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Naturetrek announces botany and birding tours in Portugal |
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Monday, 22 December 2008 05:21 |
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{mosimage} Eight-day explorations begin on 4 and 11 April, 2009
The BBC’s Natural World recently focused on the wealth of natural history amongst the Cork Oak forests of Portugal’s Alentejo region that produce much of the world's supply of cork, and in turn support a flourishing eco-system. Join Naturetrek on an 8-day two-centre holiday of botanical and birdwatching explorations from the windswept cliffs, dunes and heaths of the west coast to the marshes and saltpans of the south, and from the Cork Oak forests of the Monchique Hills to the open grass plains and parkland of the Alentejo, departing London 4th and 11th April 2009. |
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Read more... [Naturetrek announces botany and birding tours in Portugal]
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Wednesday, 03 December 2008 04:32 |
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10 Reasons Why You Should Go to Lisbon..... |
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Read more... [Reasons to Go to Lisbon]
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Highlights of Portugal and Spain Tour |
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Friday, 13 April 2007 06:51 |
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Discover Portugal and Spain, two countries sharing the Iberian Pennisula yet each with its own language and unique culture. Tour by air-conditioned motorcoach accompanied by a professional escort throughout. Enjoy first class hotels, 21 meals, luggage handling and comprehensive sightseeing while traveling on an itinerary that includes the beautiful north of Portugal, Spain’s Galicia and the southern Spanish cities of Granada, Cordoba and Seville.
Itinerary: Day 1 - (Fri)Board Your Overnight Transatlantic Flight
Day 2 - Arrival in Lisbon (Sun)Time to rest or start exploring. At 6 p.m. meet your traveling companions for a "welcome dinner at your hotel hosted by your tour director'.
Day 3- Lisbon (Sun)Now the capital of a small country on the western fringe of the Iberian Peninsula, Lisbon was once the center of Europe's longest-lived overseas empire. Morning sightseeing includes two Manueline jewels: Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery with the tomb of Vasco da Gama. Drive past the Bull Ring to Pombal Statue and along the grand Avenida da Liberdade. Enjoy a walk through the cobbled alleys of Alfama, the quarter of the seamen. Afternoon and evening at leisure. An optional excursion to Sintra and optional dinner with Fado-style entertainment are available. (BB)
Day 4 - Lisbon to Porto (Mon)Take a scenic detour into the vineyards and olive groves of the Serra do Aire hills. Step back in time as you pass through the main gate in the medieval perimeter wall of Obidos and stroll along narrow streets. Next visit the magnificent Dominican Bathalha Monastery, commemorating a 14th-century victory in Portugal's fight for independence from Castile. In nearby Fatima, join the pilgrims at the country's hallowed national shrine. In the afternoon, drive to the valley of the Douro River. At Vila Nova de Gaia on the southern bank, visit the prestigious House of Sandeman Port Wine Cellars. Hear how the country's premier export product is made and taste the strong, sweet wine. Overnight in Porto, on the northern bank of the river. (BB,D)
Day 5 - Porto do Santiago de Compostela, Spain (Tue)Sightseeing in Porto includes a visit to the lavish 19th-century stock exchange, whose claim to fame is an Arabian Hall inspired by Granada's Alhambra. Then a change of scenery. Drive towards the northern border through an area where the rural population still lives off small patches of land tended with traditional farming methods. Enjoy a leisurely break in the Costa Verde resort and fishing port of Viana do Castelo before crossing the Rio Mino into Spain's wild northwestern province. The highway to Santiago de Compostela offers spectacular views of the Rias Bajas, the deep fjords of Galicia. (BB,D)
Day 6 - Santiago de Compostela (Wed)Santiago grew around the tomb of St. James, the Apostle who converted Spain to Christianity, and, according to legend, delivered the country from Moorish occupation. Today, visitors still pray at St. James'tomb in the huge 11th-century Romanesque Cathedral Vieja with its ornate Baroque facade. They also come for the unspoiled beauty of the Old Town centering on Plaza de la Quintana with the Holy Door and Plaza Obradoiro with its Hospital of the Catholic Monarchs. Afternoon free. Tonight your tour director will help you find typical Galician fare: lamb, cured ham, seafood, and cheese. (BB)
Day 7 - Santiago de Compostela do Leaon (Thu)Look forward to two days of scenic eastbound travel along the ancient "Way of St.James." Morning break today is in Lugo. A perfectly preserved massive schist wall, dating back to Roman times, did not protect it from conquest by Moors, Norsemen, and Napoleon's revolutionary troops. Enter the province of Leon and head for Ponferrada, where Knights Templars gave shelter to medieval pilgrims. Their massive castle now lies in ruins, except for the superb main gate. Early afternoon arrival in Leon, the capital of Christian Spain at the start of the Reconquest. Guided sightseeing here focuses on the gothic cathedral. Daylight filters through no less than 12,917 square feet of stained glass windows. Also visit the museum with priceless works of art from two millennia and a complete 17th-century chemist's shop. (BB,D)
Day 8 - Leon do Madrid (Fri)Drive through the Tierra de Campos, Spain's rich granary. Midday arrival in the university town of Salamanca. Time for a stroll in its Baroque Plaza Mayor, one of the country's grandest squares. On the way to Madrid, take a break in walled and turreted Avila, where St. Theresa founded the Order of Carmelites. (BB)
Day 9 - Madrid (Sat)Morning sightseeing with a local guide takes you to the Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Espana with its monument to Cervantes, the Parliament, Cibeles Fountain, elegant Calle Alcala, and Paseo de Castellana. Then the highlight: a visit to the palatial Prado Museum with its extraordinary collection of masterpieces, including the best of Goya and Velazquez. Afternoon at leisure, with the possibility of joining an optional excursion to El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen. (BB)
Day 10 - Madrid to Toledo and Granada (Sun)Situated on a hill surrounded by a loop of the Tagus River, Toledo attracts more sightseers from all over the world than any other Spanish town. See the Moorish bridge, an early synagogue, the 13th-century gothic cathedral, and the church of Santo Tome with one of El Greco's most famous paintings. There's time to visit one of the Damascene steel workshops before continuing your journey through the barren landscapes of Don Quixote's La Mancha. Cross the Guadalquivir River and head for the olive and orange groves of the rolling Andalusian hills. Overnight in history-steeped Granada. (BB,D)
Day 11 - Granada do Cordoba and Seville (Mon)Granada sightseeing focuses on its main attraction, the Alhambra. A fantasy of "lace in stone" surrounded by arabesque gardens and fountains, it affords superb views of the Old Quarter and Sacromonte, a mountain occupied by gypsy cave dwellers. Also amble through the exotic Water Gardens of the Generalife, the royal summer residence. In the afternoon drive through one of the loveliest areas of sunny Andalusia to Cordoba, with its 8th-century Mosque, famous for its 850 pillars of porphyry, marble, and jasper. On through the fertile valley of the Guadalquivir River to Seville. (BB,D)
Day 12 - Seville (Tue)Admire Maria Luisa Park. Drive to the Plaza de Espana, the Gold Tower on the Guadalquivir River, and the fine Baroque building which is now the university but used to be the tobacco factory of Carmen fame. Visit the cathedral with Columbus' tomb, the world's largest Gothic edifice and an undertaking considered sheer madness by its very planners. Finally stroll through the narrow lanes of the charming Santa Cruz quarter. The afternoon is free. (BB)
Day 13 - Seville to Algarve, Portugal (Wed)
Travel westward, past the port town of Huelva and across the Guadiana River for a lunch break. History comes alive as you reach the wind-swept Promontory of Sagres, where Henry the Navigator lived and planned his overseas expansion. Then on to Cape St. Vincent, the southwestern corner of continental Europe, a dramatic cliff defying the waves of an ever-angry Atlantic Ocean. Tonight perhaps try a local seafood restaurant. (BB)
Day 14 - At leisure in Algarve (Thu)Enjoy a leisurely day at your beachfront hotel. Stroll to the marina or shop in the fancy boutiques. (BB,D)
Day 15 - Algarve to Lisbon (Fri)
Head north to Setubal, a major port and industrial center on the north bank of the Sado Estuary. From here take the scenic route over the Serra da Arrábida and savor sweeping views of the Troia Peninsula. Catch glimpses of the castle of Sesimbra, which recall fierce medieval battles between Christians and Moors. After crossing the Bridge of April 25th you’re back in Lisbon for a last evening with the companions of an exciting touring adventure. (BB)
Day 16 - SaturdayYour Homebound Flight Arrives The Same Day.
Accommodations:LISBON; Lisbon Marriott (SF), OPORTO; Dom Henrique (F), SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA; Hesperia Peregrino (F), LEON; Conde Luna (F), MADRID; Husa Moncloa (F), GRANADA; Carmen (F), SEVILLE; Tryp Macarena (F), ALGARVE Vilamoura Beach (F) at Vilamoura |
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Last Updated on Friday, 28 November 2008 15:27 |
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Small Group Tour of Portugal |
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Friday, 13 April 2007 06:48 |
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Beginning and ending in Lisbon, this marvelous tour will take you where the big bus tours can’t. Journey deep into the heart of Portugal to experience its culture, history and taste its cuisine and wine among the 13 included meals. With your professional tour escort you will explore walled villages as well as the great cities. Travel by deluxe minibus to your enchanting hotels which include former palaces and monasteries.
Scheduled monthly departures. Limited to 12 participants. Itinerary Day 1 - Lisbon Arrival transfer by private car from Lisbon airport to the Hotel Pestana Palace. Balance of the day at leisure. This evening you might wish to experience an optional "Fado" dinner and show or defer to tomorrow night or the last night of the tour.
Hotel description: A 5 star luxury hotel and a member of "The Leading Hotels of the World", it incorporates a XIX century palace classified as a National Monument and is considered one of the best hotels in Lisbon. The Pestana Palace is set in a private garden and affords wonderful panoramic view of the Tejo River.
Day 2 - Lisbon - Estoril - Cascais - Cabo da Roca - Sintra - Lisbon Depart this morning for the coastal cities of Estoril and Cascais, once the summer residences of aristocrats and now attracting an international clientele to its elegant hotels, casino and shops. Then on to Cabo da Roca (Cape Roca), the westernmost point of continental Europe. Lovely, wooded Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is your location for lunch with wine (included). Perched high above Sintra is the Pena Palace, a 19th century eclectic mixture of architectural styles. Entrance is included. The view from the terraces encompasses the Atlantic to the Tejo river. On another peak are the ruins of an 8th century Moorish castle. Return to Lisbon to see this European capital from its fishing village beginnings to its modern cosmopolitan present. Visit the Jeronimos Monastery, Tower of Belem and the Monument to the Discoveries.
Optional "Fado" dinner show this evening or enjoy one of Lisbon's many fine restaurants.
Breakfast and lunch are included today.
Accommodation in Porto at Pestana Palace.
Day 3 - Lisbon - Evora - Marvao - Castelo de Vide - Belmonte Depart Lisbon this morning, heading east to the Alentejo region, characterized by sweeping plains, cork trees, wheat fields, vineyards and almond orchards. Look for the many walled cities and castles perched on the isolated hills. The most famous is Evora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will have time to walk the narrow medieval streets and have lunch in one of its many restaurants (lunch not included). Continue to Marvao, a walled city set atop a 3,000 foot peak near the Portuguese-Spanish border. From the ramparts you can see the military value of this outstanding site during the long border disputes between these two countries. Then on to beautiful Castelo de Vide, an ancient village and spa with a delightful Jewish Quarter that invites strolling through its colorful cobblestone streets. Your final stop today is Belmonte, a hilltop city near the Serra da Estrela (Star Mountains).
Accommodation and dinner at the Pousada do Convento de Belmonte.
Hotel description: The Belmonte Pousada results from the reconstruction of the ruined Convent of Nossa Senhora da Esperanca, and features a small 13th Century chapel. The Pousada preserves all the historical architecture of the convent, including an amphitheatre in the woodlands.
Breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 4 - Belmonte - Viseu - Wine Estate in Regua - Solar de Mateus - Amarante Start the day visiting Belmonte, a beautiful small village where one of the oldest Jewish communities in Portugal still survive. Continue to Viseu passing landscapes of medieval castles and fortresses. Visit the cathedral, begun in the 14th century, a blend of Portuguese Gothic known as "Manueline" and Renaissance styles. On to Viseu, an important agricultural and crafts center. Enjoy a delightful lunch with Portuguese specialties (lunch included). After lunch, enter the Douro Wine area where you will visit a wine producer at their "Quinta" (estate) to learn the production methods followed by a wine tasting. The tour continues towards Vila Real to Solar de Mateus, a beautiful Portuguese Baroque Manor House and famous as the label on Mateus wine. Your final stop today is in Amarante, one of Portugal's prettiest towns. Your hotel for tonight is the charming Casa da Calcada, located in the heart of Amarante's historical center, an ideal location for an evening stroll. Dine this evening in the hotel's gourmet restaurant (included).
Accommodation and dinner in Amarante at Casa da Calcada
Hotel description: Located near the old bridge (13th C) over the River Tamega in the historic heart of the small town of Amarante, Casa da Calçada is an impressive, refined hotel set in a XVI century Palace and is the former residence of the Counts of Redondo. Magnificent gardens, gold colored walls and elegant lounges welcome guests as they arrive at this beautiful manor house.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.
Day 5 - Amarante - Braga - Ponte de Lima - Viana do Castelo - Guimaraes After a visit to the historical center of Amarante, continue towards Braga, an important religious capital. Visit the sanctuary of Bom Jesus of Braga with its magnificent baroque staircase, cascading down a mountain. On to the lovely town of Ponte de Lima for a stroll through the town center which reveals its wealthy past. Free time for lunch in the town center. Continue to Viana do Castelo. capital of the Minho region for a panoramic view over the Atlantic ocean. The city is known for its beautiful local embroidery. The day ends in Guimaraes, one of the most historic cities of Portugal. Enjoy dinner this evening (included) of Northern Portugal cuisine.
Accommodation at the Pousada de Santa Marinha.
Hotel description: One of the most spectacluar Pousadas in Portugal. A former 12th C Augustine convent, situated on a wooded hillside overlooking Guimaraes. Its gardens, fountains, cloisters balconies and azulejos (glazed tiles) are delightful
Breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 6 - Guimaraes - Porto A tour this morning of the medieval center of Guimaraes includes the castle (depicted on the Portuguese coat of arms) and the palace of the dukes of Braganza, the illegitimate branch of the royal family. Then on to Porto, Portugal's "second city". First a visit to Vila Nova de Gaia for a tour and tasting at one of the Port Wine Cellars. Free time for lunch. Then cross the Douro River for a comprehensive tour of Porto's historical center including Igreja de Sao Francisco (St Francis Church) with its intricately carved interior covered with gold. A visit to the Palacio da Bolsa, Porto's Stock Exchange, to see Arabian Hall, a pastiche of Granada's Alhambra decorated in stained-glass windows, arabesques and carved woodwork in imitation of Moorish stucco. Then visit the historical north area of the city and have free time for shopping or more sightseeing on Santa Catarina Street. At the conclusion of the day's sightseeing enjoy a cruise on the Douro River. Dinner this evening (included) at one of the restaurants in the Ribeira, the waterfront area near your hotel.
Accommodation at Hotel Pestana Porto in river view rooms
Hotel description: A modern hotel built into part of the medieval city walls and 17th C townhouses. Located in the popular Ribeira district. Wonderful views of the Douro River.
Breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 7 - Porto - Coimbra - Lousa Free time this morning in Porto. Depart for Coimbra in the early afternoon. Coimbra is home to one of Europe's oldest universites, founded in 1290. A visit to the extraordinary 18th C university library is included in your walking tour of the university and medieval heart of the city. Continue to Lousa, a typical, small interior town of Portugal, surrounded by the forested Lousa Mountains. Lousa is noted for its many handsome 18th century houses.
Enjoy a gourmet dinner (included) at the intimate restaurant of your hotel, a former palace, in Lousa.
Accommodation and dinner in Lousa at Palacio de Lousa Boutique Hotel
Hotel description: The building itself is the ancient palace of the Viscondessa do Espinal, dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. Its location, close to historically and culturally interesting sites as well as its modern interior, make it the perfect choice for resting in an exceptional environment.
Breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 8 - Lousa - Fatima - Batalha -Alcobaca - Obidos - Lisbon Head south tday to visit Fatima, one of the most revered shrines and pilgrimage destinations in the religious world. Then to Batalha for a visit to the 14th century Santa Maria da Vitoria Monastery, one of Portugal's architectural masterpieces, built to celebrate an important victory over Spain in a nearby plateau. Free time for lunch in Batalha. After lunch, continue to Alcobaca, Portugal's largest chuch and home to the tombs of King Dom Pedro I and Ines de Castro, ill starred lovers of the 14th C. Your last stop before reaching Lisbon is charming walled Obidos, a medieval village clinging to a hillside. Entering the old city gates is stepping back in time. Stroll through its narrow streets among whitewashed, flower bedecked houses. Return to Lisbon in the afternoon and to the Hotel Pestana Palace for your final night.
Overnight at Hotel Pestana Palace
Breakfast is included today.
Optional "Fado" dinner and show this evening.
Breakfast is included.
Day 9 - Lisbon Your tour concludes with check out this morning. Private car transfer to the airport is included. If you wish, you can extend your stay.
Breakfast is included today. |
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Last Updated on Friday, 28 November 2008 15:29 |
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