Portugal’s Age of Discovery

Age of Discovery - Maritime Compass

An Amazing Period of Conquests and Discoveries:   In front of the Monument to the Discoveries is another of Lisbon's sightseeing attractions, a huge mariner's compass, cut into the stone pavement. The compass was a gift from South Africa in 1960 and the central map shows the routes of Portugal's maritime expeditions and discoveries in the 15th and 16th centuries. Walk around the map and you'll see images of mermaids, galleons and indication of which direction the trade winds were … [Read more...]

Monument to the Overseas Combatants – Lisbon

Monument to the Overseas Combatants, Lisbon

A Striking Monument on the Lisbon Waterfront:   One of the more recent additions of significant monuments to Lisbon's waterfront is the Monument to the Overseas Combatants. This eye-catching Lisbon attraction commemorates all the people involved in the wars that Portugal was involved with overseas. The architect's concept of having a simple design is so that people can focus what the monument represents rather than its details. A more elaborate sculptural or architectural form may … [Read more...]

Portugal Tour – A Regional Tour of Portugal

Tour Route of Portugal

Portugal Tour - Our Portugal Tour Route, Itinerary and Comments: This is the itinerary of our 10-day Portugal tour which is called 'A Regional Tour of Portugal'. Our tour route goes in an anti-clockwise direction, starting in Lisbon and heading down south to the Algarve and then head ups up north along the eastern border.  Whereas many tours that are offered combine Spain, Portugal and Morocco, this one concentrates on Portugal only and provides a comprehensive coverage of the country, … [Read more...]

Lisbon | Events and Festivals

Lisbon's month of celebrations: June is Festas de Lisboa and during this month of festivities there will be street entertainment, cinema, music and theatre, parades and folk festivities happening throughout the historic districts and all around town. If you like Fado music, there's a Fado festival with the best names in town performing.  If you don't know what Fado is, catch a tram along the route of the nº 28 tram and you'll be able to listen to Amateur Fado live, with singers … [Read more...]

Tour Routes in Portugal

Suggested Tour Routes to see the best destinations in Portugal Portugal is quite compact and easy to travel around. However, most widely sold tour offerings combine it with Spain, and a few even add Morocco. This means you get to see Fatima, Lisbon and not much else. But there are some "purely Portugal" tours available and these seem excellent value. There may be fewer "big ticket" tourist sights in Portugal, but this can be an advantage for those who like to really get into the local culture … [Read more...]