Inside our itineraries: Getting the lowdown on our Premier Collection from an expert tour manager
Find out what makes our Premier tours special with exclusive insight from one of our expert tour managers, Toni, and get his top tips for an Iberian escape.
For the holidays you’ve spent years dreaming of, it never hurts to add a touch of luxury to your experience, and that’s exactly what you’ll find in our carefully crafted Premier Collection holidays. With lighter-paced itineraries that help you savour every wish-list moment, smaller group sizes, and only the most unique accommodations, you’ll enjoy a taste of your chosen destination at its most authentic. One question that often pops up, though, is what makes these tours stand out?
Enter Toni, one of our expert tour managers, who brings years of experience to every getaway he leads. Having led holidays in Portugal, Spain, and the UK, Toni embodies the role of our Premier Collection’s tour managers: friendly, experienced and willing to go above and beyond to help you bring your travel dreams to life. We recently sat down with Toni, who leads our Pousadas of Portugal tour, for a chat about all things Iberia and his thoughts on the Premier Collection experience. From his personal highlights to the benefits of choosing a Premier tour, here’s what he had to say.
1. How long have you been leading escorted tours, and what drew you to become a tour manager initially?
I had escorted tours to Portugal in the past; however, I started doing escorted tours with Newmarket Holidays last year, primarily Wimbledon, and then Portugal and Spain mainly this year.
2. What makes this Premier tour different to our other classic tours that visit Portugal?
The size of the group, with a maximum of 24 customers, and the uniqueness and quality of the pousada hotels, as well as some of the cities visited between Lisbon and Porto. The tour offers three base locations with reasonable travel times and can be managed to meet customers’ needs.
3. What is it that makes this part of Portugal so special to you?
The rich history (with links to the over 600-year-old Anglo-Portuguese Alliance), the diversity of centuries of architecture, culture, culinary traditions, and the still undiscovered aspects of traditional Portugal. Each region we pass through has something different to offer.
4. What do you think makes the accommodation on this tour more premium?
The blend of historical buildings with modern and comfortable rooms.
5. Do any of the excursions on this tour leave a lasting impression on you, and what makes them so special?
I’d say Sintra for its historic beauty, palaces and villas, and Obidos for its stunning medieval town – very traditional and extremely well-preserved. Coimbra is another great city, rich in history, culture, views and its famous university. For a more laid-back town, Viseu is wonderful with its cathedral, small squares and restaurants.
Guimaraes is a popular stop because of its unique squares and rich history going back to the birth of Portugal. Of course, Lisbon and Porto are wonderful cosmopolitan cities too and, although they’re better known, their links to the history, culture, and cuisine of Portugal make them must-see spots.
6. Do you find the lighter pace to be beneficial in helping customers make the most of their experience?
Yes, the size of the group and amount of time allowed in each location offers that flexibility to cater for all.
7. Do you have any stand-out memories from previous tours you’ve led?
The customers, I’d say. The way they interact as part of a smaller group feels as though they really get to know each other by the end of the tour. Being part of the journey with our customers is a privilege. The pousadas are also special. Dining in one of Queluz’s palace halls and experiencing the tranquillity of Amares really gives the feeling of going back in time. The visit to the winery and cheese-making factory is an excursion which is enjoyed by all every time.
8. Do you find that the smaller group sizes make it easier to build connections with each traveller?
Very much so, it’s a much more intimate experience.
9. Is there anything that still surprises you about exploring this part of Portugal?
That it remains unspoilt, honestly! The adaptation of old traditions to modern tourist sites and venues. The enthusiasm of our customers is rewarding, and every tour and encounter brings up something new.
10. What would you say is the best time of year to explore this area?
The shoulder seasons are always good. Mid-April to the end of June is great for seeing the sights ahead of the summer rush, while September and October are just as good for those who want to hold onto the heat a while longer.
Embrace the best of escorted touring with Newmarket Holidays’ Premier Collection
While dreams come in all shapes and sizes, adding a few extra touches of luxury can help you make the most of every moment, and our purpose-built Premier tours are handcrafted to elevate your experience. Whether you’re ready to book, or simply want to consider each wish-list option on offer, our expert holiday planners are on hand to help you make the perfect choice. For further information on our featured itinerary, check out our dedicated tour page, or check out the holidays included in our wider Premier Collection.
