The Planicies region is comprised of two provinces: Ribatejo and Alentejo. This vast region encompasses all the land that lies immediately east of Lisboa to the border with Spain, for some 60kms north and about 90kms south to the Algarve. Within the region one can find a number of very attractive towns and cities including Santarem, Evora, Estremoz, Vila Viçosa, Marvao, Beja, Tomar, Portalegre and many more.
 | MH CASA DE SAO TIAGO - EVORA Situated in the historical and cultural town of Evora, this is an aristocratic house that dates back to the reign of King Manuel I in the 16th C. This comfortable house is well suited for sightseeing on foot, just a few metres away are the most remarkable monuments which are well worth a visit. |
 | ALBERGARIA DO CALVARIO - EVORA Albergaria do Calvario is next to the 14th century walls which surround the city. Tastefully decorated with traditional furniture and decor, the estalagem offers 21 bedrooms and two suites, all with private bathroom, TV, telephone, minibar, safe and air conditioning. The property boasts a lovely interior courtyard and has a bar, breakfast room and private garage. Charming. |
 | POUSADA DOS LOIOS - EVORA A superb building from the Manueline period, (once the Convent of St John the Evangelist), makes one's stay in this historical city a joy to remember. Situated in the town centre opposite the Temple of Diana. Vaulted ceilings, marble staircases, frescoes and cloisters abound creating an unparalleled atmosphere. All amenities, superb lounge, bar and restaurant areas. Private parking. |
 | HOTEL PATEO DOS SOLARES 5* - ESTREMOZ The Páteo dos Solares is a charming manor-house located in the picturesque Alentejan town of Estremoz. Each of its 40 individually-furnished guest-rooms is fully equipped with a wide range of modern conveniences such as direct-dial telephone, safe-deposit box, mini-bar, TV, and some have a fireplace and hydro-massage. Set in beautiful gardens, the house also offers various leisure facilites including a bar, outdoor swimming pool, private parking, the Alzulaich regional restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and the Afonso III meeting room with capacity for up to 100 people theatre-style. |
 | POUSADA RAINHA SANTA ISABEL - ESTREMOZ The castle of Estremoz is the result of the restoration of the magnificent Palace that King D. Diniz built for his wife, Queen Santa Isabel. The restoration has been complemented with fine décor and museum pieces. From the private gardens and swimming pool surrounded by battlements, you have the most superb view over the city of Estremoz and the vast Alentejo plain. |
 | POUSADA D.JOAO IV - VILA VICOSA This large and most impressive Pousada is set in the former Convent of Chagas de Cristo in the historical village of Vila Viçosa. The buliding is full of character with intricate themed rooms, full of legends and tales. The Pousada has kept intact the convent cells, the retreats and the oratories built by the nuns. There are 36 rooms and suites to choose from, a swimming pool, restaurant, bar and parking. |
 | MH QUINTA DE BELA VISTA (B) - CASTELO DE VIDE Marvellous country estate located just 13kms north of Castelo de Vide, where the traveller can revel in the restfulness of its natural setting and enjoy the daily agricultural activity on the place; milking the cows, fruit harvest, wine making etc. |
 | HOTEL HORTA DA MOURA 3* - REGUENGOS DE MONSARAZ The rural hotel stands on the slope of the hill near the river Guadiana among historical monuments that date back to the Megalithic period. The hotel offers all the peace and quiet that only the landscape and tradition lifestyle of Alentejo can provide, in the tradition of the "Monte", the typical rural dwelling of the Alentejo region. The building preserves the traditional structure of the "Monte" of Alentejo, and provides all the comfort of a quality rural hotel that has preserved its links to the earth and its origins thanks to cattle-raising and orchards, and the friendly and personalised service that is only possible in a family-owned enterprise. |
 | POUSADA SAO FRANCISCO - BEJA In the former 13th century Franciscan Convent located in the heart of the historical centre of the Alentejo town of Beja, we find this impressive Pousada. Combining the mystic monument with the needs of today's standards of well-being and comfort, the São Francisco Pousada, with its magnificent cuisine, allows guests to relax both body and mind. |
- 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)
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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.
