These are just a selection of Solares properties. You can also view more properties in "Accommodation" Portugal. Please ask us for more details.
 | MH QUINTA DO PAÇO D'ANHA (A) - VIANA DO CASTELO Paço d'Anha is a fine example of the 16th century Portuguese architecture. The interior of the house is something of a museum with many superb pieces of antique furniture on display. The name Paço was awarded to the house after the King D.Antonio Prior de Crato was hidden here in 1580, when he was being sought by Spanish soldiers. The property has ample gardens, produces its own wine and provides access to the farm operation for those interested. The 5 apartments on the property offer privacy, comfort and tranquility with easy access to Viana and its nearby beaches, only 3kms away. |
 | MH CASA DAS TORRES (B) - PONTE DE LIMA This manor is a fine example of 18th Century architecture during the reign of King D. João V. Note the lovely Baroque details around each window. Visitors here will be treated to a splendid view of the lavish green countryside of the Alto-Minho. The property also has a swimming pool and parking. |
 | MH CASA DOS ASSENTOS (B) - BARCELOS The name 'Assentos' (house of records) was given to this house as it was once the place where agreements concerning local rents were kept. Today this splendid manor house remains as an ancestral monument of the 17th Century. Its large, grandiose apartments are set in traditional stone cottages, with wooden floors and ceilings. |
 | MH CASA DAS TORRES DE OLIVEIRA (A) - MESAO FRIO This is an example of a magnificent manor of the early 18th C and was built in a carefully selected area, which not only allowed it to head a vast farming estate producing port wine, but also enjoys a beautiful landscape, overlooking the Douro river as it winds slowly down towards the sea. The splendour of the house captivates the visitor and its period furniture adds all the atmosphere and character one can manage. The property has its own small chapel and offers a swimming pool, great local walks and wonderful gardens to enjoy. |
 | MH PACO DE CALHEIROS (A) - PONTE DE LIMA Paço de Calheiros has a most impressive entrance with its distinguished gateway, beautiful tree-lined drive and stone fountain. The Count of Calheiros, who will proudly show his 17th Century family home, makes guests to feel very welcome. A magnificent view of the Lima valley can be seen from the tranquil gardens. Facilities include a library, a chapel, a cellar, horse riding, gardens, a swimming pool, and wine tasting. Evening meals available on request. |
 | MH CASA D'OBIDOS (B) - OBIDOS Located less than 1 km from the old town centre, the charming house was built in the 19thC by one of the railway engineers of the Eiffel team. A peaceful setting with fabulous views of the old town and the castle, the house affords a most relaxing stay with homely attention of the owners. Lovely gardens, swimming pool, and tennis court. |
SOLARES IN EXCLUSIVITY
Minimum of 3 nights, please ask us for special prices.
 | MH AZENHA DO REI (C) - PONTE DE LIMA The seemingly romantic Azenha do Rei is near the Estorãos River. The house together with the 18th C water mill will immediately win you over. Your house is entirely authentic and has a pleasant open fireplace. The village of Estorãos in the heart of the Minho countryside has a typical Portuguese atmosphere. There are excellent nearby facilities for walking, fishing and taking trips to the riverside. You can also pay a visit to the well-known market in the oldest town in Portugal: Ponte de Lima (7 km) that goes back to 1125. The market is however only held twice a month. |
 | MH CASA DE COVAS (C) - PONTE DE LIMA Casa de Covas is a 17th C. country house surrounded by vineyards. It is the perfect place to explore the nearby area on foot or bike, and there is a golf course nearby. You can also pay a visit to the well-known market in the oldest town in Portugal: Ponte de Lima (6 km) that goes back to 1125. The market is however only held twice a month. |
 | MH MOINHO DE ESTORAOS (B) - PONTE DE LIMA Built in the 17th C. on the banks of the Estoraos river, this pretty water mill has been authentically restored, retaining the old water wheel and grindstone. Guests staying in Moinho de Estorãos are full of praise for the place and describe it as a very special and unique holiday experience. You can take a magnificent walk in the nearby area, go fishing near the riverside and there is a golf course just 7 km away. You can also pay a visit to the well-known market in the oldest town in Portugal: Ponte de Lima (7 km) that goes back to 1125. The market is however only held twice a month. |
 | MH CASA DO MONTE (C) - BARCELOS This beautiful country house surrounded by gardens is ideally situated on a small hill above the village of Vila Cova near Penafiel, 3km from Barcelos. From your veranda, you can enjoy a great panoramic view over Barcelos and Cávado Valley. The rooms are decorated with charming wooden pieces traditionally painted with floral designs. The house has a private swimming pool, tennis court and private garden for your enjoyment. |
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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