Portugal was home to those who discovered the world… Vasco da Gama, Colombus and the like… and yet this country seems to get such a small mention in Europe and when we think of holidays it doesn’t come to us as the first destination.. losing out to Spain and Greece… Why?!

Portugal is beautiful: Lisbon is perhaps Europe’s most pleasant and yet affordable city; transportation and accommodation are excellent; the best beaches in Europe are there; the seafood is nothing less than the best in Europe and the wine is wonderful!!!

Tour beautifully restored towns of UNESCO World Heritage in Evora, Batalha and Alcobaça and then picturesque natural areas in Minho, Lima, and Douro valley. Where after, at the end of the Douro Valley, the city of OPorto awaits – famous the world over for its port wine and the chicken piri piri dish.

Then there is the Algarve.. with all of what you would expect from other Mediterranean holiday resorts.. but with far better beaches.. And waves! But relax!... the rest of the coast seems totally isolated. Great stretches of sand are there to blow all of your cobwebs away, especially along the northern Costa Verde, near Viano do Castelo and near the very southern Alentejo.