Portugal
Portugal is well known for the cultural richness, but Portugal is also perfect for a holiday of excursions, sun, sea, and sports. The mainland is roughly the shape of a rectangle about 560 km long and 220 km wide. 830-km of coastline borders the country on the west and south. Central and northern Portugal is made extraordinary beautiful by the winding riverbeds, mountain peaks, and the intense green northern valleys. In strong contrast, the dry and flat southern half has its own unusual beauty. The far south, the Algarve, is mountainous with long stretches of beautiful beaches. |
About Portugal
The Country of Portugal
Once upon a time, Portugal was the most powerful and the wealthiest country in the world. Two thirds of the world was discovered by the explorers and sailors of Portugal, and the Portuguese founded the first modern empire. For later generations, it was the poor cousin of Europe. Despite its turbulent past Portugal is a stable country. The monarchy ended in 1910 and the republic was founded. In 1926 Salazar established his almost 40 years of dictatorship. Portugal became a modern democracy after a peaceful military coup April 25, 1974 that began the rebirth of the country. With the oldest national boundaries in Europe, this country is both ancient and newborn. The population of Portugal, including the Azores and Madeira islands, is approximately 11 million. More than 94% of the population is Roman Catholic although freedom of religion is permitted.
General Information
Electric current
220V, frequency 50 Hertz. Current sockets according to European standards. Blade plugs require a transformer for 220 volts and adapter plug.
Tap water
The tap water is safe to drink throughout the country, but it is a good idea to instead buy some of the delicious bottled water available, especially in high season in the Algarve.
Bus and Taxi Stops
There are always orderly lines at bus and taxi stops. Be certain to respect them.
Post Offices
(Correio) are mostly open (8) 9 - 12.30 and 14.30 - 18.00, Monday to Friday. Main post offices are open lunchtime and Saturday morning.
Sports
Golf
If you're a golfer Portugal is a great place to be. The Algarve and the Estoril coast are carpeted with golf courses. There is also one course near Espinho, south of Porto. The Madeira Island has two new golf courses. Clubs, buggies and trolleys are available for hire. The courses are located within 29 Kms from Funchal.
Soccer
The Portuguese are crazy about soccer. No matter where they are from most every Portuguese supports one of the three clubs (Porto) from Porto, (Sporting) or (Benfica) from Lisbon. The season runs from September or October to July.
Tennis
Public courts are hard to come by, but many resort hotels has tennis courts.
Trout fishing
(In the north) You will need a license to fish. Available from local town halls.
Bullfights
The Portuguese bullfight is neither as common nor as famous as the Spanish. It is also very different. In Portugal the bull is not killed inside the ring, and the bullfighters are on horseback. The bullfight centre is Santarém in the Ribatejo province. The most famous bullfights are held in Vila Franca da Xira, a suburb of Lisbon.
Arts & Architecture
The Azulejos (painted tiles) and the Manuelino art (style of architecture) are Portugal's original contributions to the European cultural and artistic heritage. It is said that there are 101 castles in Portugal, most built or rebuilt between the 12th and the 14th centuries.
Food & Drink
The Portuguese food is mostly simple but excellent. Served in large portions it gives very good value for money. For lovers of seafood, there are lots of excellent dishes to choose from. One of our favorites is (arroz de marisco), mixed seafood in rice. The spiciest dishes are found in the Azores and Madeira. Breakfast (Pequeno almoço) is usually a cup of coffee, bread roll and butter.
Lunch (Almoço): Noon to 3.00 pm.
Dinner (Jantar): 7.00 pm to 10.00 pm
Shopping Hours
Generally 0900-1300 and 1500-1900 Monday to Friday
0900-1300 Saturday (December also 1500-1900).
Handicrafts
The most famous Portuguese handicrafts include azulejos (painted ceramic tiles), pottery, rugs, embroidery, lace work, and wicker work. Different varieties of ceramic work are produced all over the country. Decorated, glazed or just simple brown clay. Many of the regional crafts are sold in other parts of the country, particularly in Lisbon. Shopping items include also leather goods, copper, handcrafted silver and gold, tapestry, woodcarving, cork products, porcelain and china, crystal and glassware.
Portugal also makes quality shoes and lovely terry cloth towels.
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Welcome to Destinations by Magellan in house custom tours to Portugal and Spain! Keep in mind that most rates are quoted in Euros, so this way you always have the best conversion rate given to you at the time of booking!
Our tours are tailored to the traveler with added Quality and Flexibility! Book with confidence and come experience for your self.
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Choose from these popular tours
Lisbon and Madeira Island - "City and Flowers"
· 3 nights stay at hotel of your choice in Lisbon
· 3 nights stay at hotel of your choice in Funchal
· Daily Buffet Breakfast
· Roundtrip Airport Transfers ( Lisbon and Funchal)
· Hotels taxes and service charges.
Lisbon and or Estoril/Cascais Stay
· 3 nights stay at hotel of your choice in Lisbon - Extra nights available
· Private Full Day Sightseeing Tour of Lisbon/EstorilCascais/Sintra with English Speaking Guide
· Daily Buffet Breakfast
· Roundtrip Airport Transfers
· Hotels taxes and service charges.
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Spain
Come and explore its Moorish Towns and Castles! Indulge your intellect in its Renaissance and Modern art! Bathe in its endless Sun and Beaches! Fill your heart and soul with its Song and Dance. Spoil your palate with its Gastronomical delights! Unforgettable Landscapes, and Roman Treasures! Home to Don Quixote! Spain! Come and let Magellan Tours take you to this captivating land of culture and contrasts! Over forty-five million tourists visit Spain each year, making it one of the three most visited countries in the world. To travel to Spain is to experience Sun, superb food, hospitality and joie de vivre, and yet it is also to discover the Country’s Rich Heritage of Monuments and sights, the imprint of the different civilizations that once made it their home, or to journey through its singular and breathtaking Countryside and delight in the stunning, starkly contrasting scenery, study the customs of its peoples and towns, and share in their local fiestas and traditions. To travel to Spain is to opt for diversity, to be the central character in what is sure to be a truly Unforgettable Trip. this is what makes Spain such a prized destination Worldwide, and why the vast majority of those who visit it once, return...in order to share in the enjoyment of a climate, Countryside and Culture which embody a rather special way of life.
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About Spain
Official Name Reino de España
(Kingdom of Spain)
Capital: Madrid Flag The Spanish flag dates to the reign of Charles III (1759-1788), when a single banner was created for all branches of the Spanish army.
The present-day national flag was established by the Constitution of 1978; the shield, which dates to 1785,
was made official under law on October 5, 1981.
Anthem “Himno Nacional Español”
(“The Spanish National Anthem”)
General Information
Electric current
220V, frequency 50 Hertz. Current sockets according to European standards. Blade plugs require a transformer for 220 volts and adapter plug.
Tap water
The tap water is safe to drink throughout the country, but it is a good idea to instead buy some of the delicious bottled water available.
Bus and Taxi Stops
There are always orderly lines at bus and taxi stops. Be certain to respect them.
Post Offices
Are mostly open (8) 9 - 12.30 and 14.30 - 18.00, Monday to Friday. Main post offices are open lunchtime and Saturday morning.
Shopping Hours
Generally 0900-1300 and 1500-1900 Monday to Friday
0900-1300 Saturday (December also 1500-1900).
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