Once again Portugal, like in the middle ages, has stepped to the forefront, and this time it is tourism that is giving this country a new rebirth. Portugal is on the tip of everyone’s tongue - in travel magazines, and travelers’ itineraries they all talking about this amazing destination. And trust me, there are plenty of reasons to talk about Portugal; the rich history, its culture, amazing wines, the typical cuisine, the fado and festivals, the Porto, the beautiful country sites, and it all comes with a great value for travelers.
Portugal was always part of my history books - The Carthaginians in the 3rd century B.C., the arrival of the Phoenicians in twelfth century B.C., then the Celtics, the Romans under Augustus, the Visigoths, the Arabs, and later the King owners of the richest courts in Europe. At the beginning of the 1400’s, people from all over earth were arriving at Lisbon due to the new expeditions sent by the crown to Africa, bringing back shiploads of precious spices like pepper, ginger, saffron and other foreign spices.
Fast forward to today. Portugal is going through a new reincarnation. Today people do not go to Portugal to find the latest spices from Asia or Africa or the precious stones from Brazil; they are arriving to find an experience that will change their lives. Today Portugal looks like someone who has been drinking from the fountain of youth - she looks vibrant and very beautiful.
My trip started in Lisbon, once the admired “capital of Europe”.
There is an old saying in Portuguese “Quem nao tem visto Lisboa, nao visto cousa boa” (who has not seen Lisbon has not seen beauty).
So I came to see beauty. I arrived in Lisbon, the heart of Portugal, via Madrid.
Portugal was always part of my history books - The Carthaginians in the 3rd century B.C., the arrival of the Phoenicians in twelfth century B.C., then the Celtics, the Romans under Augustus, the Visigoths, the Arabs, and later the King owners of the richest courts in Europe. At the beginning of the 1400’s, people from all over earth were arriving at Lisbon due to the new expeditions sent by the crown to Africa, bringing back shiploads of precious spices like pepper, ginger, saffron and other foreign spices.
Fast forward to today. Portugal is going through a new reincarnation. Today people do not go to Portugal to find the latest spices from Asia or Africa or the precious stones from Brazil; they are arriving to find an experience that will change their lives. Today Portugal looks like someone who has been drinking from the fountain of youth - she looks vibrant and very beautiful.
My trip started in Lisbon, once the admired “capital of Europe”.
There is an old saying in Portuguese “Quem nao tem visto Lisboa, nao visto cousa boa” (who has not seen Lisbon has not seen beauty).
So I came to see beauty. I arrived in Lisbon, the heart of Portugal, via Madrid.
My first glance from the plane window was a tranquil countryside. and as the plane descended, more of the city was revealed, such as the Tagus River, the bridges, square buildings, and finally I saw a progressive urban city.
The driver was waiting for me outside the terminal, and as usual, when I arrive to a new place, I tried to ask the driver lots of questions. I usually start with a formal conversation, then I quiz the driver about the city, trying to see how much he knows, and I usually get a lot of good information. Luckily for me, the driver, provided by Made for Spain and Portugal, was also a certificated guide. So while he drove me, he introduced me to the names of the prominent streets we drove through with their perfect geometrical layouts like Avenida Da Liberdade. I asked him about the significance of the massive monuments that adorn the avenues. He knew every name and it’s importance.
In Lisbon I stayed at Hotel Bairro Alto. The trip from the airport to the hotel takes 20 minutes.
The hotel is located in the 16th century quarter that has traditionally been the city's bohemian haunt of artists, writers, and the cultural Chiado. The neighborhood is called Bairro Alto.
The driver was waiting for me outside the terminal, and as usual, when I arrive to a new place, I tried to ask the driver lots of questions. I usually start with a formal conversation, then I quiz the driver about the city, trying to see how much he knows, and I usually get a lot of good information. Luckily for me, the driver, provided by Made for Spain and Portugal, was also a certificated guide. So while he drove me, he introduced me to the names of the prominent streets we drove through with their perfect geometrical layouts like Avenida Da Liberdade. I asked him about the significance of the massive monuments that adorn the avenues. He knew every name and it’s importance.
In Lisbon I stayed at Hotel Bairro Alto. The trip from the airport to the hotel takes 20 minutes.
The hotel is located in the 16th century quarter that has traditionally been the city's bohemian haunt of artists, writers, and the cultural Chiado. The neighborhood is called Bairro Alto.
The Hotel Bairro Alto is a Leading Hotel of the World - A cheery yellow square building built in the 1800s, it is located in the middle of the bustling and frenzied square of Praça Luís de Camões, and orated with Baroque churches, historic cafés, and the Portuguese cobblestone pavement.
The hotel’s front door staff quickly unloaded my bags and moved them to my room while I was checking in.
The hotel’s front door staff quickly unloaded my bags and moved them to my room while I was checking in.
The hotel has 55 rooms, including the four suites.
My Deluxe room was small but well-equipped, with French doors onto small balconies overlooking the square. It was fairly spacious due to it’s smart and efficient design.
My Deluxe room was small but well-equipped, with French doors onto small balconies overlooking the square. It was fairly spacious due to it’s smart and efficient design.
The four suites, decorated in blue or red, have a living-room, apart from the bedroom, full of Faux-fur and velvet textures, sofas and armchairs. Both areas have plasma displays.
Each room is decorated with a hand-painted bird, crafted by a local artist. The paintings are located at a different place in each room, depending were the first light of the day hits the room, so they can be viewed, adding a wonderful touch of surprise, décor, and beauty.
For a great view of the city go to the sixth floor, where there is a rooftop terrace, allowing you to look at what seems like all of Lisbon without ever leaving a comfy couch.
The Terrace, open daily from 10:30 am to 1:00 am, offers a relaxed ambience and is the ideal place for a leisurely moment to enjoy hot tea, wine, and comfort food which is served all day.
The Terrace, open daily from 10:30 am to 1:00 am, offers a relaxed ambience and is the ideal place for a leisurely moment to enjoy hot tea, wine, and comfort food which is served all day.
Bairro Alto Hotel will be closed soon for renovations. They have purchased the building behind, and great things are about to happen. The hotel will be closed from November 2017 to July 2018, adding more space for a total of 87 rooms.
The Bairro Alto Hotel is a gem, and the service is excellent with a great and dedicated, friendly, and professional staff delivering a truly personalized service.
The Bairro Alto Hotel is a gem, and the service is excellent with a great and dedicated, friendly, and professional staff delivering a truly personalized service.
Day 2: One day visit to Sintra
Located less than an hour from Lisbon, in the foothills of Southern Portugal, the stunning UNESCO World-Heritage Site, Sintra, is widely known for its mystic beauty.
The early Celts named Sintra the “Mountain of the Moon”.
This city’s beauty has long been famous for the castle walls and palaces rising out of its many foggy hills. Some of the most exquisite manors and palaces in all of the country reside there, like the Palacio Da Pena - an impressive reminder of the centuries which Portugal was under Moorish domination, or Quinta Da Regaleira.
The early Celts named Sintra the “Mountain of the Moon”.
This city’s beauty has long been famous for the castle walls and palaces rising out of its many foggy hills. Some of the most exquisite manors and palaces in all of the country reside there, like the Palacio Da Pena - an impressive reminder of the centuries which Portugal was under Moorish domination, or Quinta Da Regaleira.
Following winding tree-lined paths in this 10-acre estate, you will come upon an ornate Gothic palace, a Roman Catholic chapel, lakes, fountains, cisterns, towers, and intriguing tunnel entrances.
Quinta da Regaleira is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site within the Cultural Landscape of Sintra and its scenic gardens.
Quinta da Regaleira is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site within the Cultural Landscape of Sintra and its scenic gardens.
The palace, built in neo-manueline style, was the summer residence of the Carvalho Monteiro family. Now, it is considered the masterpiece of neo-Manueline Art from the period of Romanticism in Sintra. It contains 5 floors of regal rooms, including family bedrooms, suites, and servants’ quarters, along with former billiard and hunting rooms. There is a subterranean passage linking the palace to the small chapel nearby, and although the chapel appears quite small on the outside, there are several floors to this beautifully decorated building.
I suggest that you visit Sintra in the winter months because hordes of tourists descend upon it throughout the rest of the year and clog the narrow lanes.
The Town of Sintra is wonderful for shopping. You can get lost in their winding cobblestone streets that go up and down, all lined up with little stores with all kind of beautiful treasures.
I suggest that you visit Sintra in the winter months because hordes of tourists descend upon it throughout the rest of the year and clog the narrow lanes.
The Town of Sintra is wonderful for shopping. You can get lost in their winding cobblestone streets that go up and down, all lined up with little stores with all kind of beautiful treasures.
On my way back to Lisbon, I stopped at Estoril to visit the very beautiful Intercontinental Hotel by the beach.
Estoril is the playground of Portugal, situated on the coastal lowland. The area is warmed by the winds from Africa and cooled by the Atlantic. This ideal temperate climate makes it a favorite summer resort.
The Intercontinental Estoril is a perfect box, enclosed in a glass cage, with great lines and futuristic design. There are just two floors of hotel with condos on the floors above.
The hotel is just steps away from the train station, and you can catch a train into Lisbon easily. All rooms have impressive oceanfront views. There is a great sport club and spa.
I had lunch at the Atlántico restaurant, a chic, intimate restaurant overlooking the ocean. The Atlántico is just around the corner of the hotel so it is not inside the building - it looks like it is attached, but it is not. Alejandro, the manager, explained to me that the hotel purchased the restaurant. I had the best tuna, and raised my wine glass as I was fixated on the pale blues of the Atlantic Ocean.
Estoril is the playground of Portugal, situated on the coastal lowland. The area is warmed by the winds from Africa and cooled by the Atlantic. This ideal temperate climate makes it a favorite summer resort.
The Intercontinental Estoril is a perfect box, enclosed in a glass cage, with great lines and futuristic design. There are just two floors of hotel with condos on the floors above.
The hotel is just steps away from the train station, and you can catch a train into Lisbon easily. All rooms have impressive oceanfront views. There is a great sport club and spa.
I had lunch at the Atlántico restaurant, a chic, intimate restaurant overlooking the ocean. The Atlántico is just around the corner of the hotel so it is not inside the building - it looks like it is attached, but it is not. Alejandro, the manager, explained to me that the hotel purchased the restaurant. I had the best tuna, and raised my wine glass as I was fixated on the pale blues of the Atlantic Ocean.
Day 3: Evora, Central Alentejo
2 hour drive east of Lisbon.
The name Alentejo derives from the phrase “Alem Tejo” (beyond the Tejo river). It is the South central region of Portugal.
The name Alentejo derives from the phrase “Alem Tejo” (beyond the Tejo river). It is the South central region of Portugal.
Portugal has great modern and well-kept highways to travel by car. One of the requirements of the EU for Portugal, in order to join them, was to update their roads. According to the driver, before 1986, Portugal had the worst roads in Europe. Today the roads and highways are as efficient as Italian or French roads.
The capital of central Alentejo is Evora, and its history spans from the Neolithic era to Roman times to the Golden Portugal of the 15th an 16th centuries. It’s a must-see city, declared UNESCO World Heritage City in 1986.
The city, since it had very little damage after the earthquake of 1775 that destroyed much of Portugal, is the best example of the old Portugal, and today has become a “museum city”.
The capital of central Alentejo is Evora, and its history spans from the Neolithic era to Roman times to the Golden Portugal of the 15th an 16th centuries. It’s a must-see city, declared UNESCO World Heritage City in 1986.
The city, since it had very little damage after the earthquake of 1775 that destroyed much of Portugal, is the best example of the old Portugal, and today has become a “museum city”.
The city square, Praca de Giraldo, is rectangular, and the houses that surround it are white with arcades covered with roof tiles and forged steel balconies - palaces and convents ornate with the best of Portuguese craftsmanship.
Recommended:
- The cathedral of Evora
- Capela dos ossos
- Roman temple
- Praca de Giraldo
- Evora Museum
- Agua da Prata aqueduct.
- Megalithic monuments
Where to stay:
Convento Do Espinheiro Hotel and Spa.
The first five star hotel of the Alentejo. Located on the outskirts of Evora, it is part of the Luxury collection hotels by Starwood. It has 92 rooms and luxury suites. The property also has a spa, which includes a pool, jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath, gym, and treatment facilities.
The first five star hotel of the Alentejo. Located on the outskirts of Evora, it is part of the Luxury collection hotels by Starwood. It has 92 rooms and luxury suites. The property also has a spa, which includes a pool, jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath, gym, and treatment facilities.
The 15th century convent is dedicated to the adoration of Saint Mary of the Hawthorne, who according to tradition, had appeared here.
Used by nobles and Kings, very important events occurred there which shaped the history of this place and most importantly the History of Portugal.
Located just outside the Evora city walls, this medieval building that stretches 19 acres, is pure heaven. The building itself is simply stunning, with interiors that are delicate and luxurious. There is a delightful little chapel, a cloister (from around 1520), the cistern, and the wine cellar (built in 1520). It has been refurbished to hold the gastronomic restaurant “Divinus”, which serves many delicious Alantejo specialities.
The hotel has two sections - an old and a new. There is also a remarkable infinity pool bordered by sumptuous gardens.
This is an extraordinary place with peace, serenity and class.
This is an extraordinary place with peace, serenity and class.
Must do:
The daily guided tour to historical areas starts at 5:00pm, followed by an elegant wine tasting at the wine cellar with a Sommelier, at 6:00 PM.
Day 4: Coimbra
Coimbra is about 110 miles Northeast of Lisbon. It was the capital of Portugal until 1360.
The most notable building is the University. Founded in 1290, it is the oldest in Portugal. Visiting the very spectacular university and it’s amazing library was extraordinary!
The University was declared a World Heritage site in 2013
The most notable building is the University. Founded in 1290, it is the oldest in Portugal. Visiting the very spectacular university and it’s amazing library was extraordinary!
The University was declared a World Heritage site in 2013
Douro Valley
Quinta de Vale Abraão, a 19 century old mansion is today, the Six Senses Hotel. It is located on a hill looking over the views of the beautiful green terraced vineyards of the UNESCO World Heritage Douro valley and the Douro River.
The rooms are located in a new wing, overlooking the valley, and designed to be in harmony with nature.
I stayed in a “Quinta Deluxe”. The room was spacious with modern bathrooms and soft fabrics with pale grays and greens. There was an abundance of natural light coming through glass windows. The room is designed to bring tranquility and a zen-like feeling.
The rooms are located in a new wing, overlooking the valley, and designed to be in harmony with nature.
I stayed in a “Quinta Deluxe”. The room was spacious with modern bathrooms and soft fabrics with pale grays and greens. There was an abundance of natural light coming through glass windows. The room is designed to bring tranquility and a zen-like feeling.
There is also a patio with steps that take you down to the beautiful and well cared for gardens and an ancient forest. There are 19 acres in total, and 21 units like the one I stayed in. There are also 12 “Quinta Rivers” each with a private balcony and terrace.
This hotel comes with beautiful offers for the traveler.
It has a therapeutic spa with an indoor pool and an outdoor infinity pool with a mirrored effect, projecting the beautiful landscape like a giant movie screen.
It has a therapeutic spa with an indoor pool and an outdoor infinity pool with a mirrored effect, projecting the beautiful landscape like a giant movie screen.
It has dining rooms and terraces, indoor and outdoor lounges, and wine tasting areas - all beautifully done and welcoming.
I enjoyed my yoga sessions, stretching and looking at the woodland through the tall glass.
There is great local food and it is super fresh!
There is so much to explore and do in the area. For instance, you can arrange for a cruise at the hotel, so you can flow in the tranquil waters of the ancient Douro River, admiring the world’s oldest and beautiful vineyards and the mountainous landscape of the region.
Day 5-6: Porto
Porto is listed as a Unesco World Heritage, and in 2014 it won the best European destination award.
Porto is situated on the steep, rocky bank of the Douro River.
It is an old port from the Roman Empire called “Porto Cale”, hence the name of Portugal, and later called “Oporto” (the Port) by the British.
There are so many surprises in this town with much to be discovered and learned about its rich history. Porto was once a very rich town, with many families that left treasures everywhere in the form of Palacios and quarters. The gothic granite cathedrals are decorated with gold from Brazil, and there are many palaces with impressive wood carvings. Don’t miss the Exchange, a beautiful municipal building that was once a monastery.
The Center of Oporto is a square that possesses the principal public buildings.
Porto is situated on the steep, rocky bank of the Douro River.
It is an old port from the Roman Empire called “Porto Cale”, hence the name of Portugal, and later called “Oporto” (the Port) by the British.
There are so many surprises in this town with much to be discovered and learned about its rich history. Porto was once a very rich town, with many families that left treasures everywhere in the form of Palacios and quarters. The gothic granite cathedrals are decorated with gold from Brazil, and there are many palaces with impressive wood carvings. Don’t miss the Exchange, a beautiful municipal building that was once a monastery.
The Center of Oporto is a square that possesses the principal public buildings.
The city offers everything to the most sophisticated traveler.
In Porto I stayed at the Yeatman, located in the heart of Vila Nova de Gaia, the historical headquarters of the Port Wine houses.
In fact the name of the hotel comes from one of the families that owns a successful port house.
The 83 magnificent guest rooms and suites are among The Yeatman's most impressive features. Each room opens onto a large private balcony, enjoying a dramatic and unobstructed view across the River Douro. From my balcony I could see the city’s houses rise in terraces from the river bank. The location gives you perfect views of the, city topped by Torres dos Clerigos, rising 247 feet high.
The hotel is in walking distance to the river and the old town, where there are fantastic areas to walk along the river.
The 83 magnificent guest rooms and suites are among The Yeatman's most impressive features. Each room opens onto a large private balcony, enjoying a dramatic and unobstructed view across the River Douro. From my balcony I could see the city’s houses rise in terraces from the river bank. The location gives you perfect views of the, city topped by Torres dos Clerigos, rising 247 feet high.
The hotel is in walking distance to the river and the old town, where there are fantastic areas to walk along the river.
The rooms are nicely appointed with a wine/port theme. In the main area there is a bar and restaurant with access to a wonderful patio. It is a 2-Star Michelin restaurant with amazing classic European wines and, of course, Porto.
The hotel is attached to Taylor Fladgate Porto house. A grand excursion to see this amazing cave is a must. You will learn the history and taste a variety of Port - the most civilized and sociable of wines.
Portugal is a place where you can easily get lost in time. The land of Portugal will bring you closer to your senses, like a magnetic pole, and make it all real for you again.
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