A PIECE OF PORTUGUESE LAND
A PIECE OF PORTUGUESE LAND Portugal is a genuine country that reveals itself in this journey which starts in the South and heads towards North, through unforgettable roads of flavors, colors and traditions, in fabulous and unique places, since scenic villages to cosmopolitan cities. The starting point is unknown Algarve, countryside, rich in salt mining, fauna and flora, and authentic in traditional products and mountain range handicraft. Then we will continue to Alentejo, a calm region which communicates a profound feeling of relaxation, result of the millennial endurance of men, which always worked on the land for their livelihood. The country´s best wines are from Alentejo, which we will know since vine variety to winery, and to be proudly served at tables to accompany enogastronomic lunches, authentic flavor festivals. Still in Alentejo, we will visit Évora, Unesco’s world heritage, and then we will climb towards historic villages, born in stones and surrounded by snow in Winter. The cold snow and the comfort of the best mountain hotel in the country will become unforgettable days of Winter. The journey continues to Coimbra and passes through Braga and Guimarães, Portugal´s birthplace. And obviously Porto, the country´s second most important city and one of the most scenic, in which tradition and modernism go hand in hand. A ride along the river and a visit to wine cellars, with a wine and chocolate tasting, will certainly give the urge to get back to this lovely town and to Douro. We will follow Douro but this time by train until an astonishing wine-growing region, all in terrace, full of light, of life and wisdom of generations producing the fabulous Port Wine, which we will taste while looking at the water, surrounded by the tranquility of the terrace. Through the highest viewpoint of the area we could catch a glimpse of the amazing landscapes waiting for us.
A passage through Fátima, an important place of faith, and through the fort village of Óbidos , as we go towards Lisbon, the country’s capital. Cosmopolitan and modern, and at the same time traditional with its neighborhoods full of clothes drying at the windows and fado, the national song world heritage which describes “saudade” very well, the Portuguese feeling (missing something or someone). In this journey, we will see an historic and provincialist Lisbon and also a traditional and fado singer. Lastly, Sintra, charming and romantic, with alleys where it feels like ramble endlessly. This is an unique journey. A journey full of remarkable moments and unforgettable experiences, in which all will take forever inside a piece of Portuguese land.
A PIECE OF PORTUGUESE LAND HIGHLIGHTS Visits through cities and Portuguese villages, many of them designated by Unesco as World Heritage Site. Opportunity to visit working salt mines. Visits to vineyards, wine cellars, taste wines, wine spirits and liqueurs. Taste the authentic and typical Portuguese gastronomy. Listen to “fado vadio” in a characteristic neighborhood in Lisbon. Take a boat ride along Douro which ends with a visit to wine cellars, with a Port Wine and chocolate tasting. Feel the tranquility of Alentejo. Meet countryside and natural Algarve, rich in fauna and flora.
ITINERARY
DAY 0 ARRIVAL IN FARO, ALGARVE, PORTUGAL. ACCOMMODATION FARO. MEALS AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE.
IN
Day 1 DEPARTURE TO LOULÉ. VISIT TO SALT MINES. VISIT AND LIQUEUR ALGARVE’S LIQUEUR FACTORY. DINNER IN QUERENÇA. ACCOMMODATION IN LOULÉ. LUNCH AND DINNER INCLUDED. TASTING IN
DAY 2 VISIT
TO THE
RESERVA NATURAL
DO
SAPAL
DE
CASTRO MARIM,
RICH IN FAUNA AND FLORA, SPIRIT TASTING AND VISIT TO LOCAL CRAFTSMEN.
TRANSFER TO MÉRTOLA. DINNER MÉRTOLA. FREE TIME TO EAT.
AND ACCOMMODATION IN
DAY 3 WALK THROUGH THE HISTORIC CENTER OF MÉRTOLA AND VISIT TO MINAS DE SÃO DOMINGOS . LUNCH IN MOREANES. DEPARTURE TO THE CITY OF BEJA AND VISIT TO THE HISTORIC CENTER. DINNER AND ACCOMMODATION IN BEJA. LUNCH AND DINNER INCLUDED. DAY 4 HERDADE DOS GROUS IN ALBERNOA (BEJA). VISIT TO THE WINERY, WINE TASTING AND ENOGASTRONOMIC LUNCH. DEPARTURE TO THE MEDIEVAL VILLAGE OF MONSARAZ FOR THE AFTERNOON VISIT. DINNER AND ACCOMMODATION IN REGUENGOS DE MONSARAZ. LUNCH AND DINNER INCLUDED. DAY 5 HERDADE DO ESPORÃO IN REGUENGOS DE MONSARAZ. WORKSHOP OF TRADITIONAL ALENTEJO SOUPS. VISIT TO THE FARM, WINERY AND WINE CELLAR. ENOGASTRONOMIC LUNCH. DEPARTURE TO ÉVORA. DINNER AND ACCOMMODATION IN ÉVORA. ONLY LUNCH IS INCLUDED.
A PIECE OF PORTUGUESE LAND
DAY 6 VISIT TO ÉVORA’S HISTORIC CENTER, UNESCO’S WORLD HERITAGE. DEPARTURE TO VILA VIÇOSA AND VISIT TO DUCAL PALACE. DEPARTURE TO MARVÃO. DINNER AND ACCOMMODATION IN MARVÃO. ONLY LUNCH IS INCLUDED. DAY 7 EARLY MORNING WALK IN MARVÃO. TRANSFER TO HISTORIC MONSANTO. LUNCH AND VISIT TO THE VILLAGE AND DEPARTURE TO THE MOUNTAIN HOTEL IN UNHAIS DA SERRA. DINNER AND ACCOMMODATION IN UNHAIS DA SERRA. ONLY LUNCH IS INCLUDED. VILLAGE OF
DAY 8 FREE
DAY FOR SNOW AND/OR
SPA ACTIVITIES, DEPENDING ON DINNER AND ACCOMMODATION UNHAIS DA SERRA. MEALS AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE. THE INSPIRATION AND TIME OF YEAR.
DAY 9 DEPARTURE TO VISIT THE HISTORIC VILLAGES OF FOLGOSINHO AND PIÓDÃO. DINNER AND ACCOMMODATION IN PIÓDÃO. ONLY LUNCH IS INCLUDED. DAY 10 DEPARTURE TO COIMBRA. VISIT TO THE UNIVERSITY AND HISTORIC CENTER. LUNCH IN CAVES ALIANÇA IN BAIRRADA AND DEPARTURE TO PORTO. DINNER AND ACCOMMODATION IN PORTO. ONLY LUNCH IS INCLUDED.
DAY 11 GUIDED TOUR TO PORTO’S HISTORIC CENTER, BOAT THROUGH DOURO, WINE AND CHOCOLATE TASTING. DINNER ACCOMMODATION IN PORTO. MEALS AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE. DAY 12 DEPARTURE TO VISIT THE GUIMARÃES AND BRAGA. RETURN MEALS AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE.
RIDE AND
HISTORIC CENTERS OF THE CITIES OF TO
PORTO
FOR ACCOMMODATION.
DAY 17 DAY RESERVED FOR VISITING A CONTEMPORARY AND MODERN LISBON. TRANSFER TO PARQUE DAS NAÇÕES, VISIT TO EUROPE’S LARGEST OCEANARIUM, CABLE CAR RIDE AND FREE TIME TO PERSONAL ACTIVITIES. DINNER AND ACCOMMODATION IN LISBON. MEALS AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE. DAY 18 TRANSFER SERVICES.
TO
LISBON’S
AIRPORT.
END
OF
ABOUT DREAMS
DAY 13 TRANSFER TO TRAIN STATION OF CAMPANHÃ IN PORTO. BOARDING IN TRAIN TO TRAVEL THROUGH DOURO LINE ALL THE WAY TO PINHÃO, DOURO VINHATEIRO CENTER. VISIT TO QUINTA DO SEIXO AND PORT WINE TASTING. LUNCH IN PINHÃO AND VISIT TO THE REAL COMPANHIA VELHA VIEWPOINT. DINNER AND ACCOMMODATION IN PINHÃO. ONLY LUNCH IS INCLUDED. DAY 14 DEPARTURE TO FÁTIMA AND VISIT TO THE SANCTUARY. TRANSFER TO ÓBIDOS, VISIT TO THE VILLAGE. DEPARTURE TO LISBON. DINNER AND ACCOMMODATION IN LISBON. MEALS AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE. DAY 15 DAY
TO VISIT AN HISTORICAL AND MONUMENTAL
WINE.
AND ACCOMMODATION IN
ALSO TRADITIONAL AND AUTHENTIC,
DINNER EXPENSE.
LISBON
AND
LISBON OF FADO DO BAIRRO AND LISBON. MEALS AT YOUR OWN
DAY 16 TRANSFER TO SINTRA VILLAGE, VISIT TO THE HISTORIC CENTER, PALÁCIO DA PENA AND QUINTA DA REGALEIRA. RETURN TO LISBON TO DINNER AND ACCOMMODATION. MEALS AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE.
A PIECE OF PORTUGUESE LAND
A PIECE OF PORTUGUESE LAND | Day 0
FARO Faro, Capital of the Algarve, is located in the South of Portugal. The Municipality of Faro has 6 parishes: Conceição de Faro, Estoi, Santa Bárbara de Nexe, Montenegro, São Pedro and Sé. The Municipality has around 60.000 inhabitants in 210 km2; 30% of the area is part of the Ria Formosa Natural Reserve. The city is bordered on the South by a dune of 19 km in length, which is interrupted by openings that connect the Sea to the Ria Formosa, forming 3 main islands. Faro is a millenary city to be (re)discovered. Of pre-roman origin, called Ossonoba, it was one of the most important urban centers in the South of the Iberian Peninsula. Today, due to its centrality and the fact of being the capital city, Faro has important infrastructures and public services of the region. The airport receives more than 5.000.000 tourists every year; the University is internationally acknowledged in Marine Sciences, Tourism Management and Biotechnologies; the Algarve Central Hospital and 6 high schools are facilities that mark the central role of Faro.
ARRIVAL IN FARO, ALGARVE, PORTUGAL. ACCOMMODATION IN FARO. MEALS AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE.
A PIECE OF PORTUGUESE LAND | Day 1
LOULÉ The evocative battlements of a medieval castle. A maze narrow, white streets where craftsmen carry on ageold traditions. The vertical lines of the minaret of an ancient mosque. The broad horizons of a revered sanctuary set high a hill. Just a few facets of Loulé, a town of charming contrast.
TO LOULÉ.
VISIT TO SALT MINES. VISIT AND LIQUEUR TASTING IN ALGARVE’S DINNER IN QUERENÇA. ACCOMMODATION IN LOULÉ. LUNCH AND DINNER INCLUDED. LIQUEUR FACTORY.
A PIECE OF PORTUGUESE LAND | Day 2
CASTRO MARIM
VISIT TO THE RESERVA NATURAL DO SAPAL DE CASTRO MARIM, RICH IN FAUNA AND FLORA, SPIRIT TASTING AND
VISIT TO LOCAL CRAFTSMEN.
TRANSFER TO MÉRTOLA. DINNER AND ACCOMMODATION FREE TIME TO EAT.
IN
MÉRTOLA.
The stunning town of Mértola is perched high on the banks of the Guardiana and Oeiras rivers, guarded by the town's impressive Moorish castle. The town boasts several small but superb museums, including the Casa Romana (Roman House; ingeniously displayed under the Town Hall), Museu Islâmico (Islamic Museum), Museu de Arte Sacra (Museum of Ecclesiastical Art), and Museu Paleocrista\, (Palaeo-Christian Museum). These provide an excellent historical context to this medieval town, not to mention creative inspiration. The town and surrounds form part of the Parque Natural Vale do Guadiana, whose rivers and valleys are full of birds and excellent walks. Only 15km away from Mértola is São Domingos, which features an eerily captivating disused mine and mining ghost town, plus a beautiful lake - great for swimming - with sandy beach. .
WALK THROUGH THE HISTORIC CENTER OF MÉRTOLA AND VISIT TO MINAS DE SÃO DOMINGOS . LUNCH IN MOREANES. DEPARTURE TO THE CITY OF BEJA AND VISIT TO THE HISTORIC CENTER. DINNER AND ACCOMMODATION IN BEJA. LUNCH AND DINNER INCLUDED.
A PIECE OF PORTUGUESE LAND | Day 3
MÉRTOLA
A PIECE OF PORTUGUESE LAND | Day 4
BEJA
HERDADE DOS GROUS IN ALBERNOA (BEJA). VISIT TO THE WINERY, WINE TASTING AND ENOGASTRONOMIC LUNCH. DEPARTURE TO THE MEDIEVAL VILLAGE OF MONSARAZ FOR THE AFTERNOON VISIT. DINNER AND ACCOMMODATION IN REGUENGOS DE MONSARAZ. LUNCH AND DINNER INCLUDED.
HERDADE DO ESPORÃO IN REGUENGOS DE MONSARAZ. WORKSHOP ALENTEJO SOUPS. VISIT TO THE FARM, WINERY AND WINE CELLAR. ENOGASTRONOMIC LUNCH. DEPARTURE TO ÉVORA. DINNER AND ACCOMMODATION IN ÉVORA. ONLY LUNCH IS INCLUDED.
OF TRADITIONAL
A PIECE OF PORTUGUESE LAND | Day 5
REGUENGOS DE MONSARAZ E ÉVORA
A PIECE OF PORTUGUESE LAND | Day 6
ÉVORA Evora, capital of Alto Alentejo, city of an outstanding beauty, embraced by its fortress walls, filled with historic memories in each street, each home, each inhabitant…Its squares and monuments tell us national history, religion and culture episodes and its townsfolk are proud of both past and present times. The natural beauty of this region combines with the monumental richness of this town-museum that nowadays is also a modern and touristy city, classified by UNESCO, since 1986, World Heritage. Inhabited since the Neolithic period, the archaeological landscape that surrounds the city presents important monuments, such as the Cromeleque dos Almendres (cromlech) and the Anta Grande do Zambujeiro (dolmen). Many were the ancient people that have been here, but the Romans were those who transformed Evora into an imperial town. They called it Ebora, named after Julio Cesar as Liberalitas Julia, and left several signs of their passage, from which the roman temple, known improperly as "Templo de Diana", stands out.
VISIT TO ÉVORA’S HISTORIC CENTER, UNESCO’S WORLD HERITAGE. DEPARTURE TO VILA VIÇOSA AND VISIT TO DUCAL PALACE. DEPARTURE TO MARVÃO. DINNER AND ACCOMMODATION IN MARVÃO. ONLY LUNCH IS INCLUDED.
MARVﾃグ E MONSANTO EARLY MORNING WALK IN MARVﾃグ. TRANSFER TO HISTORIC VILLAGE OF MONSANTO. LUNCH AND VISIT TO THE VILLAGE AND DEPARTURE TO THE MOUNTAIN HOTEL IN UNHAIS DA SERRA. DINNER AND ACCOMMODATION IN UNHAIS DA SERRA. ONLY LUNCH IS INCLUDED.
A PIECE OF PORTUGUESE LAND | Day 7
Monsanto was voted in 1938 the "most Portuguese village in Portugal" nestles on the slope of a steep hill (the Monsanto head, known in Latin as Mons Sanctus), which rises abruptly above the prairy and reaches a height of 758 meters (2486 feet). The most typical aspect of Monsanto is the fact that the village developed around impressively big and miraculously balanced granitic boulders. One of the most symbolic traditions of Monsanto is the Festival of the Holy Cross, held on the 3rd of May, to commemorate the resistance to a long history of sieges: the women carry to the top of the castle typical rag-dolls (known as "marafonas") and clay jars full of flowers are thrown from the walls.
A PIECE OF PORTUGUESE LAND | Day 8
UNHAIS DA SERRA FREE DAY FOR SNOW AND/OR SPA ACTIVITIES, DEPENDING ON THE INSPIRATION DINNER AND ACCOMMODATION UNHAIS DA SERRA. MEALS AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE.
AND TIME OF YEAR.
PIÓDÃO E FOLGOSINHO DEPARTURE TO VISIT THE HISTORIC VILLAGES OF FOLGOSINHO AND PIÓDÃO. DINNER AND ACCOMMODATION IN PIÓDÃO. ONLY LUNCH IS INCLUDED.
A PIECE OF PORTUGUESE LAND | Day 9
Piódão is placed in the middle of Portugal, in Serra de Arganil it has 178 residents, it is one of many protected historic villages in Portugal, and whon the silver medal of the most tipical Portuguese Village.
A PIECE OF PORTUGUESE LAND | Day 10
PORTO Oporto is one of the last undiscovered European metropolises. It is an ancient port steeped in history and tradition. It is a highly atmospheric place that has become known for its monuments by renowned architects (Gustave Eiffel's Dona Maria Bridge, Nicolau Nasoni's Clerigos Tower, Rem Koolhaas' Casa da Musica, or Siza Vieira's Serralves Museum). This is the city that originated and named Port Wine, and gave birth to one of world history's legendary figures, Prince Henry the Navigator (you'll also see in new guidebooks that it is also the birthplace of that world-famous fictional character, Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling was living in Oporto as an English teacher when she started writing her first book). These are just a few curious facts about this intriguing and majestic cityy that you have to visit, see and feel.
DEPARTURE TO COIMBRA. VISIT TO THE UNIVERSITY AND HISTORIC CENTER. LUNCH IN CAVES ALIANÇA IN BAIRRADA AND DEPARTURE TO PORTO. DINNER AND ACCOMMODATION IN PORTO. ONLY LUNCH IS INCLUDED.
A PIECE OF PORTUGUESE LAND | Day 11
PORTO
GUIDED TOUR TO PORTO’S HISTORIC CENTER, BOAT RIDE THROUGH DOURO, WINE AND CHOCOLATE DINNER AND ACCOMMODATION IN PORTO. MEALS AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE.
TASTING.
A PIECE OF PORTUGUESE LAND | Day 12
GUIMARÃES E BRAGA Guimarães is located in the north-western of Portugal. This city played an important role as the major municipality during the time of the Condado Portucalense, the name given to the feudal lands between the Lima and Ave rivers under the rule of the Kings of León (Spain). In the Battle of São Mamede, Dom Afonso Henriques gained the independence for the Condado Portucalense, founding the Portuguese Nation. Guimarães is a city surrounded by history. Its diverse monuments are associated to some point in the past where the city played a major role in the Portuguese history. DEPARTURE TO VISIT THE HISTORIC CENTERS CITIES OF GUIMARÃES AND BRAGA. RETURN TO PORTO FOR ACCOMMODATION. MEALS AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE.
OF THE
A PIECE OF PORTUGUESE LAND | Day 13
DOURO TRANSFER TO TRAIN STATION OF CAMPANHÃ IN PORTO. BOARDING IN TRAIN TO TRAVEL THROUGH DOURO LINE ALL THE WAY TO PINHÃO, DOURO VINHATEIRO VISIT TO QUINTA DO SEIXO AND PORT WINE TASTING. LUNCH IN PINHÃO AND VISIT TO THE REAL COMPANHIA VELHA VIEWPOINT. DINNER AND ACCOMMODATION IN PINHÃO. ONLY LUNCH IS INCLUDED.
CENTER.
A PIECE OF PORTUGUESE LAND | Day 14
FÁTIMA DEPARTURE TO FÁTIMA AND VISIT TO THE SANCTUARY. TRANSFER TO ÓBIDOS, VISIT TO THE VILLAGE. DEPARTURE TO LISBON. DINNER AND ACCOMMODATION IN LISBON. MEALS AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE.
LISBON DAY
TO VISIT AN HISTORICAL AND MONUMENTAL LISBON AND
ALSO TRADITIONAL AND AUTHENTIC, BAIRRO AND WINE.
DINNER AND ACCOMMODATION MEALS AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE.
LISBON
IN LISBON.
OF FADO DO
A PIECE OF PORTUGUESE LAND | Day 15
Lisbon is an illuminated city. The almost constant presence of sunshine and the River Tagus transforms the Portuguese capital into a mirror of a thousand colours - highlighting the city’s unique architecture and beauty. There are so many things to see and do in Lisbon that visitors have access to a wide array of different experiences. As we walk through Lisbon - whose history spans back thousands of years – we find streets filled with heritage monuments, and characteristic neighbourhoods where the city first developed and can still be experienced at its most genuine level.
A PIECE OF PORTUGUESE LAND | Day 16
SINTRA
TRANSFER TO SINTRA VILLAGE, VISIT TO THE HISTORIC CENTER, PALﾃ，IO DA PENA AND QUINTA DA REGALEIRA. RETURN TO LISBON TO DINNER AND ACCOMMODATION. MEALS AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE.
DAY RESERVED FOR VISITING A CONTEMPORARY AND MODERN LISBON. TRANSFER TO PARQUE DAS NAÇÕES, VISIT TO EUROPE’S LARGEST OCEANARIUM, CABLE CAR RIDE AND FREE TIME TO PERSONAL ACTIVITIES. DINNER AND ACCOMMODATION IN LISBON. MEALS AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE.
A PIECE OF PORTUGUESE LAND | Day 17
LISBOA
A PIECE OF PORTUGUESE LAND | Day 18 TRANSFER TO LISBON’S AIRPORT. END OF ABOUT DREAMS SERVICES.
Accommodation Choose your accomodation‌
DAYS 0, 1 | VILAMOURA FOUR SEASONS VILAMOURA In the centre of Vilamoura, the Four Seasons Vilamoura offers panoramic ocean, city and pool views and a range of leisure facilities. Luxurious massages and body treatments await guests at the apartment complex's day spa. For leisure and fitness, the Four Seasons Vilamoura has tennis courts, a heated pool and a driving range. Offering a sauna, a beauty centre and a 24 hour reception, the apartment complex also has squash courts and a putting green. Guests can enjoy a range of leisure activities, such as miniature golf, water activities and putt putt golf. If you're travelling with a family in tow, the Four Seasons Vilamoura offers spacious apartments geared towards the requirements of families and kids. Private bathrooms provide a spa/jetted tub, a hair dryer and a shower. As standard, all apartments include air conditioning and also feature a TV and cable / satellite channels. The Four Seasons Vilamoura features both a restaurant and a bar, where guests can relax at the end of the day. For those preferring to dine out, the surrounding area offers several bars and restaurants serving a choice of different cuisines. Attractions near the Four Seasons Vilamoura include the Aquashow Fun Family Park, Quinta do Lago Country Club and Karting Almancil. Oceanico Millennium Golf Course, Vila Sol Spa & Golf Resort and Roman Ruins Cerro da Vila are within a 10-minute drive of the property.
DAYS
0, 1| VALE DO LOBO
VALE DO LOBO RESORT Set among landscaped grounds in Vale do Lobo, this resort offers luxurious self-catering accommodations. A spa offering tailored treatments, 14 tennis courts and 15 restaurants are just the resort’s highlights. Vale do Lobo shopping center includes a beauty center, a newsstand, a bank and several boutiques, among which Gant and Henry Cotton’s. A grocery store and a fine wine shop are available on site. Dinner at Vale do Lobo Resort vary from French to Italian to seafood specialties. Many restaurants are located on the beach, and there is a crêperie offering light lunches and snacks. There are also a Chinese restaurant and a cafe located near the tennis courts. The famous Royal and Ocean Golf Courses are within easy walking distance of the resort. Spinning and yoga sessions, and several water and beach sports are available on site, along with a state-of-the-art gym with hammam. Various accommodations are available at Vale do Lobo. Some villas include a private pool or jacuzzi. Hotel Rooms: 100
DAY 2 | MÉRTOLA
HOTEL MUSEU DE MÉRTOLA Situated in the historic centre of Mértola, Hotel Museu offers picturesque views of the Guadiana River. Next to the reception of the hotel is a museum showing archaeological excavation work. The air-conditioned rooms at Hotel Museu feature a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer. All rooms have modern décor, wooden furnishings and parquet floors. Every morning, guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast. A selection of local and international drinks is available at the bar. Guests can prepare meals in the common kitchen and enjoy them in the dining room. Free Wi-Fi is available in Hotel Museu’s public areas. The surrounding landscape of the hotel is perfect for walking and cycling. Free private parking is available on site. Guests can take a 5-minute walk to Mértola’s medieval mosque or drive to the Spanish border, a 20-minute drive away by car. Hotel Rooms: 25
DAY 3 | BEJA
BEJA PARQUE HOTEL Located in Beja, Alentejo, this hotel is less than 2 km from many of Beja’s top attractions including the Castelo de Beja. It features an outdoor pool, fitness centre and air-conditioned rooms with balconies. Overlooking Beja or the Alentejo countryside, all rooms at the Beja Parque Hotel have modern décor and include a satellite TV and minibar. The Restaurante Seara serves regional cuisine and international dishes in a charming setting, with views of the garden and the pool. Seara’s bar offers local Portuguese wines. The Parque Hotel is less than 3 km from the bus and railway station, and 800 metres from the centre of Beja. Hotel Rooms: 71
DAY
3 | BEJA
HOTEL MELIUS Located 500 metres from Beja city centre, Hotel Melius has elegant rooms with a balcony. It offers a fitness centre with body training classes, sauna and a games room with a pool table. Fitted with free Wi-Fi, all air-conditioned rooms include a satellite TV with cable channels. Each room has a work desk and a private bathroom with a hairdryer. Sweet and savoury dishes can be enjoyed every morning for breakfast. The Atrium Bar serves refreshing drinks and light snacks throughout the day. Melius Hotel is located 1.3 km from Castelo de Beja and 13 km from Beja Airport. Hotel Rooms: 60
DAY
4 | REGUENGOS DE MONSARAZ
HOTEL CASA DO ALENTEJO Casa Do Alentejo offers great-value accommodation with free Wi-Fi and parking. It is a getaway to explore Alentejo's countryside and Monsaraz Town Centre, a Medieval fortified village, situated 16 km away. Bright and airy rooms are simply fitted with modern furnishings. They are all air conditioned, include a work desk and are equipped with a TV set. En-suite bathrooms are standard. A breakfast buffet is available for guests. Guests can enjoy a refreshing drink at the hotel’s bar or in its garden. Local Portuguese food is available in one of the many restaurants of Reguengos de Monsaraz centre. Casa Do Alentejo's 24-hour front desk can store your luggage in the luggage storage or other possessions in the safety deposit box. An ATM is available on-site. Hotel Rooms: 16
DAY 5 | ÉVORA
HOTEL MAR DE AR AQUEDUTO Housed in a 16th-century palace, this 5-star boutique hotel features a beautiful chapel and dome ceilings. Overlooking the aqueducts of Évora, it has an extensive spa with an outdoor pool. A creative blend of Alentejo and Mediterranean flavours is served at Restaurant Degust’ AR, which is open for lunch and dinner. M'AR De AR Aqueduto hotel also offers a bar with a wine cellar. The elegantly designed rooms include a work desk and a comfortable seating area. All bathrooms enjoy natural light and are separated from the sleeping area by a big glass window. Hotel Aqueduto’s spa offers a broad range of treatments and massages including aromatherapy and mud treatment. Guests can also unwind in the steam bath or sauna. M'AR De AR Aqueduto is located 600 metres from the Temple of Diana, Cathedral of Evora Se and Praca do Giraldo. The Chapel of Bones Capela dos Ossos is 800 metres away. Hotel Rooms: 64
DAY 5 | ÉVORA
HOTEL MAR DE AR MURALHAS The 4-star hotel in Évora’s historic centre is just a 5-minute walk from Giraldo Square. It offers a spacious outdoor terrace with sun loungers and a pool in the garden. Rooms at M’AR De AR Muralhas are bright and elegant and include a spacious seating area with an LCD TV. Each room also has a CD player, DVD player and free bathroom amenities. Some rooms have a balcony. Guests can enjoy a refreshing drink on the terrace, which overlooks the exotic garden. For colder days, there is also a cozy lounge with a fireplace where guests enjoy music while having a warm drink. Restaurant Cerca Nova serves traditional Portuguese cuisine as well as international meals. Room service provides in-room breakfast upon request. This hotel is located between the Alconchel and Raimundo city gates. Hotel Rooms: 91
DAY 6 | MARVﾃグ
CASA DOM DINIS With views of Marvﾃ｣o Castle, Dom Dinis is situated at the top of the high village of Marvﾃ｣o. It features a roof-top terrace with panoramic views of the countryside below, and has air-conditioned guestrooms. The traditional rooms have terracotta floors and are decorated in natural tones. All rooms come equipped with a TV and a private bathroom with a hairdryer. Dom Dinis features medieval-inspired dﾃｩcor and also has a communal living room with a fireplace. The hotel is located 6 km from the ruins of the Roman city Ammaia. Nearby leisure activities include hiking and swimming in the Sever River. Free public parking is possible on site. Hotel Rooms: 9
DAY 6 | MARVÃO
POUSADA DE MARVÃO Situated in 2 small traditional whitewashed houses in Marvão, this charming pousada offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains from its restaurant. It features air-conditioned rooms with cable TV. The rooms at Pousada de Marvão - Santa Maria are equipped with a minibar, a work desk, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer. All rooms are decorated with elegant wooden furniture and warm colours. The panoramic restaurant offers authentic Portuguese dishes as well as international cuisine. The bar offers a selection of refreshing drinks. Room service is available. Available activities located nearby Pousada de Marvão include fishing and hiking. Guests can also explore the medieval town, which features a castle.
Hotel Rooms: 31, Hotel Chain: Pestana Hotels & Resorts.
DIAS 11 | UNHAIS DA SERRA DAYS 7 , 8 | UNHAIS DA SERRA
H20 UNHAIS DA SERRA This hotel is located in Unhais da Serra, a village tucked away in Serra da Estrela Natural Park. It features a large landscaped pool, and specializes in spa and wellness treatments. Each room at the H2otel Congress & Medical SPA has panoramic views of the countryside. Each feature luxury bedding, contemporary design and are equipped with an LCD satellite TV. Some rooms have a balcony. The restaurant Alquimia serves healthy cuisine and slow food. There is also a lounge bar with sofas that serves refreshing beverages and offers views of lavender, wild thyme and the glacial valley. The Medical SPA staff can arrange various massages and leisure activities. The hotel has a fitness centre, and indoor and outdoor pools which are inter-connected and surrounded by waterfalls and rock formations. H2otel Congress & Medical SPA is situated 20 km from CovilhĂŁ, and is a 36-minute drive from Penhas da SaĂşde. Free public parking is possible on site. Hotel Rooms: 90, Hotel Chain: Natura IMB Hotels.
DAY 9 | PIODÃO
INATEL PIODÃO Nestled in the Serra do Açor Mountains, this hotel is built out of slate and offers panoramic views over the historic village of Piodão. Inatel has an indoor pool, sauna, and a spa pool. A satellite TV and a well-stocked minibar are in Piodão’s room. Each comes features a contemporary décor and colourful bedspreads. Toiletries and a hairdryer are in the en suite bathrooms. A freshly prepared buffet-style breakfast is available daily. Room service is also available throughout the day. Guests can work out in the gym. They can also play a game of billiards in the games room or make use of the free internet connection in the lobby. The centre of Piodão is just 300 metres from the hotel and features several churches and the Piodão Museum. Free private parking is available at Inatel Piodão. Hotel Rooms: 27, Hotel Chain: Inatel.
DAYS 10, 11 ,12 | PORTO
GRANDE HOTEL DO PORTO Within Porto's central pedestrian zone, this hotel is a 5-minute walk from the São Bento Train Station. It has a rooftop terrace and an à la carte restaurant serving Portuguese cuisine. The elegant rooms at the Grande Hotel do Porto include a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a minibar and a private bathroom with a bath tub and shower. With a romantic atmosphere, D. Pedro II Restaurant is located in a restored ballroom. It serves authentic Portuguese cuisine prepared with local ingredients. Drinks can be enjoyed at the Windsor Bar. Guests can admire panoramic Porto views from the terrace, train in the fitness room or relax with a massage. Convenient facilities at the Grande Hotel do Porto include laundry services, babysitting services and currency exchange. Grande Hotel do Porto is steps from Bolhão Bus and Metro Station and 10 minutes from the Serra do Pilar Monastery by foot. The Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport is 15 km from the hotel. Hotel Rooms: 94
DAYS 10, 11 ,12 | PORTO
HOTEL CARRIS PORTO RIBEIRA 4* Situated in Porto’s Ribeira district, this 4-star hotel is situated in a refurbished, historic building overlooking the Douro River. It offers air-conditioned accommodation with free Wi-Fi. It also has an elevator. Rooms at Carris include a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Each comes with a private bathroom with free toiletries. Wooden floors and a mix of dark and light colours are part of the modern décor. A rich buffet-style breakfast is served daily and á la carte meals are available in the evening. Room service, including breakfast, is also available. Guests can work out in the gym or discover Porto by bike. São Bento Station is just a 5-minute walk from Hotel Carris Porto Ribeira. Porto Airport is a 20-minute drive away. Hotel Rooms: 90, Hotel Chain: Carrís Hoteles.
DAY 13 | PINHÃO
VINTAGE HOTEL In the heart of Douro’s World Heritage site, this former 18th century wine estate enjoys a fantastic riverfront location, surrounded by famous Port wine production farms and their extensive vineyards. The interiors are sophisticated and comfortable and all the rooms have balconies overlooking the river. The award-winning “Rabelo” restaurant provides a combination of excellent food and wines of the region.
DAY
13 | PESO DA RÉGUA
QUINTA DO VALLADO Spreading along the banks of the Corgo River, Quinta do Vallado is a design hotel surrounded by a vineyard. The picturesque garden contains an outdoor pool and sun terrace. Each of the air-conditioned rooms and suites contain a TV with cable channels. Some have a balcony with views of the river. Free Wi-Fi access is available at Vallado. A buffet breakfast is provided daily, and room service is available upon request. Refreshments can be bought at the snack bar, or guests can enjoy a glass of local Douro wine at the bar. There are plenty of options to explore the region with hiking trails and river fishing nearby. The hotel’s bicycles can be used free of charge. After an active day, a massage service is available or guests can relax in the library. There is free private parking provided and an airport shuttle service is available. The city of Porto and Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport are within 100 km of the property. Hotel Rooms: 13
DAYS
14, 15, 16, 17 | LISBOA
EVIDENCIA ASTORIA CREATIVE HOTEL 3*
QUINTA DO VALLADO
Trendy décor and a central location await guests at this 3star hotel, situated steps from Marques do Pombal Square and Eduardo VII Park. The Liberty Avenue is just 300 metres away. Within walking distance of Lisbon’s attractions, Evidencia Astória Creative Hotel boasts a beautiful façade. Take in the hotel's creative design while sipping a drink at the bar or relaxing in your room. Earthy tones and contemporary design make each of Evidencia's rooms a welcome retreat at the end of a long day. Watch a programme on your flat-screen TV or check your mails via free Wi-Fi. Breakfast can be enjoyed in the stylish restaurant. Hotel Rooms: 119
DAYS
14, 15, 16, 17 | LISBOA
LX BOUTIQUE HOTEL 4*
Located in the heart of the triangle between Chiado, Baixa and Cais do Sodré districts, Lx Boutique Hotel offers themed rooms with unique views over Lisbon and Tejo River. All Boutique Hotel elegant rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a mini-bar, and a private bathroom. There is an iPod docking station, LCD TV and free WiFi in every room. Guest can enjoy Confraria, a trendy sushi restaurant that also serves a variety of teas, beverages and wines all day. For a typical Portuguese food experience, there are several alternatives just outside the door. Lx Boutique Hotel is 5 minutes’ walk from several restaurants, bars, cafés and shops. Guests can benefit from the 24-hour front desk service Lx Boutique Hotel provides. It also offers laundry and car hire services. An airport transfer shuttle is available upon request. Historical sites and museums such as Lisbon Cathedral, Praça do Comércio, Igreja de São Roque and the Chiado Museum are within a 10-minute walk. Lisbon’s Portela International Airport is within a 20-minute drive away or a 10-minute metro journey. Hotel Rooms: 61
TIPS
Clothes according the time of year. Usually, in the summer the south of the country is hotter than the north; but in the wintertime, the country’s climate calls for a fireplace, with snow only on the north and center of the country. Warm clothes in the Winter and pretty fresh in the Summer is our suggestion.
INCLUDED ABOUT DREAMS EXCLUSIVE AND CUSTOMIZED ESCORT. ROAD TRANSPORT DURING THE WHOLE TOUR. ACCOMMODATIONS IN DOUBLE ROOMS. ALL THE MEALS MENTIONED AS “INCLUDED” IN THE ITINERARY. THE ACTIVITIES AND VISITS REPORTED IN THE ITINERARY. PERSONAL ACCIDENT INSURANCE. THE CERTAINTY OF EXPERIENCES THAT WILL MAKE THIS AN UNIQUE JOURNEY.
NOT INCLUDED MEALS REFERRED AS “MEALS AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE”. PERSONAL EXPENSES.
When packing you should remember that the luggage should be very lightweight. It is a big journey, but we will change hotel several times and go through north and south of the country with a heavy luggage will be exhausting after some days. This journey is richer in landscapes, culture, and history. It is a whole country that you will want to carry. Count on many memory cards, because you will take lots and lots of pictures. You could bring them or buy here, but hundreds of pictures are guaranteed. Portugal is a friendly country, with nice and welcoming people. In the villages and small towns it is still usual to leave the doors and windows opened and in the big cities, with a cosmopolitan environment, like Lisbon and Porto, in general, we also feel safe and the walks on the streets are very pleasant moments. Portuguese gastronomy is very rich. There are the refined and quality wines and the incomparable confectionary. You will have the opportunity to enjoy amazing flavors and fragrances. You need to bring a refined taste! We are a country with many traditions, with a rich history of many centuries, unique and welcoming. Observe, feel, smell and taste, let yourself go through Portugal. And then return soon!
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