My Escorted Tours

This was an amazing and busy week! Here is what we did and saw, we also stopped at a cork factory and learned how it was grown and harvested.

Morning city sightseeing tour – Alfama Quarter, the oldest and most picturesque quarter; then drive

along the River-Side admire Black Horse Square, crossing the Bridge over Tagus river, with stops at

Belém Tower , Monument to the Discoveries, Jerónimos Monastery

Sintra tour (with Cascais, Estoril & Cabo da Roca) – 9 hours, lunch included

Walk through paradise with this exciting tour of Sintra, one of the single most beautiful towns and

forests in Portugal. The renowned British poet Lord Byron, romantic of romantics, once famously

compared it to the Garden of Eden. And indeed, its natural splendor and exuberance do seem to have

some other-worldly quality to them.

This little heaven on earth is located just outside Lisbon. The moment you arrive you will easily realize

why people like Hans Christian Andersen and Gloria Swanson were thrilled by the magic and mystique

that emanate from the palaces, villas and estates of this charming village. The Sintra National Palace is

the single best-preserved mediaeval palace in the country. On the other hand, with its characteristic

Manueline and Moorish styles, the Pena National Palace and its profusion of exotic and eclectic styles

are bound to make you fall in love with this masterpiece of architectural Romanticism.

Delve into the beautiful Quinta da Regaleira, a true treat for the senses. Surrounded by magnificent

gardens, lakes and caves, this little wonder is filled with the secrets of many ancient orders, such as the

Masons or the Templar Knights.

You will also be able to explore Roca Cape, the westernmost point of continental Europe; the fabulous

Guincho beach, with its heavenly expanses of sand; and the towns of Cascais, Oeiras and Estoril (as well

as its famous casino). Discover why this coastline has been dubbed the ‘Portuguese Riviera'.

– arrival and 2-hours walking tour with a local guide

Early in the morning we set off on a comfortable bus, heading for the Cape of St. Vincent, or

Promontorium Sacrum as the Romans nicknamed it, in honor of Saturn, an ancient god. Legend has it

that St. Vincent was buried in a hermitage, but the chapel would be destroyed some time later. Upon

arriving at this location, we are in the southwestern end of Europe, so it is best to prepare your camera

for absolutely stunning photos! Nowadays, there is a red lighthouse that shelters a small museum

depicting the period of the maritime Discoveries, also where some old Fortress ruins remains. We then

proceed to Sagres, a key location in the history of Portuguese maritime expansion. Prince Henry the

Navigator, third son of King João I, ordered to construct a fortress in this place to protect the vessels

that made the connection between the Mediterranean and the North Atlantic. Here we will also be able

to observe the amazing coves on the ocean, vestiges of ancient civilizations and old ruins. Delight

yourself with the landscape and the infinite blue covering the skyline.

Lagos is our next stop. This nice Algarvian village is very popular among the youngsters, and it is not too

difficult to understand why. The paradisiacal beaches and their cliffs, a vibrant nightlife and an active

surfing community make Lagos an obligatory point of travel. In the walking tour, we will explore the old

medieval city with its ramparts that transport us to another era. Lagos maintains an excellent complicity

with the sea, and everything from architecture to gastronomy demonstrates this connection.

After an invigorating lunch at a regional cuisine restaurant ('tasca'), we set off for the quiet town of

Silves. It is also nestled in a valley with a proud castle on the top, the largest in the whole Algarve and a

great example of Islamic architecture. The vivid colors of the buildings' facades, the narrow streets, the

Arade River and the green hillside make Silves a great way to end the day

This was a motorcoach tour with Trafalgar and it was a perfect way to see everything, just wish it was longer. Our tour guide Ian and our driver Arthur were amazing! Tried the haggis and the whiskey!

Ascend

Castle Rock and visit Edinburgh Castle, which watches over the surrounding city from its

elevated vantage point. Stroll through the Old Town along the Royal Mile and see the stunning

Palace of Holyroodhouse, before enjoying some free time to soak up the city's atmosphere

EDINBURGH - ST ANDREWS - PITLOCHRY - SCOTTISH HIGLANDS (2

NIGHTS)

Travel in the footsteps of the world's golfing greats and head to St. Andrews en route to the

glorious Scottish Highlands. A scenic drive takes us north and across the Forth of Tay, past the

city of Dundee to Pitlochry. After some free time for lunch, enjoy some free time to explore its

river-side setting.

CULLODEN, LOCH NESS AND THE ISLE OF SKYE

The tragic battlefield of Culloden is our first stop this morning on this full day sightseeing

exploration through the Scottish Highlands, "over the sea to Skye" and back. We pay tribute to

the brave men who lost their lives in the Jacobite Uprising, then proceed to Scotland’s infamous

Loch Ness keeping a keen eye out for our ever-elusive Nessie! The soul-stirring sight of Eilean

Donan Castle is our last stop on the mainland before we cross the bridge to the Isle of Skye and

continue our scenic drive cross the enchanting Sleat Pennisula.

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS - GLENCOE - GLASGOW (2 NIGHTS)

Our first stop today sees us commemorate World War II at the Commando Memorial site near

Fort William, from which we admire spectacular views of Britain's highest peak - Ben Nevis.

We journey through the volcanic ruins and precipitous mountains that lie just beyond Glencoe

to see the "Glen of the Weeping". Here, we remember the MacDonald clansman who were

massacred in 1692.

GLASGOW ORIENTATION AND STIRLING CASTLE EXCURSION

Madainn mhath! Whilst your Gaelic may be a little rusty, your orientation tour around this

edgy-city will be anything but. Begin your day seeing Glasgow's iconic sights. Enjoy views of the

People's Palace and Winter Gardens, the regal George Square and River Clyde, for over 200

years and centre of shipbuilding. Journey to Stirling, to see it's hilltop fortress, which stands as a

symbol of national pride. Stirling Castle was once the seat of Scottish Kings and Queens,

including Mary, Queen of Scots. View the Wallace Monument from the castle walls, paying

tribute to the Scottish hero who fought for Scotland's Independence. Later, "Dive into Culture"

at a whisky distillery before joining the Wood family at their 15th-century farm of the shores of

Loch Ard to "Connect with the Locals" over a home cooked Farewell Be My Guest dinner amidst

tales of Rob Roy and a few foot tapping Ceilidh tunes.

This is a truly amazing, must experience destination! We spent 2 nights in San Jose, touring from the Wyndham San Jose, we went to the Doka coffee Plantation and some other sights.  We crossed the continental divide to the Arenal Volcano area, lush, amazing, stunning scenery.  Make sure you have comfortable walking shoes! We did a lot of hiking, zipline, themal hot springs at the Tabacon, saw and stayed at some wonderful lodges with stunning views.  The people were so friendly, and the food was amazing!  We also drove to the coastal town of Puntarena, and took the ferry over to Tambor area  and spent a couple of nights there on the beach.  Then we took the ferry back over, stopped in Sarchi at the cart factory to shop and then back to San Jose for the last night. This is so much more than a beach destination!

I just came back from the Ocean Vista Azul the end of April and I have to say it was a lovely resort! The rooms were spacious and nice, the food was good (for Cuba) and the staff were awesome!  They have two beaches, the small section of beach to the left of the resort is more easily accessible, but shared with the Iberostar Bella Vista next door.  The other, bigger beach is to the right of the resort, very nice, there are some palapas for shade, however, it is a bit more of a walk (5-10min) and you have to go down some awkward cement steps so not for the mobility challenged necessarily.  The bar/bathroom for the bigger beach is not right on the beach so a couple minutes walk back up the steps to it.  The main pool is big and very well kept, swimup was well staffed and friendly, the infinity pool off the lobby is perfect to watch the sunset!  I really enjoyed my stay here. 

I also visited the Iberostar Bella Vista next door, rooms are very similar, it is a highrise, and in a horseshoe shape so everything is easy to get to.  The beach is very nice, and easily accessible.  Food and service are good here as well.  A very nice, new (this year) resort.

I did see the Naviti, I would not stay here, very old, needs a lot of renos. It shares the big beach with the Ocean Vista Azul.

My fam trip to Mexico with the Palace Resorts was wonderful! We stayed in the Sunrise section of the Moon Palace, Pina 3600 block.  The rooms were beautiful and spacious.   The restaurant choices were amazing and all winners for food and service. The wedding facilities are phenomenal, with many locations, times and themes.  They really know what they are doing there, as at all Palace resorts. We toured the Isla Mujeres Palace, small, intimate, great for snorkeling , diving, weddings etc.  Next we saw the Leblanc and the Sun Palace, both adult only and amazing! Loved their beaches! We toured and spent time at the Beach Palace which was fantastic for families, great stretch of beach, and close to shopping. We toured the Playa Car Palace which is in Playa Del Carman, within 5 minutes walking of 5th Avenue and the ferry to Cozumel.  Great stretch of beach and again 5 star facilities.  We also took the ferry over to Cozumel and went to the Cozumel Palace keep in mind No Beach, perfect for scuba divers or snorklers and if you want to meander around Cozumel it is walking distance.  All of the Palace resorts are consistent in their dining, rooms, service, facilities and amenities - Amazing! It was a great experience, and experiencing the ferries to Islas Mujeres and Cozumel was great too.