Long Stay in Sunny Portugal: April 6th, 2025
$2799 per person
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Prices are CAD per person, based on double occupancy in a one-bedroom apartment, with a kitchenette. Cerro Mar cannot guarantee garden or sea view.
Room size is 50 sq/meters (approximately 538 sq/ft)
*Single Supplement: + $2599 CAD (Limited to 2 Single Rooms)
ONLY 18 ROOMS AVAILABLE (Standard One Bedroom Apartments (T1 Category) – at the Cerro Mar Atlántico in the Algarve)
*If you’re a single traveler and are interested in sharing with somebody of the same gender please let us know and we will introduce you by email to another member that is also looking to share.
4 Night Pre Tour Extension – Porto
April 3rd – April 7th, 2025
$2799 CAD per person, based on double occupancy
*Single Supplement $750 CAD
*Based on a Minimum of 10 or more passengers
What’s Included:
– 4 nights Accommodation at Pestana Porto – A Brasileira Hotel in Porto (5*)
– Private Bus with driver for the mentioned program
– English Speaking Guides & Drivers
– All Transfers
– Wine Tasting at Taylor Wine Cellar
– All Meals Mentioned
– All Tours Mentioned
– Taxes
Not Included:
– Entrance fees at Museums & Monuments (specifically Stock Exchange Palace in Porto and University in Coimbra)
– Any Meals not mentioned
– Tourist Tax in Porto
– International Flights
– Anything not mentioned above
– Tipping for drivers/guides
Porto Tourist Tax: NOT INCLUDED in the rate. Euros 2.00 / per person / per night.
This amount will be paid directly to the Hotel by the client.
Day 1 (April 3, 2025) – Arrival into Porto
Welcome to Porto!
Upon your arrival flight, you will be met in the arrivals area by your driver and transferred to your hotel. After check in, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Porto lies along the Douro River and is home to Port Wine, street art and
historical attractions. One of the oldest towns in Europe, Porto’s Old Town is a
UNESCO World Heritage site that is full of history and culture. Enjoy the
breathtaking views of Porto with panoramic views of the city and river.
Accommodation: Pestana Porto – A Brasileira Hotel
A Barsileira Hotel is a 5 Star property in downtown Porto that is only minutes away from many of Porto’s main attractions.
Meals Provided: N/A
Day 2 (April 4, 2025) – Half Day Tour of Porto River Cruise & Welcome Dinner with Wine
Tasting
Porto is known as “Cidade Invicta”, the city that was never conquered. Located by the Douro River , Porto has been named “Best European Destination 2017”.
Its historical center , never touched by invaders, is registered as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The historical value of the Old Cathedral, the Church of St. Francisco and the Torre dos Clérigos combine with the contemporary buildings as the Serralves Museum and the “Casa da Música” (house of music), revealing the unique climate of the city.
On this day clients will have a guided tour to explore this beautiful city on the Douro River banks. Pass by some of the most emblematic monuments such as the Cathedral, the Neo Classical Stock Exchange Palace (entrance fee not included), the São Bento Train Station.
Continue through the historic center with its narrow streets and squares (entrance fees at Museums & monuments not included). This panoramic tour will end with a 50 minutes Douro River Cruise, were clients can enjoy the city seen from another perspective.
Enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
In the evening you will visit and enjoy a wine tasting at the Taylor’s Wine Cellar, one of the oldest founding Port Houses where you will learn the history of Port Wine and its production today. This experience will be followed by a welcome dinner at 1828 Restaurant at Vila Nova de Gaia. This restaurant provides unrivalled views of Porto and the Douro River while you wine and dine.
Return to hotel.
Accommodation: Pestana Porto – A Brasileira Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 3 (April 5, 2025) – Full Day Tour to Douro Valley
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Douro Valley extends along the river of the same name, from the city of Porto to the Spanish border. The Douro flows through the northern region of the country amid thousands of hectares of vineyards that produce the famous Port.
Our first stop will be the small town of Amarante with its fine houses from the 16th-18th centuries, most of them decorated with colorful wooden balconies. Visit to the church of São Gonçalo. Then continue to Peso da Régua and Pinhão. Visit to a “quinta” in the region including the cellars, wine tasting and lunch.
In the afternoon, a 45 minutes shared cruise on the Douro to admire the spectacular landscapes of the mountains covered with vineyards.
Return to Porto. Dinner at Leisure.
Accommodation: Pestana Porto – A Brasileira Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 4 (April 6, 2025) – Day at Leisure at Porto
On this day on your own at Porto, you can stroll through the Ribeira area and enjoy the hustle and bustle of Portugal’s 2nd largest city, have a delicious espresso on a terrace or visit the famous Livraria Lello.
At the end of the day, you can also enjoy the sunset in the famous Jardim do Morro, on the Vila Nova de Gaia side.
Accommodation: Pestana Porto – A Brasileira Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 (April 7, 2025) – Depart from Porto to Lisbon, visiting Aveiro & Coimbra
After breakfast, you will check out and begin your journey to Lisbon
Aveiro, the city of the typical boats named “Moliceiros”, where the tile facades make a unique connection to the river within the city. An amazing tour through this city and the famous region of Costa Nova. Aveiro, known as the “Venice of Portugal” is known for its beautiful beaches and historic buildings.
Continue to magnificent, Coimbra, a city full of medieval architecture. Coimbra was Portugal’s capital for over a century is home to grand university buildings. After enjoying the panoramic views, you will have lunch at a local restaurant in Coimbra.
*University area – Heritage of Humanity, the Cathedral and Historic centre can be visited (entrance fee not included).
Lunch at a local standard Restaurant at Coimbra.
You will then complete your journey to Lisbon where you will join the Long
Stay in Sunny Portugal Program.
Accommodation: Bessa Hotel (or similar hotel)
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Terms and Conditions:
*Deposit: $500 per person deposit (non-refundable) | If you cancel prior to September 1st, 2024, then $250 per person is refunded and the remaining $250 per person becomes a Future Travel Credit to be used on any TMJ group departure up to 2 years beyond original date of travel. Deposit becomes non-refundable and cannot be converted to a Future Travel Credit after September 1st, 2024.
*Final Balance: Due February 1st, 2025 (100% non-refundable after final payment)
Long Stay in Portugal: April 6th-May 2nd, 2025
Join this Hosted (Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba) Long Stay Vacation with other Retired Teacher members in Sunny Portugal! Immerse yourself into the Portuguese culture and enjoy a warmer climate with sunny skies; especially in the month of April. Meet new friends and make great memories in beautiful Albufeira, located in the heart of the Algarve region of Portugal. Family and friends are welcome to join you as well.
This trip starts in Lisbon for 1 night before transferring down to the Algarve and staying for 22 nights at the Cerro Mar Hotel to rest and relax in Albufeira! This hotel is very nicely located right above the old town of Albufeira with panoramic views. Then return back to Lisbon for 2 final nights to explore this historic capital city, prior to returning home (or travelling elsewhere – such as a river cruise or to stay in Northern Portugal – Porto).
*Packaged price is based on arrival into Lisbon on April 7th (arrival prior to 4 PM for welcome dinner this evening) with a departure on May 2nd, 2025. See itinerary tab for full details.
Hosted by Jayesh Maniar!
Jayesh has been an educator for 45 years in various capacities: classroom teacher, Department Head, School Administrator, Division-wide Consultant, and a Consultant with the Department of Education. He has leadership training and has volunteered in many education-based committees as a Chair and a Committee member. He has also volunteered on several community organizations on various Executive positions including President. Jayesh believes in the growth of all members of the community including Board and committee members. He uses strong inter-personal skills to develop collaborative working relationships with tact and diplomacy when working with colleagues and thus develop trusting relationships.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!
Lisbon Hotel (1 night): Bessa Hotel (https://liberdade.bessahotel.com/en/en-home/) or similar hotel
Albufeira Hotel (22 nights): Cerro Mar Atlantico & Cerro Mar Garden (https://www.cerromar.pt/en/)
Lisbon Hotel (2 nights): Bessa Hotel (https://liberdade.bessahotel.com/en/en-home/) or similar hotel
What’s Included:
- 3 night stay in a Lisbon hotel – 4* Bessa Hotel (1 pre night) / 4* Bessa Hotel (2 post nights) – standard room
- 22 night stay at 4* Cerro Mar Atlantico/Garden Hotel one bedroom apartment (living room + kitchen + bedroom + private washroom). This 4* Apartment/Hotel is located in the hills above the old town of Albufeira. Mini-supermarket nearby and only an 8-minute walk to the nearest beach.
- Full Day tour in Lagos/Sagres (while in the Algarve)
- Half Day tour of Cascais, Sintra, Guincho beach and Estoril
- 1 Welcome Dinner (*flights must arrive before 4 PM into Lisbon on April 7th)
- Meeting room at the Cerro Mar Hotel Albufeira for a group meeting prior to 22 night long stay commences. A representative will provide information about the Algarve, excursions available, rent a car options, etc. Also, a representative from guest relations will provide details about the hotel facilities, supermarkets, restaurants etc.
- Buffet breakfast included in Lisbon hotel and self-catering in Albufeira hotel
- Group or Private transfer from Lisbon Airport to the Hotel in Lisbon
- Group transfer from the Hotel in Lisbon to the Hotel in Algarve
- Group transfer from the Hotel in Algarve to the Hotel in Lisbon
- Group or Private transfer from the Hotel in Lisbon to Lisbon Airport
- Free Wi-Fi available at both hotels (free Wi-Fi in the lobby/reception area of Cerro Mar Hotel)
- Hosted by Jayesh Maniar from RTAM!
Not included:
- International Airfare – Trip Merchant is happy to book airfare based on requests (multiple gateways available)
- Travel insurance (medical/trip cancellation and interruption insurance). *Proof of insurance will be required. Trip Merchant is happy to recommend options for medical/trip cancellation insurance if required.
- Lisbon City Tax not included – €uro 2 per person, per night, to be paid directly by client to hotel
- Meals not mentioned
- Drinks during meals (unless otherwise specified in itinerary)
- Porterage, Excursions, Gratuities, all other services not mentioned in the inclusions
- Excursions while in Albufeira
- Pre tour extension to Porto
- Optional welcome package: Bottle of wine, 6 eggs, Salt, Pepper, Butter, Milk, Tea, Bread, Cheese, Orange juice, Water – $50 CAD per one bedroom room
** Pre / Post Nights and the Welcome package must be booked by final payment.
Terms and Conditions:
$500 per person deposit (non-refundable) | If you cancel prior to September 1st, 2024, then $250 per person is refunded and the remaining $250 per person becomes a Future Travel Credit to be used on any TMJ group departure up to 2 years beyond original date of travel. Deposit becomes non-refundable and cannot be converted to a Future Travel Credit after September 1st, 2024.
Final Balance: February 1st, 2025 (100% non-refundable after final payment)
*International airfare will be handled on a case by case basis (once ticketed airline cancellation fees/terms will apply)
Call to book: 1-800-481-9739 ext. 506
Mention Group Booking Number: RTAMPOR25
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Destination
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Arrival City
Lisbon, Portugal -
Departure City
Lisbon, Portugal -
Activity Level
Relaxing / Leisure
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April 6th, 2025 - Depart Canada
International Overnight Flight to Portugal
April 7th, 2025: Arrive into Lisbon for 1-Night
Arrive in Lisbon for 1-night staying at the Bessa Hotel (or similar hotel).
Meals: Welcome Dinner (*flights must arrive before 4 PM into Lisbon on April 7th)
April 8th-April 30th, 2025: Transfer from Lisbon to Albufeira
After breakfast, you will transfer to the Algarve to relax for 22 nights at Cerro Mar Hotel located in Albufeira! *On April 30th you will transfer from the Algarve back to Lisbon for your last 2-nights at Bessa Hotel or Avani Hotel.
Meals will be on your own in the Algarve. *Please note that on April 9th, you will have an exclusive RTAM group tour for the day to Lagos/Sagres.
Immerse yourself in the times of Portuguese Discoveries: Immerse yourself in the times of the Portuguese Discoveries. Aside from the golden church of St. Anthony, a national monument, and the spectacular caves and rock formations at Ponta da Piedade, Lagos is home to what was one of the main slave markets in Europe in the 15th century. Further west, Sagres has a beautiful and well-preserved fishing port, close to its 15th century fortress. A visit to Cape St. Vincent, once known as "the End of the World”, is a must, since it is the most south-western point of the European continent, where you might have the chance to admire one of the most unforgettable sunsets of your life. It also boasts one of the most powerful lighthouse in Europe.
April 30, 2025: Arrive in Lisbon
Arrive back in Lisbon for 2-nights staying at the centrally located Bessa Hotel (or similar hotel).
Free time this afternoon to explore or optional half-day tour of Lisbon (*at a cost)
Optional tour description: Start your visiting Belem quarter, the monumental section of Lisbon, and its monuments: The Tower of Belem (stop for photos and explanations), the monument to the Discoveries (stop for photos and explanations) and the impressive Monastery of Jerónimos (visit to the Church). All these monuments represent the “Golden Age” of the Portuguese Discoveries, which began in the 15th century.
Driving to the opposite side of the city, visit the downtown area, the busy Rossio Square, the Comércio Square (also known as Black Horse Square) facing the Tagus River.
Return to the hotel.
May 1st, 2025: Half-Day Tour of Cascais, Sintra, Guincho beach and Estoril (included)
Half Day tour exploring Cascais, Sintra, Guincho beach and Estoril. Drive inland road to Sintra, a small village considered “World Heritage” by Unesco. One of the iconic monuments we can find in Sintra is the National Town Palace (also known as “Palacio da Vila”) distinguished by its twin kitchen chimneys. This National Monument is a mixture of architectural styles, combining Gothic, Mud jar and Renaissance work, with superb 15th and 16th century “Azulejos” (hand painted wall tiles) in the main halls and Chapel. Return to Lisbon, passing by Cabo da Roca, Guincho beach, Cascais and Estoril, important seaside resorts.
Meals: Breakfast
May 2nd, 2025: Depart Home or Continue On
Group transfer to Lisbon airport for your international departure back to Canada or continue on with an extension to Northern Portugal (Porto) or elsewhere.
Meals: Breakfast
NOTE: The exact times of appointments and meetings will be provided on location.
Tour Location
