The weather in Portugal

Portugal has the same climate as the western coast of the United States in particular the State of California. Weather is dry and temperatures are mild all year round.

Due to geography of the country featuring several ranges of mountains which run parallel to the coast and wide plains south and east of Lisbon the weather has some particular features that visitors should be aware, such as being cool and breezy on the coast and dry and hot inland. In winter inland regions register a more drastic drop of temperature while on the coast the fall of temperature tends to be mild.

Spring and fall are the best time to visit Portugal. Temperatures vary between 59 and 79 degrees and there are not too many tourists around.

Summer brings hot and dry weather all over the country. On the coast there is always a nice breeze which allows for a very pleasant weather but sometimes cold and foggy evenings. The exception is the Algarve coast with usually dry and warm summer evenings. Summer is also the busiest tourist season, especially in the south of the county, beach resorts and Lisbon.

Winter is also a good time to visit Portugal, namely around Christmas time and February where temperatures can still be mild with plenty of sunny days. The north and inland are quiet cold but with few or none snow spells.

Traveling in the country

Modes of transportation within Portugal include air travel, a comprehensive rail system, buses linking all cities and villages, rental cars and a comprehensive public transit system in Lisbon and Porto that comprises buses, streetcars, public elevators, taxis and subway.

TAP Air Portugal offers daily flights linking Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Madeira, Porto Santo and the Azores. Tel: 1 800 221-7370 http://www.flytap.com/ http://www.tapagents.us/ :

SATA flies among eight of the Azores’ nine islands.: Phone: 800-762-9995, http://www.sata.pt/

Caminhos de Ferro Portugueses – CP provides a network of express trains serving the whole of the Portuguese mainland. For more info on trains visit: http://www.cp.pt/

Bus - Portugal’s bus routes are extensive, linking cities, villages and hamlets. Principal companies are:

Rede Nacional de Expressos (All country) - http://www.rede-expressos.pt/

Rodoviária Estremadura (North of Lisbon including Fatima) - http://www.barraqueirotransportes.pt/

Eva Transportes (South of Portugal and Spain) - http://www.eva-bus.com/

Scott Urbe (Cascais, Sintra and Estoril) - http://www.scotturb.com/

Rodonorte (North of Portugal) - http://www.rodonorte.pt/

Tickets can be bought at travel agencies or directly at the coach stations.

Car rental offices can be found throughout Portugal’s major cities and airports. The minimum age for renting a car is 21. A U.S. driver’s license is valid in Portugal. In general, speed limits are 75 mph (120 kph) on highways, 55 mph (90 kph) outside towns and 30 mph (50 kph) in built-up areas. Your clients will feel comfortable driving here, knowing the Portuguese drive on the right-hand side of the road.

All major American Car Rental Companies have offices in Portugal and you may book a car through their websites. There are also well established Portuguese Car Rental Agencies which offer competitive prices.

You can enter in Portugal by land, air or sea.

Transportation:

TAP – Air Portugal (a Star Alliance Member) has daily non-stop service flights from North America to Portugal. Extensive flight connections serving Portugal, Europe, Africa and South America. Call Center: 800 221-7370 Groups and Inside Sales: 800 336 6990 e-mail: tapusa@tap.pt ; tapgroupsusa@tap.pt ; Website: http://www.flytap.com/ ; http://www.tapagents.us/

SATA – Azores Express – offers weekly flights out of Boston and Providence(RI) Oakland(CA)– in Summer - to Azores and Lisbon- Tel: 1-800-762-99-95 http://www.azores-express.com/

Continental Airlines - weekly flights from the US to Lisbon - http://www.continental.com/

USA Airways - weekly summer flights from Philadelphia to Lisbon – http://www.usairways.com/

A nonstop flight from the North-east coast of the US to Lisbon takes about six hours and thirty minutes and to the Azores about four hours.

You can also enter the country using the extensive European rail network. Every day, international trains run between Paris and Lisboa (Sud Express); Madrid-Lisboa train Lusitânia, and Vigo (Galicia - Spain) – Porto. Info on trains is provided at http://www.cp.pt/ and on http://www.eurorailways.com/

You can also enter the country by car. A U.S. driver’s license is valid for use in Portugal and foreign-registered vehicles may enter up to six months with registration and “Green Card” insurance. You may enter Portugal through any road linking to Spain or through one of the major highways linking both countries. For a detailed highway map visit: http://www.brisa.pt/

Portugal is geographically well located for cruises that are departing to the Mediterranean Sea or to Northern Europe, and is also a port of call for transatlantic cruises. Lisboa, Porto and Portimão are Portugal’s mainland ports of call. Lisboa and Porto serve bigger ships while Portimão, in the Algarve, serves smaller ships. The island of Madeira is also a popular cruise destination for cruises traveling to the Canary Islands as well as the Caribbean. Cruises can be taken from any of these ports. Cruise companies offering cruises that include a stop in Portugal are: Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Holland America Line, MSC Italian Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Orient Lines, Peter Deilmann Cruises, Princess Cruises, Radisson Seven Seas, SeaDream Yacht Club, Silversea Cruises, Windstar Cruises and Royal Caribbean Intl.

Visitors can tour Portugal before or after their cruise. The Azores islands also offer great sea cruising. Ponta Delgada in the island of S. Miguel is the main port of call in the islands, followed by Praia da Victória in the Island of Terceira, and Horta. Many transatlantic routes stop in the islands.

Portugal's Major Annual Events

JANUARY
Rally Lisboa – Dakar in Lisboa: Previously known as the Paris-Dakkar Rally is now departing from Lisbon and is the most famous rally in the world including trucks, four wheels and motorbikes. A must see for racing fans (http://www.dakar.com/ ).

FEBRUARY
Carnival Parade in the Algarve region: Due to the mild weather, the Algarve winter is the Portuguese answer to New Orleans Carnival. Parades take place in many villages and towns including: Loule, Quarteira, Alte, Paderne, Moncaparacho, Vila Real de Santo Antonio, Monte Gordo, Tavira, etc. Also included are "samba" groups, music bands, dancing and live concerts.

Carnival Festivities in the Centro region: The most traditional Carnival parade in northern Portugal take place in the towns of Ovar and Figueira da Foz.

APRIL
Holy Week Celebrations in Óbidos (Lisboa Region): Easter celebrations last for 2 weeks and include a torchlight procession within the medieval castle's walls depicting the Passion of Christ (http://www.rt-oeste.pt/ ).

Holy Week Celebrations in the North region: In the city of Braga, the many churches hold the most impressive of all the Easter Celebrations in Portugal. Streets and churches are decorated with flowers and makeshift altars. The religious processions feature sacred art and several beautifully decorated floats (http://www.semanasantabraga.com/ ).

Festival of Our Lady of the Guadalupe in Mértola (Alentejo region): Local religious festival.

Celebrations of the Holy Ghost in the Azores region: The most important celebration in the Azores is the Holy Ghost celebrations that encompass several weeks of religious and non-religious events. The highlight of the celebrations is the coronation of a child as the Emperor who is presented with a scepter and crown on a silver plate, symbolizing the Holy Ghost (http://www.visitazores.org/ ).

Madeira Flower Festival in the Madeira region: Madeira celebrates spring by laying its streets with carpets made of flowers, and shop windows decorated with flowers, creating a unique and unforgettable experience. The major event is the Flower Show at Largo da Restauracao where impressive displays of flowers can be seen (http://www.madeiratourism.com/ ).

MAY
Celebration of Senhor Santo Cristo (Jesus Christ) in the Azores region: The precious image of Jesus Christ from Convento da Esperanca is the highlight of this major parade that has been taking place for many centuries on the fifth Sunday after Easter (http://www.visitazores.org/ ).

Our Lady of Fátima Celebration in Fátima (Lisbon region): The Fatima Sanctuary is a pilgrimage site for millions of Catholics from around the world and a place of devotion for most Portuguese people. May 12th and 13th are the most important days, when devotees and pilgrims from around the world congregate at the sanctuary to mark the anniversary of the first apparition in 1917 (http://www.rt-leiriafatima.pt/ ).

JUNE
Saint Anthony Festival in Lisboa: On June 12th, the neighborhoods of Alfama, Castelo, Mouraria and the Bairro Alto are filled with music and color to celebrate the birth in Lisboa of St. Anthony. This is the major event of the year in Lisbon. Fireworks and an impressive parade delight Lisbon inhabitants and tourists (http://www.visitlisboa.com/ ).

Saint John Festival in the North region: The traditional festival for the city of Porto. The city becomes an entire street festival with food, drinks and handicrafts (http://www.portoturismo.pt/ ).

Sintra Artist Festival in the Lisbon Region: The World Heritage Village of Sintra is the stage for a series of concerts and performing arts at the Olga de Cadaval Cultural Centre (http://www.cm-sintra.pt/ ).

Festival of the Atlantic in the Madeira region: This is an important event that combines entertainment and culture. This festival includes classic music and dance performances at Teatro Municipal Baltazar Dias, Casa das Mudas at Calheta, Forum de Machico and in a number of churches. The Festival has acquired great interest with the introduction in recent years of the International Fireworks Competition, in which contestants display fireworks at the sound of music (http://www.madeiratourism.com/ ).

Celebrations of the Holy Ghost in the Azores region: Discover the Festivals of the Holy Ghost in the Azores, primarily in Terceira, São Jorge and Pico Islands attracting large numbers of visitors to the islands (http://www.visitazores.org/ ).

Saint Peter Festival in the Norh region: This is the major festival in Póvoa de Varzim with food, drinks, local crafts, dancing and cultural events (http://www.cm-pvarzim.pt/ ).

JULY
Horse Show at Queluz Palace in the Lisbon region: Every Wednesday in July, the Portuguese Horse School performs at the Queluz Palace Gardens along with tradition techniques that have long influenced Portuguese equestrian art. Several horse exercises are performed during the show, including the "Carroussel", a type of equestrian dance featuring ten Lusitanian horses. The Portuguese Horse School preserves the ancient and magnificent traditions of the old Portuguese equestrian art form (http://www.cm-sintra.pt/ ).

Festival of the Seas in Lisboa: A major cultural event stretching for 2 weeks including music, dance and theatrical performances (http://www.visitlisboa.com/ ).

The Gualterianas Festival in the North region: The former "Public Fair" of St. Gualter, has been recreated since 1906 according to old traditions in an uninterrupted way. This is the major annual event of the town of Guimarães. The celebrations feature amongst many events a Medieval Farmers market and parade of medieval costumes and artifacts (http://www.cm-guimaraes.pt/ ).

Kelp Boat Race in the Centro region: The city of Aveiro, known as the “Venice of Europe”, is doted with several lagoons and salt marshes where kelp extraction used to be a traditional industry. Keeping up with a long tradition, Kelp boats gather together for a traditional race. These boats are now kept for cultural purposes and to show-off the traditional industry of the region.

AUGUST
Festival of Our Lady of Healing in the North region: The Nossa Senhora dos Remedios festival is the most important event of the city of Lamego. Starting the last Thursday of August and running until September 8th, a large crowd gathers at this beautiful sanctuary (http://www.cm-lamego.pt/ ).

Festival of Our Lady of Agony in the North region: The most important festival in the city of Viana do Castelo. The event lasts for a week and includes street fairs, gourmet competitions, religious parades and the christening of fishing boats (http://www.cm-viana-castelo.pt/ ).

SEPTEMBER
Madeira Wine Festival in the Madeira region: The Madeira Wine Festival is held in September during the grape harvest season. This festival goes back to the day the first settlers arrived on the island (http://www.madeiratourism.org/ ).

Festival of Our Lady of Nazare in Lisbon region: The main day of this two week festival is September 8th. Nazaré is a fishing village and this festival includes several traditional events related to the thanksgiving of fisherman to their saint patron Our Lady of Nazaré (http://www.rt-leiriafatima.pt/ ).

St. Matthew's Market Fair in the Centro region: Taking place in the city of Viseu this market dates back from medieval times and has grown over the years to include traditional music and dancing, handicraft, gastronomy and other cultural events (http://www.rtdaolafoes.pt/ ).

Ponte de Lima Market Fair in the North region: Dating back to the 12th century, Feiras Novas is the most important harvest festival in northern Portugal. A traditional market, singing, dancing, eating and drinking are the highlights of the 4 day festival (http://www.cm-pontedelima.pt/ ).

OCTOBER
Game Season Gourmet Festival in the Alentejo region: The Game season in Alentejo starts at the end of September and October is the month that restaurants in this region show off their menu’s traditional game dishes that are only available in season (http://www.rt-planiciedourada.pt/ ).

Festival of the Saints in the North region: One of the largest events taking place in the city of Chanves. This is a traditional market fair showing a large and varied display of local handicrafts, food and produce (http://www.cm-chaves.pt/ ).

NOVEMBER
Festival of Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) at the town of Alvito, Alentejo region: Traditional market fair (http://www.cm-alvito.pt/ ).

National Horse Fair in Lisbon region: Taking place in the town of Golega. This is the most important event for horse breeders in Portugal. The festival includes several competitions and auctions.

Chocolate Festival at the town of Óbidos (Lisbon region): This event showcases a display of dishes which the main ingredient is chocolate. It also includes a chocolate confectioners competition and chocolate sculpture contest (http://www.rt-oeste.pt/ ).

The Chestnut Festival at Marvão, Alentejo region: The Chestnut is a favorite fruit in Portugal. This is the major traditional market for the local chestnut producers and includes also the selling of local handicraft and produce that is in season (http://www.cm-marvao.pt/ ).

Nicolinas in the North region: Celebrating the fall season, the Saint Nicolas festival in the city of Guimarães is also the oldest student party in the country. The festival features a farmers market, cultural events and competitions taking place right at the center of Guimarães (http://www.cm-guimaraes.pt/ ).

DECEMBER
New Year in Lisboa: New Year's is celebrated in Lisbon with several open air music concerts along the Tagus Bay ending with an impressive fireworks display (http://www.visitlisboa.com/ ).

New Year in Madeira Island: Madeira with mild temperature year round is a coveted destination by tourists at this time of the year. Along the bay of Funchal, music and dance performances are the highlight of the year's end celebrations. The fireworks display marking the New Year in the bay of Funchal is worldwide renown for its beauty and quality. This event gathers the largest concentration of cruise-liners in Madeira docked off-shore to celebrate the New Year and watch the impressive fireworks display.

Unspoiled Hawaii

THE AZORES ISLANDS

Just a 4 ½ flight out of Boston and the closest you can get to Europe the nine volcanic islands of the Azores, each with its own unique particularities, are similarly graced with natural beauty — lakes, volcanic cones and craters, stunning vistas and flower-covered landscapes.

Legend has it that the beautiful islands of the Azores are actually the mountaintops of the lost continent of Atlantis. The climate is temperate year-round—perfect for golf, sailing, tennis, hiking and other active pursuits. The island group also has excellent marinas throughout. Golf can be enjoyed on the islands of São Miguel and Terceira.

The islands
• Terceira offers visitors a blend of historic treasures and natural beauty. UNESCO has designated the 16th-century town of Angra do Heroísmo, the capital, as a World Heritage Site. A common sight is cerrados, fields enclosed by black stone walls. The island has an excellent 18-hole golf course and swimming pools created by volcanic rock formations.
• São Miguel is the largest of the Azores. A must-see sight is the island’s 25-square-mile crater holding two lakes, one deep blue and one emerald green. The town of Ponta Delgada features numerous historic buildings. The town of Furnas offers visitors the chance to sample cozido nas caldeiras das furnas, an authentic dish prepared in the traditional manner in which meat and vegetables are stewed in pits in the heat of the volcanic earth.
• Faial, presided over by the volcanic cone of Caldeira, provides excellent deep-sea fishing and is a popular port for yachts and cruise ships.
• Santa Maria is well-known for its excellent water-sports facilities, white-sand beaches, whitewashed houses and historic fortresses.
• Graciosa presents visitors with enchanting16th-century churches and Azorian windmills. The island’s seafood dishes, wines, brandy and angelica have been delighting visitors for centuries.
• São Jorge offers numerous options for nature-lovers, with its picturesque cliffs, lush vegetation and cedar woods surrounding. At Velas, the island’s quaint capital tourists can view 17th-century paintings at the São Jorge Church and gilded wood carvings at the Nossa Senhora da Conceição Church.
• Flores offers a full range of water-sport activities, as well as picturesque villages such as Fajãzinha and Fazenda das Lajes. The island is noted for its beautiful, natural landscape, including seven lakes near the island’s center.
• Pico is the site of Portugal’s highest peak (7,775 feet), an extinct volcano also named Pico. Visitors can learn about the Azores’ rich whaling heritage at the Museu dos Baleeiros, which has inspired many of the island’s handicrafts, including scrimshaw.
• Corvo is the tiniest of the Azores. An extinct volcano contains a crater lake with nine tiny islands. A simple but popular Corvo meal consists of delicious handmade cheese and corn bread made with locally grown corn.

Access
The islands of the Azores are linked by inter-island planes and boats, and are accessible from mainland Portugal by frequently scheduled flights (two-hours from Lisbon). Twice-weekly direct flights between Boston and Lisbon include a scheduled stop at Ponta Delgada, São Miguel.

Europe's window on a tropical world

MADEIRA ISLAND

This floating emerald of an island, with its green volcanic mountain and exotic blossom that flower year round, lies 610 miles from Portugal’s coast. Madeira, just 36 miles long and only 14 miles wide, is famous for its wine, embroidery and wickerwork.

Madeira’s temperate climate makes it a natural playground for all types of outdoor activities. Water-sports include water-skiing, sailing, windsurfing, snorkeling, scuba diving and deep sea fishing; action on land includes golf, tennis, hiking and horseback riding. Golfers can tee off at the 18-hole Palheiro Golf Course, a 15-minute drive from the island’s capital, Funchal.

Funchal teems with attractions, including cultural sights such as the Museu de Arte Sacra (Museum of Sacred Art) and a 15th century cathedral built by the Knights of the Order of Christ. Nightlife includes restaurants, a casino, and nightclubs. A tour of the Madeira Wine Company offers a history lesson and a chance to sample and purchase wines.

The Santa Maria de Colombo, a floating replica of Columbus’ galleon, sails twice a day on a two-and-a-half-hour cruise of Funchal Bay. The Jardim Botânico, on the outskirts of Funchal, displays plants from around the world.

Towns of interest include Monte, Camacha, Santo da Serra, Santana, Machico, Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão, Ribeira Brava, São Jorge and São Vicente.

Madeira’s Laurissilva Forest, designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, is the only region in the world containing living Tertiary Period representations from the “Macaronésia,” an ancient geographic region in which Madeira is included.

Access
Flight times from Lisbon are about 90 minutes. Madeira international airport is 11 miles northeast of Funchal, the island’s capital. A runway built in 2000 has increased capacity at the airport, allowing larger aircraft onto the island.

Historic treasures surrounded by scenic landscape

THE CENTER OF PORTUGAL

Bounded on the west by the Atlantic Coast and in the east by the Spanish border, the region lies in the center of Portugal.

It offers a wealth of historic attractions as well as coastal resort towns perfect for sun-and-fun seekers. It's a great recommendation for clients who like castles and numerous fortresses can be explored, many offering dramatic hilltop views. This is a fascinating region to explore by car, with one distinctive town after another along an easy-to-drive route. This region is also the site of the National Forest of Buçaco, located two miles southeast of the spa town of Luso. Buçaco combines history and natural beauty. Here visitors can tour a monastery, history museum and chapel, as well as enjoy shady walks through forests and natural grottoes.

Main Towns
• Aveiro, often referred to as the Venice of Portugal, is lined by beaches, bordered on one side by the sea and on the other by a vast lagoon. Aveiro can be toured via the effortless glide of a swan-necked moliceiro (kelp boat) along its central canals. The town is distinctive for its Art Nouveau architecture. About five miles south is the Boat Museum, devoted to chronicling the area’s seafaring history.
• Figueira da Foz is a lively, cosmopolitan resort with a marina and a casino. Popular sightseeing attractions include the archaeological exhibits at the Museum Dr. Santos Rocha, and Casa do Paço, the interior of which is lined with 8,000 delft tiles taken from a 17th-century shipwreck.
• Viseu’s architecture and monuments show a wide range of architectural styles. A highlight is the cathedral, exhibiting architectural influences from the 12th to 18th century
centuries.
• Guarda’s attractions include a 16th-century cathedral, a 17th-century church, the Old Jewish Quarter and a museum displaying paintings and archaeological discoveries. Guarda enjoys a beautiful backdrop of the Estrela mountain range.
• Coimbra, the birthplace of Portugal’s oldest university (and the world’s second oldest), was founded in 1290 and is still welcoming students today. Renowned for high-quality, hand-painted ceramics, and its 16th-century churches and cathedrals. Coimbra is known for a different style of fado, unique to the area, a softer, gentler version of fado performed only by men. Located just about nine miles from Coimbra are the Roman ruins of Conímbriga.
• Monsanto’s 12th-century castle affords panoramic views of the historic village and its environs.
• Belmonte features a 13th-century castle and a nearby Roman tower. Belmonte is notable for its historic Jewish community.
• Castelo Branco, a medieval town with numerous historic sites, is well known for the excellence of its embroidered silk bedspreads.
• Covilhã, is a town noted for its university and historical importance in the industrial manufacturing of wool. Covilhã provides access to the Natural Park of Serra da Estrela.

Access
The Central region of Portugal can be easily access either from the south (Lisbon) or from the north (Porto). The best way to tour the region is by car but major towns are also served by a deluxe railway system called Inter-Cidades or Alfa with regular schedules throughout the year.

Sun-splashed history and folk culture

THE ALENTEJO

The vast flat region of the Alentejo is situated in the southern part of Portugal, bordered by Spain to the east and the Algarve to the south.

The region reaches west to Lisbon and the Atlantic Ocean, where it offers visitors relaxation along its own inviting stretch of coastline. Spring and fall are the high season in the Alentejo, when the beauty of the countryside is at its peak.

Clients interested in history will enjoy the Alentejo’s hilltop towns, notable for their fortified castles and imposing medieval walls. Bird- watchers, eco-tourists and outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the variety of activities the countryside offers. Wine lovers, who come to explore the Alentejo region's wine estates and vineyards, are an increasingly popular market.

The Alentejo’s major city is Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Portugal’s most beautiful cities. Historic Évora features twisting cobblestone alleyways, charming squares and architectural treasures. Its ancient structures show the influence of Roman, Moorish and Renaissance-style architecture. Among the most popular sights is St. Francis Church.

Throughout the Alentejo region are colorful towns presenting varied views of Portuguese country life. These include Portalegre, Marvão, Beja, Alvito, Arraiolos, Vila Viçosa, Castelo de Vide, Elvas, Redondo, Santiago do Cacém and Estremoz. The area is known for its lively festivals, folklore and country fare.

Prehistoric megaliths are one of the region’s more unusual attractions; more than 130 of these mysterious creations have been found in the area.

Access
Although the Alentejo region is without an airport of its own, access is convenient by car. The 10-mile Vasco da Gama Bridge, which links Lisbon with points south and west of the capital, makes it an easy 90-minute drive to Évora.

Sun and beach at its best

THE ALGARVE

The Algarve's 100-mile expanse of shoreline offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Peak months are July and August; bookings at top properties should be made six months in advance.

The Algarve offers play on some of the most challenging and brilliantly designed golf courses in the world. Golfers can tee off on 32 courses in the Algarve, the highest concentration of courses in Portugal. The Algarve garners worldwide attention with its hosting of the Annual TAP Air Portugal Open every November, dating back to 1978. Major resorts offer golf programs that include a choice of courses plus instruction, meals and airport transfers.

Other options for active clients include hiking, cycling (including guided mountain bike trips), tennis, horseback riding, bird-watching and deep-sea fishing excursions. The latter depart in the summer from Alvor, Portimão and Vilamoura.

The Algarve is also one of Portugal’s most popular regions for meetings, conventions and incentives. Five-star resorts, hotels, and villas in every price range make it easy to tailor accommodations to your client’s individual needs.

The hub city of the Algarve is Faro. The preservation of the medieval city wall, several excellent museums, and many traces of Moorish and Gothic architecture pay homage to the past. Faro’s major sites of historic and cultural interest include the Sé, the city’s first Christian church; The City Museum; Maritime Museum; and the Ethnographic Museum. Shopping is best done at Santo António, a street lined with cafés and boutiques.

Access
The International Airport of Faro located right in the middle of the Algarve’s coast and the excellent bus system to and from Lisbon are both guarantee of easy access to this beautiful region. Driving from Lisbon to the Algarve takes only 3 hours and the tourist will be able to cross the beautiful Alentejo region.

Wine, river cruise & great food

CITY OF PORTO & NORTH PORTUGAL

From the big city excitement of the region’s capital, Porto, to the tranquil and beautiful scenery along the Douro River and valley, to the rugged and majestic mountains of the north, Roman ruins and medieval castles, this is one of the best kept secrets of Portugal.

Porto, the second largest city in Portugal, offers a colorful mix of historic sites and vibrant city life, while beautiful scenery can be enjoyed along the Douro River and Douro valley. Visitors will enjoy the winding alleys of the Old Town, the outdoor market that extends along the Douro River and the impressive iron bridges that span it. Tourists can also cruise the river in a flat-bottomed boat. A 50-minute excursion costs about $12 per person.

Major places of interest in Porto include: the Sé, a 12th-century fortress-cathedral; Clérigos Tower, a 249-foot hilltop combination tower and church; Palácio da Bolsa, the city’s Stock Exchange, housed in a 19th-century building; and Museu de Serralves, Porto’s first major museum of contemporary art, also the site of beautiful gardens with a wide variety of plants.

On the left bank of the Douro River from Porto is Vila Nova de Gaia, a town given over to the production and shipping of port wine. For centuries, the wine was unloaded on the riverbanks of Vila Nova de Gaia. The town is famous for its port-wine lodges. Many of its 60 wine cellars offer free 30-minute tours that conclude with a complimentary wine-tasting.

The Porto region has seven golf courses to choose from: Ponte de Lima, Estela, Oporto Golf Club and Amarante are all 18-hole facilities; Quinta da Barca, Miramar and Vidago have nine holes each. Beach and resort delights, including casinos, can be found nearby in the coastal towns of Póvoa de Varzim and Espinho.

Douro River and Valley
With the creation of new cruise options and itineraries, sailing the Douro River and valley is becoming increasingly popular. Most Porto Douro River cruises embark at Ribeira Quay in Porto. Your clients can choose from one-day sailings or multi-day excursions that combine city sightseeing with a tranquil river cruise. Some overnight cruises offer lodging and meals in historic Pousadas (reconverted Castles & Palaces). Numerous wine estates dot the area, offering tours and wine tasting.

The Mountains of Northern Portugal
The mountains in northern Portugal provide the opportunity to hike, cycle or horseback ride through awe-inspiring scenery. The Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês, Portugal’s largest national park, covers more than 270 square miles of mountains and valleys. The 28-square-mile Parque Natural do Alvão offers bird-watching and trout fishing in a setting that affords scenic river and hilltop views.

The Towns of Northern Portugal
The towns of northern Portugal offer an array of historic sites and varied landscapes:
• Vila Real: The Mateus Palace, two miles from the town of Vila Real, is a superb 18th-century Manor House. The palace is world-famous from its depiction on the Mateus Rose wine label.
• Lamego: The wine-producing town of Lamego is also the site of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios Sanctuary, a 14th-century hilltop chapel; the 12th century Sé; and the Museu de Lamego.
• Amarante: A city known for its Victorian riverside homes and tea houses, Amarante is also the site of the Church and Convent of São Gonçalo.
• Guimarães: It is here that Afonso Henriques proclaimed himself king of Portugal in the 12th century; the city’s castle is considered to be Portugal’s first historical monument.
• Ponte de Lima: A picturesque town with a Roman bridge and medieval towers.
• Vila do Conde: This fishing village is also a center for lace making.
• Braga: An ecclesiastical capital, with an excellent Old Quarter containing the nation’s oldest cathedral.
• Bragança: This walled city features a number of fascinating historic buildings, including the 12th-century Domus Municipalis.
• Chaves: A magnet for spa-goers and history buffs, attractions here include a 16-arch Roman bridge and a 14th-century castle.
• Vila Nova de Foz Côa: Cave paintings were discovered at the Côa Archaeological Park here. The town’s beautiful Manueline church is also worth a visit.
• Barcelos: Excellent shopping for handicrafts. Recommend the popular weekly market on Thursdays.
• Viana do Castelo: Two notable churches, São Domingos and Nossa Senhora da Caridade are among the highlights of this fortress town.

Access
Convenient air service links Porto airport, eight miles north of the city of Porto, with Lisbon and major international destinations including New York. Excellent train and bus service is also available.

LISBON AND SURROUNDINGS

Lisbon is a fascinating European capital that mixes a proud, historic past with a sophisticated and modern lifestyle. This 24-hour city with a population of about one million provides scores of sightseeing and shopping opportunities during the day and a range of mouth watering restaurants and nightlife venues that thrive until the sun comes up.

Three of the finest hotels in Lisbon are the Lisbon Four Seasons, offering traditional Portuguese hospitality, the fashionable Lapa Palace, and the Dom Pedro Hotel, which hosted President Clinton during his presidential visit to Portugal.

Access
Air: Lisbon’s International Airport is a convenient four miles from city center. It’s an easy matter for clients to hail a taxi. An alternative is a shuttle bus operating 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. between the airport and central locations in Lisbon.

Cruise: Lisbon is one of Europe’s busiest cruise ship ports, with more than 200 calls each year. Lisbon’s first-class port facilities include three passenger terminals in the heart of the city, all of which are within easy walking distance of Lisbon’s central attractions.

Getting Around: Trams, buses and subways crisscross the city, while public elevators help pedestrians avoid hiking the steepest hills. The #28 tourist tram is especially popular, providing excellent sightseeing through some of the capital’s most colorful districts.

Lisbon’s Famous Districts
In the center of Lisbon are three colorful neighborhoods that contain many of the city’s most important and popular sites:
• Alfama is a neighborhood with a Moorish ambience of narrow alleyways, steep streets, and delightful local restaurants and cafés. Attractions include: St. George’s Castle, providing panoramic views of the city; Sé, or Cathedral, built in 1150; Museum of Decorative Arts, housed in a 17th-century palace; and Casa do Fado, a museum devoted to fado music.
• Bairro Alto, a hilltop district dating from the 16th century, is known for its vibrant nightlife, restaurants, cafés and shops. Sites of interest include the São Roque, a 16th-century Baroque church; and the Museu do Chiado, exhibiting artwork created between 1850-1950.
• Baixa, Lisbon’s commercial center, offers a multitude of city squares, banks, offices, restaurants, theaters and shops. Places of interest include the Jardim Botânico, a 10-acre botanical garden; and the eclectic Museum of Geography.

Museums and Other Attractions
There are numerous cultural and historical museums that fall outside the boundaries of the Alfama, Bairro Alto and Baixa districts. The selection that follows is only a partial listing.
• National Museum of Ancient Art showcases European and Asian masterpieces, with an especially impressive collection of Portuguese art. The collection of paintings, the largest in Portugal, is housed in a 17th-century palace.
• The Gulbenkian Museum is home to one of Europe’s largest and finest private collections of paintings, period furniture, ceramics and tapestries, as well as a coin collection spanning 5,000 years. Periods and styles represented include Egyptian, Classical, Mesopotamian, Islamic, Far Eastern and European.
•National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo), exhibits decorative azulejos (tiles) in a 14th-century convent. The museum shows the evolution of Portuguese tile art—one of Portugal’s most important forms of artistic expression.

Nations Park
Nations Park features stunning modern architecture as well as restaurants, bars, relaxing gardens and attractions geared toward families. The Park’s major attraction is the Oceanarium, with 25,000 fish, birds and mammals in a strikingly designed, two-story aquarium, which re-creates the entire global scene. For interactive displays about science and technology, visit the Knowledge Pavilion. Suggest your clients to take the cable car to get from the north to the south end of the park.

Cruise the Tagus Bay
Besides the regular sightseeing services on land, there are also two-hour Tagus river trips to view the city and its monuments. River trips depart twice a day, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., April to October. Boarding is at Praça do Comércio; additional stops are made in Belém and Parque das Nações. Your clients can enjoy the beauty of the Tagus estuary and Lisbon itself, from the city’s river banks to the old quarters perched atop the city’s seven hills. While your clients take in the sights and enjoy a delicious cup of tea or coffee, guides will tell them of Lisbon’s history, forged by immortal navigators and seamen.

Shopping
Lisbon has many high-quality shops and shopping districts. Recommend the city’s main shopping districts to dedicated shoppers. These include the ancient Baixa and Chiado quarters; the Avenida João XXI; Avenida de Roma, Guerra Junqueiro; Campo de Ourique, Avenida da Liberdade and Chiado. All of the above offer upscale shopping. The shops of Amoreiras, Colombo and the newly opened Vasco da Gama Shopping Malls offer even more national and international stores. Lisbon’s antique shops are mostly concentrated in Rua Dom Pedro V, Rua do Alecrim and Rua de São Bento.

Shops are generally open from 9 or 10 a.m., close at 1 p.m. and reopen from 3 to 7 p.m., except on Saturdays when some shops close for the day at lunch. Shopping Malls are open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. or midnight. Some of them are partially open on Sunday and holidays.

FADO-The Song of Lisbon
Lisbon’s trademark is heart-wrenching fado, an expressive musical art that combines elements of singing and narrative poetry. Like the blues, fado expresses longing and sorrow. The music owes much to the concept known as saudade, meaning a longing both for what has been lost, and for what has never been attained, which perhaps accounts for its emotional power. These melancholy emotional tales of lost loves are a true embodiment of saudade. The singer, called a Fadista, is usually dressed in black and accompanied by the Portuguese guitar. For an up-to-date list of places ask your clients to confer with the hotel concierge.