Portugal
Lisbon immediately springs to mind with its steep streets and historic trams. A city trip to the capital of Portugal has to include a ride on the tram! The city lies on seven hills, each of them with their very own highlights, and the tourist attractions are easily accessed with the little train, giving the traveller an unforgettable view over the old town and the Atlantic coast. The UNESCO world heritage site Mosteiro dos Jéronimos is a must-see! Culture vultures will delight in the late Gothic architecture of the monastery. Don't miss out on the famous Pastéis de Nata and have a sit-down in one of the little cafés.
The smaller city of Porto lies on the river Douro and should not be underestimated. It is well known as a Baroque town and for its labyrinthine, winding alleys and paths. The old town is a UNESCO site and impresses with the most beautiful facades. Picturesque squares and crooked old houses run from the river bank to the hills of Porto. The Cais da Ribeira, a central point in Porto on the river, offers several cafßes, restaurants and souvenir shops. Did you know that you can discover a little bit of Paris in Porto? The Ponte de Dom Luís I was designed by Théophile Seirig, a pupil of Gustave Eiffel, and it does resemble the design of the Eiffel Tower a little bit. Of course Porto is known in the world for its Port wine, so a visit to one of the many port cellars is a must, including a tasting of the famous Portuguese beverage!
If city life is not what you're after and you're on the lookout for places that help you relax, look no further: Madeira is a Volcanic island and offers extraordinary landscapes, waterfalls, high mountains and steep coasts... the perfect place to let your soul unwind! On a hiking trip you can enjoy the view from the mountains over a natural backdrop that will take your breath away: Green peaks and steep cliffs that end in the azure blue ocean. In the small town of Monte lies a beautiful botanical garden, where exotic plants, flowers, fountains and a Japanese garden all seem to compete for your admiration. The capital of the island, Funchal, is a typical stopover for cruise ships. A walk through the tiny alleys of the old town is well worth it: wall paintings, colourful markets, cosy restaurants and a plethora of flowers and other plants add to its charme.
The string of islands in the Atlantic - the Azores! Consisting of nine small volcanic islands, this is the perfect place for fans of nature and active holidays, without the typical tourist hordes. The crytal-clear rivers, the hot springs, atop volcanic peaks or during a watch of the 24 whale kinds that can be found here - the Azores are just breathtaking!
