Portugal May 2016 - Pacific Northwest Art School

Portugal...the itinerary
With Arthur Meyerson and Keron Psillas
May 20 through 31, 2016
Keron and I are so excited to be going back to Portugal! Our trips there in the fall of
2014 only whetted our appetite for more! Our itinerary this year improves upon an
already fabulous trip. More
highlights, more color, more time
to photograph the things we think
you’ll enjoy the most! Keron’s
access and personal relationships
add just the
right compliment to the visual
excitement that Portugal offers.
Contact us right away! There are
limited spots available.
“Visiting and
photographing Portugal
with Arthur and Keron
provided a mix of
photography, history, food, and fun. Arthur’s wit and Keron’s
graciousness set the tone for the whole group and they were
always there for additional information or inspiration. It was a
perfect trip and I left with new knowledge, new memories, new
photographs, and new friends.
~N. Lehrer, Los Angeles, CA
Friday, May 20
We’ll gather for a meet and greet and then
we are off for a walk around Lisbon to get
our bearings. We’ll enjoy our welcome
dinner together while
listening to the
dramatic and melodic
FADO in Keron’s
favorite little taverna
in the Alfama. D
Saturday, May 21
Put on your walking shoes! Today we’ll
explore several of Lisbon’s neighborhoods,
with some downtime in the middle of the
day. Morning will find us up in the Bairro
Alto and Baixa neighborhoods, and after a
lunch break, we’ll go to Belem to visit the
Jeronimos Monastery and nosh on the best
Pastel Nata you’ll ever taste. We’ll take
some time to enjoy the sunset along the
water before heading back to the center of
Lisbon. B
Sunday, May 22
We’ll start this morning up high above the Alfama and work our way down through the
winding streets and alleys. There is color and streetlife and architecture and trolleys and
a discovery around every corner.
After a lunch break, we’ll gather
to take in the sunset from one of
Lisbon’s many ‘Miradouros’. B
Monday, May 23
After breakfast we’ll board our
private bus and head north into
the Ribatejo. We’ll photograph
Keron and Carlos’ horses and
have lunch in a local restaurant.
Later,
we’ll visit the sacred site of
Fatima and then arrive about
sunset to our 14th Century
Castle on the hill at Ourem. We’ll
have two nights here at the
lovely Pousada de Ourem, from
which we’ll explore Medieval Portugal. B
Tuesday, May 24
The ancient Abbey of Batahla will be our first stop...and then
off to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Alcobaca. But
get up early to see if there is fog in the valley. From our
vantage point high atop our ‘mountain’, the landscapes in
the morning are stunning. We’ll have a very special dinner
together this night at the home of Keron’s dear friend, Father
John Mariani. B, D
Wednesday, May 25
A little more history along with stunning architecture will
start our day. Tomar is the third of our UNESCO sites in
the center of Portugal and one that never disappoints.
The history of the Knights Templar is offered in its full
glory. This is the best preserved site for the ancient
order in all of Europe. Keron will be ready with as much
history as you want to know! After our visit we’ll head
north to Porto, arriving in time for sunset along the Douro in our Palace on the river. B
Thursday, May 26
Porto! Vibrant and cosmopolitan in one
street with Old Portugal on the next street
over. We’ll visit the monuments but we’ll
have lots of time to wander as well. The
pedestrian bridge gives us a birds-eye
view, and the train station is a feast for the
eye with all the azulejos (distinctive blue
tiles). Later, we’ll take some time at the
Palacio Freixo and do some one on one
reviews. Then, it’s off to a very special
dinner and private tour of the most important Port Cellar in Portugal. To top off our day,
we’ll have some night shooting overlooking the entire
city of Porto.
B, D
Friday, May 27
We’ll go out to the coast after some morning shooting
in Porto. The seaside offers color and local
fisherman, families along the piers, and a spectacular
lunch spot! Afterward,
for those who wish, there’ll be more time to
photograph your favorite spots in Porto.
B
Saturday, May 28
Though it will be very difficult to leave our riverside Palace, we’ll head south today to
discover another side of Portugal. We’ll stop in Obidos on our way south...a delightful
walled village from the 12th Century. After lunch, we’ll check in to our Pousada, explore
our neighborhood a bit and have dinner in a local eatery. B
Sunday, May 29
We’ll stay close to home for the morning ...with
a two minute walk over to the National Palace
to photograph the marvelous interiors, the
gardens, and the Falcons! This evening we’ll
go to Cascais to take in this charming seaside
town after we discover a bit of coastline and
Guincho beach. It’s world famous for
windsurfing and kitesurfing. Why?
because there is near constant wind! So, bring
a jacket! We’ll enjoy dinner later at our favorite spot on the water. B
Monday, May 30
Off to explore Sintra with it’s fairytale castles and mysterious hidden spots. The
Convento dos Capuchos, the Pena Palace, and the Regaleira are the highlights.
We’ll have lunch in the village and then afterward, we’ll gather for our final dinner
together in the Old Kitchen at the National Palace. It’s a stunning spot with fabulous
food....the perfect ending to our Portugal adventure. B, D
Tuesday, May 31
Departure for the US, all transfers to airport (about 20 minutes away) arranged.
The Details for PORTUGAL:
11 nights and 12 days, all breakfasts included, 3 dinners included
(opening get-together, dinner at Father Mariani’s, and our closing
dinner in Queluz), all internal transportation undertaken as a
group, special guides in Sintra, luggage transfers and tips to hotel
staff, and your final taxi to the airport.
Highlights:
*11 nights and 12 days in this forgotten corner of Europe
*Charming and luxurious lodging in perfectly situated Pousadas
*An insider’s view of Portugal from the cities to the UNESCO sites
and quaint centuries-old villages
*Photograph gorgeous Lusitano horses in the Ribatejo with their
owners and trainers
*Enjoy colorful and cosmopolitan Lisbon and Porto
*Private transportation with short distances between stays
*Sumptuous meals with the option of the best Portuguese wines
*Small group (no more than 12) with two leaders and special
guides in Sintra
Cost per person, double occupancy: $5950, Cost per person,
single: $6970
Special incentive for Portugal.....Early bird
sign-up before September 25: $250
discount per person.
Deposit of $1500 due upon sign-up.
All internal travel via private bus and/or taxi as needed is
included in your trip fee. Breakfast every day is included, as
well as three very special dinners. When we are not dining
together there will be recommendations and transportation as
needed.
Not included: international air, meals except as
noted above, tips for maids, tips for guides, tip
for bus driver. Suggestions will be offered for
guides and driver before the trip begins.