Fly & Drive Centro Portugal

About the destination: Situated on a dramatic valley cut by River Douro, Porto is known for the beauty of its building and the sweet taste of is wine. The hub of the city is Avenida dos Aliados, a wide avenue encircle by Praça General H. Delgado and Praça da Liberdade. Nonetheless, the most alluring part of the city is Ribeira, the river district and a Unesco World Heritage Site, where three of Europe’s most graceful bridges span the gorge. Busy Praça da Liberdade and the adjoining Avenida dos Aliados make up the centre of town, where statues stand in the centre of busy mosaic walkways. Nearby rises Porto’s great cathedral, a colossal, fortified Romanesque structure whose heavy granite foundations, thick walls and tiny windows enclose a gloomy interior. The Ribeira stretches along the river, skirted by a wonderful quay filled with shops and restaurants. Porto’s most characteristic monument, the ornate Torre dos Clérigos, offers a panorama of the city from atop its 240 steps. No visit to Porto would be complete without a stop at some of the many bodegas, wine lodges, where port is stored and bottled. And a visit to the amazing Lello library with its spiral staircase, is a must see as well, even if you are not a Harry Potter’s fan.

About the destination: Situated on a dramatic valley cut by River Douro, Porto is known for the beauty of its building and the sweet taste of is wine. The hub of the city is Avenida dos Aliados, a wide avenue encircle by Praça General H. Delgado and Praça da Liberdade. Nonetheless, the most alluring part of the city is Ribeira, the river district and a Unesco World Heritage Site, where three of Europe’s most graceful bridges span the gorge. Busy Praça da Liberdade and the adjoining Avenida dos Aliados make up the centre of town, where statues stand in the centre of busy mosaic walkways. Nearby rises Porto’s great cathedral, a colossal, fortified Romanesque structure whose heavy granite foundations, thick walls and tiny windows enclose a gloomy interior. The Ribeira stretches along the river, skirted by a wonderful quay filled with shops and restaurants. Porto’s most characteristic monument, the ornate Torre dos Clérigos, offers a panorama of the city from atop its 240 steps. No visit to Porto would be complete without a stop at some of the many bodegas, wine lodges, where port is stored and bottled. And a visit to the amazing Lello library with its spiral staircase, is a must see as well, even if you are not a Harry Potter’s fan.

About the destination: Ílhavo is a municipality located at the Centre of Portugal. The municipality of Ílhavo includes four parishes and two cities: Gafanha da Nazaré and Ílhavo. Several stories have been gathered as part of the popular history of this city: Traditionally, the local women — As Ílhavenses — are famous for their great beauty. It is claimed the city was founded by Greek colonists around 400 BC to whom the beauty of "Ílhavenses" women is attributed, but others state that the Phoenician settlers are the ones responsible for that. Ílhavo's national nickname is "the city of the lamp".

About the destination: Coimbra is a town of steep, tiered streets winding above the River Mondego. No city in Portugal, except Lisbon, can compare with this university town in cultural and historical importance. Founded in 1290, the university has long been Portugal’s foremost centre of learning. If you can, come during the Queima das Fitas in early May, a raucous weeklong celebration featuring live music every night. Climb the stairs under the Moorish Arco de Almedina into the upper district of the city and the Old University, with its museum, chapel and library. A few steps outside the historic centre there is the city’s cosmopolitan side, a modernized waterfront with riverside restaurants, chic terrace bars and trendy shops. This charming town, full of Portuguese culture, is set amid a splendid old town of historic churches and medieval alleyways, with the buzz of student life all around.

About the destination: Tomar is a small city but holds an important ancient past and some of the most important monuments in Portugal. The town of Tomar was born inside the walls of the Convento de Cristo, constructed under the orders of Gualdim de Pais, the fourth grand master of the Knights Templar in the late 12th century. Tomar is one of Portugal's historical jewels and more significantly was the last Templar town to be commissioned for construction. Tomar was especially important in the 15th century when it was a centre of Portuguese overseas expansion under Henry the Navigator, the Grand Master of the Order of Christ, successor organization to the Templars in Portugal. The Convento de Cristo in Tomar is the most spectacular place to visit in Portugal, "...Founded by the Knights Templar, it's a beautiful, mysterious and magical place, wonderful to discover and enjoy." Landmarks Convento de Cristo and Castelo de Tomar built in 12th century. After the Order of the Knights Templar was dissolved in the 14th century, the Portuguese branch of the order was turned into the Knights of the Order of Christ, which supported Portugal's maritime discoveries of the 15th century. Church of Santa Maria do Olival, it was built in the second half of the 12th century by the provincial master of the Order of the Knights Templar in Portugal, Gualdim Pais. Church of São João Baptista and Republica Square, this church was built in the end of the 15th century, marked as National Monument in 1910 and is in Republica Square where is Gualdim Pais statue. Aqueduct of Pegões, (Quinta dos Pegões), it was built to deliever water to Convento de Cristo and has 6 km of extension. The construction started in 1593 and finished in 1614. The highest point of this aqueduct is 30 m above ground level. Synagogue of Tomar, is the best preserved of the medieval synagogues of Portugal. It is located in the historic centre of the city of Tomar, and houses a small Jewish Museum. Museom of Matches (Museo dos Fosforos) Surprisingly nice exhibition of matches's boxes all over the world.

About the destination: Nestled in the heart of Portugal, Alvados is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventure. Located in the Leiria district, this quaint village is surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park. The rolling hills, limestone formations, and lush greenery provide a picturesque backdrop, ideal for hiking, bird-watching, and exploring the diverse flora and fauna of the region. One of the highlights of Alvados is the Grutas de Alvados, a network of impressive limestone caves that captivate visitors with their intricate stalactites and stalagmites. Guided tours are available to take you through the subterranean wonders, where you can marvel at the natural rock formations and learn about the geological history of the area. The caves are a must-see attraction, offering a unique and awe-inspiring experience for all ages. Alvados is also an excellent base for exploring the rich cultural heritage of Central Portugal. The nearby town of Porto de Mós boasts a stunning medieval castle, while the historic city of Batalha is home to the UNESCO-listed Monastery of Batalha, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Both sites are easily accessible from Alvados and provide a fascinating glimpse into Portugal's storied past. For those seeking relaxation, Alvados offers charming accommodations ranging from cozy guesthouses to luxurious rural hotels, many of which feature stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Local cuisine, characterized by fresh, regional ingredients, is a delight to savor, with traditional dishes such as "bacalhau" (salted cod) and "cabrito" (roast goat) providing an authentic taste of Portuguese flavors. Whether you're an adventurer, a history enthusiast, or simply looking to unwind, Alvados promises a memorable and enriching travel experience.

About the destination: Discover the charm and allure of Torres Vedras in Portugal, an enchanting destination that seamlessly merges history, culture, and natural beauty. Tucked away in the Western region of Portugal, Torres Vedras is a delightful surprise waiting to be explored by every discerning traveler. The city is characterized by its beautiful castles, historical churches, and the impressive Fort of São Vicente, a testament to the city's significant role in Portugal's history. Take a leisurely stroll down the cobblestone streets of the old town, where you'll come across charming shops, traditional Portuguese restaurants, and friendly locals who are always ready to share a story or two. Visit the captivating Torres Vedras Carnival, a vibrant celebration that is considered one of the most traditional and ancient carnivals in Portugal. It's a time when the city comes alive with colorful parades, lively music, and an infectious energy that's simply irresistible. Torres Vedras is also a paradise for wine lovers. The city is located in the Lisbon Wine Region, known for its high-quality wines. Look forward to visiting the city's vineyards, where you can indulge in wine tasting tours and learn about the art of winemaking. If you're a nature enthusiast, you'll love the stunning beaches and beautiful landscapes that surround Torres Vedras. From the azure blue waters of Santa Cruz Beach to the verdant hills and vineyards, the city offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, and bird watching. Don't forget to savor the local cuisine, where seafood is a specialty. Pair it with a glass of local wine, and you have the perfect recipe for a memorable culinary experience. Torres Vedras is less than an hour's drive from Lisbon, making it a perfect day trip or a great alternative to the bustling city life. Its rich history, dynamic culture, tantalizing cuisine, and beautiful landscapes make Torres Vedras a must-visit destination in Portugal. Experience the magic of this charming city, and you'll be captivated by its unique allure and undeniable charm.

About the destination:

Welkom in Lissabon, een stad vol geschiedenis, cultuur en moderne flair. Gelegen aan de schilderachtige oevers van de Taag, biedt deze bruisende hoofdstad van Portugal een unieke mix van oude charme en eigentijdse dynamiek. Wandel door de smalle straatjes van Alfama, de oudste wijk van de stad, en bewonder het majestueuze kasteel van São Jorge voor een panoramisch uitzicht over de stad.

Verken de historische monumenten van Belém, zoals de iconische toren en het indrukwekkende Jerónimos-klooster, beide UNESCO-werelderfgoedlocaties. In de elegante wijk Chiado kunt u genieten van boetieks, theaters en gezellige cafés, terwijl Bairro Alto 's avonds tot leven komt met levendige bars en de melancholieke klanken van de fado-muziek.

Lissabon is ook een paradijs voor fijnproevers, met culinaire hoogstandjes zoals de beroemde pastéis de nata, verse zeevruchten en traditionele Portugese gerechten. Bezoek het moderne Parque das Nações voor innovatieve architectuur en het Oceanário de Lisboa, een van de grootste aquaria ter wereld.

Met haar kleurrijke festivals, rijke kunstscene en warme gastvrijheid biedt Lissabon een onvergetelijke ervaring voor elke reiziger. Ontdek de magie van deze betoverende stad en laat u meeslepen door haar unieke charme en veelzijdigheid.