and Culture Tour

Day 1: Sintra 
Day 2: Sintra 
Day 3: Quinta do Lago (Algarve)
Day 4: Quinta do Lago
Day 5: Quinta do Lago
Day 6: Lisbon
Day 7: Lisbon
Day 8: Departure 

Day 1: Sintra
After your arrival at Lisbon Airport, an English-speaking chauffeur will privately transfer your resort in Sintra. In the afternoon at 14h00, you will go on a half-day guided tour of Sintra to discover the Romantic Villa of Sintra - full of magic and history with its palaces: the national Sintra Palace and Pena Palace (4 hours duration). Classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1995, Sintra lies at the east end of a rocky range of mountains. Occupied by the Romans until 5 AD, it has been repeatedly praised by master poets over the centuries, including Lord Byron who described it as a 'glorious Eden'. The town's landscape is lush with surrounding green forests, exotic flowers, and elaborate palaces built centuries ago. You will take this opportunity to visit the Pena Palace, which served as a summer residence for the Portuguese royal family. Afterward, take some time to walk around the narrow streets of Sintra, full of small shops selling Portuguese tiles and ceramics; a walk that will take you back in time. You will end at your hotel in Sintra. (Breakfast)

Accommodation: Ritz Carlton Penha Longa Resort: Set within Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, the resort offers a beautiful blend of historical charm and modern luxury, with nine dining options (three of which have Michelin stars).

Day 2: Sintra 
Today you will be playing at Penha Longa championship golf course. Ranked in the top 30 courses in Continental Europe and top 10 in Portugal, the 27-hole course at Penha Longa Resort, designed by the famed Robert Trent Jones, Jr., is escapist golf at its best. With its bold drives, courageous approaches, and artful greens, it is both an adrenalin rush and a soothing journey through one of Portugal’s most inspiring landscapes. Exciting at every turn, this championship challenge, and host to the Portuguese Open is a master test of variety and thrills. Remaining day at leisure. (B)

Accommodation: Ritz Carlton Penha Longa Resort

Day 3: Quinta do Lago (Algarve)
You will be leaving Sintra in the direction of the Algarve today. The southernmost region of Portugal, the Algarve is known for its incredible coastline of dramatic cliffs, dreamy beaches, and traditional fishing villages, that extend to small mountain ranges, cork groves, and of course golf courses. You can spend the day at leisure or venture out on one of the many additional activities on offer at the hotel (own cost), such as olive oil tasting, watersports, quad biking, etc. (B)

Accommodation: Hotel Conrad Algarve: Offering an infinity pool, the luxury hotel is set in a golfer’s paradise. High-tech, modern rooms boast balconies overlooking the palms or the pool, with the Michelin-star restaurant, Gusto, on-site with respected three-Michelin-star chefs, Heinz Beck.

Day 4: Quinta do Lago 
You will be playing at Quinta do Lago North golf course today. Quinta do Lago has been at the forefront of international golf since its creation. The resort’s three courses are among Europe’s best and are joined by world-class golf facilities such as the Paul McGinley Golf Academy and Southern Europe’s only tailor-made performance center, located in the amazing Ria Formosa National Park. (B)

Accommodation: Hotel Conrad Algarve

Day 5: Quinta do Lago 
You will travel to the west side of the Algarve to visit Sagres and Lagos. It’s a chance to wander back in time to the era of the Portuguese discoveries. The first stop is the village of Sagres, with the beautiful fishing harbor of Baleeira. You will pass by the 15th-century fortress and visit the Cape St. Vincent (the most south-westerly point of Europe), known as "the end of the World" where the strongest lighthouse in Europe is located. Then follows a visit to the town Lagos, linked to the Portuguese discoveries in the 15th-century. It was in Lagos that Henry, the Navigator, fitted up the caravels that would set out for the coast of Africa, launching the Portuguese Age of Discoveries, and it was from here that Gil Eanes sailed, the navigator who demonstrated that the world did not end at Cape Bojador. Although built on the site of earlier constructions, some of the main monuments are from this era, such as the Governors’ Castle, the city walls, and the Ponta da Bandeira Fort. Visit the beautiful Santo Antonio Church, a baroque style architecture with interior gold-plated woodwork and the spectacular national blue and white azulejo tiles. You can then enjoy some free time for lunch in Lagos.

You will end the tour with a guided visit to the Quinta dos Vales wine farm, with a visit through the winery and wine cellar where you will learn the wine-making process and taste the wines. Art and wine have always had a close relationship, but they have never been closer than at Quinta dos Vales, where stunning sculptures can be enjoyed together with high-quality award-winning wines. In several garden locations, you will find an exhibition of well over a hundred pieces in different styles, materials, and sizes, some up to 6.5 m in height. This is an absolutely unique wine estate with hundreds of colorful sculptures in an open-air exhibition. You will then return to your hotel. (B)

Accommodation: Hotel Conrad Algarve

Day 6 - Lisbon
You will be leaving the Algarve in the direction of Lisbon on a private transfer with an English-speaking chauffeur. On the way, you will pass through the widest cork region, Alentejo, to find the lovely charming walled town of Évora. This beautiful town, full of tradition and history, handicrafts, and gastronomy, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, a local guide will meet you for a walking tour that passes the St Francis Church - with its unique Bones Chapel - up the narrow streets of Moorish origin, reaching Giraldo Square, where the Inquisition once had its headquarters. There will also be time to admire the old Roman Temple of Diana and the Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral. You will have free time to explore and shop on your own a variety of items such as hand-painted pottery, cork work, copper items, and colorful furniture. You will end at your hotel in Lisbon. (B)

Accommodation: Altis Avenida Hotel: A boutique hotel inspired by the glamour of the Portuguese ’40s, centrally located in the city center on the Praça dos Restauradores with a panoramic gastro bar.

Day 7 - Lisbon
During the morning you will have the opportunity to get to know the Portuguese capital, Lisboa, aka “the Seven Hills City” with its world heritage sites. You will start off with a panoramic tour of Edward VII Park, Liberty Avenue, and Rossio Square, followed by a short walk through the medieval quarter of Alfama. With its narrow streets, that remember the Moorish occupancy, you will feel the atmosphere of this historical town, crowned by the magnificent St. George’s Castle. You also pass by the cathedral, which dates back to the 12th-century, and Blackhorse Square - an immense square that brings downtown to the Tagus River. Following this, you go to the most historic quarters of Lisbon - The Discoveries Quarter of Belem, from which the Portuguese Caravels sailed off to on their epic maritime discoveries. Once at Belem, you will visit two of Lisbon's jewels and symbols - The Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belem - whose origins date back to the 16th-century, both considered World Heritage, and represent the most luxurious and prestigious times of the Portuguese Monarchy. You will not leave Belem area without tasting the famous `Pastel de Nata’ or custard tart. (B)

Accommodation: Altis Avenida Hotel 5* in Lisbon sharing room including breakfast or similar

Day 8 - Lisbon
After breakfast, you will depart for Lisbon Airport or continue with your onward travel arrangements.

You will stay at 5-star hotels/resorts throughout your stay. Please take a look at the day-to-day itinerary for a list of preferred accommodations. Should the preferred accommodation be fully booked, a hotel of a similar standard will be reserved.