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![]() Portugal Vacation PackagesPortugal vacation packages are affordable, making Portugal's heritage and lifestyle accessible to travellers wanting value for their tourist dollar.Portugal has hundreds of kilometres of coastline with countless beaches for the holiday maker to enjoy. There are secluded beaches for those who wish to stay away from the hustle and bustle, and there are beaches around Lisbon for the people who like to be closer to the action. In fact, Lisbon is the only European capital with Atlantic beaches. Portuguese seafaring history is legendary, and you can steep yourself in this history during your stay in Lisbon. There is much to be enjoyed once you step outside Lisbon and many of the smaller towns of Portugal have a history that stretches back to Medieval times and beyond. Portugal Vacation Packages: Culture Portuguese culture has been subject to many influences over the centuries, and dates back to prehistoric times. The Roman and Moorish invasions had their influence and Portuguese arts have been influenced by the French, Italians and Flemish, amongst others. The expeditions of the Portuguese explorers brought influences from other parts of the world. The rich history of Portugal is on display in the many historic and ethnographic museums which exist throughout the country. In Lisbon, the Museu da Marinha has exhibits dedicated to the rich maritime history of Portugal,and also a display devoted to the pioneer aviators of Portugal. Other major museums in Lisbon are the Centro de Art Moderna and theMuseu Nacional de Etnologia. Portugal Vacation Packages: Architecture For tourists who wants to experience the history and heritage of Portugal as it is expressed in its architecture, there is more than enough to keep them happy. They can visit Medieval villages, ancient castles, and palaces which are evocative of a more romantic age. In Lisbon the Jeronimos Monastery and the Belem Tower are recognized as World Heritage sites. The impressive Jeronimos Monastery was built in 1502 by King Manuel 1 to commemorate the voyage of Vasco da Gama, and the Belem Tower was built in 1515 as a fortress for the purpose of guarding the entrance to Lisbon's harbour. The city of Sintra is also a World Heritage site and is referred to as "Portugal's fairytale town", with its hills covered in palaces and villas. The Portuguese royal family would spend their summers here, and the poet Lord Byron once described the town of Sintra as "perhaps in every respect the most delightful in Europe". Yet another world heritage site is the town of Evora, which boasts architectural monuments dating back to Roman times. The well preserved Temple of Diana dates from the second century, and many other architectural styles including Gothic and Renaissance are in evidence in this wonderful town. Portugal Vacation Packages: Outdoor Activities Portugal's mild climate makes it the ideal destination for beach lovers, and it is well served by many beautiful beaches that dot its extensive Atlantic coastline. You can go surfing or windsurfing, swimming, snorkeling, or just relax in the sun, and at the end of the day enjoy the cuisine of the coastal restaurants. Perhaps you would prefer to take a cruise around the coast and explore sea caves and picturesque cliffs, and then drop anchor at a secluded beach and enjoy a swim and a feed. Portugal is a great destination for the golfing enthusiast, and boast many championship golf courses and a climate that allows year round participation. There are very good cycling tracks in the Province of Minho in the north, and you can go hiking in the Argave highlands and the Peneda-Geres National Park. Those who enjoy horse-riding are well catered for in Portugal as well. Portugal Vacation Packages: Cities The largest city in Portugal is the capital of Lisbon. It is a city steeped in history and was the setting off point for some of the world's greatest explorers. This rich maritime heritage makes it a fascinating place to visit for the tourist with an interest in history. You can wander through the Alfama district and soak up the authentic atmosphere of this Medieval part of the city. The Baixa district, in downtown Lisbon, is the main shopping area, and with streets designed for pedestrians as well as squares with shops and cafes, it is a people friendly place. Here you can be entertained by street performers, or go for a ride in an old tramcar. Oporto is Portugal's second largest city, and is renowned for its great atmosphere. It is home to the Serralves Museum which is dedicated to housing contemporary art exhibitions. The district of Ribeira in Oporto is another World Heritage site with Medieval streets and ancient homes by the water. It is the most popular area in the city to dine out and has many restaurants and cafes which sit beneath Medieval arches. There are many more wonderful cities that would complement the itinerary of any traveller, including the Baroque city of Braga and the fairytale city of Sintra. The range of Portugal vacation packages are designed to enhance Portugal's happy mixture of pleasant climate and Atlantic coastline, associated with a rich maritime history and a culture dating back to prehistoric times. Europe Vacation Deals include Portugal Vacation Packages.
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