Portugal short range tours
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Program
A drive across the bridge 25 Abril. Belem historical quarter: stop in Belem fortress (jewel of manueline art), stop in the Monument
dedicated to the Portuguese Discoveries, visit to the church of Jeronimos Monastery (greatest sample of Manueline art) and the
Coach Musem (the best coach collection in the world). Jeronimos church and coach museum are closed on Mondays, both replaced
by Ajuda palace. Wine tasting and Belem pastry included everyday. Alfama: walk through the most ancient and picturesque section
of Lisbon. Praça do Comercio: the biggest and most beautiful square in Lisbon. Baixa-Rossio: center of town. Liberdade avenue,
Marques de Pombal square. Free time for lunch.
Afterwards, catch the train to Oporto at 1:55 p.m.. Arrive to Oporto at 4:55 p.m. and transfer to a 3/4 star Hotel. Free evening in
the capital of the North of Portugal, site of Port wine. Next day, sightseeing tour of Oporto with a visit to a Port wine cellar with
Port wine tasting. At 2:15 p.m. we take the train back to Lisbon.
Arrive to Lisbon at 5:15 p.m.
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...Lisbon’s history dates back to 300,000 years ago and ranks as one of the world's longest founded cities. As the
legend tells, it is a city founded and named by Ulysses, which has its origins in the Phoenician words "Allis Ubbo",
meaning "enchanting port". Lisbon was a battlefield for Phoenicians, Greeks and Carthaginians, however it was
Romans who started their two-century reign in Lisbon in 205 BC. In 714, the Moors arrived and stayed till the 12th
century. In the 13th century, Lisbon became the capital of Portugal. The 15th century was the point of departure for
the Portuguese Discoveries, an era during which Portugal enjoyed abundant wealth and prosperity through its newly
discovered off shore colonies in Africa, the Americas and Asia. Today, Lisbon still maintaining the marks of its early
history, is one of the most beautiful capitals of Europe...
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...Oporto, Portugal's second-largest city and the capital of its port wine industry, with many streets unchanged since the Middle Ages,
this city along the Douro River has a remarkably unspoiled assortment of architecture. The history of this now great city had humble
beginnings. The Romans gave the place the name of "Portocale”. The Moors later occupied it in the early 8th Century. It was later
captured in the name of the Christian army in 982. The place only expanded during the Period of the Discoveries when Portugal
became Europe's central point in trade. In the 15th Century the town was one of the ship building centres in Portugal. The city has a
number of distinctive atmospheres and this is very evident when comparing the various parts of the city. As would be expected of
such an important city it is full of fascinating buildings. Oporto is full of charm with many art treasures, striking cathedrals,
waterfront cafes and bars and an atmospheric riverside Ribeira quarter. Despite being predominantly industrial, Oporto thrives on
its history, culture and wine…
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