Travel Info

Next Stop…Barcelos (Portugal)

October 14, 2020 By International Lodging Corporation

Barcelos is a charming medieval walled town in the northern Minho region of Portugal that is located about 45 minutes north of Porto. It has long been a center for artisanal handicrafts and the figurado style of pottery that features comical figurines with accentuated features, representing traditional farmers, folk musicians and nativity scene characters.

Barcelos is best known for the ornamental rooster figure – the Galo de Barcelos – that originated here and is the unofficial national icon of the country. The rooster symbolizes faith, honesty, justice and luck, and it can be found in articles including embroidered items, wooden boxes, pottery, and jewelry. Locals will place a Barcelos rooster in their house, as it is said to attract good fortune and happiness.

The town is also well known for its weekly market that is held every Thursday in the Campo Da Republica main square in the town center. The open air market is the largest in Portugal and one of the largest in Europe. Visitors come from all over to shop for everything from food, to crafts, to clothing, and of course the local pottery featuring the famous Barcelos rooster.

Book a private tour! You may want to consider booking a private tour with an English-speaking guide, if you want to visit Barcelos as a day trip from Porto. Your personal guide can provide you with information on the city and its historic sites. For more information on our Porto Day Trip that includes Barcelos, click here, and for information on all of our Porto & Porto Day Trip tours, click here.

Photo credit: Tourist Office of Barcelos

For assistance with your travel plans, including hotel and private tour reservations, click here.

On the Menu…Ultramarinos Quintín Restaurante, Madrid (Spain)

September 9, 2020 By International Lodging Corporation

Ultramarinos Quintín is a local favorite restaurant that is part market, part restaurant and bar. It is located on the corner of a lovely tree-lined street in Madrid’s upscale Salamanca neighborhood. Prior to being converted into a restaurant, the building had been home to a grocery store – ultramarinos in Spanish – so the name is a nod to the store that had long-occupied the space, as well as a reference to the market offerings found inside of the building today.

Quintín’s inviting interior is lined with food counters and shelves offering a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, cured meats, freshly baked bread, prepared dishes and much more. Tables are spread throughout the large space surrounded by exposed brick walls. The ambiance of this trendy restaurant is lively and vibrant, but there is also a cozy feel to this trendy restaurant that attracts a nice mix of neighborhood locals and visitors from near and far.

The cuisine at Quintín highlights a broad selection of Spanish dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The menu includes a variety of small dishes to share, salads, a selection of hams that includes their own Jamón Ibérico (cured ham), and main entrees of meat, fish and traditional stews. There is even a selection of pasta dishes and pizzas to choose from.

Calle Jorge Juan, 17
Madrid, Spain
Phone: +34 (91) 786 46 24 / +34 (91) 431 71 03
Website: Ultramarinos Quintín

Photo Credit: Ultramarinos Quintín Restaurante

For assistance with your travel plans, including hotel and private tour reservations, click here.

Sites to See…Clérigos Tower, Porto (Portugal)

August 12, 2020 By International Lodging Corporation

Clérigos Tower is one of Porto’s most iconic landmarks and one of the most visited monuments in the city. Construction of the bell tower began after the Clérigos Church was completed in 1750. The church and tower were built for the Brotherhood of the Clérigos (Clergy) and were designed by the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni, who also designed the Porto Cathedral, Episcopal Palace and Church of Mercy (Igreja da Misericórdia). Nasoni is buried in an unmarked tomb in the crypt of the church.

The bell tower measures 76 meters high (249 feet) and is the tallest bell tower in Portugal. It was the tallest building in Portugal when it was completed in 1763. As you ascend the 240 steps to the top you will pass the 49 bells of the tower. The outdoor observation deck at the top of the tower offers panoramic views of all of Porto and the Douro River.

The Clérigos monument includes the Tower, the Church and a Museum located in a space that was the private House of the Brotherhood. All three areas are open daily from 9:00am to 7:00pm, and the Tower is also open from 7:00pm to 11:00pm for visitors who want to enjoy the views of the city at night. For more information on visiting hours and tickets, click here.

For assistance with your travel plans, including hotel and private tour reservations, click here.