Travel Journal

Exploring the World...our way

'I can't think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything.' - Bill Bryson

Portugal

"Portugal was born in the shadow of the Catholic Church and religion, from the beginning it was the formative element of the soul of the nation and the dominant trait of character of the Portuguese people."

- Antonio de Oliveira Salazar

Cities & Towns

Lisbon, known as the "Enchanting Port", is the historic capital of Portugal, located on the north bank of the Tejo River estuary. Lisbon's history dates back to 3,000 years ago.

Sintra

Sintra, one of the "Seven Wonders of Portugal" is located on the hills of the Sintra Mountain. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for both cultural interest and the natural beauty of its surroundings.

Óbidos

Óbidos is known as the "Wedding Present Town" for it was a gift from King Dinis in 1282 to Queen Isabel on their wedding day. The town is a national monument and protected by the government from modern development

Alcobaça

Alcobaça is best known for its magnificent monastery, the Mosteiro de Santa Maria De Alcobaça (Abbey of Santa Maria), classified as a national monument in 1907. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989.

Batalha

Batalha is a small town among the hills of Leira. The town is known for its Mosteiro De Santa Maria Da Vitoria, also known as Monastery of Batalha. It was built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese over the Castillians at the battle of Aljubarrota in 1385.

Coimbra

Coimbra is the third largest urban center in Portugal and the largest city in the district of Coimbra. It is one of Portugal's oldest cities and home to one of the world's first universities. The city's history goes way back to Roman times.

Aveiro

Aveiro, known as the "Portuguese Venice", has always been linked to the sea trade, fishing and salt production. The city is surrounded by salt-flats, beaches and lagoons and is dominated by the Central Canal running through town.

Porto

Porto, the second largest city in Portugal, is one of the oldest European trading centers, located along the Douro River estuary in the northern part of Portugal. The city is a World Heritage Site, proclaimed by UNESCO in 1996. Porto is known as the city of bridges.

Amarante

The town of Amarante is a pilgrimage destination. The town became important with the arrival of a Benedictine monk, Gonçalo, in the 13th century, who later became the town's patron saint.

Douro Valley

Douro Valley is also called the "Enchanted Valley" due to its beautiful terraced landscape. The Douro Region is the third oldest protected wine region in the world. The wines of the region were officialy demarcated in 1756 by stipulating that the quality of Port wine be protected.

Castelo Novo

Castelo Novo, or New Castle, is nestled on the slopes of Serra da Gardunha, and has one of the most beautiful views in the region. The town was first settled in the 7th century.

Monsanto

Monsanto (Monte Santo or Mons Sanctus - Holy Mountain) is located northeast of Idanha, about 12 miles west of the border with Spain. It is is one of the twelve historic villages built for territorial defense against the Spaniards.

Castelo de Vide

The historic town of Castelo de Vide is one of the most attractive and underrated villages. The town's earliest history dates back to the Romans who settled here in 44 BCE. It is known as a spa town due to the healing powers of its waters coming from hot springs.

Marváo

The historic town of Marvão occupies some of the highest territory in the Alentejo. The village is called "the eagle's nest", located on the highest peak in the heart of the Natural Park of Sáo Mamede, 3,000 feet above sea level.

Monsaraz

The medieval town of Monsaraz, "The Jewel of the Crown", is located on top of the highest hill in the area. The town is one of the oldest settlements in southern Portugal. It once guarded a section of the Guadiana River.

Évora

Évora, the "Museum City", has been a cultural oasis for 2,000 years. The town was once an important trading and religious center due to its wealth of wheat and silver, as well as its ideal location on the trade route to Rome. Much of the old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Food to eat when in Portugal

Travel Journal

Exploring the World...our way

'I can't think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything.' - Bill Bryson

Portugal

"Portugal was born in the shadow of the Catholic Church and religion, from the beginning it was the formative element of the soul of the nation and the dominant trait of character of the Portuguese people."

- Antonio de Oliveira Salazar

Cities & Towns

Food to eat when in Portugal

Other Attractions in Portugal

Cabo Da Roca, Sintra

Port Tasting

Cathedrals, Abbeys & Churches

Castles

Travel Journal

Exploring the World...our way

​

'I can't think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything.' - Bill Bryson

Portugal

"Portugal was born in the shadow of the Catholic Church and religion, from the beginning it was the formative element of the soul of the nation and the dominant trait of character of the Portuguese people."

- Antonio de Oliveira Salazar

Cities & Towns

Food to eat when in Portugal

Other Attractions in Portugal

Cabo Da Roca, Sintra

Port Tasting

Cathedrals, Abbeys & Churches

Castles