| In the city itself, take a trip up to St. Jeorge for a spectacular bird's-eye view. Drive back through the Alfama district and you will be rewarded with the sights, sounds and smells of the oldest part of the city. Above cobbled lanes, alleys and narrow streets, admire wrought iron balconies festooned with colourful plants, smile at the day's laundry hung across to dry, hear the chirps of caged canaries.
In the general vicinity of the capital, you will find many other attractions. Well worth a call is the Royal Coach Museum, a collection of lovingly cared-for horse-drawn caleches and landaus. Some may even have carried Prince Henry himself. Jeronimo, a one-time monastery nearby, now houses a museum and church. Then there are the two coastal communities of Esteril and Cascais. There is more action here, especially if you enjoy a few games of chance. It is said that Frank Sinatra used to play the tables at the Casino Esteril.
To be sure of a winning day, travel up the coast to Nazare to watch colourfully clad ladies assist their fishermen husbands in bringing their proud prowed boats ashore, just as their ancestors have done for generations past. Take the Sitio funicular to the height of land for a spectacular overview. Another panoramic view can be seen at the walled town of Obidos, famous for its castle. Before returning to Lisbon, call at a couple of centuries-old palaces at Sintra. Or, how about a drive further afield, to Oporto, the country's second-largest city and centre of the wine-growing industry. Tours and tastings can be arranged.
Most chain hotels have properties in Lisbon and Oporto, and they are also represented in the Algarve. However, you might want to immerse yourself in the history and culture of Portugal. Many unusual hostelries are set in centuries-old castles, churches or monasteries. Your professional travel advisor can provide a list of these charming, government-operated "Pousadas"?. To find out more, call the Portugal Tourism Commission at (416) 921-7376.
Remember, the high season on the Iberian peninsula is June through September, so rates are a little better when winter sets in. It is never too late to go on a voyage of discovery yourself, and Portugal may be just the place to start. 
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| For Additional Information...
There are some very informative websites that can help you learn more about Portugal. When planning your trip, check out these helpful sites:
www.portugal-info.net – Chock-full of detailed info about accommodations, flights, property, vehicle rental, sports, entertainment, food and wine, weather, commerce and history.
www.visitportugal.com – Portugal's official tourism website; highlights tourist areas and vacation ideas.
www.portugal.org – Official government site; provides general travel information.
www.portugalvirtual.pt – Includes directories for restaurants, accommodations, health services, leisure activities and shopping.
www.lonelyplanet.com/
destinations/europe/portugal - Great fast facts and easy reading regarding history, tourism, attractions, prices and transportation.
www.algarve.org – Everything you want to know about the Algarve. |
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