Elated Tour Archive - Vanguartour

Porto Moniz’s Tour

Justine Lucas — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 09:44:56 +0000

Here we will get the opportunity to taste the famous Madeira wine.

Then, crossing the island, we will reach the town of São Vicente on the northern coast near Porto Moniz.

This village is famous for its natural pools formed by volcanic lava. A stop is scheduled for lunch, to buy traditional crafts, and / or a swim in pools. After lunch, drive up to the plateau of Paul da Serra (1500m above sea level) through a picturesque mountain road.

Do not forget your cameras to capture the unique views of mountain peaks and snow-white clouds! Through these exciting landscapes, easy and effortlessly a fascinating story is told. Lunch not included in the tour price.

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Santana Tour

Justine Lucas — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 09:41:56 +0000

Following Pico do Areeiro, visit Ribeiro Frio, where you will encounter a rainbow trout farm and go on a short levada walk along the Levada da Vereda dos Balcões in the unique Laurissilva (Laurel forest).

Next stop is in Camacha, famous for its manual production of wicker products from local vines (from small to large pieces of decorative furniture).

Following Camacha is a visit to Santana, a charming city in nothern Madeira Island with unique typical houses.

Next stop is the Ponta de São Lourenço, then Machico, the second largest city in Madeira with a man-made golden sand beach. Leisure time at the beach or for lunch at a seafood restaurant may be possible upon request.

Lunch is not included in the tour price.

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Funchal and Eira do Serrado

Justine Lucas — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 09:39:14 +0000

The city of Funchal is the administrative and tourist center of Madeira Island.

Fall in love with the city once and for all with its charming basalt and limestone pavements and squares along with its varied architecture. The Sé Cathedral, located in the city centre, was built in 1514. Surrounding the cathedral are several historic buildings and shops.

The Forte São Tiago, built in 1614 in order to protect the city from pirate attacks, is one of the main attractions in the charming old area of Funchal known to locals as the “Zona Velha”. Leaving Funchal, the next stop is the Eira do Serrado viewpoint located 1km above the extinct volcano crater surrounded by a spectacular mountain landscape.

The captivating beauty of the mountains will enchant you as they slope down directly into the Curral das Freiras – Valley of the Nuns.

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Tour of Estoril – Cascais – Sintra – Cabo da Roca

Justine Lucas — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 07:15:44 +0000

On this tour you will get acquainted with the Palácio Nacional da Pena (National Palace of Pena). Built in the XIX century, by order of King Fernando II of Portugal, this eclectic structure is a true fairytale castle rising from a mountain top surrounded by lush green vegetation. Next stop is the old town of Sintra, described as a “Glorious Eden” by Lord Byron.

This town still maintains its old traditional appearance which is a constant reminder of Sintra´s history. Sintra is also known for its palace and park. Familiarize yourself with the beautiful Quinta da Regaleira, a stunning manor surrounded by luxurious gardens, lakes and enigmatic
structures designed by Italian architect Luigi Manini.

The next stop is scheduled at the Cabo da Roca , the westernmost point of Europe. You will feel like you are standing on the edge of the world! Get acquainted with the Guincho , a surfers paradise and where you will find some of the best seafood restaurants in the country.

In Cascais, the perferred vacation spot of the Portuguese elite, you will visit “Hell´s Mouth” (An ocean side cave carved by waves), a fortress, the bay and marina.

Following Cascais is a visit to Estoril, popular among the Portuguese elite of the 1920´s, this town is not only famous for its natural thermal spa, but is also famous for being a refuge / temporary residence for kings, royals and noble families that were being pursued by the nazis during the second world war. The Hotel Palácio and Casino Estoril attract all sorts of visitors to this enchanting coastal town. Lunch will be either at the beach or in Sintra.

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Sao Miguel Island : Seven Cities and Lagoa Do Fogo (with lunch)

Justine Lucas — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 07:14:50 +0000

Departure at 09:00 towards the Lagoa do Fogo, on the south coast. On the way to Pico da Barrosa take a glance at both coasts of the island! Scheduled stop at the Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint on the way to the northern capital of the island, Ribeira Grande.
A brief stop is made to get acquainted with this town. Continuing west, we pass through the quaint villages of Ribeira Seca, Rabo de Peixe, and Calhetas Fenais, located on the northern road. Lunch is provided in the “Capelas da Cidade”.
After lunch we returned to the south coast in the direction of the Seven Cities. Stopping on the way to the Belvedere Vista do Rei viewpoint. Return to Ponta Delgada, through Pico do Carvão, where you can see the coast north and south. Arrival at the hotel at approximately 17h30.

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Pico Island : Island Tour (with lunch)

Justine Lucas — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 07:14:05 +0000

The departure from the hotel in Madalena is scheduled at 09h30. The tour starts along the road leading to the north of the island.
The first stop is scheduled in the Dog Bows, some impressive cliffs, near the sea, creating a wonderful spectacle of sound and color. We then into the Mystery of Prainha area, with its famous early lava of volcanic eruptions.
The first stop is in Arcos do Cachorro which are impressive cliffs where the ocean creates a wonderful show of sound and color. Following Arcos do Cachorro we head on to Mistérios da Prainha a gorgeous area of extensive fields of lava spilled from early volcanic eruptions.
From S. Roque, crossing the island to the south, we will encounter a large number of endemic plants. Lunch is provided along the way. After lunch, a visit to the whaling museum is scheduled. On the return to Madalena stop to see an exhibition of handicrafts, cheese makers and wineries. Arrival at Madalena is scheduled for 17h30.

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Flores Island Tour

Justine Lucas — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 07:12:04 +0000

Departure from the hotel to the northeast of the island to the Ponta dos Cedros viewpoint. Along the way we have yet another scheduled stop at another viewpoint, where the island of Corvo is clearly visible.
Then we will make a short stop in the village of Lages. The journey continues along the southwest coast, stopping at Rocha dos Bordões, very interesting and unique formation of basalt in the Azores.
Lunch is scheduled in the village of Santa Cruz. Then the tour leads to the Fajãzinha and Faja Grande, two beautiful places, which are located at sea level.
On the way back we will take a road down that crosses the island. This picturesque area is rich with its lakes and incredible scenery, especially when the hydrangeas are in bloom. Return to Santa Cruz and the hotel.

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Tour of Obidos – Alcobaça – Nazaré

Justine Lucas — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 08:30:05 +0000

A Cistercian Abbey, the oldest in the area, where the tombs of the most famous lovers of Portugal are located – Dom Pedro I and Inês de Castro, a masterpiece of gravestone monuments. Batalha – Monastery, built in honor of the victory in the war against Castela, in the XIV century, struck by its grandeur from the outside and ease of stone lace from the inside.

Next stop is Nazaré – once a small fishing village and now – a city famous for not only fishing, but also for the wonderful beaches, wonderful food and unique local folk costumes.

Lunch is to be served at a typical fish restaurant on the Nazaré beach. Next stop; visit the medieval town of Óbidos.

Óbidos is one of the “fabulous” cities of Portugal. Inside the city wall from the main gate to the castle, are a few shopping streets with traditional low-rise houses, twined with roses and wisteria. Outside the gates of the castle the towns’ people organize jousting tournaments, a chocolate festival, and before Christmas a real Santa Claus town is built.

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Tour in Tomar and Fatima

Justine Lucas — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 08:29:20 +0000

As you visit the castle of the Knights Templar of Tomar monastery of the Order of Christ , built and rebuilt over the centuries.

You will appreciate the elegance of the “Manueline“ style, as here you will find the town´s ex-libris, an amazingly beautiful window on the hall of the Chapter of the Monastery. The next stop is in Fatima – the city became a place of worship of all believers since 1917, Mary, Mother of God appeared to the three shepherds.

Now Fatima is called “the Altar of Peace”, and annually is visited by hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from different countries. Not far from Fatima, do not miss the opportunity to visit the beautiful caves formed by underground water. The Gallery, at a length of 350 meters, takes us to a whimsical tale of the cave.

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Evora and Monsaraz

Justine Lucas — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 08:28:11 +0000

Depart from the Algarve and cross the Alentejo province until you arrive at the beautiful city of Evora, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Walking tour of the city: The Temple of Diana – the only Roman temple in the country, the Sé Cathedral, the Church of St. Francis and its Chapel of human bones and the university.

After lunch, visit Reguengos de Monsaraz – winery and taste the dry wine of Alentejo.

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