The trip is limited to just 16 couples and we recommend that if you are interested you register soon as it is sure to sell out quickly!


CALL SCOTT, BOB OR DALEY AT (904) 823-3083 FOR MORE INFO ON THE GOLF TRIP OF A LIFE TIME!

The National Coaches Museum
Located in an 18th-century riding academy attached to the royal palace, the museum features coaches and carriages dating back to the seventeenth century.  One of Lisbon's most visited sights, the Coaches Museum (Museu Nacional dos Coches) has the largest and most valuable collection of its type in the world. The museum opened in 1905 in a richly-decorated 18th-century royal riding school that was part of Belem Palace, illustrating the ostentation and staggering wealth of the old Portuguese elite. On its 110th anniversary it moved across the street to a new building designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha. The new premises made it possible to also show accessories and carriages that weren’t previously shown.This is an opportunity to learn about Portuguese history, commercial development, a political assassination, and the delivery of mail. On top of history, the technical development of the coach is extremely interesting to the mechanically inclined.

Troia Golf Course
The Troia Golf Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior is an amazing links and one of the most fascinating golf challenges in Portugal, located along the peninsula of Tróia – a region of outstanding natural beauty and one of the most scenic places in Portugal, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Sado Estuary, with an imposing view over the Arrábida Mountain.  Robert Trent Jones Senior created an 18 hole, par 72 layout, measuring 6.908 yards from the tips. Built on and among sand dunes, Jones truly integrated the natural landscape, in a coastal pine forest surrounded by rolling dunes and the sea. The white sand is always present, not only in the bunkers that protect the small greens, but also in the surroundings, outside the fairways which increases the challenge. Like many European courses, the tees, greens and fairways are maintained better than the rest of the course. The journey to/from the course includes a scenic ferry ride across the Sado estuary.

The Grande Real Villa Italia Hotel & Spa – Cascais

The Palacio Estoril Hotel Golf & Spa – Estoril

Cascais

We have a full itinerary and stay busy every day. However, our penultimate day in Portugal is free day for you to enjoy the wonderful amenities at the Grande Real Villa Italia Hotel & Spa or to explore Cascais. The town of Cascais is a 5-10 minute walk from hotel. There’s lots to do: small museums, cool gardens, a shiny marina and a pedestrianized old town dotted with designer boutiques and quaint pubs.

Cascais seems to have it all. Golden beaches, historic buildings, endless restaurants, lavish hotels, and the best gelato in Portugal are all packed into this wealthy seaside town. Once a traditional fishing village on Portugal’s Atlantic coast, Cascais is now one of the most popular holiday destinations in the region. But what really makes this town special is its relaxed attitude and outdoorsy way of life.  And after a week of golf and touring you'll need a day to relax. We think Cascais is the perfect place to it!

*Sintra
Sintra and its mystical hills dotted with fairytale palaces and extravagant villas have bewitched visitors for centuries. The Romans made it a place of cult moon worshiping and named it "Cynthia" after the goddess of the moon. They were followed by the Moors who also fell in love with the lush vegetation and built a hilltop castle, a palace, and several fountains around the town. Later it became the summer residence of the Portuguese royal family and attracted a number of wealthy aristocrats who built huge mansions and villas. Famous British poet and traveler Lord Byron stopped by in the 18th century, writing that the town is "perhaps in every respect the most delightful in Europe," and calling it a "glorious Eden" in his epic poem Childe Harold's Pilgrimage. His fellow countryman Robert Southey followed him and saw it as "the most blessed spot on the whole inhabitable globe." Others made it their own private retreat, such as William Beckford (one of 18th century England's wealthiest men), who lived in the splendid Monserrate Palace, later bought by Francis Cook.   It is indeed an extraordinary place with a surreal mixture of history and fantasy, protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Its fairytale palaces, incredible vistas, and notable museum collections make it a destination you will enjoy and we'll make the effort to see as much of it as time permits.


*For anyone who may not wish to tour Sintra, you may continue to Cascais and spend time exploring on your own.

Package Inclusions:

With works ranging from Antiquity to the early 20th century, the Founder’s Collection comprises more than six thousand pieces gathered throughout Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian’s life, including Egyptian Art, Greco-Roman Art, Islamic Arts, Painting, Sculpture and European Decorative Arts. Works by great masters such as Rubens, Rembrandt, Turner, Degas and René Lalique’s largest set of jewels are just a few examples of what can be found in one of the best private collections in the world. Besides the Founder’s Collection, the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is also comprised by the Modern Collection, which features the largest and most complete collection of modern and contemporary Portuguese Art. The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is surrounded by one of the most emblematic modern gardens in Portugal, open all year. The Museum offers a wide range of facilities to improve the visitor’s experience: three cafeterias overlooking the Garden, a museum shop, free cloakroom service and free Wi-Fi.

Lisbon

Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal and the second-oldest capital city of Europe (after Athens!) The city is absolutely gorgeous with scenic vistas from every angle, saturated with rich history found everywhere from the roads to the marvelous architecture. The many treasures of Lisbon will captivate the historian and artist alike with a vintage feel and the charm of having survived many struggles. On the other hand, Lisbon is also home to some of the world’s most contemporary fashions, art, and entertainment. With Lisbon you get the best of both worlds (old and new) with the bonus of being in one of the least expensive capital cities in Europe.


This award-winning five star resort is right by the beach and next to an 18-hole championship golf course. Guests can access an extensive spa equipped with hot tub and massage facilities. The elegant guest rooms at the Praia D´El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort include a bathtub with selected bathroom amenities, TVs with cable and air conditioning. They are classically furnished with a spacious living area. From their private balconies they either offer views of the ocean or of the golf course. Guests can choose from 7 different restaurants, bars and brasseries, serving gourmet dishes from buffets and from the menus. The Praia D´El Rey Marriott also features a well-equipped gym with cardio and fitness activities, a Turkish bath, indoor and outdoor pools. Other sports facilities include tennis and horseback riding, diving & windsurfing. The resort is on the coast, about a 15 minute drive between the cities of Peniche and Óbidos and about two hours from downtown Lisbon.

Tentative Itinerary:

Pasteis de Belém 
We'll visit Pasteis De Belem, the traditional home of the delicious Pastel de Nata, that is the staple food of the sweet toothed Portuguese. Pastel de Nata is a custard tart that is sprinkled with cinnamon. The chaotic cafe and bakery has been selling Pastel de Nata for over 150 years and no trip to the Belem district is complete without a sampling a couple.

*Please note that most flights from the US to Lisbon depart in the evening and you arrive the next morning. Which means that you will need to book your flight for September 27th in order to arrive the morning of September 28, 2019.

AIR FARE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE AS MANY PEOPLE CHOOSE TO USE THEIR FREQUENT FLYER MILES.  There are direct flights from Miami, Washington DC(Dulles), Newark, Boston and Philadelphia to Lisbon. Once you land in Lisbon, Portugal and pass through customs your driver will be waiting with a sign that has your name on it and will drive you to the hotel.

Praia D'El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort

Lisbon, Obidos and Cascais

09/28/19*   Arrive Lisbon Airport & Transfer to hotel – Relax & Enjoy Welcome Dinner                Palacio Estoril Hotel Golf & Spa – Estoril
09/29/19    Play golf at Troia Golf Course a Robert Trent Jones Dunes designed Gem                  Palacio Estoril Hotel Golf & Spa – Estoril
09/30/19   Tour Gulbenkian Museum, Discoveries Monument, Pastels de Belem & more           Palacio Estoril Hotel Golf & Spa – Estoril
10/01/19   Transfer to Praia D'El Rey Resort & play White Cliff's - Rated 14th in Continental Europe        Praia D'El Rey Marriott  – Obidos
10/02/19   Play Praia D'El Rey's White Cliffs GC, a new course with amazing coastal views                   Praia D'El Rey Marriott  – Obidos
10/03/19   Tour the Medieval town of Obidos and visit a local Wine Vineyard                                   Praia D'El Rey Marriott  – Obidos
10/04/19   Play Praia D’El Rey GC – Amazing views and stiff challenge if it’s breezy                               Praia D'El Rey Marriott  – Obidos
10/05/19   Guided Tour of Sintra a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring Grand Palaces             Grande Real Villa Italia Hotel – Cascais
10/06/19   Free day to enjoy hotel amenities or explore Cascais, a 5-10 minute walk from hotel.     Grande Real Villa Italia Hotel – Cascais
10/07/19   Final round of golf on at Penha Longa Resort's Championship Golf Course                   Grande Real Villa Italia Hotel – Cascais
10/08/19   Check out of the Grande Real Villa Italia Hotel Depart from Lisbon Airport here.



Nestled along the Atlantic seaboard Portugal is a country of Discoverers waiting to be discovered by you. Offering more days of sunshine per year(300+) than any other country in Europe, it is ideal for golfers. Portugal offers an exceptional range of diverse landscapes in close proximity, superb cuisine, fine wines and hospitable people. Situated in the extreme south-west of Europe, just a 6-8 hour non-stop flight from five US Gateways(MIA, IAD, EWR, BOS & PHI), the country has an excellent infrastructure and impressive venue options to complement its storied history, world class golf, fantastic climate and warm culture. Our trip includes first class hotels, sumptuous cuisine, a selection of Portugal’s finest golf courses and outstanding sightseeing when we are not on the links. Join our fantastic Golf and Touring Adventure!

Our tour begins in Lisbon, Portugal's capital and the hub of a multifaceted area that appeals to different tastes and senses. In a city that has been influenced by many different far-off cultures over time, there is still a village feel in each historic neighborhood. Our first three nights will be in the village of Estoril. After a couple days of sightseeing and golf we'll continue to Obidos along Portugal's central coast where we'll spend four more days touring and playing fantastic coastal courses. Our final three nights will be back closer to Lisbon in the seaside village of Cascais, known as “The Town of Kings and Fishes” because it was a small fishing town that found favor with the 19th century Portuguese nobility, who visited for their summer retreat. Thanks to this fact, the town is uncommonly rich in beautiful architecture, museums and carefully maintained parks.


Some of our friends who participated on the Portugal Golf Adventures we offered in 2016 may notice that we've made a few changes from the original itinerary by adding an additional night in Cascais, using a couple different golf venues and we've changed some of the sightseeing. This was all done based on the feedback we received from past participants. We think the result will be one of the finest trips we've ever organized! We hope you'll join us.

Obidos
All of Obidos has been declared a national monument. It is known as the "Wedding Present Town" because it was a gift King Dinis gave to Queen Isabel on their wedding day in 1282, but that alone is not what makes it such an extraordinarily romantic place -- what make it one of Europe's most romantic medieval villages are its incredibly picturesque cobblestone streets lined with colorful houses filled with geraniums and bougainvillea, Gothic doorways and windows, whitewashed churches, flowerpots and dazzling tiles -- all encircled by the walls of a 12th century castle. Scaling its 13m (45ft)-high medieval walls is the best way to admire this picture postcard-perfect place.    The main street ("Rua Direita") leads from the town gate (decorated with 18th century tile panels) to the main square (Praça de Santa Maria). It has a beautiful fountain, a 15th century pillory, the Town Museum (with exhibits ranging from archeological finds to 15-17th centuries sculpture and paintings), and Santa Maria Church. That's where 10-year-old King Afonso V married his 8-year-old cousin Isabel in 1444, with an interior entirely faced with tiles and containing the tomb of João de Noronha, the castle governor who died in 1575. Close by is Misericordia Church (with a fine Baroque doorway), while outside the walls is the Amoreira Aqueduct, built at the behest of Catherine of Austria in 1575.    Every July a Medieval Fair recreates the Middle Ages with medieval music, knights, witches, and theater performances, and during the International Chocolate Festival in November, Obidos becomes the world's chocolate capital with incredible chocolate sculptures.

Sight Seeing:

Quinta do Sanguinhal Winery
This company has produced wine since the beginning of the 20th century. The growing interest in wine related tourism led us to establish tourist visits that allows visitors to share a little of this ancient know-how and provide at the same time a pleasant visit in a unique environment.

The Pereira de Fonseca Family personally invites and welcomes you at Quinta do Sanguinhal. On your visit you will travel through 100 years of Portuguese wine making. They provide an enjoyable alternative to the usual circuits. Their program includes: Walking through the vineyards and in the 19th century gardens around the family house. You’ll visit an old distillery that has been renovated and was in use until 1970. This distillery was where they produced brandies and grappa. The visit also includes a pressing-room with stone and wood manual winepresses dated 1871. And you’ll also see an ageing cellar of liquor wines and brandies with 36 barrels. All of this is followed by the best part - a Tasting and Dinner!

September 28 - October 8, 2019

Discoveries Monument
Discoveries Monument was built on the north bank of the Tagus River in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator.  It represents a three-sailed ship ready to depart, with sculptures of important historical figures such as King Manuel I, poet Camões, Vasco da Gama, Magellan, Cabral, and several other notable Portuguese explorers, crusaders, monks, cartographers, and cosmographers, following Prince Henry the Navigator at the bow holding a small vessel. The only female is queen Felipa of Lancaster, mother of Henry the navigator, the brain of the discoveries.  Inside is an exhibition space with temporary exhibits, an interesting film about the city of Lisbon, and an elevator that takes visitors to the top for some bird's-eye views of Belem and its monuments. The pavement in front of the monument is decorated with a mosaic that was offered by the South African government, representing a compass with the map of the world charting the routes taken by the Portuguese explorers.

Pena Palace
The most famous building in Sintra is Pena Palace. Built in the 1840s, it is one of Europe's most fantastic palaces, often compared to Neuschwanstein and the other mock-medieval castles of Ludwig of Bavaria in Germany, although it was actually built more than two decades before those. It includes a drawbridge, a conglomeration of turrets, ramparts, and domes, and a gargoyle above a Neo-Manueline arch, all washed in an array of pastel shades.  Pena Palace The extravagant interior is decorated in late Victorian and Edwardian furnishings, rich ornaments, paintings, and priceless porcelain preserved just as the royal family left them. Other highlights include the spacious ballroom, the marvelous "Arab Room", and an impressive 16th-century chapel altarpiece (part of an original convent founded to celebrate the first sight of Vasco da Gama's returning fleet).

Surrounding the palace is the mystical Pena Park, filled with a variety of trees and exotic plants from the former colonies of the Portuguese empire, ponds, fountains, and black swans. There is also a charming lodge hidden among the trees that can be visited. At the highest point is a statue of King Ferdinand looking towards his palace, and a viewpoint called "Cruz Alta" overlooking Pena Palace and surroundings.   A number of luxurious old villas are scattered around the park. The most famous (for being part of the setting of Roman Polanski's "The Ninth Gate" starring Johnny Depp) is Challet Biester, with dark conic rooftops and Gothic windows.   Regaleira Palace Another remarkable building is the fantasy "Palace of the Millions," part of the Regaleira Estate. Built at the close of the 19th century in Gothic, Manueline and Renaissance styles, it sprouts turrets and towers. It is surrounded by a garden filled with mythological and esoteric symbols -- statues of gods, mysterious wells, ponds, and grottoes. The highlight is an almost supernatural tunnel staircase that symbolizes death leading into a "Garden of Eden," symbolizing "rebirth" or the entrance to Heaven. You are free to look around unguided, although the option of a guided tour is worth taking to get the full flavor of the place.

Golf:

Praia D’El Rey - West Cliffs Golf Course
The West Cliffs Golf Course opened in June 2017. It is designed by Dye Designs Group, is located in Praia D´El Rey golf resort, near Obidos and offers one of the most wonderful golf experiences in Portugal.  The varied coastal landscape and natural terrain was maintained undisturbed as possible to create a unique and world class 18-hole seaside links golf course alongside Portugal's Central Coast. Rolling sand dunes interspersed with coastal vegetation, while the pine groves overlook the ocean from above. The coastal scenery at West Cliffs is available in abundance as there are stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean from every hole.
With five tees on each golf hole, Fescue grass in the fairways and Agrostis on the greens, West Cliffs golf course is a par-72 with a maximum of 6,979 yards from the tips. This magnificent tack is already ranked number 2 in Portugal and 16th in Continental Europe. That's why we'll play it twice!

The Five Star Grande Real Villa Italia Hotel & Spa represents the pinnacle of Hotel design and the very best in sophistication and comfort. Overlooking the protected harbor of Cascais and just 20 minutes from Lisbon, the seaside property offers rooms with views of the stunning hills of Sintra or the deep blue Atlantic Ocean.  The decor of each sumptuously appointed guest room is inspired by shades from the sea: blue and gray with just a hint of color. Each morning you will awaken to the sound of waves breaking on the beach and enjoy stunning sunsets each evening.  Real Spa Marine offers you every opportunity to completely renew, refresh and relax. A ten-page menu of treatment options focuses on therapies derived from the sea, including an algae body wrap and multiple seawater hydrotherapies.  

The hotel is built on the site of the restored former residences of Italy's King Humberto II. No expense has been spared in the construction, the decoration or superb facilities available in this hotel. The gourmet restaurant Belvedere (summer only) serves both traditional Portuguese and international cuisine, La Terraza offers Tapas and show cooking and the Navegantes is the breakfast restaurant. The location of the Hotel permits easy access to multiple tourist attractions on foot. Grande Real Villa Italia Hotel & Spa is the ideal choice for those wishing to visit the diverse charms of Portugal and surround themselves in an environment of classic luxury. 

  • 3 Nights at the Five Star at the Five Star Palácio Estoril Hotel Golf & Spa in a upgraded Superior Room.
  • 4 Nights at the Five Star Praia D'El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort in a Deluxe Ocean View or Deluxe Golf Course View Rooms.
  • 3 More nights at the Five Star Grande Real Villa Italia Hotel in a upgraded Room with Ocean views.
  • 5 Rounds of Golf on Penha Longa, Praia D’El Rey, White Cliffs at Praia D'El Rey(2) and Troia Golf Course – these four layouts are placed highly among the top rated courses in Europe. Unlike our trips to Scotland, golf carts ARE included.
  • We will have 2 fun/practice rounds and 3 tournament rounds with opportunity to win prizes.
  • Full Breakfast Every Morning and 6 Group Dinners (we’ll enjoy dining in the hotel as well as several local restaurants)
  • Sightseeing includes: Caluoste Gulbenkian Art Museum(one of the largest private art collections in the world), the Discoveries Monument, Pasteis de Belém and National Coach Museum, Tour the Medieval town of Obidos and visit a local Wine Vineyard, Guided Tour of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a historic quaint village, Palaces, a Castle and time for shopping.
  • Deluxe Private Coach Transportation provided for daily group transfers.

Accommodations:

Praia D’El Rey - Old Course
The course is currently ranked the 48th best in Continental Europe by Golf World magazine but we think it should be higher! Play it once and you'll see why. The front nine has a parkland feel to it as it runs in and out of the pine trees, whilst the back nine offers some of the best links golf in Portugal. Holes 13, 14 and 15 run along the Atlantic Ocean, providing fantastic views of the sea, dunes and back towards the pine forest. The 12th has to be the pick of the bunch; your approach shot to the green is played with the Atlantic Ocean as the backdrop and once you arrive on the green the Belengas Islands become visible. Praia D'El Rey offers an excellent collection of diverse holes, with breathtaking views.

Sun and Fun Golf Association - Golf Travel Specialists

Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

A testament to understated 1930s’ elegance, Palácio Estoril Hotel, Golf & Spa is located in the heart of Estoril, increasingly known as the Portuguese Riviera. Surrounded by manicured gardens with magnificent coastal & garden views, this sophisticated retreat offers elegant rooms, a holistic spa, refined dining & an 18-hole golf course.
Expect a warm and friendly welcome and attentive but unobtrusive service from the minute you enter Palácio Estoril. From its impressive façade to its traditionally styled interiors, this grown-up establishment reflects an era renowned for style, sophistication and courteous hospitality. The Palácio Estoril was the second home of the Spanish, Italian, French, Bulgarian and Romanian royal families, and even today remains a favorite with their descendants.
The hotel also served as the set for the James Bond movie On Her Majesty's Secret Service. You can enjoy a martini, ”shaken, not stirred”, or spend sunny days by the pool under a bright blue sky or go to the beach, just a five-minute walk away from Palácio Estoril Hotel, Golf & Spa. Take time out to wander along the seafront promenade with its boutiques, bars and restaurants and in the evening, try your luck at the nearby casino, following a superb dinner in the restaurant. We think the best way to start your stay in Portugal is with a three night stay at the Palacio.

Penha Longa Championship Course
Ranked in the top 30 Courses in Continental Europe, Penha Longa Resort 27 holes designed by the famed Robert Trent Jones Jr, is escapist golf at its best. With its bold drives, courageous approaches and artful greens, it is both an adrenaline rush and a soothing journey through one of Portugal's most inspiring landscapes. Exciting at every turn, this championship challenge and host to the Portuguese Open, is a master of variety and thrills.  This is a playable yet hilly course set in the hills of Sintra. The greens are large and many are protected by well placed bunkers.

"The first 7 holes lull you into thinking you are a good golfer and then the course bites you. When windy hole 11 is mean, you have to play well left to avoid the bushes. The following par three over the lake is tricky as well. The scenery is beautiful and the greens are perfect. Very enjoyable.