International Lodging Corporation

Customized travel services in Spain & Portugal since 1983

Sites to See…Portugal’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites

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ILC-blog-Sites-to-See-Portugals-UNESCO-World-Heritage-SitesPortugal has 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with most of them located on the mainland and 3 located on the islands of Madeira and the Azores. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) administers the World Heritage Programme that designates and catalogs places that are of significant cultural or natural importance.

To help you plan your itinerary for your next trip to Portugal, the following is a list of the World Heritage Sites located in Portugal:

Lisbon and environs

  • Monastery dos Jerónimos and Tower of Belém (Lisbon) – for more information, click here
  • Cultural Landscape of Sintra – for more information, click here
  • Monastery of Alcobaça
  • Monastery of Batalha
  • Convent of Christ in Tomar
  • University of Coimbra –  for more information, click here

Alentejo region

  • Historic Center of Évora – for more information, click here
  • Garrison Border Town of Elvas and its Fortifications

Porto and environs

  • Historic Center of Porto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar – for more information, click here
  • Historic Center of Guimarães – for more information, click here
  • Alto Douro Wine Region
  • Prehistoric Rock Art Sites in the Côa Valley and Siega Verde

Madeira and the Azores

  • Laurisilva of Madeira
  • Central Zone of the Town of Angra do Heroismo in the Azores
  • Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture (Azores)

For more information on Portugal’s World Heritage Sites, click here.

Photo Credit: © Posto de Turismo de Alcobaça (Tourism Office of Alcobaça). Photo of Mosteiro.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Private Tours from Porto: Historic Towns of Guimarães and Braga – 9 Hours

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ILC-blog-Private-Tours-Porto-Day-Trip-Guimaraes-and-BragaThe Minho region in the northwest corner of Portugal is one of the country’s best kept secrets. It is the most traditional part of Portugal, and with its rolling hills and lush river valleys, it is also the greenest part of the country. Located within an hour’s drive from Porto, visitors can explore the historic town of Guimarães, the country’s first capital, and Braga, the country’s oldest city.

Your guide/driver will pick you up at your hotel to begin your 9 hour private tour. The first stop will be the town of Guimarães. The picturesque medieval city is considered the birthplace of the nation, as it was the country’s first capital and the birthplace of Afonso Henriques, Portugal’s first king. You will take a panoramic tour of the well preserved town center, including the 10th C. Castle of Guimarães, and the 15th C. Palace of the Dukes of Bragança.

The next stop on the tour is a visit to Braga, the capital of the Minho region and the oldest city in the country. It has also been the religious capital of the country since Roman times. You will take a panoramic tour of the historic city center, including the Cathedral of Braga, which is Portugal’s oldest church.

You will then continue on to the Santuário Bom Jesús do Monte, located about 5 km. east of Braga. This important pilgrimage site was begun in 1722 and is considered one of the masterpieces of European Baroque style. Its centerpiece is the hilltop granite double staircase lined with chapels representing the Stations of the Cross, the Stairway of the Five Senses, and the Stairway of the Three Virtues (Faith, Hope and Charity).

You will arrive back at your hotel around 6:00pm. The private tour can be customized to meet your specific interests. Monument visits are optional and can be decided upon with your guide. There will be time during the day to have lunch.

2019 Prices and other info:

Tour price for 1-3 People in a Sedan

  • US $335 – Daily (start time at 9:00am / return at 6:00pm)

Tour price for 4-7 People in a Minivan

  • US $425 – Daily (start time at 9:00am / return at 6:00pm)

All tours:

  • Price includes a tour with a licensed guide/driver with transportation for 9 hours
  • Price does not include meals or entrance fees (if any), which are extra
  • There is a supplement required for the guide’s meal. Client can either invite the guide to lunch, or pay them 20 Euros during the tour.
  • Vehicles are insured, as required by Portuguese law
  • Common languages available: English, Portuguese, Spanish, French
  • Gratuities are not included and are at the discretion of the client
  • Prices are subject to change

Note: Guide/driver is not authorized to conduct tours inside of monuments or museums.

For more information and reservations, contact us.

Photo credit: Filipe Fortes

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Checking In…Pousada de Guimarães – Santa Marinha, Guimarães (Portugal)

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Guimarães is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just 30 miles north of Porto. The picturesque medieval city is considered the birthplace of the nation, as it was the country’s first capital and the birthplace of Afonso Henriques, Portugal’s first king.

The historic center of town is well preserved and has a number of stone buildings that date from the 10th to the 15th centuries, and a quaint main square, Largo da Oliveira (Olive Tree Square). Just outside of town is a 12th C. Augustinian monastery that was built by Teresa, the mother of King Afonso Henriques. There is also a Manueline church that still offers Mass on Sunday, along with extensive grounds and beautifully maintained gardens. For more information on the city, click here.

Today the monastery welcomes guests as the Pousada de Guimarães, Santa Marinha. It is one of the most impressive hotels in the Pousadas group, and was awarded the coveted Europa Nostra prize for its renovation and restoration.

The Pousada has 49 rooms and 2 suites that are outfitted in traditional Portuguese style and have been equipped with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy the views of the city below from the beautiful outdoor swimming pool and gardens that surround the hotel.

Photo Gallery:

For more information, pricing and reservations, contact us – click here.