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| Page & Moy — Europe Holiday Collection 2008 |
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 | The Country Houses of Portugal |
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Page Text Content
ATLANTIC TO THE MEDITERRANEAN
11 days from £849
The Country Houses of Portugal
Oporto
Casa de Mateus
View from the Belem Tower, Lisbon
· Stay in two superb country house style hotels · Full programme of included excursions · Includes 3 wine experiences at Casa de Mateus, Casa Santar and Quinta de Aveleda
If you are dreaming of beautiful beaches, lively cities, atmospheric villages and elegant country houses, then you won't be disappointed on this wonderfully refined, outstanding tour. Our exploration takes us from the south of Portugal to the very north with all excursions included.
ITINERARY DAY 1 UK/Ericeira We fly to Lisbon and transfer to Ericeira, one of the most beautiful coastal villages in Portugal, where we stay for four nights. Dinner in the hotel has been included on two evenings, leaving you free on the other two to dine in the excellent local restaurants. DAY 2 Ericeira Perched on a rocky ledge overlooking a series of sandy beaches, Ericeira has a wonderful natural harbour and first-rate seafood restaurants. The heart of the town is the pretty Praca de Republica, a charming square lined with tempting cafes and patisseries. The day is free for you to explore at leisure or simply make the most of the excellent facilities of the hotel and the beach. DAY 3 Sintra, Cascais & Estoril Our sightseeing begins with the amazing city of Sintra, home to the soaring Royal Palace and the traditional residence of the Moorish kings. We continue to Cascais, a former fishing village and now a popular resort with a wonderful bay lined with elegant houses. There will be some free time to stroll around its picturesque streets before our final visit to Estoril with its grandiose gardens and casino. DAY 4 Lisbon Today we visit Lisbon, the elegant Portuguese capital. Broad avenues and grand 18thcentury squares contrast dramatically with the cobbled alleys and steep stairways of the Alfama district, where ancient houses seem to lean on each other for support. We enjoy a guided tour including a visit to the fabulous Maritime Museum followed by free time perhaps enjoy window shopping or soak up the atmosphere in one of the many pavement cafes. DAY 5 Obidos, Nazare & Nelas Sit back, relax and enjoy a scenic day as we head north to the mountainous Beira Alta, one of the least-known regions of Portugal. En route we stop at the walled mediaeval town of Obidos and the traditional fishing village of Nazare before arriving at our country house hotel in the attractive little town of Nelas for three nights on a half board basis. DAY 6 Viseu & Casa Santar Today's excursion takes us to Viseu, a historic town set high on a plateau. We will see the twin-towered Romanesque cathedral and the town's narrow old alleys, untouched by time and dotted with stone mansions. Our tour also takes in the Baroque white church of the Misericordia. The day concludes with a tasting of the excellent local wines at the Casa Santar winery, a beautiful privately owned mansion. DAY 7 Coimbra We head inland through the beautiful Bucaco forest to the atmospheric university city of Coimbra, clinging to hills above the River Mondego. A guided tour will introduce us to the quaint streets and
Oporto
AMARANTE Lamego
PORTUGAL
Coimbra Nazare Obidos ERICEIRA Lisbon Viseu NELAS
Sintra Cascais Estoril
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