The historical accident that made a Portuguese region world-famous, Port is an important part of the country’s rich heritage. In the 17th century, a mysteriously dark and decadent wine was fortified with brandy to preserve the fruit while in transport to Britain and other nations. It took over two centuries for port shippers to finally master the art of preservation and fermentation. Today, the Portuguese and visitors still reap the rewards. If you share a love of fine wine and history, take a tour of the scenic Douro Valley’s majestic vineyards.
Cockburn’s
A classic Port House established in 1815, the Cockburn’s is a landmark in the Douro Valley. In the 1850’s, the Smithe family joined the Cockburns in their Port-making endeavors. The winery is now known as Cockburn Smithes—or “Casa Smeet” to the locals. Nestled amid the steep, rugged hillsides of the valley, the spectacular vineyard is a great tourist destination. Come on a Wednesday to partake in the winery’s Wednesday Lunch, where guests may enjoy gourmet Portuguese dishes expertly paired with fine Ports in the historic dining room.
Quinta da Pacheca
Known as one of the region’s friendliest and most hospitable wineries, Quinta da Pacheca is a popular place to visit. It is one of the most successful Port manufactures, and was one of the first to bottle under their own name in the 1700’s. Along with a variety of red and white Ports, the vineyard grows unusual grapes for the region like Riesling and Gewürztraminer. A Cellar Tour allows you to tour these vines, meet the family, and even sample the matriarch’s cooking. Visit during harvest time, and you might even be able to stomp some grapes!
Quinta da Pacheca in the Douro Valley
Taylor’s Port
Taylor’s is one of the only independent family-owned wineries in Port Country. The flagship estate controls the Fladgate Partnership, making it a huge name in the Port-producing business. The establishment is one of the oldest Port Houses around, widely known for its pioneering and experimental spirit. It is always on the forefront of ingenuity, developing new and improved mechanical methods. Savor the fruits of these labors in Taylor’s 10-Year-Old Tawny Port NV or in the signature Taylor’s Chip Dry, which was first introduced in 1934.
Ramos Pinto
The Ramos Pinto Port Winery was originally founded in 1880 to manufacture wines bound for South America.
However, Europeans soon developed a taste for the quality Ports and the company has since been known the world over. Ramos Pinto has always stood out for its expert marketing, and in particular for the famous vintage art posters that still adorn the walls of wine shops. Now a part of the prestigious Roederer Group, the historic Port winery has joined the same ranks as Cristal Champagne. Visit the estate to tour the ancient library and the onsite Cellar Museum.
Dow’s Port
Dating all the way back to 1798, the Dow’s remains a key player on the port-producing scene. The family-run winery in the green Douro Valley is known to manufacture some of the best Port in the country. Rubies, Tawnies and even White Ports may be sampled on a comprehensive tour of the beautiful estate. Try the luscious and fruity Dow’s Trademark, or the Dow’s Crusted Port blend of quality wines from recent vintages. Afterwards, spend the night at one of the many great hotels in Porto. Consider the historic Grande Hotel do Porto or the opulent Hotel Infante de Sagres.
It is no secret that Portugal makes a great holiday destination. Its spectacular beaches, rich culinary scene, unique culture and nightlife draw crowds of tourists each year. However, while many tend to stay in the capital city, we encourage you to venture off the beaten path. Here are five fascinating places worth visiting:
Sintra
Now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sintra has been a popular summer resort for many years. Centuries ago, it was the preferred holiday destination among Portugal’s nobility. To this day, many summer palaces and castles remain. Among them are the majestic Moorish Castle from the 8th century and the world-famous Palacio Nacional da Pena, commissioned by Ferdinand of Saxe Coburg-Gotha in 1840. Recommended hotels in Sintra include the Penha Longa Hotel & Golf Resort and the Tivoli Sintra.
The Palacio Nacional da Pena in Sintra
Coimbra
The beautifully preserved town of Coimbra dates back to the 12th century. Among its most famous attractions is the local university. Founded by King Dinis in 1290, it remains the oldest school in all of Portugal. The Baroque-style Biblioteca Joanina, the Museu Machado de Castro (the country’s most famous sculpture museum) and the ancient Roman ruins of Conimbriga are also enchanting. Spend your days touring old cathedrals and botanical gardens, and your nights dancing to traditional Fado music. Looking to stay the night? There are plenty of great hotels in Coimbra!
Lagos
One of Portugal’s most popular resorts, Lagos is best known for its beautiful beaches. They include the impressive Meia Praia and the more peaceful Praia do Pinhão. Inland, you will find unique tourist attractions like the municipal museum and fantastic restaurants. To best experience Lagos, rent a bicycle or moped to take around the narrow streets. You can also sightsee by horseback or enjoy a leisurely boat trip from the main harbor. It is close to hotels in Lagos like the Marina Club Suite Hotel and the Giramar.
Madeira
The volcanic island of Madeira just may be one of the best-kept secrets in Europe. Its semi-tropical foliage and dramatic seaside cliffs set a romantic scene ideal for a holiday. Discover the unique culture that fuses Portuguese and British traditions, and the landscape commonly referred to as a “floating island.” Amid lush gardens of orchids and bougainvillea along the Gulf Stream, you will find an amazing array of hotels on Madeira. Most hotels, including the Hotel Porto Santa Maria and The Cliff Bay, are located in the island’s capital of Funchal.
The Island of Madeira
Porto
Perhaps best known for the fortified wine it produces, Porto has so much more to offer. The ancient city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its hilly scenery offers beautiful views of the River Douro. Take a walk on the black-and-white mosaic pavement of the Avenida dos Aliados and do not miss the restored Roman temple of the Cedofeita Church or the Clerigos Church. The latter is the tallest building in Portugal! From centuries-old landmarks to renowned vineyards, Porto has something for everyone. And, of course, there is no shortage of Porto hotels.
Posted in Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The UK on 11. Jun, 2010
When traveling around Europe or to any foreign country, one must take certain precautions. First-time travelers, especially, must be aware of certain dangers and situations to avoid. We want all of our clients to remain safe and happy while traveling, so we’ve provided you with a few important tips:
Pack Light – But Not Too Light
To avoid becoming a target while on holiday, be sure to pack as light as possible—and do not carry with you anything that may be seen as flashy or expensive. Keep valuables to a minimum, and store them in different places (ie. in various bags or pockets, or in a money belt) instead of all together.
Don’t forget the important stuff: extra glasses or contacts, travelers checks, credit cards (which are much safer to carry than cash) and any necessary medications (stored in their original, labeled containers.)
Be sure to label bags with your contact information and if possible, lock your luggage.
Remember that many hotels in Europe have safes for your convenience. Use them.
Plan Ahead
Before you travel, be sure to stay up-to-date on any current travel alerts or warnings. This information can be accessed 24 hours a day on the Internet, by phone or through your travel agent, local embassy, library or tourist bureau.
Be sure to thoroughly research the country that you are planning to visit. You definitely want to be aware of any laws or customs that are unlike those you are used to.
Make photocopies of your travel documents, credit card information and passport just in case something is lost or stolen later.
Keep In Touch
Let others know about your travel plans. Provide a family member or close friend with a copy of your itinerary and the contact information of all Europe hotels you plan to stay at.
Notify your credit card company and cell phone provider of your plans to leave the country in advance. This will help to avoid any hassles or dangers down the line.
Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
Avoid potentially shady “short cuts” like narrow alleys or dimly lit streets. Try not to travel alone at night, and steer clear of any public demonstrations or civil disturbances.
Keep your belongings close to your body, and be wary of strangers trying to get your attention or jostle you. They could be attempting to distract you while an accomplice steals your things.
To avoid being scammed, remember this one simple rule: If a deal seems to good to be true—it probably is.
Sometimes you just need to get away from all things familiar, take a small library of books and a well-charged iPod and just relax. Beaches are perfect for that.
If you are looking for a quiet, off the beaten path vacation in Europe, you should look into visiting the small fishing village of Salema. Located on the southwestern tip of Portugal, you will find this small town a happy mix between an old town and exclusive getaway.
Even still, locals treat tourists like family and have a good relationship with each other. Ladies catch sun on the warm beach while local fisherman mend nets and haul in their catch.
Enjoy some of the best food you’ll ever find in Portugal. Plenty of fresh seafood and Portuguese red wine are a staple every evening at local restaurants, and you’ll find more than a few waiters that are fluent in English. Check out vinho verde while you are there, too, which is crisp, refreshing green wine – a local specialty.
One great thing about Salema is that it is still relatively undiscovered by most tourists, especially American tourists. Most British and German residents come down for quick holidays, so for the most part, the city is not fogged with a skyline of condos and chain restaurants.
If you are planning a trip to Europe and want to forego the typical “touristy” things to do, check out these villages that are off the beaten path. Then, be sure you find a cheap hotel deal that will get you there the most affordable way. Enjoy this list of the 25 Secret European Villages: Taken from Travel + Leisure: http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/25-secret-european-villages-2010/1
Italy: Bolgheri
The Viale dei Cipressi, a three-mile road flanked by 2,540 cypress trees (the only vegetation local buffalo don’t eat), leads straight into Bolgheri, which is set amid the vineyards of southern Tuscany’s Maremma. There’s more to this village than just the dramatic arrival, however.
Germany: Staufen im Breisgau
This enclave on the edge of the Black Forest, in southern Germany, is the ideal destination for a wine weekend. From Strasbourg, you’ll pass hills covered with terraced vineyards; the statue of a fat, naked Bacchus signals that you’ve arrived at the tiny downtown.
England: Lavenham
Lavenham, in Suffolk, may just be the prettiest town in England. It boasts more than 300 heritage houses and its high street is lined with the kind of bric-a-brac shops and teahouses (serving scones and clotted cream) that are on the endangered list throughout rural England—and all but extinct in glossier reaches, such as the Cotswolds and West Dorset.
Scotland: Aberdour
The train from Edinburgh stops at a Victorian station next to a riot of neatly planted flowers in a hidden glen in the shadow of a medieval castle. Aberdour is not car-friendly, but why should it be when anything you would want to see is in town and connected by well-kept walkways?
Italy: Norcia
In this eastern Umbrian citadel, artisanal culinary traditions endure. Pecorino cheese is aged for two years, trained dogs sniff out black truffles in the woodlands, and honey is sourced from the red wildflowers that bloom in the plains.
Ireland: Roundstone
No blackberries could taste better than the ones picked along the winding lanes of Roundstone. But even the berry-averse will find reasons to love this 19th-century fishing village.
France: Chassignolles
Three years ago Harry Lester (formerly chef and owner of London’s Anchor & Hope gastropub) and his partner, Ali Johnson, set their sights on France’s Auvergne and bought a thirties-era stone inn in tiny Chassignolles.
Greece: Folégandros
There’s no mistaking it, this tranquil spot in the Cyclades has nothing in common with neighboring Santorini: no building stands above two stories, no cruise ships pull into port, and there are no boutiques or fancy restaurants.
Switzerland: Giornico
The charm of Ticino, the Italian-speaking canton of southern Switzerland, is the not-quite-here, not-quite-there, lost-in-time feel of the place. To fully appreciate it, drive north 35 miles from the popular lake resort towns of Ascona and Locarno and find the turnoff for Giornico, a stone relic of 14th-century Europe hiding off the main road.
Spain: Getaria
Were it not for San Sebastián, just 15 miles away, this Basque harborside village might have become Spain’s Next Great Getaway. Instead, the port is known solely for its seafood—baby squid and turbot pulled from the Bay of Biscay and then grilled a la plancha.
Portugal: Marvão
There are dramatic mountainside forts, and then there is Marvão, the king of them all. Located in the southeastern Alentejo region of Portugal, this town is centered around a Moorish castle that was Christianized in the 13th century.
The Netherlands: Terschelling
Though just 85-odd miles from Amsterdam and northeast of Vlieland (nicknamed “Vli-biza” by Amsterdammers), the 18-mile-long island of Terschelling remains a haven for travelers craving tranquil stretches of sand in lieu of the thumping beach clubs on the mainland.
Denmark: Tisvildeleje
Riding the train from Copenhagen to Tisvildeleje is like taking an 80-minute tour of every corner of Denmark—past suburbs, verdant countryside, and forested woodlands. The journey is well worth it: on the shore of the Kattegat Strait is a quiet seaside village with thatched-roof cottages along sand dunes beside the sea.
Sweden: Arild
Though there’s plenty of natural beauty in Arild, a fishing village on a peninsula in southwest Sweden, the town’s most notable site is actually man-made. In 1980 the artist Lars Vilks began nailing together driftwood and lumber in a cove at the bottom of a hillside; he even declared the place an independent country called Ladonia.
Iceland: Hellnar
While the remnants of the fishing sheds built by Hellnar’s 11th-century settlers may suggest that this town hasn’t changed since the Vikings arrived, it is, in some ways, the most contemporary village in Iceland. The handful of residents—all of them small-boat fishermen—share a serious commitment to preserving the environment.
Czech Republic: Slavonice
During 41 years of Communist rule, Slavonice, halfway between Prague and Vienna, was too close to the Iron Curtain for the government’s comfort. But since the Velvet Revolution in 1989, this off-the-radar hamlet—composed of two town squares and burgher houses painted with Renaissance-era graffiti of biblical scenes—has attracted painters and potters from Prague looking for refuge.
England: St. Mawes
As fishing villages go, the whitewashed cottages and tidy tearooms of St. Mawes, in southern Cornwall, feel like a stage set. In this quiet backwater, fishermen sell their catch on a quay, and in the evenings, you will find them drinking Cornish-brewed Betty Stogs ale while playing snooker at the St. Mawes Billiards & Social Club.
France: St.-Geniès
The Périgord, in the Dordogne, is home to two of France’s most coveted delicacies: foie gras and truffles. On market days in the tiny village of St.-Geniès, two hours east of Bordeaux, shoppers tote wicker baskets to the town square, where apron-clad vendors hawk pommes salardaises (potatoes sautéed in duck fat and garlic) and saucissons rolled in herbs. It was here that owner Pierre Chaminade transformed a crumbling castle into a four-room chambres d’hôtes and restaurant and hired a chef who trained under Alain Ducasse.
Greece: Kardamili
If you’ve heard murmurs that the jagged mountains and white-sand beaches of the Mani region are worth the trip from Athens, you’re not alone. Starwood is about to finish the new 765-room Costa Navarino resort (it opens this May) and has committed to operating an observatory and tourism office dedicated to sustaining the village’s community and seafront.
Spain: Ullastret
Spain’s Baix Empordà region is chock-ful of authentic towns, but local foodies have a favorite destination: Ullastret, home to El Fort, a restaurant and hotel run by Lola Puig and her husband, Ferran Frigola. They have transformed the homey restaurant Puig’s parents ran for many years into a Slow Food temple.
Austria: Hall in Tirol
Take a 10-minute commuter train from Innsbruck straight into what feels like the Middle Ages. Hall in Tirol, established in 1303, has remained unusually intact thanks to the medieval embankment and the area’s wealth from salt mining and minting.
Estonia: Koguva
In this Estonian island hamlet—once a Swedish feudal territory—the local trades of fishing and shepherding have left the surrounding wilds untouched by large-scale agricultural development.
Russia: Plios
When Russian oligarchs head to the country, they go to Plios, on the banks of the Volga. Since 1999 Alexey Shevtsov, a tycoon turned hotelier, and his wife, Natalia, have been converting the town’s provincial buildings into dacha-style guesthouses.
Romania: Viscri
This Saxon village got a lucky break when it became the beneficiary of the Mihai Eminescu Trust, a nonprofit overseen by Prince Charles that’s devoted to protecting the heritage of Transylvania’s country towns.
Montenegro: Kotor
In the fall, a mist settles into the hills surrounding the bay of Kotor, so thick you can hardly see the blood-orange trees in front of you. That hasn’t stopped the tide of wealthy Europeans: British expats are selling real estate, Russians are buying farmhouses in the hills, and the dark-haired, green-eyed people of the black mountains (how Montenegro gets its name) have opened restaurants to introduce visitors to the tastes of Montenegrin stewed meat.
Salty.
Fishy.
Traditional.
Those are the best three words to describe a traditional Portugese dish called Bacalhau, which is translated as “dried and salted codfish.”
There are many other words people may use to describe this dish, mainly because it has been said there are over 1,000 recipes in Portugal alone! This is usually the case among most Portuguese dishes, which consists largely of seafood.
This traditional dish became common because of its popularity among the Catholic population. Because devout Roman Catholics generally avoid eating meat on Fridays and during Lent, fish is often times a typical substitute.
Typically the fish come from Iceland or Newfoundland, and are salted heavily. This is because of the ancient ways of preserving the fish, as well as adding flavor to it. If you are planning a trip to Portugal, you will more than likely find many restaurants serving bacalhau, and the possibilities are virtually endless on how it may be served. Whether served with potatoes and wine, or fried and served as appetizers with beer, you’ll appreciate taking part in a 500-year-old tradition in Portugal.
Sleigh bells ring… are you listening? In the lane, snow is glistening…
Are you looking for place to walk in a winter wonderland?
Vila Natal in Obidos, Portugal is right up your alley. From November 28 this year till January 3, Vila Natal (translated “Christmas Town”) lights up the beautiful town of Obidos with ice skating rinks, a carousel, small trains, Christmas workshops and Father Christmas himself: Santa Claus.
This event is fun for kids all ages, featuring a musical, plays and a magic show. Also, hop on a sled and challenge someone to a sledging race downhill. If you’re feeling brave, there’s always the ice skating rink where you can prove your agility and balance.
Check out the Web site for more information on this fun Christmas festival. The times aren’t listed for next Christmas, but if you are in the area, check into a hotel and spend some time there! You can’t visit this place and not be in the Christmas mood. Here’s to Christmas cheer and a Happy New Year!
