Tag Archive for: Portugal

Fascinating Facts about Lisbon – Portugal

  • Lisbon is the Capital City of Portugal.
  • Lisbon is situated on the north bank of the estuary of the Tagus (Tejo) River.
  • The Country Dialing Code is 00 351 and Lisbon’s Area Code is 21.
  • The Moorish castle, now called São Jorge (St. George) was built in honor of the English alliance of 1386.
  • The Vasco da Gama Bridge in Lisbon is 10.5 miles (17 kilometers) long, making it the longest bridge in Europe.
  • The world record for the largest dining table was set when some 15,000 people were served lunch on the Vasco da Gama bridge as part of the inauguration celebrations. Construction began in 1995 and the bridge was opened to traffic in 1998, in time for Expo 98.
  • The Tagus is Iberia’s largest river and its estuary at Lisbon, which is up to 14km wide, is thought to be big enough to hold all the warships in the world.
  • Lisbon was struck by an immense earthquake (approx.  9.0 magnitude) on the 1st of November, 1755.  It was followed by a tsunami and fires that brought the city to rubble! The tremors were felt as far away as Scotland and Norway!
  • The Alfama area of Lisbon is the city’s oldest district and was the only area of Lisbon to survive, relatively unscathed, in the 1755 quake.
  • Fado (fate in Portuguese) is a music genre that originates in urban Lisbon. It’s a type of mournful and heart-touching folk music sung by the common people. The music genre was recently added to the World’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
  • Lisbon’s trams were originally called “americanos” and the first operational route was inaugurated on 17th November 1873.
  • Lisbon is also known as “the town of seven hills” which are comprised of the seven hills: Castelo, Graca, Monte, Penha de Franca, S.Pedro de Alcantara, Santa Catarina and Estrela.
  • ‘Sport Lisboa e Benfica’ or simply, Benfica, holds the Guinness World record, since 2006, for the most widely supported football club in the World.
  • The Santa Engrácia church is in the Guinness Book of Records for being the church that took the longest time to construct:  started in the 17th century, the last dome was completed  in 1966.

 

 More about Portugal: Some fascinating facts about Portugal

Visit Lisbon and Portugal on one of our private Portuguese Culture, Food and Wine Tours to see the wonderful historic treasures and fascinating culture of this country, taste port wine, local foods and much, much more!

Fascinating facts about Portugal

  • Portugal is named after its 2nd largest city, Porto

 

  • The capital city of Portugal is Lisbon

 

  • The Portuguese language is spoken by about 230 million people and is the official language of 9 countries

 

  • The dialing code for Portugal is (00) 351

 

  • June 10th is Portugal’s National Day

 

  • The country of Portugal was founded by Alfonso Henriques, in 1152

 

  • The main religion in Portugal is Roman Catholic

 

  • Portugal abolished slavery in 1761

 

  • Portugal is a democratic republic and joined the EU in 1986

 

  • Before the introduction of the Euro, Portugal’s currency was the Portuguese Escudo

 

  • Portugal is most famous for its Port Wine, Azulejos (tile painting and glazing) and Salted Cod

 

  • As of 2014, Portugal holds NO Michelin 3* restaurant, but does have two Michelin 2* restaurants and ten Michelin 1* restaurants

 

  • As of 2013, Portugal has 15 sites on the UNESCO World Heritage list, of which 14 are cultural sites and 1 natural

 

  • Over half the World’s cork is produced in Portugal

 

  • The most popular sport in Portugal is football (soccer) with Benfica holding the Guinness World record for the football club most widely supported in the World

 

  • Portugal is one of the world’s top surf spots with a coastline of 800 kilometers

 

Visit Portugal on one of our private Portuguese Culture, Food and Wine Tours to see the wonderful historic treasures and fascinating culture of this country and taste port wine, local foods and much, much more!

Michelin Star Restaurants in Portugal 2014


Spain and Portugal are different countries, have different languages and although neighbors on the Iberian Peninsula are on different time zones. But, it is not only this that differs between the two countries. Food and wine is taken very seriously in both Spain and Portugal, yet Michelin stars, while abundant in Spain, are scattered far-and-wide in Portugal, from Porto to the Algarve, and from Madeira to Alentejo.

The 2014 Michelin Guide to Spain & Portugal was presented last November and with few surprises for Spain’s neighbor.  Portugal received just 2 NEW Michelin stars for 2 NEW Michelin 1 star restaurants, bringing the grand total to 14 Michelin Stars throughout the whole country.

For 2014, the two restaurants in the Algarve – Ocean and Vila Joya, retain their 2 Michelin Star Restaurant status and 8 Michelin 1 star restaurants retain their one star status.

New to the list for 2014 is Chef Miguel Laffan, who receives 1 Michelin star at L’And Vineyards in Alentejo.  And, after an absence of 3 years, Joachim Koerper regains 1 Michelin star, at Eleven in Lisbon.  (Full list of Portuguese Michelin Star Restaurants below)

In comparison, Spain receives 23 NEW Michelin Stars for 2014 including 1 NEW Michelin 3 star and 2 NEW Michelin 2 star restaurants.

All Portuguese Michelin Star Restaurants:

Michelin 2 star restaurants in Portugal, 2014:

Albufeira / Praia da Galé Faro Vila Joya – Dieter Koschina
Armação de Pêra Faro Ocean – Hans Neuner

Michelin 1 star restaurants in Portugal, 2014:

Almancil / Vale Formoso Faro Henrique Leis – Henrique Leis
Amarante Porto Largo do Paço – Vitor Matos
Cascais / Praia do Guincho Lisboa Fortaleza do Guincho – Antoine Westermann
Funchal Madeira Il Gallo d’Oro –Benoît Sinthon
Lisboa Lisboa Belcanto – Jose Avillez
Lisboa Lisboa Eleven  – Joachim Koerper
Lisboa Lisboa Feitoria – José Cordeiro
Montemor-o-Novo Évora L’And Vineyards  Miguel Laffan
Quarteira / Vilamoura Faro Willie’s – Willie Werger
Vila Nova de Gaia Porto The Yeatman – Ricardo Costa

 

Delve into the history, wineries and typical foods of Portugal on our Luxury Tour of Portugal Wine and Culture  to experience Lisbon, Porto, Douro Valley, Marvao and the Alentejo region.

Or, why not combine Spain and Portugal to fully explore the Iberian Peninsula on a  Spain and Portugal Customized Private Tour.

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Lisbon, Portugal – If San Francisco had a sister ……

If San Francisco had a sister, it would be Lisbon. Both cities have twin bridges and famously foggy weather. Both are situated on the best natural harbors on the west coast of their respective continents. Both have trolleys rattling up and down their steep hills past characteristic buildings. And both have survived horrific earthquakes. In 1755, an estimated 9.0 earthquake leveled two-thirds of Lisbon. Within a month, a new city was designed, and downtown Lisbon was rebuilt on a progressive grid plan, with broad boulevards, including the cosmopolitan Avenida da Liberdade, and square squares.

Today, Lisbon is a charming mix of old and new. Bird-stained statues mark grand plazas, taxis screech around cobbled corners and the hip and trendy hang out in Art Nouveau cafes. Just like it did during the days of Magellan and Vasco da Gama, the city continues to welcome ships into its large port. Even today, Lisbon still feels like Europe’s gateway to the world.

Get ready to excite your taste buds in Lisbon with Mediterranean tradition and exotic influences from all over the World. Enjoy Lisbon’s great Cafés and experience delicious and exotic products, from dried, salted Bacalhau to sausages, hams and cheeses. Learn the history of Portugal’s famous fortified wine, Port, and then try some with delicious Azeitao cheese. Taste the very special famous ports from the Douro valley and Portuguese wines, such as Vinho Verde de Minho (the famous green wine of Minho).

Visit the Moorish St George’s Castle and take in the impressive views over the sea. Venture on down from the castle to the river, crossing the Alfama, Lisbon’s salty sailors’ quarter. Its tangled street plan is one of the few aspects of Lisbon to survive the big quake, making the Alfama a cobbled playground of Old World color. Urban-jungle roads are squeezed into a maze of confusing alleys, designed to frustrate invaders on their quest to get to the castle. What was defensive then, is atmospheric now. Gnarled houses snuggle together in their romantic shabbiness; the air drips with laundry and the smell of clams and raw fish.

Take the chance to listen to some Fado, Portugal’s national music. In the picturesque Bairro Alto you will be able to dine at an authentic Portuguese Fado restaurant.

More about Portuguese Food 

Discover some of our customized food and wine tours to the most beautiful regions of Spain, Portugal and S.W France

Food, Wine & Cultural Tours of Spain, Portugal & S.W France

Our travel agency creates private and high-end wine, culinary and cultural tours in Europe. We understand that everyone’s idea of the perfect package is unique which is why we work with you to customize your unforgettable experience – with an emphasis on a personal touch.
Contact us to receive a quote for your private customized food and wine tour

Pinhao: Picturesquely Peaceful Douro Valley Wine Region’s Heart

Pinhão view

Pinhao, (pronounced Pin-yeow) in the heart of the Douro Valley, Portugal, is considered one the most spectacular wine regions of the world with its characteristic terraced vineyards on sloping hills that meet the meandering river below.

On many of our Private Tours that include Portugal and the Douro Valley you will spend 2 or 3 days here to submerge your senses in the Portuguese countryside.  You will definitely switch off from city life here as the area enchants you, enveloping you in its refreshing breath.

Take full advantage of this relaxing haven by taking a stroll beside the Douro River, a drive around this incredibly beautiful area,Pinhao Douro Valley or ride the train meandering alongside the water.  Pinhao station is considered one of the most symbolic locations on the Upper Douro wine circuit.  The picture postcard train station has 25 blue glazed tile panels covering the main building, representing the local landscapes and habits, predominantly of wine making. The Pinhao to Pocinho route is considered one of the world’s most scenic journeys; the rail line runs just along the river with of course the resultant breathtaking views of the terraced vineyards on the other side.

Foz_Coa_With a luxury rental car provided on your Gourmand Breaks self drive tour  travel to Vila Nova de Foz Coa with some spectacular views as the roads wind erratically up and down the mountainside between the different valleys. The town is beautifully situated high above the River Coa, one of the tributaries of the Douro. This is very much an area of olives and almonds as opposed to grapes and the almonds, in particular, make a beautiful sight in early spring. Vila Nova is also the closest town to the 22,000-year-old rock paintings, which were discovered during the construction of a new dam.

Another leisurely excursion to make is to Sabrosa, a short drive to the north of Pinhao, the birthplace of Fernao de Magalhaes (Ferdinand Magellan), who was born there in 1480. One ship of his fleet of five (commanded by the Basque Juan Sebastian de Elcano) was the first to circumnavigate the globe between 1519 and 1522. Magellan himself was killed en route in the Philippines.

This intoxicating atmosphere can also be fully explored with various experiences that await you on your Customized Private Tour of Portugal, whilst in Pinhao:

A private port wine tasting with an expert at your hotel provides an excellent opportunity to start to get to know the best ports of Portugal. Port wine is a wine developed in Portugal by the British.  To make the wine, it ferments for only 2 to 3 days, has brandy Port_wineadded, and then is aged in wooden barrels. How long it ages determines the taste and how sweet the wine is.  There are generally five different types of port wine – white, ruby, tawny, late bottle vintage (LBV), and vintage. White is aged early and is young and robust. Ruby is aged for 3 years with a strong grape and pepper taste. Tawny is aged in smaller wooden barrels and varies from 10 to 40 years with a light, mellow taste. Late Bottle Vintage is aged 4 to 6 years while vintage is from a single harvest and is aged for 2 years in wood and then 10 to 30 years in the bottle.  All port wines are medium sweet but they do range from a drier, less sweet to very sweet.  Enjoy trying to distinguish between the 5 different types of port wine!

Douro_River_Cruise_Peso_da_ReguaA privately skippered Rabelo cruise on the DouroRiver offers a great chance to see the beauty of the area and the many wineries running down towards the river. These cruises are on replica Vintage boats traditionally used to carry the wine down the river from Douro to the lodges in Oporto. A less luxurious option but still a chance to cruise the river would be to join one of the small group excursions on regular boats, which we can also arrange. Whichever way, they are both a great opportunity for you to see the beauty of the area and the many wineries running down towards the river.

The wines from this region are prized for their solid backbone and concentration and this can be seen at some of our favourite wineries: Enjoy a private visit (or two), with wine-tasting, to a prestigious winery in the Douro Demarcated Region, here are a few personal favorites:

– A famous flagship Quinta that is beautifully maintained and picturesquely located just up the river, with gorgeous views of Pinhao. Tour the cellars to see the production processes that have been used over the centuries and how they have evolved.

Vineyards-of-the-douro-valley

– A Quinta that is famed not only for its sophisticated wines but also for its  dramatic, mind blowing views.   References date as far back as the early seventeenth century, long before the Douro became the world’s first demarcated wine region in 1756.

– A world famous port producing Quinta whose reputation goes back to the 18th century. The property at the moment totals just over 76 hectares. All of the grapes are foot trodden in granite lagares situated on the property.

Whatever you decide to see and do, Pinhao is perfectly placed to discover the spectacular Douro Valley, enjoy Portuguese Wines and tantalize your taste buds.  Sample the Portuguese cuisine by dining at your hotel, a local good quality restaurant or even treat yourself to a luxury Michelin starred meal while you’re in the area, at the incredible Rui Paula restaurant, overlooking the river.

At the end of each day, as you climb into the bed of your charming 5-star hotel, you will sleeplessly dream as you recall your fantastic experiences in this picturesquely peaceful area.

vineyards in the douro valley 2

 

Discover Pinhao and the Douro Valley on our Luxury Private Tour of Portugal: Wine and Culture

If you are short on vacation time but in need of some exhilarating scenery and fresh air then the Romantic Escape to The Douro Valley Private tour is for you.

 

Ideas for Shore Excursions on a Cruise of Spain and Portugal

Last  year we customized a number of  tours around cruises of Portugal and Spain,  starting in Lisbon and finishing in Barcelona, for our clients using companies such  as Azamara Club Cruises and Paul Gauguin Cruises, amongst others. Here are some ideas to inspire you for your next trip….  Read more

Origins of Portuguese Food


Back in the 15th century, Prince Henry the Navigator requested his explorers to bring back to Portugal any exotic fruits, nuts, and plants from new lands which they encountered. As a result, much of Portuguese was cooking affected by the findings of these very explorers.

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