LISBOA
The capital of Portugal is settled on the northern bank of the estuary of the River Tagus. Deriving its name from the Latin 'Olissapona' meaning 'delightful little port', the city was successively occupied by Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths and Moors until 1147CE, when finally conquered by Dom Afonso Henriques, the nation's first King. Owing to its prowess as a maritime power in the 15th century, Lisboa became an important seaport & trading centre for all exotic goods from the newly found colonies.
Today, Lisboa is a bustling, international city with a charming old world ambience, offering a rare combination of the old and new with its own distinctive character. The many sights include the Castle of São Jorge, set on one of the seven hills, the lovely Alfama, old Moorish quarter and the whitewashed streets of the Bairro Alto, home to the Fado, the traditional folksong of Lisboa. The centre of the uniquely Portuguese 'Manueline' style of architecture of the 16th century, the city and its surrounding towns offer a feast to the eye of the visitor. Sintra, Queluz, Setúbal, Estoril, Cascais, Mafra and Guincho to name a few.
 | HOTEL LISBOA TEJO 3* This charming little hotel has recently undergone a very funky and colourful refurbishment with clean lines and bright feature walls. Very central location just next to the Praça de Figuera in the centre of town. Parking nearby. |
 | HOTEL DOM CARLOS PARK 3* Located next to Praca Marques de Pombal, one of Lisbon's most prominent landmarks, the hotel is a short metro ride to the old centre of the city. Totally refurbished in 2005, the hotel has 76 modern rooms with internet access and in room safe and hotel facilities include laundry service and garage. |
 | HOTEL LISBOA PLAZA 4* One of the most charming small hotels of the city, this family owned residence has a lovely classic character with decor to match. Ideally situated in the quiet street off central Av. Libertade near the Botanic gardens. Traditional friendly service & cosy, homely ambience. |
 | HOTEL BRITANIA 4* Located in the heart of Lisboa near the Praça Marques de Pombal, this traditional hotel has recently been refurbished enhancing its true classic charm. Comfortable warm ambience in the lounge and bar areas and attentive service. A welcoming art deco delight! |
 | HOTEL SOLAR DO CASTELO 4* Formerly the 'Palacete dos Cozinhas', this boutique hotel is housed within St Jorge's castle walls. Situated 800 metres from the town centre. 14 contemporarily designed rooms, library, bar and garden/courtyard. Classic. |
 | HOTEL REAL PALACIO 5* Opened in May 2003, the Real Palácio is a modern hotel with a classically elegant interior, offering 147 rooms and suites, each fully equipped with air-conditioning, central heating, direct-dial telephone, cable TV, mini-bar and safe-deposit box. Besides two restaurants and two bars, the hotel features a modern health club with a spa, sauna and gymnasium. |
 | HOTEL BARRIO ALTO 5* Located in the heart of the charming Bairro Alto area, in the centre of Lisbon`s shopping and theatre district. Deluxe boutique hotel offering 55 rooms and suites designed in classic Portuguese style combined with the latest hi-tech features (wi-fi Internet acess, in-room LCD-DVD). Among the facilities of the hotel, a street-access restaurant with esplanade, trendy bar, mezzanine lounge, private boardroom, fitness centre with massage and a panoramic terrace overlooking the Tagus river for special events. Underground car park, plus tram 28 and metro at the hotel door. |
 | HOTEL AS JANELAS VERDES 5* A restored 18thC palace, this fine hotel has all the comforts of a 4* hotel with a romantic and sophisticated atmosphere few properties possess. |
 | HOTEL PESTANA PALACE 5* Classified as a national monument and located just 10 km from Lisbon International Airport, this fine 19th century hotel boasts unparalleled views over the River Tagus. Each of its 173 classically designed rooms and 17 suites is fully equipped with telephone lines and Internet access, cable television, air conditioning and central heating, mini-bar and in-room safe. Dining options include inhouse restaurant, garden dining in the summer months and hotel bar. The serene atmosphere of the gardens is ideal for relaxing, while the health club facilities include gymnasium, indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Beautiful. |
 | APARTHOTEL VIP EDEN 4* The Vip Eden Aparthotel is the restored 'Eden Theatre'. In 1996 it was converted to a 4 star aparthotel, and has been awarded "The best tourist accomplishment in Portugal" by the Portuguese Government. All studios and apartments are equipped with all modern facilities including kitchenettes, full bathroom and air conditioning. The hotel has a swimming pool on the roof and a solarium. This is an extraordinary building with a neoclassic Art Deco style, and is superbly located close to Praça do Rossio and the business area, in the heart of the historical and cultural centre. Just 20 minutes from the airport and 10 minutes from the main train station Sta. Apolónia. |
COSTA DE ESTORIL
Cascais & Estoril, both coastal resort towns are located along the Estoril Coast only some 20 mins from the capital Lisboa and were historically important fishing villages. They were also the favourite resorts of successive Portuguese monarchs, but today, they are thriving holiday resorts on Lisboa's doorstep, with many hotels, a lively night life, a casino and all types of water sports.
 | HOTEL VILA GALE ESTORIL 4* - ESTORIL Situated close to the beach in the centre of Estoril, just 200 metres from the famous casino, the hotel offers 126 rooms, a high-quality restaurant, bar, outdoor swimming pool, gym, Jacuzzi, Turkish bath and various meeting rooms. |
 | HOTEL PALACIO DO ESTORIL 5* - ESTORIL Situated in the heart of Estoril, just a 20 minute drive from Lisbon, Hotel Palácio is a luxury five star resort enjoying beautifully landscaped gardens and magnificent sea views. Overlooking the beautiful Casino gardens and the sea, the hotel offers a total of 161 elegant rooms, including 32 suites. All rooms are tastefully decorated and furnished with all the luxuries of a five star resort, whilst the majority benefit from garden or sea views. |
 | HOTEL VILA GALE VILLAGE 4* - CASCAIS Next to the Cascais marina and barely 5 minutes from the centre of the town of Cascais, this hotel, which was purchased by Vila Galé in 1996, has a fabulous sea view. It has 233 large and comfortable rooms, and the quality of the food served in its restaurant together with its multivalent reception rooms make this hotel a perfect location for holidays, business meetings, seminars or special events |
 | HOTEL ALBATROZ 5* - CASCAIS Traditional luxury is offered in this special hotel which was built by the Portuguese royal family in the 19th C. Restored with great imagination and taste, the hotel offers the latest amenities including a salt water swimming pool, a sun terrace and a good restaurant with panoramic views. |
 | HOTEL FORTALEZA DO GUINCHO 5* - GUINCHO A member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux chain, the Fortaleza is a fully restored 17th century fortress, with commanding sea views. Located on the seafront in Guincho, 10 minutes from Cascais town, the hotel has 27 rooms with classical and luxurious furnishings with air conditioning, mini-bar, telephone, hairdryer, safe and internet access. Hotel facilities include parking and 24hr room service, but the highlight here is the 1 Michelin star restaurant headed by executive chef Vincent Farges, based on a menu created by 3 Michelin star chef, Antoine Westermann. 50m from the beach with private parking on site. |
SINTRA
Sintra is a regional town of great beauty set in an oasis of pine woods and exotic gardens in a barren and rocky landscape with an altitude of some 500m above sea level. Lord Byron referred to Sintra as a 'glorious Eden' and owing to the fact that it was one of the favoured summer retreats of the Portuguese monarchs, Sintra has a splendid palace (formerly a Royal residence), a castle which is of Moorish origin from the 8th century and the Pena Palace with its surprising variety of architectural styles.
 | HOTEL TIVOLI SINTRA 4* The 4* hotel is located in the centre of the picturesque village of Sintra, opposite the former royal summer palace and set in a verdant landscape, close to many historic sites and monuments. The guest rooms are fully equipped with all modern comforts and offer splendid views from the balconies. |
 | LAWRENCES HOTEL 4* In operation since 1764, this beautiful hotel has lodged many a famous face, including the great Lord Byron. In the heart of Sintra centre and just past the tourist office, this fine hotel offers a boutique and authentic accommodation experience, with just 16 unique bedrooms. The decor is romantic and classical in style, with luxurious furnishings and a great attention to detail. The hotel has sitting rooms, a small bar and a restaurant with terrace, serving traditional Portuguese dishes as well as a wide international selection. |
SESIMBRA
Sesimbra is at the foot of a southern slope of the Serra Da Arrabida and is a pleasant seaside resort enjoying a magnificently sunny outlook. The town lies in a pleasant setting, but the traditional features are only to be found now in the charming little steep streets and alleys - sometimes intersected with steps - which go down towards the beach, lined with small shops and houses decorated with flowers where the washing, and quite often a birdcage hang on the façade, along with fish put out to dry. Every evening the lines and nets are disentangled in the middle of the streets. The harbour leans picturesquely against the foot of the cliff, away from the town.
 | HOTEL SANA SESIMBRA 4* Between the blue of the Sea and the lush green of the Mountains is the Sana Sesimbra hotel, boasting 97 rooms and 3 suites. Opposite the lovely beach, the hotel has extensive facilities including swimming pool, sauna, spa, restaurant, bar, tour desk and garage. |
- Portugal
- Tours
- Pousadas
- Solares
- Accommodation
- Cruises
Portugal - Land of Tradition
A land of great tradition and famous for its warm hospitality, Portugal shared a common history with Spain for many Centuries. However its regional individuality in culture and language, combined with a dogged determination to self rule brought its nationhood to the fore as early as the 12th Century when Afonso Henriques proclaimed himself King of Portugal.
Recapturing regions from the Moors was the first priority, and the fledgling nation would endure another four centuries of wars and dynastic succession with the Kingdom of Castile.
Portugal, like Spain,would develop and consolidate its vast empire. Under the Treaty of Tordesillas, signed in 1494 they divided the known world between them into two spheres of dominance and influence.
Always a great seafaring nation, Portugal provided a long and distinguished line of explorers and navigators, with its ships the first to discover Brazil and the lucrative trade routes of Asia, Africa and India. Names such as Vasco De Gama, Henry the Navigator, Ferdinand Magellan and Pedro Alvares Cabral are now legendary for having made great discoveries in the New World in the name of Portugal.
The Republic of Portugal today is a small vibrant nation with a population of around 11 million people with a deep sense of their history and traditions. As a consequence of a concerted policy of economic development over the past 15 years Portugal is emerging as an important new member of the EEC.
With its islands of Madeira and the Azores, the country offers an enormous variety of scenery, historical sites and monuments. With heritage accommodation as well as fine food and wine for the visitor to enjoy the pleasant and courteous nature of the Portuguese people is a welcome bonus.
MADEIRA & THE AZORES - Please ask us for a fact sheet for more information!
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Portugal (8.3mb)
Fully Escorted Tours (4.5mb)
Tours
Ranging from short Fully Escorted coach tours to Private itineraries with your own driver, we have a tour to suit your time frame and budget. Here are a few examples of some of our most popular touring options...
| Self Drive Tours: | CENTRAL PORTUGAL -- HERITAGE OF PORTUGAL -- LISBON AND THE ALENTEJO -- PORTO, MINHO AND THE DOURO VALLEY |
| Fully Escorted Tours: | 03 DAY WONDERS OF PORTUGAL -- 04 DAY SOUTH OF PORTUGAL -- 06 DAYS NORTH OF PORTUGAL -- 11 DAYS BEST OF PORTUGAL TOUR -- SALAMANCA AND PORTUGAL |
| Chauffered Tours: | FIRST CLASS PORTUGAL |
| Unique Portugal: | A TASTE OF EVORA -- AN INTRODUCTION TO PORTUGUESE WINE -- DISCOVER THE WESTERN ALGARVE -- JEWISH HERITAGE IN LISBON -- LISBON AND MEDIEVAL OBIDOS -- LISBON AND UNESCO MONASTERIES -- SAVOUR THE ALENTEJO -- VINHO VINTAGE |
Pousadas
IBERTOURS is the Official Representative of Pousadas in Australia and New Zealand.
If you are looking for attractive and historic accommodation for your next holiday, away from the bustle of the city, consider the Pousadas of Portugal.
The Pousadas are located in pleasant rural settings, inside the walls of medieval towns, near the seaside or in the mountainous regions of this 'old world' country. There are around 45 Pousadas forming an impressive network of heritage hotels run by the Portuguese State, many of them Historic Buildings, Castles, Palaces and Monasteries all lovingly restored and managed.
Special care has been taken to reflect the cultural traditions of the region in which they are located with attention to folk crafts, period furniture and local cuisine and wines.
Comfort, friendly atmosphere and traditional Portuguese hospitality are the cornerstones of these uniquely beautiful buildings.
Solares Properties
A new kind of tourism has recently developed in Portugal basing its theme on the cultural and traditional heritage of the country and involving privately owned country Manors and Historic Rural Estates, which have been adapted in order to receive "Special" guests. These are known as Solares de Portugal. The guest is treated to the friendliest of receptions that is an essential hallmark of the Portuguese tradition, blended with the comfort and charm of the rural setting. Most of the Manors and Houses are historic buildings located in or near medieval villages offering attractive country walks, natural parks and ancient monuments to enjoy. Others are situated near urban centres where one can ride, play tennis and golf or just relax on a nearby beach. Many homes have their own swimming pool and ample private gardens. All rooms have private facilities and the basic tariff includes continental breakfast. This is the way to truly discover the essence of Portugal, its customs and regional culture and cuisine. The houses fall into 3 categories:
Category A - the finest manors and palaces, luxuriously furnished with antiques and family heirlooms, often surrounded by beautiful gardens. Many of their names are preceded by the word 'Paço', a term used to indicate that a king stayed there.
Category B - incorporates country homes and smaller manors, many of which date from the 18th century and carry on the farming traditions of their ancestors.
Category C - establishments which are largely rustic cottages and farmhouses, which have been converted into comfortable apartments.
Portuguese Hotels
Stopovers can include 2 and 3 night packages in all major cities including Lisbon, and
Oporto, plus many other smaller regional cities and towns such as Coimbra, Evora, Obidos, Guimaraes and so on... In fact, with our extensive experience and contacts we can develop stopover packages for almost any city or town in the Iberian Triangle, for any length of time, to suit your requirements. Here are some examples...
View a selection of hotels by region:
Costa Verde / Costa de Prata / Lisboa and Costa de Estoril / Ribatejo and Alentejo / The Algarve
Douro River Cruising
The Douro River, with its origins in Spain and reaching the Atlantic Ocean in Porto, traverses the spectacular Douro River Valley, now declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rambling vineyards and picturesque farms called 'quintas' cling to the steep sides of the Douro River Valley, creating an incomparable backdrop to one of Europe's most unspoiled regions, the country of Portwine - the oldest demarcated wine region in the world.
The cruise allows one to taste plenty of wonderful local wines from village vineyards, including Port, the region's famous fortified wine. Feast on a traditional meal at the Alpendurada Monastery; enjoy an authentic Spanish-style lunch complete with a flamenco show; and dine at the Vintage House Hotel, a magnificent 18th-century wine quinta overlooking the Douro River. All along the way, uncover a land of genuine beauty and breathtaking scenery, and meet some warmhearted, friendly local people who will welcome you with open arms, in the renowned tradition of Portuguese hospitality.
This river cruise is a must for those seeking a leisurely and visually rewarding experience along an extensive river valley with extraordinary scenery, creative off-cruise excursions to historical towns, and monumental cities. True wine connoisseurs and food aficionados will enjoy indulging in the region's celebrated Port wine and local cuisine.
