Sunny Portugal featuring New Year's Eve in Funchal, Madeira

Ancient castles and Roman ruins, groves of lemon and almond trees, quiet whitewashed villages, and welcoming locals – Portugal is waiting for you.

Say hello to the Portuguese Riviera, your home for the next two nights. Mansions scattered about Cascais and Monte Estoril – all hint at its history as a haven for exiled European royals and nobility. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

Venture to Nazaré, a traditional fishing town along the coast. The town’s New Year celebrations are some of the most famous in all of Portugal. Explore the picture-perfect city of Obidos, where whitewashed houses sit snug within medieval city walls.

Fly to Madeira, the “Pearl of the Atlantic.” Wander along the colorful Rua de Santa Maria, decorated with vibrant murals, and enjoy lunch on your own at one of the island's many restaurants. Then embark on a walking tour of Funchal’s old downtown with its quaint narrow streets and historical sites, such as a 15th-century cathedral. Visit the Botanical Garden of Madeira with its collection of more than 2,500 plants from all continents.

Allow the warm ocean breeze to brush against your skin as you spend time exploring coastal Garajau. Continue to Ponta de São Lourenço, the easternmost point of the island, and gaze out over the deep blue waves with your unparalleled view of the Atlantic. Enjoy time to relax and prepare for a lively evening at an elegant New Year’s Eve Gala.* Ring in the New Year in the most unforgettable way as you watch Madeira’s world-famous fireworks display.

Spend the first day of the new year in Funchal as you please. With a day in the capital city, enjoy this beautiful island as you see fit.

Begin your day at Câmara de Lobos, a 15th-century town that's both a humble fishing village and sunny nature retreat. Drive along banana plantations and winding vineyards en route to the world’s second-highest cliff – Cabo Girão. Visit the fishing village of Porto Moniz and see its natural volcanic pools before returning to Funchal. Gather in the evening for an espetada, a traditional dinner cooked over an open fire, accompanied by folk dancers and music.

Fly back to mainland Portugal. Arrive in Lisbon and embark on a tour of the city of Rossio and the iconic Praça do Comercio. Then travel to Belem, where you’ll see the iconic Belem Tower (UNESCO). See the façade of the 16th-century Jeronimos Monastery** (UNESCO) and learn about its historic importance. As the day draws to a close, you may choose to join your Tour Manager on a stroll of downtown Lisbon. Explore this magical Lisbon city on your own, walking along streets illuminated by two million Christmas lights.

The day is yours to explore Lisbon as you wish. Tonight, consider an optional experience in which you savor Portuguese cuisine and wine while local artists perform the traditional Fado, part of UNESCO’s list of the World’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Explore the town of Sintra (UNESCO), the summer residence of Portuguese kings, and visit the National Palace. On your return to Lisbon stop to admire the stunning Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe. Tonight, gather to toast to a trip well-traveled and bid Portugal adeus.

Your tour ends today.