Portugal
Proven Portugal, Lisbon & Algarve Destination Management Company: DMC and Planner
for Specialist Incentive, Conference, Event and Convention Travel Organisers Worldwide
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DESTINATION PORTUGAL(SITE / APAVT) |
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COUNTRY MAP
(Map by kind permission of the CIA Official Website)
General Information
Company
Destination Portugal has been founded by Ursula MacTisell and has been developed primarily to serve the Incentive, Conference, Event and Convention markets.
Destination Portugal will continue to specialise in creating customised programmes and are fully aware of the importance of constantly monitoring facilities, venues and service levels and will regularly pass this information on to you via destinations UNLIMITED.
Ursula's staff are well aware of the need for the fastest possible response to quotations and other requested information. If an answer cannot be provided immediately, your request will always be acknowledged and you will be advised of the time scale of the answer.
Ursula has gained an international reputation for providing the highest possible standard of service, whilst still maintaining a competitive pricing policy. This has resulted in being entrusted to work on behalf of such major companies as:- Rolls Royce, Canon, Reader's Digest, Carlsberg-Tetley, Intel, etc. References are available upon request.
Destination
PORTUGAL
LISBON/ESTORIL
Lisbon lies on seven low hills at the estuary of the river Tagus, some six miles from the Atlantic. Much of the city was extensively rebuilt after an earthquake, with wide boulevards, elegant buildings and squares which contrast with the narrow streets of the old Moorish quarter. A range of excellent hotels, good shopping and sightseeing and ease of access from the U.K. have established this lively, international city as a popular conference and incentive venue.
ALGARVE
Located in the far South of Portugal, the Algarve stretches for some 150 miles from Cape St. Vincent to the Spanish border. Red sandstone cliffs overlook numerous golden beaches and small coves.
There is a wide choice of hotels, many offering facilities for the conference and incentive organiser, almost five hundred restaurants, a range of discos, bars and cafes, and three casinos, at Vilamoura, Alvor and Monte Gordo. There is also a wide choice of sporting activities, the most well known being golf.
MADEIRA
Madeira is an island filled with trees and flowers, where the summers are mild and winters are soft. An island of sun and pleasure, of history and beauty. About 600 miles South West of Lisbon, millions of years ago a volcano erupted and from there emerged an island. This island was the first discovery of Henry the Navigator and because of its large variety of trees, he named the Island Madeira (Wood). He sent Joao Goncalves Zarco to first set foot on the island in 1419.
Example Programme
DAY ONE
On arrival transfer to the Estoril or Lisbon city hotel of your choice. Depending on arrival time either a highlights of the city tour or afternoon at leisure to relax.
Evening welcome cocktails followed by dinner including wine and coffee either at your hotel or in a restaurant of your choice (see restaurant recommendations in these 'InfoPages').
DAY TWO
Morning sightseeing tour of Lisbon with lunch at restaurant of your choice. Evening dinner at a typical Portuguese restaurant selected from the selection featured in our 'InfoPages'.
DAY THREE
Morning Leave Lisbon via the coastal highway to Estoril and Cascais, famous fishing village, where time will be given for shopping or strolling around the quaint little town. Continue to the ancient town of Sintra where well known English poets and writers lived in the 18th and 19th centuries, amongst them Lord Byron, William Beckford and Francis Cook.
Return to Lisbon stopping at the baroque Royal Palace of Queluz, former summer residence of the Royal Family, which has been described as Portugal's Versailles.
Evening dinner at one of Lisbon's quaint "fado" restaurants to enjoy the melancholic Portuguese music.
DAY FOUR
Early breakfast before departure to Lisbon Airport for the return flight home.
Suggested Sightseeing
FULL DAY TOURS
AZEITÃO, ARRABIDA AND SETUBAL TOUR
The tour will start by crossing the bridge over the Tagus river driving to the famous little town of Azeitão known for its vineyards to visit the old wine cellars of Jose Maria da Fonseca to taste some of the regional wines.
The participants will also have the opportunity to visit a small tile factory, where they will see how the tiles are made.
Lunch at the beautiful 12th century Pousada de Palmela.
Continue the drive over the Arrabida mountains to see a beautiful view of the sea, the peninsula of Troia and the mountains, and onto to the busy fishing port of Setubal one Portugal's old cities and which is now a bustling industrial city and it is the third largest city in Portugal.
OBIDOS, ALCOBACA AND BATALHA
Leave Lisbon driving North through the bullfighting region of Vila Franca on the way to Obidos, the Medieval little town with its colorful houses completely surrounded by the city walls.
Continue to Alcobaca, to visit the Monastery with its square Cistercian plan. It is one of the first gothic monuments, even if the facade was later changed to baroque.
After Alcobaca you will stop for lunch at a typical restaurant on the way Batalha.
After lunch visit the famous Batalha Abbey, a Gothic Monastery from the 14th century. Return to Lisbon after Batalha.
ARRAIOLOS, EVORA AND ESTREMOZ
Cross the bridge over the Tagus River driving to the small town of Arraiolos, known for their needlepoint hand made rugs.!
Continue to the Museum town of Evora visiting the University, the Temple of Diana, the Church of St. Francisco and the Chapel of Bones.
Leave for Estremoz for lunch at the beautiful Pousada Rainha Santa Isabel.
Special Arrangements
RIDING CENTRE OF LEZERIA
In the bull breeding country of Vila Franca spend a typical Portuguese day at the Riding Centre of Leziria. Aperitifs of sangria, wine, beer or soft drinks with sausages, cheese and other snacks will be served while watching some folklore, after watch a spectacular Horse Show performed by the Riding Centre. A delicious dinner will be served while you have the opportunity to get acquainted with the Portuguese fado music. Maximum Capacity 1000 persons.
STREET CAR RIDE
The street car decorated in the Gay Nineties style can be incorporated in any of the Lisbon sightseeing tours, for a ride through the narrow streets of the Old Quarters of Alfama. Waiter or waitress dressed in costumes will be serving a glass of Port wine during the ride.
GOLF TOUR TO ESTORIL
Golf can also be arranged at one of the great 18 hole gold courses in the Lisbon area or in the Algarve
YACHT SAILING
Leave on an exciting trip on board the "Lisboa Vista Do Tejo", one of the most luxurious yachts available for sailing in the coast of Lisbon. After a one hour open bar with hot and cold d’oeuvres enjoy an unforgettable lunch or dinner while you sail the Tagus River and view the great monuments Lisbon has to offer. A band or other entertainment can be arranged on board.
SPECIAL GAMES AND EVENTS
A walking tour that will enable the guests to see the best of Lisbon by combining the history of the Discoveries and the magic of the great city with a variety of team games.
(An adventure in Alfama) This walking tour will combine traditional Portuguese games and activities while enabling the guests to see the best of the old quarter of Lisbon, Alfama.
Convention Centres
LISBON
F.I.L. (Lisbon International Fair) - (Parque das Nações)
No of Rooms: 3 Auditoriums & 4 Meeting rooms
Capacity: 145 - 500
Lisbon Congress Centre
No of rooms: 10 Auditoriums & 13 Meeting rooms
Capacity: 30 - 1700
Atlantic Pavillion (Parque das Nações)
Capacity of Largest: 13500 Convention type
Hotel Altis
No of rooms: 10
Capacity of Largest: 700
A Few Extra Touches
- Entertainers - Fire Eaters, Contortionists etc. plus a wide range of both classical and popular musicians and singers.
- Fireworks - with company's logo or special message.
- Welcome banners.
- Welcome kits - tailored information placed on the buses.
Welcome Gifts
- Vista Alegre Porcelain.
- Atlantis Crystal.
- Gold or Silver filigree.
- Tiles with several designs.
- Portuguese ceramic roosters.
- Port, Madeira and wine.