FROM CAPITAL TO THE CAPITAL

Porto, located on the Douro River, is the capital of the north and the second largest city in Portugal. It is now a World Heritage Site and has been the center of the Port wine trade for years. We will have time to explore this intriguing city, with its four bridges, two modern and two from the 19th century and where historic buildings and magnificent churches mix with picturesque old quarters.

Although its ancient roots have been proudly preserved, a prosperous and effective trade transforms it into a modern city. Its traditional importance as an industrial center does not diminish the charm and character of its old neighborhoods or even the bustle of new avenues, lined with shopping centers or quiet residential blocks.

On the riverside, the Ribeira neighbourhood becomes fascinating with its alleys, typical houses and picturesque population: it was recently restored and now includes trendy bars and restaurants. Equally lively and colorful is the Bolhão market, where you can buy almost anything, but close by are the most elegant jewelers and leather goods stores in Baixa.

Guimarães, city where Portugal was born as nation. This city preserves a medieval atmosphere and it's considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. On this day it's possible to visit lots of museums and monuments, from the imposing 10th century castle to the majestic Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, Crystal Palace, House of Music, etc.

Moving on to Braga, the oldest Portuguese city and religious capital of Portugal. For centuries, the city has been an archiepiscopal seat and a place of pilgrimage. We will pass by the Cathedral, the 11th century cathedral, followed by a visit to the Bom Jesus Sanctuary, located on one of the city's hills.

A wine region of excellence, Douro shaped the landscape and the population shaped Douro. From this fantastic interaction between Human Being and Nature, one of the most beautiful regions of Portugal and one of the most beautiful valleys in the world was born. The Douro valley attracts more and is increasingly in fashion.

It's great development was registered after 1756, with the creation of the "Real Companhia Geral da Agricultura das Vinhas do Alto Douro", which instituted the 1st demarcated region of wine production in the world. Located next to the Douro River, this location played a major role in the production and commercialization of Port Wine. The vineyards cultivated in terraces on the slopes next to the river offer beautiful panoramas that can be admired from the many viewpoints in the area. Nearby, the thermal spa of Caldas de Moledo, located on the right bank of the Douro, has its own anchorage and is a pleasant place for a relaxing holiday.

Coimbra, a riverside city in central Portugal and its former capital, is home to a preserved medieval old town and the historic University of Coimbra. Built on the place of an old palace, the University is famous for its baroque library, Biblioteca Joanina, and for its 18th century bell tower. In the old town is the 12th century Romanesque cathedral, the Old Cathedral.

Largo de Camões marks the historic center of Cascais and is a favorite area for locals and tourists. Its happy mood, created by the countless bars and restaurants, transforms the square into a charming and unavoidable place in the city center. Towards the coast you may be lucky enough to see fishermen sew their nets right next to their colorful boats, at Praia dos Pescadores. In contrast to this almost bucolic scene is neighboring Marina - a modern and sophisticated scenario, where you can see luxury yachts, taste gastronomic delights in fine restaurants or enter the boutiques and bars. The extensive Praia do Guincho is to the northwest, with strong winds and strong waves.

Boca do Inferno is a rock formation in the shape of an arch through which the waves crash noisily. To the northeast of Cascais, nearby, you will find the beautiful gardens of Estoril with its notorious Casino.

In all Portuguese land, all over Europe, Sintra emerges as one of the most rare and beautiful places that Nature could ever create, wrote the poet Afonso Lopes Viera. Without a doubt, Sintra is one of the many paradises that Portugal have and was considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995, in the Cultural Landscape category. Surrounded by the characteristic fog of the Serra de Sintra, we can find Castelo dos Mouros, Palácio da Pena, Convento dos Capuchos, National Palace of Sintra and Palace and exotic gardens of Monserrate.

Sintra is proud of its gastronomic specialties, such as the regional Travesseiros de Sintra, the roasted kid, the famous Queijadas de Sintra, the Pastéis da Pena, the Walnuts of Galamares and the Fôfos de Belas, without forgeting the wine from the demarcated Region of Colares (Adega Regional de Colares).

Traditional fishing village, Ericeira massly developed during the 20th century due to the growing demand as a summer resort, while maintaining its original characteristics and a very unique atmosphere.

Located about 50 kms from Lisbon, in an easily accessible area, its beaches are very popular during the summer, being considered one of the best at European level for surfing. A special highlight deserves the Ribeira d`Ilhas Beach (world surf reserve), Coxos beach in Ribamar, among many others. Kitesurfing, windsurfing, bodyboarding and stand-up paddle are also widely practiced here. Ericeira is the 1st world surf reserve in Europe and 2nd in the world.

A stroll through Ericeira is also an excellent opportunity to taste the varied dishes of seafood and fresh fish, gastronomic specialty of the region.

Portugal is traditionally a very popular destination by seniors. With components focused on medieval culture such as castles, museums, monuments, Roman routes, etc, this country ends up receiving tourists aged between 30 and 80 years. The routes include visits to monasteries and beautiful churches, preserved with a lot of history to tell, so it takes a long time to make a good visit, and this is what we tell our customers to have.

Next to the Tagus riverside area, a West of the city center, you will find yourself in Torre de Belém, representative of the city from the time of the Discoveries. Lisbon is also a city full of green spaces, of varying dimensions. It was in this city that the first Portuguese botanical garden emerged, known as Jardim Botânico da Ajuda. Among the museums, the following stand out National Museum of Ancient Art, with the most important national collection of ancient paintings; Museu Calouste Gulbenkian; Museu do Chiado; National Coach Museum, and the Lisbon Oceanarium, with its impressive collection of live sea species.