GROUP CONFERENCE - INFORMATION 1. SINTRA DESTINATION INFORMATION Sintra is a resort town in the foothills of Portugal s Sintra Mountains, near the capital, Lisbon. A long-time royal sanctuary, its forested terrain is studded with pastel-coloured villas and palaces. The Moorish and Manueline style Sintra National Palace is distinguished by dramatic twin chimneys and elaborate tilework. The hilltop 19th-century Pena National Palace is known for a whimsical design and sweeping views.
PORTUGESE HISTORY AND CULTURE The culture of Portugal is the result of a complex flow of different civilisations during the past millennia. The name of Portugal itself reveals much of the country's early history, stemming from the Roman name Portus Cale, a Latin name meaning "Port of Cale" (some argue that Cale is a word of Celtic origin - Cailleach- Bheur her other name; the Mother goddess of the Celtic people as in Calais, Caledonia, Beira. She was the one who, with a hammer created mountains and valleys; the one who hid in stones and trees - Mother nature), later transformed into Portucale, and finally into Portugal, which emerged as a county of the Kingdom of León see County of Portugal) and became an independent kingdom in 1139. During the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal was a major economic, political, and cultural power, its global empire stretching from Brazil to the Indies, as well as Macau and Japan. Portugal, as a country with a long history, is home to several ancient architectural structures, as well as typical art, furniture and literary collections mirroring and chronicling the events that shaped the country and its peoples. It has a large number of cultural landmarks ranging from museums to ancient church buildings to medieval castles, which testify its rich national cultural heritage. Portugal is home to fifteen UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ranking it 8th in Europe and 17th in the world. Average temperatures in June: Minimum 15 o C /Maximum 23 o C Sea temperature 17 o C Time difference: BST +0 Sintra s unit of currency is the Euro Denominations: Coins: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, 1, 2 Notes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 1EUR = 200PTE 1GBP = 236PTE 1CHF = 183PTE 1ILS = 50.75 1ZAR = 13.85 (Approx. at May 2017) Plug Sockets: Type F, 2 Pin
2. PENHA LONGA RESORT Escape to Penha Longa Resort, a Sintra luxury hotel set within a 1355 monastery, originally serving as a retreat for Portuguese royalty. Set among rolling hills, lush gardens and tranquil mountain lakes, Penha Longa resort, one of the most stunning luxury resorts in Portugal, offers a rare opportunity to explore the breath-taking beauty of the Estoril coastal region from a palazzo-style estate, while enjoying elegant accommodations, world-class dining, championship golf and a lavish spa. Let us help you plan your getaway to a retreat enjoyed by royalty since the 14th century. Penha Longa Resort is a historic estate that traces its origins back to the 14th century when both hermit monks and Lisbon royalty called the tranquil Sintra Mountains home. Today, guests will experience the very same sense of beauty and calm at one of the top resorts near Lisbon, which immerses you in its legendary surroundings from the moment you arrive with: 194 well-appointed guest rooms Five exceptional dining facilities 27 World Class holes 27 Signature Holes designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. A Thai-inspired Spa with more than 1,500 square-meter More than 27 meeting and breakout rooms mostly set in a 14th century Monastery Numerous indoor and outdoor recreational amenities www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/europe/penha-longa
3. USEFUL INFORMATION HOTEL INFORMATION The Spa: reservations can be made by calling +351 219239650 ext. 1000. We encourage you to reserve treatments at least one week in advance (for your own account during free time periods). Wifi is available throughout the hotel The Wellness centre offers: o Yoga Classes o Personal Trainer o Cardiovascular & Strength Training o Treadmills and cycles o Free weights o Indoor and outdoor swimming pools (*NB. Swimming caps must be worn when using the indoor pool, you can purchase one from the hotel for 5 Euros) i GENERAL INFORMATION The official languages of Sintra are Portuguese and English Since 1 st January 2008, smoking has been prohibited in enclosed public spaces in Portugal National Emergency Number: 112 i OPTIONS FOR FREE TIME ACTIVITIES IN THE HOTEL GOLF & MINI GOLF Ranked among the top 30 courses in Continental Europe, the 27-hole course at Penha Longa Resort designed by the famed Robert Trent Jones, Jr. is escapist golf at its best. With its bold drives, courageous approaches and artful greens, it is both an adrenalin rush and a soothing journey through one of Portugal's most inspiring landscapes. Exciting at every turn, this championship challenge and host to the Portuguese Open is a master test of variety and thrills. Penha Longa Golf courses offer three different circuits: Atlantic Championship, Atlantic North and Atlantic South, providing completely different experiences throughout the amazing hills of Sintra and Penha Longa Resort. The 9 holes course takes more or less 2 and half hours to complete, this not require a handicap. Rental rates (9 holes): Manual Trolley 5.00 Electric Trolley 13.50 Cart 35.00 Golf Set 45.00 A Mini Golf course is also available for guests to use free of charge.
4. WHAT TO BRING Swimwear the hotel will provide towels. Please note that to use the indoor swimming pool facilities it is compulsory to wear a swim hat (this can be purchased at hotel for EUR5) Comfortable shoes (including trainers, for the challenges) Sun cream Sun hat Sun glasses Travel sickness tablets if you suffer from travel sickness Spending money (for souvenirs, taxi s and any extra alcoholic beverages outside of our agenda) Camera, charger and or camera phone A jumper/cardigan/jacket as it does gets chilly in the evening Please note: rucksacks, miniature sunscreen and wet wipes will be supplied 5. USEFUL PORTUGESE PHRASES English Portuguese Pronunciation Hello Olá oh-la Hi Oi Oy (informal) Goodbye Adeus ah-deuzh Good morning Bom dia Boh-n dih-ahor Good evening Boa noite Boh-ah tahr-jia How are you? Como está? Coh-moh esh-tah? Yes Sim Sim No Não now Please Por favor Pooh-r fah-voh-r Thank you obrigado o-brig-a-do Excuse me Com licença co-lee-sensah