This long stretch of coastline traverses the country from north to south, beginning about 20kms north of Lisboa, taking in the Atlantic coast for 40kms inland and northward to about 10kms south of Oporto. This beautiful coastal band contains some of the most famous towns and cities of the nation including; Obidos, Coimbra, Batalha, Alcobaça, Peniche, Pombal, Aveiro, Figueira da Foz, Leiria and Caldas da Rainha.
The region is also home to some important historical sites such as: the Bussaco Forest with its exotic plants and trees and Conimbriga, the impressive Roman ruins, both near the city of Coimbra. We have chosen the following towns and cities as examples to see;
 | HOTEL ESTALAGEM DO CONVENTO 4* - OBIDOS A great little hotel with loads of ambience located just outside the city's ancient wall. The character of the hotel evokes much of the history of the surroundings. There is a homely feel about this most comfortable and unpretentious hotel. |
 | 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. |
 | POUSADA DO CASTELO - OBIDOS Residing inside the walls of the castle at Obidos, this classic Pousada brings to life great moments in the history of the nation. Taken from the Moors by Dom Alfonso Henriques in the 12 C, the castle later suffered partial destruction during the famous earthquake of 1755 and was eventually restored and converted into a Pousada in 1950. An enormous presence in the fortified architecture, the period furniture and decor which provide the ambience for an unforgettable atmosphere of living history. Parking 150m from the Pousada. |
 | HOTEL QUINTA DAS LAGRIMAS 4* - COIMBRA Located only 15 mins walk from the centre of town on the southern bank of the river, this former palace offers extremely comfortable lodgings with great atmosphere and style. The original part of the hotel is completely renovated and there is a new modern wing, which works harmoniously with the old, more sedate palace. Swimming pool, golf driving range and parking. |
 | HOTEL PALACE DO BUSSACO 5* - BUSSACO Former hunting palace of Portuguese kings, this property is today one of the most beautiful hotels of the world. Located in a 250 acre, centuries old forest planted by Carmelite monks, the palace's rich decoration in neo-Manueline style, historical 'azulejos' (decorative tilework) and fine paintings all lead to a successful marriage with its superb surroundings. Elegance in architecture, fine cuisine and service. Own parking. |
 | MH VILA DUPARCHY (B) - LUSO At Vila Duparchy the Duarte family takes a special pride in making their spacious guest rooms as comfortable as possible, with splendid antique furniture and the odd personal touch which will make your visit a memorable one. The surrounding garden and nearby forest of Bussaco provide an attractive setting for rambling enthusiasts, with the nearby historic city of Coimbra providing an interesting day out. |
 | HOTEL MOLICEIRO 4* - AVEIRO Charming family run hotel in the centre of town with all modern facilities and services. The decor is classical and the rooms are elegant, warm and stylish. The hotel has a bar and a small city garden. Valet parking by hotel staff. |
- Portugal
- Tours
- Pousadas
- Solares
- Accommodation
- Cruises
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!
Download our 2012 brochure!
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 AND THE ALENTEJO -- PORTO, MINHO AND THE DOURO VALLEY |
| Fully Escorted Tours: | 03 DAY WONDERS OF PORTUGAL -- 04 DAY SOUTH OF PORTUGAL -- 06 DAYS NORTH OF PORTUGAL -- 11 DAYS BEST OF PORTUGAL TOUR -- SALAMANCA AND PORTUGAL |
| Small Group Tours: | PORTUGUESE PASSEIO |
| Tours with Private driver: | FIRST CLASS PORTUGAL |
| Unique Portugal: | A TASTE OF EVORA -- AN INTRODUCTION TO PORTUGUESE WINE -- DISCOVER THE WESTERN ALGARVE -- JEWISH HERITAGE IN LISBON -- LISBON AND MEDIEVAL OBIDOS -- LISBON AND UNESCO MONASTERIES -- SAVOUR THE ALENTEJO -- VINHO VINTAGE |
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
Sorry, no cruise itineraries available for 2012.