Portugal, Country of colours flavors and fragrances by About Dreams

PORTUGAL, COUNTRY OF COLOURS, FLAVORS AND FRAGRANCES

COUNTRY OF COLOURS, FLAVORS AND FRAGRANCES

In Portugal we are good hosts. We like to show our beautiful country, the traditions that make us unique, the excellence of our products, the quality of our land and the authenticity of our people. Each time that ABOUT DREAMS creates an itinerary puts a little bit of all this. And all together, combined with the dream of who visits us, has to turn out right. Because all that is made with love, turns to be a success. Country of colours, flavors and fragrances, Portugal is in this itinerary in a special way, exclusive, custom-made for those who want to visit all the good things that we have, the Portuguese wines and the structures around them that give shape to what we call Wine Tourism. From the extraordinary landscapes of Douro to the excellence of Dão, passing through wide Alentejo - three largest divided regions and national wine producers – in this itinerary we have selected producers to meet, fine wines to taste, vineyards to discover, some of the country’s largest wine cellars and its worldwide recognized structures, which export for many countries around the world; historic farms, magical places and outstanding cities. We have all this. Now, Portugal and ABOUT DREAMS hope you enjoy the tour. Getting here was just the beginning.

HIGHLIGHTS OPPORTUNITY TO KNOW SOME OF THE PORTUGAL’S MOST IMPORTANT WINE PRODUCING REGIONS. VISITS TO WINE CELLARS, VINEYARDS AND WINE TASTING OF THE BEST PORTUGUESE WINES, INTERNATIONALLY AWARDED. POSSIBILITY TO PARTICIPATE IN WINE HARVEST AND GRAPE TREADING (SEASONAL ACTIVITY THAT OCCURS IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER). TASTE THE BEST OF PORTUGUESE GASTRONOMY. VISITS TO HISTORICAL CITIES DESIGNED AS WORLD HERITAGE. SPEND A NIGHT ON A HOUSEBOAT, UNDER THE STARS OF EUROPE’S LARGEST MAN-MADE LAKE, ALQUEVA, IN ALENTEJO.

ITINERARY DAY 0 ARRIVAL IN LISBON, PORTUGAL. ACCOMMODATION IN LISBON. MEALS AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE. DAY 1 MORNING DEPARTURE TOWARDS THE COMMERCE SQUARE WHICH WILL START THE PROGRAM LISBOA OF THE DISCOVERIES AND CONTEMPORARY. THIS PROGRAM WILL AIM TO INFORM TWO AREAS OF LISBON REPRESENTING DIFFERENT ERAS OF HISTORY OF LISBON BUT WHICH SOMEHOW GIVES US TWO COMPLEMENTARY VIEWS OF THE CITY LISBOA OF THE DISCOVERIES THAT OPENED DOORS TO EUROPE FOR THE WORLD AND THE CONTEMPORARY CITY THAT EXPRESSES ITS MODERNITY. ACCOMMODATION IN LISBON. FREE LUNCH AND DINNER. DAY 2 FREE MORNING. RELEASED IN THE EARLY AFTERNOON TO TOUR LISBON OLD CLASSIC THAT WILL START IN CONFECTIONERY VERSAILES. WE WILL VISIT VARIOUS PARTS OF THE CITY AS THE EDUARDO VII PARK AND PRINCIPE REAL, SAN PEDRO DE ALCANTARA VIEWPOINT; CHURCH OF SAO ROQUE - VISIT TO THE CHAPEL OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST, A JEWEL OF ART UNIQUE IN THE WORLD. THEN WE HEADED TO THE CASTLE OF SAO JORGE AND ALFAMA, WHERE WE SHALL MAKE PROOF OF PORTUGUESE WINES ACCOMPANIED BY AN OENOLOGIST. FINALLY MAKE SILENCE THAT WILL SING FADO. ACCOMMODATION IN LISBON. DINNER INCLUDED DAY 3 TRAIN DEPARTURE TO ÉVORA. VISIT TO THE HISTORIC CITY CENTER, UNESCO’S WORLD HERITAGE. LUNCH (INCLUDED). VISIT TO ADEGA DA CARTUXA, WITH WINE TASTING. DINNER (INCLUDED). ACCOMMODATION IN ÉVORA.

COUNTRY OF COLOURS, FLAVORS AND FRAGRANCES

DAY 4 IN THE MORNING DEPARTURE TOWARDS HERDADE DOS GROUS. ACTIVITIES INCLUDE A VISIT TO THE FARM, A WALK THROUGH THE VINEYARDS, INFORMATION ABOUT WINE PRODUCTION AND TASTING. POSSIBILITY TO PARTICIPATE IN WINE HARVEST AND GRAPE TREADING IF THE JOURNEY OCCURS DURING HARVEST TIME (SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER). DEPARTURE TO BEJA TO VISIT HISTORIC CENTER. DINNER AND ACCOMMODATION INCLUDED. DAY 5 DEPARTURE TO REGUENGOS DE MONSARAZ. VISIT TO HERDADE DO ESPORÃO: WINE CELLAR, VINEYARDS AND WINE TASTING. POSSIBILITY TO PARTICIPATE IN WINE HARVEST AND GRAPE TREADING IF THE JOURNEY OCCURS DURING HARVEST TIME (SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER). ENOGASTRONOMIC LUNCH, WITH OLIVE OIL TASTING, COORDINATED BY THE CHEF AND SOMMELIERS (INCLUDED). DEPARTURE TO MONSARAZ. VISIT TO MEDIEVAL VILLAGE. FREE DINNERTIME. ACCOMMODATION IN MONSARAZ.

DAY 6 DEPARTURE TO SÃO PEDRO DO CORVAL, A SMALL VILLAGE WHICH REPRESENTS THE COUNTRY’S BIGGEST POTTERY CENTER. VISIT TO THE POTTERY FACTORY AND EXPERIENCE WITH CLAY ON THE POTTER’S WHEEL. TRANSFER TO MARINA DA AMIEIRA TO BOARD IN HOUSEBOAT. LUNCH AT MARINA’S PANORAMIC RESTAURANT. SHORT PRACTICAL AND THEORETICAL TRAINING RELATED TO HOUSEBOAT NAVIGATION. BOARDING AND NIGHT ABOARD OVER THE ALQUEVA’S WATERS, THE EUROPE’S LARGEST MANMADE LAKE. POSSIBILITY TO DINNER ABOARD OR IN ONE OF THE RIVERSIDE’S VILLAGES, OR IN THE QUAYSIDE RESTAURANTS (NOT INCLUDED). DAY 7 ENTIRELY FREE DAY ON BOARDOF LARGEST ARTIFICIAL FREE MEALS. ACCOMMODATION AT

THE BOAT HOUSE IN THE LAKE IN EUROPE. HOUSE BOAT.

DAY 8 TRANSPORTATION ABOARD TO PINHÃO (DOURO). HOUSEBOAT CHECK-OUT IN THE MORNING AND DEPARTURE TO QUINTA DOS LORIDOS IN BOMBARRAL, TO VISIT BUDDHA EDEN GARDEN. LUNCH AT QUINTA DOS LORIDOS (INCLUDED). THE JOURNEY TOWARDS DOURO CONTINUES, WITH ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL IN THE LATE AFTERNOON. ACCOMMODATION IN PINHÃO. FREE DINNERTIME. DAY 9 DEPARTURE TO QUINTA DO SEIXO. VISIT TO WINE CELLARS, VINERIES AND PORT WINE TASTING. LUNCH AT QUINTA DO SEIXO OVER DOURO RIVER (INCLUDED). AFTER LUNCH IT IS TIME TO RELAX AND DEPART TO VISIT REAL COMPANHIA VELHA, CLIMBING TO THE VIEWPOINT, TO ENJOY THE MAGNIFICENT LANDSCAPE OF DOURO’S TERRACES. RETURN TO PINHÃO. FREE DINNERTIME. DAY 10 DEPARTURE TO GUIMARÃES. VISIT TO THE HISTORIC CITY CENTER. LUNCH (INCLUDED). IN THE AFTERNOON, CABLE CAR CLIMBING TO MONTANHA DA PENHA, TO VISIT THE NOSSA SENHORA DA PENHA SANCTUARY AND WALK IN THE SURROUNDING GREEN AREAS. RETURN TO PORTO. DINNER (INCLUDED). ACCOMMODATION IN PORTO. DAY 11 GUIDED TOUR TO PORTO’S HISTORIC CENTER. DINNER AND ACCOMMODATION IN PORTO. . MEALS AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE. DAY 12 DEPART EARLY MORNING TOWARDS COIMBRA. VISIT THE UNIVERSITY AND THE HISTORICAL CENTER. TRANSPORT TO SERNADELO TO ENJOY ANOTHER TREASURE OF THE PORTUGUESE GASTRONOMY: LEITÃO À BAIRRADA. AFTER LUNCH TRANSFER TO FATIMA SANTUARY. REST OF THE DAY FREE. BY EARLY EVENING TRANSPORT TO LISBON. ACCOMMODATION DAY 13 TRANSFER TO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. END OF ABOUT DREAMS SERVICES.

COUNTRY OF COLOURS, FLAVORS AND FRAGRANCES

COUNTRY OF COLOURS, FLAVORS AND FRAGRANCES | DAY 0

Lisbon Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and Europe's second-oldest capital (after Athens), once home to the world's greatest explorers like Vasco da Gama and Prince Henry the Navigator, becoming the first true world city, the capital of an empire spreading over all continents, from South America (Brazil) to Asia (Macao, China, Goa, India) and Africa. One of Europe's most soulful, captivating and picturesque capitals, built on a series of hills, Lisbon is the city of the oceans, the only European capital with sunsets on the sea.

ARRIVAL IN LISBON, PORTUGAL. ACCOMMODATION IN LISBON. MEALS AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE.

The cultural and shopping mecca of Lisbon is undisputedly the Chiado Lisbon district, whose elegant street ‘Rua Garrett’ has been placed along with other glamorous and fashionable streets around the world. Playing neighbours to the various world renowned designer boutiques, are Lisbon’s very own cultural institutions and sights, including the famous “A Brasileira Cafe” or ‘Ourivesaria Alianca’, just to name a couple. Baixa-Chiado is greeted by the row of antique shop fronts, ranging from the designer boutiques to the famous cafes and bookshops .To the west is the open square ‘Praca Luis de Camoes’, connecting the bohemian “Bairro Alto” and the chic Chiado Lisbon district. Walking down the street, “Rua do Alecrim”, away from the square, one comes in view of the statue erected by the writer, Teixeira Lopes. The Statue of “Eca de Queiros”, of the many sculptures dotting the streets of Lisbon. .

MORNING DEPARTURE TOWARDS THE COMMERCE SQUARE WHICH WILL START THE PROGRAM LISBOA OF THE DISCOVERIES AND CONTEMPORARY. THIS PROGRAM WILL AIM TO INFORM TWO AREAS OF LISBON REPRESENTING DIFFERENT ERAS OF HISTORY OF LISBON BUT WHICH SOMEHOW GIVES US TWO COMPLEMENTARY VIEWS OF THE CITY - LISBOA OF THE DISCOVERIES THAT OPENED DOORS TO EUROPE FOR THE WORLD AND THE CONTEMPORARY CITY THAT EXPRESSES ITS MODERNITY. ACCOMMODATION IN LISBON. FREE LUNCH AND DINNER.

COUNTRY OF COLOURS, FLAVORS AND FRAGRANCES | DAY 1

CHIADO

COUNTRY OF COLOURS, FLAVORS AND FRAGRANCES | DAY 2

ALFAMA Alfama is Lisbon's most emblematic quarter and one of the most rewarding for walkers and photographers thanks to its medieval alleys and outstanding views. A walk through this old-fashioned residential neighborhood is now a step back in time. It is a village within a city still made up of narrow streets, tiny squares, churches, and whitewashed houses with tile panels and wrought-iron balconies adorned with pots of flowers, drying laundry, and caged birds. he district has an intangible quality that needs to be experienced to be truly appreciated, and the best way to get to know it is to get a little lost (something almost impossible to avoid), and wander around admiring the postcard-perfect views, visiting the churches, and walking up to the castle for the most breathtaking panorama of the city and the greatest sunsets. Contrasting with these timeless images is a trendy modern development by the waterfront across from Santa Apolonia train station. It houses stylish design shops, restaurants, and one of Europe's top clubs, FREE MORNING. RELEASED IN THE EARLY AFTERNOON TO TOUR LISBON OLD CLASSIC THAT WILL START IN CONFECTIONERY VERSAILES. WE WILL VISIT VARIOUS PARTS OF THE CITY AS THE EDUARDO VII PARK AND PRINCIPE REAL, SAN PEDRO DE ALCANTARA VIEWPOINT; CHURCH OF SAO ROQUE - VISIT TO THE CHAPEL OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST, A JEWEL OF ART UNIQUE IN THE WORLD. THEN WE HEADED TO THE CASTLE OF SAO JORGE AND ALFAMA, WHERE WE SHALL MAKE PROOF OF PORTUGUESE WINES ACCOMPANIED BY AN OENOLOGIST. FINALLY MAKE SILENCE THAT WILL SING FADO. ACCOMMODATION IN LISBON. DINNER INCLUDED

Évora merece uma visita demorada. Em pleno Alentejo, região conhecida pela sua pacatez e genuinidade, esta cidade oferece igrejas monumentais, praças históricas, ruas medievais, casario branco, artesanato típico e gentes hospitaleiras. Classificado Património Mundial pela Unesco, o centro histórico de Évora recebe inúmeros visitantes de todos os cantos do mundo, o que oferece à cidade uma dinâmica fantástica ao longo de todo o ano. TRAIN DEPARTURE TO ÉVORA. VISIT TO THE HISTORIC CITY CENTER, UNESCO’S WORLD HERITAGE. LUNCH (INCLUDED). VISIT TO ADEGA DA CARTUXA, WITH WINE TASTING. DINNER (INCLUDED). ACCOMMODATION IN ÉVORA.

COUNTRY OF COLOURS, FLAVORS AND FRAGRANCES | DAY 3

CIDADE DE ÉVORA

COUNTRY OF COLOURS, FLAVORS AND FRAGRANCES | DAY 4

HERDADE DOS GROUS

IN THE MORNING DEPARTURE TOWARDS HERDADE DOS GROUS. ACTIVITIES INCLUDE A VISIT TO THE FARM, A WALK THROUGH THE VINEYARDS, INFORMATION ABOUT WINE PRODUCTION AND TASTING. POSSIBILITY TO PARTICIPATE IN WINE HARVEST AND GRAPE TREADING IF THE JOURNEY OCCURS DURING HARVEST TIME (SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER). DEPARTURE TO BEJA TO VISIT HISTORIC CENTER. DINNER AND ACCOMMODATION INCLUDED.

DEPARTURE TO REGUENGOS DE MONSARAZ. VISIT TO HERDADE DO ESPORÃO: WINE CELLAR, VINEYARDS AND WINE TASTING. POSSIBILITY TO PARTICIPATE IN WINE HARVEST AND GRAPE TREADING IF THE JOURNEY OCCURS DURING HARVEST TIME (SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER). ENOGASTRONOMIC LUNCH, WITH OLIVE OIL TASTING, COORDINATED BY THE CHEF AND SOMMELIERS (INCLUDED). DEPARTURE TO MONSARAZ. VISIT TO MEDIEVAL VILLAGE. FREE DINNERTIME. ACCOMMODATION IN MONSARAZ.

Situated in Reguengos de Monsaraz, Herdade do Esporão is a place that exudes history. Its roots date back to the pre-historic times of megalithic cultures and the Bronze Age. However, even during the Roman occupation, the wines of the Esporão settlement were exported throughout the Empire. At the heart of this estate, and in the scorching Alentejo heat, we find the Esporão Fortified Enclosure, which includes the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios Chapel and a curious fortified gate, with a winding staircase that leads up to the ramparts.

COUNTRY OF COLOURS, FLAVORS AND FRAGRANCES | DAY 5

HERDADE DO ESPORÃO

COUNTRY OF COLOURS, FLAVORS AND FRAGRANCES | DAY 6

SÃO PEDRO DO CORVAL

S. PEDRO DO CORVAL S.Pedro do Corval, is widely known for its handmade pottery. With about 35 pottery factories São Pedro do Corval is known as the Capital of Pottery, and it’s the Portuguese largest pottery centre. This is a calm, pleasant village where you’ll have the opportunity to see and make pottery. After being molded, painted and glassed by the potter, clay pieces are fired two times at very high temperatures. Some of the most famous pots are actually taller than human beings. These pots dry in the sun. Plates are also well-known, depicting rural themes. One of the biggest pottery centres in the country is located in Corval, based upon a family-run economy. DEPARTURE TO SÃO PEDRO DO CORVAL, A SMALL VILLAGE WHICH REPRESENTS THE COUNTRY’S BIGGEST POTTERY CENTER. VISIT TO THE POTTERY FACTORY AND EXPERIENCE WITH CLAY ON THE POTTER’S WHEEL. TRANSFER TO MARINA DA AMIEIRA TO BOARD IN HOUSEBOAT. LUNCH AT MARINA’S PANORAMIC RESTAURANT. SHORT PRACTICAL AND THEORETICAL TRAINING RELATED TO HOUSEBOAT NAVIGATION. BOARDING AND NIGHT ABOARD OVER THE ALQUEVA’S WATERS, THE EUROPE’S LARGEST MAN-MADE LAKE. POSSIBILITY TO DINNER ABOARD OR IN ONE OF THE RIVERSIDE’S VILLAGES, OR IN THE QUAYSIDE RESTAURANTS (NOT INCLUDED).

ENTIRELY FREE DAY ON BOARDOF ARTIFICIAL LAKE IN EUROPE. FREE MEALS. ACCOMMODATION AT HOUSE BOAT.

THE BOAT HOUSE IN THE LARGEST

It was in the Alentejo, a region of scarce water supplies, that the great Alqueva Dam, built across the River Guadiana between Moura and Portel, created the largest artificial lake in Europe. The new beauty that came into being with this lake is surprising and it has many aspects that make it a special case compared to the many reservoirs that can be found in other parts of the world: the typically Alentejan landscape that surrounds it, made up of thousands of olive trees, cork oaks and holm oaks; and, because we are in a frontier zone, the notable heritage of fortified towns and villages which have defended it throughout the centuries.

COUNTRY OF COLOURS, FLAVORS AND FRAGRANCES | DAY 7

AMIEIRA | ALQUEVA

COUNTRY OF COLOURS, FLAVORS AND FRAGRANCES | DAY 8

TRANSPORTATION ABOARD TO PINHﾃグ (DOURO). HOUSEBOAT CHECK-OUT IN THE MORNING AND DEPARTURE TO QUINTA DOS LORIDOS IN BOMBARRAL, TO VISIT BUDDHA EDEN GARDEN. LUNCH AT QUINTA DOS LORIDOS (INCLUDED). THE JOURNEY TOWARDS DOURO CONTINUES, WITH ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL IN THE LATE AFTERNOON. ACCOMMODATION IN PINHﾃグ. FREE DINNERTIME.

DEPARTURE TO QUINTA DO SEIXO. VISIT TO WINE CELLARS, VINERIES AND PORT WINE TASTING. LUNCH AT QUINTA DO SEIXO OVER DOURO RIVER (INCLUDED). AFTER LUNCH IT IS TIME TO RELAX AND DEPART TO VISIT REAL COMPANHIA VELHA, CLIMBING TO THE VIEWPOINT, TO ENJOY THE MAGNIFICENT LANDSCAPE OF DOURO’S TERRACES. RETURN TO PINHÃO. FREE DINNERTIME.

COUNTRY OF COLOURS, FLAVORS AND FRAGRANCES | DAY 9

QUINTA DO SEIXO

COUNTRY OF COLOURS, FLAVORS AND FRAGRANCES | DAY 10

DEPARTURE TO GUIMARÃES. VISIT TO THE HISTORIC CITY CENTER. LUNCH (INCLUDED). IN THE AFTERNOON, CABLE CAR CLIMBING TO MONTANHA DA PENHA, TO VISIT THE NOSSA SENHORA DA PENHA SANCTUARY AND WALK IN THE SURROUNDING GREEN AREAS. RETURN TO PORTO. DINNER (INCLUDED). ACCOMMODATION IN PORTO.

GUIMARÃES 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.

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 worldfamous 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 city that you have to visit, see and feel.

GUIDED TOUR TO PORTOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HISTORIC CENTER. DINNER AND ACCOMMODATION IN PORTO. MEALS AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE.

COUNTRY OF COLOURS, FLAVORS AND FRAGRANCES | DAY 11

PORTO

COUNTRY OF COLOURS, FLAVORS AND FRAGRANCES | DAY 12

FÁTIMA

DEPART EARLY MORNING TOWARDS COIMBRA. VISIT THE UNIVERSITY AND THE HISTORICAL CENTER. TRANSPORT TO SERNADELO TO ENJOY ANOTHER TREASURE OF THE PORTUGUESE GASTRONOMY: LEITÃO À BAIRRADA. AFTER LUNCH TRANSFER TO FATIMA SANTUARY. REST OF THE DAY FREE. BY EARLY EVENING TRANSPORT TO LISBON. ACCOMMODATION

TRANSFER TO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. END OF ABOUT DREAMS SERVICES.

COUNTRY OF COLOURS, FLAVORS AND FRAGRANCES | DAY 13

LISBON

Silver Accommodation

DAY 0,1,2,12 | LISBON 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.

DAY 3 | ÉVORA

HOTEL MAR DE AR MURALHAS 4* 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

DIA 4 | BEJA

HOTEL

BEJENSE 3*

This hotel in the historic centre of Beja offers uniquely decorated rooms with flower patterns and colourful wall paintings. There is a guest lounge with a fireplace and TV. The rooms at Hotel Bejense are decorated with care and include free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and a private bathroom with hairdryer. Guests at the Bejense can have continental breakfast in the light breakfast room. The lounge with its beamed ceilings offers a cosy setting for a cup of tea. The 24-hour reception staff can provide tourist information and recommend restaurants in the surroundings. They also provide a laundry service. The Bejense is situated 100 metres from Teatro Pax Julia and less than a 10 minutesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; walk from Castelo de Beja. The Beja Train Station is a 15-minute walk away.

DIA

5 | REGUENGOS DE MONSARAZ

Casa do Alentejo 2* 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 hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

DAY 6, 7 | AMIEIRA

MARINA AMIEIRA HOUSE

- BOATS

Aboard the boats of the Marina Amieira, tranquility is evident, and shows us the best that is in us, browse and relax in the Boat House Marina Amieira., The largest artificial lake in Europe - the Alqueva. Here enjoy the silence, peace and tranquility, green around the clear water of sight and the story spread in each bay will make you the happiest person in the world. Choose the ideal companion and boarding in this quiet place.

DAYS 8,9 | PINHÃO

QUINTA DE LA ROSA Quinta de La Rosa pertence à família Bergqvist desde 1906. Uma pequena propriedade vinícola, debruçada sobre o rio Douro, conhecida por esse mundo fora pelos seus Vinhos e Portos. Inserida num espaço rural, poderá pernoitar num dos quartos localizados junto à casa de família. Ou pode ainda alugar uma das duas casas próximas e convertidas para o turismo, a Casa Amarela e a Casa de Lamelas. Seja qualquer for a opção, o denominador comum é a tranquilidade, o conforto e o bom gosto, associado a uma localização privilegiada que alia uma rara beleza entre o rio e os vinhedos que se estendem em redor.

DAYS 10, 11 | PORTO

GRANDE HOTEL DO PORTO 3 *

Playground for the nobility and aristocracy from all around the world, a haven for spies, politicians and exiles, a privileged setting for artists, bohemians and intellectuals, the Grande Hotel do Porto is a charming hotel which maintains a dramatic, nineteenth-century, fin de siĂ¨cle charm, harmoniously combined with modernity, comfort and timeless design. Located in Rua Santa Catarina in the historic city centre within walking distance of shops, services, theatres and monuments, the Grande Hotel do Porto has 94 rooms, all recently modernised and equipped for your comfort. To make your stay more complete, we have a restaurant, bar, banquet halls and meeting rooms, a garage, a fitness and wellness room and a terrace overlooking the city.

Gold Accommodation

DAYS 0,1,2,12 | LISBON 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 Wi-Fi 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.

DAY 3 | ÉVORA

HOTEL MAR DE AR AQUEDUTO 5* 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.

DAY 4 | BEJA

BEJA PARQUE HOTEL 4* 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.

DAY 5 | MONSARAZ

HORTA DA MOURA 4* This typical Alentejo accommodation with its rounded archways offers a rural atmosphere on the slopes of the medieval Monsaraz Castle. The hotel has its own horse stable and a large pool. Horta da Moura's rooms and suites are decorated in light colours and include air conditioning and a minibar. Some have a balcony. Each accommodation has a private bathroom with bathtub and shower. Guests can explore the shores of the massive Alqueva Dam on one of Horta Da Mouraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own horses. It is also possible to play a game of tennis or to enjoy a quiet afternoon in the surrounding gardens. Horta da Mouraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s restaurant and terrace offer a charming setting for a local meal. It offers wide views over the surrounding fields, the lake and its dam. Horta Da Moura is situated less than 1 km from the harbour of Lake Alqueva. The Monsaraz Castle with its panoramic views is 1.5 km away.

DAYS 6,7 | AMIEIRA

MARINA AMIEIRA BOATS Aboard the boats of the Marina Amieira, tranquility is evident, and shows us the best that is in us, browse and relax in the Boat House Marina Amieira., The largest artificial lake in Europe - the Alqueva. Here enjoy the silence, peace and tranquility, green around the clear water of sight and the story spread in each bay will make you the happiest person in the world. Choose the ideal companion and boarding in this quiet place.

DAYS 8,9 | PINHÃO

VINTAGE HOTEL 5* 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.

DAYS 10, 11 | 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 flatscreen 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 5minute walk from Hotel Carris Porto Ribeira. Porto Airport is a 20-minute drive away.

SOME TIPS FOR YOU Bring 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 countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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. 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!