Sunny Portugal featuring New Year's Eve in Funchal, Madeira
Classic
- Holiday Travel
Portuguese Riviera
The Riviera stretches from Lisbon and Cascais. The coastline has become a place where the elite vacation between September and October, and a popular tourist destination for its chic look. Removed from the city, the Lisbon coastline is easy access to all the culture that Lisbon offers. It has become a major hotspot for major international celebrities from the world of fashion, sport, and entertainment. The Riviera is also known for is world class conditions for surfing.
Cascais
As Portugal is a small country, Cascais is a resort retreat just a half hour west of the city of Lisboa. When settlers first came to Cascais, the beaches were covered with shells in which its current name has derived. Cascais is a quaint coastal town and previously a fishing village until it gained a substantial reputation as the royal family of Portugal chose the town to be its summer residence in the 19th century. Located just off of the Tagus River, one of Portugal’s most noteworthy rivers, Cascais sits just past its mouth where the Atlantic Ocean begins. The coastal town emanates beauty, peace and tranquility while delving into above par seafood and wine.
Nazaré
Nazare is a town and fishing village on the Silver Coast of Portugal. It is one of the most popular resorts in this coastal region, which is situated on the Atlantic coast of the country. Nazare is considered by some to have the best beaches in Portugal. The town is said to be named after the Legend of Nazare, in which a monk brought a statue of the Virgin Mary here from Nazareth in the Holy Land to a monastery nearby in the 4th century. It is said that the town derived its name from this statue.
Óbidos
Óbidos is a small town located on the Atlantic Coast of Portugal. The town’s origins can be traced back to an early Roman settlement. The area of the town is located on a hilltop, surrounded by a fortified wall. From its streets, squares, fortified wall and castle, the town remains as a well preserved example of medieval architecture. It is because of this that the town is a popular tourist destination.
Funchal
Established in the fifteenth century and the capital city of Madeira, Funchal boasts a wide variety of enchanting and memorable experiences. Stroll past historic landmarks, explore museums, and wander through colorful scenery.
Ponta de São Lourenço
Discover the stunning natural beauty of Madeira Island with a visit to Ponta de São Lourenço, the easternmost point of the island. Gaze out over glittering blue waters from jagged towering cliffs on this island paradise.
New Year’s Eve Gala & Fireworks Display
Start the new year off with glitz and glamour during Madeira’s New Year’s Eve bash. Complete with a black-tie gala and glittering fireworks, this event rings in the new year with a touch of magic.
Câmara de Lobos
The original landing point for the Portuguese discoverer Joao Goncalves Zarco, who is credited with the discovery of the Madeira Islands, Câmara de Lobos is one of the larger population centers and is an extenstion of the much larger capital city of Funchal. The literal translation of Câmara de Lobos is chamber of the wolves. Today, the traditional fishing village is home of the “poncho,” a misture of lemon juice, honey and sugarcane spirit, which is available at many of the local taverns.
Cabo Girão
Located along the southern coast of the island of Madeira, the sea cliff is a popular lookout point, especially after a glass-floored viewing platform was installed. Cabo Girao is a popular starting point for hikers. The cliff is the second highest cliff face in the world. Its incredible view is what brings tourists to the cliffs.
Porto Moniz
Gaze upon the picturesque volcanic pools in the fishing village of Porto Moniz and perhaps take a dip into the sparkling blue waters that overlook the expanse of the Atlantic Ocean.
Lisbon
Spread across steep hillsides that overlook the Rio Tejo, Lisbon offers all the delights you’d expect of Portugal’s star attraction, yet with half the fuss of other European capitals. Gothic cathedrals, majestic monasteries and quaint museums are all part of the colorful cityscape, but the real delights of discovery lie in wandering the narrow lanes of Lisbon’s lovely backstreets. The Lisbon experience encompasses so many things, from enjoying a fresh pastry and bica (espresso) on a petite leafy plaza to window-shopping in elegant Chiado. It’s mingling with Lisboêtas at a neighborhood festival or watching the sunset from the old Moorish castle.
Belém
Standing proudly on the bank of the Targus river in Lisbon is Belém Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This 16th-century tower was where explorers from the Age of Discovery set out towards the New World, across the Atlantic.
Sintra's National Palace
With its rippling mountains, dewy forests thick with ferns and lichen, exotic gardens and glittering palaces, Sintra is like a page torn from a fairy tale. Its Unesco World Heritage–listed center, Sintra-Vila, is dotted with pastel-hued manors folded into luxuriant hills that roll down to the blue Atlantic. The jewel on the crown lording ominously over the picturesque town center is the National Palace, once the summer retreat of the Portuguese monarchy.
Hotel Baia
Av Marginal, Cascais, Portugal
Pestana Casino Park Hotel
000-Rua Imperatriz D. Amélia, Funchal, Madeira Island, Portugal
Lumen Lisboa Hotel
Rua Sousa Martins, 20, Lisbon, Portugal
We consider everyone who travels with us to be our personal guest.
Every moment matters to us because we know it matters to you. This may be because at heart we are a family owned company that has been in business for over 100 years. It may be because our team are passionate about sharing their own love of travel and uncovering mysteries.
Choosing Collette comes with benefits that take your guided travel experience to another level. Our inclusive tours provide you more value for your money and more of what makes travel special.
The Benefits of Collette Guided Travel
- Value of Guided Travel
- Easy & Convenient Booking
- Expert Tour Managers
- Private Airport Transfers
- Carefully Selected Accommodations
- All the Iconic Must-Sees
- Immersive Cultural Experiences
- Authentic Culinary Experiences
Every Moment of Your Trip Matters
As travelers, we understand that your trip starts at your doorstep and every moment counts. That’s why we offer private chauffeur service to and from the airport. It’s why we developed an industry-leading travel protection plan. And it’s why we offer unrivaled 24-7 support to our travelers out on the road.
We know that the more peace of mind you have, the more you can relax and enjoy the journey. And that’s why we’re with you, every step of the way.
Travel Protection Plan
We get it. Life happens and plans change. With our unrivaled Travel Protection Plan, you can cancel you trip for any reason, right up until the day before your departure and get a full refund, less the cost of the plan. This is something we’ve done for decades, because the trust of our travelers matters the most. So go ahead and book that dream trip with confidence — no blackout windows or hidden restrictions.
Private Chauffeur Service
When you buy air with Collette, secure door-to-door chauffeur service to and from the airport, plus hotel transfers, and all internal transfers during your trip. This means a private sedan comes straight to your door, loads your bags, and whisks you off to the airport and back home again when you return. It’s the perfect stress-free way to start and end your trip.
Expert Tour Managers
Each Collette tour is guided by a regionally-based expert. This means that from the moment you touch down until the moment you leave, you’ll be in the hands of a trusted Tour Manager with insider knowledge about the culture, language, and history of your destination — so you can get the most in-depth experience without any of the stress.
Guaranteed to Go
We have thousands of guaranteed departure dates across our 170+ tours. Book your tour with peace of mind, knowing that it will leave as planned and your departure date won’t change.
Sedan Service
Getting to and from the airport can be the most stressful and difficult part of any trip. Start and end your adventure in hassle-free luxury with our private sedan that comes straight to your door, loads your bags and whisks you off to the airport and back home again when you return. Now that’s how to start and end a trip the right way.
Social Responsibility: It's a way of life
It’s at the heart of everything we do and every decision we make. We believe that travel should be a force for good and by uniting with our employees, partners and travelers, we can make a positive impact in our local and global communities.
Our Mission
Social Responsibility at Collette means working together to take care of the places we live, work and travel. We focus on four key areas – Community, People, Travel and Planet – taking a holistic approach by striving to do good in every area of our business.
Community
Our nonprofit, the Collette Foundation, supports worldwide communities in need through hunger and education initiatives. Each year, employees volunteer more than 4,500 hours of their time to efforts in their own communities and across the world.
Travel
We strive to create an experience our guests not only enjoy, but also feel good about. We work to sustain and preserve communities, cultures, and traditions through tourism, and positively impact the places we come to know as travelers.
People
We couldn’t deliver the amazing travel experiences that we do without our incredible team. We offer our employees a variety of tools to be happy, healthy, and successful including learning and growth opportunities.
Planet
Our world is filled with awe-inspiring natural wonders. That’s why we are actively making responsible decisions to reduce our carbon footprint and care for our planet, the place we all call home.
Focus on family. We’ll handle the rest.
There are countless benefits to family travel. Experiencing new things together. Taking time to enjoy each other’s company without life’s typical distractions. Connecting with loved ones who don’t live near us.
No matter why you decide to travel together, or where you choose to go, spending quality time with family should be the only thing that matters. That’s why families book Collette tours – to let experts take care of all the details.
Why Book Your Multigenerational Family Trip with Collette?
Making Memories Together
Unique experiences are made richer with family by your side. And the journey lives on through memories retold. "Do you remember that game drive with Grandma? We came so close to the elephants!"
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
Planning a trip is hard work. Organizing the Blarney Stone visit? Finding a ride to the river cruise in Costa Rica? That stuff takes away from your time to focus on each other. Let us handle the logistics.
Learning From Each Other
Traveling with family is the best game of trivia. From architectural features to history, the facts your family members have tucked away may surprise you. (And your Tour Manager can fill in any gaps!)
Exploring Your Ancestry
Cultural heritage forms our family traditions and beliefs. Tracing your family's roots is powerful. There's no better way to discover these countries than with your family. Go together, with an expert by your side.
Private Touring for Families
Whether you're booking a large family trip or the best family reunion ever, you can book a private tour with 10 or more travelers. Go on. Invite everyone and their mother.
Playing New Roles
We think of people in their day-to-day roles. Parent. Sibling. Child. When you travel on tour and responsibilities shift, you let loose and get to know each other as adventurers, too.
Collette Knows Family Travel
We have been family-owned and operated since we opened our doors in 1918. Our team loves traveling with family! We truly value the magic of exploring the world together.
Less is More on a Low-Season Tour
Explore popular destinations with more flexibility and fewer crowds. Whether you're searching for tranquility or a deeper connection with the locals, off season travel is one of the best ways to experience a destination.
6 Reasons to Love the Low Season
More Affordable
Off-season travel offers significant cost savings on flights, accommodations, and day-to-day activities.
Better Service
Smaller crowds mean more personalized service and shorter wait times at restaurants, museums, and attractions.
More Peace
Peak season can be crowded and overwhelming, while the low season offers opportunities for quieter, more serene travel experiences.
Authentic Experiences
Experience destinations like the locals do - with less hustle and more room to appreciate the beauty around you.
More Sustainable
Low season travel reduces the strain on a destination’s resources, meaning less waste and lower pollution levels.
Support Local Economies
Low season tourism brings vital income to local economies during quieter periods, helping to sustain businesses and livelihoods year-round.
Portuguese Riviera
The Riviera stretches from Lisbon and Cascais. The coastline has become a place where the elite vacation between September and October, and a popular tourist destination for its chic look. Removed from the city, the Lisbon coastline is easy access to all the culture that Lisbon offers. It has become a major hotspot for major international celebrities from the world of fashion, sport, and entertainment. The Riviera is also known for is world class conditions for surfing.
Cascais
As Portugal is a small country, Cascais is a resort retreat just a half hour west of the city of Lisboa. When settlers first came to Cascais, the beaches were covered with shells in which its current name has derived. Cascais is a quaint coastal town and previously a fishing village until it gained a substantial reputation as the royal family of Portugal chose the town to be its summer residence in the 19th century. Located just off of the Tagus River, one of Portugal’s most noteworthy rivers, Cascais sits just past its mouth where the Atlantic Ocean begins. The coastal town emanates beauty, peace and tranquility while delving into above par seafood and wine.
Nazaré
Nazare is a town and fishing village on the Silver Coast of Portugal. It is one of the most popular resorts in this coastal region, which is situated on the Atlantic coast of the country. Nazare is considered by some to have the best beaches in Portugal. The town is said to be named after the Legend of Nazare, in which a monk brought a statue of the Virgin Mary here from Nazareth in the Holy Land to a monastery nearby in the 4th century. It is said that the town derived its name from this statue.
Óbidos
Óbidos is a small town located on the Atlantic Coast of Portugal. The town’s origins can be traced back to an early Roman settlement. The area of the town is located on a hilltop, surrounded by a fortified wall. From its streets, squares, fortified wall and castle, the town remains as a well preserved example of medieval architecture. It is because of this that the town is a popular tourist destination.
Funchal
Established in the fifteenth century and the capital city of Madeira, Funchal boasts a wide variety of enchanting and memorable experiences. Stroll past historic landmarks, explore museums, and wander through colorful scenery.
Ponta de São Lourenço
Discover the stunning natural beauty of Madeira Island with a visit to Ponta de São Lourenço, the easternmost point of the island. Gaze out over glittering blue waters from jagged towering cliffs on this island paradise.
New Year’s Eve Gala & Fireworks Display
Start the new year off with glitz and glamour during Madeira’s New Year’s Eve bash. Complete with a black-tie gala and glittering fireworks, this event rings in the new year with a touch of magic.
Câmara de Lobos
The original landing point for the Portuguese discoverer Joao Goncalves Zarco, who is credited with the discovery of the Madeira Islands, Câmara de Lobos is one of the larger population centers and is an extenstion of the much larger capital city of Funchal. The literal translation of Câmara de Lobos is chamber of the wolves. Today, the traditional fishing village is home of the “poncho,” a misture of lemon juice, honey and sugarcane spirit, which is available at many of the local taverns.
Cabo Girão
Located along the southern coast of the island of Madeira, the sea cliff is a popular lookout point, especially after a glass-floored viewing platform was installed. Cabo Girao is a popular starting point for hikers. The cliff is the second highest cliff face in the world. Its incredible view is what brings tourists to the cliffs.
Porto Moniz
Gaze upon the picturesque volcanic pools in the fishing village of Porto Moniz and perhaps take a dip into the sparkling blue waters that overlook the expanse of the Atlantic Ocean.
Lisbon
Spread across steep hillsides that overlook the Rio Tejo, Lisbon offers all the delights you’d expect of Portugal’s star attraction, yet with half the fuss of other European capitals. Gothic cathedrals, majestic monasteries and quaint museums are all part of the colorful cityscape, but the real delights of discovery lie in wandering the narrow lanes of Lisbon’s lovely backstreets. The Lisbon experience encompasses so many things, from enjoying a fresh pastry and bica (espresso) on a petite leafy plaza to window-shopping in elegant Chiado. It’s mingling with Lisboêtas at a neighborhood festival or watching the sunset from the old Moorish castle.
Belém
Standing proudly on the bank of the Targus river in Lisbon is Belém Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This 16th-century tower was where explorers from the Age of Discovery set out towards the New World, across the Atlantic.
Sintra's National Palace
With its rippling mountains, dewy forests thick with ferns and lichen, exotic gardens and glittering palaces, Sintra is like a page torn from a fairy tale. Its Unesco World Heritage–listed center, Sintra-Vila, is dotted with pastel-hued manors folded into luxuriant hills that roll down to the blue Atlantic. The jewel on the crown lording ominously over the picturesque town center is the National Palace, once the summer retreat of the Portuguese monarchy.
Hotel Baia
Av Marginal, Cascais, Portugal
Pestana Casino Park Hotel
000-Rua Imperatriz D. Amélia, Funchal, Madeira Island, Portugal
Lumen Lisboa Hotel
Rua Sousa Martins, 20, Lisbon, Portugal
We consider everyone who travels with us to be our personal guest.
Every moment matters to us because we know it matters to you. This may be because at heart we are a family owned company that has been in business for over 100 years. It may be because our team are passionate about sharing their own love of travel and uncovering mysteries.
Choosing Collette comes with benefits that take your guided travel experience to another level. Our inclusive tours provide you more value for your money and more of what makes travel special.
The Benefits of Collette Guided Travel
- Value of Guided Travel
- Easy & Convenient Booking
- Expert Tour Managers
- Private Airport Transfers
- Carefully Selected Accommodations
- All the Iconic Must-Sees
- Immersive Cultural Experiences
- Authentic Culinary Experiences
Every Moment of Your Trip Matters
As travelers, we understand that your trip starts at your doorstep and every moment counts. That’s why we offer private chauffeur service to and from the airport. It’s why we developed an industry-leading travel protection plan. And it’s why we offer unrivaled 24-7 support to our travelers out on the road.
We know that the more peace of mind you have, the more you can relax and enjoy the journey. And that’s why we’re with you, every step of the way.
Travel Protection Plan
We get it. Life happens and plans change. With our unrivaled Travel Protection Plan, you can cancel you trip for any reason, right up until the day before your departure and get a full refund, less the cost of the plan. This is something we’ve done for decades, because the trust of our travelers matters the most. So go ahead and book that dream trip with confidence — no blackout windows or hidden restrictions.
Private Chauffeur Service
When you buy air with Collette, secure door-to-door chauffeur service to and from the airport, plus hotel transfers, and all internal transfers during your trip. This means a private sedan comes straight to your door, loads your bags, and whisks you off to the airport and back home again when you return. It’s the perfect stress-free way to start and end your trip.
Expert Tour Managers
Each Collette tour is guided by a regionally-based expert. This means that from the moment you touch down until the moment you leave, you’ll be in the hands of a trusted Tour Manager with insider knowledge about the culture, language, and history of your destination — so you can get the most in-depth experience without any of the stress.
Guaranteed to Go
We have thousands of guaranteed departure dates across our 170+ tours. Book your tour with peace of mind, knowing that it will leave as planned and your departure date won’t change.
Sedan Service
Getting to and from the airport can be the most stressful and difficult part of any trip. Start and end your adventure in hassle-free luxury with our private sedan that comes straight to your door, loads your bags and whisks you off to the airport and back home again when you return. Now that’s how to start and end a trip the right way.
Social Responsibility: It's a way of life
It’s at the heart of everything we do and every decision we make. We believe that travel should be a force for good and by uniting with our employees, partners and travelers, we can make a positive impact in our local and global communities.
Our Mission
Social Responsibility at Collette means working together to take care of the places we live, work and travel. We focus on four key areas – Community, People, Travel and Planet – taking a holistic approach by striving to do good in every area of our business.
Community
Our nonprofit, the Collette Foundation, supports worldwide communities in need through hunger and education initiatives. Each year, employees volunteer more than 4,500 hours of their time to efforts in their own communities and across the world.
Travel
We strive to create an experience our guests not only enjoy, but also feel good about. We work to sustain and preserve communities, cultures, and traditions through tourism, and positively impact the places we come to know as travelers.
People
We couldn’t deliver the amazing travel experiences that we do without our incredible team. We offer our employees a variety of tools to be happy, healthy, and successful including learning and growth opportunities.
Planet
Our world is filled with awe-inspiring natural wonders. That’s why we are actively making responsible decisions to reduce our carbon footprint and care for our planet, the place we all call home.
Focus on family. We’ll handle the rest.
There are countless benefits to family travel. Experiencing new things together. Taking time to enjoy each other’s company without life’s typical distractions. Connecting with loved ones who don’t live near us.
No matter why you decide to travel together, or where you choose to go, spending quality time with family should be the only thing that matters. That’s why families book Collette tours – to let experts take care of all the details.
Why Book Your Multigenerational Family Trip with Collette?
Making Memories Together
Unique experiences are made richer with family by your side. And the journey lives on through memories retold. "Do you remember that game drive with Grandma? We came so close to the elephants!"
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
Planning a trip is hard work. Organizing the Blarney Stone visit? Finding a ride to the river cruise in Costa Rica? That stuff takes away from your time to focus on each other. Let us handle the logistics.
Learning From Each Other
Traveling with family is the best game of trivia. From architectural features to history, the facts your family members have tucked away may surprise you. (And your Tour Manager can fill in any gaps!)
Exploring Your Ancestry
Cultural heritage forms our family traditions and beliefs. Tracing your family's roots is powerful. There's no better way to discover these countries than with your family. Go together, with an expert by your side.
Private Touring for Families
Whether you're booking a large family trip or the best family reunion ever, you can book a private tour with 10 or more travelers. Go on. Invite everyone and their mother.
Playing New Roles
We think of people in their day-to-day roles. Parent. Sibling. Child. When you travel on tour and responsibilities shift, you let loose and get to know each other as adventurers, too.
Collette Knows Family Travel
We have been family-owned and operated since we opened our doors in 1918. Our team loves traveling with family! We truly value the magic of exploring the world together.
Less is More on a Low-Season Tour
Explore popular destinations with more flexibility and fewer crowds. Whether you're searching for tranquility or a deeper connection with the locals, off season travel is one of the best ways to experience a destination.
6 Reasons to Love the Low Season
More Affordable
Off-season travel offers significant cost savings on flights, accommodations, and day-to-day activities.
Better Service
Smaller crowds mean more personalized service and shorter wait times at restaurants, museums, and attractions.
More Peace
Peak season can be crowded and overwhelming, while the low season offers opportunities for quieter, more serene travel experiences.
Authentic Experiences
Experience destinations like the locals do - with less hustle and more room to appreciate the beauty around you.
More Sustainable
Low season travel reduces the strain on a destination’s resources, meaning less waste and lower pollution levels.
Support Local Economies
Low season tourism brings vital income to local economies during quieter periods, helping to sustain businesses and livelihoods year-round.
About Collette
With Collette, the World is Within Your Reach
True adventures go beyond incredible destinations or inclusive packages. Collette delivers a sense of possibility across all seven continents.
Since 1918, we have been sharing our love of travel. Today our worldwide travel collection features comprehensive land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours, family trips, garden holidays and more. With Collette, wake each morning on tour with a new experience in front of you, and when your head hits the pillow, you will know it has been an amazing day. Best of all - we seamlessly handle the details. All you have to do is enjoy the adventure.
About Collette
With Collette, the World is Within Your Reach
True adventures go beyond incredible destinations or inclusive packages. Collette delivers a sense of possibility across all seven continents.
Since 1918, we have been sharing our love of travel. Today our worldwide travel collection features comprehensive land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours, family trips, garden holidays and more. With Collette, wake each morning on tour with a new experience in front of you, and when your head hits the pillow, you will know it has been an amazing day. Best of all - we seamlessly handle the details. All you have to do is enjoy the adventure.
