This ever-popular Atlantic Ocean destination has much more to offer than the beach breaks for which it’s justifiably famous, especially in the southerly Algarve region. We’ve looked at some wonderful ways of exploring this richly historic and varied destination with its year-round sunshine and mild winters, from its maritime architecture to its world-class wine estates.
Portugal is one of the oldest countries in all of Europe, with a history moulded by Iberian tribes, the Roman Empire, Islamic invaders, the Christian Reconquista and world exploration. Today it’s also one of the world’s most forward-thinking destinations and one that should be high on your list if you want your holidays to be eco-friendly and to make a difference in local communities. After being named Best European Destination for Sustainable Tourism at the ITB Berlin trade fair in 2019, it announced a new national sustainability strategy in 2020. The following destinations are all very much a part of that drive.
This part of Portugal embraces the Algarve and the Alentejo regions, the first with its splendid Blue Flag beaches (88 in total), water parks, historic towns and charming whitewashed fishing villages, the second with its traditional feel, hearty, rustic cuisine, pretty cork farms and stargazing hotspots. We can offer a range of tours of southern Portugal, including the Unknown Algarve, Beaches of the Algarve, golf programmes taking in a different course each day, heritage and nature tours, and hiking, yoga retreats and gastronomic or wellness tours – the latter taking in the region’s many rejuvenating spas.
From ancient forest, mountain ranges with the highest peaks in Portugal, deep valleys and granite villages to fishing towns and cosmopolitan beaches, this region is dominated by both nature and history. Monasteries, convents, castles and churches abound, many of them listed by UNESCO. And then there’s both Fátima, religious centre of Portugal, and Lisbon, Europe’s second oldest capital, with its vintage trams, medieval remnants and lively nightlife. Tours of Centro can take different themes to suit you, including Romantic Destinations and Castles, Palaces and Fortresses. We also love the 7-night Lisbon-to-Algarve route taking in Sintra, Evora and Tavira, among other destinations.
Northern Portugal is famous for its medieval villages, historic castles and spectacular mountain ranges, but above all for the Douro river that flows all the way from the Spanish border to Porto, bordered by terraced vineyards, grand wine estates and rolling hills. Indeed, the World Heritage-listed Douro is one of the world’s oldest wine regions, known above all for its Port wine and also for its wonderful gastronomy. A visit to vibrant Porto is a must, as is a hike through the greenest region in Portugal, the mountains of Peneda-Gerês National Park. Tour options in this part of the country include the round-trip Pilgrimage Route and the Wine Route.
By water is another great way to see different parts of Portugal in one trip. This trip starts in lovely Lisbon, from where you travel on to Porto to board your Emerald Waterways Star-Ship and venture out through the enchanting surrounding countryside with its vineyards rising from river banks, historic landmarks dotting horizons and delightful hillside towns. In Pocinho you can also get even closer to the water with a spot of canoeing, while optional onboard extras during your journey include a Portuguese cooking demonstration.
This Atlantic archipelago is full of adventurous activities for those who like to embrace the great outdoors, as well as gardens and trails to explore. In one trip, you can ride a cable-car ride up to Monte (and take a toboggan down if you wish), tour the Botanical Gardens, sign up for Madeira wine tasting, go canyoning and walk the levadas – mini-canals crisscrossing the mountains, of varying degrees of difficulty. Also popular are full-day Jeep safari tours, visits to the little village of Porto Moniz with its volcanic swimming pools, and kayaking and snorkelling in the marine nature park of Garajau.
For more information on a Portuguese itinerary, contact your Travel Counsellor today and take advantage of exclusive benefits including our 24-hour duty office ready to assist you before, during and after your stay.
Vietnam is a country that leaves no one unmoved or unchanged – we guarantee that this destination will open your eyes and change your perspective. As such, it can only be fully appreciated with an immersive tour taking in different places, to ensure you experience all the highlights and fabulous array of activities on offer.
Once seen as a place for retirees, today Malta and its sister islands are stylish, lively, and brilliant for every kind of traveller – from romantic weekenders and multi-generational family holidays to solo travellers. The diminutive size of these islands makes them a great choice for those concerned about sustainability, as there is no need to travel vast distances to enjoy a wide range of experiences.
If you value cultural depth, natural beauty, and refined accommodation, an impressive range of experiences is waiting for you in Queensland. Here, you can explore the legendary Great Barrier Reef, encounter rare wildlife in ancient rainforests, and discover pristine beaches and islands with a real sense of exclusivity. Queensland’s thriving cities and untouched landscapes make it an ideal destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure in one of the most captivating countries in the world.
