Pre- and Post- congress tours:
Minho Tour June 26
Visit to Braga, the Roman Bracara Augusta, which boasts the most extensive and rich religious architecture and heritage in Portugal. On a forested slope east of Braga stands Portugals most spectacular religious sanctuary: the 18th century Bom Jesus do Monte Basilica, the most important religious sanctuary in the North of Portugal and famous for its impressive baroque staircase and gardens; a notable example of European baroque.
Tour includes lunch at a traditional restaurant with the best of local gastronomy.
In the afternoon enjoy a guided visit to the Gold Museum. This small but well organized Gold Museum is the embodiment of an intention to distinguish and dignify handcrafted Portuguese goldsmithery.
We continue to visit Guimarães, which historical center is classified as World Heritage by Unesco. Guimarães was the cradle of the Nation and here stands the castle of the first King of Portugal that, in 1143, conquered the independence of Portugal. The narrow streets with a medieval look that leads to the beautiful Largo de Oliveira, are interesting points of this unforgettable visit.
Departure from congress Hotels at 09h00
Return to Porto +/- at 18h00
Including: Coach, official English-speaking guide, lunch (3 course menu including wine), entrance fee at Paço dos Duques de Bragança, Entrance fee at Gold Museum, Guided visit to Guimarães and Braga.
Price: 80 euros
To book this for this or other activities, please follow this link.
Aveiro, the Venice of Portugal July 02
Known as the Venice of Portugal, Aveiro is surrounded by salt-flats, beaches and lagoons and dominated by the Central Canal running through town. This city was once a great seaport with a history linked to its saltpans dating back prior to 959AD. The town is basically a mixture of neat fishermens cottages and Art Nouveau mansions with a few historic buildings.
Lunch in a fish restaurant, in the typical fisherman quarter of Aveiro.
In the afternoon enjoy a workshop hands-on of making traditional sweets. The ovos-moles (Egg sweet) from Aveiro is one of the emblematic pastries of the country, an ancient recipe marked by religious influence, left by local convents. A local specialist will organize a didactic workshop hands-on where participants will learn by doing, and finally taste.
Departure from congress Hotels at 09h00
Return to Porto +/- at 18h00
Including: Coach, official English-speaking guide, lunch (3 course menu including wine), traditional sweet workshop, guided visit to Aveiro.
Price: 80 euros
To book this for this or other activities, please follow this link.
Proposed Extensions:
Minho Vacation:
The Minho is a historic region in the verdant north-western corner of Portugal. It begins at north of Porto and stretches to the frontier of Spain. Its lush green landscape is built of an intricate of green pasture lands contrasting with forests filled with pines, eucalyptus and chestnuts. Vines have traditionally been grown on arbours high above the ground and the regions best-known product is the Vinho Verde wine a light, acidic and often slightly sparkling wine, whose name means green wine a reference to its youth.
This sunny region is rich in old cities and villages, some coming from pre-roman times, with an incredible monumental heritage. The beautiful hills and river valleys have elegant and aristocratic manor houses from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Download the full program here
Lisbon Vacation:
One of the few European capitals with both a river and a coastline, Lisbon has Praça do Comércio square as its main meeting area. The city has always been ready to welcome new visitors and to bid a fond farewell to those departing, something that was never more true than when saying goodbye to sailors at the time of the great Portuguese maritime discoveries. This is why there are many important Manueline monuments shining in the light of Lisbon and its surrounding region, such as the Torre de Belém and the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos.
The modern leisure area of the Parque das Nações proves that Lisbon still maintains its close links with the river today. Here, for example, you will find the distinctive mark of Álvaro Siza Vieira on one of the buildings that hosted the last world exposition of the 20th century, dedicated to the theme of the oceans.
In contrast to this, do not miss the picturesque mediaeval quarters of Alfama and Mouraria, above which stands the castle. This castle, matched by Bairro Alto on the other hill, leads down to the downtown city centre known as the Baixa pombalina. Just outside the city are the seaside resort of Estoril and the romantic hills of the Serra de Sintra, where the perfect bond between palaces and nature led to the area being classified as a world heritage site.
Download the full program here
Algarve Vacation:
The Algarve has so much to offer. The sea is warm, the climate is wonderful and the holiday villages, hotels and luxury resorts are superb places to stay. And the small fishing villages - such as Santa Luzia, in Tavira - and the small port of Sagres are idyllic and peaceful.
The Algarves beaches meanwhile are among the best in the world. And there is so much variety to chose from - hidden beaches, family beaches, beaches where the sea is calm and beaches that are ideal for water sports. Whichever one you go for, there is always fun in abundance.
And dont forget the golf! The Algarve has 30 golf courses and some are among the best in Europe. They will tempt amateurs and professionals alike.
In the Algarve people live their lives outdoors. So come and join them. Enjoy the atmosphere, the climate and the food on the terraces of one of our numerous cafés and restaurants
Download the full program here
For more information please contact Vinitur:
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