Travel News from Portugal

Imperial Russia, from Peter I to Nicolas II
A major exhibition featuring more than 650 art pieces from Russia's Hermitage Museum opens October 25th and will run until February, 2008, at the D. Luis Gallery of Palácio da Ajuda, in Lisbon. It includes a variety of art masterpieces, such as adornments, paintings, sculptures, furniture, textiles and jewellery.

This groundbreaking event entitled “Imperial Russia – from Peter I to Nicolas II” will be inaugurated by the Presidents of both countries. It is the biggest display the Hermitage Museum ever presented outside Russia and the first of three temporary exhibitions Portugal is offering jointly with the Museum until 2010, when the first Hermitage Centre in the Iberian Peninsula, and the 3rd in Europe, will be created in Lisbon. More information about Palácio da Ajuda:
www.ippar.pt/english/monumentos/palacio_ajuda.html

ExpoEventos in September

The fourth edition of Portugal's principal MICE-focused trade fair is scheduled to take place at the Lisbon Congress Center (CCE) from 13-15 September, 2007. The event runs parallel to the annual Business Tourism Congress, which features keynote speeches by some of the industry's leading figures. ExpoEventos is a joint initiative of the CCE's owners OTAC and Lisbon-based event organization specialists ‘Publihappening' and brings together companies and executives from all areas of Portugal's meeting, congress, incentive and event (MICE) industry.
www.expoeventos.org/eeventos

Quinta do Vallado – Country Hotel

The old manor house from Quinta do Vallado that once belonged to the legendary Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira, originally built in 1716, has recently been restored to operate as a Country Hotel. Apart from staying in the traditional atmosphere of a Quinta in the Douro valley, you may choose packages inclusive of meals, picnics, visits to the vineyards, wine-tasting tours, boat and train outings, water-ski, and others on request. For complete information on this property and its wines, visit www.quintadovallado.com
For reservations: vallado@mail.telepac.pt
Tel: 351 254 323 147

Jerónimos 8 Hotel

Surrounded by the historic quarters of Belém, in Lisbon, the new Jerónimos 8 Hotel is a link connecting past and future. To its side the prominent Jerónimos Monastery and the Cultural Centre of Belém; in the horizon, the Tagus river, the Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. The combination of this historic landmark contrasts well with the modernism of a hotel designed with your comfort in mind. Each of the 61 rooms and 4 suites appeal to your senses with its light, colours, innovative lines and elegant design.
www.almeidahotels.com

Algarve Cruises

Cruise operator Douro Azul offers 7-day cruises through Portugal’s Algarve region and into southern Spain, from 649 € per person. Starting in the Algarve’s largest city, Portimão, it travels the rivers Arade and Formosa and into Vila Real de Santo António on the Portuguese/Spanish border. The cruise then goes up the river Guadiana and into Portugal’s picturesque Alentejo region. The price includes stopovers in Alcoutim and at the Spanish border town of Ayamonte, with a shore excursion to the World Heritage city of Seville. On the return trip, passengers visit the resort town of Vilamoura before returning to Portimão. More information : www.algarvecruiser.com/algarve.php?pag=homepage

Lisbon in the Business Travel
Top 10
Lisbon now ranks among the top 10 most popular cities worldwide for international congresses, according to data published by the International Congress & Convention Association for 2006. The city is ranked #9, up two notches since 2005 when it ranked #11. Also on the list are Vienna, Paris, Singapore, Barcelona, Berlin, Budapest, Seoul, Prague and Copenhagen. Lisbon hosted 69 international congresses last year. Congresses and meetings of international associations and business conferences in Lisbon are held mainly in April, May, October and November, with medical science conferences among the largest share.
32nd National Lusitano Horse Festival in Golegã

The Golegã Festival is the most genuine, entertaining and important horse fair in Portugal, where the famous purebred Lusitano is featured. All breeders turn up to show off their best examples. The Festival includes endurance rides, equestrian games and competitions, various exhibitions and the roasting of chestnuts. At approximately one and half hour’s drive from Lisbon, the Fair takes place November 2 to 11 and organizers are expecting 1 million visitors. www.horsefairlusitano.org

Portugal – Ancient Traditions Modern Wines

Forget only Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon – How about discovering new (old) grapes? Discover the unique and exciting indigenous grapes of Portugal, ranging from crisp and fruity Alvarinho and Loureiro to the powerful and concentrated Touriga National, Tinta Roriz and Castelão, all the time never forgetting about the delicious and world famous Ports and Madeiras.

September 5, 2007   Posted in: Portugal