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A
n ancient kingdom defended by hilltop
castles and fortified towns, Portugal
is not just a place for history buffs; its
cities are home to some of Europe’s
most adventurous architecture, vibrant
streetlife, fabulous food and wine and friendly
locals, and its beaches are without comparison.
This itinerary showcases the highlights, from
Lisbon through the northwest to Porto and the
Douro Valley.
Lisbon
is one of the oldest cities in the world
and the political, cultural and economic centre
of Portugal.
Built over seven small hills that rise from
the banks of the river Tagus, this is a city
overflowing with history and folklore.
Explore cobbled streets and squares,
museums, galleries and gothic cathedrals as
trams trundle up and down the steep, leafy
streets.
World-class cuisine and remarkable
architecture reflects Lisbon’s history and
each district is bursting with individual
character; discover Alfama’s medieval charm,
elegant Baixa, the heart of the city and chic
Chiado,
the shopping, theatre and cultural centre.
At night, the Bairro Alto district comes alive
with bars and restaurants and the sound of
Portugal’s traditional music.
Location-wise you can’t beat the Bairro Alto
Hotel. Overlooking the city’s main square in a
beautifully restored 19th-century building, this
stylish, bold yellow hotel cleverly combines
classic features with contemporary design.
Head to the hotel’s romantic rooftop bar for a
cocktail as the sun sets, and consider visiting
the beaches of the nearby town of Cascais or
hiking in the gorgeous Sintra National Park.
Known for its stately bridges and port wine
production,
Porto
is located at the mouth of
the River Douro, about three hours drive from
Lisbon.
Stroll through the fascinating, medieval streets
of Ribeira and explore the riverfront, lined with
colourful houses and picturesque traditional
boats floating at the quayside.
Sit back in one of the multitude of bars and
cafés and watch the world go by over superb
seafood and fine local wines.
No visit to Portugal would be complete without
a trip to one of the port cellars.
Across the river from Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia
is the place to head with a hearty appetite for
port.
The Yeatman Hotel revolves around wine as
clearly indicated by the decanter-shaped pool,
the 25,000-bottle cellar and the grape-pip
treatments on offer at the spa.
Easter is the perfect time to book a unique trip. Hungerford travel agent Bailey
Robinson says Portugal has a lot more to offer than just its trademark port wine