Page 15 - Portugal, Spain & Morocco

Downtown PORTUGAL Providing Fascinating Travel Experiences
of UNESCO. In Vila Real you can visit one of the most beautiful Baroque palaces in Portugal, the House of Mateus, and its gardens. The charming town of Amarante stands on either side of the Tâmega River. The bridge of Amarante perpetuates the memory of the heroic resistance of the population against the Napoleonic forces who, at the beginning of the nineteenth century invaded Portugal. Continuation to Guimarães, consid- ered as the cradle of Portugal, because it was born Alphonse Henriques who will become the first king of this country. Associated with the formation and identity of Portugal, the historic center of Guimarães within the walls has been declared World Heritage by Unesco, on the basis of originality and authenticity, guided its renovation. Overnight in Guimarães. [B]
Day 6: Guimarães (Braga, Ponte do Lima)
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Direction Braga, one of the oldest Christian cities in the world with a vast religious heritage, as are the sanctuar- ies that make up the triangle of faith: the Cathedral and Sanctuaries of Bom Jesus and Sameiro. Continue to Ponte de Lima. The Roman bridge that crosses the Lima River at this point has given rise to the name of this ancient city, rich agricultural region, where is produced the famous vinho verde (green wine). Return to the hotel. Overnight in Guimarães. [B]
Day 7: Guimarães, Oporto, Aveiro
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Departure to Porto, capital and gate- way to the northern region, Porto is an ancient city that gave its name to Portugal and wine known around the
world: the port wine. With a magnifi- cent location near the mouth of the Douro and an architectonic complex of exceptional value, the historic center of Porto is Heritage of Humanity since 1996. Continue to Aveiro, the "Por- tuguese Venice", crossed by the Ria de Aveiro, lagoon basin where the f resh waters of the Vouga river mix with the waters of the sea, navigable by the moliceiros, small colored boats. Overnight in Aveiro. [B]
Day 8: Aveiro, Coimbra, Tomar, Obidos
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Departure to Coimbra, the city of students, so called to host one of the first universities in Europe and the largest in the country. Stroll through the oldest part of Coimbra, made of narrow and steep streets that lead to the top of the colline. Set off to Tomar, former seat of the Templars, a city that has a lot of charm, because of its artistic and cultural richness. The best proof is the convent of Christ, one of the most important works of the Renaissance in Portugal. End the day in the walled medieval town of Óbidos, admire its Gothic churches and narrow, winding streets, and the small shops where you can taste the famous ginjinha (sour cherry liqueur).
Overnight in Óbidos. [B]
Day 9: Obidos, Mafra, Cabo da Roca,
Cascais, Estoril, Lisbon
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Departure to Mafra, known for its imposing palace, the largest Portuguese building, built in the eighteenth century. Cross the Sintra- Cascais Natural Park to arrive at the most westerly point of continental Europe, Cabo da Roca. On the way to Cascais by the coast, enjoy the sea- scape. In Estoril, we highlight the gardens of the biggest Casino in Europe. Overnight in Lisbon. [B]
Day 10: Lisbon, USA
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. At the appointed time our representa- tive will pick you up and transfer you to Lisbon airport to board you flight back home. [B]
Portugal Off the Beaten Path
10 days
Amarante, Guimarães, Braga, Ponte do Lima, Oporto, Aveiro, Coimbra, Tomar, Obidos, Mafra, Cabo da Roca, Cascais, Estoril
For prices and other details visit www.holidayswithdowntown.com 15