Destination: Portugal

Transcription

1 Destination: Portugal At the extreme south-western edge of Europe lies a land that is often forgotten by the crowds and passed over as a holiday destination; Portugal! And that's its big advantage as here one can find just about everything that other more popular destinations offer, but with less crowding, less commercialism and generally, less expense! From the hustle of a modern and picturesque capital city where new and old mix harmoniously, across mountains and plains, through vineyards and meadows, along endless beaches and stunning coastlines to the most unspoilt and tranquil islands, Portugal offers all this and much, much more. Portugal has emerged from its 'poor cousin' status and is embracing tourism in a mature and thoughtful fashion, welcoming travellers to this open, hospitable and friendly society. Nowhere here is too far from the sea, making the national delight in seafood an almost countrywide obsession. No visit would be complete without this treat. Also sample the fine wines and local cheeses for some very pleasant surprises. Unlike many modern cities, Lisbon with its colourful history, yellow trams (street cars) and Latin lifestyle has retained its vibrancy and much of its charm. Wander the old centre, rebuilt in the 18th Century then catch the tram to Belém, home of the famous custard tarts, 'pastéis de nata'. Prepared by Elsa Valadas

2 Famous for its beaches, the Algarve forms the southern coastal strip. Most will arrive and depart through the airport in Faro; it's fairly central allowing good access to the charming holiday destinations on this entrancing coast. Porto is attractively set at the mouth of the River Douro on who's banks grow the grapes that make the famous Port wine named after Portugal's second city. Once the site of a major Napoleonic battle, charming lanes run down to the river walks that define this region. Take a boat trip up the river for a better view. Coimbra is Portugal's academic centre and was for a short time, its original capital. It is home to one of Europe's oldest Universities and contains some wonderful architecture. Relax and listen to Coimbra's particular style of Fado, Portugal's traditional music. The main wine-producing region is Alentejo, also well known for its cheeses and smoked hams, where medieval villages and prehistoric monuments characterise this timeless land. Visit Évora, a historic city dating back over 2 millennia complete with Roman monuments. There are so many interesting places to see in Portugal that words can hardly do it justice; the best option is, of course, to come and see for yourself! Prepared by Elsa Valadas

3 Suggested Program 10 June 2013 Arrival of the group at Lisbon airport. Transfer to the hotel. Remaining day and evening at leisure Overnight at hotel Pestana Palace HOTEL PESTANA PALACE One of The Leading Hotels of the World Located in Alto de Santo Amaro, one of Lisbon s quietest residential areas, the Palácio Valle Flor has been reawakened. The new Pestana Palace is pleased to receive its guests in a stylish 19th century building, former residence of counts and marquises now reborn after a long and careful restoration. Classified as a national monument and located just 10 km from Lisbon International Airport, the hotel boasts unparalleled views over the River Tagus. Each of its 177 classically-designed rooms and 17 suites is fully equipped with analogical and digital ISDN telephone lines and Internet access, direct dialling, voice mail, cable television, air conditioning and central heating, mini-bar and in-room safe. Non-smoking rooms are available. Overlooking the hotel s magnificent private park, the Valle Flor Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. During the milder months of the year, guests can enjoy al fresco dining in the garden restaurant. The bar adjacent to the palace restaurant offers a light menu and live music on weekday evenings. 11 June 2013 Breakfast at Pestana Palace hotel Pick up the group at your hotel by a deluxe bus and our English-speaking guide and head towards Estrela Quarter, where private tram will be waiting to take the group through the Old quarters of Lisbon. For the Trams, Lisbon has no secrets, as these Old Trams have climbed its hills many times and have witnessed the city development; they know every corner of the old quarters as well as the large avenues. Prepared by Elsa Valadas

4 We will then stop at Alfama for a small walking tour up to the Castle of St George where magnificent views can be admire of the city of Lisbon. After this we suggest guests to stop at Downtown Lisbon and do a walking tour through the old streets with our guide to discover the typical corners Lunch at restaurant Casa do Leão located inside the Castle. After lunch transfer to hotel Tram Location - (20 seats is the maximum capacity of each tram) In the evening dinner at leisure Overnight at Pestana Palace 12 June 2013 Breakfast at Pestana Palace Departure from the hotel directly to Queluz Palace and visit Queluz Palace (Queluz Palace) The Palace was commissioned by Prince Dom Pedro, the future King Pedro III, in 1747 and was completed after the Prince s marriage to Queen Maria I (1760). Queluz Palace is a prime example of a style and epoch in which theatricality; appearance and open spaces were at premium. The Palace is sometimes compared to the Palace at Versailles, because of its elegant façades, its beautiful gardens and baroque fountains, statues and secluded locations but is nevertheless truly Portuguese in its scale and artistic spirit. The Palace is the official residence of foreign dignitaries who are guests to the Portuguese state and it also hosts many concerts, exhibitions and historical recreations. After proceed to Sintra and visit Pena Palace An astonishing castellated building standing on rocks beautifully portrays the Romantic spirit of the 19th century. The visit to the Palace will be also done by our own official guide, which has a very good knowledge of the architecture and culture of our history ATT only 31 seater coaches go up to Pena Palace. Lunch at restaurant Mar do Guincho After lunch proceed to Roca Cape, the westernmost tip of continental Europe and return to Lisboa passing by Cascais. Remaining afternoon at leisure In the evening dinner at leisure Overnight at Pestana Palace Prepared by Elsa Valadas

5 13 June 2013 Breakfast at Pestana Palace Followed By FULL DAY ÉVORA Roman route. Drive across the world s largest cork region for an exciting journey into the past. In Évora, capital of the province of Alentejo, visit to the ruins of the Roman Temple, the Romanesque Cathedral, the Bones Chapel and the University. A walk around the streets will help you to enjoy this typical town considered World Heritage by UNESCO. Lunch at leisure After lunch proceed with the visit and return to hotel In the evening dinner as follows: Restaurante Jardim do Paço Located in the historical centre of Évora, by the Diana Temple it is the ideal place to have a good typical meal and to relax. For more information please check Overnight at Pousada of Arraiolos Prepared by Elsa Valadas

6 POUSADA OF ARRAIOLOS The Pousada de Arraiolos, Nossa Sra. Assunção, is an example of perfect harmony between the traditional and modern concepts of Portuguese architecture, adapting the austerity of a convent to today's standards of comfort and well-being. The starting point for this Pousada was the restoration of a sixteenth century convent situated in a valley in Arraiolos, a city that is world-famous for its carpets. This luxury hotel in Arraiolos is a wonderful excuse to get to know the traditional art of carpetmaking. Architect: José Paulo dos Santos 14 June 2013 Breakfast at POUSADA OF ARRAIOLOS Depart to Marvão This tranquil town is completely surrounded by walls dating from the 13th to the 17th century. From the narrow streets filled with neat white houses a spectacular view can be obtained, as Marvão stands at more than 862 meters high. Near Marvão, one can play golf at Vale da Aramenha What to see: 15th century mother church and the Municipal Museum, open in the former church of Santa Maria and displaying local ethnological and cultural traditions and archaeological findings. Rua do Espírito Santo, with the former governor s house exhibiting beautiful iron-wrought balconies from the 17th century, leads to the castle, mostly built by King Dinis in 1299 and dominating the village. Proceed to Castelo de Vide and visit: Located among olive groves and chestnut trees in the cool mountain region of São Mamede, Castelo de Vide is often referred to as the Sintra of the Alentejo. Scattered with monuments, this pretty spa town is a place of roses, fountains, orchards and old houses. Steep alleyways lead up to the castle through a 16th-century village, which is enriched with some of the most impressive Gothic entrances in Portugal. Prepared by Elsa Valadas

7 What to see: King Denis began building the castle but it was his son, Afonso IV, who completed it in It was successfully defended by an Anglo-Portuguese force against the Spanish in June The town's oldest chapel, the 13th-century Salvador do Mundo, boasts a much-admired painting called Flight into Egypt by an unknown artist. The Jewish Quarter located in the east side of the Medieval town has cobble streets Lunch at a local restaurant After lunch proceed to Viseu Visitors can admire the 15th-century Porta do Soar de Cima, a remnant of the original walls, the graceful Rococo façade of the Misericordia Church (18th century), or the two-towered 17th-century cathedral. The enthralling old town displays a labyrinth of narrow streets where one discovers Manueline windows, old tinsmiths and curious little shops Dinner at the Pousada Overnight at Pousada of Viseu POUSADA OF VISEU The setting for the Pousada de Viseu is the former São Teotónio Hospital, which was originally opened in Atop the entrance to this majestic, imposing building, three statues, Faith, Hope and Charity, stand looking out over the old city. In 1799, D. Maria I obliged every county in the former district of Viseu to pay a contribution of one real towards the cost of the building. In March 2007, work began to convert the former hospital into what is now the Pousada de Viseu, designed by architect Gonçalo Byrne. 15 June 2013 Breakfast at Pousada of Viseu Depart Viseu And head towards the Douro area where we will visit Quinta da Pacheca: Prepared by Elsa Valadas

8 One of the best known estates in the Douro region, was also one of the first properties to bottle wine under its own label. It is first mentioned in a document dated April 1738, where is it referred as Pacheca s, because it was property of D. Mariana Pacheco Pereira. But it was only in 1903, when Dom José Freire de Serpa Pimentel decided to develop his interest in oenology, that he bought the estate and began to seriously dedicate himself to the risky business of winemaking. Today, a century and many successes later, a brand-new generation of the Serpa Pimentel family is at the head of Quinta da Pacheca: Maria, Catarina and José are the young new faces of this family old company. Lunch and wine tasting at Quinta da Pacheca After lunch proceed to Vila Real where we are going to visit Solar de Mateus: The Palace, House or Solar de Mateus is one of the mst significant Portuguese civil architecture buildings of the Baroque Period. In fact, despite the many issues about the authors that are still not very clear, in this sumptuous manor house it is possible to observe two architectonic models of higher erudition. And not only for the decorative motives of the façade, as it is common in most of the building s of this period. Here one can find all the Baroque architecture elements, namely symmetry, axiality, the uninterrupted frontons, the balustrades, the stairways and the high pinnacles. The construction date is not certain. In 1743 the archbishop D. José de Bragança was informed that António José Botelho Mourão had demolished a palace to build another one way better. Nowadays the Mateus House is managed by the Foundation with the same name, founded in 1971, and directed by the family. Several cultural activities (music concerts and courses, exhibitions, the literary award D, Dinis, congresses, seminars, among others) are often organized, and also the library and the museum are opened to the public. Dinner at a local restaurant Overnight at Hotel Vidago Palace HOTEL VIDAGO PALACE located in Vidago Nestling in 321 acres (130 hectares) of magnificent parkland, the Vidago Palace Hotel is a landmark accommodation set in the heart of Northern Portugal. Located just an hour's drive east of Porto's international airport, the totally-renovated and newly-upgraded five-star property has been brought back to its former glory in full keeping with its history, exquisite beauty and architectural heritage. Top Portuguese architects designed the interior of the clubhouse, while José Pedro Vieira and Diogo Rosa Lã oversaw the refurbishment of the hotel, focusing on Prepared by Elsa Valadas

9 preserving the Belle Époque style but at the same time bringing the facilities in line with 21st-century expectations. The result is a chic 70-room hotel offering a wide selection of room categories ranging from Standard and Superior rooms (some with outdoor patios), to sumptuous Suites with an entrance hall and walk-in closet, all with Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, video-on-demand, wide-screen LCD satellite TV, minibar and electronic safe. A particular highlight is the hotel s restaurant with its Portuguese and regional cuisine and extensive wine list. Of equal note is the 2500sqm Vidago Spa with 20 treatment rooms, utilizing the therapeutic and curative mineral water collected from the granitic wells of the grounds. 16 June 2013 Breakfast at Hotel Vidago Palace After visiting Amarante, proceed to Braga: Founded by the Celts in 300 B.C. and a Roman administrative center in 27 B.C., Bracara Augusta, as the Romans named it, combines the religious importance with today's commercial and industrial prosperity. To visit: the Cathedral (12th-18th centuries), the Treasury and Sacred Art Museum; the Museum at the Biscainhos Palace; and the Dom Diogo de Sousa Museum. Also deserving to be visited are the churches of Misericórdia (Renaissance), Pópulo (17th-18th centuries) and of Nossa Senhora Branca (18th century). On the outskirts, 5 km away from the center, stands the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, with its monumental Baroque staircase; the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora do Sameiro; the ancient Monastery of Tibães, dating back to the Suevian period and rebuilt in the 11th century, and the Church of São Frutuoso de Montélios (7th century Visigothic temple). Proceed to Ponte de Lima where guests will have lunch at leisure. After lunch visit Viana do Castelo and end the day at Guimarães. Dinner at the Pousada Overnight at Pousada of Santa Marinha Prepared by Elsa Valadas

10 POUSADA OF SANTA MARINHA - GUIMARÃES Near the historical centre of Guimarães, set on a hill overlooking the city, we find the majestic Pousada de Guimarães, Santa Marinha, a former XII Century Augustin Monastery, which after being rebuilt and restored, received the National Architectural Prize in This historic luxury hotel has unique charming points, like the superb gardens, to be counted among the best Portuguese s gardens, a magnificent stone staircase and an artificial lake can be found among the trees. The rich Portuguese glazed tiles, the cloisters, the terraces over the city will, together with the magnificent cuisine and wines, make you wish to stay for a very long time 17 June 2013 Breakfast at Pousada of Santa Marinha Tour of the city of Guimarães: Portugal's birthplace, with medieval castle and walls, houses a magnificently well preserved historic center. In the cloisters of the Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira is the Alberto Sampaio Museum; in the cloister of São Domingos Convent is the Martins Sarmento Museum; and in the ancient Dominican Convent is the Sacred Art Museum. Also deserving special mention are the medieval palace of the Dukes of Bragança (15th century), the Church of São Miguel (Romanesque), the Church of Santos Passos (Baroque), and the Monastery of Santa Marinha da Costa (a pousada). Nearby lies the early settlement of Briteiros Lunch at leisure After lunch proceed to Porto Dinner at restaurant Don Tonho: Located in Ribeira just in front of the river Douro, the restaurant D.Tonho is distinguished for its quality dishes and refined presentation. Attentive and efficient service. D. Tonho is certainly a recommended restaurant for a delicious and unforgettable meal. Prepared by Elsa Valadas

11 Overnight at Pousada do Freixo - Porto POUSADA DO FREIXO - Porto Designed by the architect Nasoni and built in the mid 18th century, the Palácio do Freixo (Freixo Palace) is one of the most remarkable examples of Portuguese civil architecture from the baroque period. The Pousada has preserved the entire façade of the palace buildings, which became a National Monument in The property consists of two separate but interconnected buildings: the Palácio (or palace), which houses the restaurant, bar, lounges and meeting rooms; and the former Harmonia Flour Factory, where the rooms are to be found, some of them boasting a magnificent view over the river. The charming setting, the cuisine and the considerable on-site capacity make this the ideal choice not only for those seeking leisure pursuits but also as a venue for major events, encounters and meetings. 18 June 2013 Breakfast at Pousada do Freixo Visit to Porto The North's most important city lent its name to the famous wine and to Portugal. One must stroll around its typical quarters (especially the area on the waterside the "zona ribeirinha") and its bustling downtown. To visit: the Stock Exchange Palace, the Roman-Gothic Cathedral, the Church of Cedofeita (Romanesque), the Clérigos Tower (Oporto's exlibris) and Church; the Church of São Francisco, of Romanesque origin and with its gilded carvings, and the Church of Carmo, with its tiled facades. Museums: Soares dos Reis, Casa de Serralves, Casa Museu de Guerra Junqueiro. One should not miss a visit to the wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia and free tasting of the famous port wine. Lunch and afternoon at leisure Evening at leisure Overnight at Pousada do Freixo Prepared by Elsa Valadas

12 19 June 2013 Breakfast at Pousada do Freixo On this day, depart from Porto towards Coimbra Coimbra has many, many things to see, but what makes it different is that has one of the oldest Universities in Europe. But Before going to the University we suggest a small walking tour through downtown, passing through the Cathedral. Old Cathedral dates back to 1184 and it is still a fine example of Romanesque architecture. We then follow to the University, founded in Lisbon 1290, it was definitely transferred to the Royal Palace of Coimbra, in Noble portal, in baroque style, crowned by a escutcheon. -Interior with three rooms connected by arches whose structure is similar to the one from the portal. -Walls covered with two storied book shelves in golden and polychromatic exotic wood, made by the painter Manuel da Silva. -The Library with about books, remarking examples of Medicine, Geography, History, Humanities, Sciences, Law, Philosophy and Theology. After the visit to the University, lunch at leisure Dinner at the Hotel Overnight at HOTEL BUSSACO PALACE***** Coimbra Royal and unique. A true fairy tale castle in an enchanted forest: the legendary Palace built for the last Kings of Portugal in 1885, now amongst the most beautiful and historical hotels of the world. Located north of Coimbra amidst the Bussaco National Park and resplendent in its Manueline-Gothic architecture, the hotel retains the original sumptuous antique furnishings, valuable paintings by notable artists and magnificent historical azulejos. Its restaurant and house wines are worth the journey. This traditional landmark of true hospitality awakes lasting impressions of perfection, where each visit is only surpassed by the next one. The best example of what a truly grand hotel should be - welcome. Prepared by Elsa Valadas

13 20 June 2013 Breakfast at HOTEL BUSSACO PALACE Departure towards Fátima: Visit Fátima the Holy Marian Shrine, world famous pilgrimage site, where the Virgin Mary appeared to the three little Shepherds for the first time on the 13th of May Proceed to Batalha. visit the monastery, a masterpiece of Gothic-Manueline architecture, considered one of the finest pieces of architecture in the World and often described as a poem in stone. Proceed to Alcobaça Monumental Cistercian Abbey of Santa Maria, founded in 1152 (classified in UNESCO's International Heritage list). Inside: Gothic tombs of King Pedro I and Inês de Castro; cloisters; the Chapter House and immense kitchen. Óbidos, a small village completely surrounded by ancient defence walls with some precious monuments, fine towers and the medieval castle Prepared by Elsa Valadas

14 Lunch at leisure After lunch proceed to your Convention hotel in Lisbon End of our services See next page for costs Prepared by Elsa Valadas

15 Cost for above program Min. 60 Pax Price will be 1870 per person (Two sharing room) or 2526 for single room occupancy. The above rates include: * Accommodation with breakfast at the stated hotels * Private deluxe air conditioned bus as per above program * Official guide assistance as per above program * Guide and driver expenses * Entrance fee at Lisbon Castle (01 per person) * Entrance fee at Queluz Palace (01 per person) * Ride of the group in private tram as mentioned in above program * Entrance fee at Pena Palace (01 per person) * Entrance fee in Evora (01 per person) * Lunch at Casa do Leão in Lisbon (starter, 1 main course, dessert, ½ bottle of wine, mineral water and coffee per person. * Lunch at rest. Mar do Guincho in Cascais (starter, 1 main course, dessert, ½ bottle of wine, mineral water and coffee per person * Dinner in Evora (starter, 1 main course, dessert, ½ bottle of wine, mineral water and coffee per person * Lunch at local restaurant in Castelo de Vide (starter, 1 main course, dessert, ½ bottle of wine, mineral water and coffee per person * Dinner Pousada of Viseu (starter, 1 main course, dessert, ½ bottle of wine, mineral water and coffee per person * Lunch and wine tasting at Quinta da Pacheca (starter, 1 main course, dessert, ½ bottle of wine, mineral water and coffee per person * Dinner at local restaurant in Amarante (starter, 1 main course, dessert, ½ bottle of wine, mineral water and coffee per person * Dinner Pousada of Guimarães (starter, 1 main course, dessert, ½ bottle of wine, mineral water and coffee per person * Dinner at rest. Dom Tonho (starter, 1 main course, dessert, ½ bottle of wine, mineral water and coffee per person * Dinner at HOTEL BUSSACO PALACE (starter, 1 main course, dessert, ½ bottle of wine, mineral water and coffee per person * Entrance fee at Solar Mateus (01 per person) * Entrance fee at Guimarães (01 per person) * Entrance fee at Stock Exchange Palace in Porto (01 per person) * Entrance fee at Coimbra University * Entrance fee at Solar de Mateus * Entrance fee at Batalha Monastery * All taxes and services Payment Terms : Deposit 15% by 30 th June 2012 Interim Payment 35% by 21 st December 2012 Final Balance 50% by 12 th April 2013 Cancellation Conditions: up to 28 th September 2012 full refund will be made 29 th Sept to 12 th April refund less 15%. After 12 th April 2013 no refund (Full amount payable) Prepared by Elsa Valadas