The Pousadas of Portugal are classified into 4 basic categories; Historic Design (HD), Historic (H), Nature (N), and Charm (CH). Here are just a small selection of Pousadas, please ask us for more details.
 | POUSADA DE SANTA MARINHA DA COSTA (H) - GUIMARAES This wonderful Pousada was inaugurated in 1985, having been restored and converted from the original Santa Marinha da Costa Monastery which dates back to the 12th C when the Order of Santo Agostinho was created. Situated in the Penha National Park approximately 1km from the city of Guimaraes, this impressive building shows many architectural influences from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, with a beautifully preserved collection of decorative mural tiles which adorn the walls and corridors of the building. |
 | POUSADA DOS LOIOS (H) - 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. |
 | POUSADA DO CASTELO (H) - OBIDOS Residing inside the walls of the castle at Obidos, this classic Pousada brings to life great moments in the history of the nation. Taken from the Moors by Dom Alfonso Henriques in the 12 C, the castle later suffered partial destruction during the famous earthquake of 1755 and was eventually restored and converted into a Pousada in 1950. An enormous presence in the fortified architecture, the period furniture and decor which provide the ambience for an unforgettable atmosphere of living history. |
 | POUSADA DO INFANTE (N) - SAGRES Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Pousada is located in the village of Sagres, in the Algarve region. This village has an important historical and maritime significance, from where, 500 years ago, Prince D. Henrique's caravels left to look for new countries. From the fishing village of Sagres come the excellent fish and seafood that can be quietly savoured at the Pousada, a contrast to the more usual cosmopolitan bustle of the Algarve coast. |
 | POUSADA FLOR DA ROSA (HD) - CRATO A castle, a convent and a palace, built in different periods, were the origin of this ecclesiastical architectural work of outstanding harmony. The former Knights of the Order of Malta's monastery, is surrounded in medieval mystic. Flor da Rosa Pousada manages to combine the genuine characteristics of the convent, highlighting them with an architectural project, which although modern, entirely respects its origins. |
 | POUSADA RAINHA SANTA ISABEL (H) - 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 high quality of building materials used, has been completed with the finest decor including museum pieces. From the private palace gardens and swimming pool surrounded by battlements, you have the most superb view over the city of Estremoz and the vast Alentejo plain. |
 | POUSADA SOLAR DA REDE (H) - MESAO FRIO In the midst of the Douro denominated wine region, on the road from Mesão Frio to Régua, is the Solar da Rede, with its breathtaking view over the River Douro. Ideally located within a 27-hectare vineyard, this 18th century manor house offers visitors the chance to sample the reality of local vineyard life, whilst experiencing the delights of savouring the region's principle product, Port wine. |
 | POUSADA MONTE STA LUZIA (CH) - VIANA DO CASTELO Set on the hill of Sta Luzia, overlooking the town of Viana do Castelo and the beautiful estuary of the river Lima, this Pousada is the result of an excellent restoration of a 1918 hotel. From this Pousada guests can enjoy the view of one of the vast and beautiful landscapes of our country, the city of Viana do Castelo and the sea. Its surrounding gardens and woods, the magnificent swimming pool and the peaceful place where the Pousada is set, allow guests an invigorating tranquillity. |
 | POUSADA CONVENTO DE GRACA (H) - TAVIRA Convento de Graca is a beautifully restored convent and was once the Convent of the Cloistered Augustinian Nuns The convent has been restored in traditional Portugese style that fits perfectly within the region. The Pousada has two pools and is very close to the beach and the golf course. |
 | POUSADA SANTA MARIA (CH) - MARVAO The small traditional houses of Marvão, a medieval town with walls dating from the thirteenth century, seem to squeeze the narrow little streets that wind between them. The two village houses that have been comfortably converted into a Pousada offer an exceptionally beautiful panorama from the reception rooms and certain bedrooms. |
- Portugal
- Tours
- Pousadas
- Solares
- Accommodation
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!
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 & THE ALENTEJO PORTO, MINHO & THE DOURO VALLEY |
| Fully Escorted Tours: | 02 DAY FATIMA SANCTUARY 03 DAY CENTRE OF PORTUGAL 05 DAY SOUTH OF PORTUGAL 07 DAYS NORTH OF PORTUGAL 10 DAYS CAROUSSEL TOUR SALAMANCA & PORTUGAL |
| Chauffered Tours: | FIRST CLASS PORTUGAL |
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