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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Ibertours Brochure 2012

Events :: Links

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...

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.

View Selection of Pousadas

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.

View Selection of Solares Properties

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

Sorry, no cruise itineraries available for 2012.