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PORTUGAL LISBON, LISBON COAST & OPORTO
Portugal
One of Europe's most beautiful cities is the lively capital Lisbon. Built on seven hills along the banks of the River Tagus, this city offers a rich and impressive diversity. To the west lie the stylish, cosmopolitan coastal resorts of Estoril and Cascais within easy reach of the capital. Ancient Oporto is in the North, clinging to the hillside above the Duoro river. A charming city with a maze of narrow alleyways and of course, plenty of port wine. Ribeira, Oporto the original city with narrow winding streets and colourful facades. Full of contrasts and charm with a lively nightlife. Soares dos Reis Museum, Oporto Portugal's first National Museum, founded in 1833, displays the finest collection of Portuguese arts.
EATING & DRINKING
Portugal is home to a wide variety of cuisines. A haven for fish lovers with all types of fresh seafood available. Try bacalhau' salted cod, or cozido a portuguesa, a type of tasty meat stew. Smoked hams are a regular delicacy along with rich wine based sauces. Strong goat or sheep cheeses are usually eaten before or after the main dish and you must find time to try the Pasteis de Belem (rich custard tarts) that are a Lisbon speciality. Portuguese wine is of high quality including the famous muscatel' and with desert, a glass of port.
HIGHLIGHTS
Castelo de Sao Jorge, Lisbon the crown on top of the hill, originally built by the Moors and one of the most peaceful spots in the city. Monument to the Discoveries, Lisbon dedicated to the famous Portuguese explorers. Alfama district, Lisbon with tiny squares on the banks of the Tagus. Lisbon's oldest district. Maria Pia Bridge, Oporto built by Gustav Eiffel in 1877, it spans the River Douro at a height of 60m and is an impressive sight. The Port Wine Museum, Oporto located in an 18th century warehouse where famous wines were once stored. An information centre motivating visitors to discover the commercial history of the city.
SHOPPING
Lisbon's shopping area centres mostly around the Baixi district for traditional crafts, Chiado for department stores, and if antiques are your passion then head to Bairro Alto. Oporto's newest shopping centre Via Catarina houses many popular department stores, while the Sunday flower market at Praca da Liberdade is a wealth of ceramics, embroidery, filigree silver, leather and, of course, port! Hand-painted azulejos tiles, traditionally blue on white, make lovely gifts.
TRAVEL INFORMATION, TOURS & EXCURSIONS
FLY FROM YOUR LOCAL AIRPORT See pages 250-253 for more details. TRAVEL & TRANSFERS Flights are included in the cost of your break, but you will need to make your own way between the airport and your hotel. There are several ways of doing this. Pre-book a private taxi to take you to your Lisbon hotel from £37 per car each way (up to 3 people). Journey time approx. 30 minutes. Code: PLLT04 Pre-book a private taxi to take you to your coastal hotel from £57 per car each way (up to 3 people). Journey time approx. 45 minutes. Code: EP0T13 Pre-book a private taxi to take you to your Oporto hotel from £37 per car each way (up to 3 people). Code: PPPT01 Oporto transfers airport transfers can be prebooked from £18 per person each way. Code: PPPT01 LISBON CITY TOUR PLLE11 Down Liberty Avenue to the Alfama district and along the riverside to Black Horse square, Belem Tower and Monument to the Discoveries. Joronimos Monastery and The Coach Museum are included except for Mondays when the tour includes The Ajuda Palace or Fundacao Medeiros e Almeida museum. Duration 3.5 hours. Adult from £30. ESTORIL COAST AND SINTRA PLLE12 A chance to see the beautiful Portugese Riviera. Visit Estoril, Cascais , picturesque Boca do Inferno cliff , Guincho and Cabo da Roca, the most western point in Europe. Drive across Sintra mountain to visit Vila Palace or Queluz Palace before the return to Lisbon. Duration 5 hours. Adult from £50. LISBON BY NIGHT PLLE10 Begin the tour in the centre at Marquês de Pombal, down Liberty Avenue to Rossio and Palace squares. Continue with panoramic views of the Monument to the Discoveries, Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monistery. Enjoy views of the Lisbon bridge and the statue of Christ the King inspired by the famous statue in Rio de Janeiro. Finally go to a typical local fado restaurant to enjoy a meal and traditional Portuguese entertainment. Tour commences at 8pm. Adult from £69.
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