May
1st-11th
2024
Ligurian Coast & Cinque Terre,
Italy
Italy's Riviera, Lucca, Siena & Thermal Waters, Wine & Chocolate
Sep24-Oct 8
2024
Split, Hvar, Korcula, Dubrovnik, CROATIA
Mostar & Kravice Waterfalls, BOSNIA
Exploring the Dalmatian Coast
Sept
15th-28th
2021
The Best of Greece
Athens, Hydra, Epidivros, Mycene, Nafplio, Delphi, Santorini, Noxos, Corinth, Delos & Mykonos!
July
13th-25th
2021
Treasures of Northern Italy
Jun
1st-8th
2021
Peru Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu
May
3rd-6th
2021
Catalina Island
Apr
15th-19th
2021
San Carlos, Mexico
San Carlos
Sea of Cortez
April 15-19, 2021
Bahia Delfin, lovely modern condos on San Francisco Play,
the prettiest & serene beach.
A Two Hour Sunset Cruise on Sea of Cortez Canyon of Nacapule, a National Park of tropical diversity , over 400 species of plants; Shopping; Pearl Farm; Visit to Las Mangas.
A SAFE route, four lane divided highway.
Fee: $500 dbl occupancy. $625/sgle.
Incl: 4 Nites Lodging, transportation,
Sunset Cruise, 4 breakfasts, 1 dinner &
3 lunches at the Condo.
Payment methods: Checks: Joyride SW Tours . Zelle deposit. 3% for Paypal & credit cards. Box 912, Green Valley, AZ 85622. Contact Joyce Sierra
[email protected]. 520-404-2254.
One of North America's most beautiful islands with a Mediterranean feel. Third largest of the Channel Islands is a wonderful, easy Get-Away from Arizona. Avalon, a paradise, is a square mile port city where we will be lodging.
Catalina Island May 3-6th & Oct 13-16, 2021
Our stay includes visits to the elegant 1929 Art Deco Casino, the Catalina Museum, and Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Gardens. We will tour the coastline on an electric bus to the protected wilderness areas with spectacular vistas, canyons & coves. Another guided scenic tour of the city Avalon will give us a good overview so we can also explore on our own. Kayaking, Parasailing, Fishing available
Fly from Tucson to LAX, shuttle to Long Beach where we board a ferry for an hour ride across 22 miles to the island.
Gabrielino Indians settled the island in 500 B.C. It was discovered by the Europeans in 1542. During the Mexican-Spanish period, the island was used as a smuggling & piracy base. The Island company was originally owned by the Banning family & then William Wrigley Jr., and the development as a resort. In 1972, the Conservancy was established to preserve it the native environment, now owning 88 percent of the undeveloped area.
Costs: $750/double. $950/Sgl. Includes 4 days & 3 nights lodging on Catallna Island, Airfare, Shuttles, Ferry, 4 tours and entrance fees. No refunds after airline reservation is made. Travelguard Insurance recommended. Contact: Joyce Sierra, 520-404-2254, [email protected]. P.O. Box 912 Green Valley, Az 85622. Payment by checks or Zelle. 3% for credit card or Paypal
Highest Expressions of Inca Architecture, “Lost City of the Incas” One of the world's most spectacular archaeological sites & one of the Seven Wonders. Marvel at one of the highest cultures & the complex civilization of the Incas. Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, one of the most beautiful cities in all of South America. The Incas made a life in harmony with the Universe & synchronized their activities to the rhythms of earth. Appreciating the Sacred Valley is a life changing experience, making an impact on our lives.
Peru - Majesty of the Andes
Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu
June 1 – 8, 2021
Covid Vaccine a requirement
Tues. June 1: Overnight Intl flight to Cuzco, Peru. (Flight not included) I will be glad to assist finding the least expensive with one layover.
Best flights are out of LAX. Average $700-$800.
Wed. June 2: Shuttle to Ollyantaytambo (O-yan-tay-tambo – Ollanta by locals). 4 nites lodging at Quechua Lodge, breakfast included. The altitude is 9,200 ft as opposed to Cuzco at 11,400 ft.located in the Sacred Valley
with spectacular mountains. They offer (no charge), all the
Coca leaf tea you need to help with the altitude.
Afternoon: Aclimate & explore mountain trails, alpacas, llamas
& vicunas. Best to eat light today to help with altitude.
Thurs June 3: Morning Train to Machu Picchu,
(approx 1 ½ hrs) to meet our guide at Aguas Calientes. Shuttle up the mountain. Altitude of 8,000 ft. Incans speak Quechan language. Machu means “Old or Ancient” & Picchu means peak. The famous peak to the right of the ruins on the plateau is “Huayna Picchu” or “Young Peak”. This mystical setting in the Andean cloud forest represents the Incas cosmic concept of nature. Our guide speaks English and is patient. We will takethe steps very slowly, resting between each platform. They are easier than you would expect. Lunch in Aguas Calientes, & Hot Springs, welcoming after the climb.
Fri June 4: Morning guided tour to Pinkuylluna Ruins, an Incan fortress & one of the most complex architectural religious, astronomical & administrative structures. Afternoon, 30 minute drive to Chincheras, ancient weaving village with terraced farmlands. A visit to the women's co-op and demonstration how Andean wool is woven into those intricate patterns of traditional Quechuan renowned textiles.
Sat June 5: Morning train to Cuzco, 11,400 ft, Holy City of the Incans, known as the “navel of the earth” and the center of their civilization. It is the oldest inhabited city in the Western hemisphere. The Incan walls are now a blend with colonial Spanish architecture where the conquest of the Spaniards is more evident.
Check into Loreto Boutique Hotel, on the Plaza, breakfast included. Afternoon walking tour will educate us on the historical Plaza de Armas, Koricancha (Temple of the Sun),
Convent of Santa Domingo.
Sun June 6: After breakfast, we will be met by our guide and taken to the local food market in San Pedro. There we will have a culinary lesson about the local ingredients including the famous Peruvian Pisco Sour and enjoy a delicious lunch.
Afternoon, time to explore San Blas, a “bohemian, artisan” neighborhood, explore cafes and chocolate shops and simply enjoy Cusco!
Mon June 7: Morning 20 minute excursion to Sacsayhuaman temple & fortress.
Estimated 20,000 men to move these cyclopean stones to fit perfectly together. Amazing
and powerful spiritual center. Afternoon: free to shop and explore!
Day 8, Tues June 8: Shuttle to Airport.
Optional: Day trek on Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Extended tours to: Lake Titicaca; Nazca Lines.
If interested, I will send you the additional pricing.
Customized tour with small group of less than 10 people
Details: $1200/double. Sgl: $1500. Includes: Lodging, 7 breakfasts, All designated ground transportation, Entrance fees, All guides & tours. Does not include: Airfare & Tipping.
No Deposits until we have the go-ahead for a safe tour. ($300). Balance due, May 1, 2021. No Refunds after that date. Trip Insurance recommended. www.travelguard.com
Payment: Joyride SW Tours, P.O. Box 912, GreenValley, AZ 85622. Checks or Zelle.
Credit Cards & PayPal add 3%.
Contact: Joyce Sierra, 520-404-2254, [email protected].
Advisory: This tour will take place if Italy has lifted travel sanctions and opened up borders to tourism. Thus, no deposits at this time. If you are interested in this tour, please email me and I will put you on the list, notifying you when it is safe. Vaccines will be required.
Treasures of Northern Italy July 13-25, 2021
The incredible beauty of northern Italy with its lovely hills of vineyards, serene lakes, Roman ruins & magnificent Dolomites is unforgettable. But it is often overlooked for the more popular tourist spots. This is an adventure from the Ligurian Sea, touring the renowned Piedmont wine region to the medieval villages in the Dolomites & Lake Garda to the historical romance of Romeo & Juliet in Verona. Not forgetting the divine cuisine of that region, freshly grown & baked!
"Sicilians build things like they will live forever & eat like they will die tomorrow" Plato
Exploring Authentic Sicily
Sept 3 - 14, 2021
Sicily is a delight to visit & I love the blend of sea & medieval architecture. Sicily has some of the most ancient remains in all of Europe. An island of delicious Sicilian cuisine & vineyards, what's not to like! Sicilians have a reason to be proud of their homeland! This is the largest island in the Mediterranean & largest of Italy's democratic republic political regions. 9,927 square miles contains a feast of archeological ruins of the Normans, Arabs & legacies of the Italian Middle Ages, Greek Temples, Romans Theaters dating back to the 6th century BC. The Mosaic masterpieces will leave you in awe. Surrounded by Tyrrhenian, Mediterranean & Ionian Seas, we will be viewing all of them. See Itinerary below:
Athens, Hydra, Epidivros, Mycene, Nafplio, Delphi, Santorini, Noxos, Corinth, Delos & Mykonos!
Exploring the Best of Greece
Sept 15 -28, 2021
What a fascinating place to visit. Athens, 450 yrs BC, set the stage for the western world with democracy, theater, science, literature, mathematics, philosophy & art during 50 years of its “Golden Age”. Classical Greece is a culture of many different peoples, religions & cultures. The myths of gods & goddesses we have read about come alive in these magical historical sites.
Itinerary below:
Wed. Sept 15: Arrive in Athens. Check into Acropolis View Hotel. 6:00pm: Our Meet-up at Hotel.
Thurs. Sept 16: 10:am-1:30: Authentic Greek food tour, off the beaten path for the tastiest!
Afternoon: Return to hotel for a rest. 4:30-6:30, guided tour to Acropolis, Parthenon, Theater of Dionysis & Athena Nike. Insights into the ancient past & how they link to the present; foundational stories of Greek mythology; understanding of the Ancient Greek society; how Athens became one of the greatest cities of the ancient world.
Fri. Sept 17: Your Free day to explore & visit your choices: the Acropolis Museum, National Archaeological Museum, National Garden & Marketplace etc. Our hotel is walking distances to sites.
Sat & Sun, Sept 18 & 19: 2 Hr boat ride to island of Hydra for two nites. After the hectic pace of Athens, time to unwind & retreat to the traffic-free atmosphere of tranquil Hydra, the closest & one of the prettiest of the Cyclades, (Kee-klah-dhess) Islands. Guided walking tour. Enjoy a stroll to nearby villages. Explore isolated beaches and taverns by way of water taxis, (included in tour). Lots of burros & roosters. This island had been a leading navel power after Greece became independent in 1821. It's later fame is due to diving for sponges, featured in the movie, “Boy on a Dolphin”, with Sophia Loren
Mon & Tues, Sept 20 & 21: By way of boat, leave Hydra for the Peloponnese peninsula. Our private English speaking driver with a luxury air-conditioned Mercedes Sprinter minibus, will pick us up in Ermioni, stopping at Epidavros. In the 3rd & 4th century BC, it was a major healing center in ancient Greece with a temple to Apollo. Today, the main attraction is the famous theater, the finest & best-preserved in all of the 132 theaters in Greece.
Next, a stop off at Mycene, some of the oldest ruins of European civilizations was a fortress city as a lead in power from 1600-1200 BC. The mysterious Mycenaeans, ancestors to the Greeks, assumed to have won the Trogen war, disappeared by 1100 BC. Similar to the Anasazi of the Southwest.
Two nights in Nafplio, a picturesque seaside town, once the capital of Greece in 1820, is an authentic Greek town. A two hour guided walking tour of Old Town will show off its elegant Venetian homes & Neoclassical mansions.
Wed. Sept 22: Depart am with short stop at Corinth, one of the most powerful & wealthy cities under Roman rule in 146 BC & an important archaeological site, Doric Temple of Apollo, the dominate site. The Corinth Canal completed in 1893 is also a major attraction, accommodating vessels of up to 10,000 tons. St Paul preached here in 51-52 AD and wrote the most quoted books of the Bible, 1st & 2nd Corinthians.
Early afternoon we arrive at Delphi, (dell-fee), for a one night stay & a guided tour of the Sanctuary of Apollo, Sanctuary of Athena & the Kastalian Spring. The Archaeological Museum contains the treasures from the ruins. Delphi's fame grew from the prophetess Pythia, resulting in the Pythian Games, second only to the Olympics. The ancients believed Delphi was the center of the world & marked it with a monument. You may need a jacket here due to the altitude, only just over 2,000 ft from sea level, but can feel chilly.
Thurs. Sept 23: Depart for Athens airport for a short flight to Santorini for two nights. Probably one of the world's most popular island, it is the most unique of the Mediterranean due to the caldera, a collapsed volcanic crater. Our lodging is Fira, the capital & main town. A guided tour will take us to the best spots, including Oia with the famed white houses with blue domes, historic wineries for wine tasting & beaches. This island boasts of 3500 years of wine making! There are actually 5 islands that make up Santorini, (Santa Irene). There will be free time for museums, shopping & exploring your personal interests.
Sat. Sept 25: A 3 hour boat ride to Naxos for two nights. This is an amazing island with so much diversity. It is the greenest of the Cyclades island group, high mountains & fertile valleys, some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. In the villages they still wear traditional dress, weave on old looms & live off the land. The island has beautiful old Byzantine churches, monasteries & Venetian castles. It has been continuously inhabited since the 4th century BC.
Late afternoon, a guide will lead us on a walking tour of Old Town and the islands history, ending at “Portara” for a breathtaking, panoramic sunset view.
Sun. Sept 26: A two hour boat ride across the Aegean Sea to Delos, an uninhabited island, known as the most sacred from ancient times, 3,000 years ago. Mt. Kynthos, 370 ft holds the remains of the Temple of Zeus & Athena. The sides of the mountain are littered with remains of temples, overlooking the harbor & ruins of one the Aegean's finest cities, population approx. 30,000, including a slave trade. The birthplace of Apollo is represented by his Sanctuary as well as that of Artemis. The icons of this island are the five lion statues.
Next a 3 hour visit to the island of Mykonos, now a jetsetter island. Time to explore some of the spectacular views, Old Town, windmills & sandy beaches. If you like, you can rent a scooter & explore the whole island. Return to Naxos for the night.
Mon. Sept 27: We have the morning to explore more of Naxos, the 1207 AD Castle of Naxos, Vallinda, 1896 Citrus liquor distiller, traditional textiles & marble quarries.
Mid afternoon, we fly back to a boutique hotel near the airport.
Tues. Sept. 28: “Lypi̱rós “, regretfully time to fly home with beautiful memories & a camera full of unforgettable photos!
This completes the itinerary but I will be notifying travelers of “ need to know details” including: traveling in Greece, money, phones & wi-fi, best places to eat, list of our reserved hotels, help with flights to Greece & more history. Recommended reading: www.greektravel.com/books. Pausanias, Travels of Greece, five translated volumes, available on Amazon.
I highly recommend travel insurance, the most popular: Travelguard.com.
Covid vaccine required.
Trip Details: Max of 10 travelers.
Cost: $1875/double. $2695/single. Deposit: $300. Balance due: July 15, 2021. Full refunds until July 15th, 2021. After July 15, refunds can be granted if your spot is filled.
Includes: 13 nites lodging, 13 breakfasts, Food Tour, 8 guided sightseeing tours with local guides,
2 wine tastings, 5 island visits, 2 island flights, 4 ferries, private deluxe motor coach, drivers tips,
departing airport shuttle transfer.
Does not include: tips for guides or airlines to Greece.
Payment Methods: Checks to Joyride SW Tours, P.O. Box 912, Green Valley, AZ 85622.
Zelle or (credit card & Paypal add 3 %.)
Contact: Joyce Sierra, 520-404-2254, [email protected].
Silver City, Gila Wilderness, Whitewater Canyon, Labyrinths, Mogollon, Catwalk
Women's Retreat to New Mexico
Nov 17 - 20, 2021
Itinerary to be posted at a later date
An exploration of the rich & indigenous heritage & culture of these regions. The astounding nature of Lagunas de Montebello National Park
& Cascadas de Agua Azul,
Chiapas & Yucatan, Mexico
Jan 11 - 22, 2022
Itinerary to be posted at a later date
A phenomenal mystery of multiple generations traveling 3,000 miles of a migratory path from US & Canada to winter in the protected mountain forest sanctuaries of central Mexico in Michoacan. 150 million before your eyes.
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Feb 22 – Mar 1, 2022
UNESCO World Heritage Sites Www.rutamonarca.org.
Enormous swarms of them on
the tree branches weighted down
with clumps of them hanging in the
shady area of the forest.
In the instant
the sun shines on them, unexpectedly
the sky is suddenly filled with bright
orange-and-black wings & it is utterly
breathtaking as they cover everywhere,
the trees, the flowering bushes, the forest floor.
San Miguel de Allende, this small city is famous for its culture, artistic lifestyle & architectural 16th century Baroque style masterpieces. Conde Nast Traveler named it as the “best city in the world” in 2013. approximately 16,000 ex-patriots live here. No traffic lights in the center! At 6,400 ft above sea level, they enjoy a moderate temperature year round.
Explore San Miguel: Majestic Parroquia de San Miguel Archangel, El Jardin, the local Zocolo with daily music and events, Bellas Artes Gallery, Fabrica La Aurora, an upscale art & design center, Benito Juarez Park, Local Markets and the Biblioteca, (public library) the second largest bi-lingual library in Mexico as well as community meeting center.
Day trip to Guanajuato, the state capital, once a thriving colonial silver mining capital, this city will remind you of the hill country of northern Italy. Underground tunnels & elaborate Moorish style architecture, Intl University. A visit to the birth place of Diego Rivera, now a museum.
Details: Fee, $885/dbl/ person. Single/$1225. $200 deposit Balance due: Jan 6, 2022. No Refunds after that date. 9 Persons Max. Includes: Lodging, All tours & entrance fees, airport shuttle, all designated ground transportation.
Airfare not included. I can assist to find the best airfare. With 10 people we can fly American Group.
Tucson to Queretaro, an easy flight. Register: Joyce Sierra 520-404-2254, [email protected]. Check can be made to: Joyride SWTours, P.O. Box 912, Green Valley, Az 85622. Or pay with Zelle.
(Credit Cards & Paypal, Add 3%.).
Experience the Old World Charm of Portugal. Be fascinated by the culturally rich cities of Lisbon & Porto. Relax on it's sandy beaches, Europe's "Land's End". Historic sites of settlements dating from 2000 BC to modern times. Magic of the Medieval castles & monasteries of an eclectic style of architecture: Moorish, Gothic, Baroque & Roman in the medieval villages. The terraced vineyards renowned for Port Wine in the lush Douro Valley. Delicious & unforgettable Portuguese cuisine & specialties. Portuguese art form of Azulejos (blue tiles) & Fado, Portugal's authentic folk music.
Exploring Portugal
A Leading European Destination
May 10 - 21, 2022
There are so many “Must See” sites in Portugal. The challenge has been to make this trip comprehensive, magical, unforgettable yet unrushed. We are traveling off-season so expecting to miss the high tourist crowds. Itinerary follows:
Wed May 11: Arrive in Lisbon. For those who have difficulty with jet lag, I suggest arriving a day earlier. I can give you the contact of our lodging. 3 nites in Lisbon at Lisboa Central Park, centrally located, across from Eduardo VII Park, It is close to the metro, no climbing & has a restaurant where we will meet for our “get acquainted dinner”.
Thurs May 12: In the Am, our guide will meet us at the hotel for a walking tour to get acquainted of Lisbon's central area. Baixa is the flat, historical downtown area, rebuilt on a grid after the earthquake of 1755, includes the waterfront former royal palace, now center for commerce. The medieval streets of Alfama date back to the Moorish period. In the afternoon, we wil visit the National Tile Museum. Tiles are a national art form in Portugal, especially know for the iconic Blue Tile. The remaining day will be free to explore on your own. I will give you a list of recommended restaurants.
Fri. May 13: Our guide will pick us up in a van at our hotel for Belem & Sintra.
Belem: The Gulbenkian Museum is the best of Lisbon's museums, covering 5,000 years of European, Islamic & Asian art, beautiful & educational. The Garden is a lush 18 acre park; The construction of the Monastery of Jeronimos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, began in 1501, taking 100 years to complete. It is one of the most prominent of the Portuguese Gothic Manueline style of architecture in Portugal which is a lavish ornamentation reflecting the wealth of those times and the cultural inflences of the Age of Discovery.
Sintra is the home of Portugal's aristocracy, filled with palaces and the summer getaway for kings.
We will tour several of the palaces.
Sat & Sun. May 14 & 15: Departing Lisbon after this busy schedule & a 3 hr drive, we spend two nights relaxing on one of the best beaches in Europe, the Algarve Coast, lodging in Salema, a charming small fishing village. Our activities include an Atlantic cruise to Cape Sagres & Cape Vincent & a land tour to Cape Sagres where Prince Henry the Navigator established a school for navigators in 1420 & known as the “end of the world”. A few minutes further down the coast, we visit the actual most southwestern tip of Europe marked by a desolate lighthouse. A relaxing alternative to busy Lisbon.
Mon. May 16: We travel to Alentejo, 3 ½ hr drive to the rural heartland of Portugal & the medieval walled city of Evora, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Considered to be one of the most timelss cities in Portugal, it is a wealth of old world charm with the cobblestone streets & Roman, Gothic, Manueline & Baroque architecture dating back 5,000 years. Conqured by the Romans in 57 BC, it began the growth that led to a major trading and religious center.
The Evora Cathedral is a fortress containing wonderfully sculpted depictions of the Apostles. I
The Gothic-style Church of St Francis, built between 1475-1550 is renowned for the Bone Chapel, decorated using the bones of 5,000 bodies exhumed from the city's graveyards. They are displayed across all walls & all 8 columns of the chapel. This may be a “choice” for some visitors.
The Roman Temple built by Roman emperor Augustus, known as Temple of Diana, was built in the 2nd century & is still in remarkably good shape. Outside of the city, another Roman structrure, the Aquaduct of Silver Water was built in 1530. The city is now vibrant with students attending one of the world's oldest universities.
Our visit to the Cork Farm includes a guided walk into the forest of Cork Trees, learning how they are harvest, stored & manufactured as well as how to determine quality of Cork items you may want to purchase in Portugal. There are olive groves & vineyards and wine tasting!
Tues. May 17: A 2 ½ drive takes us to Obidos, Fatima & Alcobaca Monastery.
Our first stop is the walled medieval village of Obidos, known as the prettiest town in Portugal with its cobbled streets & colorful traditional houses adorned with flowers. It was founded by the Celts in 300 BC then ruled by Romans & the Moors who leave behind a Castle now a Hotel. In 1282, King Dinis gave Obidos to his bride, Queen Isabel as a wedding gift, thus it is known as the “ Wedding City”& popular for weddings. In 2015, it was named the “City of Literature” & carries the theme through-out the town.
The Alcobaca Monastery is the largest church in Portugal & the finest Gothic building which began in 1178. The Cistercian monks arrived in 1228 & made this the most powerful abbys & cultural center of 13th century. By the 16th century, a town had grown around the monastery. The abbey was closed in 1834 and the town declined. It is now sustained by tourism. The tombs, carvings & sculptures are exquisite.
The Shrine of Fatima, renowned Pilgrimage site & one of the most renowned Catholic shrines in the world. Putting aside any religious affliation, it is a cultural splendor it's fame attributed to the Apparitions of Our Lady of the Rosary that appeared to three children tending sheep near an oak tree in 1917 during WWI. With the threat & fear of the regime of atheistic Russia approaching Portugal, the apparition of Mary appearing to these 3 children on the 13th day for 5 months giving a message of peace. On Oct 13, 70,000 people gathered near the oak tree. In the midst of a rainstorm, the sun came out & a bright light exploded spreading flower petals everywhere. The rain stopped, the sun shown & it has been a place of pilgrimage ever since.
Our last stop for the day is Coimbra where we overnight. Once Portugal's capital for 100 years, it is a well preserved medieval home to the historic & awe-inspiring, University of Coimbra, one of the world's oldest universities. In 1537 the Alcacova Palace was donated by King Joao III to the university. It is famed for the baroque library, the Biblioteca Joanina containing 200,000 books & a colony of bats to protect them from insects. There are over 20,000 students attending. Coimbra is a city full of legends, a flourishing artisans scene & Fado performances of which we will attend. You will find inspiring concerts of Fado on U Tube. Check out the group Serenata Monumental in Coimbra.
Wed. May 18: A 2 ½ hour drive takes us to the scenic lush Douro Valley, the birthplace of port wine. The Douro River is lined with farms, villages, rock terraces of vineyards & Quintas. It has the nickname, “River of Gold” due to the golden-brown silt. The history of the port wine begain in the 17th century by the British during a trade war with France. Since we are arriving in the fall, hopefully we will enjoy the red & gold colors! Our activities include an overnight stay on the Douro River at an 18th century vineyard Quinta, vineyard hopping, wine tasting of course, even “treading the grapes” and a cruise on the Douro River.
Thurs May 19: Depart for Porto in the afternoon, a two hour drive. After checking into our lodging, we finally get to stay put for 3 nights. I know, what a relief! Via the city's panoramic bus, we get an introduction to Porto.
Fri. May 20: City tour including Food & Wine tasing. 3 ½ hours in the heart of downtown, over 1.9 miles. This includes tastings of of 11 authentic traditional Portuese dishes, 6 tastings ofregional wines, local pastries & a mini-masterclass in port wines. On a visit to Port, Anthony Bourdain experienced this very food tour & rated it tops!
Sat. May 21: A free day to visit your own chosen sites: Train Station, renowned for Blue Tile, Church of St Francis, Stock Exchange, Dom Luis, the first Bridge, Port Cathedral with Blue Tile walls.
Sun. May 22: Depart for home. Shuttle provided to the airport.
Trip Details:
Fee: $1830/Dbl occupancy. Sgle/ $2320. Deposit: $300. Balance due March 1. Last date for refunds.
Travel Insurance Recommended. Www.travelguard.com. 10 Persons Max
Includes: All Ground tour transportation. We will have a private drive with a Sprinter van for travel
between cities. Personal taxis are not included. Transportation from Lisbon airport to
hotel is not included. Shuttle from Porto hotel to airport IS included.
Lodging: 11 nights lodging, 11 breakfasts included.
Tours: Lisbon itinerary tours, all museum admissions; Algarve coastal tours; Evor tours;
Coimbra: Fado concert with dinner.
Douro wine & boat tours; Porto food & city tour, Cable car & Tram.
Payment Methods: Checks to Joyride SW Tours, P.O. Box 912, Green Valley, AZ 85622. Zelle or (credit card & Paypal add 3 %.)
Contact: Joyce Sierra, 520-404-2254, [email protected],