Enclosed by ranges of hills to the north, the Algarve has a climate, culture and scenery very different from the rest of Portugal. Its stunning coastline and year-round mild weather, makes it one of the most popular holiday destinations in southern Europe. The Algarve's fertile soil and strategic headlands and rivers have attracted visitors since the time of the Phoenicians. Five centuries of Arab rule, from 711 CE, left a legacy that is still visible in the region's architecture, lattice chimneys, azulejos, orange groves and almond trees. When the Algarve was reclaimed by the Christians in 1249, the Portuguese rulers designated themselves kings of Portugal and of the Algarves, emphasising the region's separateness from the rest of the country.
 | HOTEL TIVOLI LAGOS 4* - LAGOS In the heart of Lagos, this large modern hotel has 324 temperature controlled rooms, most with balcony. The hotel has a wide range of facilities on offer including restaurant, bar, shuttle service, laundry facilities, parking and business centre as well as spa, swimming pools, hammam, gym and massage. |
 | HOTEL PESTANA ALVOR PRAIA 5* - ALVOR Totally refurbished in May 2003, this luxury hotel offers 194 rooms with a wide range of facilities including, restaurant, bar, games room, indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, health club, golf courses within 15km, tennis and meeting facilities. The hotel is located in Alvor, about 30 minutes from Faro International Airport, 5 km from Portimão and just minutes to the beach, with many rooms offering sea view. |
 | SHERATON ALGARVE PINE CLIFFS RESORT 5* - ALBUFEIRA Surrounded by pine trees, the Sheraton Algarve Pine Cliffs resort overlooks miles of unspoiled beaches, which edge the clear blue sea. The beauty of the hotel's impressive Portuguese architecture, with Moorish influence, creates airy interiors and delightful guest rooms. |
 | POUSADA CONVENTO DA GRAÇA - TAVIRA Convento de Graca is a beautifully restored convent and was once the Convent of the Cloistered Augustinian Nuns The convent has been restored in traditional Portugese style that fits perfectly within the region. The Pousada has two pools and is very close to the beach and the golf course. |
 | POUSADA DO INFANTE - SAGRES Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Pousada is located in the village of Sagres, in the Algarve region. This village has an important historical and maritime significance, from where, 500 years ago, Prince D. Henrique's caravels left to look for new countries. From the fishing village of Sagres come the excellent fish and seafood that can be quietly savoured at the Pousada, a contrast to the more usual cosmopolitan bustle of the Algarve coast. |
- 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!
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Portugal (8.3mb)
Fully Escorted Tours (4.5mb)
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 |
| Chauffered Tours: | 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
Douro River Cruising
The Douro River, with its origins in Spain and reaching the Atlantic Ocean in Porto, traverses the spectacular Douro River Valley, now declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rambling vineyards and picturesque farms called 'quintas' cling to the steep sides of the Douro River Valley, creating an incomparable backdrop to one of Europe's most unspoiled regions, the country of Portwine - the oldest demarcated wine region in the world.
The cruise allows one to taste plenty of wonderful local wines from village vineyards, including Port, the region's famous fortified wine. Feast on a traditional meal at the Alpendurada Monastery; enjoy an authentic Spanish-style lunch complete with a flamenco show; and dine at the Vintage House Hotel, a magnificent 18th-century wine quinta overlooking the Douro River. All along the way, uncover a land of genuine beauty and breathtaking scenery, and meet some warmhearted, friendly local people who will welcome you with open arms, in the renowned tradition of Portuguese hospitality.
This river cruise is a must for those seeking a leisurely and visually rewarding experience along an extensive river valley with extraordinary scenery, creative off-cruise excursions to historical towns, and monumental cities. True wine connoisseurs and food aficionados will enjoy indulging in the region's celebrated Port wine and local cuisine.
